Wireless headphones are the way of the future as headphone jacks become increasingly obsolete. Luckily, big names like Sony, Senheiser and JBL were quick to step up to the plate, providing a range of wireless headphones with unparalleled sound, innovative features and reliable connectivity.
We've compare the 10 best wireless headphones in the UK, based on audio quality, battery life and much more to help you find the right pair. With noise cancelling headphones, voice control, and some impressive budget pairs, keep reading for tips, reviews and where to buy on Amazon, Argos and John Lewis!
Quick List - Top Wireless Headphones
Sony
Superior Comfort, Exceptional Sound and Smart Noise Cancellation
Skullcandy
Great Value for Money With Exceptional Acoustics and Battery Life
Beats By Dre
Solid Bass and Impressive Battery Life in a Compact, Foldable Pair
Sennheiser
High-Fidelity Sound With Great Noise Cancellation and Easy Controls via App
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If you're big on acoustics, over-ear headphones can reproduce the most accurate sound across the whole frequency range. Because of their larger size, they move more air at a time, creating solid bass notes. You will also get a fuller and more accurate soundscape as the ear pads cover the entirety of the ear. This can provide a more immersive experience by blocking out background noise.
Like their over-ear counterparts, on-ear headphones use big drivers to ensure clear, accurate reproduction of sound and deep, satisfying bass. However, since they only sit on the ear, they don't really provide noise isolation for optimal audio quality. An accidental tug or wiggle can disrupt your listening, letting in all the environmental noise around you.
When it comes to comfort, over-ear versions are by far more comfortable thanks to the plush padding. Although, on-ear headphones are more portable since most of them can be adjusted or folded for easier storage and transport. If portability isn't an issue, over-ear headphones are a no-brainer, but if you often take your headphones on the go, then an on-ear or a foldable pair is best.
Browse our favourite budget over-ear headphones here!
Most Wireless headphones use Bluetooth to pair with your device, as this allows for easy connection and high audio quality. To guarantee crystal clear sound and better functionality while listening, we recommend headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 or later.
The later the version, the better connection quality, speed, and range, letting you listen without any lagging or interruptions.
It's important to check how many hours your headphones can be used on a single charge, and how long it takes to charge them. The last thing you want is having to charge your devices more than you use them, especially if your headphones are the saving grace of your commute.
Most wireless headphones have around 20 to 50 hours of listening time with one full charge. However, if you use your headphones all day, every day, we recommend going for a pair with at least 30 hours of usage time.
Charging time also varies between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. These days, some models even have rapid or fast-charging capabilities to get your device up and running in a matter of minutes which, for busy bees or those who are always on the go, will be the most hassle-free option. There are even solar-powered headphones that will never run out of battery as long as there's a light source, talk about innovative!
Having built-in controls and a microphone can make your life easier as you won't need to take your device out every time you want to adjust the volume, skip tracks, or answer calls. This functionality can help to minimise distractions, especially while you're exercising, moving about, or focused on a tedious task.
Furthermore, access to a microphone enables digital assistants like Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, which is another feature that most modern headphones have to give you better control. The only downside is that these gadgets can sometimes be a little too sensitive, disrupting your sessions when activated by accident. Therefore, make sure to go through the reviews, before making a final decision.
Check out our article on wireless earbuds for another great option for using on the go!
If you often use your headphones in noisy environments, noise cancellation (NC) is a godsend. These are a great option to consider if you're somewhere where there's a constant buzz, you live by the train tracks or an airport, and on public transport.
Despite the name, NC doesn't really 'cancel' sounds. Instead, it uses the built-in microphone to pick up low-frequency noises around you and produces an opposite sound to cancel them out, so you're not bothered by them.
Looking for new bluetooth speakers? We have a buying guide for that too!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones|WH-1000XM5 | ![]() | Superior Comfort, Exceptional Sound and Smart Noise Cancellation | |
2 | Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones | ![]() | Great Value for Money With Exceptional Acoustics and Battery Life | |
3 | Beats By Dre Solo3 Wireless Headphones | ![]() | Solid Bass and Impressive Battery Life in a Compact, Foldable Pair | |
4 | Sennheiser Wireless Headphones|HD 450BT | ![]() | High-Fidelity Sound With Great Noise Cancellation and Easy Controls via App | |
5 | Bose QuietComfort® 45 Wireless Headphones | ![]() | World-Class Noise Cancellation, Superior Comfort and Impeccable Audio Performance | |
6 | JBL Tune Wireless Over-Ear Headphones|660NC | ![]() | An Affordable Pick That’s All About Bass and Crisp Sound | |
7 | Apple AirPods Max | ![]() | Stellar Sound With Exceptional Fit and Comfort for iOS Users | |
8 | JLab Studio Wireless Headphones | ![]() | Inexpensive Pair That Doesn’t Sacrifice Quality, With up to 30 Hours of Usage | |
9 | Urbanista Los Angeles Wireless Bluetooth Headphones | ![]() | Charge via Solar Technology for Non-stop Listening | |
10 | Avantree Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Headphones|HT5009 | ![]() | Best Wireless Headphones for Watching TV |
Sony's latest and greatest headphones, the WH-1000XM5 top our ranking as they check all the most important boxes. Everything from the sleek, lightweight design, to the improved noise cancellation and the superb sound quality, will transport you out of reality the moment you put them on.
They're packed with sophisticated controls and features. Cupping the right ear activates ambient mode, which lowers the volume automatically, or activate voice control for a totally hands-free experience. If you are an audiophile who frequently listens to music in loud, crowded environments, these headphones will be a dream!
The Hesh Evo have undergone generations of refinement. What you get is a pair of headphones with exceptional sound, giving users exactly what they want. We're talking about an astonishing 36 hour battery life, rapid charging, a noise-isolating fit and universal compatibility. Plus, there's a special tracking feature in case you ever misplace them!
These are an amazing everyday pair, especially if you want to be immersed in sound as quickly and as easily as possible. The crystal clear, rich acoustics gives some of the more expensive options a run for their money, all for a surprisingly low price!
Beats By Dre are masters of delivering hard-hitting, solid bass lines. So for techno or hip-hop lovers where the punchy bass line is everything, these headphones are ideal. They're great everyday headphones as the battery life is truly impressive, giving you up to 40 hours of listening with a full charge!
Even if you're running low on juice, the 'Fast Fuel' feature translates 5 minutes of charging time into an impressive 3 hours of usage, so you'll be back to listening in no time. Plus, the W1 chip pairing makes connecting to Apple devices a breeze.
If noise cancellation is an important feature for you, but you want don't want to break the bank, the Senheiser HD 450BT are a great choice. Bluetooth 5.0 connection ensures high-fidelity sound, with powerful bass and rich resonance, as well as precise audio synchronisation when watching videos.
Installing the Senheiser Smart Control App on your smartphone gives you easy control over your headphones. This includes the ability to adjust the equalizers, enable podcast mode, monitor battery life, and access user manuals and updates.
From an established brand known for impeccable sound, we can't wait to talk about the Bose QuietComfort® 45 Wireless Headphones. Let the rich, full acoustics envelope you into your own world, all of which is made possible by high-fidelity audio.
The volume-optimised EQ is always active, and with world-class noise cancellation, you can expect consistent, uninterrupted listening. Perhaps best of all, the QuietComfort® 45 have luxuriously plush cushioning. In fact, they're so comfortable that you might forget you have them on, even after hours of listening!
You'll absolutely love the JBL Tune 660NC if you enjoy listening to bass-heavy tunes. These headphones are capable of expressing punchy lows with crisp detail, letting you enjoy your favourite songs like never before.
If you're someone who always forgets, or is too busy to charge their devices on weekdays, these can last up to 44 hours with noise cancellation turned on, and a whopping 55 hours without! On the downside, some users have mentioned that the controls are a bit tricky to use.
Apple fans, if you haven't gotten your hands on the AirPods Max, this is your sign to do it! As always, Apple products deliver on quality, and the AirPods Max promise stellar sound with amazing features, such as active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and voice control capabilities with Siri.
The headphones are super soft and lightweight, despite looking a little clunky. In fact, the knitted-mesh canopy and over-ear memory foam cushions are there to ensure the perfect fit for comfort throughout hours of listening. It's a shame that they're only compatible with iOS devices.
JLab's Studio Wireless Headphones are a good option for those on a budget. Although they are the cheapest option on our list, these headphones still manage to deliver high-end sound and an impressive 30 hours of battery life!
Of course, you won't get any fancy high-tech features, which is why they didn't make our top 5. That said, these handphones are still a standout choice for comfort and usability. Built-in buttons give you easy control over your listening, and you can also take calls by activating voice assistant - perfect if you're always on the go.
Unless you actually live in a cave, the Urbanista Los Angeles wireless headphones are going to blow your mind! Using clever solar cell technology within the head strap, both real and artificial light can be converted into power in a process similar to photosynthesis, for non-stop listening.
That's not all, these headphones feature voice control and active noise cancellation too! Sound-wise, they're pretty decent with punchy bass-lines. Just keep in mind that that some users have reported that they're rather small and can feel uncomfortably tight on larger heads, or for those wearing glasses.
For a hi-fi experience while watching your favourite shows, movies, or concerts on TV, check out the Avantree wireless headphones! These will be especially invaluable if you live in an flat with thin walls, have a newborn at home, or simply prefer a more immersive experience.
TV headphones are a game changer, as you can go as loud as you want without disturbing anyone. Instant connection is made to the transmitter dock once plugged in, and it can go up to 50 m without interference. Unfortunately, you might need another pair for listening to music.
Written and researched by Audrey Tan
No. 1: Sony|Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones|WH-1000XM5
No. 2: Skullcandy|Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
No. 3: Beats By Dre|Solo3 Wireless Headphones
No. 4: Sennheiser |Wireless Headphones|HD 450BT
No. 5: Bose|QuietComfort® 45 Wireless Headphones
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