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Music creates joy, excitement, and motivation. Wireless headphones deliver layered sound, noise cancellation, and unmatched comfort, making them perfect for immersive listening without being tethered.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen continues to reign as the best wireless headphones for most (who can afford them). They combine exceptional sound quality, top-of-the-line noise cancellation, and comfort for premium listening that's worth every penny. If you want the best noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has a slight edge over the Bose.
If you're looking to save some money, the 1More SonoFlow Pro costs less than $100 and offers a lovely, balanced sound, good noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. While they fail to deliver the superior sound audiophiles seek, we suspect that casual listeners will enjoy the savings without missing a thing.
We purchased 21 contenders and assessed sound quality across all musical genres, real-world noise cancellation, and comfort during extended hours of wear. We backed it up with precise measurements in our audio lab to create a complete picture.
If you love to listen but want less heft, consider wired and wireless earbuds. If you want the best noise cancellation, you can learn more about the top noise cancelling headphones in our extensive review.
Editor's Note: This wireless headphone review was updated in October 2026, with new testing details to help you make a buying decision and to remove discontinued products.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Wireless Headphone recommendations.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) have a fun sound that is both balanced and a bit thumpy, for tracks that require more bass and beat. They have some of the best comfort we've seen with soft earcup materials and a pillowy cushion, perfect for long commutes, transatlantic flights, or just all-day jam sessions for one. Its ability to cancel out the world around us so we could concentrate on just the tunes was practically the best in the bunch. And if all that isn't enough, calls and meetings are crystal clear with no background sound, graininess, or muffling, even in loud places.
The real Bose bummer is the price. While we love these headphones, it can be a lot of money to cough up all at once, making the sticker shock a real thing here. We imagine that for lots of folks, it is a deal-breaker. The Bose QuietComfort can save you about $100, but they don't do anything nearly as well and are similar enough in performance to the 1More SonoFlow Plus performance that you might as well save more than $300 by considering a budget pair. In the end, if your bank account can take the hit, we think the Bose are out of this world fantastic, but if it means skipping meals to get them, we might look elsewhere.
We think the best budget-friendly headphone are the 1More SonoFlow Pro, and it isn't even close. Pack up your bags, Bose, because there is a cheap sheriff in town, and we think most listeners will be happy listening while counting their leftover cash. The 1More offers sound quality similar to the Bose QuietComfort, and they make clearer calls. Their comfort is above average, thanks to well-padded earmuffs and a clamping force that is effective without being punishing.
While these cheap headphones aren't perfect, we think most people will be happy spending less. Their noise cancellation is only average, but unless you expect utter silence outside your chosen listening material, we don't think it is a deal-breaker. They managed to be silent enough for us to listen without harsh interruptions or annoyance. Honestly, unless your ears have the nuanced education of a musical scholar, the 1More is that rare gem that provides everything you need without much sacrifice for a price you can brag about. As one tester said, “I don't think the sound quality difference is enough to pay more for the higher-end options. I know there are better headphones, but these are good enough for my needs.”
For a reliable pair of cheap headphones for long music or podcast sessions, the Tozo HT3 brings the heat and keeps more money in the bank. While not a perfect set of headphones, we were blown away by how good they sound for the price. For those who lean more toward the spoken word than nuanced musical productions, it is even more of a win. These headphones have a long battery life and are comfortable enough for all-day wear.
The Tozo don't have the best noise cancellation. If you seek the best in blocking out ambient sounds, a budget pair is unlikely to work for you, but the 1More SonoFlow Pro blocks a bit more for a modest price bump. To get better noise cancellation, you'll have to spend over $300, even with sales. Overall, the combination of comfort, better-than-average sound, and noise-blocking abilities makes the Tozo a fantastic pair for just about anyone, but we think their sweet spot is for teens or those who tend to lose or are hard on gear, because the lower price means damage, theft, or loss won't hit so hard.
Among the top-performing models, the Sony WH-1000XM6 takes home bragging rights for some of the best noise-canceling capabilities known to man. Short of creating a sensory-deprivation experience, the Sony XM6 technology combats ambient sound like it's its job. The software dukes it out inside the ear cup, leaving us to hear only what we choose to hear. And man, what we can hear is pretty kick-you-in-the-pants fantastic, with a perfect soundstage and a nuanced balance from treble to bass. We have no complaints.
The Sony also makes great calls and has a useful app, which might make you want to wear them forever, tempting the fates to fuse them to your head. But, alas, these headphones are not that comfortable. In our opinion, Sony leaned hard into how well they sound and how well they block outside kerfluffles, and forgot to consider what it might be like to wear them for more than 6 hours at a stretch. It really is their main downfall (outside of the really high price), but if you feel pain when you wear them, will it matter if they sound great? Overall, we think some listeners will like the Sony or simply be loyal to the brand. It is hard to quibble with what they do well, but for the price, we suspect most people would be happier with the comfortable Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen), even if the noise cancellation and call quality is imperceptibly diminished.
With crystal-clear sound and pillow-soft comfort, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless make even the most persnickety ears happy. If your goal is the best sounding comfortable pair of headphones you can find, we think the Momentum 4 is the only way to go. Providing the rich mids and developed highs, they sound warm, with a punchy bass that never overwhelms. The earcups are wrapped in the softest material, akin to delicate skin. The overall sensory experience is really pleasing.
The Momentum doesn't offer the best noise cancellation. While it will take the edge off noises, dulling them or preventing harsh intrusion, they don't block out the world. They really are about average for this, making them less appealing for commuting in noisy places. Alternatively, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Headphones are comfortable, have immersive sound, and superior noise cancellation. With a similar price, they are equally compelling. The Bose makes clearer calls, which might break a tie, while the Momentum provides just a little more texture and nuance to the mix for those who put the music above all else.
If you've got money to burn and a penchant for feelings of superiority, the Focal Bathys are lining up to be your new best friend in the VIP suite. The Bathys sound is like none other with a soundstage that cannot be described and must be experienced. Teens, notorious for being hard to impress, stopped their mouths agape at all the sounds they'd been missing in their favorite playlists and games. No longer could an enemy sneak up from behind while gaming, and who knew Dave Mustaine's guitar playing could sound even better? “Life-altering,” is how one tester described them, while another was stunned into silence.
Unfortunately, like a lot of love-bombing relationships, the romance dies when reality sets in. The Bathys aren't particularly good at much else (though they look sharp as hell). They are very heavy, and many testers struggled to wear them even long enough for one album. They also aren't our pick for regular phone calls or meetings if you tend to frequent loud spaces, as the clarity is lacking. Their noise cancellation is okay, but at this price, it should arguably be better (in our opinion). In the end, the Bathys are perfect for those with loads of extra cash burning a hole in their pocket who insist they can hear the slightest tingle in the distance, and we know some of you are out there. For the rest of us, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Headphones sound almost as good, are exponentially more comfortable, and cost about $250 less.
We tested every aspect of the Bathys to provide you with a comprehensive, data-backed review. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Product Comparison Table
We thoroughly evaluate each headphone, making accurate, side-by-side assessments of the metrics that matter the most. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Our wireless headphone testing combines subjective, real-world expert evaluations with objective lab analyses using top-of-the-line audio equipment. Our testing team dedicated over 600 hours to finding the differences in the details.
Our new audio testing room includes custom-built gear, high-end microphones, and specialized software to capture reliable, repeatable results. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our testing covers five rating metrics:
Sound Quality(35% weighting): Our audiophiles scrutinize every aspect of sound, including clarity, frequency mix, immersion, and soundstage. We also worked with Listen Inc., using a Brüel & Kjær head simulator and SoundCheck software to measure and analyze sound profiles.
Comfort and Fit(25% weighting): We wear each pair until our ears or heads start to ache from pressure or buildup. Headphones must be comfortable, because stellar sound is enough to make them enjoyable.
Noise Cancellation(20% weighting): We test how well each pair cancels background sound in noisy environments, on flights, at the gym, on strolls, and in busy offices to assess the ambient noise-blocking performance.
App & Controls(10% weighting): Each pair of headphones have different on-ear buttons and apps; we compare them for usefulness and ease of use.
Call Quality(10% weighting): We test call quality in noisy office and subway simulations and real-life calls, to see how well they handle voices and blocking background noise.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, the same can be said for delivering an A-class wireless headphone review. You're welcome! Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why You Should Trust Us
The team is led by TechGearLab co-founder Chris McNamara. Chris has over 12 years of experience testing gear and a deep drive to help readers find the right product for their needs and budget. Dave Berkman is a Senior Audio Analyst with over two decades of professional audio experience, recording and producing for the History Channel, Apple, and the Food Network. He's also a talented musician and runs his own DJ and production company.
Senior Review Analyst Genaveve Bradshaw has a degree in Music from the University of New Mexico and is a classically trained vocalist. She plays guitar, piano, and flute, enjoys songwriting, and has a lifelong passion for playing and immersing herself in music. Rachael Lamore, a Senior Review Analyst and lead audio programmer, rounds out our team. She designs precise testing sequences that capture the nitty-gritty data to make informed recommendations. With a scientific background and a degree from California Polytechnic University, she brings a research-driven mindset to every review, carefully evaluating each pair of headphones.
We consider every detail from sound and fit to button placement, sizing, and how easy the controls are to use.
Analysis and Test Results
We break down sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, and more to help you find the right option for your needs and budget.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's The Best Value?
Depending on your goals, we don't think it's necessary to shell out hundreds of dollars to find the right contender. The 1More SonoFlow Pro is hands down the best value for the price. Punching well above its weight class, the 1More is exceptionally comfortable and delivers better sound and noise cancellation than some headphones that cost twice as much. They are an above-average pair that does it all without creating frustration. For a tighter budget, with wiggle room about ANC, the Tozo HT3 offers the best sound quality for its price; nothing comes close. It's impossible not to be impressed by the performance they deliver, considering how cheap they are.
Key Consideration Comparison
Comfortable Listening Hours
Average Decibels Blocked
Sound Quality
Cost
Apple AirPods Max 2
4.5 hrs
33.2 dB
1
2
3
4
5
$$$$$
Sennheiser Momentum 4
10 hrs
23.6 dB
1
2
3
4
5
$$$$
Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen)
10 hrs
32.3 dB
1
2
3
4
5
$$$$
Sony WH-1000XM6
7 hrs
33.1 dB
1
2
3
4
5
$$$$
1More SonoFlow Pro
8 hrs
26 dB
1
2
3
4
5
$$
Tozo HT3
7.5 hrs
21.3 dB
1
2
3
4
5
$
Smart Savings on Older Models
When new versions of older models come out, older versions are often available for a fraction of the price.
Sound Quality
Headphone sounds should feel alive, full, immersive, and a joy to listen to. To assess sound quality, our musical experts listened to a curated playlist across genres and eras. We considered how clear, detailed, and balanced the sound was.
Sound Quality Ratings
Product
Bass
Mid-Range
Treble
Focal Bathys
9.6
9.4
8.9
Sennheiser M4
8.8
9.3
9.1
Bose Ultra (2nd Gen)
8.7
8.8
8.3
Apple AirPods Max 2
8.7
8.6
8.0
Sony WH-1000XM6
8.6
8.5
8.1
Sony WH-1000XM5
8.5
8.3
8.1
AirPods Max
7.8
8.5
7.0
Beats Studio Pro
8.3
7.3
7.2
Sony WH-1000XM4
6.9
7.8
7.2
Bose QuietComfort
7.4
7.2
7.1
Sony WH-CH720N
7.0
7.3
6.8
1More Sono Flow Pro
6.9
7.1
6.9
Tozo HT3
6.6
6.9
6.5
1More SonoFlow
6.6
6.6
6.0
Tozo HT2
6.1
6.6
6.2
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
6.5
6.9
5.0
JBL Tour One M3
5.3
6.2
6.3
Sony WHCH520
5.0
6.4
5.5
Soundcore Q45
6.2
6.1
3.4
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
5.6
5.1
4.8
JBL Tour One M2
4.5
5.1
5.7
Beats Solo 4
5.3
5.2
2.8
JBL Tune 720 BT
4.0
6.0
2.8
Soundcore Space One
4.2
4.0
2.5
Beribes
1.3
2.0
1.6
The pricy Focal Bathys delivers the best sound, with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 hot on its heels. The Bathys have unbelievable surround sound that had us double-take, looking over our shoulders for instruments and people behind us. Be it concert-like music or an enemy sneaking up while gaming, we heard sounds we've never heard before. What stands out most about both sets is their realistic sound profile. While many products exaggerate bass and treble, these take a more natural approach, reproducing audio that felt like we were right there, hearing it exactly as it was intended.
The Momentum 4 Wireless is our favorite for long listening sessions where we fully sink into its impressive clarity. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The bass stays clean and controlled, leaving room for every nuance in midrange vocals and guitars to come through clearly. Bright instruments like trumpets and harmonicas shine with clarity, never crossing into harshness. But for some of us who are all about that bass, the neutral profile on both contenders felt a little tame and constrained.
For a more dramatic listening experience with extra thump, boom, and rumble, our favorites include the Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen, Sony XM6, and Sony XM5. Their audio is punchy and fun, maintaining detail across the full range of volumes. They bring the extra oomph that made us want to bust a move, but high-range vocals sometimes sound masked behind the lower frequencies.
Despite the hype, the Beats Solo 4 were not impressive in our sound tests. Credit: Matt Lighthart
For the poorer performers, there's a gradual loss of detail and balance. Lows become boomy or muddy, mids sound flat and underdeveloped, and the highs are piercing or dull. Our least favorite (by far) are the Beribes, which, in our opinion, are an offense to anyone with ears. They feel like a personal affront (even for the price). The Soundcore Space One, JBL Tune 720 BT, Beats Solo 4 are similar offenders, with a grainy, unbalanced mix that made music less enjoyable.
The JBL Tour One M2 struggled to bring music to life, a major letdown given the $300 price tag. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Soundstage
Great headphones don't just play music; they put the singer, drums, and guitar into a three-dimensional space, turning every track into a live performance, center stage.
Soundstage Ratings
Product
Expert ear Soundstage Score
Focal Bathys
9.6
Apple AirPods Max 2
9.3
Bose Ultra (2nd Gen)
9.2
AirPods Max
9.1
Sony WH-1000XM6
9.0
Sony WH-1000XM5
8.7
Sennheiser M4
8.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
7.8
Sony WH-CH720N
7.3
Bose QuietComfort
7.0
Tozo HT3
6.7
1More Sono Flow Pro
6.3
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
6.3
Tozo HT2
6.0
JBL Tour One M3
5.8
Soundcore Q45
5.5
1More SonoFlow
5.4
Sony WHCH520
5.4
Beats Studio Pro
5.3
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
5.3
JBL Tour One M2
5.2
Beats Solo 4
3.7
JBL Tune 720 BT
3.5
Soundcore Space One
3.2
Beribes
1.2
The Focal Bathys, Apple AirPods Max 2, and Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen deliver the best soundstage experience, without special spatial audio features. They had an immersive feel that created a private symphony inside our ears. Bob Dylan's “Lay, Lady, Lay” is a prime example: on the Focals, there is intentional location, with percussion coming from the right, acoustic guitar strumming from the left, and Dylan's signature nasal cruising between the two. Each instrument maintains its own flavor while forming a cohesive piece that puts Dylan's voice center stage.
The premium Sony XM6 and Sony WH-1000XM5 come in next. Each instrumental voice can be accurately placed, and there's great separation between each sound. The Ultras made casual TV feel like a cinematic experience.
The JBL Tune 720 failed to impress for sound quality, even when compared to budget headphones. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The worst soundstage was witnessed in the Beribes, Soundcore Space One, JBL Tune 720, and the Beats Solo 4. Each has a smaller stage with limited width, height, or depth. The Beribes' soundstage is akin to having a head cold at altitude, with a sound so congested and flat it's hard to believe this was intentional.
The Focal Bathys offer some of the most nuanced and texture-rich sound in the group. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Sound Quality
Sound's ability to move mind, body, and soul is a blend of lows, mids, and highs, paired with a soundstage that puts you front and center amid an expansive collection of instruments and vocals.
The Focal Bathys deliver the most immersive, detailed, studio-like sound we've ever experienced, but they are uncomfortably heavy for long listening periods. Audiophiles might learn to tolerate discomfort in favor of superior sound quality, but those seeking all-day comfort should look elsewhere. Even those of us who loved the Bathys found ourselves reaching for them less and less in favor of more comfortable options with less impressive sound. If sound quality and comfort are important, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is the better choice. The velvety-smooth audio is impeccably crisp, with warm, expressive mids that make vocals and instruments pop in all the right ways. Plus, our heads weren't crying after a dozen songs.
Sound Quality Comparisons
Soundstage
Lows
Mids
Highs
Quality
Focal Bathys
9.6
9.6
9.4
8.9
1
2
3
4
5
Sennheiser Momentum 4
8.5
8.8
9.3
9.1
1
2
3
4
5
Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen)
9.2
8.7
8.8
8.3
1
2
3
4
5
Apple AirPods Max 2
9.3
8.7
8.6
8.0
1
2
3
4
5
Sony WH-1000XM6
9.0
8.6
8.5
8.1
1
2
3
4
5
1More SonoFlow Pro
6.3
6.9
7.1
6.9
1
2
3
4
5
Tozo HT3
6.7
6.6
6.9
6.5
1
2
3
4
5
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, Apple AirPods Max 2, and Sony WH-1000XM6 also earned high ranks for their bold, cinematic listening experience, but their powerful lows occasionally mask some finer details, with the 2nd Gen being the least of the offenders. We missed some of the nuance in the melodies.
The 1More SonoFlow Pro, 1More SonoFlow, and Tozo HT3 offer the best audio quality for under $100. Although the Tozo lacks some detail, it delivers a wonderfully pleasant, balanced, dimensional sound that has won us over. Alternatively, the JBL Tune 720, Beats Solo 4, and Soundcore Space One felt more like grainy, piercing, or boomy background noise; these headphones left us counting the minutes until we could take them off.
The Momentum 4 has immersive sound quality, and they're so comfortable we could enjoy them all day, but the Bose Ultras and Ultra 2nd Gen are just as comfortable.
Comfort and Fit
Finding a comfortable pair of headphones is the difference between long-term listening and money lost to a pair that never gets worn. We measure how long we can wear each pair of headphones to determine which offers the best comfort, including when wearing glasses.
The Momentum 4 and Ultra 2nd Gen both offer a well-padded headband to avoid pressure spots.
The most comfortable headphones are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen and the Sennheiser Momentum 4. We wore each for 10+ hours straight, without issues or complaints. They offer cushy headbands that evenly distribute weight, while densely padded earcups provide a comfortable, breathable seal, even with glasses on. Plus, they feature a gentle clamping force that is perfect for extended wear. The Bose QuietComfort clocked in close at 9 hours, losing an hour for those who wear glasses. Though one tester with a sensitive head remarked, “I really started to struggle going into the 4th hour on a longer flight. The top of the band felt like torture.” Overall, most of us feel Bose has a lock on creating comfortable, long-wearing headphones for most listeners.
The Tozo HT3 are comfortable with a firmer but gentler clamping force than the HT2. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The 1More are surprisingly comfortable for budget headphones. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The 1More SonoFlow Pro and Tozo HT3 are the most comfortable options under $100. We could wear them for 8 and 7.5 hours, respectively. While many budget contenders tend to disappoint with cheap, hard, heat-trapping materials, these impress with above-average comfort. Glasses were more noticeable using the SonoFlow, while the HT3 felt too large for some smaller heads. We think the Tozos look and feel similar enough to the Bose that we wonder whether they were inspired by Bose's design for comfort.
A Tale of Two Headphone Types
Headphones come in two basic types: on-ear and over-ear. On-ear designs feature smaller earcups that sit on the outer ear without encasing the ear. Over-ear headphones do the opposite; they sit around the ear, resting on the head without putting pressure on the ear. Over-ear models typically offer better noise cancellation and sound quality thanks to their closed design. Most wearers also find them more comfortable. On-ear headphones put pressure on the ear's pinna (the delicate cartilage of the ear). This pressure can quickly create pressure points, hot spots, and general discomfort. For this reason, most people find on-ear headphones far less comfortable than over-ear headphones.
Smaller earcups typically equal discomfort. That's why on-ear headphones like the Sony WHCH520 and Beats Solo 4 scored so low for comfort. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The comfortable wear time of the lowest performers decreased to only 1-2 hours. The Beats Solo 4 and JBL Tune (an over-ear design) have small earcups that create sensitive pressure points on our ears. They also had stiff headbands with minimal padding, a tight clamping force, and/or sticky, sweaty materials. The JBL Tour One M2 and the Beats Studio Pro also disappoint in terms of comfort, especially given their higher price tags.
The Focal Bathys and the AirPod Max 2 are very heavy and cause pressure on the top of the head over time.
Other poor performers for comfort include heavy headphones. Most contenders average 250 grams, but the Focal Bathys and Apple AirPods Max 2 tip the scales at 359 and 383 grams, respectively. So, while their earcups felt spacious and plush, the overall heft and potential for pressure points under the headband limited wear time to 3-4 hours. The AirPods Max 2 caused neck and jaw pain for some testers during longer wear periods.
Noise cancellation can help remove distractions at work and in other busy places. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Noise Cancellation
All headphones offer some protection from high-pitched sounds, such as screaming babies or sirens, by physically covering the ear canal and blocking the eardrum. For better noise-blocking performance, active noise cancellation (ANC) is the solution. Reliable noise-sensing technology can help dampen the chaos.
Active Noise Cancelling Reduction
Product
Low
Mid
High
Sony WH-1000XM6
26.6
26.6
46.7
Apple AirPods Max 2
31.6
33.1
35.0
Bose Ultra (2nd Gen)
26.5
30.2
40.2
Sony WH-1000XM5
19.3
28.5
47.1
JBL Tour One M3
25.8
26.9
41.5
AirPods Max
25.8
31.4
35.6
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
25.6
28.3
33.4
Soundcore Q45
19.1
23.1
41.6
Bose QuietComfort
23.3
24.2
34.4
Focal Bathys
21.2
20.7
39.2
Sony WH-1000XM4
22.4
25.8
32.2
1More Sono Flow Pro
21.9
23.1
33.3
1More SonoFlow
15.6
21.0
36.2
Soundcore Space One
13.3
23.6
35.4
JBL Tour One M2
12.7
23.8
34.7
Sennheiser M4
13.2
22.5
35.1
Tozo HT3
9.8
20.3
33.8
Sony WH-CH720N
13.0
19.0
31.3
Tozo HT2
10.9
18.9
33.3
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
7.9
19.1
35.2
JBL Tune 720 BT
0.8
15.2
35.8
Beats Studio Pro
5.5
14.6
31.2
Beats Solo 4
-0.8
13.5
30.0
Sony WHCH520
-0.5
9.0
32.9
Beribes
-0.9
9.6
29.1
Active Noise Cancellation uses special microphones and computer algorithms to detect and block ambient sounds, but some technology is better than others. We compare each pair of headphones in real-world settings, such as on planes, in offices, and during commutes. We also run lab tests to measure how well each pair cancels noise.
Commuting in Peace
Many listeners look for strong active noise cancellation to help create a more peaceful commuting experience when taking public transport. Blocking out the ambient shenanigans creates a chosen world at the end of a long day. We get it. Us too. We recommend looking for options that also include transparency, hear-through, or awareness modes so when it is appropriate, there is environmental awareness for the sake of safety.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max 2 are the best noise-blocking headphones, with the Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen close behind. The Sony XM6, with its new dense earcup padding, is the most impressive at reducing high-pitched sounds. The Bose 2nd Gen improves on its older sibling, blocking more decibels than the first generation. The Bose is most effective at removing voices, creating silent coworkers, while Apple allows a whisper of voices. TheSony WH-1000XM5 is also impressive but offers less noise cancellation than the XM6. The newer generation of the Tour One, the JBL Tour One M3, is a big step up from the M2 and offers noise cancellation on par with the Sony XM5 or the Bose Ultras.
All impress with their ability to nearly eliminate the noise of rolling office chairs, keyboards, whirring fans, treadmills, beeping microwaves, and grinding juicers. The XM6 removes over 41 decibels of sound in the high-frequency range and reduces the most background noise from the low-frequency range, where most everyday sounds tend to fall.
Unmute this clip to hear the XM6's impressive ANC performance. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The 1More SonoFlow Pro and Soundcore Space One offer the best noise blocking under $100. Compared to the premium brand's 20-40 decibels of noise reduction in the low- to mid-frequency range, these headphones achieve around 10-20 decibels of noise reduction. While ambient sounds like voices, dishes, and keyboards come through slightly louder, they dulled everyday distractions better than many competitors, including some that cost hundreds of dollars more (ehm, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Focal Bathys, and JBL Tour M2).
The Beribes, Beats Solo 4, and JBL Tune 720 earned the lowest scores because they lack noise-blocking technology and have smaller earcups, which let in most ambient noise. The Beats Studio Pro features ANC technology but still falls short in terms of noise cancellation, performing on par with, or even less effective than, those without it.
The Solo 4 doesn't have active noise-blocking technology, making concentration hard in noisy spaces. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transparency or Hear-through Mode
Some users prefer headphones that let them stay aware of their surroundings. Whether walking near traffic, watching the kids, or staying tuned in at work, transparency lets in the sounds of the world while still providing entertainment.
If maintaining environmental awareness is required, transparency mode is the way to go. The AirPods Max 2 has the best environmental awareness, with the Beats Studio Pro, and Momentum 4 all tying for second place. All stand out for clear, pleasant playback, conveying ambient sounds so naturally that we forgot we were wearing headphones. In contrast, the Tozo HT3 amplified the sound too much, creating unrealistic audio. The JBL Tour One M2 wasn't any better, sounding incredibly artificial and robotic, while the JLab JBuds Lux were almost too loud in addition to robotic.
We explore every setting and button to see which are the easiest to use and customize. Credit: Matt Lighthart
App & Controls
We test every button, touch control, and app to see how well they work. Whether tweaking settings or pausing a podcast, the controls and app should feel intuitive and reliable.
The Sony XM6 is the easiest to use thanks to the intuitive touch controls and expansive customization in the app. We adjusted everything from the voice prompt volume to the wait time for the speak-to-chat function that turns the music down when talking. We suspect most users will do this once or twice and kind of forget about it, but for some, it could be the adjustability they crave.
The Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen, Focal Bathys, and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 also stand out for their user-friendly design. Their apps are easy to navigate and let us choose between presets or an adjustable equalization (EQ) slider. The sound customization on the Focal and Sennheiser models is responsive, with adjustable bass for workouts or adding vocal warmth to acoustic tracks. The Bose button controls are the easiest to use, consistently perform well, and offer intuitive placement. Sennheiser has our favorite sleek touchpad, but it's sensitive and sometimes misfires. For budget shoppers, the Tozo HT3 offers reliable button controls, but its app is cluttered and less intuitive to navigate.
The Bose Ultra app is a favorite, offering customizable sound and noise canceling in an easy-to-navigate format. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Alternatively, the Beats Solo 4 is disappointing, with error-prone buttons that prevented us from skipping tracks.
The Beats controls look like a sleek touchpad, but they're actually big buttons hidden beneath the surface. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Solo 4, Beats Studio Pro, and Apple AirPods Max 2 were the least customizable in the group. They only offer EQ adjustments in Apple Music, and they don't make a noticeable difference. For those outside the iOS ecosystem, the Max 2 in particular might feel disappointing because it offers little customization or functionality beyond pairing and listening.
For many users, solid call quality can turn headphones into a reliable communication tool. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Call Quality
Everyone knows the frustrating experience of calling someone and being met constantly with “What?” or “Can you hear me?” If making or taking calls or online meetings with headphones is a goal, finding a pair that offers clear voices and reduces competing ambient noise. We made live and recorded calls using the same phone, location, and service provider to see how well each pair handles calls.
We think the JBL Tour One M2 offers the best call quality, narrowly beating the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony XM6. The Tour One M2 is the most consistent, handling everything from our live calls to intense, chaotic environments such as subway platforms. We appreciated the reduction in background noise, which put the caller's voice at the forefront, but honestly, we didn't think they did anything else particularly well, making them less versatile. The Sony XM5 performed better in louder environments, but it introduced a subtle white noise during our demo calls. The XM6 did well in calm environments, sounding better than our cell phone.
The Tour One excels at removing background sounds in loud places. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Apple AirPods Max 2, JBL Tour One M3, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are other higher-end headphones that deliver impressive call quality, with clear voices and reduced background noise, putting our voices center stage. The budget JBL Tune 720 isn't far behind. It sounds impressively crisp and clear during calls. In our simulated subway test, with screeching rails and garbled PA announcements, the Tune 720 let more noise through while still delivering excellent quality in most situations.
Call Quality Comparisons
Subway
Office
Overall Call Quality
JBL Tour One M2
9.0
9.2
1
2
3
4
5
Sony WH-1000XM5
9.0
9.5
1
2
3
4
5
Sony WH-1000XM6
8.5
8.7
1
2
3
4
5
Apple AirPods Max 2
8.5
8.5
1
2
3
4
5
JBL Tour One M3
9.5
9.5
1
2
3
4
5
JBL Tune 720 BT
8.5
8.0
1
2
3
4
5
Bose Ultra (2nd Gen)
8.2
9.0
1
2
3
4
5
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2
8.5
8.7
1
2
3
4
5
1More SonoFlow
7.0
6.5
1
2
3
4
5
Beats Solo 4
7.0
4.5
1
2
3
4
5
1More SonoFlow Pro
7.0
6.5
1
2
3
4
5
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
7.5
7.5
1
2
3
4
5
Tozo HT3
7.0
6.0
1
2
3
4
5
Soundcore Q45
8.5
7.5
1
2
3
4
5
Sennheiser M4
6.0
4.0
1
2
3
4
5
Focal Bathys
5.0
5.0
1
2
3
4
5
Sony WH-CH720N
6.0
4.0
1
2
3
4
5
Beats Studio Pro
3.0
3.5
1
2
3
4
5
Bose QuietComfort
4.0
4.0
1
2
3
4
5
Beribes
6.5
5.0
1
2
3
4
5
Soundcore Space One
3.0
3.0
1
2
3
4
5
Tozo HT2
3.5
3.0
1
2
3
4
5
The worst calls were with the Beribes and the Soundcore Space One, which exhibited serious distortion. Both struggled to clearly convey voices in noisy environments, making it challenging to complete a sentence without confusion for the person we called and us. Even in quiet spaces, they introduced a grainy quality we felt he had to listen around. Sometimes, the voices sounded so garbled that we asked the caller to hang up and call back.
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one will meet your needs the best. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Choose Wireless Headphones
With numerous competitors and features available, selecting wireless headphones can be overwhelming. Knowing where and how you'll use them, and which features matter most, can help you narrow the field of contenders.
Not all headphones sound the same. Some boost the bass for a more energetic feel, while others focus on clarity for vocals and acoustic tracks. What you listen to most and whether you prefer a natural sound or something with extra punch should influence your choice. Most casual listeners will be pleased with any higher-ranking option in sound quality, and there is an argument that most will be happy with good sound, not knowing what they might be missing from a pair with excellent sound. We think many listeners will be pleased with headphones scoring over 6.5 for sound quality.
Earbuds are the best option for high-impact activities where stability and water resistance are paramount. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Where Will You Wear Them?
Considering where and for how long you plan to use your headphones can help you prioritize features such as noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, and battery life. All-day comfort and strong ANC are perfect for work, commuting, and studying. Silent ANC and longer battery life make travel more enjoyable. Awareness of your surroundings is key to safer commuting. How and where you plan to use them should drive which features are most important to meet your goals.
Working Out and Running
We highly recommend wireless earbuds over headphones for sweaty exercise. Most traditional headphones aren't very stable or waterproof and can get steamy, slick, and unstable during intense activity. Running headphones are designed with a secure fit in mind and a focus on some level of environmental awareness. Workout Headphones have similar designs but require a secure fit for movement in all directions, including laterally, linearly, jumping, and decline or inverted positions.
Some customizations, like the AirPods Max's spatial audio, can create an immersive, theater-like experience. Credit: Matt Lighthart
What's Your Budget?
If you're looking for the cleanest, most detailed audio and serene noise cancellation in a wireless headphone, expect to pay $400 or more. However, there are great, super comfortable contenders with some trade-offs in the $50-$100 range. Noise cancellation might be less effective, or the sound might lack some depth and clarity, but the experience can still be remarkably enjoyable.
A smart way to save?
Look for previous-generation models, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5, to save money compared to the latest releases. Older models often drop in price when new versions are launched, giving high-end performance for a significantly lower price.
The best headphones fit your listening preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Other Notable Wireless Headphones
Skullcandy Crusher Evo — Another popular option from Skullcandy. We hope to test it in the future, but the lackluster performance from the Skullcandy Crusher ANC2 doesn't fill us with much hope, though users online seem to like this option.
The Sonos Ace marks Sonos's first venture into wireless headphones. While it delivers impressive musical depth, it lacks consistency and comfort.
Sennheiser's base model, the Sennheiser Accentum, couldn't compete against better-known options, like the Bose QuietComfort or the Sony WH-1000XM4.
The Soundcore Q20i delivers surprisingly strong ANC on a budget, but its sound quality was flat, thin, and ultimately underwhelming.
The ear cups on the JBL Live 770NC are tight, and the strong clamping force squeezes heads hard (in our opinion). If comfort is a priority, we would pass.
Finding the right wireless headphones is easier when you know how they perform compared to the competition. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
Buying wireless headphones can be daunting, with options as varied as competitors' price ranges. Knowing what you need and what you might enjoy about headphones can help you choose the right pair to meet your listening goals. Each headphone offers a unique experience, catering to different needs, whether it's superior sound quality, comfort, or advanced features. Our detailed results can help you find the best pair for your goals and budget.
—Chris McNamara, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Dave Berkman
