Test: How Much Do You Know About Best Wireless Headphones?

The Best Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts on the go without being tied to your device. The best wireless headphones connect to your laptop, phone or record player via Bluetooth or another protocol.

The active noise cancellation system reduces the low rumble from chatty coworkers and bus engines. They're also incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5s is Sony's flagship headphones. The WH-1000XM5s represent a major improvement over the XM4s. They offer better noise cancellation and smart features. The headphones are more expensive but have a premium feel and look. They have plenty to offer, and they're a great choice for commuters and frequent travelers.

The new headphones have a sleek minimalist design, made of recycled plastic. They're much lighter than earlier models, and also more comfortable. They're comfortable to wear for extended time periods, and the earband is now covered in soft padding, which makes it less rigid than it was. The ears are also smaller, which means they fit closer to the ears to ensure that there is less leakage of sound.

They have an auto-adaptive ANC system that's capable of changing how loud it blasts out based on your environment. The ANC isn't able to block the same amount of low frequency noise as Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless or QC45 however, it is effective in reducing mid and high frequency noises, such as plane engine roars or office chatter.

Other features that are smart include Wearing Detection that detects when you take off the headphones and automatically pauses your music, and then starts playing once you put them back on. Speak-to-Chat lets you talk to people without taking your headphones off. It's great, but it's not perfect. Sometimes, the audio will be switched off after you've finished talking.

The DSEE-HX Extreme Audio Processing Engine from Sony is also included. This feature can boost compressed audio to provide it with greater clarity and detail. This is not a feature that you'll come across every day, but it can make a an enormous difference when listening to high-quality music.

These headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, which supports higher-bitrate streaming than most other headsets. This should improve their performance when you stream music from your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet. They also support multipoint connectivity so you can pair with two devices simultaneously. This is especially helpful for those who want to listen to music while using the device to make hands-free phone calls.

2. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless headphones aren't exactly the most original however that doesn't mean they're not a great pair. These headphones have exceptional noise cancellation and a staggering 60 hours of battery life. This is easily double the length of most rivals. The Sony WH1000XM5 or the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 wireless offer 30 to 40 hours of battery life. The MOMENTUM 4's impressive endurance is due in part to a variety of power-saving features, such as sleep and head-to-head detection.

In terms of sound quality, the Sennheisers are among the top Bluetooth headphones on the market, offering a an enviable blend of a rich bass and warm mids that don't overpower each other. The high-end is crisp, but not piercing. Its clarity allows it to take on the most explosive action film soundtracks. The Control app lets you alter the sound profile and also add an EQ, which makes it simple to adjust the headphones to suit your personal preferences.

Compared to the wired version, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are slightly less robust, but still feel solid and well-constructed. The ear pads of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are soft and supple and are comfortable on the head. I used them all day, whether working at home or on the plane. However, they are not as good for exercising, as they can fall off your ears when you move quickly.

The MOMENTUM 4 delivers excellent ANC performance, but isn't quite as good as Sony WH-1000XM5. They eliminate low noise from plane and bus engines, but don't really do a a great job of eliminating chattering between passengers or other noises in the surrounding. They also have the added benefit of aptX support which provides more bitrates than AAC and SBC.

The ear cups on the Sennheisers can pivot to lay flat, but don't fold like other models. The headphones are small enough to fit into their carrying case that is hard, making them perfect 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 compete closely with top competitors like Bose's QuietComfort 65, while offering high-end build quality, incredible comfort, and audiophile performance. They don't feature fancy features or touch-based control gestures like a lot of premium Bluetooth headphones. Instead, they're made to provide a sound experience that is enjoyable and immersive.

The Px7 S2's ANC is very effective in attenuating ambient noise, with an excellent level of isolation from low-frequency rumble like plane and bus engines, mid-range noises like office chatter, as well as the high-pitched whirl of laptop fans. They aren't able to isolate as effectively from higher-frequency sounds, such as traffic or conversation, but are more effective than their predecessors. Bowers & Wilkins' app lets you alter your ANC to your hearing.

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

Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2's dynamic drivers with 40mm provide powerful bass, crisp treble, and clear imaging. They provide a rich and dynamic sound, with an airy space between the elements of sound making them a great option for listening to music or podcasts. They offer an aptX Adaptive codec that allows you to stream high-quality audio with minimal latency.

The controls on the Px7 S2 are easy to operate. They include the volume up/down button along with a play/pause button and the earcup button. The buttons are tactile, and the texture makes for a premium feel of these headphones. They're a sturdy set of over-ears that will not fall off your head, and they fold up into a small carrying case to make it easy to 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 are among the most attractive wireless headphones and have a sleek sturdy design. However, they cost nearly the same amount as Sony WH1000XM5 or Bowers & Wilkins px7 S2 quite a bit for a pair of headphones that sit on your ear.

The V-Moda S-80 is the first wireless headphone made by the brand.  wireless on ear headphones  can be worn on your head, or tied around your neck to create a personal speaker (earcups facing upwards). They're tuned to enhance modern electronic music with a dazzling sound and support the latest audio codes, such as Qualcomm's HD aptX. They also feature interchangeable magnetic shields and customizable color options so that you can give them distinctive looks to match your attire or promote your business.

The S-80 is a refreshing departure from the M-Series but they have some flaws that make them less than ideal for everyone. The 12.5 ounces of weight makes them feel heavy, particularly when placed on the ears. This causes pressure on the ear, which could cause an earache within a matter of hours. The headband is also stiff and uncomfortable when worn around your neck.

The S-80 has poor noise cancellation. Even at moderate volumes, you can still hear significant background noise. It's not a deal-breaker however the absence of ANC will mean you'll need to limit the amount of time you listen to music to around 20 hours per month.

Finally, the S-80's lack of a 3.5mm port hinders connectivity and could hinder their use in intense physical activities. They don't fold and don't have a case, which limits portability and stowability. The S-80's robust construction and superior sound quality help to offset the limitations. They also have a two-year warranty as well as the Immortal Life Program guarantee that will replace your pair for 50% of their retail price in the event that they fail to function, suffer scratched or lose value.