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The right pair of headphones can completely change how you use your favorite tech gear — and shopping for a new set is more exciting than ever. The marketplace is brimming with high-quality options, ranging from affordable true wireless earbuds to splurgeworthy luxe over-ear headphones.
I spent weeks combing through products at various price points to determine today’s best wireless headphones. Our research focused on headsets in the most common styles at the moment: true wireless and neckband earbuds, bone-conduction headphones, and headband-toting cans in different sizes. No matter which fit is best for you, all suggestions on our list deliver stellar sound that will enhance your daily routine.
Best Wireless Headphones and Earbuds
What to Consider
The most important thing to decide before upgrading is whether you want Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, as each option brings a distinctive set of benefits over the other. Headphones usually deliver better sound than similarly priced earbuds and significantly longer battery life.
As far as headphones go, you can choose between on-ear or over-ear fits. The former offer superior noise isolation and better audio quality due to (usually) larger audio drivers, while on-ear cans are more compact to wear and are generally easier to pack when traveling.
Wireless earphones are lighter and comfier than headband headsets — and you have two options to choose from: a true wireless pair or a neckband set. The latter is bulkier, but it has better battery life and a lower price than wire-free headsets. True wireless earbuds are hands down today's most popular and futureproof category — there are many more options to choose from.
How We Tested
I spent at least a week (or longer) testing every pick on this list to evaluate their audio performance, ergonomics, controls, and battery life.
Audio Performance
I listened to several carefully curated Apple Music and Amazon Music HD playlists and a few podcasts to evaluate the headphones’ audible frequency response. The latter is essentially a headset’s ability to produce the treble (highs), the midrange, and the bass in your favorite tracks.
The treble and midrange performance set the best wireless headphones apart from their rivals since these are the key features that help you enjoy vocals and the finer details in a song's instrumentals to the fullest. Bass quality is typically easy to distinguish in affordably priced headsets. However, depending on the product, a thunderous low-range output, while plenty entertaining, might come at the expense of the mids and the highs.
I also used each headset to make calls and attend virtual meetings to evaluate the quality of the audio and the performance of its onboard microphone(s), which are important features if you're looking for wireless headphones for work.
Ergonomics
Comfort is paramount for wireless headphones and earbuds regardless of their price category. While evaluating every set, I paid close attention to whether it caused fatigue during long stretches of use. My goal was to select products that could deliver hours of use between breaks.
Today's top-tier products are chock full of features like noise cancellation, custom sound modes, and multidevice connectivity, to name a few. I scrutinized the quality and layout of every headset's controls to ensure that managing the audio playback, taking calls, and accessing additional features is as effortless as possible.
Now that you know what to look for in a pair of wireless headphones, get ready to enjoy next-level sound with a pair (or two) of these handpicked, thoroughly vetted Bluetooth headphones and earbuds.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality and noise cancellation
- Feature-packed app
- Long battery life
Cons
- Touch controls have a learning curve
Key Specs
| Sound | 30-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, adaptive noise cancellation |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours with noise cancellation |
| Other | Companion app |
Sony's WH-1000XM5 are hands down the best wireless headphones worth your attention. A sequel to a phenomenal product, the over-ear cans check all the boxes a class-leading set should, offering high-fidelity sound and noise cancellation that's borderline complete quietude, top-tier comfort, and long battery life.
Combined, these features make the WH-1000XM5 well worth its hefty sticker. The class-leading sound quality and noise cancellation are why this has been my go-to travel set since its launch. You can customize both features via a companion app.
Sony offers the product in black, blue, or silver. Its retail package includes an elegant carrying case, a charging cable, and a standard audio cable.
Read the Full Sony WH-1000XM5 Review
Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Amazing sound and noise-cancellation
- Excellent ambient mode
- Superb battery life
Cons
- Durability rating could be better
Key Specs
| Sound | 6-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, adaptive noise cancellation |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours (8 hours with noise cancellation) |
| Other | Companion app, wireless charging-compatible case |
The Sony WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds bring the same class-leading audio quality and noise cancellation as Sony's Bluetooth headphones, making them the best option in their product category and worth your investment. You can snag a pair in black or silver color options
If I had to pick only one pair of wireless earbuds worth buying regardless of the price tag, this pair would be it because of these stellar features. (In our wireless earbuds guide, I've rated the Beats Studio Buds as the best overall because of their balance between performance, features, and price.)
The earphones’ companion app and available features like speak-to-chat are identical to those of the Sony headphones. Impressively, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds also have outstanding battery life with and without noise cancellation. Their sleek storage case with a matching finish holds a duo of additional charges.
Read the Full Sony WF-1000XM4 Review
Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Headphones
Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless Headphones
Pros
- Great sound and noise cancellation
- Fantastic battery life
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Could use a wear sensor
Key Specs
| Sound | 40-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, customizable noise cancellation |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 65 hours (50 hours with noise cancellation), USB-C charging connector |
| Other | Companion app |
Anker's Soundcore Space Q45 wireless headphones are the most value-packed option on this list, offering a concoction of premium design, good sound, solid noise cancellation, and incredible battery life at an under-$150 price point. These qualities make a strong case for not overspending on your next over-ear headphones.
With high-quality drivers, futureproof Bluetooth 5.3, and the advanced LDAC audio codec, the Space Q45 produces a crisp, vibrant, infinitely customizable wired and wireless sound that belongs in a higher price tier. The cans’ noise cancellation is just as impressive. Unless you are willing to spend $300+ on new headphones, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better audio performance.
Read the Full Soundcore Space Q45 Review
You can order the Space Q45 in black, white, or blue. Remarkably, Anker offers wireless earbuds that are just as value-packed as its headphones. The Soundcore Liberty 4 true wireless earphones offer a similar amalgam of performance and affordability.
Read the Full Soundcore Liberty 4 Review
Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones
Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones
Pros
- Good sound and noise cancellation
- Feature-packed companion app
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Some color options cost more
Key Specs
| Sound | 40-millimeter audio drivers, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, customizable noise cancellation |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 60 hours (40 hours with noise cancellation), USB-C charging connector |
| Other | Companion app |
The Soundcore Life Q30 wireless headphones are incredible for their sub-$80 price tag. The over-ear cans have a sleek design, a comfortable fit, outstanding battery life, and audio performance that allows them to compete with pricier products. You can grab a set in black, blue, or pink.
During months of testing, the headphones impressed me with reliable noise cancellation, great sound, and excellent call quality. The companion app for customizing the sonic experience is one of the best in the business, and to top things off, you can enjoy Hi-Res Audio content in wired mode.
Read the Full Soundcore Life Q30 Review
If you're looking for affordable wireless earbuds, you should consider the Soundcore Life P3. Just like the brand's wireless cans, the colorful earphones offer design, performance, and available features that belie their price.
Read the Full Soundcore Life P3 Review
Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Intuitive companion app
Cons
- Similarly priced rivals have better noise cancellation
Key Specs
| Sound | 6-millimeter audio drivers, noise cancellation |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours |
| Other | Companion app, IP68 waterproof |
The Jaybird Vista 2 true wireless earbuds are deservedly our favorite set for exercising. The stylish earphones offer a blend of comfy and secure fit, best-in-class durability, convenient button controls, and high-quality sound and noise cancellation you can customize via a cool mobile app. Plus, the Vista 2 has long battery life and a case that's wireless charging compatible.
You can order the product in black or gray with a matching storage case. Impressively, the bundled accessory is also waterproof with an official rating — which is not typical for wireless earbuds’ charging cases, so you know they’re built to withstand tough use. I once dropped the buds in their case in a puddle during an after-rain walk in Central Park and didn’t even flinch at the prospect of damaging them.
Read the Full Jaybird Vista 2 Review
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones
Pros
- Comfy fit
Cons
- Underwhelming battery life
Key Specs
| Sound | Open-ear setup with enhanced bass output |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
| Other | Companion app |
By delivering sound via imperceptible vibrations through your cheekbones instead of pumping it in your ears, the Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones allow you to be aware of your surroundings without having to skimp out on comfort and audio quality. The highly rated open-air headphones can produce quality sound with powerful bass without disturbing anyone around you.
Other key features of the product include a reliable fit with a sturdy titanium frame, a workout-ready IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, fast charging capabilities, and a lengthy 2-year warranty. The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are available in black or blue. A cheaper but tougher OpenRun with shorter battery life is also available.
Pros
- Excellent sound and noise cancellation
- Best-in-class controls
- Captivating design
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
| Sound | Custom audio drivers, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, noise cancellation |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours, Lightning charging connector |
| Other | Apple H1 chip |
If you're in the market for new headphones and plan on constantly switching between your iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac, you should consider splurging on the AirPods Max. Apple's decadently luxurious headphones offer captivating design, top-tier comfort and button controls, fantastic sound, and excellent noise cancellation. Thanks to the Apple H1 chip, the cans can connect and seamlessly shift between hardware that uses the same iCloud account.
I always enjoyed interacting with the Apple Watch-like volume knob of the AirPods Max while using them. You can order the product in blue, green, pink, silver, and space gray. Plus, you should safeguard these pricey wireless headphones by browsing a rich selection of protective cases.
Read the Full AirPods Max Review
House of Marley Positive Vibration XL Wireless Headphones
House of Marley Positive Vibration XL Wireless Headphones
Pros
- Characterful design
- Good sound for the money
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Noise cancellation costs extra
Key Specs
| Sound | 40-millimeter audio drivers |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours, USB-C charging connector |
| Other | Sustainable craftsmanship |
House of Marley's Positive Vibration XL wireless headphones are all about good sound and earth-friendly craftsmanship. The cool-looking over-ear cans are built using sustainably sourced and recycled materials, including aluminum, leather, stainless steel, and wood. The aforementioned materials also made the headphones great to interact with while testing them, feeling vastly more premium than their price tag suggests.
The bassy sound of the headphones is adequate for a product in their price range, and so is their battery performance. House of Marley offers a version of the Positive Vibration XL with onboard noise cancellation for $50 more. The headphones' retail package also includes an eco-friendly storage bag.
Soundcore Life U2 Wireless Earbuds
Soundcore Life U2 Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Good sound
- Long battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- Countless similarly priced true wireless alternatives
Key Specs
| Sound | 10-millimeter audio drivers, BassUp mode |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours |
| Other | IPX7 waterproof, companion app |
The Soundcore Life U2 neckband earbuds are the one to get if you're after good sound and long battery life on a tight budget. The sub-$50 earphones pack large audio drivers, which deliver sound with powerful bass. You can boost the latter with the press of a button if you wish. Available in black or blue, the fully waterproof earbuds are also great for exercising.
With up to 24 hours of playback between charges, the U2 can last vastly longer than any true wireless pair. Not having to worry about frequent recharging was one of the things that impressed me most about the product. You can get 2 hours' worth of use after only 5 minutes of charging.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones
Pros
- Top-tier sound and noise cancellation
- Impeccably comfortable
- Instantly recognizable design
Cons
- Battery life is just OK
Key Specs
| Sound | TriPort acoustic architecture |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours, USB-C charging connector |
| Other | Companion app |
A modern take on a stone-cold classic, the Bose QuietComfort 45 wireless headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation, robust call quality, and exceptional comfort. However, you should know that in terms of sound quality, app-enabled controls, and battery life, the Bose offering lags behind the similarly priced Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.
As expected from a Bose product, the QuietComfort 45 headphones have a nicely tuned sound signature that's suitable for any content. I never had to worry about adjusting the sonic experience while using the product. The headphones also have good battery life and a stellar retail package with a handy storage case and a matching audio cable.
Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.
