The Best Wireless Headphones
It's time to cut the cord. Wired headphones, though old and faithful, can present a host of frayed, tangled issues. Many newer smartphones aren't even equipped with a traditional audio jack, making some longtime favorite listening devices obsolete. Luckily, the wireless world offers a host of options from affordable everyday models to top-of-the-line noise-canceling headpieces for long flights and commutes. Read on to check out our roundup of some of the best wireless headphones on the market so you can keep jamming without your audio jack.
iJoy Matte Finish Premium Rechargeable Wireless Headphones
Happiness in headphones
If you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable pair of wireless headphones, iJoy has you covered. This model has an average playback time of six hours, but it can sit on standby for four days at a time. Hands-free controls allow for easy navigation between music and calls, and you can even toggle between Bluetooth and radio playback via the built-in FM receiver. Feel free to flex your personal style with iJoy’s array of bright matte colors, or just opt for standard black.
Pros:
- Available in a wide array of bright, matte color options
- Hands-free controls make for simple navigation
- Built-in FM receiver allows you to listen to the radio
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Not as many bells and whistles as more expensive competing models
Zihnic Foldable Wireless Headphones
Pack and play
Portability is a major factor these days and for good reason. With so many of us on the go, it’s imperative that our listening devices can be quickly packed up and stowed away. Zihnic’s foldable headphones allow for just that: the lightweight design features a flexible headband and memory foam earmuffs for a comfortable fit that won’t weigh you down. It promises around 16 hours of active wireless use, along with the backup of unlimited power while plugged in via the included auxiliary cable.
Pros:
- 16-hour battery life empowers you to stay on the go without charging
- The lightweight, foldable design is both comfortable and easy to carry
- Auxiliary cable can extend active use infinitely when plugged into a device
- Trendy colors available
Cons:
- Singular external microphone doesn’t provide the best call quality
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphone
Comfort for your cranium
Though they’ve certainly enjoyed a period of punk-rock popularity, Skullcandy has been churning out quality headphones silently for years. The Crusher Evo headphone is no exception — it boasts 41 hours of active use, proprietary “Crusher Bass” boosting, and personalized sound profiles via the Skullcandy app. These collapsible headphones are heavily cushioned and, thanks to straightforward hands-free buttons, you won’t ever have to take them off to take calls or skip tracks.
Pros:
- Extensive battery life at 41 hours of active use
- Rapid charging via USB-C cable that provides four hours of use per 10-minute charge
- Heavily cushioned earmuffs and flexible headband
- Personalized sound profiles offered in the Skullcandy app
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation or isolation offered
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Block out the noise
From one of the most infamous brands in sound technology comes an incredibly advanced pair of noise-canceling headphones. Sony’s WH-1000XM4 model utilizes dual noise sensor technology to pick up external sounds and reduce them to the volume of a whisper. Hands-free calling is ultra-clear thanks to five external microphones helping to isolate your voice from background noise, and calls can be taken with the touch of a button. Sony even promises around 30 hours of continuous use, and a quick 10-minute charge can boost your battery by five hours. You’ll have to pay a premium for these, but they’ll make long commutes and loud environments far more bearable in the long run.
Pros:
- Advanced active noise cancelation (ANC) that utilizes dual sensors to track and reduce ambient sound
- Five external microphones work to isolate your voice and minimize background noise for clear calling
- 30 hours of continuous use on one charge
Cons:
- Paying a premium for top-of-the-line ANC technology and sound quality
Letscom Bluetooth Headphones
Power for hours
Going wireless can be liberating, but it doesn’t do you much good when you have to keep charging your headphones every few hours. If battery life is a major concern of yours, Letscom’s Bluetooth headphones might be the right fit. They promise a whopping 100 hours of continuous use, which can give you over a month of playback when used for an average of 2.5 hours per day. If you find yourself in the rare circumstance of needing to charge them, know that they can also be used virtually forever while plugged in via the included audio cable.
Pros:
- Impressive 100-hour battery life when used continuously
- Option to boost bass at the press of a button
- Foldable design for easy transportation
- Unlimited use when using included auxiliary cable
Cons:
- Earmuffs don’t swivel for increased comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
Will hands-free navigation work with both Android and Apple devices?
Generally, yes, but it may depend on the make and model. Most newer wireless headphones are engineered to be compatible with both operating systems, but earlier versions of the same headphones may be Android or Apple-specific. Usually, brands will make this clear in the product descriptions, so be sure to take a close look before purchasing.
Why is there such a wide range in prices?
Noise-canceling technology and brand names play a large role in the influx of prices across the wireless headphone market. Models with ANC or CVC (clear voice capture to optimize calls) are almost always more expensive than regular headphones, and that price continues to jump when reputable brand names are involved. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide which features are worth paying for, so making a list of pros and cons for each product can be helpful.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.