Wireless headphones are a great option for exercising, traveling, or simply listening to music without getting tangled in wires. There are a variety of models on the market, in different price ranges. We’ve analyzed the best headphones on the market to reveal the key 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’s a good idea to check the sound quality of the bass, treble, and midrange, as well as their performance at high volumes, as some headphones handle the high frequencies very well but don’t reproduce the bass with the same clarity. To a certain extent, you get what you pay for, as you get the excellent sound quality of many high-end wireless headphones, such as the Bose QuietComfort 35 and Sennheiser Momentum, which sell for $300 or more but offer incredibly clear vocals. Clear and balanced sound quality.
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 Cancelling
Noise-cancelling Bluetooth wireless headphones don’t necessarily provide the best sound quality, but they certainly make listening to music on public transportation or in crowded public spaces 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 the Bose noise cancellation unless you plug in the cable. The Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 lets you turn on active noise cancellation if you’re in a noisy environment and turn it off when you don’t need it anymore.
Some noise-cancelling headphones take a smart approach. The Sony MDR-1000X wireless headphones offer maximum noise cancellation with or without music, so you can use them to block out ambient noise without having to play your own music. 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, allowing you to hear the sounds around you.
Headphone Style
Your personal preference—on-ear, over-ear, or surround-sound—will also determine which wireless headphones are best for you. The Apple AirPods, Jaybird X3, and Jabra Elite Sport are examples of on-ear headphones.
If on-ear headphones aren’t your thing, there are plenty of headphones and earbuds on the market. Headphones like the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort 35 have slightly larger ear cups to fit over the entire ear, which is good for noise cancellation, but can make them heavier than over-ear headphones. You can choose from a wide range of prices, sound quality, and features, no matter which type of headphones you prefer.
Battery life
If you’re going on long trips or working out for extended periods, battery life is important. You can find wireless headphones with batteries that last more than 20 hours, like the Sennheiser PXC 550 and Momentum, which last up to 30 and 25 hours, respectively, or the Bose QuietComfort 35 and Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2, which each offer up to 20 hours on a single charge.
It’s worth noting that some headphones with significantly shorter battery lives charge quickly. Apple AirPods have a maximum battery life of 5 hours, but can provide an additional 3 hours with just 15 minutes of charging. Most wireless headphones, such as 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 aesthetically, with a bold and fun design that’s available in a variety of 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 and fit into their unique lightweight case.
Sports Features
Those who use their headphones for sports and workouts will likely be interested in headphones with sports features. The simple, intuitive controls of Jaybird and Apple AirPods are also easy to use on the go, and it’s convenient to have headphones that save volume settings across devices (Jaybird also offers earbuds).
The Jabra Elite Sport headphones are ideal for athletes. They include an external microphone that you can easily connect to listen to ambient noise, such as your coach’s instructions, and a companion app that provides guidance and encouragement during your run.
Weight
The final concern is the weight of the headphones. If you’re going to be listening to music for a long time, headphones and earbuds 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 300 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 playing with your headphones and look for wireless and Bluetooth options today. For runners, travelers, or just listening to music at home, wireless headphones like the ones we mentioned are a great choice.
