Top 10 Best Wireless Headphones – Complete Guide

Update - 2018.12.19

The stereo headphones already exist before the first Sony Walkman, and that’s about the time it took for tangled wires to listen to music on the go. It’s quite long if you ask us. Fortunately, this is where wireless headphones come in. They are suitable for any situation where you do not want to worry about hanging cables, especially at the gym. And now that many phone manufacturers are abandoning the headphone jack, the wireless headset is a good way to ensure compatibility with just about any new device.

Wireless technology no longer means poor sound. Nowadays, Bluetooth audio sounds better than ever. Even though the stereo Bluetooth data signal is compressed, various headset and headphone suppliers have discovered ways to improve the signal to compensate for fidelity defects. (That said, audiophiles will always hear a difference and should probably stick to wired headphones.) But for casual listening, most of the latest wireless models we’ve tested sound great, if not great. See our buying tips below before choosing the perfect pair.

Earphones or Headphones?

Headphones (or ear-phones or headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile than conventional headphones. In general, you will get better sound with a full set of “cans” around your head than pimples in your ears, but the quality of sound in the ear has improved considerably. More importantly, in-ear headphones are much more likely to withstand water and be better suited for use during training. Sweat well and you turn the headphones of your headphones into a mess.

If you’re not primarily looking for wireless headphones for the gym, conventional headphones can offer a very good listening experience. However, you will need to choose between the in-ear and on-the-ear models. In-ear headphones rest the ear cups against your ears but do not surround them. Earbuds completely enclose your ears. In-ear headphones block external noise and generally provide a more powerful and richer sound, but the in-ear headphones are less bulky and distracting to wear while on the go. See the Best Earbuds for more.

Best Wireless Headphones
Headphone Name Category  Rating
B&O Play Beoplay H4 Best Overall 9.5 out of 10
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Best premium noise-cancelers 9.4 out of 10
Sony WH-1000XM2 Best Sound 9.3 out of 10
Marshall Mid ANC Best styling over-ears 9.3 out of 10
Shure SE215 Best in-ear 9.2 out of 10
Sennheiser HD1 Best styling and sound 9.2 out of 10
Plantronics Backbeat Sense Best cheap on-ear 9.1 out of 10
Jabra Elite Active 65t Best fully wireless earbuds 9.1 out of 10
Sennheiser Urbanite XL Best bass bumpers 9.0 out of 10
Phiaton BT 100 NC Best budget noise-cancelers 8.9 out of 10

How Long Do They Last?

The Bluetooth headsets are convenient when they are charged, but once the batteries are depleted, you stay without music. Some headphone manufacturers include a portable charging case, as Apple does with its AirPods. Others include a 3.5 mm detachable cable.

For models with a wired option, you can connect the cable and use it as a conventional helmet until you can charge it and use it safely in planes to get started. Wireless headphones almost never have this option because they are already so small that there is simply no room for a headphone jack.

What’s Your Budget?

Here is an overview of the best wireless headphones we have tested, regardless of price. As a result, many of the options here are in the $100 range. This does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money to get headphones offering quality sound. If you are shopping on a limited budget, go for the best earbuds under $50 for a multitude of exceptional options that will not ruin you.

With this in mind, we have included a range of styles and prices here. You will inevitably find something that suits you, that sounds good and, above all, that does not bind you. Once you’ve found the perfect pair, check out our five simple tips for extending the life of your helmet and six ways to use the helmet incorrectly. And if you want to share your songs with others, look no further than our favorite Wireless Headphones.

Here are the Best Wireless Headphones, arranged according to the audio quality, built design, and price ratio:

B&O Play Beoplay H4

The BeoPlay H4 headphones are the least expensive over-the-ear options of the brand and, while accepting some compromises, offer a performance at least as good as that which you would find in Beats, if not more impressive. This leather is lambskin leather, which feels great in the ear and contributes to the comfort of the helmet during the period for which we could use it. Although the H4 headphones are very compact, the headphones fit perfectly into our ears and, when they came into contact with the soft leather, they have always felt comfortable.

With this contact, the helmet may become hot and moist for long periods of time, but we will need to test it more thoroughly to determine if this is the case. The headphones control buttons are located under the right headset. B&O opted for a simpler control scheme: it chose to use a single button for track control, pairing, and activation and deactivation of the headset.

Pros: 

  • Stylish looks
  • Solid, refined bass
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • Light on accessories.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Frankly, you will not find a better solution for active noise suppression, period. The QuietComfort 35 Wireless II headphones (we will stick with QC35 Wireless II, for short) are at the cutting edge of Bose’s noise reduction fleet. Listening to music with the QC35 Wireless II is a pleasure. The sound quality is outstanding and the headphones feature Bose’s slightly accentuated bass signature, which has been defining the brand’s headphones for over a generation.

Although this covers the “calm” in QuietComfort, it is also worth mentioning the “comfort”. The QC35 wireless model is available in an elegant, understated, black or silver finish, and features a lightweight construction with generous padding that keeps them comfortable even after long listening sessions. Do you have an international flight to face? The Bose QC35 Wireless II not only has a rugged battery to last the trip but feels great all the time.

Pros: 

  • Powerful audio performance
  • Best-in-class noise cancellation
  • On-ear access to Google Assistant
  • Can be used in passive mode.

Cons:

  • Cable has no inline remote
  • Highly sculpted sound signature not for purists
  • DSP has a major impact on audio at top volumes.

Sony WH-1000XM2

Sony’s technology-rich WH-1000xM2 is the result of the remarkable MDR-1000x, which offers world-class noise suppression, fantastic wireless sound, and lavish comfort. This appealing combination has earned the model a rare five-star rating from our reviewers and, with some notable improvements, makes the latest version the best headset you can buy right now.

The excellent noise cancellation system of the WH-1000xM2 ranks only behind the Bose QC35 II, the brand that has long dominated the market in terms of noise blocking capabilities. That said, Sony headphones sound a lot better than this new Bose option, rich in bass, and offer many features that help create a much more luxurious overall experience. If you are looking for a pair of extremely comfortable wireless headphones with quality sound and a lot of features, these are the best you can find.

Pros:

  • Beautiful, dynamic sound signature
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Excellent noise-canceling
  • Long-lasting battery life

Cons:

  • Touch controls occasionally lag

Marshall Mid ANC

With the new Marshall Mid A.N.C. Model (Active Noise-Canceling) ($ 269), the company installs its excellent in-ear headphones firmly in the travel industry, helping listeners listen to the sounds of their favorite bands on trains, at airports and on the streets animated without external interruption. We may prefer the lowest price of the first Mid, but that does not mean we will not see the appeal of the new A.N.C. model.

With the same style, the same sound signature and the addition of high-quality noise reduction, the Marshall Mid A.N.C. always offer listeners a higher value proposition – and much more stylish looks – than many of the other noise-canceling models we’ve tested. It goes without saying that we add their name to the list of helmets that we recommend to people who travel a lot.

Pros:

  • Warm, energetic sound
  • Excellent controls
  • Solid noise-canceling
  • Stylish case

Cons:

  • Tight clamping force
  • Price premium not in line with ANC addition

Shure SE215

Although Shure is known worldwide in audiophile circles, the brand is also appreciated by budget-conscious listeners as it offers products with excellent sound/currency value. The Shure SE215 In-Ear Headphones are considered among the best you can get in the under $100 range in terms of sound quality. It is therefore logical that the company turns to the SE215 during its first jump into the world of entries in wireless networks to bands, creating the SE215 Wireless.

After spending several weeks with our pair of exams, we are impressed by these simple and elegant ears. With exceptional sound, excellent passive sound insulation, intuitive features, the Shure SE215 Wireless Headset is a true passion. The earpieces themselves look identical to their wired predecessor, with curved plastic housings that are black, blue, white, or clear (our exam pair was black).

Pros:

  • Vibrant, detailed sound.
  • Earbuds fit securely and comfortably
  • Replaceable cable
  • Intuitive controls

Cons:

  • Neckband can be slightly awkward
  • Securing or taking off earbuds is time-consuming

Sennheiser HD1

With HD1 you get everything we love from a quality headset experience – comfort, durability, reliability – all without the worry of cables. You also get two sets of boxes in one, because plugging into them converts them into a leading headset that rivals the best. Whether you’re listening via Bluetooth or the traditional headphone jack, these headphones deliver brilliant sound performance with a big soundstage and powerful, authoritative bass.

An interesting feature to note is that if the headset is turned on, so does the noise suppression – there is no button off. However, although you may think that this would become boring, isolation is actually only about providing better sound performance and has not yet presented a real usability problem for us; if you go out with pots on your ear, you will probably not be very receptive to the world around you, whether the noise is canceled or not. You can often find the previous version of these headphones – the Momentum 2.0 – at a greatly reduced price online if you want to save a few dollars.

Pros:

  • Rich sound with excellent detail
  • Vast, dimensional soundstage
  • Near-flawless wireless performance
  • Impressive battery life
  • Stylish

Cons:

  • Echo effect on phone calls
  • Noise cancellation just so-so
  • Bass can be a tad heavy in wireless mode

Plantronics Backbeat Sense

That’s right: Plantronics, a Bluetooth headset provider, offers one of the best wireless headset options available. These headphones are light and simple. Although they probably do not turn heads in terms of design, they are comfortable and offer the best sound quality of all wireless headsets, regardless of their price. These headphones flicker a little at high volume levels and do not include noise suppression, but all genres sound good with the Sense and you can listen to long sessions with an autonomy of 18 hours.

They also have one of the best wireless ranges on the market. A pressure sensor integrated into the right atrium lets you know when you wear the helmet or not. Raising the Sense from your head immediately pauses the music, although simply removing the right atrium will do the same. Bluetooth 4.0 is supported and up to two devices can be connected simultaneously.

Pros:

  • Balanced, detailed sound
  • Relaxed and comfortable fit
  • Good controls
  • Great phone performance
  • Impressive battery life/wireless range

Cons:

  • Neutral design
  • No Siri or Google Now integration

Read: Best Earbuds Under $50

Jabra Elite Active 65t

Jabra’s Elite Active 65t may look like tiny versions of the Bluetooth headsets that have already helped define the brand, but do not be fooled by the backtracking of the design; these are easily our favorite 100% wireless headphones on the market right now. With a battery life of five hours, an IP56 waterproof rating and a host of useful application-based features, the 65t are the best of Apple’s AirPods.

Three sets of silicone tips and a very comfortable design ensure almost perfect sealing of your ears, providing a comfortable fit with excellent passive sound insulation. The sound is clear and detailed, with striking bass and a surprisingly agile treble register. Five hours of autonomy per charge places them among the best on the market and a charging case adds two extra charges when traveling.

Pros:

  • Reliable connection
  • Excellent noise isolation
  • Focused, balanced sound
  • Good battery life
  • Sweatproof

Cons:

  • A small amount of connection noise
  • Fairly tight fit

Sennheiser Urbanite XL

The Sennheiser Urbanite XL cuts the cord, but not the sound quality. Sennheiser seeks to compete with the Urbanite XL under the brand of stars, offering low fleshy tones that rival all that Dre or 50 Cent has to offer. Better still, unlike these other brands, the XL does not compromise on balance or clarity. They are a bit bulky but are comfortable for long listening sessions.

The Urbanite is designed to offer the style and accented bass that appeals to today’s young listeners while remaining faithful to the Sennheiser form without sacrificing overall sound quality. It seems like a simple idea, and Sennheiser is not the first to have it, but the Urbanite performs it better than any other headset we’ve heard before and totally wins its asking price.

Pros:

  • Great sound quality
  • Solid bass balanced with good mids and highs
  • Wireless with great battery life
  • Comfortable to wear

Cons:

  • Still bulky, even when folded in
  • Touch controls are too sensitive
  • Pricey

Phiaton BT 100 NC

Phiaton has been at the forefront of charging Bluetooth headphones for years, and for good reason: its headphones are always among the best. With regard to wireless in-ear options, the BT 100 NC remains faithful to the company’s flawless roadmap. Armed with Bluetooth 4.0 and AptX compatibility for CD-quality sound on compatible devices (for example, some Android phones), the BT 100 NC offers not only superior sound quality but also the ability to connect to multiple devices.

Best of all, you can focus on what you’re listening to, thanks to noise suppression and silicone tips that create a perfect seal in the ear. This makes the BT 100 NC particularly suitable for traveling. With so many features, you expect a reasonable price, but the BT 100 NC is offered at an unbeatable price. With the newer model at $ 150, you will not lose your luck with the BT 150 NC.

Pros:

  • Nice look
  • Decently comfortable
  • Decent Audio output

Cons:

  • A little cheaply built

Final Words

Now you can find high-end Best Wireless Headphones for your listening needs, with excellent sound quality, reliable wireless connectivity, and a comfortable fit, all at a relatively affordable price. However, with so many choices available, it’s hard to determine which one could be the best wireless headset for you. But we are sure that this list will help you to pick the best one for your needs and budget. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Read More: Best Earbuds Under $100