Wireless headphones are the way to go if you’re looking for convenience and functionality. Unless you’re an audiophile who demands the highest possible hi-res sound quality, which can only be achieved with wired headphones, wireless headphones are a must-have. These headphones sound great and come packed with features, including active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency modes that let you hear the outside world as you want, excellent call quality, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and more.
We are constantly searching for the finest wireless headphones, and we prioritize comfort, audio quality, and battery life. In this roundup, we will be concentrating on over-ear wireless headphones. We also have a list of the best wireless earbuds if you’re interested.
That said, we think that Sony's latest WH-1000XM5 are so good that they currently take the top spot on not just this list, but also our list of the best headphones, period. They're light, very comfortable, have excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, and are packed with premium features.
But if you have something else in mind, like a set of earbuds or something a little more affordable, we have you covered with a variety of additional wireless headphones to compare.
The best wireless headphones overall
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Excellent sound
- Very good comfort
- Ultra-clear call quality
- Best-in-class noise canceling
- Very good battery life
- Hi-res compatible (wired/wireless)
- Hands-free voice assistant access
- Classy, modern design
- Fold-flat, but don’t fold up
The previous leader of this list was Sony's WH-1000XM4, and the WH-1000XM5 have everything that made those headphones amazing, plus a bit more.
Let's break them down, shall we? The design has gotten an update with smaller drivers and a slimmer, more elegant shape that also makes the headphones a little lighter to wear. The battery life of these new cans is almost unchanged, providing 30 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) on and 40 hours without (the XM4s were just a tad behind that last number with 38 hours). And while Sony says it has improved its software algorithms and hardware when it comes to active noise cancellation, the 1000XM5 are basically the same as the XM4 — excellent.
Like the XM4s, Sony's WH-1000XM5s include Bluetooth multipoint connection, allowing them to be connected to two different devices at the same time. The wear sensor continues to be a handy addition, automatically pausing content when you remove the headphones. Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme tech that upscales compressed digital sound sources using artificial intelligence continues to get the most out of your audio files, too.
In addition to the updated design and improved ANC, the headset now includes more mics to bump up the call and chat accuracy. Are they worth an extra $50 for the upgrades? Absolutely: We still haven't seen a contender that can beat this headset line.
Best noise canceling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Premium materials and design
- Excellent comfort
- Best-in-class noise canceling
- Natural-sounding transparency
- Impressive spatial audio
- Hi-res compatibility
- Tricky volume control
- ANC can't be turned off
If you head over to our best noise-canceling headphones post, you'll discover that the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have recently stolen the top spot from this list's top dog, the Sony WH-1000XM5s. Yes, the Ultras are that good at shutting out the world around you. But let's get more specific.
Bose has always been one of the kings of ANC (active noise cancellation), and with its new flagship cans, they're back with a vengeance. Bose claims that they're the quietest over-ear headphones they've ever made, which has been corroborated in our review where they outperformed both the AirPods Max and the XM5s, effectively blocking out a wide range of common environments, including noisy city streets, busses and streetcars, noisy malls, cafe's and more. Transparency mode is also excellent and features a new Active Sense mode that listens for loud noises so it can activate ANC to keep your ears safe. Plus, a new Modes feature lets you tailor-make your own ANC and transparency presets (as many as you want) do dial in that perfect balance.
Sound quality on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is, as expected, also still really good, and new for the Ultras, Bose has added spatial audio support for immersive 3D sound. Overall, the Ultras have a great sound signature that is super clear and defined in the highs and low (they've actually dialed this back from previous versions) and even more bass forward than ever; comparable to the much-praised Sony XM5s. But like with most headphones now, you can tune everything to your exact preferences with the Bose Music app.
The QC Ultra's earcups have kept their physical button controls, which many people prefer over touch controls, making them easy to use even with gloves on. Battery life on the Ultras maxes out at up to 24 hours without ANC and 18 with, which isn't great when compared to the likes of Sennheiser's 60-hour Momentum 4 Wireless, but, I mean, who really needs 60-hour battery life? A 15-minute quick charge on the Ultras will net you an extra 2.5 hours, too.
Lastly, it's worth mentioning the outgoing king of ANC form Bose, the fantastic Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which you still might be able to find for a song.
Best for iPhone users
Apple AirPods Max
- Best-in-class ANC
- Amazing transparency mode
- Excellent build quality
- Excellent sound quality
- Top-notch call quality
- Charges via Lightning cable
- Heavy on head
Yes, their price is high. In fact, at $549 (less elsewhere), they're the most expensive headphones on this list by a mile. But if you're willing to make that investment, Apple rewards you with a beautiful design, high-quality materials, and a feature set that will please the most discerning listener.
Where the AirPods Max truly shine is their ANC, transparency, and call quality, each of which is best-in-class for wireless headphones. That's saying something considering just how good the competition (Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700) is. The noise-canceling is sublime, and our reviewer believes their transparency mode is the closest thing you can get to not wearing headphones at all.
Apple has also done its usual "it just works" magic with the AirPods Max's controls. The digital crown knob may look a little unusual perched on top of the right earcup, but it's intuitive and even a little addictive. The dedicated button for ANC/transparency is also perfectly positioned and works like a charm.
The innovative mesh materials used on the headband and ear cushions are comfortable, but they can't quite make up for the AirPods Max's one major drawback: Their weight. Considerably heavier than any other models on this list, you may find that they're simply too weighty for long listening sessions.
Battery life is on the low end at 20 hours, but this number might be conservative. At lower volume levels, it could easily extend to 25. Pairing with and switching between Apple devices is a snap. The only thing we think Apple has to rethink with the AirPods Max is the protective travel case, which is neither very protective nor very useful for travelers. Thankfully, there's no shortage of AirPods Max accessories to remedy that fact.
It's been more than two years since Apple updated the AirPods Max, and the rumor mill is spinning that a second-gen may be on the way, so you might want to wait — for the new tech and for the first-gen to go on sale. That said, here's what we'd like to see with a refreshed AirPods Max.
Best for the eco-minded music fan
Urbanista Los Angeles
- Solar charging really works
- Secure fit
- Real-time power meter in app
- Huge 80-hour battery
- Only works under optimal conditions
- No EQ adjustments
This Urbanista headset offers a fascinating proposition: Wear them out in the sun, and they'll recharge automatically thanks to the solar cells in the headband. Leave them out long enough, and they'll fill up an enormous 80-hour battery reserve you can use for days. While that's a very climate-dependent benefit (they're called "Los Angeles" for a reason), those in the right areas have plenty to benefit from.
Solar power is far from the only thing the Los Angeles offer. The headset also delivers competent ANC, with an ambient sound mode (aka transparency mode) so you can hear the outside world while you're moving around, plus complete app controls that allow you to monitor operation, adjust volume, and check on the solar sensor.
The headset supports Google Assistant, Siri, and Bluetooth 5.0 connections. The ear shell design uses vegan leather for sound-canceling foam for a comfortable (if simple) design. Of course, outdoor users will get a lot more out of the headset than others, but it's still an ambitious — and clever — result from Urbanista.
Best budget wireless headphones
1More SonoFlow
- Great sound quality
- Very comfortable for long periods
- Ridiculous battery life
- Solid ANC performance
- Great app support
- Affordable price
- No wear sensors
- Wired mode disables extra features
When we list the best features of the SonoFlow, we know it sounds like a headset well over $100, especially with ANC and a transparency mode included. But no, these wireless headphones are incredibly affordable compared to other options and come packed with desirable features – including especially good sound quality at this price.
1More has also done miracles with the SonoFlow’s battery, which can last up to 50 hours with ANC turned on, making these headphones one of the best picks for those who want to go wireless for as long as possible before plugging in. We’re also impressed with the detailed app options included here, with a variety of different modes to choose from and plenty of EQ adjustments. Plus, the design is simple and comfortable to wear even for long periods.
The minor issues with SonoFlow don’t have a lot of impact on your listening experience: You lose some features when in wired mode, and there’s no wear sensor to automatically pause when you take the headphones up. That’s a small price to pay for, well, such a small price on these excellent headphones.
Best for sound quality
Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Amazing battery life
- Outstanding sound
- Effective wind noise reduction
- Comfortable
- Effective ANC
- No auto-off function
We were amazed at the audio quality with the Momentum 3, but somehow Sennheiser found multiple ways to upgrade it with the 4. This is still the best wireless sound you can get for the money, suitable for every kind of audio but shining especially well when it comes to strong, accurate bass and detailed treble.
The Momentum 4 also comes with ANC that features specific modes to combat wind interference or switch to transparency options. And while the new over-ear design is undeniably large, Sennheiser has enough experience to make sure they’re comfortable for long periods of listening as well. Battery life is also excellent – in fact, our review found it lasted up to 60 hours with ANC on, something that no other headphones can manage yet (and far, far better than the Momentum 3 managed).
Some things are missing here, though, such as an automatic off function (although wear sensors are included), but you aren’t giving up much at all for the huge sound upgrade that undoubtedly makes these headphones worth it.
Best for the style-conscious buyer
Master & Dynamic MH40
- Top-quality materials/build
- Unique styling
- Excellent sound
- aptX Adaptive
- USB-C digital audio
- Good battery life
- Pricey
- No ANC/transparency
- May not please bass fans
- iPhones miss out on best wireless/digital sound quality
If you're the style-conscious type looking for a pair of wireless cans that look as good as they sound, then look no further. The Master & Dynamic MH40s are an updated version of their 2019 predecessor, but M&D has left its cool vintage aviator looks, with leather and metal stylings, untouched, instead focusing on some upgrades under the hood.
While the 2019 model sounded excellent, the new model ups the game further with redesigned titanium drivers that provide a wider soundstage, improved Bluetooth audio with the aptX Adaptive codec (for Android only, sorry iPhone users), and some great EQ presets to help you zero in on your perfect sound balance. The addition of direct digital USB-C connectivity opens up full-quality, lossless music (also Android only, or via a computer connection) through to the MH40 W’s internal digital-to-analog converter (DAC), capable of rendering up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution from the likes of Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, or your own FLAC files.
All this is to say that while the Master & Dynamic MH40s don't have ANC or transparency mode, you might not miss them because they aren't just pretty to look at, they offer some serious sound. Some other improvements from the 2019 model include a longer battery life (up from 18 hours to 30 per charge), faster charging (6 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging), and some improvements to the microphones for better call quality.
Best for gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
- Top-tier audio quality
- Expansive Sonar software
- High-quality ANC
- Comfortable fit with multiple adjustment points
- Fully retractable microphone
- Dual USB inputs
- GameDAC doesn't fully integrate with Sonar
- Microphone is prone to pick up noise
- Spatial audio can have nasty interactions with EQ
SteelSeries has long known how to make a high-quality gaming headset, but the Arctis Nova Pro takes gaming audio to another level with its incredible redesign. The Sonar software allows for deep customization (and even title-specific suggestions), including a parametric EQ, but these headphones are tuned for accurate audio right of the box, so you don't have to worry about the details if you don't want to.
Other important features also make these headphones usable around the home, including great ANC, and a fit that's lightweight without feeling cheap, plus plenty of physical adjustments you can make. The retractable mic also works well (we found it sometimes picks up ambient noise, though) and won't ever get in the way.
The Arctis Nova Pros have a swappable battery design that's made for switching the actual battery on the fly — so you have one on deck charging at all times. But a USB-C port does allow for on-ear charging, albeit a bit awkwardly, as noted by our senior gaming writer, Jacob Roach, in his full review. Two battery packs are included with the headset — which is good, because battery life is lower than past SteelSeries headsets at 22 hours at only 2.4Ghz wireless, and 18 hours when using 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time, with with ANC on.
Best wireless headphones for kids
PuroQuiet Plus ANC Headphones
- Volume limitation so music doesn't get too loud
- Comfortable and durable design
- 23-hour battery
- Active Noice Cancelation
- Can't compare to wireless headphones designed for sound quality
Puro Sound Labs' PuroQuiet kids headphones have gotten a new coat of paint and a rebranding recently, updating the model to PuroQuiet Plus. And while things haven't been fiddled with too much, there are a few improvements to the $140 ANC Bluetooth kids headphones.
USB-C has been added to the The PuroQuiet Plus and they are now available in two new colors — purple and teal that kids are sure to like. Otherwise, Puro Audio Labs has taken an "if it's not broken, don't fix it" approach to the new model.
Parents will be most interested in the PuroQuiet Plus' volume-limiting feature, which caps things at 85 decibels by default, the maximum safe volume that children should be exposed to, to prevent hearing damage over time.
Active noise cancelation is also a feature of the PuroQuiet Plus, which is something you don't see often in kids headphones and probably account for much of the higher price. While it might be easy to dismiss ANC as a feature that might not seem useful for kids, it does have its merits for helping to block out distracting daily noise and background sounds to help calm them or even concentrate better.
The previous generation of PuroQuiets sounded great for a set of kids headphones, and the same can be said of the Plus. Puro hasn't messed with the call quality either, making the headphones good for a range of communications uses such as remote learning, video calling with relatives, and, yes, online gaming with friends.
PuroQuiet Plus pair easily with phones, tablets, and computers over Bluetooth, but the option is also there to connect with the included 3.5mm volume-limiting cable. They also come with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for daisy chaining to another set of PuroQuiet Plus headphones. A 3.5mm heapdhone splitter can also be purchased separately so two sets of headphones can connect to the same audio source. However, be sure to connect to the splitter with the PuroQuiet's included volume limiting cable to ensure the volume safety is still present.
The PuroQuiet Plus are comfortable for long periods of wear and have a decent (if unchanged) battery life — up to 35 hours of non-ANC playtime and up to 23 hours with ANC on.
Best price-is-no-object wireless headphones
Dali IO-12
- Incredible sound quality
- Supreme comfort
- Top-notch build and materials
- Wired, digital, and wireless hi-res connections
- Very good battery life
- Clear transparency mode
- Very expensive
- No companion app
- No wear sensors
If you happen to have an extra $1,300 laying around, you could do much worse than the Dali IO-12 wireless headphones form the makers of some of the best hi-fi speakers you can buy. In our review, we observed that while the pricey Dali IO-12 headphones may be unaffordable for some, if you value superior sound quality above everything else, these headphones may be worth the price. As stated by our headphone expert, Simon Cohen, "I have yet to come across wireless headphones that sound better."
The Dali IO-12's are made using high-quality materials, are wrapped in gorgeous leather, and have a sturdy, durable build that will last for years to come. Thanks to their soft memory foam earcushions and adjustable headband, they provide excellent comfort for extended listening sessions.
Connectivity-wise, the IO-12's support Bluetooth aptX HD/aptX Adaptive for use with devices that support it, lossless hi-res audio up to 24bit/96kHz when connected using USB-C, and good old fashioned analog via the included analog cables. Read our review for specifics on how the OI-12's can handle your analog sources, it's pretty cool. These sound features make them a worthwhile investment for anyone passionate about their audio experience and wanting to enjoy their music to the fullest.
The Dali IO-12s also have excellent battery life at around 35 hours, which puts them in the ballpark of Sony's blockbuster cans, the WH-1000XM5 that boast up to 30 hours. The Dali IO-12's feature transparency mode, respectable ANC, and impeccably-tuned microphones for what Cohen calls "almost studio level of detail" during phone calls. All of these points make these headphones a winner, regardless of price.
If your pockets are deep but the Dali IO-12s don't do it for you, an honorable mention goes to the Mark Levinson No. 5909 wireless headphones. These luxurious $1,000 cans also sound amazing, feature ANC and transparency modes, and support for aptX Adaptive, LDAC, SBC, and AAC Bluetooth codecs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wired headphones will almost always offer better fidelity, longevity, and durability. For most folks, though, wireless headphones offer significantly more convenience and most let you use them as wired headphones too.
This depends on many factors, but batteries last anywhere from three to 36 hours or more per charge (some models go up to 40 to 50 hours, but this is rare). Expect battery life on the lower end of that scale for wireless earbuds, while full-sized over-ear headphones typically last much longer. If the wireless headphones in question offer a decently fast quick-charge option, that can make up for a smaller battery capacity.
A bigger question is: How long will those rechargeable batteries continue to hold a full charge? As we've seen with Apple's AirPods, the answer isn't always great.
As long as they have a built-in microphone, which the vast majority do, you can make calls with your wireless headphones.
Yes, if they have an IPX rating for water or sweat resistance.
This depends heavily upon the make and model. Look for aluminum frames and durable foam if you want your headphones to last. The good news is that you don't have to worry about cables ripping or tearing.
Yes, wireless headphones don't turn off or stop working while you charge them, and most do include a detachable cable for a 3.5mm jack as well. In some unusual cases, certain features or audio settings may not be available while headphones are charging. You also don't need to worry much about headphones overcharging, as modern headphone batteries come with protection against overcharging damage.
Generally only with TVs that output Bluetooth audio, many of which do not. Otherwise, you’ll usually need an adapter or select soundbars with Bluetooth transmission.
That can vary a lot based on the headphones. Full headphones may not have quick-charge features more often found on earbuds, where only 5 to 10 minutes can give you enough charge for an upcoming activity (although some, like the AirPods Max, do have quick charging). Most will fully charge in two to three hours, or slower if you are using them at the same time.
This is a feature in many headphones with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) that allows some environmental sounds to enter the headphones instead of blocking off as much as possible. Transparency modes are useful while jogging or cycling to hear the world outside and avoid possible accidents, or if you need to keep an ear open for sounds from another room, timers going off, etc.
We test headphones and earbuds the way normal people live.
We run every pair of headphones through a rigorous process over several days. That includes playing them in all sorts of scenarios — be it on a bus, in the listening room, or at the office — and playing back from a wide array of sources. We know most people use their headphones with a smartphone, often with lower quality MP3 resolution tracks, so we do, too.
However, we also move up to high-resolution audio files, as well as a wide variety of sources, including plugging in directly to a PC or Mac, using USB DACs (digital-to-analog converters), and employing high-quality dedicated portable players and amplifiers. Finally, we compare the headphones to some of our go-to models, both in their class and price point, as well as a level or two above to find out if they can punch above their weight.
Latency and lag are rarely noticeable on today's wireless headphones. It shouldn't be a problem when watching shows or games, for example, unless something is wrong with your internet connection. For the best results, use devices compatible with the latest standards like Bluetooth's aptX, which includes a low latency feature with excellent results. Even wireless gaming headsets are a common option, and when latency is measured in milliseconds there's not much to worry about.
All that said, there will technically be more latency on wireless headphones than with a wired connection.
