Consider investing in an affordable pair of the best wireless headphones for uninterrupted high-quality sound wherever you are, whatever you're doing. Whether you like to use headphones to fall asleep, when exercising or when out and about, no longer limit yourself to how far you can step away from your device and let wireless headphones bring music, meetings and calls right to you. Simply, connect to your device and let your favourite tunes guide you through the day.
While sticking to wired headphones may be preferable to some, it’s hard to deny the benefits of going wireless, especially if you’re out and about. Whether that be for work or exercise, or just to cancel out the noise of the vacuum whilst cleaning, it may be time to cut the cables. Deciding whether to go wireless will come down to your preferences as a user. Not only are you free to move, but your new pair of wireless headphones will be compatible with many of your devices.
Best wireless headphones at a glance
• Best wireless headphones: Sony WH XB910N – view at Argos
• Budget wireless headphones: Sony WH-CH520 – view on Amazon UK
• Best wireless headphones for noise-cancelling: Beats Studio Pro Wireless – view on AO.com
Some other benefits of choosing wireless earphones or headphones can include compatibility with voice assistants, such as Alexa and Google for hands-free virtual help and no tangled wires, ever. However, there are disadvantages to a high-tech wireless pair to listen to your music and favourite podcasts on the go. Namely, the subject of charging comes into play with anything without wires. You may run out of juice when on the go. Plus, there’s a steep price difference.
Headphones are a favourable choice for smaller earphones that sit in your ear. Sitting over-ear devices like these wireless headphones, focus on delivering a high-quality audio experience, giving you amazing sound with no interruptions. Unbeatable sound quality and no wires to restrict your movement – what’s not to love? Browse our selection of the best wireless headphones available to buy right now to connect with your trusty, budget smartphone.
Best wireless headphones
Best wireless headphones
Sony / Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Description
We love the Sony WH XB910N. Our top pick, these are great value - with all the latest features, and you're not breaking the bank (that much, anyway). With noise-cancelling tech, you can truly shut out the world. Even a 10-minute charge will give you 4 1/2 hours of playback. Plus, there's a multipoint connection allowing you to connect to devices at a time - with a foldable design and carry case.
Customer review: "Bought this product as a replacement for my long-term Avantree headphone that I have used for years. Love the Sony WH-XB910N design, sound quality, Extra bass and control features on this device. A massive Sony fan with multiple products when it comes to sound quality at a reasonable price. I will definitely recommend this product."
Pros
- Adjustable headband for a comfy, safe fit
- Noise cancellation for smooth listening
- A great value pick with a Bluetooth connection
Cons
- Some say the bass is a little overpowering
- Lower battery life than some models
Best wireless headphones for noise-cancelling
Tested
AOao.com
Description
With advanced active noise cancelling technology, these Beats headphones immerse you in your favourite music or podcast, blocking out external distractions for a truly immersive sound experience. Boasting a sleek and stylish design, they not only look great but also provide unparalleled comfort during extended listening sessions. The Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver powerful, balanced sound with deep bass, perfect for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Whether you're at home or on the go, they'll ensure you never miss a beat.
Pros
- Deliver powerful, balanced sound
- Truly immerse and noise-cancelling
- Stylish, sleek and comfortable wear
Cons
- May not suit all head shapes
Best budget wireless headphones
Sony / AmazonDescription
Experience enhanced sound quality with the Sony WH-CH520 with its Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) for richer, more authentic music. Customise your listening experience with EQ settings on the Sony Connect app. With up to 50 hours of battery life with a quick charge, you can enjoy uninterrupted music on the go. Stay comfortable with adjustable headbands and soft earpads. Brilliant. Enjoy hands-free convenience with easy button operation and voice control.
Customer review: "Super comfortable which is always an issue for me with on-ear headphones that can make your ears ache after a prolonged listening session. Not so in this case. I often forget I'm still wearing them. The sound quality is way above the price point too, and compatible with 360 sound too. Even the base is reasonable which is something head/earphones often crank up at this price point to hide sound quality issues. The battery also lasts simply ages. Haven't had to recharge them once yet. A no-brainer purchase really."
Pros
- DSEE restores music for a richer, more authentic listening experience
- Enjoy up to 50 hours of playback time, with a quick charge
- Adjustable headbands and soft earpads ensure comfort during use
Cons
- Not noise cancelling
4.
Beats Solo3
Best value wireless headphones
Tested
Description
Get the most out of your music with these Beats Solo3 headphones. Their on-ear design makes them really comfortable, and you won’t have any annoying cables to deal with since they connect wirelessly via Bluetooth. You’ll be totally focused on the music as noise-isolation blocks out any outside sounds, and you can crank up the volume or skip tracks using the handy on-ear controls. Plus, with a massive 40-hour battery life, you’ll get plenty of playback before needing to charge them. And when they do eventually run out of juice, Fast Fuel technology means they’ll power up again super quickly. They even come with a protective carry case, letting you stow them away safely when you aren’t using them.
Pros
- Streamlined design is less bulky than other headphone options
- Quick and easy to set up and connect
- Fold down to a smaller size, plus travel bag included
Cons
- Adjustable ear pieces can trap longer hair
Best premium wireless headphones
Bose / AmazonDescription
Immerse yourself in uninterrupted music with noise cancellation from Bose QuietComfort headphones. Enjoy premium comfort with plush earcup cushions and a secure padded band. Toggle between Quiet and Aware modes for control over your sound. Plus, with high-quality sound and EQ control, you can customise your experience to suit your needs as a listener. And, there are three colours to choose from.
Customer review: "Was about to purchase another brand - but decided to chance the considerable expense of Bose brand. I was dubious that brands matter (all are manufactured similarly?) Considerable difference in comfort, depth and enjoyment of headphones. Noise cancellation when required really good. Love adjustable levels of bass. Comfortable to wear."
Pros
- Shut off distractions and immerse yourself in music
- Plush earcup cushions and a secure band ensure comfort
- Enjoy up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge
Cons
- Battery life isn't as long as some other models
Best wireless headphones for exercise
Adidaswww.adidas.co.uk
Description
Enjoy your favourite music or podcast during a sweat-breaking activity hassle-free with these durable, sweatproof Adidas RPT-01 Sport headphones. With up to 40 hours of playtime and convenient controls, they're perfect for workouts or on-the-go use. Ergonomic and IPX4-rated, they're reliable companions for your active lifestyle. Hooray. Plus, they're compatible with USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0.
Customer review: "Amazing feel, tight but very comfortable fit. The material is soft, and the knitted design helps to draw sweat away. Would certainly recommend."
Pros
- Sweatproof and splashproof making it perfect for exercise
- Washable ear cushions and inner headband for cleanliness
- Sharp sound quality with up to 40 hours of playback time
Cons
- A few people say they don't fit well on large heads
Best wireless headphones for battery life
JBL / AmazonDescription
Our last pick is perfect if you're looking for a long battery life and noise cancelling all in one. The JBL Tune 770NC wireless headphones allow you to enjoy JBL Bass Sound without distractions. Lightweight and foldable, this pair can connect to two Bluetooth devices at one time. Impressive. Customise the sound with the JBL app and manage calls effortlessly. Oh, and it's available in various colours.
Customer review: "Bought these for a long haul flight, I am by no means a sound expert! Noise cancellation was great, especially since I was sat near the plane engines. For a good example, after wearing them for a few hours I took them off and was greeted by the boom of the plane engines/jets. All in all super invaluable to have on the plane journey. The app has very simple settings to choose from but I quite enjoy the 'vocal' setting and thought the sound quality was really nice in general. All in all very happy with the purchase and would recommend these to anyone!"
Pros
- Noise cancelling with voice assistant capabilities
- Easily switch between devices for convenience
- An impressive 70-hour battery life with quick charge
Cons
- The earpads may be small for those with large ears
How we chose and tested
All of these wireless headphones have been hand-selected by our team of Yours Magazine's shopping experts. We carefully considered the style, functionality and budget in our selection.
Our team has spent hours investigating and researching wireless headphones to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about.
Buyers Guide
If you don't know how to choose a pair of wireless headphones, read our guide below, where we consider different factors which can affect your choice. From budget to lifestyle, we have it all laid out for you:
Sound quality
Sound quality is an important factor to consider when picking the best wireless headphones. Read customer reviews to understand which models can help us capture the subtle nuances of music, enhancing the audio experience. Poor sound quality can affect your listening - which is not what we want.
Battery life
This will depend on your listening habits and headphones choice. If you're on the move and need some comforting music in your ears, you may not have many chances to charge them up. To ensure that you're not always let down by being out of juice, we'd recommend a pick with a long-lasting battery.
Comfort and fit
Headphones can be worn for long periods - so, an ergonomic design with plush cushions is important. After all, you don't want your flashy pair of over-ear headphones to fall off when running - or even cause discomfort, pain or even damage to your ears, head, neck or shoulders. How do they sit and feel?
Noise cancellation
Noise cancelling blocks external sound - which is perfect if you'd rather not hear the neighbour's deafening lawn mower or block out chatter when in the office. This common feature will reduce overall noise levels in your environment, allowing you to step back from the chaos and relax with music.
Connectivity
When choosing a pair of wireless headphones, Bluetooth connectivity is your best bet, with a range of 5.0 or higher for connection stability. Plus, consider which devices the headphones will connect to, from a smartphone to a record player. A stable connection and range will make sure listening is uninterrupted.
Controls and features
Extra functions can stretch beyond basic playback. We'd recommend looking for picks with easy-to-use touch controls for simple operation. For a hands-free approach, you could try compatibility with voice assistants. And, for a more interesting experience, EQ settings can customise the sound to your liking.
Budget
And, finally, the budget which will impact your choice. Set a range you're comfortable with and research various options within it. Luckily, we've chosen wireless headphones at all price points. Use the above, compare features and evaluate if something has value for money. It's not always about the cheapest.
Verdict: Which is the best?
Our top pick is the Sony WH XB910N for impressive sound on the go.
FAQs
How to connect wireless headphones
Now, you have your pair of wireless headphones, but now what? If you want to play music privately, you’ll have to connect it with a device. We suggest following the advice below.
After unpacking your wireless headphones, ensure they are charged.
Turn on Bluetooth, by enabling Bluetooth in your device’s settings menu.
If there is a pairing mode for your headphones, activate it now.
Once on, your phone will likely show a list of compatible devices.
Select your new pair from the list of Bluetooth devices – and you should connect.
Slip them on your head and test the volume by playing a podcast or music.
How do wireless headphones work?
Wireless headphones work by connecting, or pairing with the device you want to use. With the latest Bluetooth technology, you can always stay connected, without interruptions. The equipment used to connect your phone and headphones is very similar to a classic radio.
Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?
Yes - you can use Bluetooth headphones on a plane, to help you stay distracted with music or even some in-flight entertainment. However, you may be asked to disconnect during take-off and landing.
Are wireless headphones safe?
One of our primary concerns with technology is potential harm. If you're interested in learning more, The House Of Marley has written an interesting piece that debunks myths about Bluetooth devices. To summarise, Bluetooth devices (such as headphones) are considered safe for human exposure.
If you're looking to minimise any potential risks, The House of Marley has suggestions:
Limit usage time - as prolonged exposure to any type of headphones can lead to "discomfort or temporary hearing issues." Take regular breaks from usage and limit the duration of listening sessions.
Set the right volume - by not only using our ears but by considering manufacturers' considerations. Big brands fall in line with the WHO's global standard for safety when listening to personal audio devices.
Choose reputable brands - says The House of Marley. By investing in products that adhere to safety and audio standards. As such, the quality of your purchase will be higher - performance and safety-wise.
How do wireless headphones connect to TV?
If your TV has Bluetooth compatibility, you certainly can. You can check this by going into the settings menu of your TV, searching for an accessories drop-down and you may see an option to connect.
However, Bluetooth may only be compatible with newer or smart TVs.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.