The Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts while on the move without being tied to your device. The best headphones can connect wirelessly to your phone, laptop or record player using Bluetooth or another protocol.

The active noise cancellation system minimizes the low rumble that comes from buses and chatty colleagues. They are also extremely comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5s are Sony's next generation of flagship headphones. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major improvement over the XM4s. They feature superior noise cancellation and smart features. The headphones are a bit more expensive but have a premium feel and look. These headphones are a great option for commuters or frequent travellers.

The new headphones are made of recycled plastic and feature sleek, minimalist design. They're lighter than the previous models, as well. They're comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the headband is now covered with soft padding that makes it less stiff than it was. The earcups have been made smaller so that they can be placed closer to the ear for less leakage of sound.

The headphones have an automatic adaptive ANC which can alter the volume depending on the environment you're in. The ANC doesn't block as much low-frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however, it is effective in reducing high and mid frequency sounds, like airplane engine roars or office chatter.

Wearing Detection is another useful feature that detects when you remove your headphones, and automatically stops the music. It will then resume playing once you put them on again. Speak-to-Chat lets you converse with someone without taking the headphones off. It works surprisingly well, although it's not a perfect solution and will sometimes switch back to audio playback when you've finished talking.

Sony's DSEE-HX Extreme audio processing engine is also on board. This feature boosts compressed audio to give it more clarity and detail. This is not a feature you'll see every day, but it can make a a big difference when listening high-resolution music.

These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows for higher-bitrate streaming than most other headsets. This will improve their performance when listening to music on your mobile phone, laptop or tablet. They also support multi-point connections which means you can connect them with two devices at the same time. This is particularly useful for those who want to listen to music while making hands-free phone calls.

2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless don't stand out from the crowd however that doesn't mean they aren't an excellent pair of headphones. These over-ear cans offer exceptional noise cancellation, and boast a staggering 60 hours of battery life. This is more than double the time of the majority of competitors and the Sony WH-1000XM5 as well as the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Wireless offering 30 to 40 hours on a charge. The MOMENTUM's impressive battery life is due to a number of power-saving features like sleep and an on-head detector.

Sennheiser headphones are among the best Bluetooth headsets that are available. They feature a symbiotic combination of rich bass and warm mids, Wireless headphone which never overwhelm each other. The high end is clear and not being bright or piercing and the headphone's outstanding clarity allows it to effortlessly handle action film soundtracks that have plenty of brash. The Control app lets you adjust the sound profile as well as add an EQ, making it easy to customize the wifi headphones to your personal preferences.

The MOMENTUM Wireless is slightly less robust than the wired version but it is still solid and well-built. Their comfortable ear pads are also soft and supple and are firmly on the head. I used them all day when I was working at home or on an airplane. They're not ideal for working out, however, since they can slide off the ears if you move your head swiftly.

The MOMENTUM 4 delivers excellent ANC performance, but not as good as Sony WH-1000XM5. They are capable of blocking out background noise and low rumbles from bus and plane engines, but aren't so well at filtering out the chatter of passengers. They also have the benefit of aptX support which provides higher bitrates than AAC and SBC.

The earcups on the Sennheisers swivel to lay flat, but don't fold like some other models. The headphones are small enough to fit into their hard carrying case making them ideal for commutes and travel.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins second-generation wireless headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones that you can purchase. They are in direct competition with Sony's WH1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 65. They have premium build quality, impressive audio performance, and comfort. Contrary to other high-end Bluetooth headsets, they don't have a variety of fancy features or touch-based gesture control, but instead are designed to deliver an audio experience that is as immersive and enjoyable as it can be.

The S2's ANC is efficient in reducing background noise. It is able to block out low-frequency sounds, such as plane and bus engines and mid-range sounds, such as high-pitched laptop fans. The ANC on the Px7 S2 is less effectively against higher-frequency sounds, like traffic and conversations however it does a better job. Bowers & Wilkins' app lets you modify your ANC to your hearing.

They feature a premium design, with a sleek headband and ear cups with leatherette memory foam padding. The headphones are a bit heavier than other top noise cancelling over-ear headsets however, they are worth the money due to their sturdy design and thoughtful construction. They stay comfortable while you listen to music for long periods and are suitable for use at home, at work or for long flights.

When it comes to audio, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2's 40mm dynamic drivers deliver powerful bass, crisp highs, and a spacious, detailed image. They produce a dynamic and rich sound with a distinct air between the sound elements. This makes them a great choice for music and podcasts. They are compatible with the aptX Adaptive Codec, which allows you to stream high-quality audio with minimal latency.

The Px7 S2's controls are simple to use, including an pause/play button and the volume up and down buttons on the right earcup. The buttons are tactile, and the texture enhances the premium feel of these headphones. They're stable over-ears that won't fall off your head, and they fold up into a compact carrying case for easy transportation.

4. V-Moda S-80

The V-Moda S-80 headphones are an exception to the rule that you only get what you pay for. They're among the most attractive wireless headphones and feature an elegant sturdy design. Unfortunately, they cost almost as much as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 -- which is a significant amount of money for a pair of on-ear headphones.

The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless headphone made by the company. It can be placed on your head or wrapped around your neck as a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're designed to enhance contemporary electronic music with a lively sound and support advanced audio codes, such as Qualcomm's HD aptX. They also feature magnetic shields that can be interchanged and have customizable color options so you can create an individual look that matches your outfit or promote your business.

The S-80 is a nice change from the M-Series however, they do have some flaws that make them less than ideal for everyone. Their weight of 12.5 pounds makes them feel heavy on the head, particularly when worn over-ear. This puts pressure on your ears, which can cause earache after approximately an hour of use. The headband can also be a bit stiff and can be uncomfortable to wear the headphones around your neck.

Another problem is the S-80's poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volume levels it's possible to hear significant background noise. It's not an issue, but the lack of ANC means that you'll likely want to limit your listening time to 20 hours per charge.

The absence of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and may hinder their use for intense physical activity. They don't fold and don't come with a case, which reduces portability and stowability. The S-80's robust construction and superior sound quality help to offset these drawbacks. They also have a 2-year warranty and an Immortal Life Program guarantee that will replace your pair for half of their retail value if they break down, get scratched or lose value.