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The best overall is the Bose 700 noise cancelling headphones. They have a long run time, great sound, and good noise cancellation. Plus, you have lots of features to keep you connected to others – all handsfree.
For commuters on a budget buy, try the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT. They sound good, are affordable, and control your phone, including the voice assistant. Plus, you have up to 40 hours of use on a single charge.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 rates as the best sounding headphones in many users’ estimation. If sound is your most important feature, check out this feature loaded product.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the 9 headphones, find out which one is the best fit for you.
Weight: 8.8 ounces︱Battery Time: 20 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: Yes︱Bluetooth Version: 5.0︱ANC: Yes
Bose claims you can turn anywhere you are into a workplace. Tune out the world and handle your calls, change the volume, or select a new song with just a touch.
But you really can do it with ease using the Bose 700 noise cancelling headphones. The right ear cup offers touch control during your music listening sessions.
The sound quality is good and you will enjoy music with this headphone. Some may buy these just for listening to music. But there is more to this product.
Some of the best noise cancelling technology helps to improve your listening experience. With the 700s, you can set 11 different levels. This is one of the widest ranges found in any noise cancelling headphones or earbuds. You have wide control.
If a call should come in while you are listening to music, touch to answer. The Peerless mic picks up voices accurately, even with background noise. So, people on the other end will hear you clearly. If you make a lot of calls, these are one the best, period.
Build quality shows that some serious thought went into the 700s. The lightweight stainless steel headband is plush and durable. Combined with the soft ear cups that are set on angle, you can comfortably wear these all day.
With up to 20 hours of use between charges, it’s good these are comfy for long term use. And while working those long days, you can access a digital assistant at the press of a button. Bose optimizes the 700s for use with Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant.
You also get access to the Bose Music app. This gives you even more options to get the most out of these excellent sounding headphones.
As you might guess, quality comes at a price and these are at the high end of the price range. But if you are a road warrior that needs to work in lots of odd places, these might be worth it for you. The power to zone out and work remotely is a must for some.
Weight: 8.96 ounces︱Battery Time: 30 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: Yes︱Bluetooth Version: 4.2︱ANC: Yes
When Sony says you can work from home like a pro, that statement might get some attention. In today’s modern society, more people than ever are working from a home office.
What do you want in a set of wireless headphones to work at home? Well, first should eliminate the noise. The WH-1000XM3s bring “industry leading” auto noise cancellation (“ANC”). Sony employs a QN 1 chip, one of the best. They do not further elaborate.
However, the WH-1000XM3s have won fans with its ANC performance. For example, CNet named these one of the highest rated noise cancelling headphones on their site.
Combined with up to 30 hours of use on a charge, they are ready to work. Plus, just 10 minutes of charging will get you another 5 hours of playback.
For those long days, they are also built for comfort. The design is ergonomic and allows for long sessions on your head. They are also functional and fold to a small shape to pack up for travel, when needed.
But headphones need to sound good. Past Sony headphones struggled when it came to full, enveloping sound in the past. But the WH1000- XM3s bring sound quality that can compete with the higher end headphones.
Other features include easy access to your digital assistant. Make a call or ask to set a timer. Your assistant is ready to help you with your busy day.
If you make a lot of calls, this product has multiple mics to pick up your voice for clear calls. For some, that is a must.
Then there is the touch control. Press the right ear and your music mutes so you can interact with your surroundings. When a call comes in, touch to answer. Once you link your phone, you are in control with a quick touch of a finger to the headset.
The biggest drawback for some is the price. They are not cheap, But this is not the most expensive product on our list, either. Plus, they even come with some nice accessories like a carry case. They are worth a look if you work on the move, or from home.
Weight: 10.7 ounces ︱Battery Time: 30 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: Yes︱Bluetooth Version: 5.0︱ANC: Yes
Bowers and Wilkins is a name known to audio enthusiasts. After all they did design and make the diamond series speakers used in Abbey Road Studios. And the same engineers built and tuned these PX7 wireless headphones.
They started with 43mm drivers, the largest used in a Bowers & Wilkins headphone. Then they added carbon fiber arms to hold the speakers in place for strength and durability, without adding too much weight.
The controls on the right ear cup let you control your phone and adjust the volume. A long press of the multifunction button even calls up the digital assistant on your phone.
On the left ear cup, you have the noise isolation button which gives you low, high, or auto noise reduction. It can also set the headphones into an ambient pass-through mode. This lets some noise through so you can be aware of your surroundings.
But the ear cups also have sensors. Pick one up and the music stops for a conversation. Or take the headphones off and they go into standby mode. When you put them back on, they automatically wake and connect to the last device used.
As for use, they are comfortable. And that is a good thing since you have 30 hours of use on a single charge. And if you do find you need some extra juice, 15 minutes of charging gets you another 5 hours of listening time.
These are built to last. But you also get a hard side case to store and transport these when necessary. In addition, you get a 3.5mm cable if you want to physically plug the PX7s into a music source. Plus a charging cable.
These sound great and even come in two colors, space gray and silver. If you are fussy about sound quality, you might be willing to pay the extra cash for these headphones.
Weight: 10.7 ounces︱Battery Time: 17 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: Yes︱Bluetooth Version: 5.0︱ANC: Yes
Some products let the form follow the function. The Momentum 3 wireless headphones seem to follow this principle.
A simple stainless steel headband holds the ear cups in place. But it conveniently allows you to adjust the spacing, or size, to your head. Then, the durable headband is covered with genuine leather for a luxurious touch.
The premium ear cups are well padded. Overall, these headphones are comfortable. For those who listen to music, alot, you will enjoy these little touches for those long periods of time on your head.
Speaking of listening sessions, a single charge lasts up to 17 hours. That will get most through a typical day.
But to manage your power, these pause automatically when you take them off for a moment, and resume when you put them back on. Take them off and fold them up, and they automatically shut off.
Sound quality is good. This is due in part to the use of proprietary neodymium transducers. But you can really set the sound to your liking with the Sound Control app from Sennheiser. It gives you a full equalizer to fine tune things.
The Sound Control app also gives you another ability. Smart Tile is built into these headphones. So, with the app you can find the Momentum 3s, anywhere, if you should happen to lose them.
The active noise control gives you three different levels. There is also a Transparent Hearing mode, which lets some sound through so you know what is going on around you, when necessary. The ability to adjust the ANC helps to achieve the best sound.
The Momentum 3 uses control buttons, but it also gives you universal control of your phone. That includes your digital voice assistant. No need to lose touch with these headphones, they help you stay in control and connected.
While a bit pricey, these do sound good and come with accessories. Also included are a charging cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, 3.5mm cable, and a carry case.
For those who like simple to use, but lots of features, you may be willing to pay a little extra for these headphones.
Weight: 10.4 ounces︱Battery Time: 36 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: Yes︱Bluetooth Version: 5.0︱ANC: Yes
Wireless headphones have become important tools for those on the go. That usually involves handling phone calls. If you make a lot of calls and want to be sure you are heard, the Jabra Elite 85H offers an eight microphone arrangement.
Now not all 8 are used to make calls. But 6 are. The microphone array is also used to analyze the sound around you. Based on what they hear, they then respond and adjust the sound based on your personal preferences for that environment.
Jabra calls this self adjusting technology SmartSound Audio. In essence, these keep the headphones optimized for the noise encountered, wherever you are. Plus, there is a Hear-Thru mode to allow ambient sound in, when needed.
To personalize the sound settings and ANC, you can use the Jabra Sound+ app. It is available for both Apple and Android phones.
The build is solid and they are comfortable on any size head. That is a good thing, because you could listen for up to 36 hours straight on a single charge. Only a couple of competing products can top that.
And if you should have to power up, 15 minutes of charging time gets you 5 hours of additional use. These are built for all day use.
Durability is also needed for constant, everyday use. Not a problem with the Jabra Elite 85H. These are dust and water resistant. Rainy days or sweat won’t stop your headphones from doing their job.
Some headphones allow the use of a phone’s digital assistant, but it is not always simple. With the Elite 85H, you access your digital assistant with a single touch. They are even Amazon certified for Alexa. If you use it a lot, you may prefer this product.
So, the Elite 85H will please the audiophile who also makes a lot of phone calls with their headphones. These headphones bring the needed set of features designed with the busy audiophile in mind, and that also includes a substantial 2 year warranty.
Weight: 10.9 ounces︱Battery Time: 40 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: Yes︱Bluetooth Version: 5.0︱ANC: No
Audio-Technica has a reputation for producing great sounding audio equipment. And the ATH-M50xBT headphones are no exception. These have 45 mm drivers to deliver clear accurate sound. And the bass is true, not muddy or overpowering.
The specifications for the speakers bear this out. A sensitivity of 99 dB/mW is better than most of its competitors. The 15-28,000 Hz range also speaks of the great sound in these. That is a good rating for a full sized speaker, let alone a headphone.
But these are wireless headphones. In today’s world, that means staying connected. Audio-Techinca knows that and packed the ATH-M50xBTs with the necessary features. Button control of phone calls, music, and volume are found on the ear cup.
There is also a mic built into the earcup. Answer a call, adjust the volume, or change the song without touching your phone.
They also remembered this is the age of the digital assistant. There is a one touch control for it on the headset. This allows you to use the voice activated search and voice functions in your phone. Without taking the cellphone out of your pocket.
Then there is the 40 hour use time on a single charge. That is ten times the run time of some competitors. However, to get that incredible amount of power you will need to fully charge these, which does take 7 hours.
To let you use all that listening time, these are comfortable to wear for a long time. The padding on the earpieces and headband is plush, but also durable.
These headphones do a good job at isolating noise when in use. But Audio-Technica did not include active noise cancellation. If you need noise cancelling headphones, this is not your product.
The ATH-M50xBTs may not be right for the active exercise enthusiast. But for those who love good audio and listen to music while commuting or working, these might be your go to headphones.
Weight: 10.2 ounces︱Battery Time: 20 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: Yes︱Bluetooth Version: 4.1︱ANC: ??
Soundcore offers a great alternative for less money than most of the competitors. These sound good and you get a nice set of features to stay connected on the move.
To provide an enjoyable audio experience, Soundcore employed 40 mm drivers. They deliver surprising audio quality given the price.
But these headphones also satisfy today’s active people on the go. With things like they fold flat and fit into a hard sided case for travel.
Plus, they have up to 20 hours of use on a single charge. So, the Vortex headphones have enough power to get you through your long days.
This product can also manage your calls using the built multi-function button. It can even activate your phone’s digital assistant.
To pick up your voice, a built-in mic makes phone calls and voice control of your digital assistant a snap. Simply press the button on your headset and talk.
You might expect a low cost alternative to come with no extras. But in this case you would be wrong. You actually get a hard sided case along with a 3.5 mm AUX cable, micro USB cable, and an 18 month warranty.
For those on a budget, who still hope for good audio, these headphones might just satisfy your needs. Plus, you have the features needed to stay connected to the rest of the world.
Weight: 10.9 ounces︱Battery Time: 14 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: No︱Bluetooth Version: n/a︱ANC: ??
One of the first things you notice putting on the Crossfade 2, they are very, very well made. A “Steelflex” headband combined with a steel frame makes these strong. The included “exoskeleton” travel case is hard sided for protection when transporting them.
V-Moda notes the Crossfade 2 is resistant to high and low temperatures, humidity, salt spray and UV exposure. You will be hard pressed to find another set of headphones or earbuds that can make that claim.
The Aramid fiber-reinforced mic cable uses a 45 degree plug. This cable construction resists 1 million bends. It would seem V-Moda designed every detail on the Crossfade 2 headphones with durability in mind.
Then there is the sound. The 50 mm dual-diaphragm drivers can deliver an impressive frequency response of 5 – 40,000 Hz when connected with the AUX wire. Plus, the impedance comes in at 32 ohms. That is slightly power hungry, but quite good.
As for comfort, the foam padding and “vegan” leather covering fill that need. Plus, the ergonomic headband snugs your head for a better fit than most headphones. Long term use is not a problem, these are pleasant to wear.
You will need that comfort. The 14 hours of continuous music or calls lets you use these for long periods while on the go. Should you need a quick power up, 30 minutes of charge gets you another 4 hours of listening time.
To stay connected, you must use a mic cable for calls. It does bring a sensitivity of -42 dB@1kHz so your voice will be clear during conversations. And there is one button control on the wire. But, some will not like cable and that is understandable.
Want to customize your headphones? V-Moda even sells custom “shields” to display your personal style on the ear cups. For those who want to make a statement, check out their website.
For the price, you would expect the latest Bluetooth version. But V-Moda is very secretive about what they use. Audiophiles, the intended users of these, need to know. It feels like they are hiding something.
In summary, these are a poor choice for the road warrior with only 14 hours on a charge. But for true audiophiles, these are perfect. Also, they will please those who need a tough, durable set of earphones.
Weight: 7.33 ounces︱Battery Time: 20 hours︱Digital Assistant Control: No︱Bluetooth Version: 4.0︱ANC: Yes
Marshall has been in the audio game for a long time. And these Mid ANC headphones embrace that heritage.
The classic, small leather design of these headphones calls back to a simpler time. Back then, music was enjoyed on huge speakers played at volume 11. But things have changed.
Many of us now listen with earphones, and for long periods of time while on the go. Headphones reign today, and Marshall managed to blend the past with the future in this fun set of headphones.
The look invokes an upholstered feel, connecting to the appearance of those old amplified speakers with Marshall emblazoned on the front. But inside, these are all 2020.
The ear cups house 40mm dynamic drivers. They provide good bass and a full, clear sound.
Bluetooth eliminates the headphone wires. And the included auto noise cancelling (“ANC”) keeps unwanted noises out.
Then you get up to 20 hours of listening on a single charge. Combined with the plush comfort, you can enjoy music all day long if you so desire.
The comfy fit comes from the light weight, soft microfiber that wraps the headband, and 3d hinges that allow the ear cups to sit where they need to. Plus, Marshal did not skimp on the ear cup padding.
Should a call come in, you can answer, reject, and end phone calls all on your headphones. However, these do not offer easy access to your digital assistant like other products.
For travel, it is hard to beat the Marshall Mid ANC headphones. They are light to carry and fold to a small size. The old style guitar cases inspired the included travel case that even sports a red velvet lining.
Those who fondly remember the Marshall name from days of yore will be drawn to this product for its looks. But the light weight, good sound, and active noise cancelling make these a great choice for anyone in 2020 that listens to lots of music.
Wireless headphones used to have plenty of problems. Nowadays, most of those problems are a thing of the past. Technology advances at a rapid pace, and so does the technology that makes the wireless headphones work.
The problems are that there are too many choices, and not all of the wireless headphones are created equal. We have gathered all of the useful information that you should have in your mind before you purchase a new set of headphones. So, you don’t need to waste time browsing the Internet for hours on end. We have done it for you.
There are a few things that you need to keep in your mind before you can make a smart purchase.
There are a couple of different types of wireless connections. The most popular type today is Bluetooth. Unfortunately, headphone jacks are slowly becoming a thing of the past (thank you, Apple.) Luckily, Bluetooth is here to save the day. If your phone doesn’t have a headphone jack, then the best choice is Bluetooth. It is energy-efficient and has a large range.
Another option is a USB-C headphone dongle. If you are connecting your wireless headphones to your PC, then a USB-C headphone dongle is a very good option. On the other hand, a USB-C headphone dongle is not a good option for phones. Sooner or later you will need to charge your phone. So, you will have to unplug your headphones, which is certainly not the best option.
There are a couple of other methods of connecting wireless headphones, but they are mostly used for the TV. Infrared and radiofrequency connection methods are dated and rare for a reason.
In the end, our advice is to go for Bluetooth or USB-C headphone dongle.
Since most of the wireless headphones utilize the Bluetooth connection, it is important to know a couple of facts.
Earlier versions of Bluetooth were bad sound-wise. The sound produced by early Bluetooth headphones was compressed and sounded horrible. The audio codec used in the first models of Bluetooth headphones was SBC. So, make sure to avoid Bluetooth wireless headphones that come with the SBC audio codec – your ears will thank you.
A new audio codec was introduced some time ago – aptX. It can provide you with CD audio quality. An improved version is aptX HD. It can give you an unparalleled listening experience on your Bluetooth wireless headphones, and it almost eliminates audio latency. So far, it isn’t supported by a large number of devices, but we hope that things will change in the near future.
Another popular audio codec is the AAC. Since the iPhone doesn’t support aptX, it supports the AAC, which provides CD audio quality. Using AAC-compatible wireless headphones with Apple Music is the best audio experience for Apple devices.
You have noticed that we mention whether the wireless headphones are over-ear or on-ear. They might look the same at a first glance, but it is important that you know the differences.
As the name implies, these headphones completely cover your ear. You will notice that the ear tips are large, and some of them come with a cushion to make wearing them more comfortable. Most of the over-ear wireless headphones provide passive noise-canceling properties, but if you want the real deal, go for headphones that advertise noise-canceling properties.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of downsides that may sway your decision. First of all, over-ear headphones tend to be large and bulky, which might play a role in your comfort. Another problem is that wearing over-ear headphones during summer may cause you to sweat.
All in all, over-ear headphones provide a more intimate listening experience, and most of them are comfortable. But, be sure that you opt-in for a model that fits your head well.
You will easily notice on-ear wireless headphones due to their smaller size. They don’t cover your ears, but they rest on your ears.
They are good for hot days because they allow airflow between them and your ears. But, they don’t suppress the outside noise as well as the over-ear headphones do. Another problem that you might notice is that on-ear headphones tend to press down on your ears. After a while, you might feel discomfort due to the pressure on your ears.
If you are planning to buy on-ear wireless headphones, then our advice is to try them on if it is possible.