There are tons of wireless Bluetooth headphones to choose from. Here are the top wireless headsets to cast your eyes over.

The best Bluetooth wireless headphones have had some serious advances in technology over the past few years. With aptX around, lag in audio has been massively reduced with a wireless Bluetooth connection, batteries are lasting far longer than ever and let’s not forget the absence of wires. Freedom at last!

But how do you pick the best ones? We’re all about budget wireless headphones, but sometimes a little goes a long way, so we’ve got recommendations for all price ranges. 

From the best noise-cancelling headphones to the best wireless Bluetooth headphones overall, here are the top wireless headphones with a Bluetooth connection to set your eyes on.

Best wireless Bluetooth headphones

Marshall MAJOR IV headphones — £129.99

For £130, you’ll get a pair of on-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones with Bluetooth 5 connectivity and a whopping 80 hours of battery life. That’s insane if you ask us. You’ll only have to charge them once every few weeks.

There are few buttons to control the headset however it does have a single multidirectional knob on the right earpad handles all of your key commands. Pressing and holding the knob powers the Major IV on or off, with a single press playing or pausing audio too. It’s been commended for its treble sound and clarity in the vocals.

Marshall MAJOR IV specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Major IV headphones
• 1 x 3.5 mm audio cord
• 1 x User manual, legal and safety information
• 1 x USB-C charging cable.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 
• Weight: 165 g
• Batteries: Lithium Ion
• Battery life: 80+ hours
• Connector: Wireless
• Material type: Fake leather, plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes.
• Bluetooth version: 5.0.
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Sensitivity: 99 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 
• Noise-cancelling: No.

Pros

• Astonishing battery life
• Sparkling mids and treble
• Extremely portable.

Cons

• Bass lacks raw power
• No auto-pause or carrying pouch.

Get these Marshall headphones for less with our Marshall student discount.

Apple AirPod Max — £549

If you’ve got the cash, then you may want to invest in what is crowned as one of the best-sounding wireless headphones ever.

Sporting incredibly crisp audio with a spacial sound design, it’s been compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4 we’ve talked about (some sources say it’s better!). Downside? It’s Apple only. For those wanting everything in the Apple ecosystem though, this pricy pair of wireless headphones shouldn’t put you off if you’re after clear sound.

Apple AirPods Max specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x AirPods Max headphones.
• 1 x Smart Case.
• 1 x Lightning to USB-C cable.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 16.86 x 8.34 x 18.73 cm
• Weight: 384.8 grams
• Battery life: 20 hours
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Apple and Android compatible? Apple only
• Material type: Plastic
• Dust and waterproof rating:
• Bluetooth version: 5.0.

Audio specifications

• Noise cancelling: ANC
• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Frequency: Unknown.

Pros:

• Superb sound and noise-cancelling
• Cinematic spatial audio.

Cons:

• Near-pointless case
• Audio cable not included
• Apple-only.

Get the Apple AirPods Max for less with our Apple student discount.

Sony WH-1000XM4 — £239

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a model most headphone enthusiasts talk about, thanks to its price and the features they come with. It encompasses Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, which means you get the feeling of real surround sound. Who wouldn’t want that?

You can also pause, play, and skip on the go in a flash if you need to stop for a conversation. In terms of its build, it’s made of soft pleater and plastic for a lightweight feel and comfort, meaning you could wear these headphones all day long.

It has no aptX functionality which means there may be some audio lag. However, it does come with noise cancellation which is a huge plus.

Sony WH-1000XM4 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones
• 1 x 3.5mm cable
• 1 x detachable cord and cable
• 1 x carry case.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 25.3 x 18.5 x 7.7 cm
• Weight: 254 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 30 hours
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40mm
• Impedance: 47 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: active.

Pros

• Multi-device pairing
• Improved materials for all-day wear.

Cons

• Not water resistant
• No aptX.

Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 with our Amazon student deals.

QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II — £299.95

This smart-looking pair of headphones is quite unique. It can be powered by an app that can help you choose between Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and an active noise cancellation toggle. There are some limitations, however. While you can use these headphones to control and play your music, you’ll need to use Spotify in order for Google Assistant to work.

And yes, they have active noise cancellation, so you can listen to your favourite tunes in crowded places. Plus, it has over 20 hours of battery life, giving you all-day listening power (so long as you’re not maxing its volume constantly).

QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Audio cable for wired connection
• 1 x Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones II
• 1 x Carrying case
• 1 x USB charging cable.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 18 x 17 x 8.1 cm
• Weight: 235.3g
• Batteries: Lithium-ion
• Battery life: 20 hours
• Connector: Wireless and wired (1.2 m cable)
• Material type: 
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 4.1
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 55.61 ohm
• Sensitivity: 112.72 dBv
• Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
• Maximum power input: Unknown
• Noise-cancelling: ANC.

Get the QuietComfort 35 with our Bose student deals.

SoundCore Life Q35 — £129.99

The SoundCore Life Q35 prioritise portability, making it great if you need a decent pair of Bluetooth wireless headphones that are easy to transport. These wireless headphones swivel and fold into their hardshell protective case, which also stores a pouch for the USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm cord, and an airplane adapter. It also comes with its own app so you can control your headset using your phone. The Soundcore app features an equalizer within the device settings, which lets you set a custom equaliser profile, or select from several Soundcore presets for various genres to meet your listening preferences.

Soundcore Life Q35 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Life Q35 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
• 1 x 3.5 mm aux cable with Remote Control
• 1 x USB-C Cable
• 1 x Airplane Adapter
• 1 x Travel Case.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 19.5 x 18 x 7.8 cm
• Weight: 268 g
• Batteries: Lithium-ion
• Battery life: 40-60 hours
• Connector: Wireless
• Material type: Plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 2 x 40 mm
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Frequency response: 16Hz – 40kHz
• Maximum power input: Unknown
• Noise-cancelling: ANC.

Pros

• Multi-device pairing
• Amazing battery life
• Fast charging.

Cons

• Default sound is very bassy.

Get the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 for less with our Anker student discount.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 — £55.99-£79.99

These budget lightweight headphones with noise-cancellation allow you to connect two devices at the same time thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 functionality, as well as using NFC pairing by tapping your smartphone on the right earcup to change songs or connect a device. 

Sitting at a desk? The Life Q30 comes with a 3.5mm audio cable that can be plugged into the right earcup for wired listening. The only small downside is its lack of aptX, which can be useful in reducing audio lag. You may experience some slightly off-sync audio in Bluetooth mode, but wired, you shouldn’t have much of an issue.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones
• 1 x black zip case
• 1 x 3.5 mm cable.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 17.5 x 17.3 x 4.3 cm
• Weight: 263 g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 44 hours
• Material type: plastic, memory foam
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 121.4 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: Active.

Pros

• Super lightweight (weighing 256g)
• Connect to multiple devices like your phone, console and more
• Can be worn wired or wireless.

Cons

• No aptX functionality
• Can be bassy.

Shop the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 with a 15% Amazon student deals.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 — £175

These Audio-Technica headphones are made of plastic, but it feels light, and durable and can be folded to fit in your bag quite easily.

At the bottom end while listening, the bass is pretty decent. But if you’re into your EDM you may want something with a bit more oomph. For natural sound, however, these Audio-Technica over-ear headphones are for you. With these wireless headphones, you’ll get a very decent 50 hours with both Bluetooth and noise cancellation active (yay for noise cancellation!). With Bluetooth alone, you’ll get 30 hours which is still really good, while only noise cancellation will get you a hefty 45 hours. All listening scenarios are a win in our books.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
• 1 x USB charging cable
• 1 x Audio cable 
• 1 x Pouch.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 12.5 x 18.2 x 8.5 cm
• Weight: 307 g
• Batteries: Lithium-ion
• Battery life: 50 hours
• Connector: Wireless
• Material type: Plastic, metal
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 45 mm
• Impedance: 38 ohms
• Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW
• Frequency response: 15 – 28,000 Hz
• Maximum power input: Unknown
• Noise-cancelling: ANC.

Pros

• Astonishing battery life
• Extremely portable.

Cons

• Tight fit.

Get these Marshall headphones for less with our Marshall student discount.

JBL Tune 750BTNC — £39.95

One of the best budget noise-cancelling overhead headphones, the JBL Tune 750BTNC are lightweight, comfortable over the ears, and have decent ANC (active noise-cancelling). If you like bass-dominant sound, these are the best noise-cancelling headphones to achieve that.

These JBL headphones come in coral, blue and black, but only the former two seem to be more readily available. Regardless, these are some super decent headphones for the price.

JBL Tune 750BTNC specs

What’s in the box:

• 1 x JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones
• 1 x Charging cable
• 1 x Detachable audio cable
• 1 x Quick start guide
• 1 x Warning card
• 1 x Warranty card
• 1 x Safety sheet.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 22 x 19 x 6cm
• Weight: 600 g
• Batteries: 1 lithium polymer batteries
• Battery life: 15 hours
• Connector: 3.5 mm jack
• Material type: faux leather
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 4.2
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes.

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40 mm
• Impedance: 32 ohm
• Sensitivity: 15 dBV/Pa
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: Active.

Pros

• Fantastic price
• Built-in ANC.

Cons

• Bass-heavy, which may not suit everyone
• Only 15 hours of battery life.

Get the JBL Tune 750BTNC with a student discount from Amazon.

And those are the best Bluetooth wireless headphones on the market. While there’s a ton of info to digest, we hope this has given you a well-rounded view of what’s out there.

Wired vs wireless

Wired vs wireless headphones. Which is better? The short answer is…it totally depends on your preferences.

Wired earbuds are earphones that require plugging into a device such as your phone or laptop. Whereas wireless earbuds are connected via Bluetooth with a compatible device. Wireless earphones are great for those who don’t want a wired connection running down them, but wired earphones, historically, provide better sound quality.

How to choose the best wireless headphones for you

• Closed or open 
  • Closed (closed-back) means no holes to the outside world to block out excess noise. Open (open-back), has holes and/or perforations to the outside world and a natural listening experience
• Type of headphones
  • On-ear headphones rest on your ears, while over-ear headphones cover your entire ear. The latter is great if you’re after workout headphones
• Battery life
• Bluetooth version (and compatibility with your devices)
• Noise cancellation (we have a list of the best noise-cancelling headphones here).

How do you connect wireless headphones?

Turn the headset on using its power button. After that, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the device you want to pair it with and they should all connect automatically (some headsets have a pairing button though, so keep an eye out for this).

How do wireless headphones work?

Wireless headphones work by receiving wirelessly transmitted signals from their paired audio sources (usually paired by Bluetooth). These signals are encoded by the source device and transmitted via radio or infrared frequencies (mostly radio). (less common) carriers. Once the wireless headset receives the signal, it decodes it to the audio you listen to.

Some headsets are better at transmitting this signal than others and the lesser headsets may produce latency (a delay) in audio.

What are the best headphones brands?

Choosing the right pair of headphones can be daunting. There are a ton of brands to pick from and it’s hard to know which is the best. Here are just a handful of some of the best headphones brands to choose from:

• Sony
• Sennheiser
• Bose
• Soundcore
• Apple
• Dr Dre Beats
• Audio-Technica.

After even more headphone options or on a tight budget? Check out our ultimate guide to headphones and earbuds.

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