Whether your phone has nixed the audio jack or you prefer the freedom of going wireless, Bluetooth headphones are a great way to enjoy your favorite music cable-free. There are a couple of disadvantages compared to wired headphones, like needing to keep an eye on battery levels. But, not having to worry about tangled cords when you're running out the door on a busy morning makes wireless headphones worth it for many. The best wireless entries typically include high-performance active features like active noise cancelling (ANC) and on-the-fly sound customization.
We've tested over 885 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the top wireless headphones to buy. Also, check out our recommendations for the best wireless earbuds, the best true wireless earbuds, and the best budget wireless headphones.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
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Best Wireless Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyMicrophone (In Development)Recording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise Isolation - Full RangeThe Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best wireless headphones we've tested in part due to outstanding noise isolation performance thanks to their adaptive noise cancelling (ANC) system. They can cut down a wide variety of noise, from the low rumble of bus engines to ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of A/C units. With their noise cancelling on, they last almost 32 hours continuously, so they'll easily get you through a transatlantic flight. They have a very comfortable and lightweight fit, and their slightly bass-forward default sound is nice if you listen to genres like EDM and hip-hop as the drivers deliver extra thump, punch, and warmth to audio. You can also fine-tune their sound using the app's graphic EQ and presets, and they support multi-device pairing if you like to juggle audio on multiple devices.
If there's one obvious downside to these cans, it's their ear pad design: the seal the pads form with your head can break easily, altering the headphones' sound. In particular, glasses wearers can experience a big drop off in bass delivery. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are well worth considering if you'd like to reduce the risk of fit issues; they offer a more consistent sound across different wearers and are more comfortable than the Sony, though their ANC isn't quite as good.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Bluetooth Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyMicrophone (In Development)Recording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise Isolation - Full RangeIf you're looking for premium headphones but want to spend a bit less, consider the JBL Live 780NC. While they come close to our top pick's active noise isolation, reducing the noise level of everything from rumbly bus engines to high-pitched A/C whine, they make some concessions in microphone performance and comfort compared to the Sony WH-1000XM6. The JBL's mic system doesn't sound as natural and can't handle background noise as well, and their headband isn't as well-padded. That said, their roughly 60 hours of continuous battery life easily outlasts the Sony's 32, which may be perfect if you forget to charge your headphones regularly.
The JBL have a bass-heavy sound out of the box, which some may enjoy but can also muddy your sound slightly. Fortunately, you can tweak their sound with the app's 10-band graphic EQ or presets (if tweaking EQs is daunting). You also have access to Personi-Fi (a personalized hearing profile), spatial audio, and comprehensive calling features like adjustable sidetone. Like our top pick, they support LDAC for Hi-Res audio and multi-device pairing so you can connect them to two devices simultaneously.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Wireless Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyMicrophone (In Development)Recording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise Isolation - Full RangeThe Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless are another great pair of wireless headphones that go for less than the more established big players. While not as stable on your head as the two previous picks, these headphones still feel good during long listening sessions and offer amazing noise isolation performance. Despite their more affordable price, their ANC system is almost as good as that of the top two picks, handily suppressing noise from bus engines and chatty coworkers. And they support multi-device pairing, so you can easily switch between your phone and laptop while in the office.
The headphones have a very excited sound profile with plenty of boomy bass and a bright treble. They're well-suited for rock and pop, but fans of jazz or folk may find that instruments and vocals sound uneven. If you prefer a different sound, their companion app's graphic EQ and presets let you make changes as needed. Bringing your spend down does result in some trade-offs: the Q45 do have a cheaper-feeling build quality, and while their 28-hour continuous battery life is more than enough for a few days on the go, newer headphones often outperform that mark. The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are more premium-feeling headphones from the same brand that offer a longer 36-hour battery life. However, their higher price doesn't really translate to better performance, effectively lowering the price-to-performance ratio compared to the Q45.
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Best Budget Wireless Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyMicrophone (In Development)Recording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise Isolation - Full RangeAnker has carved out a strong reputation in this price range, and the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 2024 show why: their active noise cancelling is surprisingly capable for the cost. They don't reach the same level of isolation as the pricier Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless, but they still quiet an impressive amount of everyday noise. Sound-wise, the Q20 2024 carry forward the V-shaped tuning of their predecessor, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless, but this time they add a companion app, so you can adjust the sound to taste using its EQ and presets.
The update also adds Bluetooth multi-device pairing, letting you stay connected to your phone and laptop at the same time. They're comfortable and light enough for long listening sessions, though their build quality doesn't feel as premium as more expensive options on this list. The built-in mic also produces satisfactory voice audio for calls, but struggles to cut through background noise in busy settings. With a battery life of just over 49 hours, you'll be able to go several days without needing a recharge.
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Best Sounding Wireless Headphones
Audio Reproduction AccuracyFrequency Response ConsistencyMicrophone (In Development)Recording QualitySee all our test resultsNoise Isolation - Full RangeIf you want headphones optimized for sound quality, consider the Sennheiser HDB 630. With a wireless design and ANC, these closed-back audiophile headphones stand out among typically wired hi-fi cans. The ANC is effective at reducing office chatter and blocking out pedestrian street noise, though it falls a little short of the outstanding isolation provided by models like the Sony WH-1000XM6. Paired with great build quality and a comfortable fit, these headphones feel as premium to wear as the price tag suggests.
Out of the box, these cans offer a balanced tuning that works for a wide range of genres and tastes. Plus, the app lets tinkering enthusiasts run wild with the built-in parametric EQ (that offers more customization options than a typical graphic EQ), along with a crossfeed feature that blends the left and right channels for a more natural, speaker-like presentation. The Sennheiser also come with a wireless dongle that allows you to circumvent your device's Bluetooth limitations for high-quality (or lower latency) wireless playback. Unfortunately, if you wear thicker-framed glasses or have a small or large head, you may encounter inconsistent bass delivery. If that's you, consider the Focal Bathys Wireless instead; they have a more accommodating design and a comparable balanced tuning, though their 29-hour battery life falls short of the Sennheiser's 54 hours.
Notable Mentions
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Apple AirPods Max 2:
The Apple AirPods Max 2 are over-ear headphones with a premium design, warm sound profile, and superb noise isolation capability that is only slightly worse than the Sony WH-1000XM6's. However, the Apple offer limited support outside macOS and iOS.
See our review -
Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless:
The Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless are versatile wireless headphones with good mic recording quality and an intuitive control scheme, which are both useful if you make many calls. They can receive audio via USB or their 1/8" TRS cable. However, the JBL Live 780NC can block out more background noise.
See our review -
Nothing Headphone (1):
The Nothing Headphone (1) are a stylish and eye-catching pair of headphones. They have a better mic than the JBL Live 780NC, but their noise isolation, while excellent, isn't quite on par. Still, if you're a fashionista in search of some statement cans, you could do much worse than the Nothing.
See our review -
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless:
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless are audiophile-centric Bluetooth headphones with a closed-back design. While they don't have ANC like Sennheiser HDB 630, they're significantly less expensive.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jun 10, 2026:
We've edited the text to provide clearer guidance on product advantages and tradeoffs, and updated the Apple AirPods Max to the AirPods Max 2 in the Notable Mentions. We've also checked that the remaining picks are still appropriate and available to purchase.
May 11, 2026:
We've replaced the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless with the JBL Live 780NC and shifted the upper mid-range and mid-range picks down one price category to better match price differences among the products.
Apr 08, 2026:
We edited the text in a couple of places to improve readability, but haven't changed our picks.
Mar 10, 2026:
We removed the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless from our Notable Mentions because their noise isolation performance is underwhelming given their price. But we added the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro as an alternative to the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless for anyone willing to pay a little more for a better build quality and slightly longer battery life.
Jan 07, 2026:
The Sennheiser HDB 630 replace the Focal Bathys Wireless as our new 'Best Sounding' pick because of their superbly-balanced sound and amazing noise isolation. The Focal are an alternative for people who wear glasses with thicker frames.
FAQ
Are wireless headphones really worth it?
Definitely! Wireless headphones allow you to move untethered to your device. Their range is usually longer than a cable's length, so you can still receive audio, to some extent, even if you leave the room your device is in. With leaps in Bluetooth technology, some headphones can stream higher-quality audio than before, thanks to advanced codec support like LC3+ and aptX Lossless. Others ensure a low-latency audio experience, making them suitable for applications like streaming video. One caveat of a wireless design is the reliance on an internal battery. Still, many wireless headphones have over 20 hours of continuous playback time, so you don't necessarily need to recharge them every day.
Are wireless headphones better than wired?
It depends on your preferences. Wireless allows you to move around with more range to travel greater distances without losing your audio. You also don't have to worry about cables snagging on something. However, going wired has a few pros, like not stressing out about battery life or audio latency. When it comes to sound quality, the differences between wired and wireless can be subtle unless you have trained or sensitive ears. Not all Bluetooth codecs are created equal, though, and some, like aptX Adaptive or LDAC, can provide better quality than the default SBC codec.
Which is better, Bluetooth or wireless headphones?
Bluetooth is the most common type of wireless connectivity in headphones. However, other connections exist, like radio frequency or proprietary wireless. These are intended for audio-visual content like gaming or streaming movies since they can maintain low audio latency. Bluetooth headphones are a great option if you're mostly listening to music. If you're worried about latency, avoid Bluetooth where possible. The default codec, SBC, has high enough latency to cause your audio and visuals to be out of sync. There is a way around this: check for headphones that support low-latency codecs like aptX Adaptive or have a dedicated 'Game' mode to lower audio lag.
Wireless headphones or earbuds: which are better?
There isn't a clear-cut answer since preference plays a large role in what's right for you. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable, thanks to their generally spacious and padded ear cups, but are bulkier. On the other hand, earbuds are better if you care about portability and stability, making them a solid choice for sports or commuting. They can also passively block out more ambient sound by design. Their battery life is much shorter due to their small stature.
Do expensive headphones sound better?
Not always, though, in the case of Bluetooth headphones, it can certainly help! For Bluetooth headphones, pricier options can have unique driver designs to help produce a cleaner, more detailed sound. Some also support Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive or LDAC, which allow you to stream audio in higher quality, or virtual soundstage features to create a more dimensional sound. That said, each headphone is tuned differently, and you may still prefer the sound of a $100 pair of cans compared to a $500 pair. If they support EQ or presets, you can always retune your headphones to your liking.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best Bluetooth headphones to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews of Bluetooth-compatible headphones. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.