Stereo headphones have been around since well before the first Sony Walkman, and that's roughly how long we've had to put up with tangled wires for on-the-go music listening. That's long enough if you ask us. Fortunately, wireless headphones now exist.
They're convenient for all those times you don't want to deal with dangling cables, such as at the gym or on public transportation. And now that many phone makers have ditched the headphone jack, wireless headphones are a great way to ensure cross-device compatibility. Wireless no longer means poor sound and battery life, either. Bluetooth headphones still compress hi-res audio, but new codecs preserve quality much better than in the past, and battery life has steadily improved with each new generation.
Below, you can find our top picks for wireless headphones and earphones across a wide range of prices and feature sets. And make sure to read through to the end for relevant buying advice.
Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Headphones for 2022 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
Stereo headphones have been around since before the first Sony Walkman, and that's roughly how long we've had to put up with tangled wires for on-the-go music listening. That's long enough if you ask us. Fortunately, wireless headphones now exist.
They're convenient for all those times you don't want to deal with dangling cables, such as at the gym or on public transportation. And now that many phone makers are ditching the headphone jack, wireless headphones are a great way to ensure cross-device compatibility. Wireless no longer means poor sound, either. Bluetooth headphones still compress hi-res audio, but new codecs preserve quality much better than in the past.
Below, you can find our top picks for wireless headphones and earphones across a wide range of prices and feature sets. And make sure to read through to the end for relevant buying advice.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Rich, well-balanced audio performance | - No hi-res codec support |
| + Excellent active noise cancellation | - Offers only non-adjustable EQ presets |
| + Adaptive Transparency mode is geninuely impressive | |
| + Charging case has a useful built-in speaker | |
| + Seamless integration with Apple devices |
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Why We Picked It
The second-generation AirPods Pro are a strong rebuttal to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. At $249, Apple’s flagship noise-cancelling true wireless earphones come close to besting the $299 Bose model in the active noise cancellation (ANC) department and offer a much more sophisticated Transparency mode that lets you better hear your surroundings. In addition, the new AirPods Pro sound as good as ever and come with a more advanced charging case that has a built-in speaker that enables various useful features. Of course, the AirPods Pro also offer absolutely seamless integration with Apple products, making them easier to use with your iPhone, iPad, or Mac than any other Bluetooth headphones. So while the QuietComfort Earbuds II hold a slight lead in noise cancellation, the second-gen AirPods Pro are just as easy to recommend to Apple device users, earning them our Editors' Choice award.
Bose QuietComfort 45
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Best in class noise cancellation | - ANC can't be adjusted |
| + Sculped audio with rich bass and crisp highs | - Sound signature isn't accurate for true audiophiles |
| + Exceptionally comfortable |
Bose QuietComfort 45
Why We Picked It
Bose has long dominated the world of noise-cancelling headphones, with its QuietComfort line setting the bar for the industry for over 20 years. Apple and Sony have recently given Bose a run for its money with the AirPods Max and the WH-1000XM4, both of which offer their own excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) with arguably stronger audio quality. And Bose is even competing against itself with the terrific Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which deliver ANC you can tune to your liking. That means the stakes have never been higher for the company's latest QC headphones, the $329 QuietComfort 45. Simply put, this is the best active noise cancellation you can find in over-ear headphones. The sound quality is good too, and certainly lives up to the price tag, though the aforementioned models are better geared toward audiophiles. But in terms of sheer ANC performance, you won't find a better pair than the QuietComfort 45, earning the headphones our Editors' Choice award.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Engaging audio performance with deep lows and bright highs | - No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether |
| + Fantastic low and high frequency noise cancellation | - Case doesn't support wireless charging |
| + Useful Active Aware mode | |
| + Water-resistant build |
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Why We Picked It
Two years have passed since Bose introduced the QuietComfort Earbuds, its first pair of noise-cancelling true wireless earphones. Since then, Bose has sat near the top of the class when it comes to in-ear active noise cancellation (ANC), though Sony has given it a run for its money with the $279.99 WF-1000XM4, and many more affordable competitors from brands like Anker, Jabra, JBL, and Sennheiser aren't nearly as far behind as they once were. The new QuietComfort Earbuds II ($299.99), however, set a brand new standard. Simply put, they deliver astoundingly effective noise cancellation against both powerful low-frequency sounds as well as higher-frequency noise. The Bose audio signature remains as sculpted as ever, but it should appeal to anyone who likes rich bass and bright highs. We award products for being the best at what they do, and the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II easily earn our Editors' Choice award for delivering the best in-ear noise cancellation we've experienced.
Jabra Elite 45h
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Powerful, bass-forward audio performance | - Combined volume/track nav controls make it easy to accidentally skip a track |
| + Useful app with adjustable EQ | |
| + Comfortable on-ear fit | |
| + Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | |
| + Strong mic clarity |
Jabra Elite 45h
Why We Picked It
We're seeing fewer new on-ear/over-ear Bluetooth headphones these days, especially in the affordable realm. There's nothing fancy about Jabra's new on-ear Elite 45h headphones—there's no noise cancellation, ambient listening mode, or fitness features—but what they do, they do quite well. For $99, the drivers deliver excellent audio, the fit is exceedingly comfortable, and the design is stylish and easy to operate. They also use the same app, with user-adjustable EQ and a number of other useful features, as some of our favorite, pricier Jabra models. That all makes these excellent on-ear headphones for the price, ideal for your home office, and an Editors' Choice.
Sennheiser HD 450BT
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Strong noise cancellation for the price | - Noise cancellation is solid, but not class-leading |
| + Excellent audio performance | |
| + Can be used in passive mode with cable, or wired mode with ANC enabled | |
| + User-adjustable EQ |
Sennheiser HD 450BT
Why We Picked It
It's no secret that noise-cancelling headphones cost a good deal more than their traditional counterparts. Priced at $199.95, Sennheiser's HD 450BT headphones are far from inexpensive, but they cost considerably less than leading ANC (active noise cancellation) models like the $400 Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. For half that price, Sennheiser's pair offers above-average ANC performance and excellent Bluetooth audio. Add in adjustable EQ, a comfortable fit, and easy-to-operate controls, and you get the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy for $200, as well as our Editors' Choice.
Sony WH-1000XM5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Excellent audio performance with robust bass depth and crisp highs | - Expensive |
| + Top-notch active noise cancellation | |
| + Intuitive on-ear controls | |
| + App offers an adjustable EQ and other customization settings | |
| + Comfortable, stylish design |
Sony WH-1000XM5
Why We Picked It
With each new model, Sony's noise-cancelling headphones improve upon the previous formula, giving longtime industry leader Bose a run for its money. The $399.99 Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones continue where the WH-1000XM4 left off, with top-notch ANC (active noise cancellation) and audio performance. Compared with the $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 and the $549 Apple AirPods Max, the 1000XM5 over-ear headphones offer comparable noise cancellation and arguably the best sound quality of the bunch. Throw in a comfortable, stylishly understated design—the earcups catch the light in interesting ways with their matte surfaces and sharp edges, and look even better in person than in photos—and you get a pair of high-end noise-cancelling headphones worth their equally high price. While there are still reasons to consider models from Apple and Bose, Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones earn our Editors' Choice award for audiophiles.
Anker Soundcore Space A40
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Rich, detailed audio performance | - Light on sub-bass |
| + Quality active noise cancellation for the price | - Noise cancellation mode slightly affects sound signature |
| + App includes customizable EQ and controls | |
| + Strong battery life | |
| + Water-resistant build |
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Why We Picked It
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling true wireless earphones ($99.99) are the company's latest affordable earbuds to offer solid active noise cancellation (ANC). The pair fits securely, delivers strong audio performance, and offers excellent battery life. We're also fans of the companion app's control and EQ customization options. These new in-ears ultimately outshine both of Anker's older top-rated models, the Soundcore Life P3 and Liberty Air 2 Pro, and take over as our Editors' Choice winner in the around-$100 price range. Other options in this segment also offer quality noise cancellation, but the Space A40 earbuds' natural sound signature and useful companion app help them stand out.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Powerful audio performance with deep bass and crisp highs | - Tunable ANC requires more work than other models |
| + Adjustable ANC and EQ settings | - Sculpted sound signature not for purists |
| + Excellent mic intelligbiiity | |
| + Full waterproof, dust-resistant earpieces |
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Why We Picked It
Jabra impressed us with its Elite 85t earphones, earning high marks for their strong noise cancellation and tunable audio performance. At $199.99, Jabra's new Elite 7 Pro earphones are priced to compete with the top ANC (active noise cancellation) true wireless models on the market. This time around you get not only quality ANC and audio performance, but both are adjustable to taste. And while most of the wire-free noise-cancelling earphones we test are water resistant at best, this pair is fully waterproof, making them well suited for runners and anyone else who needs rugged ANC earpieces. Ultimately, Sony's $280 Sony WF-1000XM4 earphones earn a slightly higher rating for their class-leading ANC performance, but the Elite 7 Pro earphones offer a waterproof design for nearly $100 less, making them equally worthy of our Editors' Choice award.
Urbanista Los Angeles
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Solar-powered charging | - No in-app EQ |
| + Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs | - Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature |
| + Quality noise cancellation for the price | |
| + Stylish design |
Urbanista Los Angeles
Why We Picked It
We test our fair share of noise-cancelling headphones, but we’ve never come across a pair like the $199 Urbanista Los Angeles, which integrate a solar cell material called Powerfoyle to convert light into battery power. That alone is impressive enough to earn the headphones our TechX award, but of course, it wouldn't mean much if they didn't also sound good. Luckily, the headphones deliver powerful audio with rich bass and sculpted highs, along with effective active noise cancellation (ANC) for the price. Thanks to their combination of technological (not to mention eco-friendly) innovation and impressive audio performance, the Urbanista Los Angeles headphones also earn our Editors' Choice award, and we hope to see more products use this charging technology in the future.
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Powerful, sculpted, and bass-forward audio | - Ear hook design makes docking process annoying |
| + Impressive ANC for the price | - On-ear control array could be more intuitive |
| + App features adjustable EQ and customizable controls | |
| + Waterproof build |
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Why We Picked It
The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 ($79.99) join the company’s lineup of budget-friendly true wireless earphones with effective active noise cancellation (ANC). These earbuds feature a waterproof, exercise-ready design, plus pair with a useful app that offers an adjustable EQ. We also like their powerful (and admittedly bass-heavy) sound signature. But if you are on a tight budget or are not a fan of the ear-hook design, the Editors’ Choice-winning Tribit FlyBuds 3 ($39.99) may be worth a look even though they don't offer ANC or an in-app EQ.
Who Needs a Headphone Jack?
Stereo headphones have been around since before the first Sony Walkman, and that's roughly how long we've put up with tangled wires while listening to music on the go. That's long enough, if you ask us. Fortunately, this is where wireless headphones come in. They're convenient for any situation where you don't want to deal with dangling cables—especially at the gym. And now that many phone makers are ditching the headphone jack, wireless headphones are a good way to ensure compatibility with just about any new device.
Wireless no longer means poor sound, either. These days, Bluetooth audio sounds much better than it ever has. Even though the stereo Bluetooth data signal is compressed, various headphone and earphone vendors have discovered ways of enhancing the signal to compensate for deficiencies in fidelity. Check out our buying advice below before picking the perfect pair.
Wireless Earphones vs. Headphones
Earphones (or earbuds, or in-ear headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile compared with conventional headphones. Generally, you'll get better sound from a full set of "cans" around your head than from buds in your ears, but in-ear sound quality has improved a great deal. More importantly, in-ear headphones are much more likely to be water resistant, and much better suited for use when working out. Get a good sweat going, and you'll turn your headphone earpads into a nasty mess. For our top picks, check out the best earphones, the best headphones for running, and the best true wireless earphones for running.
If you aren't primarily looking for a set of wireless earphones for the gym, conventional headphones can offer a very good listening experience. You'll still have to choose between on-ear and over-ear models, however. On-ear headphones rest the earcups against your ears, but don't surround them. Over-ear headphones completely enclose your ears. Over-ear headphones block out the most outside noise and usually provide a more powerful, rich sound, but on-ear headphones are less bulky and distracting to wear when you're out and about. See the best headphones for more.
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- Sony WHXB900N Noise Cancelling Headphones — $248.00 (List Price $248; Save $70)
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- Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System — $198.16 (List Price $279.95; Save $81.67)
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And if you're shopping for your little one, we've also rounded up a collection of the best wired and wireless headphones for kids.
How Long Do Bluetooth Headphones Last?
Bluetooth headphones are convenient when they're charged, but once the batteries run out you're left without music. Some headphone manufacturers include a portable charging case, like Apple does with its AirPods. Others include a 3.5mm detachable cable.
For models with a wired option, you can plug the cable in and use them as conventional headphones until you can charge them again, and use them without issue on airplanes, to boot. Wireless earphones almost never have this option, because they're already so small there simply isn't any room to place a headphone cable jack.
What Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones?
Active noise cancellation uses outward-facing microphones to pick up and analyze noise, which then gets canceled out by circuitry that generates an inverse wave in the headphones. It was previously an expensive, cumbersome technology that couldn't be found on wireless headphones, but that changed a few years ago with advances in battery life and circuit miniaturization. You'll pay a premium for headphones with active noise cancellation, but it's a handy feature if you just want to tune out everything around you besides your music. For more, check out the best noise-cancelling headphones and the best noise-cancelling true wireless earphones.
What About Completely Wire-Free Earbuds?
Truly wireless earphones completely remove the cable and make each earpiece its own discrete device that wirelessly syncs with the other one. Apple got the wire-free ball rolling with the AirPods, and since then many other earphone manufacturers have been working on their own takes on the concept.
Wire-free earphones are generally gym-friendly, with most models sporting some form of water resistance. They also usually come with their own battery-equipped carrying case for keeping them topped off when not in use, and the simple advantage of not dealing with a wire is its own significant benefit.
The trade-off is that most wire-free earphones have inferior battery life compared with tethered models, forcing you to pop them in their charging case fairly often. Their small size also means on-earphone controls are generally limited, and their price is usually significantly more than similar tethered wireless earphones. Our reviews go into greater detail about these benefits and limitations, and highlight how certain models are starting to overcome these growing pains.
For more, see the best true wireless earphones.
Do You Need Apple's H1 Chip?
If you're an iPhone user, it's worth considering a pair of headphones that use Apple's proprietary H1 (or older W1) chip. The chip makes Bluetooth pairing even easier—there's no need to open the Settings menu, as your phone automatically prompts you to connect whenever the headphones are nearby. The chip also makes for a more stable connection and increased wireless range.
Currently only Apple and Beats (which is owned by Apple) make headphones with the chip, but that might change in the future.
How Much Should You Spend on Wireless Headphones?
This is a look at the top wireless headphones we've tested overall, regardless of price. As such, many of the options here fall in the $100 and up range. That doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money to get headphones that deliver quality audio. If you're shopping on a budget, head over to best headphones under $50 for plenty of great options that won't break the bank.
With that in mind, we've included a range of styles and prices here. You're bound to find something that fits well, sounds great, and—above all—doesn't tie you up in knots. Once you've found the perfect pair, check out our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and six ways you're using your headphones wrong. And if you want to share your tunes with others, look no further than our favorite wireless speakers.
Where To Buy
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The Best For Voice Assistant UsersBose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700$339.00 at Walmart
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The Best For Affordable On-Ear HeadphonesJabra Elite 45h$99.99 at Amazon
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The Best For Classic Rock AesthetesMarshall Mid ANC
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The Best For Affordable Noise CancellationSennheiser HD 450BT$149.95 at Walmart
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The Best For Noise-Sensitive AudiophilesSony WH-1000XM4$349.99 at Amazon
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The Best For Affordable True Wireless EarphonesAnker Soundcore Liberty Air$69.99 at Amazon
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The Best For Apple UsersApple AirPods Pro$219.99 at Verizon Wireless
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The Best For Long Battery LifeJBL UA True Wireless Flash X$136.99 at Best Buy
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The Best For Stylish On-Ear HeadphonesStatus Audio BT One$79.00 at Walmart
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The Best For High-End Audio with ANCTechnics AZ70$199.00 at Amazon