Update: The best wireless headphones are always in flux. Check out our updated list below.
Wireless headphones are all about empowerment. After all,
you've now graduated from the wire, the training wheels of electronics.
But be aware: with the power you get from clipping the cable, wireless
can be unwieldy.
Thankfully, our choices for best wireless headphones have
very few issues (if any) and are the best that we've had a chance to
try.
1. Sennheiser Momentum Wireless
Incredible audio fidelity backed by a serious price
Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: N/A | Cable length: 4.6 feet | Frequency response: 16-22,000Hz | Drivers: N/A | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: 28 ohms | Battery life: 25+ hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | NFC: Yes
Comfy, rugged build
Best-in-class sound
Everlasting battery life
Terribly pricey
These no-holds-barred wireless headphones are oozing with
positive qualities, but for many, they're almost prohibitively
expensive. However, if you're an audio lover that can spare the expense,
do not hesitate on this comfortable, hard-working set of headphones
that will likely last for years.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Momentum Wireless2. Jabra Move Wireless
Sporty Bluetooth headphones that aim to surprise
Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: .33 pounds | Cable length: N/A | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Drivers: Two 1.5" drivers | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 94db @ 1kHz | Impedance: 29 ohms | Battery life: 8+ hours | Wireless range: 33+ feet | NFC: No
Bold design
Lightweight
Little noise isolation
The Jabra Move Wireless are one of the best values around
for Bluetooth headphones. Not only does the minimalistic design -
infused with the energetic Cobalt blue styling - impress off the bat, it
keeps on delivering the goods with a surprising amount of function and
performance.
You'll find deeper lows and mids and highs with an extra
level of crisp when you drop a couple more big bills, but for the money,
the Jabra Move Wireless offer a big, full sound.
Read the full review: Jabra Move Wireless3. Skullcandy Grind Wireless
Stellar sound without shredding your wallet
Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 0.68 pounds | Cable length: N/A | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: 40mm | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life: 12 hours | Wireless range: 33 feet | NFC: No
Attractive aesthetics
Reasonably priced
Short battery life
Too few accessories
In the battle of the brands, it can be hard to trust an
outsider. You probably know and trust companies like Sennheiser, Sony,
Bose and Beats. And nothing against the tried and true headphone
manufacturers, but a lot of what you're paying for is the name.
The Skullcandy Grind Wireless is a black sheep, it breaks
convention left and right and yet delivers in all the major areas. It's
far from perfect (see: battery life and accessories), but, for its $89
(£69, about AU$116) price tag, you're getting a great-sounding,
well-constructed pair of cans that know how to rumble with bass notes
and rock with mids and highs.
Read the full review: Skullcandy Grind Wireless4. Sony MDR-ZX770BT
Affordable wireless headphones that deliver big
Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: .52 pounds | Cable length: N/A | Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz | Drivers: Two 1.6" speakers | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life: 20+ hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | NFC: Yes
Comfortable fit
Fantastic battery life
Cramped soundstage
Light on bass
While not the fanciest option available, those only looking for the
must-have features will find that there's a lot to like here. The build
quality and materials are top-notch for the price. The sound quality
won't blow your mind, but it's totally serviceable for listeners looking
for a full sound. Its most treasured feature is the battery life, which
lasts for 17 hours. Personally, I was able to squeeze 20 hours out of
them.Read the full review: Sony MDR-ZX770BT
5. Koss BT540i
High-performance Bluetooth headphones for music lovers
Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: N/A | Cable length: 4.5 feet | Frequency response: 10-25,000Hz | Drivers: N/A | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: 38 ohms | Battery life: 10+ hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | NFC: Yes
Low-profile design
Balanced sound
Befuddling button layout
If value is your main concern when looking for a set of headphones,
you'll be pleased with the Koss BT540i. The Milwaukee, Wisc.-based Koss
is known for providing a good bang-for-your-buck experience and these
are no exception.While these lack premium features like touch controls on the earcups or active noise cancellation, you'll hardly notice, what with the spectacular sound quality and comfy ear cushions.
Read the full review: Koss BT540i
6. Optoma NuForce BE6
Wireless in-ear headphones with (almost) no compromise
Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: 6 ounces | Cable length: 22 inches | Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz | Drivers: Two drivers | Driver type: Dynamic | Sensitivity: 95dB | Impedance: 20 Ohm | Battery life: 6 hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | NFC: No
Compact, aluminum build
Stellar performance
So-so battery
If you find yourself wanting to explore the world of wireless
headphones, this is a nearly perfect place to get started. Although
Optoma is more known for its projectors, the BE6 prove that the company
is to be taken seriously in the headphone department, too.These $129 earphones offer a slick, compact design and sound just as good, if not better, than a trusty set of wired headphones. The six hour battery is a little disappointing, but as the only flaw in this package, it's easy to overlook.
Read the full review: Optoma NuForce BE6
7. Beats Solo 2 Wireless
Proof that Beats is quickly closing the gap between style and sound
Acoustic design: Closed | Weight: .47 pounds | Cable length: 4.2 feet | Frequency response: N/A | Drivers: N/A | Driver type: N/A | Sensitivity: N/A | Impedance: N/A | Battery life: 12+ hours | Wireless range: 30+ feet | NFC: No
Long battery life
Great sound
Expensive
There are certain qualities we all like in a set of headphones and
these have 'em: sleek design, great sound and long-lasting comfort.
However, the signature feature in Beats headphones is one that some
people may not be so fond of, namely, their heavy lean on bass.Thankfully, Beats is moving on from their bass-heavy past and moving to a more balanced sound. This is evident as ever in the Beats Solo 2 Wireless and it's about time.
Read the full review: Beats Solo 2 Wireless