Best Bluetooth Headphones in 2021

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Best Bluetooth Headphones in 2021

There are loads of bluetooth headphone reviews out there, so why trust us? We aim to give you an honest reviews of the best bluetooth options on the market. We compare headphones brands like; Sony, Bose, Jabra, Beats and Sennheiser, so you can make an informed decision about what are the best headphones available for you.

We all know that listening to your favorite music not only uplifts your mood but also helps you get through the day. Whether you are taking a long flight or simply commuting to work, headphones will be your best friend and if you are in a hurry and want to know our top pick then Sony WH1000XM3 is our favorite high quality bluetooth headphones. Sony also brought out a new version the WH1000XM4 headphones, which we have reviewed.

Editor’s Quick note: Our review of the “Best Bluetooth Headphones” was updated on May 5, 2021.

Wireless headphones like this one above allows you to make hands-free calls while you are busy doing something else. The market is currently awash with different types of Bluetooth headphones, and the technology has come a long way ever since its inception.

Choosing the good Bluetooth headphones might seem easy to you now, but once you start checking out the different options you have, it can be a mind-boggling experience with dozens to compare to.

Two of the most important things that act as the determining factor for buyers are the sound profile and feel of the headphones when you put them on. But these are very subjective qualities, and everyone will have something different to say.

Apart from these, several other critical factors include active noise cancellation, how many hours of battery life it provides, call quality, design, and any other special characteristics that the headphones may be offering.

In this article, we have rounded up which wireless headphones are best. Some of them have an excellent sound profile, while others boast about unique noise cancellation functionality, and then some are specially meant for phone calls. All in all, you will find suggestions for everyone’s needs.

Top 15 Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

1. Sony WH1000XM3 Headphones (Best Overall)

Close-up of black WH1000XM3 Sony headphones

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: Touch controls
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: The Sony WH 1000XM3 is one of the best Bluetooth headphones money can buy with a commendable noise cancellation feature. Compared to it is predecessor, this pair of wireless on ear headphones is much lighter in weight and is perfect for extensive usage owing to its comfortability. For people who travel frequently, this can be a great option!

Even though now you have the Sony WH 1000XM4 in the market, the WH 1000 XM3 is available at heavily discounted prices, and so, you shouldn’t miss a deal like this. These headphones have a significantly improved sound quality compared to all its competitors and predecessors.

Due to the active noise cancellation feature, these headphones will block out all kinds of ambient noise. The excellent battery life will give you 27 hours of playback time, which is more than enough for most users. The controls are very user-friendly, and the overall design is sleek and stylish.

The headband is designed to perfectly contour around your hand, resulting in much less fatigue even after wearing them for longer hours. The benefit of upgrading to WH 1000XM4 is that it introduces an artificial intelligence feature and an option of speak-to-chat where you can give voice commands to the headset. It eliminates the need to interact with the headphone at all. However, these wireless Bluetooth headphones do not have a true wireless design.

Even when compared with Apple Airpods Max, you will find that the 1000XM3 is much better due to better comfort, advanced noise cancellation, and a customizable graphic EQ (not provided by Apple).

Overall, our review of the Sony WH 1000 XM2 is that it is a great headphone, especially considering the plethora of traits you get at a price point below its competitor models.

Best Features

  • It gives a continuous battery life of 27 hours with USB-C charging.
  • These top rated wireless headphones have been designed for increased comfort.
  • It is a perfect budget pick with good noise-canceling functionality and outstanding audio performance.

Cons

• Touch controls are better in competitors
• Recording quality is mediocre
• Not waterproof
• Latency issues while watching videos and playing games
• Price may not be suitable for everyone

Pros

• Comfortable fit
• It weighs lesser than the previous models
• Strong battery life
• Great active noise cancellation
• Natural and well-balanced sound quality
• Type-C charging port
• Enabled with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri
• A deep bass experience

Our rating:

9.3/10

These bluetooth Headphones offer amazing value for money and worth investing in!

 

More Headphones by Sony worth Considering: WH1000XM4, WH1000XM2 and WH-CH510

2. Jabra Elite 45h Headphones (Runner-up)

Jabra Elite 45h, Copper Black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: On-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: Featuring 40mm dynamic drivers, the Jabra Elite 45h wireless headphones are genuinely one of a kind. The best thing about these Bluetooth headphones is that they perform well enough in every criterion.

For the price you are paying, you get a comfortable fit with memory foam and faux leather. Of course, it isn’t all perfect because the earpads might head up a bit after wearing the headphones for longer hours.

The companion app of this pair of wireless headphones, also known as the Jabra Sound + control app, allows you to do a hearing test so that you can set optimum EQ levels for your ears. Moreover, with a single charge, you get as much as 50 hours of battery life!

Even though the sound quality is not anything over the top, it’s worth the price you pay. The sound profile is energetic and lively. You get Bluetooth 5.0 with this Jabra Elite model, and it also offers you stable connectivity within a wireless range of 10 meters.

Compared to the Sony WH 1000XM4, you get 20 hours more battery life in the Jabra Elite 45h and a 1.5 hours lesser charging time.

Another drawback worth noticing is that this headset supports AAC only, and this doesn’t bore well for Android users. So, if you are looking for the best sounding wireless headphones with good Bluetooth connectivity within $100 that will give you long battery life, portable design, and good microphone quality, then the Jabra Elite 45h headphones are worth a shot.

Best Features

  • The battery life is excellent at 50 hours on a single charge.
  • The companion app helps you customize many essential specialties.
  • You can access Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri with the front-facing button on one of the ear cups.
  • Most comfortable bluetooth headphones

Cons

• No headphone jack
• No advanced Bluetooth codecs
• Sound leakage
• Not suitable for extended period usage
• No IP rating
• Bluetooth multipoint doesn’t always work

Pros

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Highly portable design
• Stellar battery life
• Alexa and Google Assistant support
• Balanced and weighty sound quality
• The app comes with useful features
• Customizable EQ
• Excellent microphone quality
• Two-year warranty which also covers water and dust damage


 

3. Sony Wh 1000xm4 Headphones

Close-up of black Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: Touch-sensor controls
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: With Jabra and other audio company headphones gearing up their noise cancellation feature, Sony has released its top-tier WH 1000XM4 headphones, which have dealt with the significant downsides of the WH 1000XM3 beautifully. For starters, you will have better quality calls because of the new and improved mics. And secondly, the Sony WH 1000XM4 can be paired with two devices simultaneously – a feature that was not present in its predecessor.

If active noise cancellation is your top priority, you should check these wireless headphones out because they have taken the feature up a notch.

There are a total of five built-in microphones in this one that has the Precise Voice Pickup Technology. The main aim of this technology is to pave the way for precise voice capture. The audio experience in these headphones is even more surreal, and the overall construction is also slightly more comfortable.

Compared to the Apple Airpods Max, these are high on the portability factor. Moreover, you will need an Apple device if you want to access the firmware and several other essential traits on the Apple Airpods Max, but with the 1000XM4, you won’t face any such hassle.

Best Features

  • The Speak-to-Chat feature and the Precise Voice Pickup Technology of the WH 1000XM4 are outstanding and valuable.
  • The sound quality is excellent.
  • The noise cancellation feature is next level.

Cons
• High price point
• Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth codec is not supported
• Call quality can be improved
• Not as comfortable as the Sony WH1000XM3
• The design has not been upgraded from the previous models
• The double-tap to pause feature is finicky
• No IP rating

Pros
• Excellent sound quality
• Bluetooth multipoint
• Top-notch noise-canceling feature
• Battery life is commendable
• Comfortable
• Foldable design
• Bluetooth 5.0
• The speak-to-chat feature is useful
• Supports multiple Bluetooth codecs
• Smart controls


 

4. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Black Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: touch controls
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: As far as the noise-canceling feature is concerned, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 cannot beat the Sony WH 1000XM4, but these Bluetooth headphones have other exciting highlights.

These wireless headphones have a completely different design than their competitors – forget bulky headphones and visible hinges because Bose has brought you the next-gen design. Firstly, they are incredibly lightweight, and the design is streamlined. The earcups are very soft and provide physical noise isolation because they cover your ears perfectly.

It provides a battery life of 20 hours, but this duration might differ slightly if you turn the volume too high. Another essential feature of these Bluetooth headphones is that you will have the best phone calls of your life if you use them, even if you are walking on a busy street. Even though the sound quality might not be the same as Sony WH 1000XM3, it is pretty good. That being said, if you are looking for a budget option, then the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are not for you because they are on the expensive side.

Best Features & Reasons to Buy

  • The Bose Noise Cancelling headphones have undeniably good sound quality.
  • The gesture pad works efficiently.
  • The Bose 700 is the perfect headset for phone calls and, at the same time, allows you to access Bose AR and Alexa hands-free.

Cons
• Not waterproof
• Expensive
• Battery life could have been improved
• Absence of folding hinges
• Costs more than its competitors
• The companion app isn’t that great

Pros
• Excellent ANC
• Better than QC35 II in terms of sound quality
• Lively and energetic sound
• Classy design
• Commendable call quality
• Hands-free Bose AR and Alexa support
• Adjustable noise-cancellation
• Lightweight


 

5. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

close up view of Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB
  • Mic and Controls: App, buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: If you are going to splurge, you may as well check the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth headphones because they are one of the best that Bose has for people who are always on the go. The noise isolation feature of these headphones makes them best for commutes.

With their Google Assistant integration, these headphones have become popular in the market. All you have to do is press a button present on your left ear cup, and you will be connected to Google Assistant, so there is no need to touch your phone. The companion app of these wireless headphones allows you to adjust the noise cancellation feature based on your taste,

In terms of sound quality, battery life, and ambient noise reduction, the Sony WH 1000XM4 is a much better option than the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones. So, there are better options out there. But if you want a good Bose headphone with a commendable active noise cancellation profile and high comfortability, the QuietComfort 35 II is a good option.

Best Features

  • They have a neutral sound profile.
  • They come with a dedicated Google Assistant button.
  • These headphones can effectively block out ambient noise.

Cons
• Price is high considering the features
• Sound quality is better in competitors
• Absence of instant mute
• Not waterproof
• Absence of auto play/pause feature
• Design is plain and simple

Pros
• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• Comfortable design
• Strong connection
• Detailed sound quality
• Integrated with Google Assistant
• Wired mode available
• Programmable button


 

6. Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones in Midnight black color

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: Micro USB
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: Featuring a sturdy and stylish design, the Beats Studio3 is a decent pair of wireless headphones with a good ANC, even though it might not be the best in class. The most significant disadvantage is the price which does not match the build quality in any way. However, compared to its predecessor, the ANC feature in these wireless headphones has improved a lot.

The ear cups generate even pressure on your ears, thus making them comfortable for extensive usage. The controls are decent, and you can turn on the noise cancellation feature with a double-tap on the power button. If you use these headphones while workouts, they won’t move much from their place, which is a plus point.

The sound quality is not always consistent. The treble is sometimes below the mark, and the bass is too boomy.

They are not great when it comes to portability due to the carrying case’s bulky design and the fact that you cannot fold them flat. All in all, our review is that these wireless headphones are sufficient to get you through a long journey

Best Features

  • They have a stable and comfortable fit.
  • The active noise cancelling or ANC feature is decent.
  • Since it comes with the W1 chip, you can easily pair it with any Apple device of your choice.

Cons
• Build quality does not justify the price
• Sub-bass power not adequate
• No EQ
• It cannot be folded
• Bulky carrying case
• No IP rating

Pros
• Commendable battery life
• Available in a variety of colors
• Solid sound quality
• Sleek and smooth finish
• Presence of W1 chip
• Decent ANC
• Stable and comfortable
• Reliable connection
• Low sound leakage


 

7. Cowin E7 Headphones

Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones in Midnight black color

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: Micro USB
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: If you are looking for good over-the-ear headphones on a budget, then the Cowin E7 headphones fit the criteria. Even though they do not have a true wireless design, they are moderately comfortable with a decent sound profile. The overall sound leakage performance is also commendable and does not bother the user much.

You can also enjoy hands-free calls because of the in-built mic. You can easily pair the headphones with any Bluetooth-enabled device because of the NFC technology.

The audio quality might not be at part for advanced listeners but will work perfectly well for casual listeners. In Bluetooth mode, you get 30 hours of playback time for every charge. However, this audio company will not provide you with a mobile companion app.

Best Features

  • They come at a lower price tag.
  • They are good at reducing background noise.
  • It is an excellent option for students.

Cons
• Bass may not be comfortable for everyone
• Sound leakage
• Design is bulkier than most
• Microphone quality is mediocre
• No IP rating

Pros
• Effective ANC at a fraction of the cost of competitors
• Punchy bass experience
• Good passive noise isolation
• Good battery life
• Strong connection
• Comfortable fit


 

8. AKG Y500 Headphones

image of AKG Y500 headdhones laying flat, black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: On-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: No
  • Charging: Micro USB
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: AKG Y500 promises some top-notch characteristics to its users, but whether or not it provides those will be proven through our review. So, here it goes.

From the aesthetic point of view, these headphones are very appeal, and they have an ultra-compact build. You get a black metallic finish along with shimmery green, pink, and blue. The earcups might be a bit too tight for some, but they do have good padding.

You can get a fair amount of detail in the sound quality along with heavy bass. The voice call of these headphones is average. The predecessors of these headphones had an energetic touch to their sound quality, but this one has a more polished outlook.

However, it does have an exciting feature, and that is the auto-pause functionality. When you take the headphones off, there is a proximity sensor that turns off the music, and when you put them back on, the music resumes automatically. Even though these are not the best wireless headphones for music out there, they are worth checking out.

Best Features

  • These look very trendy and appealing.
  • They are ideal for travelers because you can fold them into a compact size.
  • They have good battery life and also a quick-charge feature.

Cons
• The sound quality could have been livelier
• Automatic play/pause is finicky
• Noise isolation isn’t great
• Advanced Bluetooth codecs not supported
• No IP rating

Pros
• Design is sleek and modern
• Quick-charging feature
• Commendable battery life
• Can be folded
• Portable
• Reverberating bass
• Perfect for extended period usage


 

9. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

close up view of Sennheiser Momentum 3 heaphones, black and silver

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons, automatic
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: Even though Bose and Sony are the two names that primarily crop up in everyone’s minds when we talk about premium-quality headphone picks, Sennheiser’s Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are not far behind. These pair of headphones are packed with excellent traits, and probably the only point which leaves them at number 9 in our list is the premium price and not-so-premium sound quality.

These over-the-ear headphones are very comfortable to wear over extended periods without much fatigue, even when you are wearing your glasses. The secure fit of these headphones gives the user an excellent active noise cancelling experience. Apart from that, they also have a transparency mode with which you can hear important announcements or conversations.

You can customize many things on the Smart Control App of Sennheiser, including the level of active noise cancelling. Apart from the Transparency Mode, you can select two other modes from this companion app – the Anti-Pressure Mode and the Anti Wind Mode.

Best Features

  • The ear pads are very soft, allowing the headphones to sit securely over ears and makes extended use more comfortable.
  • This pair of headphones give you a fast auto connect feature.
  • It comes with USB-C charging port.

Cons
• In-line microphone is absent
• Pricey
• Battery life isn’t great
• The case is not hardshell but made of cloth
• No IP rating

Pros
• Good overall sound quality
• Supports Bluetooth 5.0
• Bluetooth codecs supported – aptX, aptX LL, and AAC
• Effective noise cancellation feature
• Decent bass
• Customizable settings
• Attractive design
• Fast auto-connect feature
• USB-C charging port


 

10. Jabra Elite 85h

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Open-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons, automatic
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: Don’t want to listen to chit-chat while listening to your favorite song? Well, the Jabra Elite 85h has got you covered with active noise cancelling feature. It is a competitor to the Sony and Bose headphones even though it doesn’t outperform them.

No matter how outward-facing your ears are, the over-ear headphones have plush ear cups. They are not as portable as true wireless earbuds, but you can keep everything in their carrying case, and the headphones also fold flat.

A very useful feature of these wireless Bluetooth headphones is that they can efficiently keep out ambient sound. When these headphones detect unwanted sounds, the ANC feature is turned on automatically. Additionally, you can use the Jabra Sound+ app to state what noise you consider distracting.

They also have the automatic ear detection feature commonly found in true wireless headphones but not so much in over-ear models. With this, the playback will pause on its own when you take the headphones off. You also get a total of 41 hours of playback time when ANC is turned off. For some, the dealbreaker is that its sound profile is not as good as its competitors.

Best Features

  • The auto ear detection feature is quite helpful.
  • Battery life is impressive, and the overall audio performance is decent.
  • These over-ear headphones feature an effective ANC.

Cons
• Does not support aptX Bluetooth codec
• Ear cups are bulky
• Quite expensive compared to the features
• No IP rating
• Audio quality could have been better

Pros
• Impressive battery life
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Auto ear detection feature
• Effective ANC
• Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
• Supports AAC Bluetooth codec
• One-button access to Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
• Good call quality
• Customizable features
• Quick charging feature
• Internal water-resistant coating


 

11. JBL E55BT

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: Micro USB
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: The JBL E55BT are wireless over ears that you can get in an affordable price range. They have a comfortable build and a decent sound performance, considering the price point. However, despite the noise cancellation feature, they do not block much background noise.

These are a great pair of headphones if you want to step-up from the $100 range and, at the same time, not in the mood to splurge. Keep in mind that these are not as breathable compared to the E45BT and might make your ears sweat after long hours of listening to music.

The frequency response of these headphones is sub-par, but the bass quality is decent. The pairing option is also really good, with very few hiccups.

Apart from the audio cable and the charging cable, you don’t get any other accessories with these headphones.

Best Features

  • They are a best value bluetooth headphones option.
  • The audio performance is decent with full-sounding bass.
  • These over-ears offer a multi-connect Bluetooth pairing feature.

Cons
• The materials used are not great
• Bass delivery is not consistent
• Noise isolation almost absent
• Carrying case not included
• No IP rating
• Connection not reliable
• Latency issues
• Absence of virtual assistant support

Pros
• Value for money
• Multipoint Bluetooth connection
• Decent audio performance
• Above-average design
• Comfortable fit
• Foldable
• Commendable battery life
• Wide soundstage


 

12. Anker Soundcore Headphones

Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 heapdhones, black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: Touch
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: The Anker Soundcore headphones are one of the best wireless headphones in a budget providing good ANC functionality. Depending on what environment you are in, you can select from among the three noise isolation settings.

They offer an excellent battery life at 44 hours on a single charge, and thus, even if you are going on a two-day trip, one charging session would be enough to last you the whole trip. One of the downsides is that they don’t sit on your ears very securely, and thus if you wear them during your workout sessions, they have a chance of falling off from your head. They are also not quite portable like their competitors because of their bulky build.

These over-ears also have an excellent audio performance with robust bass response. If you want to tweak the sound profile, you can do so through the app. This companion app gives you a graphic EQ, and thus, making adjustments becomes easier.

The ANC feature of the Anker Soundcore has a transport mode setting where you can cut down on the noise of several transport engines. If you want to reduce treble and mid-range noise, then set the headphones to Indoor mode. Similarly, if you want to reduce and wind and traffic noise, put the headphones in Outdoor mode.

Best Features

  • You get presets and graphic EQ on the companion app, which help improve the audio quality through some tweaking here and there.
  • The battery life is class-leading.
  • The ANC feature is excellent considering the price.

Cons
• Touch controls are limited
• The bass may sound too heavy
• Sound leakage
• Absence of aptX support
• Not meant for extended usage
• No IP rating

Pros
• Affordable ANC
• Noise isolation performance is great
• Battery life is excellent
• Stable connection
• The companion app has a lot of useful features
• Elegant design
• Quick charge function
• Great EQ options
• Bold sound quality


 

13. Jlab Audio Omni Wireless

JLab Audio Omni headphones, black pearl

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: No
  • Charging: Micro USB
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: These over ears don’t cost much and yet provide some fascinating traits like – reasonable audio quality, powerful Bluetooth pairing, and a comfortable design.

The scales tip towards the Jlab Audio Omni, even more when you add in the fact that you can use them passively in the wired mode. Moreover, the controls are pretty easy as you don’t have to memorize a ton of buttons. There is only one button that the user can use to turn these gadgets on or off. And there is a ring around that button for controlling the audio.

Bass lovers should be pleased with the audio quality, but it is not meant for all music lovers. If your priority is a nicely balanced sound profile, then we would suggest you look elsewhere.

All in all, it is hard to overlook this pair as long as you are okay with a little less balanced audio performance and somewhat lower build quality.

Best Features

  • You can use them wirelessly and in the wired mode.
  • Considering the price, the sound performance is good.
  • It is one of the best picks on a budget.

Cons
• The sound quality is not balanced
• It cannot be folded
• Not meant for long listening sessions
• Bulky
• Controls are clunky
• No IP rating

Pros
• Boosted bass response
• Overall good audio quality
• Wired mode available
• Reasonable price range


 

14. Bowers & Wilkins PX7

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 heaphones, black

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Semi-open back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB-C
  • Mic and Controls: Buttons
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: Featuring a three-tiered noise cancellation option, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is not any less than the others on this list. Even though they do not have the true wireless design, it is compensated by the next-gen Bluetooth technology and super lightweight structure.

The battery life is competitive, giving you 30 hours on a single charge. Additionally, if you run out on charge, a fifteen-minute quick charging session can give you as much as six hours of playback time. If you feel too over-the-top while wearing Airpods Max to casual occasions, you can easily sport the PX7 and blend in.

The on-ear detection feature of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is very accurate. If you lift an earcup even slightly, the motion sensors will detect it and turn off the music. Moreover, they are quite stable, and the headband has a leatherette coating which enables it to sit nicely on your head.

One of the best things about these headphones is that they support the latest aptX Adaptive Audio codecs of Qualcomm. Thus, with the PX7, the interference and lip-sync issues can be solved. This pair of over-ears is highly advanced in that sense because even if you consider some of the best products of Apple, they are limited to AAC. Another handy specification is that it can support two Bluetooth-enabled devices simultaneously.

It has the noise-canceling feature, but it is not so effective when it comes to wind. However, it is quick to adapt to different environments owing to auto intelligibility. Overall, these may not be the best wireless headphones out there, but they are worth the price you pay.

Best Features

  • You get USB-C charging and decent battery life.
  • These headphones are aptX adaptive.
  • They have a sophisticated design.

Cons
• Unreliable connection
• More expensive than Bose or Sony
• Earcups cannot be collapsed
• Controls are not touch-enabled
• It can be uncomfortable for people wearing glasses
• No IP rating

Pros
• Lively and energetic sound quality
• Comfortable and trendy design
• 3-tiered noise cancellation feature
• Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
• Commendable battery life
• Easy-to-use controls


 

15. Technics Premium Headphones

technics premium headphones EAH-F70N, Burnt Copper

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Type: Over-ear
  • Enclosure: Closed-back
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Charging: USB
  • Mic and Controls: Touch
  • Transducer: Dynamic

Our Take: The stellar audio performance and the effective active noise cancellation make the Technics Premium Headphones a good choice. However, they are not as affordable as the others on this list, and neither are they good in other important characteristics compared to brands like Sony, Bose, or Jabra.

The sound quality of Technics EAH-F70N is balanced, neutral, and neat, but the rest of the features don’t account for the extremely high price. They have a 20-hour battery life which is quite decent.

The design of these headphones is quite striking and will give you a premium feel. You can fold these headphones in a compact shape and easily carry them in the case provided. The snug fit of the earcups enables them to sit stably and also makes way for passive noise isolation traits.

Another disappointing feature is that it doesn’t come with a USB-C port, and you have to plug in via micro-USB. As far as sound, portability, and style are concerned, these headphones are a good choice if you choose to ignore the high price point.

Best Features

  • This headphone supports different audio codecs, including AAC by Apple and aptX HD, and aptX by Qualcomm, among several others.
  • They have a neutral sound profile.
  • They offer a premium outlook.

Cons
• Absence of USB-C charging port
• Passive isolation could have been better
• Features don’t justify the high price
• Absence of IP rating

Pros
• Advanced Bluetooth codecs present
• Premium design
• Neutral sound profile
• Comfortable fit
• Decent battery life


 

Difference Between True Wireless VS Wireless

Wireless headphones have made life easier for everyone, but with the inception of the aptX HD Bluetooth technology, things have been upgraded to the next level. So, the true wireless earbuds have also been making it big in the market.

But what is the difference between these two? Well, it’s pretty simple – in wireless headphones, you don’t have a wire dangling around, but the two earcups might be connected with a headband or wire. Conversely, in the case of true wireless headphones or earbuds, nothing is connecting the individual buds. They are entirely separate entities. In these models, the earbuds have their battery, mic, and controls inside their housing.

Key Considerations Choosing the Best Bluetooth Headphones

It can be confusing to choose from the sea of options in the market, so some key points should be kept in mind when purchasing the best wireless headphones with the Bluetooth feature.

Cabled Backup

Yes, a Bluetooth connection definitely makes things easier and hassle-free, but when the Bluetooth is not working due to some reason or is acting finicky, a cabled backup can be a life savior. However, not every headphone has this feature, so you should always check before buying.

Comfortable Fit

The ideal headphones should provide you with a snug fit and stay secure on your ears, yet they should be lightweight. Some of the main aspects that contribute to the comfortable fit of headphones are sufficient padding on the earcups and a shape that perfectly contours the person’s head.

Sound Quality

If the sound quality of your headphones is not up to the mark, then it can be a real bummer. Some people prefer a more natural sound, and then there those who love a meatier bass. So, the entire aspect of whether the sound quality is enjoyable or not is subjective. But you should always check for headphones with a well-balanced sound profile so that you can use them for all types of music genres. You should also check whether the EQ is customizable from the companion app.

Water Resistance

If you are going to use your Bluetooth headphones in places where they will be exposed to water splashes, you need to check for water-resistant coating.

More information on the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones for swimming and getting sweaty!

Build Quality

The build quality of headphones is of paramount importance to determine the durability and maneuverability of the product. For example, a good Bluetooth headphone should be sturdy but not bulky, must be lightweight, the hinges should not be making any noises, and the headband and the earcups should have proper padding. You should also check for factors like breathability, color, and exterior design.

Battery Life

There are headphones like the Anker Soundcore headphones that can give you as much as 44 hours of playback on a single charge, and then there are some that will provide you with only 20 hours of playback. The battery life you should look for depends on your requirements, but in general, longer battery life is always helpful.

Active Noise Cancellation

The Active Noise Cancellation or ANC is something that most headphones today possess, but not all are effective. Some can effectively reduce all kinds of background noise. But some can only filter out traffic noise and not anything else. Depending on your usage, you might even want to enable the Transparency option so that you can hear essential sounds like conversations or announcements when you are outside.

Controls

Some Bluetooth headphones have buttons, while others have touch controls. Whatever the system is, it should be user-friendly, easy-to-remember, and not too sensitive.

Microphone

The microphone is another vital factor to keep in mind before purchasing your headphones. It is the mic that determines the quality of calls and voice recordings. So, make sure you don’t compromise on that, especially if you will use your Bluetooth headphones during conference calls.

Bluetooth Headphones FAQs

Are Sony headphones better than JBL?

Yes, because firstly, the noise-canceling feature of Sony WH 1000XM4 and WH 1000XM3 is much better than that of JBL E55BT or any other mode. Secondly, Sony offers a much longer battery life as well.

Which is better wireless or Bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth headphones are much better than wireless headphones because they are more convenient. You can easily connect the Bluetooth headphones with a Bluetooth-enabled device. Moreover, because of the in-built chip in the Bluetooth models, they connect within seconds, whereas, in wireless headphones, they have to be connected through a shared base like a USB adapter taking more time.

Is JBL better than boAt?

Yes, the JBL Bluetooth headphones are better than boAt. For example, the JBL E55BT is much better than boAt Rockerz 450 because it has a much longer battery life, an over-ear form, shorter charging time, and an extra microphone.

Are Beats or Bose better?

Both the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II and Soundsport models are better than the Beats Stuido3 headphones because the former ones will provide you with a top-class noise-canceling option and balanced audio performance. Moreover, Soundsport is a true wireless model giving you complete freedom of movement. Compared to these, the specifications of Beats Studio3 are not at par.

If your looking for sports and gym headphones check out this guide on the best workout headphones.

Which are the best Bluetooth headphones?

We would recommend the Sony WH1000XM3 as the best Bluetooth headphones because of the commendable battery life, neutral sound profile, contoured design, excellent noise cancellation traits, that are all packed at a reasonable price which surpasses all its competitors.

 

Rose Annemarie
Rose loves to review products and has been doing so for years. Now she focuses on headphones and tech products.

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