1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best budget 4. Best premium 5. Best for sound 6. Best for design 7. Best for ANC 8. Best mid-priced 9. Best for Apple fans 10. Best for Bose fans 11. How to choose 12. How we test 13. Latest updates

The best wireless headphones bring you fantastic audio and plenty of smart features in a comfortable design that doesn’t need to be wired to any device to play your favorite music or podcasts, instead connecting via Bluetooth. 

The best Bluetooth headphones are by far the most popular kind these days, thanks to their sheer convenience. The best wired headphones might still have the edge on sound quality for audiophiles, but for the rest of us, it's wireless options that domination the list of the best headphones. Their quality and reliability is so good now, there are very few downsides.

We’ve spent hours reviewing every pair of wireless headphones in this list, testing them with all types of music in various listening environments. Our testing is done by editors and writers who have years of experience testing all the biggest headphones, so they know how things compare to other options out there – that's why the Sony WH-1000XM4 remains our top pick, despite being a few years old. We've compared newer options to them, and they're still top dog for value. 

We’re serious about music, which means we know what makes a fantastic pair of headphones and which features you need to be listening out for, including app support and active noise cancellation. In this best wireless headphones guide, we're looking (or listening to) headphones rather than earbuds – we've got a whole separate guide to the best wireless earbuds you can dive into.

Becky is a senior TechRadar writer (which she has been assured refers to expertise rather than age) focusing on all things audio. Before joining the team in early 2022, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. 

Want to cut to the chase and find out which wireless headphones are the best? Below, you’ll find a roundup of our choices. You can also jump to a more detailed review of every pick, along with our price comparison tool to help you find the best deals.

Best overall

Best wireless headphones overall

Sony continues to reign with these older cans, which remain fantastic value for sound quality, features and noise cancellation thanks to price drops. 

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Best budget

Best budget wireless headphones

These were already great value when we first reviewed them, but now that they often see discounts, the WH-CH520 are by far the best bargain buy for wireless on-ear cans. 

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Best premium

Best premium wireless headphones 

Packed with high-end features, smart control options and a class-leading, expansive sound, these are top choice for overall quality at a higher price.

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Best for sound

Best wireless headphones for sound

Edifier's flagship wireless planar magnetic headphones are an audiophile dream. Not only do they sound amazing, but they have great wireless features too. 

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Best for design

Best wireless headphones for design

These deliver awesome detail and balance, and pretty good ANC along with other smart features. As do lots of other cans here, but the PX8 look and feel a cut above.

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Best for ANC

Best wireless headphones for ANC

Being the step-up from the WH-1000XM4 above, these offer even better active noise cancellation and sound. But the price is a lot higher for not a game-changing jump in quality.

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Best mid-priced

Best mid-priced wireless headphones

Final's first wireless ANC offering is a slam dunk. While the noise cancellation isn't the best, it's a first-class listen for music, with great features for the price.  

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Best for Apple fans

Best Apple wireless headphones

These are fantastic-sounding headphones with excellent features unique to iPhone, including spatial audio. But they're extremely high-priced. 

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Best for Bose fans

Best Bose wireless headphones

Bose has some ardent fans, and rightly so. Like the Sony XM4, these are a little older, but are often available with big discounts, so they're still our Bose pick for value.

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Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Our expert review:

This is not a mistake – even though the newer WH-1000XM5 now exist, we still rate the XM4 as a better buy for most people. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver excellent noise-cancellation and sound quality in a wireless design that we found extremely comfortable and lightweight throughout every step of our testing. The XM5 do all of this better, no question, but they also do it for a lot more money, and we think the XM4 are the better balance right now.

The Sony XM4 are crammed with features, including impressive audio upscaling, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format, which delivers spatial audio on stereo headphones, plus the LDAC codec that can send a bitrate of up to 990 kbps. However, they don't aptX or aptX HD, so your hi-res audio support mileage may vary.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are our favorite wireless headphones because they deliver exactly what they promise. The standout features are exceptional noise cancellation, which we found worked incredibly well in all kinds of environments – even noisy commutes and planes – and we highly rate the cutting-edge codec support here too. 

Usually you’re forced to pick between a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that do a good job of blocking outside noise, or ones that excel at audio playback. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are great at both, meaning you don’t have to pick.

The only drawback we've found is they’re not ideal for working out. That's because they don’t stay put with lots of movement and there’s not IP rating here, which means they’re not water resistant enough for sweating or even mild rain showers.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review

Our expert review:

If you like the idea of Sony wireless headphones but don't need a high-priced, high-end set like the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones above, then the Sony WH-CH510 headphones are a much more affordable option packed with all the features most people will need.

The Sony WH-CH520 offer strong audio for the price that we found to be really well-balanced in our review, plus tons of battery life. At such a low price, they don't have the build quality or the dynamic audio of headphones costing five times as much, but they are an excellent pair of all-rounders for a very impressive price.

These are on-ear headphones rather than over-ears, and one result of that is that the soundstage isn't quite as immersive as with a pair of over-ears. You might also hear some ambient sounds too, but for those who work in an office or need to stay alert at home this could be a plus point rather than a criticism. Not everyone finds these as comfortable for long periods too.

Sony says you can get 50 hours of battery from a charge, and we found that to be realistic. Usefully, you can fast-charge from flat for 90 minutes of playback in just three minutes, which can be a lifesaver. Annoyingly, there's no 3.5mm audio jack for listening if you run out of charge, or to connect to a computer or plane system.

Read our full Sony WH-CH520 review

Our expert review:

These Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are incredibly impressive. In our review we called them excellent value for money and wrote: "The adaptive noise cancellation is strong, the feature set is as exhaustive as you'll find at the level, the design is minimalist but carefully considered, and the sound is supremely talented."

They're definitely one of the best pairs of wireless headphones you can buy today and one of the best pairs of headphones ever, full stop. 

Although there are plenty of reasons why we enjoyed testing the Momentum 4 Wireless, it's the battery life that stands out as exceptional, especially compared to the competition. You'll get 60 whole hours, even with ANC on. For comparison, Sony's XM4 wireless headphones at the top of this list, as well as its newer XM5s, offer only half that at 30 hours. 

But we also loved the crisp and detailed sound these headphones deliver – on calls, too – as well as the solid ANC. The simple design was a plus in our eyes, but it might be a little basic for those who like their tech to really make a statement. Otherwise, these headphones might not be cheap, but they're still fantastic all-rounders and great value for money .

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

Our expert review:

When it comes to sound, these Edifiers absolutely excel, thanks in no small part to their planar magnetic drivers, which offer more precise and dynamic sound than standard drivers. Truly, in a wireless design you'll struggle to better the sound for this money – planar is incredibly rare, and doubly so at this price. However, are you willing to forgo active noise cancellation to get this sound? It's not included, so that decision is up to you – but a quick glance at the star-rating above proves how we feel about these regardless. 

And it's not just about the sound. As stamina claims go, 80 hours is impressively insatiable in almost any arena, but particularly concerning wireless headphones – and we actually gleaned just over 90 hours from these in practice.

These headphones are very easy to pair, very quick on the uptake where the app is concerned and easy to use, too. Multipoint? Completed it; you'll happily be chopping and changing betwixt phone and laptop all the livelong day. 

But aside from lacking ANC, you're also not getting an ambient awareness mode here, no auto-off functionality, and the Edifier Connect app is fine, but that's as far as it goes. They're not the smartest on the block, but they sound so good.

Read our full Edifier Stax Spirit S3 review

Our expert review:

If you're looking for a luxe pair of headphones that make a statement but still sound fantastic, then we recommend the Bowers & Wilkins PX8, which we called "exceptional" in our review. In fact, something magical happened when we tested them, we wrote: "To put these headphones on is to experience a pride of ownership rarely felt, even at this level."

Not only is the build fantastic, but the sound is absolutely jaw-dropping for detail, clarity, energy and agility. When compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless above, we found the energy, depth and immersion of the PX8 to put them in a different league. Sonically, they're incredible. 

Of course, that's not a totally fair comparison given they're around double the price of the Momentum 4. At $699 / £599 / AU$1150 they're eye-wateringly expensive – even more so than the already expensive Apple AirPods Max. In our review we explained why some of the choices here resulted in such a high price tag: "a new carbon cone 40mm drive unit replaces the bio-cellulose driver in the more affordable Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and the die-cast aluminum arms, diamond-cut bright metal detailing and Nappa leather trim elevates the build to high-end territory." So if you want luxury-feeling tech that sounds out of this world, this is it.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review

Our expert review:

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are among the best wireless headphones we've ever tested – but their high price means we think there are better-value options in some cases.

Their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, are at the top of our list because we think the specs and the price will suit anyone looking for a high-end pair of headphones. But the XM5s do offer a more lightweight wireless design, new drivers for improved sound, a whole array of microphones for better call quality and super-fast charging. There's also beefier processing for the noise cancellation, which was already superb and is the best you can get at the time of writing. If you’re looking for the most powerful noise-cancelling headphones money can buy, you won’t be disappointed.

During our testing, we were pleasantly surprised that the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver exactly what they promise and then some thanks to their exceptional noise cancellation and cutting-edge codec support, which delivers even higher quality audio in compatible apps.

The drivers in these models are smaller than before at 30mm, but the soundstage remains spacious and gives all elements of a mix room to breathe and shine. We were happy to find that there’s very little sound leakage, too, even when you’re listening to loud music. We sat next to a colleague in the office with the volume at full, and they didn't hear anything – that's an improvement over the previous model. 

The issue is really just the price – they cost a lot more than the WH-1000XM4, but the differences are not totally night and day. It's also a shame they no longer have a folding design for travelling, though that's not a dealbreaker for most.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Our expert review:

Final Audio's wireless, noise-cancelling, over-ear headphones may not look or feel particularly special, but their specification, which includes aptX wireless, long battery life, and active noise cancellation make up for it. 

During our testing, we really enjoyed listening to the Final Audio UX3000 headphones. This is thanks to their dynamism, detail retrieval and musicality. Whatever music genre you prefer, you'll be happy with the performance on offer from these headphones.

We found the active noise cancellation to be good and effective enough at dealing with the majority of external distractions. Granted, you're not getting Bose or Sony levels of noise negation, but then you're not spending Bose or Sony level money either. Spend more and you'll get more, sure.

We found the battery life here to be solid. The UX3000 lasted for 35 hours from a single charge when we had ANC switched off, and 25 hours when it was switched on. During our testing we found that, from flat, they can be fully charged in around two-and-a-half hours.

There’s no accompanying app or touch controls on the UX3000 headphones, which makes them a fairly minimal pair of over-ears. But specs-wise, they’ve got everything you could want and more. Especially considering you can find them at a very decent price compared to many eye-wateringly expensive rivals – better than half of the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5. 

Read our full Final Audio UX3000 review

Our expert review:

There's a lot to love about the Apple AirPods Max. The things we rated highest during our testing were: the standout active noise cancellation, superb audio quality, and a design that sets them apart from most noise-cancelling headphones on the market.

However, while their exceptional audio performance and class-leading ANC seriously impressed us during out time with these headphones, they're let down by their eye-watering price and their lack of support for Hi-Res Audio codecs.

What's confusing here is that, despite their high price, the AirPods Max aren’t exactly aimed at the audiophile crowd. If they were, they'd have a 3.5mm audio port. So instead, we believe that these headphones are squarely targeted at people already bought into the Apple ecosystem, as they're packed with smart features for iOS users (including astounding Dolby Atmos spatial audio, plus "Find My" support if you misplace them) and come in an unmistakably Apple design.

For Android users, however, the AirPods Max don't have the same features as on iOS, so we can't justify the high price of these headphones if you won't be connecting them to Apple hardware. 

But if you love Apple products and already use them daily, have a lot of money to spend on a new pair of Bluetooth headphones and don't care about the lack of hi-res audio, we think you'll love the whole AirPods Max package.

Read our full Apple AirPods Max review

Our expert review:

We know that some people are loyal to Bose, and are specifically looking for Bose's best for their next headphones. Right now, we rate the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 as the best option – an exceptional pair of headphones with smart features that we thoroughly enjoyed testing. 

There are lots of standout features to shout about here, but the best has to be their sophisticated noise cancellation, which is applied when you’re listening to music and during calls. When we trailed this feature, we found the call quality to be remarkably clear, even when walking on a busy city street. There are 11 different noise cancellation modes on offer too, so there's something for every potential scenario. 

With such fantastic sound on offer here, the Bose headphones are a serious alternative to the Sony XM4s at the top of our list. We highly rate their vibrant, lively character and well-balanced soundstage – they can convey bubbling bass, rich vocals and complex drum beats all clearly and individually in one soundstage. 

They're also among the best wireless headphones for making calls with when working in a busy (and loud) office – they pick up voices very strongly and clearly.

Read our full Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 review

We've tested hundreds of wireless headphones over the years, featuring every feature imaginable. That means we've learnt the key factors that make a great pair of Bluetooth headphones.

First of all, the design really matters. Comfort is crucial when you're wearing wireless headphones: if they don't feel great for a long listening session that defeats the point of having them. So we'd recommend looking for generously padded ear cups for comfort, and strong headbands to help them survive everyday life. 

One key decision here is whether you want over-ear or on-ear headphones. Over-ears are generally more immersive, and with on-ears you'll need to factor in the fact that they do leak a bit more audio – which might make you less popular on the bus or train.

It's important to focus on the features that really matter to you. Touch controls are handy, but will you actually use them or do you prefer to use a voice assistant? Do you really need active noise cancellation if you're not going to be listening on public transport? There's no point in paying for features you're not going to use very often.

Price matters too, of course. And while it's true that you get what you pay for and some of the world's best headphones are pretty pricey, that doesn't mean you have to spend hundreds of pounds to get a great audio experience. There are plenty of affordable options that punch way above their price tag, and the compromises tend to be small: slightly less premium materials, perhaps, or a bit more audio leakage when you're listening in public places.

If you're planning to buy headphones to match your existing audiophile kit, such as high-end network streamers or Hi-Res Audio players, look for headphones that use hi-res audio codecs such as Sony's LDAC or the Bluetooth aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs. Without them, your audio source won't be able to stream hi-res audio wirelessly at its best quality.

What it boils down to is that every one of us is different, so there's no such thing as one pair of headphones everybody should buy. It's about balancing the price and the features so that you get the best possible audio experience at the best possible price. Which is exactly what our guide here is designed to help you with.

That's up to you. The best brand of wireless headphones is the brand that delivers the features and audio quality you want at the price you're willing to pay.

That said, there are some pretty safe bets out there. Apple's headphones are a good option for teaming with Apple hardware; Sony makes a range of excellent all-rounders; and as you'd expect from the firm that popularized noise cancelling headphones in the first place, Bose makes some of the best noise cancelling headphones and earbuds you can buy.

We'd recommend thinking more about how you'll use them than about the logo. Some offer much better battery life than others, some are more focused on sound and some are focused on convenient features.

You don't necessarily have to spend a ton of money to get great wireless headphones. Paying top dollar usually guarantees a first-class experience, but there are some incredibly good alternatives that cost a lot less.

For example, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones in this list are extremely affordable, costing only around $60 / £50. If you step up to around $120 / £120, you can get a big jump in quality from the likes of the Final Audio UX3000. Then, stepping to around $200 / £200 means another clear jump in features and quality, with the likes of the Sony WH-1000MX4 or Bose NCH 700. And then you towards $300 / £300 for the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless or Sony WH-1000XM5. Beyond that, you've got the super-elite and specialist stuff.

We've tested all of the best wireless headphones on this list. The ones that made it into our guide had to tick a number of key boxes.

First up, there's Bluetooth connectivity. Wireless is a given, but wireless quality is crucial too: we want our connections to be stable and reliable, not to cut out just as we get to the good bits.

Wearability and style matter too. We tested over long periods to see how comfortable they were during longer listening sessions or commutes, and we also evaluated their style to see if they looked like you were a plugged-in music fan or one of the Cybermen from Dr Who.

The days when wireless headphones got a free pass on sound quality because they were more convenient are long gone. We expect every pair of Bluetooth headphones to deliver clear and powerful sound.

Not all of the headphones in this list have more advanced features such as noise cancellation or AI assistant integration. But we tested those features on the ones that do in order to assess how well the features worked, how well integrated they were and how they compared to rivals.

Last but not least, we considered the cost. We're well aware that premium headphones can be too expensive for some; we're also aware that for some music fans, there's no such thing as an acceptable corner to cut when it comes to audio quality. So we've considered both kinds of listener here, and as a result we believe that every pair of headphones in our guide will make you feel you've spent your money wisely to get the best possible audio experience for you.

21 September 2023 Added quick menu for easy navigation and made the list simpler, so you can find something that suits your needs more easily.