Table of Contents
- 1 BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES IN 2021
- 2 TOP WIRELESS HEADPHONES BY CATEGORY
- 3 1: SONY WH-100XM4 - Best Wireless Headphones
- 4 2: MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 2
- 5 3: APPLE AIRPODS PRO - Best Wireless Headphones
- 6 4: SAMSUNG GALAXY BUDS LIVE
- 7 5: MPOW X3’S - Best Wireless Headphones
- 8 6: SAMSUNG BUDS PLUS
- 9 7: BOSE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES 700
- 10 8: JABRA ELITE 75T
- 11 9: SONY WH-1000XM3
- 12 10: SONY WF-1000XM3
- 13 11: ANKER SOUNDCORE LIFE Q20
- 14 12: JAYBIRD VISTA TRUE WIRELESS PREMIUM EARDBUDS
- 15 13: SOUNDCORE LIBERTY 2 PRO BUDS
- 16 14: TAOTRONICS SOUNDLIBERTY 79'S
BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES IN 2021
Wireless headphones have been changing the game. Once you get yourself a pair, you’ll never want to go back. You will enjoy the freedom to move around, whether you’re an exec taking phone calls in their office, or an athlete who enjoys blaring their favorite hip hop tunes while working out, wireless headphones are essential. However, with so many options on the marketplace these days, it can be difficult to narrow your choices down.
Often, many people wonder what kind of specs they should be looking for or what’s a reasonable price for a pair?
However, instead of stressing, we have laid out all the information for you below, so you can make the best pick on the first try. Before selecting your perfect pair, make sure to consider:
Your lifestyle — are you an active person?
Your budget
How often will you be using your headphones
Do you travel?
Once you have given all these factors some solid thought, you can narrow down your options even further. Here are some of the best wireless headphones on the market for you to consider.
TOP WIRELESS HEADPHONES BY CATEGORY
- BEST HEADPHONES ALL AROUND- SONY WH-1000XM4
- BEST AUDIO QUALITY HEADPHONES- MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 2
- TOP NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES- APPLE AIRPODS PRO
- BEST ERGONOMIC FIT- SAMSUNG GALAXY BUDS LIVE
- BEST AFFORDABLE PAIR- MPOW X3’S
- BEST BATTERY LIFE- SAMSUNG BUDS PLUS
- BEST PHONE CALLS- BOSE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES 700
- TRUE WIRELESS BUDS- JABRA ELITE 75T
- BEST OLDER MODEL- SONY WH-1000XM3
- BEST TRUE WIRELESS SOUND- SONY WF-1000XM3
- MOST AFFORDABLE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES- ANKER SOUNDCORE LIFE Q20 HYBRID
- BEST HEADPHONES FOR RUNNERS- JAYBIRD VISTA TRUE WIRELESS HEADPHONES
- BEST DEAL- SOUNDCORE LIBERTY 2 PRO BUDS
- BEST BUDS FOR PHONE CALLS ON A BUDGET- TAOTRONICS SOUNDLIBERTY 79’S
If you’re looking for the best wireless headphones all around, then look no further than the Sony WH-1000XM4! While many Bluetooth devices only allow you to pair one device at a time, this option allows you to connect two! You can listen to music on your phone, and also play your favorite YouTube videos on your desktop. This neat feature also means that when you’re listening to music on another device, your headphones will play the audio from your phone the second you get a phone call. These are also the optimum pair if you plan on wearing your headphones often.
The foam is comfortable and cushioned, and shouldn’t feel too tight against your ears. The ear cup is slightly wider than most headphones, ensuring optimum ease for the user.
However, don’t think we won’t mention its most impressive feature. Even audiophiles will be blown away with the sound quality. These headphones also support Sony’s new surround sound music format, 360 Reality Audio. You’ll feel as if you’re listening to your favorite artists live.
The battery life is also decent. The 1000XM4’s has a quick attention mode that allows you to pause your music by simply placing your hand over the right earcup. It’s a fast and easy way to engage in conversations while also jamming to your tunes. You can also do this hands free. Use voice command to pause your music and start up a conversation with your friends and family. The noise cancellation is also stellar. You can speak on the phone without too much wind or background noise interfering.
The bottom line is that these are a solid pair of headphones that anyone will love. You can wear them when working out, taking phone calls in the office, or just outdoors when walking your pets. We highly recommend this pair if you’re looking to upgrade.
Next up, we have our best pick as far as audio quality goes. The Momentum True Wireless 2 Headphones are a bit pricey, but they are much more evolved than the original model. These are slightly smaller than their predecessor. But they are also more comfortable and have an active noise canceling feature. Overall, they are quite similar to Airpods. However, we were also impressed with the easy to use touch controls on the sides of each earbud. Use tapping motions to pause, skip, or lower the volume of your music.
The battery life can last up to seven hours, which makes this gadget ideal for traveling long distances or working out. These are also great for making phone calls, as they are superb at blocking noises. This pair comes in two colors — both black and white, so you can take your pick.
We highly recommend these when you’re looking for top notch sound and a design that’s similar to Apple’s Airpods. Additionally, if you’re looking for a splash-proof set, the Momentum True Wireless 2’s fit the bill. Don’t go dunking your head into the water though, as they aren’t entirely waterproof. However, if you happen to sweat a lot, or want to wear these by the pool, you won’t have to worry about long term damage done to your device.
If you’re more concerned about the noise cancellation feature on your headphones, consider picking up this pair. The Apple Airpods come with all the standard features of most high quality headphones on the marketplace. They are lightweight, compact, and come with a charging carrying case, so you never have to worry about running out of juice.
They also perform great in all different aspects of audio, whether you’re making calls, watching a film, or listening to your favorite playlist. The bass delivery is also impressive. The audio sounds robust and high quality as you’re listening. However, for the higher price tag, we noted that the battery life isn’t as impressive.
Nonetheless, one of it’s best features is the built-in gyroscopes. This technology allows for head tracking! Often, this neat aspect is used with gaming headphones so that the sound can surround the listener. This also creates more realistic sounds as you’re listening to music and movies.
So, who should invest in Airpods? Anyone who prioritizes convenience. These buds fit securely in their carrying case, which you can clip onto your keys or bag. These buds are also sweatproof, so feel free to go for a hike or run while wearing these.
But how do these compare to the standard Airpods? These can hold their own compared to the competitors, but is it a total upgrade from the predecessor? In all honesty, the Pros are worth the upgrade, as the sound quality has been improved significantly thanks to the added bass we mentioned previously. The noise cancellation is also powerful enough to block loud and annoying traffic sounds while you’re walking to work.
If you have several pairs of wireless earbuds, you may start to notice that they all look and sound the same. It can get boring. If you’re looking for some earbuds that are leagues more exciting and innovating, you’ll happily get on board with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. These earbuds are incredible, thanks to their metallic, futuristic design.
Also known as the Beans, this model has an open design and is so comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They sit flush with your ear, without that annoying stem coming through like with Airpods.
While they are sleek and attractive, you’re likely wondering — how well do they perform? Well, we’re happy to say that they deliver great sound quality on top of being a stunning piece of tech. However, there is some distortion when you crank the volume up too high, but in reality, this should discourage you from damaging your hearing anyway.
These Samsung buds are also decently priced, and like the Airpods, these also come with a charging carrying case.
The Beans are also splash-proof and sweat resistant. The active noise canceling isn’t the best, so if you’re looking for a pair to block out loud noises, this may not be the pick for you.
Not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a new pair of headphones. If you’re on a budget, here’s your best option.
The Mpow X3’s are around 60 dollars, but you wouldn’t be able to tell they were so affordable based on the quality alone. They feel sturdy, and best of all — they are completely waterproof! Yes, you can wear them while swimming laps! The ear caps are super soft, making them ideal for long time wear. The call quality is also impressive. There is also a sidetone feature on the X3’s that amplifies your own voice when you’re speaking.
The touch controls will be hard to learn and understand initially. But once you get over this learning curve, you should fall in love with your pair.
Beware that there may be some audio lag when watching YouTube videos. However, this is just one small note, as they work extremely well with movies on other streaming platforms.
If you’re looking for a strong, reliable, and high quality pair of headphones for less than 100 dollars, these are sure to check all of your demands.
Next up, we have another top pick by the tech powerhouse industry, Samsung. The Samsung Buds Plus pair also has a gorgeous and sleek look. The battery can last up to 11 hours of playback time. Moving onto the sound quality, it’s crisp, varied, and rich — all the things you want from two tiny earbuds. If you’re looking for a unique colored set of earphones to gift someone, these also come in a gorgeous baby blue shade.
They don’t offer much variety from their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds. The design is the exact same. However, these buds also work with Apple technology and can be charged wirelessly.
One of the few downsides of this product is that they only offer IPX2 water-resistance, which means that they don’t do all that well around water. Perhaps save these for the office instead of the gym as the battery life is excellent, and the audio on calls is unmatched.
Decent noise cancellation is something you really want at top tier performance when you are using your headphones for phone calls. We are moving away from earbuds for a bit to discuss the noise-canceling power of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. This pair is a step up from its predecessor, the Quiet Comfort 35 II. However, note that they are quite pricey and may not be accessible to people of all different budgets. However, if you are using them for strictly business, they are 100% worth it.
You will be able to focus on making deals with clients and impressing potential employers with the clear and crisp audio.
With an impressive IP55 waterproof rating, the Jabra Elite 75T is a pair of headphones that can withstand heavy bursts of water, making them ideal for listening to music while you’re lounging by the pool. They are also not too expensive, making them a budget friendly pick.
They also fit snugly within the ear canal, so you can run, jump, and even sprint while wearing these. However, they do not have an active noise canceling feature, so if you’re looking for a pair that offers this benefit, continue your search. These also do not offer wireless charging.
These are perfect for someone looking for a water resistant pair that’s also affordable. The sound quality is decent too!
Just because something is brand new, does not mean it’s better. That’s the case with the Sony WH1000XM3 headphones. These are the third generation of the series and were released in 2018. You can find these for a reasonable price online since they are a bit dated. Yet, this is great news for anyone looking for quality headphones on a budget. Plus, you’ll be purchasing from a brand you can trust with your tech — Sony!
The sound performance is spot on. Your music won’t sound flat and boring. It will come to life when you put this pair of headphones on. The noise cancellation is also great, as this pair does a fantastic job of muting the world around you.
Before falling in love with the WF-1000XM3 and its long list of benefits, first note the price tag. They lean more towards the pricey side. These are a newer contender to the true wireless game, but the performance is astounding nonetheless. This is partially why they can be out of range for some budgets. However, these will last years, and you won’t have to worry about upgrading for a while. These buds are not waterproof or water resistant in the slightest.
The sound from these is dynamic, but don’t purchase this pick if you’re planning on taking dozens of phone calls daily. They may not block the sound as well as some of the competitors.
Overall, the style is unique, attractive, and modern. You’re getting an impeccable value for your money.
Headphones have some great advantages over earbuds. For instance, they aren’t as easy to lose. They also feel more secure on your head, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping off when you’re crossing a busy intersection! The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are priced at just 60 bucks! Anyone can get a pair of these phenomenal headphones, whether you’re a busy college student or a top-level exec (besides, who doesn’t love a bargain?).
You also get a lot of value for your money. The sound quality is fantastic and similar to what you’d expect from a 100 dollar pair. Only audiophiles will be able to tell the difference. If you’re looking for something to throw in your gym bag. These are it. The bass is clear, allowing you to enjoy your tunes. It’s also well-balanced, which you can’t really say for many headphones that sit around at this price range.
However, you may need to replace them after a couple of years, as they aren’t as long lasting as some of the other models on the marketplace. The battery life on this pair blows most of its competitors out of the water at a whopping 40 hours!
Lifting weights can get you sweaty, but nothing will get you drenched like running miles and miles outdoors. If you’re an avid runner who loves to push their body to its limits, you need something that is secure and fully waterproof. This is where the Jaybirds come in. These earbuds were designed with runners in mind. The Jaybirds have an IPX7 rating, which means they are fully waterproof and sweatproof. This is an impressive feat that not many headphones can offer.
There are a few limitations, as they can only last 30 minutes underneath the surface of the water. After the half hour time period, come back up and dry them off, and they should be good to go.
However, does this mean that the sound quality is compromised? Not at all! They’re still quite good, although nowhere near as advanced as some of the other models mentioned on this list. However, the variances in audio are almost unnoticeable when you’re out for a run.
In total, they can offer up to 16 hours of battery life 6 on their own and 10 with the carrying case. Therefore, if you’re an avid camper or athlete, you will love everything the Jaybirds have to offer.
Anker has done it again with their recent pair of truly wireless headphones. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro buds are splashproof and offer 32 hours of playback time. The noise cancellation mic is a top tier feature, and it blocks out wind and ambient noises so that the other person can hear you as clearly as if you were in the room with them. These can also be charged wirelessly, and the bass level on these makes the audio quality worth the mid-range price tag.
Overall, they are suitable for people who want something similar to Airpods without paying Apple prices. These are also fantastic for audiophiles who can appreciate a deeper bass.
This is another budget-friendly pick that business-orientated individuals will fall in love with. If you’re receiving phone calls all day, the TaoTronics’ SoundLiberty 79’s will keep up with your busy schedule.
These retail for 50 dollars, which also makes them a budget friendly pick. These buds are also fully waterproof, so you can switch from making calls to sprinting on the treadmill within minutes. On their own, this pair can give you up to 8 hours of battery life, which may not seem like a lot initially. But the carrying case charges your earbuds for an extra 32 hours! The carrying case can feel flimsy, but the headphones themselves feel relatively sturdy!
In summation, if you’re looking for the best quality headphones all around, our number one pick — the Sony WH-1000XM4 — will leave you satisfied no matter what you need them for. They’ll perform even better than most of the competitors, whether you need a new pair for calls or for exercising in. However, we have also wrangled up some more budget friendly picks that are sure to suit nearly anyone looking for the best audio experience!
Happy listening!