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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. Fortunately, wireless headphones now exist for all those times you don't want to deal with dangling cables. And now that many phone makers have ditched the headphone jack, wireless headphones are increasingly more common than their wired counterparts.
PCMag's audio analysts have been independently writing about wireless headphones for nearly 20 years, so you can be sure that our coverage is both truthful and thorough. We've put scores of headphones through the same rigorous tests to deliver the list of our favorites below. Our current Editors' Choice winners include the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for seamless Apple device interoperability, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), and the solar-powered Urbanista Los Angels for practically limitless playtime. You can find out more about each of our top selections by reading our in-depth reviews, and we include some buying advice below the list to help you sort through your many choices.
Our Top Tested Picks
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM5
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Urbanista Los Angeles
Apple AirPods Max
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2
The Best Headphone Deals This Week*
- Apple AirPods Max ANC Wireless Headphones — $449.99 (List Price $549)
- Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black) — $179.99 (List Price $349.99)
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones — $249.00 (List Price $379.95)
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones (Black) — $559.00 (List Price $699)
- JBL Tune 770NC Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones (Black) — $99.95 (List Price $129.95)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
- RELATED:
- Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones
- Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Best Earphones
- Best True Wireless Earbuds
Best Earphones for iPhone Users
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Conversation Aware feature adjusts your music volume when you speak
- Charging case has a built-in speaker, USB-C port
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- No hi-res codec support
- EQ presets aren't adjustable
The second-gen AirPods Pro deliver impressive noise cancellation, wiping out deep low rumble and dialing back complex higher-frequency sounds. Their Adaptive Audio mode also successfully tamps down any audio spikes from your surroundings. Otherwise, they sound excellent and we're glad the case finally supports USB-C charging.
These earphones should suit anyone who wants seamless integration with Apple devices. Pairing is as simple as opening the case, and the iOS settings menu has an AirPods section that allows you to test the in-ear fit, personalize the spatial audio experience, and adjust the on-ear controls. We'd love to see a customizable EQ, but these are still your best bet in Apple's current audio lineup.
Best Earphones for Noise Cancellation
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Crisp, full-bodied audio
- Active Aware feature blends noise cancellation and transparency modes
- Spatial audio support with head tracking
- Good Bluetooth codec support
- Case doesn’t support wireless charging
- No multipoint connectivity
The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer the best noise cancellation you can get from earphones. They nearly make all deep, low-frequency rumble disappear and cut back highs extensively, too. Their audio drivers sound great, producing rich bass and sculpted (but balanced) highs. AptX Adaptive support makes them more attractive to Android users than previous iterations.
These are for people who want the most effective noise-cancelling earphones. And, unlike with the AirPods Pro, you get an adjustable EQ in the companion app. That's helpful for dialing down a bit of the sculpting, though plenty of listeners are sure to enjoy the default sound signature.
Best Headphones for Noise Cancellation
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Class-leading active noise cancellation
- Crisp audio with rich bass
- Adjustable EQ
- Immersive audio modes with spatial effects
- Expensive
- Adaptive noise cancellation might cause ear pressure
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver the best active noise cancellation you can get. They also sound quite good and live up to their name in the comfort department. AptX Adaptive support is a welcome addition for Android users, too.
If you want the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, you should begin and end your search with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Want to know how they compare with flagship offerings from Apple and Sony? Check out our in-depth comparison of the three.
Best Earphones for Audiophiles
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Rich bass response and crisp, detailed highs
- Adjustable in-app EQ
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Top-tier mic clarity
- Case supports wireless charging
- Hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
- Expensive
- Some bloat in companion app
Bose has a slight edge in noise cancellation, but Sony's WF-1000XM5 earphones come very close. They also sound superb and offer top-notch mic quality. Rounding out the experience is a full-featured companion app with an adjustable EQ, support for the AAC, LC3, and LDAC codecs, and a wirelessly charging case. We're also fans of their hybrid eartips, which improve passive noise isolation and low-end response.
Audiophiles who want earphones that can block out distractions should look no further than the Sony WF-1000XM5. The latest high-end models from Apple and Bose are competitive, but neither can match their hi-res streaming capabilities.
Best Headphones for Audiophiles
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Excellent audio performance with robust bass depth and crisp highs
- Top-notch active noise cancellation
- Intuitive on-ear controls
- App offers an adjustable EQ and other customization settings
- Comfortable, stylish design
- Expensive
Although Bose takes a slight victory in active noise cancellation, Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones offer an edge in audio quality. Their sound signature is a bit more accurate and they support the hi-res-capable LDAC codec.
These headphones cost a lot, but excellent audio performance, an adjustable EQ, and highly effective ANC are all points in their favor. Other premium options might have an advantage in other categories, but these offer the best overall experience.
Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones Under $100
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
- Potent bass depth with bright highs
- Commendable noise cancellation for the price
- LDAC support for Android users
- Capable companion app includes EQ
- Default sound signature has noticeable sculpting
- Average water-resistance rating
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC earphones offer the best combination of sound quality and active noise cancellation below $100. Anker's companion app is another bright spot, with an intuitive interface, myriad ANC controls, and a customizable EQ.
If your budget tops out at $100, these earphones are worth your attention. They cancel noise more effectively than similarly priced competitors and their battery life is above average, so they're a great choice for commuters and travelers. They don't sacrifice sound quality either and even support the high-end LDAC codec.
Best Premium Earbuds for Exercise
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
- Deep bass and detailed highs
- Excellent noise cancellation against lows
- App includes adjustable EQ and controls
- Fully dustproof and waterproof
- Water-resistant charging case can stream audio
- Noise cancellation is sometimes inconsistent
- App buries some features
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earphones sport a fully durable IP68 rating, deliver invigorating sound, and offer top-notch ANC against low frequencies. Another major highlight is the charging case: It has an impressive IP54 rating and can seamlessly stream audio to the earbuds from any source with a 3.5mm or USB-C input. A full-featured companion app with customizable EQ and control options completes the premium experience.
If you want earphones you can use in rough conditions without sacrificing audio or ANC quality, this Jabra pair is the way to go. It's our top recommendation for runners and the fitness crowd.
Best for Battery Life
Urbanista Los Angeles
- Solar-powered charging
- Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
- Quality noise cancellation for the price
- Stylish design
- No in-app EQ
- Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature
The innovative Urbanista Los Angeles headphones use a Powerfoyle material on their exterior to charge via light—not just sunlight, but even light bulbs. Additionally, they produce rich sound and offer competent active noise cancellation. They aren't outstanding in either regard, but a competitive showing here is a huge step forward for eco-friendly tech.
These headphones are a great choice if you want to shop in an eco-conscious way. But even if you don't care about green tech, the 80-hour battery life (if you even manage to drain them more quickly than ambient light can recharge them) makes them ideal for extended listening sessions. Yes, they have a USB-C port and ship with a charging cable, but if you rely on the solar battery tech, you won't ever have to clutter your desk with wires.
Best Headphones for iPhone Users
Apple AirPods Max
- Excellent audio performance with rich lows and crisp, detailed highs
- High-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency rumble
- Stunning, unique design
- Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio
- Hands-free Siri access
- Expensive
- Sound signature and Adaptive EQ/spatial audio aren't for purists
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Button placement makes it easy to misfire when adjusting fit
- Smart Case does little to protect the headphones
Everything about the AirPods Max is a bit over the top, from their size to their price. And yet their quality is undeniable. They're visually stunning and fit right within Apple's sleek design aesthetic. Additionally, they deliver an excellent listening experience and powerful active noise cancellation.
These are best for Apple users who want wireless headphones that seamlessly integrate with their devices. There are some downsides—the price is high, the fit isn't universally comfortable, and the ANC circuitry uses an aggressively adaptive approach. But the drivers still produce a crisp, detailed listening experience and enable head-tracking spatial audio.
Best for Wired Listening Mode
Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2
- Accurate sound with rich lows and detailed highs
- Excellent Bluetooth codec support
- Optional wired playback
- Top-notch EQ
- Better battery life than predecessors
- Noise cancellation is merely decent
- Convoluted controls
We can safely say that the Bose and Sony flagship models lead the pack in terms of active noise cancellation, but the Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 over-ear headphones are highly competitive in terms of audio quality. They support nearly every Bluetooth codec you might want (including AAC, AptX HD, and LDAC), as well as offer hi-res wired playback at up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB-C. We're also fans of their elegant look and quality accessories.
For serious listeners, these sophisticated headphones offer the best of the wireless and wired audio worlds in a comfortable design. And their ANC still comes in handy for some situations, even if it's not top-tier.
Should You Get Wireless Earphones or Headphones?
Earphones (or in-ear headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile compared with conventional headphones. Generally, you get better sound from a full set of "cans" around your head than from buds you stick in your ears, but earphones now offer excellent sound quality. More importantly, they are much more appropriate for exercise because they are smaller and often at least moderately durable. Headphones, on the other hand, turn into a nasty mess if you start sweating. For our top exercise picks, check out the best true wireless earphones for running.
At this point, most wireless earphones don't have a connecting wire like earlier iterations. Instead, you get two discrete earpieces and a charging case. This setup wasn't always reliable, but you aren't likely to have any connection issues now. All of the earphones on this list are true wireless earphones.
If you aren't primarily looking for a set of wireless earphones for the gym (be sure to check the IP rating for water and sweat resistance), you still have to choose between on-ear and over-ear models. On-ear headphones rest against your ears but don't surround them, while over-ear headphones completely enclose them. The latter block the most outside noise and usually provide more powerful, richer sound, but on-ear models are less bulky and distracting to wear.
And if you're shopping for your little one, we also have a collection of the best wired and wireless headphones for kids.
What's Noise Cancellation?
Headphones with ANC use outward-facing microphones to pick up and analyze noise, which their internal circuitry then cancels by generating an inverse wave. This was previously an expensive, cumbersome technology, but advances in battery life and miniaturization mean you have more affordable options than ever. The top-end models are still quite pricey, but not everyone needs the absolute best performance. For more options, check out the best noise-cancelling headphones and the best noise-cancelling true wireless earphones.
Do You Need Apple's H2 Chip? What About Bluetooth Codecs?
If you're an iPhone user, consider buying a model with Apple's proprietary H2 (or older H1 or W1) chip. It makes Bluetooth pairing painless—there's no need to open the Settings menu because your phone automatically prompts you to connect whenever the headphones are nearby. The chip also improves connection stability and increases the wireless range. Currently, only Apple and Beats (which Apple owns) sell headphones with this component.
Everyone—iPhone and Android users—needs to pay attention to which Bluetooth codecs their headphones support. Codecs determine how your device compresses audio streams before sending them to your headphones (most Bluetooth implementations don't currently support lossless audio streaming). You need to make sure that your headphones and phone support the same high-end codecs if you want the best listening experience. Our guide to Bluetooth codecs details everything you are likely to encounter, and our reviews note which ones each model supports.
How Much Should You Spend on Wireless Headphones?
Although many entries in this roundup cost more than $100, you don't need to spend a lot of money to get quality audio. If you're shopping on a budget, head over to our roundup of the best headphones under $50 or under $100 for options that won't break the bank.
You're bound to find something that fits well, sounds great, and—above all—doesn't tie you up in knots. Once you pick the perfect pair, check out these five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and the eight 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.
