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It has been a long time since I've considered buying a pair of wired headphones.
Wireless headphones today offer exceptional sound quality, and battery life has reached a point that you can listen for hours without a recharge.
You can enjoy immersive surround sound, plus the flexibility to move around. That might mean listening to crystal clear audio while you exercise, or just giving the freedom to duck to the kitchen for a snack while you watch TV.
The biggest problem you face when shopping for Bluetooth headphones is the sheer number of options.
I've tested dozens of headphones since launching BTTR, from budget-friendly options to premium audiophile models. Most of them are good – it's actually pretty hard to go wrong with wireless headphones these days if you stick with reputable brands.
But if I had to spend my own money on a new pair of wireless headphones right now, there are only a few I'd seriously consider.
The Sony WH-1000 XM6 leads the pack with world-class noise cancellation and stunning audio quality. The Sonos Ace is perfect if you want spatial audio and seamless integration with your home cinema setup. And if you're on a budget, the Belkin Soundform Isolate punches way above its weight at under $100.
If you're not interested in any of these, consider subscribing to BTTR to read every review as it's published.
The best wireless headphones I've tested
Overall: Sony WH-1000 XM6
If you're looking for the absolute best wireless headphones available right now, the Sony WH-1000 XM6 should be at the top of your list.
I've tested a lot of headphones with active noise cancellation, and these are simply the best. They create a remarkable bubble of silence around you that's perfect for flights, commutes, or just blocking out the world when you need to focus.
But noise cancellation means nothing if the audio quality doesn't deliver, and thankfully Sony nails it here. The sound is beautifully balanced across all frequencies. Bass has real depth and impact without overwhelming everything else, while vocals and instruments remain crisp and clear.
Whether you're listening at whisper-quiet volumes or cranking it up loud, the XM6 maintains that balance.
The lightweight design means you can wear these for hours without discomfort, though the plastic construction won't win any awards for premium feel. Sony's also included some clever features like automatic pause when you start speaking.
On the downside, Sony's 360 Reality Audio format for spatial sound isn't widely supported by streaming services, so if you like spatial audio, you probably need to look eslewhere. It feels like a missed opportunity when competitors are nailing spatial audio with more mainstream codec support.
At close to $700, these definitely aren't budget headphones. But if you want the best wireless noise cancelling experience money can buy, they're worth every cent.
Nick Broughall
For complete immersion: Sonos Ace
I have been a massive fan of Sonos' audio products for 20-odd years. I use their connected speakers all through my home, and my home theatre system is also made up of Sonos products.
So when Sonos launched its first pair of headphones, I was really excited.
From an audio perspective, these don't disappoint. They sound fantastic, with incredible depth. Bass fills the stage, pairing closely with the mid and high-end frequencies to create a really broad soundstage.
With support for head-tracked spatial audio, the Sonos Ace are the perfect partner for watching movies, or listening to spatial music tracks.
That commitment to audio excellence is matched by some really incredible noise cancellation. It blocks out the world around you impressively well, but does an even better job of letting it in when you are using the passthrough feature.
But the real secret sauce of these headphones is the Ace's support of the Sonos ecosystem. If you use a Sonos Soundbar, one long press of the headphones' button lets you transfer the sound from the soundbar to the headphones, complete with Dolby Atmos support and head tracking for an immersive audio experience.
You can even do that with two pairs of Sonos Ace headphones now, thanks to a software update, so you and your partner can enjoy a blockbuster movie without disturbing the kids while they sleep.
Nick Broughall
For seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem: Apple AirPods Max
While Apple built its empire on the "true wireless" earbuds that redefined a category, they pivoted back to a classic over-ear silhouette for their flagship statement.
I’m a huge fan of the AirPods Max. Between the stellar sound profile and the top-tier noise cancellation, they’re a powerhouse, and they look incredible doing it.
Those anodised aluminium ear cups are a complete outlier in a market full of plastic; the blue finish on my review unit is striking and feels exactly like the premium chassis of a MacBook.
Naturally, the experience is at its peak if you’re already living in the Apple ecosystem. The way they hand off audio between an iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV is effortless, even if that convenience alone doesn't quite justify the premium price tag.
In terms of performance, the noise cancellation easily sits in my top three of all time, and the transparency mode is nearly on par with what Sonos has achieved. But my favourite feature is listening to Spatial Audio on Apple Music. It’s a genuinely immersive experience that I think every music lover needs to hear at least once.
It’s not all perfect. These headphones grip your head pretty firmly, which can lead to some fatigue during long sessions. If you wear glasses, that pressure is even more noticeable.
There’s also the lack of a power button. Apple has a polarising "bra" case to trigger ultra-low power mode, but honestly the case is more of a nuisance than a feature.
Minor gripes aside, these are an absolute triumph of personal audio.
Nick Broughall
Budget friendly: Belkin Soundform Isolate
When you decide to spend under $100 on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you go in understanding that the performance won't quite rival a premium set.
However, the Belkin Soundform Isolate is proof that you can snag quality gear at a seriously affordable price. These over-ear headphones offer active noise cancellation despite an RRP of just $89.95.
They even include a dedicated meditation track of crashing waves on a loop if you need to find your focus. To be honest, it's a bit disappointing, but that's not really why you would buy these headphones.
The build is a bit plasticky, but the Isolate doesn't feel cheap. While they aren't the most luxurious pair you’ll ever wear, they are still quite comfortable for the price point.
Audio-wise, the profile is fairly balanced. It’s perhaps a little light on the bass, but you still get a well-rounded reproduction of your music. The battery life is a standout, lasting about 40 hours with noise cancellation engaged. Plus, with fast charging and a 3.5mm jack included, you’re never left stranded if the battery runs dry.
To be fair, for 90 bucks, these are an absolute steal. They’re an especially brilliant choice for parents looking for a low-cost option for kids with additional needs to help manage sensory input.
Even if you’re just buying them for yourself, these are a cracking pair of budget headphones.
Nick Broughall
How I chose the best wireless headphones
I've reviewed a lot of headphones in my 20+ year career as a technology writer and journalist. It's hard to put my finger on an exact number, but easily more than 50, probably more than 100.
In that time, I've realised that there's no single "best" product for anything. Individual tastes and opinions matter.
So this guide is purely based on my personal opinions and hands-on experience with wireless headphones. I've tested a whole heap of models for BTTR, so you know that this guide is based on documented experience, not just what I think you want to read.
I will call out that this guide is dedicated to wireless headphones. If you're after wireless earphones, I have a dedicated guide for those.
As I review more wireless headphones over time, I'll update this accordingly.
Wireless headphones I've reviewed at BTTR for this guide
What to look for when choosing new wireless headphones
Whether you're after one of the models listed above or something completely different, the decision factors you need to consider when buying wireless headphones is the same.
Sound quality
The most important aspect when considering a pair of Bluetooth headphones is the sound quality.
Bluetooth isn't the best technology for sound quality. Buying a cheap pair of headphones could mean your music doesn't sound very good.
The good news is that most of the brands you've heard of before have really good sound quality.
Comfort
You're going to want your headphones to feel good on your head. There are no hard and fast rules on how that works by the way. It's very much a case of personal preference.
Consider whether you would prefer the ear cups to sit on your ear or around it (for headphones) or if you like having things jammed in your ears (for in-ear models). That may help get you started.
Features and functions
A lot of the premium wireless headphones on the market will feature things like noise cancellation and surround sound.
Others let you plug in via a cable to listen even when the battery runs out.
Some offer quick charging, while others have a dedicated app to personalise your playback experience.
Make sure that your headphones offer any of the features you want by reading reviews.
Battery life
At a bare minimum, you'll want your wireless headphones to have enough battery for a full 24 hours. If you can get longer, that's great.
Look for the ability to plug in a cable to keep listening when the battery runs out (which is essential on long-haul flights). Also consider how quickly you can recharge the battery in a pinch.
Price
You can pick up wireless headphones for anywhere between $50 and $1,000. Obviously the performance between those two models probably won't be very similar.
Always consider your budget and buy the best product you can afford.
