HomeElectronics & ComputersBest Wireless Headphones 2021 - Reviews and Buyer's Guide

Best Wireless Headphones 2021 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

best Wireless HeadphonesThere are a lot of good wireless headphones out there.

So, how do you even begin to choose which pair is right for you?

After testing more than a dozen different pairs of Wireless headphones..

.. We’ve come up with this best wireless headphones buying guide.

So for the best, take a very good look at these things..

Best Wireless Headphones List 2021

To be able to find you through the more than filled market of wireless headphones, lean a moment on our reviews!

Device NameRangePlaytimeWeightSweat proof 
Jabra MOVE Wireless
(Editor’s Pick)
32 Feet8 Hours150GramsNo
Bose QuietComfort 35
(Best Seller)
33 Feet20 hours235 GramsNo
Sennheiser PXC 55030 Feet30 Hours227 GramsNo
Sony WH-1000XM240 Feet30 Hours202 GramsNo
Jaybird X3 Sport
(Best for Bucks)
33 Feet8 Hours13.6 GramsYes
AKG N60NC20 Feet6 Hours90 GramsNo
Bowers & Wilkins P530 Feet17 Hours213 GramsNo
Jabra Elite Sport30 Feet8 Hours300 GramsYes
JLab Epic Air30 Feet7 Hours200 GramsYes
Plantronics Backbeat PRO330 Feet24 Hours340 GramsNo

1. Jabra MOVE Wireless – Best Headphones 2021 (Editor’s Pick)

Jabra MOVE Wireless

When it comes to looks, it is obvious that Jabra MOVE wireless takes the lead. The sound quality is unmatched with the connectivity via Bluetooth for your convenience.

The connection range can be as far as 30 feet from the source. However, they come in a range of colors; red, blue and black. Most importantly, they are designed to fit across the head with the help of an expandable headband.

Sound Quality

The headphone, although less costly, has a stereo sound quality that you will find it more comfortable with your ears. Listening to music via Bluetooth will make you realize that the ambiance is great and pleasant.

Also, they deliver an incredible audio to keep you entertained all through.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Refined stereo output
  • Low bass

  • Brings out mid-range in refined form
  • Gentle sound

  • High bass
  • Clear and crisp

Built and Design

Jabra MOVE wireless headphones are designed to suit your color preference. From red to blue all the way to black, these headsets have set the trend in wireless entertainment platform.

A micro USB port is tucked away below the right earcup along with the power/Bluetooth switch. On the left earcup, you will find volume control and auxiliary audio jack pin.

The earcups are decorated with thin lining memory foam to guarantee you a sense of comfortability.

Connectivity

Jabra MOVE Wireless connects promptly to Bluetooth enabled devices such as phones, tablets, and computers. The optional audio cable can be used when you are on flights.

At full charge, Jabra MOVE Wireless is capable of providing crystal clear music in a range of up to 20 meters from the source.

Battery Life

Jabra MOVE Wireless will not disappoint when it comes to battery life. Even though it is below the other brands in features and price, eight hours of the audio session between charges will not deny you a moment of pleasure.

Moreover, you have twelve days of standby for your convenience. The headset, however, can still play music even when the battery is at its lowest.

Alternatively, you may choose to use the audio cable in a bid to save on battery performance.

Conclusion

Although Jabra MOVE might be affordable, its quality sound output goes beyond your expectations. Therefore, it is recommended for you if you are interested in a well-designed headset with a cutting-edge performance.


Pros

  • Lightweight.
  • Durable.
  • Balanced audio.
  • Affordable.
  • Comfortable.


Cons

  • Shorter battery life.
  • Does not offer much in terms of noise cancellation.


2. Bose QuietComfort 35 – Best for Music and Movies

bose quietcomfort 35

When you think of class, Bose QuietComfort 35 should be on top of your list. The unique aspect of Google Assistant inbuilt should keep you on toes till you get hold of this state of the art headset.

Apparently, you can listen to music, receive texts, perform your daily duties, and get answers. All these made possible with your voice. All you need to do is to press and hold the Action button and your Google Assistant will do the rest.

Just like the rest of wireless headsets, you can still experience quality music thanks to the world-class noise cancellation technology.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is the main point of your focus. However loud or full the music gets, you will still get that quality that Bose QuietComfort 35 is credited for.

This is possible due to the driver feature of volume-optimized EQ for outstanding performance. Overall, the headphone is designed to give you quality and consistency regardless of where you are.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Sound clarity
  • Excellent bass respond

  • Well-tuned sound output
  • Little sound bumps
  • High mids give vocals and guitar

  • Crisp sound
  • Plenty of clarity

Built and Design

The Bose QuietComfort 35 has unique features in its design. It is built with an impact-resistant material together with glass-filled nylon as well as corrosion-free stainless steel.

The headset is comfortable due to the fact that it is covered with Alcantara (material used in yachts and high-end automobiles). On top of that, the plush ear cushions come in hand to provide your ears with the utmost comfort you deserve.

Connectivity

To connect to the other blue Bluetooth device, you have to slide the power switch to the Bluetooth sign then hold for a while until the indicator blinks blue. Once paired, the Bluetooth indicator will glow white in readiness for connection.

At this point, you are free to enjoy your music.

Battery life

You have the liberty to utilize all the benefits that Bose QuietComfort 35 is designed to offer within the twenty minutes of its battery life.

With a speedy fifteen minutes charge, you are pretty sure of another two and half hours of entertainment using plug cable and let the music keep on playing.

Final Words

At the look of things, you have no reasonable doubt as to when you will settle for Bose QuietComfort 35 for superior quality sound output and other extra features. Well, if you have a comprehensive understanding of digital assistant support and wireless quality sound, this is the right place to discover what you are missing in your world of entertainment.


Pros

  • Ultra-high-quality sound.
  • Comfortable.
  • Durable.
  • Comes with unique features.


Cons

  • Very costly.


3. Sennheiser PXC 550 – Headphone with Touch Gesture

Sennheiser PXC 550

With Sennheiser PXC 550, you will discover uncompromising sound which is crisp, authentic, deep and of great quality. This is as a result of over seven decades of technological advancement.

Therefore, your world of entertainment has got better and immersive. Designed by Sennheiser, a leader in the world of audio innovation, the PXC 550 will change your perception of what high -quality performance means.

Sound Quality

With the use of the noise cancellation, you can comfortably listen to audio sessions free of external interference. Sound performance is amazingly better with the quality output you can rely on.

The bass is well balanced though not appealing to those with affinity to heavy bass.

The inbuilt limiter prevents sudden and extreme sound levels connected to an in-flight system that serves the purpose of crew announcements. In addition, it is compatible with capture for sound control to enable you to have that unique feel to your music.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Brings out vocals well
  • Instrument sounds can be distinguished
  • Rich powerful sound

  • Clear mids

  • Clear and crispy sound

Build and Design

It is one of the lightest wireless headphones in the industry designed for an extended duration of listening sessions. Its size makes it the preferred choice when you are moving from one place to the other.

The product comes in different sizes and designed accordingly for your ears. When traveling, the fold-flat collapsible frame makes it possible to discreetly fold away into a travel case.

With the swipe of a finger, you can make calls, skip music tracks, control the volume and have a complete control while on the move.

It is packaged with other accessories such as a cable fitted with inline remote control, carrying pouch, USB cable, and operating manual.

Connectivity

The Sennheiser PXC 550 is capable of pairing simultaneously with several devices. It comes with audio cable equipped with in-line mouthpiece compatible with a number of consoles and personal computers.

For that reason, the headset is versatile for almost any use although latency will not make them suitable for use while gaming or watching videos.

Battery Life

The wireless headset can operate for 30 hours when connected with the cable while engaging noise cancellation.

On the other hand, it can last up to 20 hours when using Bluetooth together with noise cancellation. However, the battery life is influenced by a number of factors; audio and the noise from the background.

Final Words

Even though Sennheiser might not be as appealing in use as the other brands, they still deliver quality sound and is recommended to use them when moving from location to the other. Regardless of where you are, this wireless headset will still provide you with the kind of quality you deserve.


Pros

  • Easy to carry.
  • Quality sound output.
  • Light in weight.


Cons

  • Expensive.
  • It does not recognize the name of the connected device.


4. Sony WH-1000XM2 – Best Over Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

WH-1000XM2 is incredibly smarter and lets you enjoy top quality noise cancellation that comes with a pleasant feeling. Another distinct feature of this device is the atmospheric pressure optimization that gives you comfort you deserve.

The smart listening feature automatically controls the headphone to enable you to adjust to all activities you are involved.

This is made possible with the help of Sony-1-Headphones Connect Application.

Sound Quality

The headset boasts of great sound and noise cancellation ability. The quality of sound makes you listen to your device longer without feeling tired.

Also, you are likely to get a unique experience that remains true to high-quality recording sound with clarity.

Lows Mids Highs

  • High-resolution sound clarity
  • Comfortable to the ear
  • Saves battery life

  • They are straightforward
  • Minimal sound variation
  • Friendly to the ear

  • Crystal clear
  • Higher volumes caused by cranked up headsets
  • Heavy and unique bass

Build and Design

A lot of hardware is incorporated within this device. Among them, are four microphones that serve the function of noise cancellation. Also, there is a processing chip that performs calculations in real time to bring out the much-desired effect.

The product has a metal bridge fitted with a padded bottom to embrace the top of the head.

Another important aspect of Sony WH-1000XM2 is the faux leather cups that give comfortability to the user. It is available in two colors: an all-black or all-white with famous sonny logo engraved on each ear cup.

Unlike other wireless headsets, Sony WH-1000XM2 has only two buttons; one for the power and the other for On, Mode, and Off.

Below the buttons, you will find the auxiliary jack placed opposite to the other ear cup with a USB port for charging the headset.

Connectivity

The headphone works perfectly with any Android device with aptX HD standard. It is equally compatible with an iPhone as well as any device that supports LDAC codec.

You can as well download the iOS APP to enhance your experience of the smart listening through adaptive sound control which makes it easier to control your ambient sound system. Pairing is done via Bluetooth devices.

Battery Life

The long-lasting battery will keep you on the edge of your seat as you enjoy your music courtesy of thirty minutes of playback time.

The charging time takes at least ten minutes with an output of seventy minutes of play.

Final Words

The handset comes with features that you will find you will find unique. You can acquire the handset to enjoy the great features that define its quality.


Pros

  • Ideal for noise cancellation.
  • High-quality audio sound.
  • Long lasting battery, up to 30 hours.


Cons

  • Weak and fragile hinges,
  • Touch controls.


5. Jaybird X3 Sport – Best Sport Earbuds (Best for Your Bucks)

Jaybird X3 Sport

When it comes to streaming audio wirelessly, Jaybird X3 is your choice. The headset is compatible with a number of Bluetooth enabled devices such as smartphones, digital music player, a personal computer as well as tablets.

Another positive aspect of this headphone is that it is sweat proof so you don’t have to worry working out with it as you enjoy your favorite music. The unique part of X3 lies with the fact that it is designed with both an over-ear and under-ear fit options.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Nice stereo output.

  • Moderate bass

  • Strong bass

Built and Design

As mentioned earlier, the headset comes with several fitting options. You can choose from three different categories of fins, comply foam tips as well as silicon tips.

Another option that goes hand in hand with Jaybird X3 is the shirt clip together with two cable shortening clips that offer firm grip onto your garment when taking an exercise.

In case of low battery percentage, you will not have to keep on guessing thanks to the incorporated actor voicing power status. Therefore, you become fully aware of how your headset is functioning.

Connectivity

The X3 is entirely wireless. In that respect, you need to connect it via Bluetooth to other Bluetooth compatible devices. The Bluetooth 4.1 version allows the headphone to pair and even repair it with an iPhone 6S and Samsung S7 Edge.

As an added advantage, you can pair two kinds of X3 headsets to a single device and again pair your X3s to other two devices at the same time.

Battery Life

The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery can keep you busy for an uninterrupted audio session of up to 8 hours.

Sound Quality

You should look forward to high-quality sound output even if the headphone is small in size. With the help of JayBird MySound application, you can adjust your device for better music or audio quality to suit your taste.

Final Words

This is really a suitable handset for sporting enthusiasts for the reason being that they are small in size and sweat-proof. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about size and the effect of your sweat when working out. Therefore, if you have enrolled in the gym and you want to keep yourself busy, Jaybird is your trusted friend.


Pros

  • Adaptable sound.
  • Great value.
  • Long lasting.
  • Compact in design.


Cons

  • Signal inconsistency.
  • Charging issues.


6. AKG N60NC – Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphone Black

AKG N60NC Wireless is the state of the art headphone equipped with noise cancellation that is fine-tuned to suit your needs. The headset features AKG signature sound which is deep in bass and amazing in the midrange.

With a single charge of fifteen hours, you can take with you this wireless headphone to enjoy uninterrupted listening sound through both the Bluetooth and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) mode.

Above all, the nature of its design and the inclusion of airline adapter, cable and a small carrying pouch gives a good reason why you need AKG N60NC Wireless headphone when traveling.

Sound Quality

The AKG signature provides a sound output that is deep in the bass as well as rich in mid-range. Therefore, this is applicable for you when you are on the move.

ANC is fine-tuned for traveling and it combines with top quality materials to limit ambiance noise to give you a perfect quiet zone of your choice.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Creates desirable ambiance
  • The sound is clear

  • Mildly forward bass
  • Clear sound

  • Clean highs that don’t pierce

Build and Design

The flat-foldable design is crucial to limit the amount of space when you are on the move. The earcups are coated with the memory foam to give you that comfort that you need when moving about.

You will notice the control buttons on the right earcups which help in volume control, Bluetooth/noise cancellation switch and a button for skipping when controlling music tracks.

On the other hand, the left earcup contains cable input and the USB port.

Connectivity

You can access all your wireless devices via Bluetooth for the superior quality sound that is second to none. This is equally possible especially while streaming courtesy of the aptX and AAC technology that makes the wireless sound performance remarkable regardless of the media.

With a touch of a single button, you can answer calls without a hassle of outsourcing the mobile handset.

Battery Life

Your choice for AKG N60NC Wireless headset means that you have the privilege of getting 15 hours of uninterupted playback through Bluetooth and Active Noise Cancellation mode.

With the ANC, you are assured of double the time of playback.

Most importantly, you have the choice of using the headset in passive mode because the headset is designed to work perfectly when switched off.

Final Words

For travelers, AKG N60NC Wireless is perfect for you. The 15-hour long-lasting battery will be ideal when using your headset in both Bluetooth and ANC mode for satisfactory results.


Pros

  • Comfortable due to the memory foam and soft leather material in its design,
  • Long lasting battery,
  • Light in weight,
  • Folding ability enables it to be transported with ease.


Cons

  • Button placement may need some improvement,
  • Does not fit well on all heads


7. Bowers & Wilkins P5 – Best for Punching/Deep Bass

Bowers & Wilkins P5

Bowers and Wilkins is a wireless on-ear headset that guarantees you with the exceptional bass and clear sound. If you are a music lover, this headphone is ideal for you.

P5 wireless is miles ahead in sound quality thanks to the transducer technology incorporated into the device. The wireless headsets are suitable for travelers due to the design that allows them to fold.

Sound Quality

The P5 wireless headphones are impressively excellent in sound output. That said, the headsets have the ability to maintain the song’s fist-pounding effect on your ears.

The dynamic reach aids to reinforce that impression of sound output. Moreover, music sound comes out clearly with no elements of hissing sounds that are common with a number of Bluetooth devices.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Vocals sound crispy
  • Effective in noise cancellation

  • Crystal clear sound effects
  • Refined sound output

  • Satisfying amount of thumb
  • Higher frequency sounds
  • A weighty sound that gives a substantial amount of details

Build and Design

P5 is designed to suit your taste. With the help of intuitive and discreet touch controlling system, you can comfortably switch in between music tracks, change volume and make calls at the touch of a button.

These wireless headsets combine both the amazing audio and the wireless features that make it stand out from the rest. The battery life is 17 hours and also the universal compatibility of its Bluetooth with aptX gives the quality you can trust.

Also, the dual microphones are a surety for the highest call quality and clarity.

Connectivity

The connection is through a wireless aptX Bluetooth technology that at the same time retains desirable audio fidelity.

At the press of the dual purpose switch, the headphones trigger the P5 wireless into connectivity mode via Bluetooth.

The headset will automatically connect again and again as long as it is powered on. The whole process is intuitive and readily responsive with the button commands operated to deliver satisfaction results in terms of connectivity and sound output.

Battery life

When it comes to battery life, you have no reasons to worry. The 17 hours of playback and the fact that it can charge through USB port gives an advantage when roaming.

Final Words

The Bower and Wilkins P5 is the most recommended wireless headset if you are an adventurous person with a passion for hiking. If you fall into that category, P5 should be your priority on your wish-list.


Pros

  • Easy to move around with,
  • Compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth devices,
  • Lightweight,
  • Ability to charge through USB


Cons

  • Expensive.
  • Bluetooth connectivity is not always automatic.


8. Jabra Elite Sport – Best go-to Headphones for Everyone

 Jabra Elite Sport True Wireless Waterproof Fitness & Running Earbuds

Jabra Elite Sport wireless has superior sound quality when it comes to calls and music. With advanced wireless connectivity, you are absolutely sure of great performance.

The product has been proven to deliver quality in terms of calls, thanks to the four-microphone call technology that comes with it.

Sound Quality

You should not have any doubt with the superior sound quality from Jabra Elite Sport wireless. As a matter of fact, it fits securely to ensure that music/calls are directed into your ears for maximum sound output.

Furthermore, the intuitive wireless design incorporates two microphones for each bud that work simultaneously to filter out unwanted background noise.

As a result, only your voice is heard with an amazing clarity away from any environmental distraction

Lows Mids Highs

  • The lows are a little bit amplified more than the Mids

  • The midrange sounds better and with variations of sounds

  • slightly lacking when listening keenly to some musical instrument sounds.

Build and Design

Jabra Elite Sport earbuds are light in weight with superior sound quality. The product is designed with touch controls which include play/pause located on the right earbud and volume on the left.

This version has an integrated accelerometer that helps you track your activities via the Jabra application. The application (Jabra Life App) is designed with the capability to start or stop and pause while on a work-out in real time.

While on the workout, you can monitor your heartbeat through the clinical grade in-ear heart rate monitor. Above all, it is water/sweat resistant.

Connectivity

The product comes with Bluetooth version: 4.1 which make it ideal to pair with other Bluetooth smart ready devices supported by Apple iOS as well as Android.

The Bluetooth pairing can reach out to up to eight devices. Elite Sport is compatible with a range of Bluetooth enabled devices such as Apple iPhone, Android, and Windows gadgets.

Battery Life

The battery can last up to five hours with continuous playing regardless of whether you are making calls or enjoying music.

The charging case provides two additional full charges that cover a duration of up to nine hours.

However, the charging power and time take two hours.

Final Words

Your verdict on Jabra Sport elite is obviously based on the points enlisted above. Therefore, should you feel that it is high time you need a wireless headset with remarkable sound quality; Jabra Sport Elite is all that you need.


Pros

  • Very effective in maintaining a strong Bluetooth connection.
  • Superior sound quality.
  • Comes with a variety of ear fitting options.
  • Has a comprehensive guide to cross-training workout.


Cons

  • Buttons are hard to press,
  • Not accurate with heart-rate monitoring,
  • The design is not that appealing.


9. JLab Epic Air – Best Wireless Earbuds for Exercise

JLab Epic Air

JLab Epic Air allows you to get the best out of your favorite music playlist. The wireless earbuds have a special hook that delivers a perfect fit to your ears so that the headphones don’t slip during a workout session.

The tap and touch controls give you options to forward or rewind depending on your preference.

The whole package comes with a charging case for storage and safe transportation. With JLab Epic Air, you can make calls due to the presence of microphones in each of the earbuds.

What you need to do is just to click the button and exchange a wonderful conversation with the caller on the other end. Likewise, you can activate Siri or Google Assistant.

Sound Quality

Despite the size, the sound output defies the odds. The headset has high-quality sound with unmatched clarity of the music streaming with quality.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Clear quality sound

  • Stereo effect

  • High quality in Bass

Built and Design

The whole set comprises earhook that is mostly combined perfectly with eight sets gel-tips. Also included in the package is the triple flange with fit tip together. The fit tip is also shallow to enable the given earbud to fit any user.

Overall, JLab Epic Air provides more options regarding fitting more than any other wireless earbud brand. For safety, the additional safeguard on the earhook creates the desired fit and some amount of comfort.

To control the device, you need to make a gentle tap to either earbud to switch up your tunes. Also, this action allows you to track forward, backward, play audio and make some adjustments to volume.

To switch on, press and hold the button located on the inside part of the earbud. The same is applicable when you want to turn off your device. Alternatively, you can place the device back into its case and it will automatically switch itself off.

Connectivity

The connection is achievable via Bluetooth 4.1 version. However, the device is designed with antenna earhook on either earbud to facilitate and sustain connectivity. The earbud to earbud connection is possible around the back of your neck.

To achieve maximum connectivity, the headphone uses the state of the art technology involving aptX Technology in the earhook design.

Battery life

The rechargeable battery gives up to seven hours of uninterrupted use on a single charge.

Final Words

This is the device that will never disappoint when you go out there to have a jog. While you are using it, you don’t have to worry about sweat or rain because it is designed to resist any sort of moisture.


Pros

  • High-quality sound.
  • Strong connectivity.
  • Sweat-proof.


Cons

  • Low battery life.
  • Expensive.


10. Plantronics Backbeat PRO – Best for Office Work

Plantronics backbeat pro

Plantronics BackBeat Pro becomes handy in many computers for high-quality music outcome. The headphone has a high fidelity Bluetooth USB adapter to deliver quality in terms of sound output.

Therefore, you can enjoy the quality of high definition movies, music and videos on your computer comfortably with Plantronics BackBeat Pro.

Sound Quality

The BackBeat Pro boasts of great sound quality with plenty of basses. This is made possible by the noise canceling circuitry which checks on the sound when the headphone is turned on or off.

You can experience a two dimensional sound with Plantronics BackBeat Pro with a distinct bass in the background.

Lows Mids Highs

  • Passive sound quality is too low
  • Tremble sound can be unpleasant
  • Automatically loses on-board control when connected externally through the cable

  • The sound quality is appealing
  • Brings out music instrument sounds clear

  • Longer battery life
  • Noise cancellation
  • High quality in sound

Build and Design

BackBeat Pro headphones are a little bit large but come along with a few nods for portability. On the other hand, the ear cups are smaller in size purposely for an over-ear design. Switch buttons are skillfully hidden to enhance the style and structure of the product.

The ear cups are also designed in such a manner that you can fold flat to facilitate transportation.

In addition, play/pause and call buttons are strategically placed on the outer faces of the ear cups.

One notable aspect of this device is the presence of the sensor in the left ear cup to detect when an ear is nearby thus enabling or disabling playback as expected.

Connectivity

Even though it is billed as a wireless, the BackBeat PRO can be connected directly to the analog audio system through a 3.5mm jack pin located on the left ear cup. That is the main reason why a mobile phone cable is packed together with the headphone.

However, it can be connected through Bluetooth to two devices at the same time. When connected to a class 1 device, it can cover well over 300 feet.

One feature that will fascinate you is that the device goes into a hibernation mode when it is removed from the ear as a way to save the battery.

Battery Life

The battery can last up to twenty-four hours of listening to music and noise cancellation but sixty hours without. The charging time lasts up to three hours and you are good to go.

Unfortunately, the battery cannot be removed in case you wish to have a replacement. Most importantly, the battery life can extend up to six months.

Final Words

Plantronics BackBeat wireless headphone is characterized with its ability to connect with computers. You can enjoy high definition movies, good quality music and watch videos with the handset.


Pros

  • Remarkable overall sound quality output,
  • Long lasting battery,
  • Noise cancellation ability,
  • Works perfectly well long after the battery is dead.


Cons

  • Heavy bass sound signature.
  • Does not look good in design.
  • Not comfortable.


Buyer’s Guide – Things You Should Know Before You Buy Wireless Headphones

Music is wonderful but quality music is even better. That is when you need to appreciate the sound quality that spices up your favorite genre of music. That being said, the choice of your headphones will determine a lot that quality you always crave for.

In fact, the advancement in technology has taken listening to music to a completely new level that you had not anticipated before. You could be jogging, relaxing on a couch or on a flight heading somewhere.

To make any of those activities meaningful, you need wireless headphones designed to give you what you need in terms of music and great sound output.

Sometimes, an expensive wireless earphone automatically translates to high-quality features. But when it comes to sound, the story is absolutely different. Each brand is designed with its unique features ranging from noise cancellation to connectivity and wireless to true wireless headphones among others.

Whatever headphone you choose to buy, make sure that it meets your requirements in relation to its cost.

Wireless Vs Wired Headphones

Which one do you prefer between wireless and wired headphones? Making a choice between wireless and wired headphones could plunge you into a dilemma.

What matters most is your taste and style when buying your favorite headphones. Before you make up your mind regarding the two types of headphones, you should ask yourself the following questions:

What features are you looking for in a headphone in the first place?

Do you wish to have those headphones that enable you to move around freely or those that will limit your movement?

Are you searching for cheap but good quality headphones that you might use them for a couple of years or do you need those headphones that will last the longest?

With these questions in your mind, you can possibly make the right decision on what you want regarding your selection of either wired or wireless headphones.

But before you decide fully on what you want to settle for, you need to look critically at pros and cons of wired and wireless headphones as an ultimate guide to purchasing the best devices for you.

Based on the audio quality, it is obvious that wireless headphones have inferior quality sound output in comparison to the wired type. However, this is not always the case considering the cost and the design for each model of headphones.

When it comes to battery life, the wireless headphones remain constrained by this factor. But the battery life will vary depending on the device cost and model. Wired headphones don’t count here as far as the battery lifespan is concerned.

Portability is another factor to consider before purchasing headphones. Both types, wired and wireless are portable. On the other hand, other models are more convenient when traveling than others.

The two types of headphones are both compatible with a number of devices. For that reason, take a while to find out if your device is compatible prior to purchasing.

What you need to know is that wired headphones work perfectly well with any device using the 3.5 mm jack whereas wireless headphones work well with Bluetooth enabled devices.

The cost of wireless headphones is usually higher than that for wired headphones although it may depend on the price range.

Essentially, the wired headphones are applicable for Desk Jockeys, audiophiles and those who have hearing problems. On top of that, they have top-notch sound quality; they need batteries and are easy to use.

In most of the cases, you will find wireless headphones useful while working out in the gym or in the field, traveling and playing games. This is true because they don’t require cables, they are compatible with Bluetooth devices and they offer great comfort.

From those comparative qualities, it is really hard to say which one is better. The choice of either the wired or wireless headphones depends on an individual and the use.

Wireless Vs True Wireless

The two terms could be confusing when looking for the best wireless headphones to purchase. The good news is that we shall give you a comprehensible explanation between wireless and true wireless headphones.

Wireless headphonesTrue wireless headphones

Take an example of Jabra MOVE Wireless headphones. They are Bluetooth and at the same time, they are wireless in between the devices and the headphones. It means that there is no connection using a cable between the phones or any other Bluetooth enabled device and the headphones.

The whole connection process is through Bluetooth from the source to the receiver inside the headphones. This kind of wireless headphone has been in existence for long and its popularity is on the increase.

A perfect example of the true wireless is the Jabra Elite Sport which has entirely no wire connection in between the earbuds. The mechanism of sound transmission between the two earbuds is through Bluetooth.

The signal from the source is transmitted to one of the earbuds which act as the master earpiece. Eventually, it sends the signal to the other earpiece so that you can listen to both sides simultaneously.

The true wireless headphones have been around for a short period of time but their technology is quite advanced when compared to the wireless designs. On the flip side, the true wireless came into the market with many connectivity issues but with time the technical problem was rectified work well.

Whichever the case, both wireless and true wireless is great headphones but the choice depends on an individual and the cost in general.


Wireless Headphones Battery Life

Wireless headphones come in different sizes and models. As such, you will discover that each model has a different battery life depending on the battery size and model. To make it more understandable, we shall compare a few models with their corresponding battery:

  • Jabra MOVE Wireless: It takes 8 hours of play with the battery
  • Bose QuietComfort 35: The battery lasts for 20 hours
  • Sennheiser PXC 550: The battery can last up to 30 hours
  • SonyWH-1000XM2: The battery takes 30 hours after charging
  • AKG N6ONC: Battery life lasts for 6 hours in between charging
  • Jaybird X3 Sport: Battery lasts for 8 hours of playback music
  • Bowers& Wilkins P5: It takes 17 hours of playback
  • Jabra Elite Sport: Lasts for 8 hour of uninterrupted playback
  • JLab Epic Air: 7 hours of continuous play
  • Plantronics Backbeat PRO: The battery lasts for 24 hours of continuous playback

From the examples above, it is evident that each model of wireless headphone has its unique specifications including the battery life. In this case, you can decide to settle for the one that has a long lasting battery life, although other features need be considered as well.

Noise Cancellation Explanation

Noise-canceling wireless headphones are the best choice for any user while listening to music or watching a movie dialogue.

These types of headphones are designed with the cutting edge technology to ensure that you don’t get interrupted by the external sounds while having a good time listening to music.

As a matter of fact, some designs of the best wireless headphones cancel external noise by offering passive noise reduction while the over the ear and those that are inserted on the ear are designed to block interference from the external noise.

Furthermore, active noise-canceling models go an extra mile in ensuring that you don’t get distracted from the external noise.

This is possible thanks to the technology used where tiny microphones in these battery-powered headphones to check on the noise frequencies. Subsequently, those tiny microphones produce the same frequencies to cancel out those from the external sources.

For better results in noise cancellation, some models are designed to physically block the noise and at the same time use the noise cancellation technology to effectively block external noise.

Under certain circumstances, some models allow you to turn off noise reduction in order to save the battery from draining too fast. Apart from that, you can as well use noise cancellation feature at the time when you are not listening to the music as a number precautionary measure to reduce external noise.

You may find the following examples of the best wireless headphones ideal for use when you want to listen to your music without any external noise interference:

  • Plantronics Backbeat Pro
  • Jabra Elite Sport
  • AKG N60NC
  • Sony WH-1000XM2
  • Sennheiser PXC 550
  • Bose QuietComfort 35
  • Jabra MOVE Wireless


Bluetooth 4.1 versus aptX

The changing technology comes with a lot to admire. Among them is the sound quality output that keeps on improving by each day. Some of these technologies support the CD-Quality sound output.

With the introduction of Bluetooth and aptX applications, you can never doubt the quality of music streaming while you enjoy.

Bluetooth 4.1AptX

Initially, Bluetooth was designed to stream music data and not audio but with time, the technology improved to an extent of streaming music at the same time.

Bluetooth is commonly used now to listen to music and also receive phone calls and other notifications. Unfortunately, the standard Bluetooth sound output is not that appealing as you would expect and you may opt for other better listening experience all along.

The AptX is commonly used among android phones and tablets. If you are using Apple electronic devices, you may not realize the quality that AptX offers because the iOS device cannot stream music using this application.

The good thing with AptX is that it supports music resolutions with frequencies as high as 24-bit per 96 kHz. This is actually a better music quality sound output compared to that stored on the compact discs (CDs) which are usually 16-bit per 44.1 kHz. For these reasons, AptX is the best choice for streaming quality music that is second to none.

Over-Ear Vs On-Ear Vs Earbuds

Earphones are of different designs but they are mainly classified into four categories which are over-ear, on-ear, earbuds and in-ear. Each type has its merits and demerits based on how suitable they are in various environments. If you are wondering which type of wireless earphones is ideal for you, keep on reading.

Over-ear headphonesOn-ear headphonesEarbuds

These types of earphones are equipped with a thick headband together with large ear cups that cover your ears completely. They offer great comfort, good in isolating noise but poor in leakage and not comfortable to carry around.

They are normally compact than the over-ear model and have smaller ear cups which fit well on your ears with less bass output. If your target is to acquire a decent and comfortable fit that is more compact, on-ear is the right choice for you.

The earbuds are smaller, portable and have earbud tips to rest at the edge of the ear canal. They are designed for listeners who need an ultra-portable model for maximum sound output.

Based on the features and advantages of each type of headphones above, you will conclude that over-ear headphones are comfortable and easy to wear.

The on-ear is easy to wear and somehow comfortable but they exert a substantial amount of pressure on the ear making them uncomfortable to wear.

The earbuds don’t cause tension in the ear canal but it is not easy to get a perfect fit for you. In this case, on-ear headphones are recommended due to its features when using it.


Driver Size Explained

The component that converts the electrical signal to sound energy is what is commonly referred to as a driver system. The driver is made up of a magnet, coils and a diaphragm.

The size of the driver, however, is determined by its diameter and it is always measured in millimeters. The importance of a driver in a headphone is to gauge the sound output. This implies that the bigger the driver unit, the more powerful the output is.

Why no Open-Back Wireless Headphones?

Open-back wireless headphones are those that the wiring inside can be seen through the ear-cups and they normally don’t have covers on the ear-cups.

This kind of headphones involves immediate environment as you listen to music because the sound comes out through the open back. This could be the main reason why there are no open-back wireless headphones.

To say the least, everyone has a different taste and preference when buying headphones for entertainment and for receiving phone calls. Wireless headphones are of great importance in this era where almost every form of entertainment has been narrowed down to our mobile phones.

Choosing the right headphone for your device is out of the question provided the two gadgets readily compatible with each other.

From the features explained in this article, you can easily make a good decision on design and model you feel is great for you when buying the best wireless headphones.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Hi.. Thanks for the great article. 🙂
    I just want to add Rowkin to this list. Using one for last few months. They’re absolutely amazing!!

  2. Bowers & Wilkins P5 produces amazing sound, I have no complain about that. But this is bit on the expensive side. I do wish this had a foldable design, so I can have some options when storing these or traveling with them. But as of right now with the case that it comes with I can kind of lay it down flat, put it away with no problem in my backpack or even in a drawer. Thanks for this recommendation Rezan.

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