The Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones allow you to listen to podcasts or music on the move without being tied to your device. The most reliable headphones make use of bluetooth wireless headphone or a different wireless protocol to connect to your phone, laptop or record player, and play your music.

They also come with a powerful active noise cancellation system that effortlessly cuts down the low rumble of bus engines or chatty coworkers. They're also extremely comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5s headphones are Sony's flagship. They're an upgrade from the XM4s, with improved noise cancellation and intelligent features. They're also a little more expensive, but they offer an exquisite design and feel. They have plenty going for them and are a good option for commuters and frequent travellers.

The new headphones are made from recycled plastic and have a sleek minimalist design. They're lighter than previous models, as well. They're comfortable to wear for extended time periods, and the earband is now covered with soft padding that makes it less rigid than before. The Earcups are also smaller, which means they fit closer to the ears for less sound leakage.

The headphones have an automatic adaptive ANC that is able to alter the volume based on the environment you're in. The ANC doesn't isolate as much low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however it is effective in tackling mid and high-frequency noise like office chatter and plane engine roar.

Other smart features include Wearing Detection that detects when you take off your headphones and instantly pauses the music. It then begins playing once you put them on. Speak-to-Chat lets you communicate with a person without taking off your headphones. It's surprisingly effective however it's not the perfect solution and may switch back to audio playback once you're done speaking.

Sony's DSEE-HX Extreme Audio processing engine is also on board. This feature boosts compressed audio to give it more clarity and more detail. This isn't a feature that you'll come across every day, but it does make a an enormous difference when listening to high-quality music.

These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth stereo headphones 5.0 which allows for streaming with higher bitrate than other headsets. This should enhance their performance when listening to music using your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connections so you can pair them with two devices at the same time. This is especially beneficial if you listen to music on one device while making hands-free calls.

2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't the most distinctive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they're not an excellent pair. These headphones are incredibly comfortable and offer noise cancellation and a staggering 60 hours of battery. This is easily double the length of most rivals. The Sony WH1000XM5 or the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 wireless provide 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM's impressive battery life is a result of numerous power-saving features like sleep and an on-head detector.

In terms of audio quality, the Sennheisers are among the best Bluetooth headphones available. They have a a balanced mix of rich bass and warm mids that never interfere with each one. The high end is clear and not being piercing or bright, and the headphone's excellent clarity means it can effortlessly handle action film soundtracks with plenty of bombast. The Control app allows you to modify the sound profile and even add an EQ. This allows you to personalize the headphones to suit your preferences.

The MOMENTUM wireless headphones bluetooth headphones is slightly less durable than the wired version, but is still sturdy and well-constructed. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and comfortable and rest comfortably on the head. I used them all day when I was working at home or on the plane. However, they are not ideal for working out, because they could fall off your ears when you're moving fast.

As with their predecessors, the MOMENTUM 4's ANC performance is outstanding however, it's not as high-quality as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They eliminate low rumble from bus and plane engines, but don't really do a an excellent job of eliminating chattering between passengers or other ambient noise. They also have the benefit of supporting aptX Audio which has higher maximum bitrates than AAC and SBC used by the Sonys.

The earcups on the Sennheisers can pivot to lay flat, but they don't fold like other models. The headphones are small enough to fit into their hard carrying case making them ideal for travel and commute.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy. They compete with Sony's WH1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 65. They offer premium build quality, impressive sound performance and comfort. They don't have extravagant features or control using touch gestures, like the majority of premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they're made to provide the best sound experience, which is awe-inspiring and enjoyable.

The Px7's S2's ANC is efficient in reducing background noise. It is able to block out low-frequency sounds, such as bus and plane engines and mid-range sounds like high-pitched laptop fans. The Px7 S2's ANC isolates less effectively from higher frequency sounds, bluetooth stereo headphones like conversations and traffic however, it does a superior job. Bowers & Wilkins' app lets you modify your ANC to your hearing.

The headphones sport a classy appearance, with an ear cup and headband. The headphones are a bit heavier than other top noise cancelling headphones however they're worth the cost due to their sturdy design and a thoughtful build. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're at work, home or traveling for a long time.

When it comes to sound, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers deliver strong bass, crisp highs and a spacious, detailed image. They offer a full and dynamic sound that has an impressive amount of air between the sound elements making them a great choice for listening to music or podcasts. They offer an aptX Adaptive codec, which allows you to stream high-quality audio with minimal latency.

The controls on the Px7 S2 are easy to use. They have an up/down volume button as well as a play/pause switch, bluetooth stereo Headphones as well as the earcup buttons. The buttons are tactile and textured tiny details that enhances the headphones' luxurious experience. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that won't fall off your head and fold into a compact case to make it easy to transport.

4. V-Moda S-80

Generally speaking, you get what you get when it comes to headphones but the V-Moda S-80 are an exception. They are among the best-looking wireless headphones, and feature a sleek and durable design. They cost nearly the same amount as Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2 quite a bit for a pair of headphones that sit on your ear.

The V-Moda S-80 are the brand's first wireless headphones that are made to be worn on your head or as a personal speaker system (with earcups facing up when they're wrapped around your neck). They're tuned for a vivid sound that is enhanced by modern electronic music and supports advanced audio codecs, such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They also feature magnetic shields that can be interchanged and have customizable color options so you can create a unique look to match your outfit or advertise your business.

While the S-80 are a nice departure from the company's M-Series models, they still have some flaws that make them not ideal for anyone. Their weight of 12.5 ounces makes them feel heavy on the head, particularly when worn over the ear. This causes pressure on the ear, which could cause earache within an hour. The headband can also be stiff and uncomfortable when worn around your neck.

The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes, you can hear background noise. The lack of ANC isn't an issue however, you'll need to limit the amount of time you listen for about 20 hours.

The S-80 isn't equipped with a 3.5mm connector, which hinders connectivity and could hinder its use for intense physical activity. The S-80 cannot be folded and does not come with an enclosure. This limits their ability to be carried and stored. The S-80's sturdy construction and high sound quality helps offset these limitations. The Immortal Life Program guarantees a new pair of headphones at 50% off of the retail price in case they break, suffer a scratch or otherwise lose their value.