The best wireless headphones, chosen by our experts for all budgets

Date:
Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:16:51 +0000

Description:
These are the best Bluetooth headphones we've tested, whatever your budget or your priority.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

The best wireless headphones featured in this guide have been carefully
picked by our expert audio team for their exceptional comfort, sound quality, cutting-edge features and portability. We've reviewed more than 700
headphones in the past 17 years, and every model in this list has been tested in accordance with both our testing process standards and our headphone-and earbuds-specific testing .

While die-hard audiophiles may still prefer the best wired headphones to bypass Bluetooth and get a high-resolution audio fix only wires can deliver, the best modern wireless models with Snapdragon Sound and/or aptX Bluetooth chipsets have significantly narrowed the gap, and theyre much more
convenient. No wires, no hassle, only effortless listening. Its no surprise wireless options are among the best headphones on the market.

With decades of experience between us, our audio specialists have rigorously used every model weve recommended in this guide out in the real world, handpicking only the best across a range of budgets and needs. However, if youre in the market for something smaller, be sure to check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds for compact alternatives. And, if you haven't considered them before, open-ear options are now hugely popular take a look at our guide to the best open ear headphones if you're curious. The best wireless headphones available today The best wireless headphones overall
Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Aakash Jhaveri) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Aakash Jhaveri) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Aakash Jhaveri) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 1. Sony
WH-1000XM4

The best wireless headphones for most people Acoustic design: Closed back | Weight: 253g | Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz | Drivers: 40mm dome-type | Battery life: 30 hours Great audio and noise cancellation for the price Extremely light and comfortable No water-resistance ANC has been bettered BUY THEM IF: You want excellent ANC: These are easily some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. Audio is just as important as
ANC: You don't need to pick between quality sound and quality noise-cancelling, you get both here in spades. DON'T BUY THEM IF: You want them for conference calls: They're not bad on calls, but you'll find better clarity elsewhere. You don't like tinkering with apps: You'll need to tweak settings in the app to get the most of these headphones.

You might be surprised to find the Sony WH-1000XM4 at the top of this list. After all, theyre old now. The newest Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ears are at no #6 in this list and are our top pick for best-in-class ANC. But the fact the
XM4s are still our top choice really is a testament to how good they are. We still rate them because theyre simply better value for most people in today's economic climate. One of the main reasons is because theyre consistently reduced theyre only our top pick if you can find them for under $220/200.

Why do the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones still top this list years after launch? For starters, the noise cancelling on offer here is top notch, nixing noise
in all sorts of environments. Whats more, the sonic performance delivered during every step of our testing. In our review, we wrote the sound here is warm and balanced, with a clear and powerful bass. Thats whats important
after all. But they really are the whole package, with a comfortable design thatll do for long periods of listening, thanks to a lightweight build. Now, theres no denying that the newer XM6s do all of these things too, and better, but they also cost much more. So again, its about the XM4s being the best value and the most common sense pick for right now.

Whats more, theyre also packed with features, including support for the LDAC codec for CD-quality audio (assuming your phone supports it), as well as location-based noise-cancellation modes, which were really handy during our testing. Youll also find Sony's 360 Reality Audio tech for spatial audio from compatible sources. The only thing thats notably missing is aptX
compatibility and even that feels like nit picking.

These headphones arent ideal for working out, they stay put generally but not with lots of movement and theres no water-resistance rating, which doesnt
make them a good choice for sweating. However, if you can find the XM4s discounted, they still remain an excellent choice.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review Sony WH-1000XM4 score card Sony WH-1000XM4 score card

Attributes

Score

Sound

5/5

Features

4/5

Design and comfort

4.5/5 ^ Back to the top The best budget wireless headphones Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5
(Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5
(Image credit: Future) 2. 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

The best super-cheap wireless headphones Acoustic design: Closed back | Weight: 246g | Frequency response: 20Hz to 40kHz | Drivers: 40mm dynamic | Battery life: 65 hours ANC on; 100 hours ANC off Customizable, satisfying sound Effective ANC Fantastic battery life App situation is a bit messy
Button controls appear a little cheap Build feels slightly flimsy BUY THEM
IF: You want affordable ANC: It doesn't meet Bose or Sony levels of good,
but it's surprisingly effective, especially for the price. You want solid all-rounders on a budget: All of this for under $100 is excellent value and they're sometimes reduced even more. DON'T BUY THEM IF: You want top-tier sound: Audio quality here is surprisingly good for the price, but it won't compete with higher-end models. Build quality matters to you: They'll do
fine but they don't have that premium finish and feel that you'd find from pricier alternatives.

The 1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 headphones are a rare find. Theyre a pair of budget-friendly cans that dont ask you to make major sacrifices. They may not reach the dizzying heights of premium audio or build quality that youll get from more expensive rivals, but they still manage to tick almost every box and thats exactly why theyre our top pick for anyone after affordable headphones that really deliver.

Design-wise, theyre sleek and modern, with a subtle matte finish and earcups that angle slightly forward for a more sculpted, futuristic look. Theres generous padding on both the headband and earcups, which makes them seriously comfortable for long listening sessions. Sure, the button controls feel a little plasticky and the headband isnt the most robust weve seen, but at this price, thats expected, and easy to forgive.

Audio performance is solid across the board. These headphones lean toward a bassier sound signature, which makes them particularly good for fans of
dance, hip-hop, and pop. But its not all about the low end, the sound remains clear and free of tinniness, even at higher volumes. And if the bass feels a little too bold, you can easily tweak the EQ settings in the 1More Music app to suit your preferences. LDAC support is also on board, which means you can enjoy higher-quality audio if your device supports it.

ANC is surprisingly effective here. While it wont completely mute the world like a pair of high-end Bose or Sony headphones, it does a great job of dulling distractions like chatter, traffic, or office noise making these a fantastic option for commuting or working in noisy spaces.

Battery life is another headline feature. 1More claims 100 hours of playback, though thats with both ANC and LDAC turned off. With ANC switched on, youll still get around 65 hours, which is far better than many pricier models can manage.

All in all, the SonoFlow Pro HQ51 headphones deliver on all of the
essentials. You get clear, bass-friendly sound, effective ANC, good comfort, and excellent battery life. At under $100 / 100, thats an impressive combination. There are plenty of affordable headphones out there, but few manage to offer this much for so little and thats why these are our go-to budget pick.

Read our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 score card 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 score card

Attributes

Score

Sound

4/5

Features

4/5

Design and comfort

4/5 ^ Back to the top The best premium wireless headphones Image 1 of 5
(Image credit: Peter Hoffmann) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Peter Hoffmann) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Peter Hoffmann) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Peter Hoffmann) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Peter Hoffmann) 3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

The best premium wireless headphones Acoustic design: Closed back | Weight: Not specified | Frequency response: Not specified | Drivers: 40mm
biocellulose dynamic | Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) Balanced, entertaining and thoroughly convincing sound Impressive standard of build and finish Even more impressive specification (with more features to come) Susceptible to
wind noise Restricted physical controls Price is creeping upwards BUY THEM
IF: You appreciate premium craftsmanship: From the moment you unbox them, these headphones look, feel and even briefly smell like a luxury product. You prioritize sound quality: They strike a masterful balance across the
audio spectrum, delivering clarity, depth and nuance. DON'T BUY THEM IF: You want all possible mod cons today: At the time of writing, these are waiting for some features, including spatial audio, to arrive in an update. And you won't find a hearing test here, or certain other more niche features. Youre often out in the elements : They can be a bit more sensitive to wind noise than you might like, especially in breezy or exposed conditions.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are a refined pair of wireless over-ears that arent cheap, but definitely have the performance to back up the premium
price. With a sleek design, class-leading sound quality and upgraded noise cancellation over previous B&W models, theyre an audiophile-friendly package that doesnt cut any corners when it comes to comfort or features.

Because features-wise, these headphones are stacked. You get Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive and multipoint support, plus a USB-C input that handles 24-bit/96kHz audio for wired listening. The custom-built ANC system uses eight mics and a dedicated platform to cancel noise without compromising sound. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app ties it all together, giving access to EQ presets, battery stats, wear detection and direct streaming from services like Qobuz and Tidal.

Some features, such as Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast and spatial audio support are promised, but are due in an update. And they don't have a listening test for personalized audio, or a couple of other features like that but we have no complaints about what's here.

Battery life lands at a solid 30 hours with ANC on. This isnt particularly impressive these days, but its enough to comfortably get you through a long week of commuting or travel.

Where these headphones truly shine is audio quality. After extensive testing to make absolutely sure, you understand we can say that the Px7 S3 are masterfully tuned, with wide-open sound, deep detail and an exceptional tonal balance. Bass is punchy yet controlled, mids are vivid and expressive and treble has just enough bite without sounding sharp. Whatever youre listening to, everything feels cohesive and emotionally engaging. This is easily the most complete and convincing sound we've heard in a pair of wireless headphones at this price.

The design is more discreet than previous Px7 models, with a slimmer profile and lighter feel. But the build is still impeccable with high-end materials and removable parts. They're available in three colors (black, blue, and white) and come with a travel case that houses both USB-C and 3.5mm cables.

Comfort is excellent thanks to memory foam padding, a redesigned headband and a perfect level of clamping force. Theyre still on the chunkier side, but
much more wearable than earlier B&W models.

The only real downside is a slight susceptibility to wind noise when youre
out and about, as well as a lack of track skip buttons no touch controls here. Granted, theyre also not cheap. But they earn every bit of that asking price. If top-tier sound is your number one priority, these are some of the finest wireless headphones you can buy.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 score card Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 score card

Attributes

Score

Sound

5/5

Features

5/5

Design and comfort

5/5 ^ Back to the top The best wireless headphones for battery life Image 1
of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5
(Image credit: Future) 4. Cambridge Audio P100

The best wireless headphones for battery life Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 330g | Frequency response: Not specified | Drivers: 40mm Dynamic (closed back) | Battery life: 100 hours (ANC off), 60 hours (ANC on) Energetic, informative and convincing sound Excellent specification Epic battery life ANC can be bettered No head-tracked spatial audio Case is a
touch large BUY THEM IF: You want long-lasting listening : With ANC off, you'll get 100 hours of battery. With it on, expect a still-great 60 both
are basically best-in-class. You like playing around with settings: We
highly rated the app here for lots of customization, including EQ settings. DON'T BUY THEM IF: You want excellent ANC: It's perfectly good here, but certainly not best-in-class by any means. You like a compact design: They're not big, but they don't fold up well for traveling like some rivals do.

The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones received a rare 5 out of 5 rating in our review, wowing in almost every way and they're particularly easy to recommend if battery life mixed with audio prowess are your top priorities.

Design-wise, theres nothing to shout about here, but the fit is comfortable, and thats what matters. The earpads are detachable and made from memory foam and vegan leather. The same vegan leather is found on the outside, and then theres a padded headband. There are also physical buttons here, which we know some love and some hate. The benefits of this style are that theyre very straightforward to use, and you dont have to worry about too much
sensitivity.

The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 will make the most of high-quality music files from services like Qobuz or Tidal but, as we wrote in our review, they dont judge. Give these headphones any music, from hi-res to mediocre Spotify streams, and theyll make it sound exceptional. Expect an energetic and thoroughly engaging listen thanks to their lively, detailed and confident presentation across the range. And, if the sound isnt quite to your liking, you also have the option of tweaking the seven-band equalizer within the app, which also has several presets.

Battery life is the biggest feature to shout about here. Youll get a total of 100 hours, which is very rare. That drops to 60 hours with ANC on, which
rival headphones the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless can also reach but few others match it, and it's double what you get from Sony.

There are other features worth shouting about here too, including multipoint connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3 and both aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codec compatibility. This means you can listen to lossy 24-bit/96kHz streaming and lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz resolution available youll just need the right
source player and streaming service. Theres also Class AB amplification powering 40mm full-range dynamic drivers, and six mics to handle ANC and ensure call quality is crisp and clear.

The noise cancellation here is very good. In our review, we wrote: It will do a job on external distractions of all types, and without leaving a counter-signal or shift in tonality in its wake. But we also said its not the best ANC weve ever tested Bose and Sony both have it beat.

With such excellent specs, theyre not the cheapest option in this list by any means, but theyre well-priced when you consider just how extensively theyre specified. Which means if youre looking for a pair of wireless headphones
that really do tick all of the boxes, providing high-end sound, a high-end fit, and incredibly long battery life, then youve got it.

Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review Cambridge Audio
Melomania P100 score card Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 score card

Attributes

Score

Sound

4.5/5

Features

5/5

Design and comfort

4/5 ^ Back to the top The best mid-priced wireless headphones Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Sennheiser) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6
(Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future) 5. Sennheiser Accentum Plus

The best mid-priced wireless headphones Acoustic design: Closed | Weight:
277g | Frequency response: 10Hz to 22kHz | Drivers: 37mm | Battery life: 50 hours (ANC on) Big assertive sound Good battery life Well-made and
comfortable A fractionally blunt listen The fit wont suit every head BUY THEM IF: You prefer bold, room-filling sound: These arent the most neutral headphones, but their powerful, full-bodied audio makes a strong impression. You appreciate responsive touch controls: Well-executed and easy to use, the touch controls are a welcome upgrade over the more basic setup on the
Accentum that came before them. DON'T BUY THEM IF: Youre chasing absolute precision: Theres a lot to like about the sound here, but if you're after ultimate fidelity, the Cambridge Audio P100 are better. Youve got a larger head: The clamping force is nicely balanced, but the fit is still on the snug side something to keep in mind if you need a bit more room.

The Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones are a step up from the original Accentum model, adding welcome features such as touch controls, aptX Adaptive support and a protective carry case all without pushing the price into premium territory. They might not turn heads with flashy design, but they deliver a well-rounded, comfortable experience with some serious stamina.

Battery life is solid here, with up to 50 hours on a single charge and a fast-charge feature that gives you five hours of playback from just 10
minutes plugged in. The Smart Control app is also one of the best weve seen, giving you access to a five-band EQ, adaptive noise-cancellation tweaks (including wind noise reduction), custom sound zones and more.

ANC performance is solid. Its always-on by default and does a great job
muting everyday noise without interfering with playback. No, it doesnt quite reach the Bose or Sony level in total silence, but it handles distractions like traffic, chatter, and low hums with ease, especially for this price.

Sonically, the Accentum Plus headphones offer a rich, assertive sound with real low-end punch. Bass has weight and drive, mids are clean and nicely detailed, and vocals sit forward in the mix with clarity. The high end can feel slightly reined in, lacking some sparkle compared to more premium headphones, but the overall presentation here is good and cohesive.

The design is minimal and clean with soft-touch materials and Sennheisers usual high standard of build. Theyre lightweight and feel robust to hold. Comfort is excellent for most, but we did find the clamping force to be quite snug during our testing, which might be a dealbreaker for larger heads. However, they do stay secure without slipping and wont overheat quickly
during long listening sessions.

At $229 / 199 officially, but usually available for around $179 / 139 as standard now, they're excellent value. For most people, these strike an impressive balance of performance, features and price.

Read our full Sennheiser Accentum Plus review Sennheiser Accentum Plus score card Sennheiser Accentum Plus score card

Attributes

Score

Sound

4.5/5

Features

4/5

Design and comfort

4/5 ^ Back to the top The best wireless headphones for active noise cancellation Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 6. Sony WH-1000XM6

The best noise cancellation from any wireless headphones Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 254g | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Drivers: 30mm dynamic | Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) Class-leading noise cancellation Excellent audio performance Super lightweight and comfortable Price increase over previous model Battery life is nothing special Still not waterproof BUY THEM IF: You want the best ANC money can buy: They're our top pick for ANC, so it's hardly a surprise. But they really are class-leading where noise-cancelling is concerned. You want all the latest features: You get so much here. Adaptive noise cancelling, cinema upmixing, hi-res music streaming options, Find Your Equalizer we could go on. DON'T BUY THEM IF: You're on a budget: Sure, more affordable alternatives won't perform as well across the board, but they'll give you good sound for less. You like long listening sessions: 30 hours of battery with ANC isn't bad but it's certainly not the best around.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are the brands latest flagship over-ears and they improve on previous versions in every way especially when it comes to sound and ANC. In fact, the noise cancellation is now so effective, it
finally beats Bose. Thats largely thanks to Sonys new QN3 chip and a total of 12 microphones, which work together to silence everything from engine hum to office chatter even in noisy environments like trains and buses.

Touch controls are smooth and responsive, and theres no shortage of smart features. The Sony Headphones Connect app remains one of the best around,
with EQ controls, spatial sound, and LDAC support for high-res audio. Battery life is a solid 30 hours, which isn't the best in this guide, but impressive given the power behind the ANC.

Inside, 30mm drivers and the QN3 chip deliver dynamic bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. The result is a punchy yet well-balanced sound profile, ideal
for everything from podcasts to full album deep dives. And those 12 mics dont just help with ANC they also keep call quality sharp and reliable.

Comfort is another strong point. A broader headband and soft ear cups make them easy to wear for hours, and unlike the XM5, this model folds for better portability. The case is more compact, the build feels more premium, and the overall design has been subtly refined.

That said, theyre still not waterproof, and some might find them a little bulky compared to slimmer competitors. They also come with a higher price tag than the XM5s. But if you're after class-leading ANC, polished design, and a feature-packed experience, these are tough to beat.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review Sony WH-1000XM6 score card Sony WH-1000XM6 score card

Attributes

Score

Sound

4.5/5

Features

5/5

Design and comfort

4.5/5 ^ Back to the top More wireless headphones to consider

Anker Soundcore Space One Pro: These are a good pair of headphones that felt a bit chunky. Other options in this guide also boast much better buttons and work better overall. Read our Anker Soundcore Space One Pro review here.

Apple AirPods Max: An excellent choice if you're bought into the Apple ecosystem and love the brand's design style. These headphones sound
fantastic, look cool and feel comfortable. However, they're not perfect. They're incredibly expensive, have a pointless carry case, and don't offer as many features for Android. But if you're an Apple user do still have a read
of our full Apple AirPods Max review .

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300: A truly excellent pair of wireless headphones. So, why are they not in the guide? They're expensive, especially compared to the competition. Still, they sound fantastic, do take a look at our Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review for more detail.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones: If noise cancellation on a budget is your priority, these are well worth considering: they're incredibly comfortable, easy-to-use, light and portable with very strong ANC. Of course, they don't have the modern upgrades of the more-expensive Bose QuietComfort Ultras, but they're still a solid pair of over-ears especially if you find them discounted. Read our Bose QuietComfort Headphones review for more.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: Easily some of the best over-ear headphones we've ever tested, but just marginally beaten to our 'best for
ANC' slot by the Sony XM6s. As you'll see from our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review , these headphones are still a top choice with almost unbeatable ANC, incredibly detailed sound, a stack of smart features and a very comfortable folding design. If you have the budget for Bose, they're
well worth considering.

Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI: These headphones are a great choice for budgets under $100 with quality spatial audio. But we just weren't convinced in these over-ears as a proposition overall. Take a look at our Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI review for more.

Dali IO-8: A truly excellent-sounding pair of over-ear headphones with detailed, convincing audio. The standard of build and finish here is also impeccably high. Take a look at our Dali IO-8 review for the full story, but although they sound phenomenal, competition is fierce and you can get similar quality for less, as well as more features.

Dyson OnTrac: These have good battery life and detailed sound, but aren't great overall, delivering a compressed audio experience. Still, if you're interested in Dyson's dedication to audio tech as of late, check out our full Dyson OnTrac review .

Earfun Wave Life: Theres a lot to like about these budget-friendly headphones. Theyre incredibly comfortable, and with a solid 37-hour battery life, theyre ideal for long listening sessions. While the sound quality and ANC are both fairly average, youre still getting far more than youd expect at this price. Read our full Earfun Wave Life review to find out more.

Earfun Wave Pro: An affordable set of headphones with good ANC, solid sound, excellent battery life, and even hi-res wireless audio support that could be contenders for this guide, but sit in an awkward price between the Sony WH-CH520 and the Sony WH-CH720N. If they get discounted, they could be a strong buy. Until then, read our Earfun Wave Pro review for more.

Edifier Stax Spirit S5: A top pair of planar magnetic headphones with great wireless features and battery life. A solid choice for audiophiles. However, some listeners will be disappointed about the lack of ANC, and for a similar price you can get Bose, Sony and Sennheiser cans, which might be more appealing for most listeners. Still, do have a read of our full Edifier Stax Spirit S5 review .

Edifier W820NB Plus: Speaking of affordable noise-cancelling headphones, we also reviewed the Edifier W820NB Plus. They're packed with features with a seriously impressive specs list but the music quality isn't there, and for the same price as the Earfun Wave Pro, they're a clear step down. Read our Edifier W820NB Plus review to find out more.

Focal Bathys MG: Let's be clear upfront, these headphones are premium,
pricey and made for those who value exclusivity. Ideal for long listening sessions, they deliver expansive, detailed sound and exceptional comfort. Battery life is impressive too. We highly recommend them, though theyre definitely a niche choice. Read our full Focal Bathys MG review to learn
more.

Happy Plugs Play Pro: If you're on a budget, we recommend taking a look at our Happy Plugs Play Pro review. These over-ears look more expensive than
they should at this price. They're also comfortable to wear, bass is booming and battery life is very strong. However, the ANC doesn't quite cut it, which is why they can't compete with some of the rivals in this guide.

JBL Tour One M3: Lively and full of energy, these headphones pack a punch especially if you like bold, upfront sound. Theyre light, comfortable, and come with a handy Smart Tx transmitter for extra functionality. But if youre sensitive to treble, prefer a more refined finish, or like listening loud, they might not be the best fit. Read our full JBL Tour One M3 review for the full breakdown.

Nothing Headphone (1): With a bold, standout design and premium build, these are some of the most distinctive mainstream headphones around. You get tons
of customization, useful sound options, and extra features if youre using a Nothing Phone. But theyre on the heavier side, call quality is middling, and the sound doesnt quite justify the price for true audio purists. Read our
full Nothing Headphone (1) review for more.

OneOdio Focus A5: They're affordable, look nice and the battery life is great, but that's it. These headphones are a bit too bass-heavy for our
liking and simply not well balanced, sonically speaking. Take a look at our full OneOdio Focus A5 review for more.

OneOdio Studio Max 1: With a massive 120-hour battery and a handy in-box transmitter, these headphones are great for forgetful types or those prone to Bluetooth dropouts. They're bulky but foldable, with lots of ports and the value is boosted by generous extras. Just don't expect premium sound or a lightweight fit. Read our full OneOdio Studio Max 1 review for the full verdict.

Panasonic RB-M600: There's a lot to love about these noise-cancelling Panasonic headphones: they're affordable, lightweight and have an impressive 65 hours of battery life. The reason they're not in this guide is they have some significant drawbacks too, including a design that won't suit everyone and a lack of any water resistance. Take a look at our Panasonic RB-M600 review for the specifics.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: These are were knocked out of the list by
the Cambridge Audio P100. We rated both these headphones as being worthy of five stars, but the Cambridge Audio pair is newer, and has a lower standard price. But you can often find the Sennheiser model discounted, and we still totally recommend them you can read exactly why in our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review .

Sonos Ace: If you're looking for the best Dolby Atmos sound for movies, then these are the headphones for you. They sound phenomenal with hi-res wired and wireless support, as well as Sonos soundbar connectivity. Unfortunately, they fall short for music and their ANC, while excellent, isn't quite as strong as the Sony XM6 but for sheer movie power, they're well worth considering. Read our full Sonos Ace review for more. ^ Back to the top Meet the team

Our expert team of reviewers have years of audio tech experience and testing. They've covered all of the latest and best headphones over the past 10 years and more, which means they're clued up on everything there is to know about the industry. How to choose the best wireless headphones

We've tested hundreds of wireless headphones over the years, trialling every feature imaginable in a range of environments. That means we've learnt the
key factors that make a great pair of Bluetooth headphones.

First of all, the design really matters. Comfort is crucial when you're wearing wireless headphones: if they don't feel great for a long listening session that defeats the point of having them. So we'd recommend looking for generously padded ear cups for comfort, and strong headbands to help them survive everyday life. Another key decision here is whether you want over-ear or on-ear headphones. Over-ears are generally more immersive, and with
on-ears you'll need to factor in the fact that they do leak a bit more audio which might make you less popular on the bus or train.

It's important to focus on the features that really matter to you. Touch controls are handy, but will you actually use them or do you prefer to use a voice assistant? Do you really need active noise cancellation if you're not going to be listening on public transport? There's no point in paying for features you're not going to use very often.

Price matters too, of course. And while it's true that you get what you pay for and some of the world's best headphones are pretty pricey, that doesn't mean you have to spend hundreds of pounds to get a great audio experience. There are plenty of affordable options that punch way above their price tag, and the compromises tend to be small: slightly less premium materials, perhaps, or a bit more audio leakage when you're listening in public places.

If you're planning to buy headphones to match your existing audiophile kit, such as high-end network streamers or Hi-Res Audio players, look for headphones that use hi-res audio codecs such as Sony's LDAC or the Bluetooth aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs. Without them, your audio source won't be able to stream hi-res audio wirelessly at its best quality.

What it boils down to is that every one of us is different, so there's no
such thing as one pair of headphones everybody should buy. It's about balancing the price and the features so that you get the best possible audio experience at the best possible price. Which is exactly what our guide here
is designed to help you with. ^ Back to the top The best wireless headphones: FAQs Which brand is best for wireless headphones?

That's up to you. The best brand of wireless headphones is the brand that delivers the features and audio quality you want at the price you're willing to pay.

That said, there are some pretty safe bets out there. Apple's headphones are
a good option for teaming with Apple hardware; Sony makes a range of
excellent all-rounders; and as you'd expect from the firm that popularized noise cancelling headphones in the first place, Bose makes some of the best noise cancelling headphones and earbuds you can buy. Though we do think Sony now has the edge with ANC just a little since the launch of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

We'd recommend thinking more about how you'll use them than about the logo. Some offer much better battery life than others, some are more focused on sound and some are focused on convenient features. How much should wireless headphones cost?

You don't necessarily have to spend a ton of money to get great wireless headphones. Paying top dollar usually guarantees a first-class experience,
but there are some incredibly good alternatives that cost a lot less.

For example, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 in this list are affordable at
around $89 / 99 / AU$130. If you step up to around $130 / 130, you can get a big jump in quality from the likes of a mid-range pick, like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus when they're discounted. Then, stepping to around $200 / 200 means another clear jump in features and quality from the Sony WH-1000MX4.
And then you get towards $300 / 300 for the more premium picks, like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 that reward you with an obvious improvement. ^ Back
to the top How we tested the best wireless headphones

Connectivity: We've tested all of the best wireless headphones on this list. The ones that made it into our guide had to tick a number of key boxes. First up, there's Bluetooth connectivity. Wireless is a given, but wireless quality is crucial too: we want our connections to be stable and reliable, not to cut out just as we get to the good bits.

Comfort: Wearability and style matter too. We tested over long periods to
see how comfortable they were during longer listening sessions or commutes, and we also evaluated their style to see if they looked like you were a plugged-in music fan or one of the Cybermen from Dr Who.

Audio quality: The days when wireless headphones got a free pass on sound quality because they were more convenient are long gone. We expect every pair of Bluetooth headphones to deliver clear and powerful sound.

Features: Not all of the headphones in this list have more advanced features such as noise cancellation or AI assistant integration. But we tested those features on the ones that do in order to assess how well the features worked, how well integrated they were and how they compared to rivals.

Price: Last but not least, we considered the cost. We're well aware that premium headphones can be too expensive for some; we're also aware that for some music fans, there's no such thing as an acceptable corner to cut when it comes to audio quality. So we've considered both kinds of listener here, and as a result we believe that every pair of headphones in our guide will make you feel you've spent your money wisely to get the best possible audio experience for you. ^ Back to the top Latest updates to the best wireless headphones guide

October 17, 2025
We've refreshed this guide based on our recent testing, removing lots of older and more specific categories, and focusing on the options we think are truly the best. Everything that's been removed from this guide is still a solid choice, which is why all of these picks can now be found in our 'Other headphones we've tested' section.

July 17, 2025
We made some major changes to the order of this guide and inserted several new products, based on recent testing. This included swapping the Cambridge Melomania P100 for the B&W Px7 S3 as our Best premium choice, but the P100 stays in the list as our Best for battery life pick instead. We also swapped the Sony WH-CH720 for the Sennheiser Accentum Plus as our Best mid-range headphones based on current pricing, and the Sony WH-1000XM6 are now our Best for active noise cancellation choice after comparing them to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. We also added some new products into both the Coming soon and More weve tested sections.

See more updates

April 11, 2025
Refreshed the introduction and added a link to our best open earbuds guide. Switched the Sony WH-CH520 for the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 as our 'best budget' pick based on our recent testing.

March 14, 2025
Rewrote the introduction to stress how long we've been testing (it's a long time!) and updated the 'also consider' section. Added a new 'Products coming soon' section, announcing leaked products from Sony and reviews we're currently working on.

February 17, 2025
Checked all products against our latest reviews. Updated our section of
other products we've reviewed.

January 17, 2025
Rewrote the introduction. Added score cards to the end of each entry so that readers can tell at a glance which recommendations are right for them. Added some new suggestions we've recently reviewed in the 'also consider' section. Refreshed all of the copy to make sure it's all up to date.

December 24, 2024
Updated the introduction, and added more models to our list of other headphones worthy of consideration that we've reviewed.

November 25, 2024
Swapped the 1More Sonoflow for the Earfun Wave Pro, based on our review. Added a Black Friday section to the intro.

October 25, 2024
Rewrote the introduction. Added galleries packed with images of headphones we've tested to give readers a better look at the devices. Added details
about why readers should/shouldn't buy headphones and who they're best for at a glance. Put scorecards under each product to make it easier for readers to weigh up options. Included information about the review team responsible for testing the products.

October 11, 2024
Reordered our list based on our recent testing. Added the Dali IO-8 as our 'best for sound' pick.

September 11, 2024
Replaced the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 for the newer Edifier Stax Spirit S5 based on our testing and the improved design and sound. Added some new
options in our 'also consider' section, including the lovely but expensive Final D7000 headphones and the Creative Zen Hybrid SXFI.

July 31, 2024
Replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless for the Cambridge Audio
Melomania P100 based on our extensive testing and 5-star review.

July 22, 2024
Added the 1More Sonoflow as the best budget noise-cancelling headphones, to offer this feature at a cheaper price than the other options here.

June 24, 2024
Added the Sonos Ace as our 'best for movies' choice and clarified why. Updated the copy throughout and the 'Also consider' section.

May 30, 2024
Refreshed the intro to reflect the current choices for sound, updated the 'Also consider' section to include models recently tested.

April 11, 2024
A dded an 'Also consider' section, where we cover headphones recently
reviewed but not featured in this guide's top picks.

March 11, 2024
Added more information about the comfort of each pair of headphones, and added more clarity to our categorization.

February 9, 2024
Added Sony WH-CH720N as the best mid-priced wireless headphones, and Focal Bathys as the best for audiophile sound.

January 22, 2024
Added Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones into the list following their review, removed Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, and moved Sony WH-1000XM5 down in the list now that a better noise-cancelling option has
been added.

January 2, 2024
Checked all models against currently reviews, and updated for 2024.

November 21, 2023
Added information about Black Friday deals on our headphones choices.

September 21, 2023
Added quick menu for easy navigation and made the list simpler, so you can find something that suits your needs more easily. ^ Back to the top



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-headphones/the-best-wireless-headphon es


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