The top wireless earbuds provide a comfortable, easy-to-carry package along with a variety of intelligent functions, all neatly packaged in a design that doesn’t require a cord to play your favorite tunes, films, or audio shows. For quite a while, Bluetooth earbuds have been leading in terms of popularity due to their simplicity of use – no tangled cords getting caught on clothing; no issues with in-ear microphones that are hard to keep close to your mouth while jogging for a train. While the best wired earbuds might still offer superior sound quality for audiophiles, for the general public, it’s the wireless alternatives that are the clear choice. Their quality and dependability are so high now, there are almost no drawbacks. Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
We’ve dedicated countless hours to thoroughly examining each pair of wireless headphones on this list, and our evaluations are conducted by professionals with significantly more experience than we’re willing to disclose. We’re well-versed in how the latest competitors compare to the industry leaders – that’s the reason the Sony WH-1000XM4 continues to be our preferred choice, even though they’re a bit older. (Spoiler alert: they’re still the best value for money.) In this guide, we focus on headphones rather than earbuds – but don’t miss our best wireless earbuds guide if that’s what you’re primarily interested in! The Best Wireless Headphones 2026
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
This isn’t an error – even though the newer WH-1000XM5 models have come out, we still consider the XM4 to be a more affordable option for the majority, especially since they’re available at such significant discounts nowadays, even lower than their original price. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer superb noise-cancellation and sound quality at every stage of our tests, and they’re also comfortable to wear for extended durations due to their light weight. The XM5 models do all these things more effectively, but they also cost a lot more, and we believe the XM4 provide a better value for money at this time. Best USB-C headphone Adapters
SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic design: Closed back
- Weight: 253g
- Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz
- Drivers: 40mm dome-type
- Battery life: 30 hours
2. Sony WH-CH520
Exceptional audio quality and long-lasting comfort for continuous use in a wireless earphone. The WH-CH520 boasts an incredibly long battery duration of up to 50 hours, and a rapid charge feature extends your listening time to up to 1.5 hours. A customized audio journey Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) revives the natural tones and vibrancy that are often stripped away in standard music compression, offering a more genuine sound. Additionally, you have the option to adjust the music to your liking using EQ settings on the Sony | Headphones Connect app, ensuring a customized audio experience. Enjoy music for days With a battery life that can last up to 50 hours, you can immerse yourself in your favorite tunes without the fear of your headphones dying. Should your headphones’ battery level drop, a quick charge can restore up to 1.5 hours of music enjoyment.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic design: Closed back
- Weight: 147g
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Drivers: 30mm
- Battery life: 50 hours
3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones stand out as remarkable. In our evaluation, we described them as an outstanding deal, noting: “The noise-cancellation technology is robust, the range of features is comprehensive, the design is sleek yet thoughtfully designed, and the audio quality is outstanding.” These headphones are undoubtedly among the finest wireless options available today and perhaps the finest headphones ever made, without a doubt. While there are numerous reasons we found the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones enjoyable to test, it’s the battery performance that stands out as exceptional, particularly when pitted against other models. With the active noise cancellation feature engaged, you can expect 60 full hours of use. For instance, the Sony XM4 wireless headphones at the top of our list, along with its newer model XM5s, only manage 30 hours with the same feature. The Best Wireless Headphones 2026
SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 293g
- Frequency response: 6Hz to 22kHz
- Drivers: 42mm dynamic
- Battery life: 60 hours (ANC on)
4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stand out as the top choice among audio pioneers, offering an exceptional sound quality, beneficial features through apps, a high-end and cozy design, and unparalleled noise cancellation. Although they are pricier than many other headphones, their value is unparalleled. When it comes to active noise cancellation, it’s without a doubt superior to its rivals, creating a soundscape so quiet it’s as if cities have never been that way before. It’s nearly impossible to detect any sounds from within your home, office, or even a bus. We encountered minor issues with the headphones struggling to handle extremely loud sounds, such as during a plane’s takeoff (for just a few seconds) or when near a bus’s engine working uphill, but these were so infrequent that they hardly affected our opinion.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 250g
- Frequency response: Not listed
- Drivers: 35mm
- Battery life: 24 hours
5. Edifier Stax Spirit S3
In terms of audio quality, these Edifiers stand out, largely due to their unique planar magnetic drivers that deliver a more accurate and lively sound compared to the average ones. In the realm of wireless technology, it’s hard to find a better sound quality for such a reasonable price – planar technology is quite uncommon, and even more so at this level. But, do you mind giving up on active noise cancellation for this sound? It’s not a feature included, leaving that choice entirely in your hands – yet, a quick look at the high rating indicates our strong preference for these regardless. But it’s not just the audio that matters. When it comes to battery life, 80 hours is remarkably long in almost any situation, especially for wireless headphones – and we’ve personally managed to get over 90 hours of use from these. Best Bluetooth Waterproof Earbuds for Swimming
SPECIFICATIONS
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 329g
- Frequency response: 20Hz-40KHz
- Drivers: 70 x 89mm planar magnetic
- Battery life: 80 hours (we actually got 90)
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES
Over the years, we’ve tried out countless wireless earbuds, exploring every possible feature. Through this process, we’ve identified the essential elements that define an excellent pair of Bluetooth earbuds. First off, the design plays a crucial role. Comfort is key when it comes to wireless earbuds: if they’re not comfortable for extended use, they lose their appeal. Therefore, we suggest seeking earbuds with ample padding for comfort and durable bands to withstand daily wear. A major choice to make is between over-ear or in-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones typically offer a more immersive experience, whereas in-ear headphones require consideration of their audio leakage, which could affect their suitability for public transportation. It’s vital to prioritize the features that matter most to you. Touch controls are convenient, but will you find them useful, or do you prefer voice commands? Is active noise cancellation necessary if you won’t be using them in public places? It’s not worth the investment in features you won’t frequently use.
Cost is also a significant factor to consider. Indeed, it’s a well-known fact that higher prices often equate to better quality, and some of the top-tier headphones can be quite expensive. However, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to enjoy superior sound quality. There are numerous budget-friendly choices available that deliver impressive sound for their price, and the trade-offs are usually minor, like using less high-end materials or experiencing a bit more sound leakage in public settings. If you’re looking to complement your current collection of high-end audio equipment, such as premium network streamers or high-definition audio devices, it’s advisable to choose headphones that support high-resolution audio technologies like Sony’s LDAC or the Bluetooth aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs. Without these, your audio device won’t be able to stream high-resolution sound wirelessly at its peak quality. In the end, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s preferences and needs vary, making there’s no universal pair of headphones that suits everyone. It’s about finding the right balance between cost and features to achieve the best audio experience within your budget.
Which brand is best for wireless Headphones?
It’s your decision. The top wireless headphone brand is the one that offers the features and sound quality you desire within your budget. However, there are a few reliable choices available. Apple headphones are a solid choice for pairing with Apple devices; Sony offers a variety of top-notch options; and considering the company that first introduced noise-cancelling technology, Bose produces some of the finest noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds available. We suggest prioritizing your usage needs over the brand name. Some have superior battery life, others excel in sound quality, and some are known for their user-friendly features. Best Headphone Cables Under $50
How much should wireless headphones cost?
You don’t have to break the bank to find top-notch wireless headphones. While paying a premium often ensures a superior quality, there are some excellent options available at a fraction of the cost. Take, for instance, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones on this list, which are surprisingly budget-friendly, priced at about $60 / £50. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, around $120 / £120, you’ll find a significant upgrade in quality with models like the Final Audio UX3000. Going up to $200 / £200, you’ll see another noticeable increase in features and quality with the Sony WH-1000MX4. And then, you’ll reach $300 / £300 with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless or Sony WH-1000XM5. As you move towards $450 / £450, you’ll once again see a clear improvement with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, though the new features might not be as impressive.
HOW WE TESTED THE BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES
We’ve evaluated every top-rated wireless headphone on this list. To be included in our recommendations, these headphones had to meet several important criteria. First, we looked at Bluetooth capabilities. Having wireless is essential, but the quality of the wireless connection is also vital: we need our connections to be steady and dependable, not to drop out in the middle of a great song. Comfort and aesthetics are also important factors. We tested these headphones for extended periods to assess their comfort during extended use or travel, and we also considered their design to determine if they appeared as if the wearer was a dedicated music listener or a fan of the Cybermen from Dr Who. The era when wireless headphones could overlook sound quality in favor of convenience is history. We now demand that every pair of Bluetooth headphones provides clear and robust sound. The Best Wireless Headphones 2026