The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts on the go without being tied to your audio device. The best wireless headphones connect to your phone, laptop or record player via Bluetooth or another protocol.
They also come with a powerful active noise cancellation system that effortlessly cuts down the low sound of bus engines or chatty coworkers. They're also incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5s are Sony's next generation of headphones that are flagship. They're a major upgrade from the XM4s, offering better noise cancelling and intelligent features. The headphones are a bit more expensive, but they have an elegant design and feel. They have a lot going for them and are a great option for commuters and frequent travelers.
The new headphones are made from recycled plastic and feature a sleek minimalist design. They're lighter than earlier models, and also more comfortable. The headband has been cushioned with soft material to make it more comfortable. The earcups are also made smaller so that they can be worn closer to the ear, resulting in less leakage of sound.
The headphones have an automatic adaptive ANC that can change the volume based on the environment you're in. The ANC isn't as effective at removing low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however, it does a good job of tackling mid and high-frequency noise like office chatter and plane engine roar.
Wearing Detection is another useful feature that detects when you take off your headphones and then automatically pauses the music. It will then resume playing when you put on the headphones again. Speak-to-Chat enables you to converse with people without taking your headphones off. It works surprisingly well however it's not the perfect solution and may change back to audio playback after you're done talking.
The DSEE HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. This process upscales compressed audio to provide it with more clarity and detail. This isn't a feature you'll see in your daily use, but it does be noticeable when listening to high-quality tracks.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 that allows for higher bitrate streaming than other headsets. That should improve their performance when listening to music using your laptop, mobile phone or tablet. They also support multipoint connection so you can pair with two devices simultaneously. This is especially helpful for those who are looking to listen to music while using the device to make hands-free phone calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless aren't the most distinctive of the crowd however it doesn't mean they're not a top pair of headphones. These over-ear headphones offer outstanding noise cancellation and a staggering 60 hours of battery. This is more than double the time of the majority of competitors, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless delivering 30 to 40 hours of runtime on the charge. The MOMENTUM's long-lasting battery is the result of several power-saving functions such as sleep and an on-head detection.
In terms of sound quality In terms of sound quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones on the market, offering a a balanced mix of rich bass and warm mids that don't overpower each the other. The high-end is crisp without being bright or piercing and the headphones' outstanding clarity makes it able to handle action-movie soundtracks that have plenty of brash. The Control app lets you modify the sound profile and even add an EQ. This makes it easy to customize the headphones to suit your preferences.
The MOMENTUM Wireless is slightly less robust than the wired version, yet is still sturdy and well-constructed. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and supple and sit comfortably on the head. In fact I had no issue wearing them for an entire day working from home or while on a plane. However, they're not ideal for working out, because they could fall off your ears if you move quickly.
The MOMENTUM 4 offers excellent ANC performance, but isn't as effective as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They cut out low noise from plane and bus engines, but don't really do a well at blocking out chatter from passengers or other ambient noise. They also have the benefit of supporting aptX audio which offers higher maximum bitrates than AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.
The ear cups of the Sennheisers swivel to lay flat, but don't fold like some other models. Nonetheless, the headphones are small enough to fit into their hard carrying case when not in use, making them ideal for commute and travel.
3. black beats wireless headphones & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the top noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. They are in close competition with top competitors like Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort 65, while offering top-quality build quality, amazing comfort, and acousticphile performance. Unlike many premium Bluetooth headsets, these don't come with a range of extravagant features or touch-based gesture controls, but instead are designed to provide an audio experience that is as immersive and as enjoyable as possible.
The Px7's S2's ANC is effective in reducing background noise. It can be effectively isolated from low-frequency sounds, such as bus engines and plane engines, mid-range sounds such as high-pitched laptop fans. They aren't able to isolate as well from higher-frequency noise, such as conversations or traffic, but are more effective than their predecessors. Bowers & Wilkins' app lets you modify your ANC to your hearing.
They sport a stylish design, with an elegant headband and ear cups that feature leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones weigh a little more than other top-of-the-line over-ear noise-canceling headsets however, their robust build and well-thought-out design make them feel worth the money. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for extended time periods and are suitable for use at home at work, in the office or for long flights.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm provide powerful bass, crisp treble, and detailed images. They offer a full and dynamic sound, with a noticeable amount of air between the sound elements, making them an excellent choice for listening to music or podcasts. They come with aptX Adaptive codec that allows you to stream high-quality audio with a low latency.
The Px7 S2's controls are simple to use, with a play/pause button and the volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are comfortable and the texture makes for a premium feel of these headphones. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that will not fall off your head and fold into a compact carrying case that makes it easy to transport.
4. V-Moda S-80
The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you receive what you pay for. They're among the prettiest wireless headphones and feature a sleek and durable design. Unfortunately, they cost nearly as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- which is a significant amount of money for a pair of on-ear headphones.
The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless-only headphone by the brand. It can be placed on your head or tied around your neck to create a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're tuned for a vivid sound that is enhanced by modern electronic music, and also support advanced audio codecs, such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also have magnetic shields that can be interchanged and have customizable color options so that you can give them a unique look to match your outfit or promote your business.
While the S-80 are a refreshing departure from the company's M-Series models, they still have some flaws that make them less than ideal for anyone. The 12.5 ounces of weight makes them feel heavy, particularly when worn on the ears. This puts pressure on your ears, causing ear pain after approximately an hour of use. The headband is also somewhat stiff and can be uncomfortable when wearing the headphones around your neck.
Another issue is the S80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes it is possible to hear background noise. It's not a major issue, but the lack of ANC means you'll probably want to limit your listening time to about 20 hours per month.
The absence of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and could hinder their use for intense physical activity. The S-80 isn't foldable and doesn't come with a case. This reduces their mobility and stowability. The rugged design of the S-80 and high-quality sound quality overcome these limitations. They also have a 2-year warranty and the Immortal Life Program guarantee that gives you a new pair for 50% of their retail price if they fail to function, suffer scratched, or lose value.