Wireless headphones are the epitome of music listening convenience, with cable-free designs, near-wired-standard sound quality, battery lives that can survive transatlantic flights, and, increasingly, active noise canceling that can silence the outside world.
Many also allow you to simultaneously connect to more than one music device thanks toBluetooth Multipointsupport, while some even offerspatial audiosupport for a more immersive experience.
The Big Tech likes of Sony, Bose, Sennheiser have competed against one another in the wireless over-ear space for years, but now Sonos, Apple, established hi-fi companies and even new kids on the audio block have joined the fight, all with the aim and promise to deliver the best bang for your buck.
So which should you give your hard-earned cash to? Why, only the best performers of course.
This guide, curated by our expert headphone reviewers, features only the very best wireless headphones you can buy, from budget Bluetooth over-ears that nail the basics for $100 to premium-priced propositions that fly the flag for luxury design, advanced features and top-tier audio and ANC performance.
We test the hottest wireless headphone releases of the year and pit every one against our stringent criteria for comfort, durability, battery life, everyday practicality, and audio and noise-canceling quality – and only those who pass it with flying colors appear below.
The premiumSony WH-1000XM5remain our editors’ favorite pair for all-round value, not least as they are now even more appealingly priced in light of the new arrival of their successors, theWH-1000XM6, which have just been added to this guide as the best-sounding performers.
Want something a little more affordable? The1More SonoFlowset a new benchmark for $100 wireless headphones.
Or how about wireless headphones for gaming? TheSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wirelesshave you covered. In this buying guide, there’s a benchmark performer for every taste and budget…
Want in-ear wireless earbuds instead? Check out ourbest wireless earbudsbuying guide instead.
Best wireless headphones overall
Sony WH-1000XM5
The previous leader of this list was Sony’s WH-1000XM4, and the newer WH-1000XM5 have everything that made those headphones amazing, plus a bit more. If they were no longer available, in their place would now be the brand-new WH-1000XM6. Luckily for bargain hunters, while the XM5 have technically been replaced by the new model, they are still widely available – and at a much more appealing price than before, keeping them at the front of the wireless headphones pack as our best overall pick.
It’s hard to pick holes in the WH-1000XM5, which remain the best-value all-rounders we have ever come across. They combine excellent musical sound with effective ANC, a smart, minimalist and all-day comfortable design, and a smattering of genuinely useful features that make everyday listening all that more pleasant. Oh and did we mention that they offer a battery life up to 40 hours?
Sony says it improved its software algorithms and hardware for the active noise cancelation compared to the previous-gen XM4, and it shows. While Sony has taken this further still in the XM6 (below), and Bose is still the ANC king, the XM5’s sound-blocking ability will be more than good enough to please most people. The same can be said for their sound, which in ourWH-1000XM5 reviewour expert reviewer called “fantastic… the soundstage is open and airy and has the kind of precision that lets you build a map of the players and their instruments in your mind’s eye”.
Like the XM4s, Sony’s WH-1000XM5s includeBluetooth Multipoint connection, allowing them to be connected to two different devices at the same time. Their wear sensor continues to be a handy addition, too, automatically pausing content when you remove the headphones. Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme tech that upscales compressed digital sound sources using artificial intelligence continues to get the most out of your inevitably varying quality of audio files and streams, while call quality is another area in which the XM5 outshine their predecessor and most rivals.
Our only gripe is that there isn’tAuracast Bluetoothsupport, but this isn’t a deal-breaker. For the money, you won’t find better.
Best budget wireless headphones
1More SonoFlow
When we list the best features of the SonoFlow, we know it sounds like a headset well over $100, especially with ANC and a transparency mode included. But no, these wireless headphones are incredibly affordable compared to other options and come packed with desirable features – including especially good sound quality at this price.
1More has also done miracles with the SonoFlow’s battery, which can last up to 50 hours with ANC turned on, making these headphones one of the best picks for those who want to go wireless for as long as possible before plugging in. We’re also impressed with the detailed app options included here, with a variety of different modes to choose from and plenty of EQ adjustments. Plus, the design is simple and comfortable to wear even for long periods.
The minor issues with SonoFlow don’t have a lot of impact on your listening experience: You lose some features when in wired mode, and there’s no wear sensor to automatically pause when you take the headphones up. That’s a small price to pay for, well, such a small price on these excellent wireless headphones.
Best noise-canceling wireless headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
If you head over to ourbest noise-canceling headphones guide, you’ll discover that the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have stolen the top spot from this list’s top dog, the Sony WH-1000XM5. Yes, the Ultras are that good at shutting out the world around you. But let’s get more specific.
Bose has always been one of the kings ofANC (active noise cancellation), and with its latest flagship cans it is back with a vengeance. Bose claims that they’re the quietest over-ear headphones they’ve ever made, which has been corroborated in ourQC Ultra review, where they outperformed both theAirPods Maxand the XM5, effectively blocking out a wide range of common environments, including noisy city streets, busses and streetcars, noisy malls, cafe’s and more. Transparency mode is also excellent and features a new Active Sense mode that listens for loud noises so it can activate ANC to keep your ears safe. Plus, a new Modes feature lets you tailor-make your own ANC and transparency presets (as many as you want) do dial in that perfect balance.
Sound quality on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is, as expected, also still really good, and new for the Ultras, Bose has added spatial audio support for immersive 3D sound. Overall, the Ultras have a great sound signature that is super clear and defined in the highs and low (they’ve actually dialed this back from previous versions) and even more bass forward than ever. But like with most headphones now, you’re able to tune everything to your exact preferences with the Bose Music app.
The QC Ultra’s earcups have kept their physical button controls, which many people prefer over touch controls, making them easy to use even with gloves on. Battery life on the Ultras maxes out at up to 24 hours without ANC and 18 with, which isn’t great – not least when compared to the likes of the 60-hourSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless(below), but who really needs 60-hour battery life? A 15-minute quick charge on the Ultras will net you an extra 2.5 hours, too.
If ANC is your priority, and you also like the sound of Bose’s spatial audio tech, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones should be at top of your shortlist.
Best wireless headphones for sound quality
Sony WH-1000XM6
The WH-1000XM6 are Sony’s latest and greatest wireless headphones, the successors to the WH-1000XM5 that still sit pretty at the top of this buying guide (and with good reason: they remain exceptional value). Indeed, the all-new Sony XM6 aren’t cheap, but those who can afford their significant outlay surely won’t be disappointed. Sony has done what it does best, and repeatedly, here: take an award-winning formula and somehow make it even better.
Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are a meaningful upgrade on their predecessors – enough to justify their premium – and aside from a few drawbacks (no USB audio, a bizarrely awkward Auracast setup, and spatial audio that can only be used to its fullest on Android), they are pretty much spot-on. Not only do they look and feel more luxury than the XM5, but they also take performance to a new level across the board.
The XM6 are familiarly powerful, precise and not shy of detail, but as we note in ourWH-1000XM6 review, they bring to the table “subtle improvements in clarity, especially through the midrange” as well as an “added level of detail and nuance [that] helps low-end bass feel tighter”. There isn’t a headphone, bar the considerably pricier Dali IO-12 below, that come close to their overall audio ability. Spatial audio is “masterfully executed” and a lot of fun for both music and movies, too.
Noise-canceling has also been given a boost, to the point that they’re arguably on par in some circumstances than the ANC kings, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones (above), and transparency mode is also wonderful, giving you a nearly perfect reproduction of the outside world when you need it. Sony didn’t need to improve call quality over the XM5, but it’s done it anyway to offer subtle but worthwhile improvements.
The XM6 are the first of their kind to support Auracast, too, which is great, even if it requires a bit of faff to get there.
Yes, the XM6 are much more expensive than the XM5, but if you have the budget and can afford to put sound quality first, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them as your next wireless headphones.
Best wireless headphones for iPhone users
Apple AirPods Max
Yes, their price is high. In fact, at $549 (less elsewhere), they’re one of the most expensive headphones on the market. But if you’re willing to make that investment, Apple rewards you with a beautiful, luxury design, high-quality materials, a feature set that will please Apple device owners, and sound and ANC performances that will satisfy even the most demanding listeners.
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to note that iPhone/iPad users will be best served by the AirPods Max owing to the headphones’ iOS integration and features, but they can be used with Android devices too. Non-Apple device owners may well look to theJBL Tour One M3instead, however.
OK, back to the Max, and where they truly shine is their ANC, transparency, and call quality. Thenoise-canceling is superb, and our reviewer believes their transparency mode is the closest thing you can get to not wearing headphones at all.
Apple has also done its usual “it just works” magic with the AirPods Max’s controls. The digital crown knob may look a little unusual perched on top of the right earcup, but it’s intuitive and even a little addictive. The dedicated button for ANC/transparency is also perfectly positioned and works like a charm.
The innovative mesh materials used on the headband and ear cushions are comfortable, but they can’t quite make up for the AirPods Max’s one major design drawback: their weight. Considerably heavier than any other models on this list, you may find that they’re simply too weighty for long listening sessions.
Battery life is certainly on the low end at 20 hours, but this number might be conservative. At lower volume levels, it can easily extend to 25. Pairing with and switching between Apple devices is a snap. The only thing we think Apple has to rethink with the AirPods Max is the protective travel case, which is neither very protective nor very useful for travelers. Thankfully, there’s no shortage ofAirPods Max accessoriesto remedy that fact.
It’s been nearly five years since Apple released the AirPods Max, and in that time they have only been given a very light update, in 2024, by way of a USB-C port (the originals have the Lightning port) and a fresh lineup of colours. The rumor mill is still spinning that anAirPods Max 2will arrive in the future, but probably not for some time.
Best price-is-no-object wireless headphones
Dali IO-12
If you happen to have $1,300 laying around, you could do much worse than the Dali IO-12 wireless headphones form the makers of some of the best hi-fi speakers you may buy. In ourIO-12 review, we observed that while the pricey Dali IO-12 headphones may be unaffordable for most, if you value superior sound quality above everything else, these headphones are worth their lofty price. As stated by our headphone expert, Simon Cohen, “I have yet to come across wireless headphones that sound better”.
The Dali IO-12’s are made using high-quality materials, are wrapped in gorgeous leather, and have a sturdy, durable build that will last for years to come. Thanks to their soft memory foam earcushions and adjustable headband, they provide excellent comfort for extended listening sessions.
Connectivity-wise, the IO-12’s support BluetoothaptX HD/aptX Adaptivefor use with devices that support it, lossless hi-res audio up to 24bit/96kHz when connected using USB-C, and good old fashioned analog via the included analog cables. Read our review for specifics on how the OI-12’s can handle your analog sources, it’s pretty cool. These sound features make them a worthwhile investment for anyone passionate about their audio experience and wanting to enjoy their music to the fullest.
The Dali IO-12s also have excellent battery life at around 35 hours, which puts them in the ballpark of Sony’s blockbuster WH-1000XM cans. The Dali IO-12 feature transparency mode, respectable ANC, and impeccably tuned microphones for what Cohen calls “almost studio level of detail” during phone calls. All of these points make these headphones a winner, regardless of price.
Best wireless headphones for gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro
SteelSeries has long known how to make a high-quality gaming headset, but the Arctis Nova Pro takes gaming audio to another level with its incredible redesign. The Sonar software allows for deep customization (and even title-specific suggestions), including a parametric EQ, but these headphones are tuned for accurate audio right of the box, so you don’t have to worry about the details if you don’t want to.
Other important features also make these headphones usable around the home, including great ANC, and a fit that’s lightweight without feeling cheap, plus plenty of physical adjustments you can make. The retractable mic also works well (we found it sometimes picks up ambient noise, though) and won’t ever get in the way.
The Arctis Nova Pros have a swappable battery design that’s made for switching the actual battery on the fly – so you have one on deck charging at all times. But a USB-C port does allow for on-ear charging, albeit a bit awkwardly, as noted by our senior gaming writer, Jacob Roach,in his full review. Two battery packs are included with the headset — which is good, because battery life is lower than past SteelSeries headsets at 22 hours at only 2.4Ghz wireless, and 18 hours when using 2.4GHz and Bluetooth at the same time, with with ANC on.
As we concluded in ourArctis Nova Proreview, “ANC, top-notch sound quality, and all-day comfort are just the start of what the headset has to offer”.
Best wireless headphones for supreme comfort (and Sonos soundbar owners)
Sonos’ first wireless headphones are an impressive achievement, specifically when it comes to comfort and fit. Indeed, the Ace may even be the most comfortable wireless headphones you can buy, with a shape that feels like a warm hug when they’re on your head. They’re no slouch when it comes to sound quality either: as you’d expect from Sonos, they deliver a warm tone with excellent detail, helping you get the most from your music.
Both noise cancellation and transparency modes are among the best you’re able to get, and Sonos’ decision to give the Ace physical buttons instead of touch controls means that you’ll master these wireless cans in seconds. Battery life, at 30 hours, is good and on par for this category, but what’s less common is the Ace’s support for both lossless audio via Bluetooth and lossless audio via USB-C, making the headphones one of the most versatile options at the moment. Another boon for the Ace is their head-tracked spatial audio support for immersive private listening with music and movies.
What is wholly unique to the Ace, however, is their integration within the existing Sonos ecosystem. Those who own a Sonos Arc, Beam or Ray soundbar can use TV Audio Swap, which means anything playing through your soundbar can be easily played through the Ace headphones. And by the end of this year, TrueCinema calibration will come to the Ace, aiming to tailor the soundstage to the acoustics in your room to make you feel as though you aren’t wearing headphones.
However, Sonos owner may feel a bit disappointed that the Sonos app can’t be used to stream music to the Ace or control them like you would a Sonos speaker. You get EQ and ANC adjustments, but not much else.
Still, for a price that puts it on par with the leaders in this space, the highly comfortable Sonos Ace are a compelling new option, not least for Sonos soundbar owners.
Best wireless headphones for battery life
Sennheiser Momentum 4
60 hours of battery life from a single charge? That’s much better than any other headphones on this list. Indeed, if you travel a lot or are simply forgetful when it comes to charging your devices, the Momentum Wireless 4 could well be your perfect headphone partners.
That’s not their only highlight either. We were amazed at the audio quality with theMomentum 3, but somehow Sennheiser found multiple ways to upgrade it with the 4. It’s not at the level of the higher-priced headphones on this list, but our reviewer noted in ourMomentum 4 Wireless reviewthey “offer a level of refinement, detail, and bass presence that I feel is unmatched by the competition” costing similar money.
The Momentum 4 also comes with ANC that features specific modes to combat wind interference or switch to transparency options. And while the new over-ear design is undeniably large, Sennheiser has enough experience to verify they’re comfortable for long periods of listening as well.
Some things are missing here, though, such as an automatic off function (although wear sensors are included), but you aren’t giving up much at all for the battery life, audio and ANC on offer for the money.
Best wireless headphones for style-conscious buyers
Master u0026amp; Dynamic MH40
If you’re the style-conscious type looking for a pair of wireless cans that look as good as they sound, then look no further. The Master & Dynamic MH40s are an updated version of their 2019 predecessor, but M&D has left its cool vintage aviator looks, with leather and metal stylings, untouched, instead focusing on some upgrades under the hood.
While the2019 model sounded excellent, the new model ups the game further with redesigned titanium drivers that provide a wider soundstage, improvedBluetooth audiowith the aptX Adaptive codec (for Android only, sorry iPhone users), and some great EQ presets to help you zero in on your perfect sound balance. The addition of direct digital USB-C connectivity opens up full-quality, lossless music (also Android only, or via a computer connection) through to the MH40 W’s internal digital-to-analog converter (DAC), capable of rendering up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution from the likes of Amazon Music, Apple Music, Tidal, or your own FLAC files.
All this is to say that while the Master & Dynamic MH40s don’t have ANC or transparency mode, you might not miss them because they aren’t just pretty to look at, they offer some serious sound. Some other improvements from the 2019 model include a longer battery life (up from 18 hours to 30 per charge), faster charging (6 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging), and some improvements to the microphones for better call quality.
Best wireless headphones for kids
PuroQuiet Plus ANC Headphones
Puro Sound Labs’ PuroQuiet kids headphones have gotten a new coat of paint and a rebranding recently, updating the model to PuroQuiet Plus. And while things haven’t been fiddled with too much, there are a few improvements to the $140 ANC Bluetooth kids headphones.
USB-C has been added to the the PuroQuiet Plus and they are now available in two new colors – purple and teal that kids are sure to like. Otherwise, Puro Audio Labs has taken an “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” approach to the new model.
Parents will be most interested in the PuroQuiet Plus’ volume-limiting feature, which caps things at 85 decibels by default, the maximum safe volume that children should be exposed to, to prevent hearing damage over time.
Active noise cancelation is also a feature of the PuroQuiet Plus, which is something you don’t see often in kids headphones and probably account for much of the higher price. While it might be easy to dismiss ANC as a feature that might not seem useful for kids, it does have its merits for helping to block out distracting daily noise and background sounds to help calm them or even concentrate better.
The previous generation of PuroQuiets sounded great for a set of kids headphones, and the same can be said of the Plus. Puro hasn’t messed with the call quality either, making the headphones good for a range of communications uses such as remote learning, video calling with relatives, and, yes, online gaming with friends.
PuroQuiet Plus pair easily with phones, tablets, and computers over Bluetooth, but the option is also there to connect with the included 3.5mm volume-limiting cable. They also come with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for daisy chaining to another set of PuroQuiet Plus headphones. A 3.5mm heapdhone splitter can also be purchased separately so two sets of headphones can connect to the same audio source. However, be sure to connect to the splitter with the PuroQuiet’s included volume limiting cable to ensure the volume safety is still present.
The PuroQuiet Plus are comfortable for long periods of wear and have a decent (if unchanged) battery life – up to 35 hours of non-ANC playtime and up to 23 hours with ANC on.
