Wireless headphones are a great option for exercising, traveling, or simply listening to music without getting tangled up in cables. There are different models on the market, in different price ranges. We’ve analyzed the best headphones on the market to find out which ones are important 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 as clearly. 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 the Sennheiser Momentum, which sell for $300 or more, but provide incredibly clear and balanced sound quality.
However, there are cheaper 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 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 Bose’s noise-cancelling mode 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 provide maximum noise cancellation with and 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 press the right earbud to activate the built-in microphone, which allows you to hear sounds around you.
Style of Headphones
Your personal preference for on-ear, over-ear, or over-ear headphones will also determine which wireless headphones are best for you. The Apple AirPods, Jaybird X3, and Jabra Elite Sport are all headphones.
If headphones aren’t your thing, there are plenty of earbuds and headphones on the market. Headphones like the Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort 35 have slightly larger ear cups to fit your 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 headphone style you prefer.
Battery Life
If you’re going on long trips or working out for long periods of time, 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 can each last up to 20 hours on a single charge.
It’s worth noting that some headphones with much shorter battery lives charge quickly. The 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 your battery runs out.
Design
Aesthetics aren’t everything, but it’s undeniable that some wireless headphones have better designs 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 that allow for more compact storage, like the Sennheiser PXCs, which fold easily 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 and intuitive controls on the Jaybird and Apple AirPods are also easy to use when you’re on the go, and it’s nice to have headphones that save your volume settings across devices (Jaybird also offers these headphones).
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 coach instructions, and a companion app that provides instructions 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 315 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 thinking about your headphones and look for wireless and Bluetooth options today. For runners, travelers, or just those who listen to music at home, wireless headphones like the ones we mentioned are a great option.