Best Wireless Headphones and earphones usually provide the best listening experience you need. The best of these headphones combine active noise cancellation (ANC) for music and other technologies to create a complete package. It is clear that they make other members of the group better. For Engadget’s best wireless headphones guide, we’ll look at some of the brands’ features, such as noise cancellation and sound quality,
Best Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony 1000X series has long been our pick for the Best Galaxy Buds. Unless another company that can support it like Sony and makes it work with a better sound mix and ANC is used, it’s a good bet. With the WH-1000XM5, Sony has redesigned its headphones to make them easier to wear for long periods of time. The company has improved noise reduction by adding a V1 chip in addition to the M4 QN1. Now a total of eight ANC speakers – the previous version had only four. All of these things work together to block out background noise and high-pitched sounds, including human voices.
The 1000XM5 still has all the features that typically characterize Sony’s flagship devices. It offers up to 30 hours of battery life and clear, crisp sound with clear sound and powerful bass. A combination of controls and buttons allows you to access music, calls, and mobile sounds without answering the phone. Conversations are automatically muted when you start talking, and like previous Sony devices, the M5 can adjust the volume based on activity or location. Also, the car makes better calls than most of its competitors. The only downside is that they cost $50 more than the full price ($400) WH-1000XM4.
Runner up: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
I have to admit that by 2012 I didn’t expect Bowers & Wilkins to be the main headphone brand or even a competitor for that niche. However, the company’s Px7 headphones caught my attention in my review. The Px7 S2 costs $399 but includes Bowers & Wilkins ANC and great sound. In fact, the Px7 S2 is very interesting. There’s also a nice housing that doesn’t feel too plastic, and the headphones fit well even when used. The phone quality, background noise, and auto-pause are not the best here, but they do the job. Ultimately, the design, sound quality, and noise cancellation make the Px7 S2 a strong choice in today’s wireless audio arena.
Best Wireless: Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Audio-Technica has made some great headphones in the past, and while they don’t come with sound, they’re worth checking out. The company’s latest addition is the M20xBT, a wired Bluetooth option for the popular M20x. For just $79, you can expect an installation and 60 hours of battery life. Multi-point Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect to multiple devices at the same time, and the physical part provides reliable video signals. The design isn’t as good as the more expensive factory models, like the M50xBT2, but you get a lot of Audio-Technica sound at a lower price.
Best Wireless: Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose 700 was one of our last wireless Bluetooth headphones, but the company recently updated it with the QuietComfort 45. After all, the QC45 combines the best of Bose’s immersive technology with consistently clear sound. For the price and no wheels, you can expect 24 hours of battery life for long listening sessions. We’ve even seen them sell for $50 at full price, making the 45 cool even more affordable.
Best Wireless Headphones: Technics EAH-A800
At CES, Panasonic announced the EAH-A800 – a new line of noise-canceling headphones based on the famous Technic brand. While many of the lines are similar to what you’ll find on most types of headphones, one style stands out. The company says you can expect 50 hours of battery life for the A800, and that’s with noise cancellation. These are currently in a device that has been thoroughly tested for proper testing but is considered to be in pre-flight testing. The ANC is good and comfortable enough that you won’t be bored after charging for a few hours. The sound quality is also very good (or LDAC support) and they are known to justify the high price.
Best Headphones: Master & Dynamic MW75
Although Master & Dynamic is known for its winning designs, the brand’s headphones are new. When the MW75 launched in June, the MG20 team took over its core functionality and added aluminum, leather, and glass. The company’s signature features and ANC options are confirmed for different situations and different ambient sounds. At $599, it doesn’t look cheap, but if you’re looking for something more than the basic plastic of most headphones, look no further than M&D.
Best Wireless Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4
Honestly, I’m having a hard time deciding between the Px7 S2 and the Season 4 competition at this point. However, Bowers & Wilkins has an advantage when it comes to design, although the Px7 S2 and Momentum 4 are better when it comes to quality. These are the two best Bluetooth headsets I’ve tried this year, and they’re not even close. Sennheiser’s 60-hour battery life and excellent ANC system speak for themselves. These two things are enough to ignore the program.