Wireless headphones are a great option for working out, traveling, or simply listening to music without getting tangled in cords. There is a wide range of models on the market across various price points. We have analyzed the best headphones to identify the key factors to consider when choosing wireless or Bluetooth headphones.
Sound Quality
This will always be the most important factor when choosing any type of headphones. It is recommended to check the quality of the bass, high frequencies, and mid-frequencies, as well as audio performance at high volumes; some headphones handle high frequencies well but do not reproduce bass with the same clarity. To some extent, quality is linked to price. High-end wireless models, such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 and Sennheiser Momentum (priced at $300 or more), offer excellent sound quality and incredibly clear, balanced audio reproduction.
However, there are more affordable headphones—like the Jabra Move Wireless—as well as other models that, despite costing over $300, offer sound that is quite good but not exceptional.
Noise Canceling
Bluetooth wireless headphones with noise cancellation do not always deliver the best sound quality, but they undoubtedly make listening to music on public transport or in crowded places more enjoyable by allowing you to block out ambient noise. The Bose QuietComfort 35 is one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market; it features built-in microphones that pick up background noise and automatically adjust the audio output. However, with Bose headphones, it is not possible to turn off noise cancellation unless the cable is connected. On the other hand, the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 allows you to enable active noise cancellation in noisy environments and switch it off when it is no longer needed.
Some noise-canceling headphones employ an ingenious approach. The Sony MDR-1000X wireless headphones provide maximum noise cancellation regardless of whether you are playing music, allowing you to block out ambient noise without actually listening to your own music. If you need to temporarily hear what is happening around you (such as an announcement on a train), you can press the right ear cup to activate the built-in microphone, allowing you to hear ambient sounds.
Style of Headphones
Your personal preference—whether for over-ear models (covering the entire ear) or other types—will determine which wireless headphones are best suited for you. Apple AirPods, Jaybird X3, and Jabra Elite Sport are examples of over-ear headphones.
If that style isn’t for you, there are many other headphone options available. Models like the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless and Bose QuietComfort 35 feature slightly larger ear cups designed to cover the entire ear; this improves noise isolation, although it may make them heavier than other models. Regardless of your preferred style, you will always have a wide range of prices, sound quality levels, and features to choose from.
Battery Life
If you travel frequently or work out for long periods, battery life is important. You can find wireless headphones with battery lives exceeding 20 hours—such as the Sennheiser PXC 550 and Momentum (offering up to 30 and 25 hours, respectively) or the Bose QuietComfort 35 and Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2, which provide up to 20 hours on a single charge.
It is worth noting that some headphones with shorter battery lives offer fast charging capabilities. Apple AirPods, for instance, have a maximum battery life of 5 hours but can gain an additional 3 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge. Most wireless headphones—including the Bose QuietComfort 35, Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2, and Jabra Move Wireless—also feature a wired connection option, ensuring you don’t have to stop listening to music if the battery runs out.
Design
Aesthetics aren’t everything, but it is undeniable that some wireless headphones are better designed than others. Jaybird X3 wireless headphones come in five colors—including red and gold—so they certainly don’t have to be boring. The Jabra Move Wireless also stands out visually with its bold, fun design, available in a variety of colors.
Premium headphones crafted from high-end materials add a touch of luxury and richness to the listening experience; for instance, the Bowers & Wilkins P7 is made of genuine leather and metal, with no plastic parts whatsoever. Finally, travelers will appreciate wireless headphones that can fold down for compact storage—such as the Sennheiser PXC, which easily folds into a ball shape and fits into its own unique, lightweight case.
Sports Features
Those who use headphones for sports or workouts will likely be interested in models featuring capabilities specifically designed for these activities. Simple and intuitive controls—such as those found on Jaybird and Apple AirPods—make them easy to use while on the go. Additionally, it is very practical to have headphones that remember volume settings for different devices.
Jabra Elite Sport headphones are ideal for athletes. They feature an external microphone that can be easily activated to hear ambient sounds—such as a coach’s instructions—and a companion app that offers guidance and words of encouragement during runs.
Weight
The final factor to consider is the weight of the headphones. If you plan to use them for extended periods, the weight can become a source of discomfort. Some wireless models are significantly lighter than others. For example, the Sennheiser PXC 550 weighs just half a pound (about 227 grams). In contrast, the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless weighs 11.2 ounces (about 317 grams), while the Jabra Move Wireless weighs one pound (about 453 grams).
Unplug Your Headphones and Start Listening Today
There are wireless headphones to suit every budget and style; so why not ditch the wires and check out wireless and Bluetooth options today? Whether you are a runner, a traveler, or simply someone who loves listening to music at home, wireless headphones—as we mentioned earlier—are a great choice.
