Top Wireless Headphones of 2023: Bluetooth Earphones to Suit Every Budget
In recent years, the world of wireless headphones has made significant advancements. The rapid progress in the field of wireless headphones has unveiled exciting technologies, such as advanced codecs that enable seamless transmission of high-quality audio. Additionally, innovative designs like true wireless earbuds have also made a significant impact, revolutionizing the way we enjoy our audio experiences.
These developments have resulted in a wide range of wireless headphones available for different individuals, catering to serious music enthusiasts, avid runners, and everyday commuters. While the increased options are beneficial, finding the perfect pair can be challenging.
For instance, if you commute regularly and desire to block out background noise, wireless noise-canceling headphones would be ideal. On the other hand, if you’re a runner, you would prioritize water resistance to ensure durability during intense workouts. Apple users may lean towards iOS-compatible options like AirPods in-ears or AirPods Max over-ears. Additionally, budget considerations play a role in making the right choice—avoid over-investing for basic needs or under-investing if you can afford better sound quality.
In order to support you in making a well-informed buying decision and ensure that you invest wisely in high-quality headphones, we have meticulously curated a comprehensive guide featuring the finest wireless headphone options currently available. Each pair on this list has undergone extensive testing by the experts at What Hi-Fi?, both in controlled environments and real-world scenarios, ensuring our recommendations are reliable.
Selecting the Perfect Wireless Headphones: A Comprehensive Guide
As the market floods with a wide range of wireless headphone options, it becomes crucial to determine your preferred style before embarking on the search. Our collection of top-tier wireless headphones comprises a diverse selection of over-ear designs, frequently incorporating noise-cancelling features. Renowned for their commitment to delivering unparalleled audio experiences, industry-leading brands such as Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, Bowers & Wilkins, and Apple take the forefront. With reports of Sonos entering the wireless headphone arena, the competition shows no signs of slowing down.
Furthermore, there’s a distinction between wireless earbuds with a neckband cable connecting the buds and the increasingly popular “true wireless” earbuds, such as AirPods, where the earpieces are completely independent. While AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 may enjoy widespread recognition, it is important to note that they may not provide the highest level of sound quality. Excellent alternatives like the Sony WF-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, and other remarkable options showcase superior audio performance.
Regardless of your preferred style (if you need assistance, we have a guide on choosing the right pair of headphones) or budgetary constraints, you’ll discover the best Bluetooth headphones available below. Rest assured, each recommendation has been meticulously tested by the esteemed What Hi-Fi? reviews team, ensuring exceptional value for your money.
And what could make these options even more enticing? Deals, of course! For those in search of great deals, make sure not to overlook our carefully curated selection of the best headphone deals currently accessible on the internet.
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Sony WH-1000XM5
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Battery Life: 30 hours
- Charging: USB-C
- Built-in Mic and Controls: Yes
- Transparency Mode: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
- Sensational sonic clarity
- User-friendly
- Punchy and precise, agile bass
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Build quality is slightly less premium compared to predecessors
- Does not fold away completely
Sony has accomplished a remarkable feat with the WH-1000XM5 by consistently pushing the boundaries of sound performance from one generation to the next. This achievement becomes even more impressive considering the major redesign undertaken from the previous WH-1000XM4 model (which is listed further down).
Upon seeing the official pictures of the XM5, there was a sense of surprise. The decision to give a significant makeover to one of Sony’s most successful products in recent memory seemed daring. However, it has undoubtedly paid off.
Although the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones may feel slightly less luxurious than their predecessors, the leap in sound quality compared to the previous generation is substantial. Rival brands may find themselves facing a challenge once again. If you’re currently seeking new wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the XM5 should be your starting point in the search. While the older XM4 model remains exceptional and the best choice for those on a tighter budget, the XM5 unquestionably outshine them for those who can afford the premium price. This is precisely why they have earned the title of the best Bluetooth headphones for the money and have been honored with the prestigious Product of the Year award by What Hi-Fi?.
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Sony WF-C500
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC
- Noise-cancelling: No
- Battery Life: A solid 10 hours of playback awaits, with an impressive doubling to a total of 20 hours when accompanied by the charging case.
- Charging: USB-C
- Built-in Mic and Controls: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
- Compact and comfortable design
- Spirited and well-balanced sound
- Fine control app
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Ordinary battery life
- Slightly small-scale sound
Crafting affordable true wireless in-ear headphones presents its own set of challenges, distinct from creating high-end counterparts. However, Sony has adeptly managed to incorporate many of the qualities that make its flagship earbuds (such as the WF-1000XM4, mentioned below) successful, while avoiding significant compromises with the WF-C500 model.
Although the WF-C500 falls slightly short in terms of battery life when compared to other options, it excels in providing exceptional comfort. While there may be alternatives that offer a more expansive soundstage, none can match the comprehensive control app provided by Sony. While some competing options may deliver a punchier and more thrilling listening experience, very few can rival the convincing sonic balance achieved by the WF-C500.
Overall, the Sony WF-C500 stands as a compelling choice for those on tighter budgets, offering a remarkable package. They are rightfully honored as What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winners.
If you have a slightly higher budget, we have also tested the Sony WF-C700N (£100 / $120 / AU$200), which includes noise cancellation. These earbuds indeed offer a noticeable improvement in sound quality over the WF-C500 for the additional investment.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Noise-cancelling: Yes
- Battery Life: 30 hours
- Charging: USB-C
- Built-in Mic and Controls: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
- Dynamic and detail-rich sound
- Sensational sense of timing
- Lightweight, comfortable, and clever design
REASONS TO AVOID:
- No IP water-resistance rating
- No aptX Bluetooth support
While the XM4 may have relinquished its flagship status to the newer XM5 model mentioned earlier, it still holds strong as an exceptional option for individuals in search of noise-cancelling wireless headphones that offer an excellent balance between performance and affordability. With the introduction of the latest Sony models, the XM4 has seen a drop in price, offering even better value for the money, and that’s why they continue to be honored as What Hi-Fi? Award winners.
While you may not experience the latest design elements and sound quality advancements found in the newer Sony models, the XM4 still delivers remarkable value. You can expect a highly musical and engaging sound that surpasses the majority of headphones in its price range. Additionally, the XM4 boasts useful features like “Speak to Chat,” allowing you to engage in conversations without removing the headphones. The comfortable and smart-minimalist design adds to the appeal.
Undoubtedly, the XM4 remains one of the finest options among Bluetooth headphones. Bargain hunters should seize the opportunity to grab them while available.
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Sennheiser HD 250BT
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Low Latency, aptX, AAC
- Noise-cancelling: No
- Battery Life: 25 hours
- Charging: USB-C
- Built-in Mic and Controls: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
- Open and detailed presentation
- In-app EQ optimization
- Sturdy build at an affordable price
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Not visually modern-looking
- Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) feature
While the Sennheiser HD 250BT may not boast luxurious design elements, they deliver outstanding sound quality, durability, and have rightfully earned the title of our favorite budget on-ear headphones, as recognized by the esteemed What Hi-Fi? Award. These headphones stand as the best option available at an affordable price point.
Don’t let their simplicity mislead you, as the HD 250BT pack impressive specifications. They feature Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Low Latency, offering seamless connectivity, and provide a generous 25-hour battery life. The headphones also offer app support and incorporate Sennheiser’s renowned transducer technology, beloved by DJs.
While the build predominantly consists of functional and sturdy black plastic, it does feature Sennheiser’s signature white branding on each ear cup. The ear cups are nicely padded for comfort, although the headband lacks the same level of padding.
In terms of sound, the HD 250BT exceed expectations considering their affordable price. They deliver exceptional musical detail, agility, and rhythmic prowess across the entire frequency range.
In summary, the HD 250BT headphones emerge as an exceptional choice for those seeking a wallet-friendly option, allowing you to delve into the realm of Sennheiser’s prowess without causing a dent in your finances.
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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC
- Noise-cancelling: Yes
- Battery Life: Unleash your audio adventures with 6 hours of continuous playback, and when coupled with the charging case, revel in an impressive 24 hours of extended usage.
- Charging: USB-C
- Built-in Mic and Controls: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
- Exceptional noise-cancelling capabilities
- Remarkable sense of refinement
- Beautifully balanced sound reproduction
- Excellent level of detail
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Earbud battery life could be improved
- Lack of Bluetooth multipoint feature
- No support for wireless charging
Introducing the winners of the esteemed What Hi-Fi? Awards for the “best premium wireless earbuds.” As the award title suggests, these exceptional Bluetooth in-ear headphones deliver astonishing sound quality and set a new standard for wireless earbuds in this category.
Compared to the original QC Earbuds (which you can find a few spots below), the Earbuds II offer a more compact and lightweight design while ensuring a comfortable fit and incorporating an array of features. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 is a significant advantage, and the Bose app allows you to customize the level of noise-cancelling through various presets.
Speaking of noise-cancelling performance, the Bose Earbuds II are at the forefront. They automatically adjust the level of active noise cancellation to prevent overpowering your music with excessively loud external sounds, resulting in an impressively immersive experience. In terms of sound quality, the earbuds deliver a balanced and neutral signature, complemented by an abundance of intricate detail.
Although it is unfortunate that high-quality wireless audio codecs like LDAC or aptX HD are not supported (though aptX Adaptive is set to arrive in February), and features such as wireless charging and Bluetooth multipoint are absent, we believe these are minor drawbacks when considering the overall sophistication and elegance exuded by these remarkable buds.
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Mark Levinson No. 5909
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Adaptive, AAC, LDAC
- Noise-cancelling: Yes
- Battery Life: 34 hours
- Charging: USB-C
- Built-in Mic and Controls: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
- Unmatched wireless sound performance
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Premium build quality
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Price may be out of reach for many
- Basic on-cup controls
As the most expensive wireless headphones we’ve had the opportunity to test, the Mark Levinsons arrived in our testing room carrying high expectations. The question remained: Can wireless performance ever be so exceptional as to justify such a significant investment? Without a shadow of doubt, the answer resonates with an unwavering affirmation.
Upon unboxing the Levinsons and going through the straightforward Bluetooth pairing process, we found ourselves tempted to double-check for any wires hanging from the earcups. While the No. 5909 model’s performance may not surpass the absolute best wired headphones in the same price range, it unquestionably delivers the finest wireless headphone performance we have encountered thus far.
For individuals seeking the convenience of wireless audio without compromising too much on sound quality and fortunate enough to afford this best-of-both-worlds solution, we highly recommend the Mark Levinsons. Although their visual appeal may not score top marks (as they lack a flashy appearance), their sonic prowess is truly exceptional—and that’s what truly matters. Take our word for it, these wireless headphones truly impress, representing the pinnacle of Bluetooth audio quality, albeit at a higher price point.
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Apple AirPods Pro 2
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth Codecs: AAC
- Noise-cancelling: Yes
- Battery Life: Embark on extended musical journeys with up to 6 hours of uninterrupted playback, accompanied by an impressive 30 hours of total playtime when leveraging the charging case’s capabilities.
- Charging: Lightning
- Built-in Mic and Controls: Yes
REASONS TO BUY:
- Clear, detailed, and powerful sound reproduction
- Excellent noise-cancelling performance
- Extended battery life
- Seamlessly intuitive usage with iOS devices
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Many features limited to iOS devices
- Lack of customizable ANC modes
Traditionally, the AirPods and AirPods Pro earbuds have trailed behind the leading competitors in terms of sound quality, remaining good but not quite reaching the exceptional sonic standards set by the top contenders in this competitive and popular category. Despite their user-friendly appeal to iOS users, they struggled to ascend to the sonic heights achieved by their rivals.
However, the introduction of the new AirPods Pro 2 changes the game entirely. This second-generation model of Apple’s flagship wireless earbuds showcases a more robust processor, advancements in active noise cancellation, an extended battery life, and notable audio performance improvements.
While we did not anticipate them to directly challenge the best-in-class competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4 (listed just below) and Bose QC Earbuds II (listed just above), Apple has made significant strides with the AirPods Pro 2, bridging the gap. These five-star stunners ensure that Apple enthusiasts who desire noise cancellation are no longer compromising on greatness.
Can wireless headphones provide a good gaming experience?
While we recommend referring to our detailed article on gaming headsets versus headphones for a comprehensive analysis, the short answer is yes, wireless headphones can indeed provide a good gaming experience. By opting for high-quality wireless headphones with an open sound profile and built-in microphone, you can enjoy immersive gaming sessions while also utilizing them for everyday music listening. However, dedicated gaming headsets, although typically not optimized for music, are specifically engineered to enhance gaming audio, offering better compatibility with various gaming devices, improved microphone accuracy, and additional gaming features such as chat audio balancing mixers.
Our Wireless Headphones Testing Methodology
Our Approach to Testing Wireless Headphones: On-the-Go Evaluation
At What Hi-Fi?, we understand that wireless headphones are designed for on-the-go use, so we believe in evaluating them accordingly. While we have advanced testing facilities in Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced in-house reviewers meticulously test hi-fi and AV equipment, we recognize that wireless headphones deserve to be assessed in real-life scenarios.
To ensure a comprehensive reviewing process, we focus on everyday aspects such as the headphones’ portability, durability, and long-term comfort. We assess how well the claimed battery life translates into real-world usage. For models equipped with active noise cancellation, an increasingly common feature, we test their performance in various environments, including offices, public transport, and whenever possible, during flights.
Of course, sound quality plays a pivotal role in shaping our verdicts and star ratings. As advocates of comparative testing, we evaluate each pair by comparing it to the best options within its price and style category. This involves comparing them to outstanding models and other five-star headphones we have reviewed and awarded in the past. For instance, if we receive a pair of over-ear wireless headphones in the £300/$350/AU$550 price range, we will test them against the class-leading Sony WH-1000XM5 and likely another exceptional model as well. In our fully stocked stockroom, we keep current What Hi-Fi? Award winners and numerous five-star products across all reviewed categories, enabling us to easily compare new releases to our trusted rivals.
To ensure objectivity and thoroughness, all review verdicts are collectively agreed upon by the team rather than relying on individual reviewer preferences. We take pride in delivering honest and unbiased reviews, free from any influence from PR companies or our sales team. What Hi-Fi? has built a reputation over decades for providing authentic and reliable assessments.