The Top 10 Wireless Headphones of 2023: Reviews, Pricing, Noise-Cancellation
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Whether you’re ready or not, the world is going wireless. As phone manufacturers remove headphone jacks, consumers must seek out wireless headphones to match the changing world. And while there is no shortage of Bluetooth headphones on the market, it can be hard to determine which ones are worth the investment. Right now, the best wireless headphones have a few features in common: comfort, noise-cancellation, all-day battery life and advanced drivers.
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Unfortunately, these top-rated wireless Bluetooth headphones have one more thing in common: Most cost about $300 (but we still found some deals for you too). That’s a lot of money to spend, so you want to ensure you buy a high-quality product that meets your needs and will last for at least two years.
In this shopping guide, SPY breaks down the best wireless headphones for sale in 2023 into a few different categories: noise-canceling headphones, on-ear headphones, budget headphones and wireless earbuds. Keep scrolling for our editors’ top picks of the year. We’ve got excellent options from our favorite audio brands such as Apple, Sony and Bose.
The Best Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones
If you truly want the best of the best, you don’t want just any pair of Bluetooth wireless headphones. Instead, you’ll want to find a set of cans that offer true active noise cancellation. While many cheap headphones promise to reduce ambient noise, true noise-cancellation technology is its own category. The best noise-cancelling headphones let you shut out the world as you disappear into your favorite music or podcasts, and this tech is absolutely worth the higher price.
Fortunately, there are a lot of companies competing to deliver the best noise-canceling headphones, which means there are tons of options at (almost) every price. Below, you’ll find our top picks from Apple, Marshall and Sony.
BEST OVERALL
Sony WH-1000XM5
Buy Now On Amazon
$398 at walmart
Best For: The noise cancellation makes these wireless headphones amazing for plane rides, noisy train commutes or busy office settings.
Review: Sony’s WH-1000XM5 Met Our High Expectations
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 30 hours ANC / 40 hours without ANC
ANC: Yes
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Why We Chose It: We think these are the best headphones for the money right now.
SPY Reviewer William Goodman said that these are the best noise-canceling headphones on the market and the XM5 is your first and only stop. The WH-1000XM5 builds upon the successful line with headphones that last upwards of 30 hours with ANC and 40 hours with it off.
That’s a whole work week without having to charge them. The cans also have eight microphones that listen for outside noise and filter it out, leaving you with only your favorite music or podcast in your ears. These are pricey at $400, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find more comfortable, durable and better sounding wireless headphones.
We were very excited to test these noise-canceling headphones and compare them to the Sony XM4 headphones, which we previously named the best noise-cancelling headphones in the world, full stop. We’re pleased to report that the new XM5 headphones offer more than a design upgrade, but also noticeable improvements to the already killer ANC. Based on our experience, we’re ready to name the XM5 the best wireless headphones of the year.
Pros
Amazing ANC
Great battery life
Multipoint connection
Cons
Expensive
RUNNER-UP
Apple AirPods Max
Buy Now On Amazon
$599 at walmart
Best For: Apple users who want the absolute best connectivity and sound quality for their Apple devices.
Read More: 5 Reasons Why Apple’s AirPods Max are Worth that ‘Outrageous’ $550 Price Tag
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 20 hours
ANC: Yes
Weight: 4.74 ounces
Why We Chose It: The seamless connectivity between all of your Apple devices is * chef’s kiss. *
When it comes to the best performance, the Apple AirPods Max is so good in every imaginable facet that few pairs are even worthy of mention in the same breath. Whether you’re considering audio quality, design, comfort or noise-cancellation, these headphones are among the very best.
But what really sets the AirPods Max apart is its spatial audio support, which not only simulates the effect of 3D audio a la Dolby Atmos but can also track the position of your head and make audio adjustments on the fly to make it feel like you’re in the same room as whatever you’re watching. Plus, they’re absurdly comfortable.
So why aren’t these our top overall pick? We named these among the coolest tech gadgets of 2022, but we couldn’t call them the overall best wireless headphones. There are two main reasons: price and compatibility. As you may have heard, Apple AirPods Max are expensive. And not just “premium” expensive, but “luxury” expensive. And while they pair perfectly with iPhones and other Apple devices, Android users might prefer headphones from Sony or Marshall.
Pros
Spatial audio is great for cinematic immersion
Great sound quality
Seamless integration with Apple products
Cons
Battery life could be better
GREAT NOISE CANCELLING
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Buy Now On Amazon
$379 at best buy
Best For: A customized noise cancelling experience.
Read More: These Are the Best Bose Wireless Headphones You Can Buy
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 20 hours
ANC: Yes
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Why We Chose It: Instead of a one-size-fits-all noise cancelling experience, we like that Bose gives you a choice to craft your soundstage to your preference.
Bose has long been the standard for noise-canceling, and while Sony is giving Bose a run for its money, nothing tops the 700’s A.N.C. performance. An adaptive eight-mic system hides underneath the ingenious design that works in unison with the company’s intelligible algorithm to produce 11 levels of noise cancellation.
The Bose Music app lets you control the amount of noise entering the soundstage, which is also customizable via the E.Q. setting. Notable features like Alexa integration, one-tap Spotify and multipoint technology to simultaneously pair the unit to two devices keep the 700 in the race with other wireless headphones on this list. We recommend Bose’s flagship for those who are looking for reliable, stylish and great-sounding headphones.
Like the Sony XM4 headphones, the Bose 700 series has excellent customer reviews, and the noise-canceling tech left a powerful impression on our product testers. However, the Sony headphones edge these out on price by about $50. If genuinely elite active noise-cancellation is more important than price, then these are the best headphones for sale in 2022.
Pros
Adjustable noise cancellation
Multipoint connectivity
Bose app integrates with Alexa and Spotify
Cons
Battery life could be better
STYLISH DESIGN
V-MODA Crossfade 3
Buy Now On Amazon
$300 at adorama
Best For: Making a statement of style with your wearable tech.
Read More: V-Moda’s New Wireless headphones Have Over 30 Hours of Battery Per Charge
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 30 hours
ANC: No
Weight: 11.11 ounces
Why We Chose It: Aside from looking great, we feel these also have premium features.
The V-Moda Crossfade 3 separates itself from the pack with a unique ear cup design that forgoes the classic circular model for a diamond-like hexagon available in Matte Black, Gunmetal and Bronze finishes that visually look striking.
The inside of the ear cups are occupied by 50mm dual diaphragm drivers that achieve a wide frequency range worthy of DJing a set of music with these cans. We also appreciate the 30 hour battery life that ensures you stay in the flow of your music instead of waiting for them to charge.
Pros
Great battery life
Great design
aptX HD and AAC codecs for high quality Bluetooth listening
Cons
Pricey
BEST FOR MUSICIANS
Marshall Monitor II Wireless Headphones
Buy Now On Amazon
$300 at best buy
Best For: Musicians loyal to the Marshall name will gush over the style, design and sound quality of these headphones.
Review: Marshall’s Monitor II Headphones
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 30 hours
ANC: Yes
Weight: 11.29 ounces
Why We Chose It: We loved the iconic Marshall Amplifier design formatted into these wireless headphones.
When we wrote about Marshall’s Monitor II headphones last year, we stated that the noise-canceling cans “immediately (stood) out” thanks to their retro-inspired look and feel. There’s so much more than just good looks at play here, as the audio company has ensured they deliver on premium audio quality as well.
If you want excellent performance without having to forgo a sharp-looking set of headphones, consider your search complete. Marshall has solidified their brand as a go-to for musical equipment, and these wireless headphones are no exception. If you’re rocking on a Marshall amp, this is a great tool for practicing at home.
Pros
Good battery life
ANC
Can use both wired and wirelessly
Cons
These are some of the heaviest headphones we’ve seen
BEST FOR ANDROID DEVICES
JBL Tune 760NC
Buy Now On Amazon
$130 at best buy
Best For: Jumping from one device to another thanks to Google Fast Pair and multipoint connection.
Read More: The Most Comfortable Earbuds You Can Wear All Day, Every Day
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 35 hours (ANC) / 50 hours without ANC
ANC: Yes
Weight: 7.8 ounces
Why We Chose It: We think these offer great utility for office settings thanks to multipoint connection as well as casual wear considering the long battery life.
When you need to get work done but your open office concept brings along with it everybody’s conversations, the JBL Tune 760NC provides active noise cancellation to help you focus on your tasks, or music and podcasts.
With Google Fast Pair and multipoint connection, you can connect these headphones to multiple devices at once and jump back and forth easily. You can also squeeze 35 hours of battery life and all the way up to 50 hours without using ANC. Beyond utility, these headphones are tuned to produce rich bass to provide real depth to your music.
Pros
Great battery life
Multipoint connection
Good bass production
Cons
ANC isn’t adjustable
GREAT FEATURES
Skullcandy Crusher Evo
Buy Now On Amazon
$200 at best buy
Best For: If you’re prone to losing things, the built-in Tile is a complete game changer.
Read More: Bone Conduction Headphones Keep You Safe While Running or Biking Through The City
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 40 hours
ANC: No
Weight: 11 ounces
Why We Chose It: These are affordable and have a number of great features.
The people at SkullCandy took a unique approach to the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones and wanted to personalize the headphone experience to each individual. It starts with the Built-in Tile technology that helps you locate your headphones when you misplace them.
When you’re listening, you can use the Skullcandy app to personalize the sound quality based on a quick in-app listening test. You can even adjust the bass production with a slider located on the ear cup that modulates from “mellow” to “bone rattling.” The only feature omission we would have liked to have seen is ANC, but considering all the extras at this price, it’s hard to ignore these unique headphones.
Pros
Helps you find them when they are lost
Great battery life
Adjustable bass
Cons
No ANC
BEST BATTERY LIFE
Anker Q45
Buy Now On Amazon
$130 at best buy
Best For: The amazing battery life coupled with ANC make these ideal for long distance travel.
Read More: Are These The Best Headphones for Traveling? A Cross Country Flight with Anker’s Soundcore Space Q45?
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 50 hours
ANC: Yes
Weight: 10.4 ounces
Why We Chose It: After SPY Reviewer Jonathan Knoder wore these on a cross country flight and back, the battery life, comfort and low price make these a worthy purchase.
In a world where premium wireless headphones are often priced upwards of $400, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is an oasis in a high priced desert of headphones for bargain shoppers looking for affordable tech. For sub $200, you get a pair of incredibly comfortable headphones that have the best battery life compared to all others in our list.
SPY Reviewer Jonathan Knoder wore these on a cross country flight to New York and while commuting around the subway and was impressed by the battery life and ANC performance. If you’re looking for a quality pair of high performing wireless headphones for a good price, look no further.
Pros
Great battery life
Affordable
Comfortable
Cons
Don’t get as loud as others
MOST UNIQUE FEATURE
Wyze Noise Cancelling Headphones
Buy Now On Amazon
$90 at Wyze
Best For: Integration for your Alexa supported smart home.
Read More: Can the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro Compete With Amazon Ring and Google Nest?
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 20 hours
ANC: Yes
Weight: 9.9oz
Why We Chose It: We think it’s cool that you can ask Alexa to turn on your AC, or turn off your bedroom light via these Wyze Headphones (assuming your house is an Alexa supported smart home).
There’s plenty to love about the Wyze Noise Cancelling Headphones. Not only is this pair of wireless headphones one of the more affordable options on our list, but it’s packed with rich features such as noise cancellation, dual Bluetooth connectivity, 20 hours of battery life and custom equalizer settings.
What sets it apart, though, is its support of Amazon Alexa. The popular smart assistant is built-in and offers all the same conveniences as any Echo device, with Alexa a quick double-tap of the right earcup.
Pros
Built-in Alexa
Quick Charging
Cons
These headphones are heavy compared to others
BEST ON-EAR HEADPHONES
Beats Solo 3
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now
Best For: Those who want many of the Apple features like Spacial Audio without having to pay $500.
Key Specs:
Battery Life: 22 hours
ANC: No
Weight: 7.58 ounces
Why We Chose It: We like the long 40 hour battery life and features like Spatial audio for sub $150.
If you looked at the price tag of the Apple AirPods Max in shock and horror, the Beats Solo 3 provide solace with a sub $150 price tag, better battery life and features such as Spatial audio. The 40 hour battery life is almost twice as long as the AirPods Max and matches our best overall pick.
We also liked the quick charging where only five minutes on the charger provides three more hours of listening. And like AirPods Max, you can submit to cinematic immersion with Spatial Audio support. Even if you aren’t Team Apple, the Beats Solo 3 are also compatible with Android devices as well.
Pros
Great battery life
Spatial audio support
Affordable
Cons
Lacks noise cancellation
How We Chose The Best Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones are a significant investment, especially on the higher end of the spectrum, so making sure you get exactly what you want from your headphones is imperative. Here’s a look at the criteria we used to curate our list of the best wireless headphones:
Battery Life: What good are headphones if they sit on the charger all day? We looked for headphones with at least 20 hours of battery life, but many we’ve included get over 30 hours of play time.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Not all of the headphones below feature ANC, (we label which ones do and don’t), but if you work or listen to music in a noisy environment, we recommend finding headphones with this feature to block out unwanted outside noise.
Sound Quality: If you are going to spend the money, your headphones should sound so good that you don’t want to take them off. We tested many of the options below to bring you headphones that are going to enhance your listening experience compared to even the best wireless earbuds.
Comfort: With battery life that will last you all day and then some, you want a pair that you can actually wear all day. We looked for headphones that are lightweight with comfortable, plushy ear cups that won’t bother you after long periods of use.
Features to Look for in the Best Wireless Headphones
Everyone has different needs and preferences, but when shopping for the best wireless headphones, prioritize the following features:
40-50mm Drivers: You typically want headphones with drivers between 40mm and 50mm. This range ensures that you get plenty of bass response while maintaining clear imaging and detail from your audio.
Active Noise Cancellation: Once a feature only found in specialty headphones, it’s becoming increasingly rare for a pair of wireless headphones not to have active noise cancellation (A.N.C.) in 2022. Generally speaking, the best wireless headphones drown out some combination of voices, ambient noise or low-frequency rumble without an audible hiss.
Multi-Codec Support: While most Bluetooth headphones support the A.A.C. and S.B.C. audio codecs, not all of them support aptX. But if you don’t have an iPhone or MacBook, aptX is crucial. Why? The quality of A.A.C. audio can be inconsistent on non-Apple devices. Also, consider models that come with LDAC and LHDC support, as both codecs stream lossless music at the highest transfer speeds.
Comfort: If you are planning to use these headphones while working, traveling or watching movies, you’re going to want a pair that feels light and doesn’t squeeze the sides of your head too much. Generally speaking, over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable than on-ear headphones or earbuds when used for long periods. But they’re also heavier and bulkier, so there’s a tradeoff to consider.
Good Battery Life: When it comes to the best over-ear and on-ear headphones, you’ll want a pair that has at least 20 hours of battery life. This ensures that you can go for at least a couple of days between charges. For wireless earbuds, you’ll want a pair that can provide at least five hours of battery life.
Latency: This one may not be too important if you’re only planning to listen to music, but it’s critical for watching videos. Latency is the delay between what you see versus what you hear. Latency isn’t too much of a problem with most over-ear headphones, but it can still be problematic for wireless earbuds. The last thing you want is a two-second delay with the voices you hear in any video.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best wireless headphones on the market. A majority of these come with superior active noise-canceling abilities and Bluetooth connectivity, so you’ll be able to focus on what really matters: whatever podcast, tune or audiobook that you just can’t seem to get enough of.
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1. Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Headphones
With Sony's WH1000XM series, the brand has become the new gold standard for noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones, boasting ease of use and premium quality features over all else. Thanks to the superior noise-canceling, you can wear these on a plane and hardly be able to hear that annoying plane drone. That feature alone is enough to warrant the higher price tag, but plenty of other features make them the best pick overall. Side-panel touch controls, a fast-charging battery with a long lifespan, and quick noise-canceling optimization help the Sony WH1000XM4 headphones stand apart from the competition.
Pros: Noise-canceling. Fast charging battery. Premium audio quality.
Cons: Some may prefer a more economical pair of headphones.
Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Headphones
2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose has long been the standard for noise-canceling, and while Sony is giving Bose a run for its money, nothing tops the 700’s ANC performance. An adaptive eight-mic system hidden underneath the ingenious design works in unison with the company’s intelligible algorithm to produce 11 levels of noise cancellation. The Bose Music app lets you control the amount of noise entering the soundstage, which is also customizable via the E.Q. setting. Special features like Alexa integration, one-tap Spotify, and multipoint technology to pair the headphones to two devices simultaneously keep the 700 in the race with other pairs on this list. We recommend Bose’s flagship for those looking for reliable, stylish, and great-sounding headphones.
Pros: 11 levels of noise canceling. Customizable E.Q. through the app.
Cons: These lack the folding design found on other Bose headphones.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
3. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones
There is absolutely nothing flashy about the look or feel of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 wireless headphones. While they don’t necessarily feel junky, the loose, plasticky build makes them feel anything but premium. However, slap these around your ears, and you’ll discover the audio quality and noise-canceling performance, which belies its modest price tag. Furthermore, with transparency mode, a customizable E.Q. and more than 40 hours of battery life, you’d have to spend much, much more to get a feature set as comprehensive as this.
Pros: Economical option. Customizable E.Q. Long battery life.
Cons: Not the most premium build.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones
4. Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Headphones
Even though Apple has released its third-generation AirPods, we still recommend the AirPods Pro for Apple users looking for new wireless earbuds. These earbuds are sleek and comfortable to wear, have excellent noise-cancellation for earbuds, and have many tricks when connected to an iPhone, iPad or Mac (including spatial audio support and head tracking).
Pros: Convenient and small design. Good noise canceling, considering the size.
Cons: Some options are more economical.
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Headphones
5. Beats Solo Pro Headphones
While it's taken a few years for Beats to catch up to the high-end audio quality of some of its competitors, it's safe to say that the Solo Pro is the best version so far. Beats headphones are heavy on the bass, so you'll be hard-pressed to find another pair of headphones that tops their performance in that regard.
Pros: Works exceptionally well with Apple devices. Eye-catching colors.
Cons: Not the most balanced sound.
Beats Solo Pro Headphones
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