Wireless headphones are a great option for exercising, traveling, or simply listening to music without getting tangled in wires. There are a wide variety of models on the market, in different price categories. We analyzed the best headphones on the market to find out what are the main points to consider when choosing wireless or Bluetooth headphones.
Sound quality
This will always be the most important factor when choosing any type of headphone. It is recommended to check the sound quality of the bass, treble, and midrange, as well as how well the sound withstands high frequencies, as some headphones are very good at handling high frequencies, but do not offer as much clear bass. To some extent, the quality corresponds to the price, as many high-end wireless headphones, such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 and the Sennheiser Momentum, which sell for around $ 300, offer excellent sound quality, with incredibly clear vocals and a clear, balanced sound.
However, there are more affordable headphones like the Jabra Move Wireless and the Jaybird MDR-1000X that cost over $300 and offer pretty good, but not exceptional, sound.
Noise Canceling
Wireless Bluetooth headphones with noise cancellation don’t automatically provide the best sound quality, but they certainly make listening to music on public transportation or in crowded places more enjoyable by blocking out ambient noise. The Bose QuietComfort 35 is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, with microphones built into the earcups that pick up background noise and automatically adjust the volume. However, you can’t turn off Bose’s noise-cancelling feature unless you plug in the cable. The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 lets you turn on active noise cancellation in noisy environments and turn it off when you don’t need it anymore.
Some noise-cancelling headphones take a more creative approach. The Sony MDR-1000X wireless headphones offer maximum noise cancellation, both with and without music, so you can block out ambient noise even without your own music playing. If you need to hear what’s going on around you (like a train announcement), you can tap the right earbud to activate the built-in microphone and listen in.
Style of Headphones
Your personal preference for over-ear, on-ear, or around-ear headphones will also determine which wireless headphones are best for you. The Apple AirPods, Jaybird X3, and Jabra Elite Sport are examples of over-ear headphones.
If over-ear headphones aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. Headphones like the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort 35 have slightly larger ear cups to cover the entire ear, which is good for noise cancellation, but can make them heavier than over-ear headphones. You can still choose from a wide range of prices, sound quality, and features, no matter which type of headphones you prefer.
Battery Life
If you’re traveling or exercising for long periods of time, battery life is important. You can find wireless headphones with more than 20 hours of battery life, such as the Sennheiser PXC 550 and Momentum, which provide up to 30 and 25 hours, respectively, or the Bose QuietComfort 35 and Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2, which each provide up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge.
It’s worth noting that some headphones with shorter battery lives charge quickly. Apple AirPods have a maximum battery life of 5 hours, but can get an additional 3 hours with just 15 minutes of charging. Most wireless headphones, like the Bose QuietComfort 35, Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2, and Jabra Move Wireless, also include a wired connection, so you don’t have to stop listening to music just because the battery runs out.
Design
Aesthetics aren’t everything, but there’s no denying that some wireless headphones are better designed than others. The Jaybird X3 wireless headphones come in five colors, including red and gold, so your headphones don’t have to be boring. The Jabra Move Wireless also stands out with its aesthetic, with a bold and fun design that’s available in several colors.
Luxury headphones made from premium materials will add softness and richness to your listening experience, like the Bowers & Wilkins P7 premium wireless headphones, which are made of genuine leather and metal; not a single piece of plastic is visible. Finally, travelers will appreciate foldable wireless headphones for more compact storage, like the Sennheiser PXC, which easily fold into a ball and fit into their unique lightweight case.
Sports Features
Those who use their headphones for sports or exercise will likely be interested in headphones with sports features. Jaybird’s simple and intuitive controls, similar to those of Jaybird and Apple AirPods, are easy to use anywhere. Another great feature is that the headphones save volume settings across devices (Jaybird also offers wireless headphones).
The Jabra Elite Sport headphones are ideal for athletes. They have an external microphone that easily connects to listen to ambient noise, such as coach instructions, and a companion app that provides guidance and motivation during your run.
Weight
Another important aspect is the weight of the headphones. If you’re going to be using them for a long time, they can feel heavy. Some wireless headphones are much lighter than others, such as the Sennheiser PXC 550, which weigh just 225 grams. In contrast, the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless weighs 317 grams, while the Jabra Move Wireless weighs 450 grams.
Unplug Your Headphones and Start Listening Today
There are wireless headphones for every budget and style, so why not stop complicating your life with your headphones and check out wireless and Bluetooth options. For runners, travelers, or just listening to music at home, wireless headphones like the ones we mentioned earlier are a great choice.
