Bluetooth choices for each funds

May 16, 2025

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Whether or not you are listening to playlists in your day by day commute or zoning out with a podcast at dwelling, wi-fi headphones could make your audio expertise rather more comfy. With no cords to untangle or get caught in your bag, they’re an important choose for anybody who needs comfort with out compromising on sound high quality. If consolation and immersive audio are excessive in your precedence record, over-ear wi-fi headphones are sometimes the best way to go — they wrap round your ears to assist block out the world and ship wealthy detailed sound that earbuds can typically miss.

There’s a variety of over-ear wi-fi headphones to select from, whether or not you need energetic noise cancellation, lengthy battery life or a snug match for marathon listening classes. In fact, when you’re after one thing just a little extra compact or tailor-made to a selected use case, we additionally have you ever coated with our purchasing guides for the greatest earbuds, the greatest gaming headsets and the greatest funds earbuds. But when wi-fi headphones with top-tier sound and a snug, over-ear design are what you are after, learn on — we’ve examined the highest choices that can assist you discover the precise pair.

Desk of contents

Finest wi-fi headphones for 2025

Billy Steele for Engadget

Learn our full Sony WH-1000XM6 evaluation

Sony’s 1000X line has been our high choose for greatest wi-fi headphone for a very long time now. Till one other firm can pack in as many premium options as Sony, and accomplish that with a mixture of glorious sound high quality and efficient ANC, the crown is protected. With the WH-1000XM6, Sony subtly redesigned its flagship headphones, making them far more comfy to put on for lengthy durations of time. This is a vital issue to think about when buying over-ear headphones. We additionally observed in our assessments that the corporate made noticeable enhancements to the energetic noise cancellation, due to a brand new QN3 chip. There at the moment are 12 whole ANC mics as properly – the earlier mannequin solely had eight. This all combines to raised block background noise at medium and excessive frequencies, together with human voices.

The M6 additionally has improved sound high quality, due to new drivers, some assist from mastering engineers and spatial audio upmixing. Its battery life stays the identical 30 hours as its predecessor, which is greater than sufficient to get you thru a number of days of labor or lengthy worldwide flights. Communicate-to-Chat nonetheless reduces quantity and prompts ambient sound if you discuss and the M6 can robotically change noise settings based mostly in your location or exercise. The one actual draw back is that they’re $50 greater than the WH-1000XM5 at full value ($450).

Execs

Improved sound
Higher ANC efficiency
Tons of helpful options
Supremely comfortable

Cons

Value has elevated once more
Communicate-to-Chat nonetheless wants work
Name high quality suffers in loud environments

$448 at Amazon

Billy Steele for Engadget

Learn our full Noble Audio FoKus Apollo evaluation

Noble Audio makes use of a singular driver configuration to offer extra detailed sound than the competitors. As an alternative of a single driver, the corporate makes use of two: one dynamic and one planar magnetic. The result’s the FoKus Apollo getting the very best of each, with thick bass, clear highs and excessive readability.

You received’t discover loads of options right here. There’s first rate ANC efficiency, but it surely’s nowhere close to the very best. You’ll additionally get glorious battery life, which is the second greatest purpose to purchase these headphones. Nonetheless, you’re paying primarily for the unimaginable sound high quality, which will not be sufficient for the excessive value.

Execs

Ridiculously good sound high quality
Premium design and supplies
Lengthy battery life
Comfortable match

Cons

Very costly
Restricted options
Common ANC efficiency

$649 at Noble Audio

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e evaluation

An upgraded model of the Px7 S2, the Px7 S2e’s modifications are largely within the sound division. Bowers & Wilkins up to date the digital sign processing (DSP) engine for improved efficiency when streaming music. The modifications it launched embody assist for as much as 24-bit high-resolution streaming from appropriate companies. The corporate says it additionally re-tuned the acoustics for “unmatched element, dynamics and spaciousness,” which is the extra noticeable tweak in comparison with the earlier mannequin. These guarantees maintain true, too: the Px7 S2e are on the high of our take a look at unit pile by way of total sound high quality, identical to the Px7 S2 has been since their introduction.

Bowers & Wilkins saved the remainder of what was so nice in regards to the Px7 S2 as properly. Dependable bodily controls don’t result in any frustration if you use them and the ANC efficiency is sweet sufficient to dam out loads of distractions. Issue within the refined design and total consolation, and also you’ve acquired an important pair of headphones that rival the very best. The Px7 S2e nonetheless doesn’t have loads of the extra superior options that Sony gives, however they sound so good you may not even discover.

Execs

Spectacular sound high quality
Higher than marketed battery life
Efficient noise cancellation
Comfortable match
Refined design

Cons

Name high quality
Very primary EQ customization
Subpar Go-By means of mode audio
Computerized pausing wants refining

$399 at Amazon

Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica has launched inexpensive wi-fi headphones up to now, and whereas they didn’t supply energetic noise cancellation, they’re nonetheless price contemplating. The corporate’s newest is the M20xBT, a Bluetooth model of the A-T’s widespread M20x wired cans. For simply $79, you possibly can anticipate a snug match and as much as 60 hours of battery life. Bluetooth multipoint connectivity means that you can hook up with a number of units directly and bodily buttons present dependable on-board management. The design isn’t as refined as the corporate’s pricer fashions just like the M50xBT2, however you get the majority of what makes Audio-Technica’s cheaper choices so good.

Execs

Inexpensive
As much as 60 hours of battery life
Multipoint connectivity

Cons

Design is not as refined as rivals’

$60 at Amazon

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Extremely evaluation

Bose’s distinctive tackle spatial audio would be the headline function on its QuietComfort Extremely Headphones, however the firm didn’t overlook ANC on this mannequin (Make no mistake — Sony takes the crown right here for greatest ANC, however this Bose mannequin is an in depth second.) Described as “the quietest quiet” out there on any of its headphones but, the ANC right here is noticeably higher than the Bose 700 and iconic QuietComfort Headphones. That is due partly to microphone enhancements that additionally enhance name high quality. The modifications are particularly obvious when coping with the hard-to-combat frequency vary of individuals speaking. The corporate additionally gives presets that blend ANC, transparency mode and its spatial Immersive Audio, permitting you to rapidly change the sound to match your environment. And if that wasn’t sufficient, the contact controls make these over-ear headphones a breeze to make use of — so that you get good noise cancelation, good sound and further comfort bundled on this bundle.

Whereas the spatial sound function is a little bit of a combined bag, the inventory tuning on the QuietComfort Extremely Headphones continues to be good – even earlier than you turn on Immersive Audio. Bose has usually lagged the competitors by way of sonic prowess, however these over-ear headphones present that hole is narrowing. There’s a splash extra bass to reinforce a default sound profile that’s hotter, clearer and extra inviting than earlier Bose fashions, leading to good sound total. When Immersive Audio hits, it’s wonderful and the audio high quality is actually exceptional. However, the corporate is counting on sign processing fairly than specifically crafted content material so the outcomes differ.

Execs

Wonderful ANC
Improved audio
Clearer transparency mode
Comfortable

Cons

Costly
Immersive Audio is inconsistent
No USB-C audio

$429 at Amazon

Technics

Again at CES 2022, Panasonic introduced the EAH-A800: a brand new set of energetic noise canceling headphones below the long-lasting Technics model. Whereas many of the options are what you see on any variety of wi-fi headphones, one determine stood out. The corporate says you possibly can anticipate as much as 50 hours of battery life on the A800, and that’s with energetic noise cancellation enabled. Whereas we’ve not put them by the complete evaluation evaluation, I’ve already examined them on a protracted flight. The ANC is spectacular they usually’re comfy sufficient to keep away from changing into a burden after a number of hours or many lengthy listening classes. Sound high quality can be fairly good (there’s LDAC assist, too) and there are sufficient options right here to justify the premium price ticket.

Execs

50-hour battery life with ANC turned on
Snug design
Good sound high quality

$225 at Amazon

MASTER & DYNAMIC

Noise cancellation: Sure | Multipoint: Sure | Battery life: 28 hours | Weight: 0.75 kilos | Water resistance: None | Assistant assist: Suitable with native voice assistants | Colour choices: Silver Metallic / Brown Leather-based, Black Metallic / Black Leather-based, Silver Metallic / Navy Leather-based, Silver Metallic / Black Leather-based, Gunmetal / Black Leather-based, Gunmetal / Navy Leather-based, Silver Metallic / Gray Leather-based

Whereas Grasp & Dynamic is thought for its design prowess, the corporate’s over-ear headphones have been due for a refresh. With the MW75 that debuted in June, the corporate opted for a glance that takes cues from its MG20 gaming headphones and mixes them with a combo of aluminum, leather-based and tempered glass. The corporate’s trademark sound high quality returns with a number of ANC modes and ambient sound choices for a variety of conditions. At $599, the high-end appears to be like don’t come low cost, however when you’re on the lookout for one thing past the pure plastic trend of most headphones, M&D has you coated.

Execs

Luxurious design made with premium supplies
A number of ANC modes

$599 at Amazon

How to decide on the very best wi-fi headphones for you

In relation to looking for pair of wi-fi headphones, the very first thing you’ll have to resolve on is put on fashion. Do you favor on-ear or over-ear headphones? For the needs of our purchaser’s information, we give attention to the over-ear fashion as that’s what most noise-canceling headphones are these days. Positive, you will discover on-ear fashions with ANC, however over-ear designs are rather more efficient at blocking sound. Talking of noise cancellation, you’ll need to decide early on when you even need that. In the event you continuously crank up the beats in noisy environments, you’ll need to not solely be certain that it’s there, but in addition be certain that it’s good, ideally with adaptive ANC. In the event you plan to make use of your new headphones in quieter areas, skipping ANC can prevent some cash.

The subsequent space to think about is options. We advocate making an attempt to get essentially the most bang to your buck, however as you’re buying round you must decide which gadgets are must-haves and what you possibly can stay with out. And don’t take staple items like automated pausing and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity without any consideration, as not all firms embody them. We additionally recommend studying critiques to see how properly an organization’s extra superior options work. This can make it easier to resolve if these are one thing you’re keen to (probably) pay further for. Control higher battery life estimates to keep away from disappointment, as some producers promise extra hours than real-world testing delivers. And don’t be simply swayed by lofty guarantees about name high quality with out verifying them.

Sound could be subjective, so we advocate making an attempt before you purchase if in any respect potential. We perceive this isn’t straightforward at a time after we’re doing most of our buying on-line. However making an attempt on a set of headphones and listening to them for a couple of minutes can prevent from an costly case of purchaser’s regret. We additionally advocate being attentive to issues like Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, 360 Actuality Audio and different immersive codecs. Not all headphones assist them, so that you’ll need to be certain that a perspective pair does if that kind of factor excites you. In the event you plan to make use of your headphones for different media in addition to music, checking for latency can be a should — some delay can impression playback for issues like films or video games, even when most true wi-fi headphones now supply minimal lag.

How we take a look at over-ear headphones

The first manner we take a look at wi-fi headphones is to put on them as a lot as potential. We want to do that over a one- to two-week interval, however typically embargoes don’t enable it. Throughout this time, we take heed to a mixture of music and podcasts, whereas additionally utilizing the earbuds to take each voice and video calls. Since battery life for headphones could be 30 hours or extra, we drain the battery with looping music and the quantity set at a snug stage (normally round 75 %). As a result of longer battery estimates, we’ll sometimes energy the headphones off a number of occasions and depart them throughout a evaluation. This simulates real-world use and retains us from having to consistently monitor the method for over 24 straight hours.

To guage the very best Bluetooth headphones, we give attention to higher-quality audio by listening to a wide range of genres and paying shut consideration to how every fashion sounds. We additionally take a look at at each high and low volumes to verify for consistency within the tuning. To evaluate the standard of telephone calls, we’ll document audio samples with the headphones’ microphones in addition to have third events name us.

In relation to options, we do an intensive evaluation of companion apps, testing every function as we work by the software program. Any holdovers from earlier fashions are double checked for enhancements or regression. If the headphones we’re testing are an up to date model of a earlier mannequin, we’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set. Ditto for the closest competitors for every new set of headphones that we evaluation.

Different wi-fi headphones we examined

AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max are premium, well-designed over-ear headphones that incorporate all the greatest options you discover on customary AirPods: strong noise cancelation, spatial audio and straightforward Siri entry. Nevertheless, their $550 beginning value makes them virtually prohibitively costly, even for Apple customers. There are higher choices out there at decrease costs, however when you can choose up the AirPods Max at a steep low cost, they could be worthwhile for the largest Apple followers amongst us.

Dyson On-Trac

The On-Trac headphones have an virtually infinitely customizable design, and that’s what’s most original about them. The sound profile gives some good element, however lacks dynamic vary total. ANC is common at greatest and there aren’t any superior options that may make your life simpler. Effectively, apart from the listening to well being monitor which is definitely helpful. All informed, that’s not loads in a set of $500 headphones.

Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace is a superb debut for the corporate’s first headphones. The mix of refined design, nice sound high quality and residential theater methods creates a singular method. Nevertheless, ANC efficiency is simply okay and key performance continues to be within the works for a lot of customers.

Sony ULT Put on

If most headphones don’t have the extent of bass you need, the ULT Put on is an possibility to think about. The low-end thump isn’t for everybody, however there are additionally loads of helpful options and a refined look to make the $200 set extra compelling than many on this value vary.

Sony WH-CH720N

Whereas the WH-CH720N are an important inexpensive possibility, we want the Audio-Technica within the funds class. Sony’s cans are light-weight with good sound high quality, however ANC struggles at occasions they usually’re made with loads of plastic.

Beats Studio Professional

The Studio Professional lacks primary options like automated pausing, and multipoint connectivity is simply out there on Android. Furthermore, they’re not very comfy for folks with bigger heads. Total sound high quality is improved, although, and voice efficiency on calls is properly above common.

Bose QuietComfort Extremely headphones

Bose’s newest flagship mannequin has loads to supply, however its trademark Immersive Audio function could be inconsistent throughout several types of music. There’s nonetheless world-class ANC, glorious consolation and a clearer transparency mode, however for the value, the non-Extremely mannequin is a better option proper now.

Grasp & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)

The MH40 are an important set of headphones when you favor crisp, clear and pure sound that isn’t overly tuned. This pair showcases the corporate’s affinity for leather-based and steel too, however restricted customization and quick battery life for non-ANC cans saved this set from making the lower.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The corporate’s trademark pristine sound is on show right here, however the Px8 are dearer and never practically as comfy because the Px7 S2.

Wi-fi headphones FAQs

How are you going to inform the standard of wi-fi headphones?

I sometimes take a look at three components: design, sound high quality and options. By way of design, I’m normally seeking to see if the construct high quality of the headphones feels low cost and plasticky. Loads of firms use plastic, however they will accomplish that in a manner that doesn’t look or really feel like funds fashions. For sound high quality, I need to hear a pleasant, even tuning the place highs, mids and lows are all properly represented. No overly boomy bass or scooped out mids. I additionally need good readability the place you possibly can choose up wonderful particulars and an open, immersive soundstage. Options is usually a distant third, but when an organization doesn’t cowl primary performance (automated pausing, transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth, and so forth.) it may be a sign of total high quality.

How do I select the highest quality wi-fi headphones?

“Finest” could be fairly subjective, however I at all times advocate going to a spot the place you possibly can take heed to the headphones you’re desirous about shopping for earlier than you commit. Typically this isn’t potential, so that you’ll need to verify return insurance policies. I additionally advocate performing some analysis to find out what your priorities are in a brand new set. Are you an audiophile who needs the very best sound high quality? Is highly effective energetic noise cancellation (ANC) an important? Would you fairly have conveniences like automated pausing?

Which model has the very best wi-fi headphones?

Sony persistently tops our record with its 1000X line. That is largely because of the mixture of sound high quality, ANC efficiency and the truckload of options these headphones pack in. I’ll be the primary to inform you that there are higher sounding choices and different firms, like Bose, supply more practical noise cancellation. However if you add all the things up, nobody comes near the complete slate of instruments Sony places in its premium headphone line.

Do costly wi-fi headphones sound higher?

Exorbitant value tags don’t imply higher audio high quality. Bowers & Wilkins’ headphones are on the excessive finish for wi-fi noise-canceling fashions they usually sound wonderful. Nevertheless, Audio-Technica’s M50xBT2 is rather more inexpensive and doesn’t have ANC, however these headphones have a heat, pure sound profile that I discover very inviting. On the finish of the day, it can come down to non-public desire, however you don’t want to spend so much to seek out nice headphones.