The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts on the move without being tied to your audio device. The best headphones can connect wirelessly to your phone, laptop, or record player using Bluetooth or another protocol.
The active noise cancellation system cuts down the low rumble of bus engines and chatty colleagues. They are also extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5s are Sony's next generation of flagship headphones. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major upgrade over the XM4s. They feature more noise cancellation and intelligent features. They're also a little more expensive, but they offer an elegant design and feel. These headphones have a lot to offer 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 earlier models, and also more comfortable. The headband is padded with soft material to make it more comfortable. The Earcups are also smaller and fit closer to the ear for less sound leakage.
They feature an automatic adaptive ANC system that's capable of altering the volume it pumps out depending on your environment. The ANC doesn't isolate as much low-frequency noise as Bose's QuietComfort 45 or QC45 Wireless however, it does a good job of combating high-frequency and mid-frequency sounds, such as office chatter and plane engine roar.
Other smart features include Wearing Detection that detects when you take off the headphones and then automatically stops your music. It then begins playing again as soon as you put them on. Speak-to-Chat lets you communicate with a person without taking off your headphones. It's quite effective even though it's not a ideal solution and can switch back to audio playback after you're done talking.
Sony's DSEE-HX Extreme audio processing engine is also present. This process upscales compressed audio to give it greater clarity and depth. It's not something is evident in normal use, but it could be noticeable when listening to high-resolution tracks.
These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for more high-bitrate streaming than many other headsets. This will improve their performance when listening to music via your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connection which means you can connect them with two devices at the same simultaneously. This is especially helpful if you are looking to listen to music while using the device for hands-free phone calls.
2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless don't stand out from the crowd, but this doesn't mean that they're not a great pair of headphones. These headphones have exceptional noise cancellation and 60 hours of battery life. This is more than double the time of many competitors, with the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless offering 30 to 40 hours on a charge. The MOMENTUM 4's incredible endurance is due to a range of power-saving features, such as sleep and on-head detection.
Sennheiser headphones are among the top Bluetooth headsets on the market. They feature a symbiotic mix between powerful bass and warm mids which never overwhelm each other. The high-end is clear but not harsh. The clarity of the headphones allows it to handle the most bombastic action film soundtracks. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile and add an EQ. over ear headphones wireless makes it simple to adjust the headphones to your personal preferences.
The MOMENTUM Wireless is a bit less durable than the wired version but it is still solid and well-built. The comfortable earpads are also soft and comfortable and are firmly on the head. I used them all day when I was working at home or on an airplane. They're not ideal for workouts, however, since they can slide off the ears when you move your head fast.
The MOMENTUM 4 delivers excellent ANC performance, but it's not quite as good as Sony WH-1000XM5. They block low rumble from plane and bus engines, but they don't do a an excellent job of eliminating chattering between passengers or other ambient noise. They have the additional benefit of aptX support which has more bitrates than AAC and SBC.
The ear cups of the Sennheisers swivel to lay flat, but don't fold like other models. The headphones are small enough to fit into their carrying case that is hard making them ideal for commutes and travel.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones that you can buy. They are in direct competition with Sony's WH1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 65. They offer top-quality build quality, outstanding sound quality and comfort. They don't have extravagant features or control using touch gestures like many high-end Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they are designed to provide the best sound experience, which is enjoyable and immersive.
The Px7's S2's ANC is efficient in reducing background noise. It is able to block out low-frequency sounds, such as bus engines and plane engines and mid-range sounds like conversations in the office and high-pitched laptop fans. They aren't as well from higher-frequency noise, such as conversations or traffic, but do a better job than their predecessors. Bowers & Wilkins' app allows you to modify your ANC to your hearing.
They sport a stylish design, with a sleek headband and earcups with leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones weigh slightly more than other top over-ear noise-canceling headsets however their robust construction and thoughtful design make them feel well worth the investment. They are comfortable to wear 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.
When it comes to sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers deliver powerful bass, crisp highs, and expansive, detailed images. They produce a dynamic and a full sound with a distinct air between the sound elements. This makes them a perfect option for music and podcasts. They come with aptX Adaptive codec that allows you to stream high-quality audio with low latency.
The controls on the Px7 S2 are simple to use. They include an up/down volume button along with a play/pause button and earcup buttons. The buttons are tactile and texturized tiny details that adds to the headphones' premium feel. The headphones are stable over-ears and won't fall from your head. They fold down into a compact carrying case to make transport simple.
4. V-Moda S-80
The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you only get what you paid for. They are among the best-looking wireless headphones, and feature a sleek sturdy design. Unfortunately, they cost almost as much as the 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, and they're designed to be worn on your head or as a personal speaker system (with earcups facing up when they're hung around your neck). They're tuned for a vivid sound that enhances modern electronic music and supports advanced audio codecs such as Qualcomm's aptX HD. They come with interchangeable magnet shields and customizable colors, allowing you to make your headphones unique in style that matches your outfit.
The S-80 is a refreshing departure from the M-Series but they have some flaws that make them less than ideal for everyone. The 12.5 pounds of weight makes them feel heavy, particularly when placed on the ears. This can cause pressure on the ear, which can cause headaches within an hour. The headband can also be a bit stiff and can be uncomfortable while wearing the headphones around your neck.
Another problem is the S-80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate levels, you can still hear significant background noise. It's not an issue however the absence of ANC will mean you'll need to limit the amount of time you listen to music to around 20 hours per charge.
The S-80 lacks the 3.5mm connector, which limits connectivity and could make it unsuitable for intense physical exercise. They aren't able to fold and do not come with a case, which makes it difficult to transport and store. However, the S-80's rugged construction and excellent sound quality helps offset these limitations. They also come with a two-year warranty and the Immortal Life Program guarantee that gives you a new pair for half of their retail value if they break, get scratched or lose value.