We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Music should be enjoyed, felt, and experienced. Wireless headphones deliver fuller sound, better noise cancellation, and longer-lasting comfort than earbuds, making them perfect for immersive listening anytime, anywhere.
We purchased 24 contenders and put them through the ultimate head-to-head testing. We assessed sound quality across all musical genres, noise cancellation in real-world environments, and comfort over extended hours of wear. We backed it up with precise measurements in our audio lab to create a complete picture for your listening enjoyment.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen continues to reign as the best overall wireless headphones. They combine exceptional sound quality with top-of-the-line noise cancellation and comfort for a premium listening experience that's worth every penny. While they aren't number one in any one area, they offer the best all-around experience across the board.
If your budget is smaller, consider the 1More SonoFlow. For under $100, they offer impressive sound quality, noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. While they may not achieve the superior sound sought by audiophiles, we suspect that the casual listener will be more than pleased with the performance and savings.
If you love to listen but hate the bulk of headphones, we've also tested the top-rated wired and wireless earbuds. If gaming is your thing, a dedicated gaming headset is perfect for hearing bosses behind you and keeping tabs on your buddies. If you want the best possible noise cancellation, you can learn more about the top noise cancelling headphones in our extensive review.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Headphones's has dreamy sound, with a dramatic flair that is never overbearing or muddied, but isn't neutral either. It improves on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra first-generation noise cancellation to bring a top-tier performance to limit distractions in an ever-increasing distraction-filled world. “I can be facing someone and watching their mouth move yet not hear their voice,” noted our lead tester. They continue to provide industry-leading, all-day comfort with softly padded earcups and a gentle clamping, padded headphone. We wore them for 10 hours straight without a single complaint. Slipping on the 2nd Gen is akin to attending a private concert. Music is spacious, detailed, and vibrant; positioned around you in every direction. The bass is deep and punchy, hitting in a way that lets you feel rhythm in your soul.
With a list price of $450, they require some deeper pockets and a strong desire for premium sound. However, the prior generation sports the same price, and while impressive, is overshadowed by its younger brother. If the 2nd Gen is out of reach, the Bose QuietComfort is a more affordable alternative. The QuietComfort offers good sound, noise blocking, and comfort, though it lacks the Ultra 2nd Gen's high-end polish and top-tier performance. If you're able to splurge, we think you'll love the Ultra's truly luxurious listening experience for years to come.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly headphone, the 1More SonoFlow is an incredible value. It delivers some of the best all-around performance for under $100, making it a reliable go-to without significant trade-offs or annoying flaws. Thanks to the impressively spacious and cushy earcups, we wore them for 7.5 hours straight without discomfort. Its above-average noise blocking was also a pleasant surprise for the price. “I was impressed by how these managed to dampen ambient noise enough to create a peaceful sound bubble,” noted one tester.
While the SonoFlow offers unbeatable value, it sacrifices a bit of detail in songs that you may or may not notice. There's plenty of bass, and it certainly has a powerful presence, but it's not as pristine as higher-end models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen). One of our music experts noted, “It isn't as immersive as pricier options, but most people would be stoked by the sound.” The Tozo HT2 also offers impressive sound for the price at $60, but its ANC is unimpressive. Ultimately, while most budget contenders offer spotty performance, the 1More consistently delivers, making it an excellent choice for those with smaller budgets.
If all you need is a reliable pair of cheap headphones to enjoy lengthy music or podcast sessions, the Tozo HT2 are your new best friend. Often sold for less than $60, they deliver the best sound of any ultra-budget headphones, with one of the coziest fits. We could wear the HT2 for up to 8 hours, even with glasses on. Many budget models enhance the bass, struggle to handle it effectively, overpower the mids and trebles, and disrupt the mix. Alternatively, the Tozos pleasantly surprised us by offering balance and depth, especially across different genres. No matter what you're into, you can count on the HT2 for a dependable listening experience.
If you want help tuning out background noise or plan to make a lot of calls, the Tozo HT2 falls short. It performed below average, letting distracting sounds come through and providing a frustratingly grainy call quality. One tester said, “I had to crank up the volume to drown out background office noise, which isn't the best for healthy hearing.” The 1More SonoFlow offers better ANC and voice isolation but costs nearly twice as much. However, if quality sound and comfort are your top priorities, and you rarely use headphones for phone calls, the HT2 nails it for an ultra-low price.
Among the top-performing models, the Sony WH-1000XM6 pulls ahead as the best for noise cancelling, especially for high-pitched annoyances. Its dense foam earcups create a peaceful cocoon, helping you focus on work or getting lost in the music. The bass is a powerful, rumbling force, and vocals are stunningly lifelike, revealing every nuance, making listening fun and engaging. When making phone calls, voices often sound better than the phone's microphone, a remarkable feat for wireless headphones. As one tester said, “I couldn't tell if the caller was on the headphone or their cell phone, it was that clear.” With unmatched adjustable customization, you can fine-tune everything from ANC to the voice assistant volume and even the Speak-to-Chat feature that automatically dampens your music when you speak. Sony also heard the people's cry, making the earcups foldable for better portability compared to the previous generation, the Sony WH-1000XM5.
While the Sony WH-1000XM6 is an improvement over the XM5, its thin headband remains a significant drawback, creating a pressure point on the top of the head and limiting comfortable wear time to approximately 7 hours. It's not horrible, but notably less comfy than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Bose Ultra 2nd Gen, and Sennheiser Momentum 4, which you can wear for a solid 10 hours without pressure points. If you don't plan for extended wear sessions, this may not be a problem, but we still wish for more padding. One tester noted, “Comfort is everything, and these are almost there, but miss the bullseye.” The XM6 is still the best bet for cancelling the chaotic world at large for better inner peace.
With crystal-clear sound and pillow-soft comfort, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless hits all the right notes. It earned one of our highest audio scores, beaten only by the expensive Focal Bathys. One audiophile praised, “I love how detailed, smooth, and natural everything sounds, with clean vocals, rich guitar, and just the right amount of bass.” What the Sennheisers provide that the Focals don't is an enjoyable experience over long listening sessions. That's why we recommend them to audiophiles who want to binge albums without ear fatigue. The Focals are simply too heavy, with a headband that starts to dig in the longer you wear them. The Momentum 4 is tied with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Ultra 2nd Gen for the comfiest, handling 10-hour sessions effortlessly, even with glasses. Plus, the lengthy 60-hour battery life ensures you won't need to reach for the charger anytime soon.
These headphones are pricey and only offer average noise cancellation. One tester complained, “At this price, I didn't expect to hear mumbled speech and keyboard clacks.” If you frequently find yourself in loud environments, the similarly priced Sony XM6 is the better option, but it leans towards a bass-heavy profile that some listeners may not love. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is also a noise-blocking powerhouse with excellent sound quality. If sound precision and realism matter more to you than ANC, then the Momentum 4 could be a luxury worth the investment.
The Focal Bathys are an audiophile's dream come true, with untouchable sound quality. The sound is nuanced and detailed with layered texturing and separation. They have exceptional spaciousness, and the instrument timbre is beautifully maintained. The mix is smooth and creamy with a luxurious feel, with a bass so meaty you could make a meal of it. While the highs might be less polished than the lows and mids, creating something akin to a cake without the frosting, the cake is so darn good you almost don't miss the extra sugar.
The Bathys don't have the best noise cancellation, although they are adequate for those who are more concerned with sound quality than with blocking out the world. They are also heavy, and longer listening results in some headband pressure at the top; better comfort and noise cancellation can be found in the Bose Ultra 2nd Gen. The Bathys are also almost absurdly expensive, and those with less than the deepest pockets will likely be priced out of the Bathys. While also expensive, the Sennheiser Momentum is nearly $250 cheaper and boasts stunning sound in its own right. In the end, the Bathys cater to a niche group of listeners seeking sound detail and clarity, designed to provide the listener with the exact experience the music was intended to convey. They do this better than any others we've tested.
With the release of the new WH-1000XM6, the older generation Sony WH-1000XM4 has become a fantastic option for excellent performance at a more accessible price. Often on sale for roughly $230, our former winner offers above-average sound, comfort, and noise blocking, outranking most mid-range picks. The sound is vivid, spacious, and immersive, drawing you in with impressive noise cancellation. “Even mid-flight, I felt like I was in an amphitheater, and the artist was singing just for me,” praised one tester. The fit was also a hit, with cushy earpads that provide all-day comfort, and a headband more comfortable than the newer generations.
The downside is that the touch controls can be a bit finicky. “Sometimes, I tried to use a tap gesture and would get no response, which was annoying,” mentioned one tester. The Bose QuietComfort's button controls are more reliable and intuitive, but its call quality doesn't match that of the XM4. Ultimately, if you're looking to upgrade your listening experience but aren't ready to spend $400+, the XM4 is an excellent choice from a reputable brand.
The WH-1000XM4 offers incredible sound, ANC, comfort, and call quality at a more affordable price. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Products
We thoroughly evaluate each headphone, making accurate, side-by-side assessments of the metrics that matter most to you. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Our wireless headphone testing has been completely reinvented. It 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 parse out 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 procedures are divided into five rating metrics:
Sound Quality(35% weighting): Our expert audiophiles conduct listening tests, scrutinizing every aspect of the sound, including clarity, sound mix, immersion, and overall detail. 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 for hours until our ears or heads start to ache from the pressure or heat buildup.
Noise Cancellation(20% weighting): We recorded simulations of noisy environments, like a bustling café, and generated graphs to demonstrate how well each pair cancels out background sound. Then also test in the real world on flights, at the gym, on strolls, and in busy offices to experience the noise-blocking performance you can expect.
App & Controls(10% weighting): We used the headphones interacting with their buttons and the app to learn how easy they are to use and customize.
Call Quality(10% weighting): We test call quality in noisy office and subway simulations and real-life calls, considering how well they handle voices and blocking background noise.
It took a village to deliver this wireless headphones review. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team has over 100 years of combined professional experience in the audio industry, sound engineering, and consumer product reviews. 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
Below, we break down the best (and worst) performers for 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?
Budget is an important headphone consideration. Premium models offer superior performance, but you don't have to shell out hundreds of dollars to find the right contender. The 1More SonoFlow stands out for its better performance and lower price. You won't get a truly crisp, natural sound or the best noise-blocking, but the SonoFlow performs admirably well and costs at least 4x less. Casual listeners might not even know what they are missing, or find the savings a viable trade-off. If your budget is smaller, and you don't need ANC, the Tozo HT2 offers the best sound quality in the budget bracket.
Smart Savings on Older Models
When new versions of older models come out, you can often find older versions at a fraction of the price. With the Sony XM5 and XM6 now available, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is often on sale and remains an excellent value.
Our panel of expert ears helps influence sound quality results designed to help every type of listener. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sound Quality
Headphones should create a sound that feels alive, full, immersive, and a joy to listen to. To assess sound quality, our crew of experienced musical experts listened to a specially 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
9.2
9.1
Bose Ultra (2nd Gen)
8.7
8.8
8.3
Bose QC Ultra
8.5
8.6
8.1
Sony WH-1000XM6
8.6
8.5
8.0
Sony WH-1000XM5
8.5
8.3
8.1
AirPods Max
8.0
8.6
7.1
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
Tozo HT2
6.9
6.7
6.4
1More SonoFlow
6.7
6.7
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
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
The pricy Focal Bathys delivers the best sound, with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 hot on its heels. What stands out most about both sets is their realistic sound profile. While many products exaggerate the bass and treble, these take a more natural approach, reproducing audio that feels like you're right there, hearing it exactly as it was intended to be heard. 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 if you're all about that bass, the neutral profile on both contenders can feel too tame.
The Momentum 4 Wireless is our favorite for long listening sessions where you can fully sink into its impressive clarity. Credit: Matt Lighthart
For a more dramatic listening experience with extra thump, boom, and rumble, our favorites include the Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen, Bose QC Ultra, Sony XM6, and XM5. Their audio is punchy and fun and maintains detail across the full range of volumes. They bring the extra oomph that makes you 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 become underdeveloped, and highs become either piercing or dull. The Soundcore Space One, JBL Tune 720 BT, Beats Solo 4 were the worst 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 make you feel like you're standing on stage with the band. Soundstage lets you close your eyes and pinpoint exactly where the singer, drums, and guitar are in a three-dimensional space, turning every track into a live performance.
Soundstage Ratings
Product
Expert ear Soundstage Score
Focal Bathys
9.6
AirPods Max
9.3
Bose Ultra (2nd Gen)
9.2
Bose QC Ultra
9.1
Sony WH-1000XM6
9.0
Sony WH-1000XM5
8.7
Sennheiser M4
8.5
Sony WH-1000XM4
7.8
Bose QuietComfort
7.0
Tozo HT2
6.8
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
6.3
JBL Tour One M3
5.8
1More SonoFlow
5.6
Sony WHCH520
5.4
Soundcore Q45
5.4
Beats Studio Pro
5.3
JBL Tour One M2
5.2
Beats Solo 4
3.7
JBL Tune 720 BT
3.5
Soundcore Space One
3.2
The Focal Bathys, AirPods Max, Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen deliver the best soundstage experience, without special spatial audio features. They have an immersive feel that creates a private symphony. 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 individual flavor while forming a cohesive piece that pushes Dylan's voice to center stage.
The AirPods and Bathys excel at turning every song into a surround-sound experience. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The premium Bose Ultra and Sony XM6 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 Soundcore Space One, JBL Tune 720, and the Beats Solo 4. Each has a smaller stage with a lack of width, height, or depth. The Space One has a two-dimensional feel with instruments bleeding together and fighting for space.
The Focal Bathys offer some of the most nuanced and texture-rich sound in the group. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Sound Quality
How sound moves you is a blend of the sound quality mix of lows, mids, and highs, paired with a soundstage that puts you front and center amidst an expansive collection of instruments and vocals.
The Focal Bathys has the best sound quality, delivering the most immersive, detailed, studio-like sound we've ever experienced, but it is uncomfortably heavy. Audiophiles might learn to tolerate the discomfort in favor of superior sound quality, but those looking for all-day comfort might be displeased. 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.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, 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 offender.
The Tozo HT2 offers the best audio quality for under $100, with the 1More SonoFlowand the JLab JBuds Lux ANC coming in second and third, respectively. Although the Tozo has a slight lack of detail, it delivers a wonderfully pleasant, balanced, dimensional sound that has won over even our toughest critics. Alternatively, the JBL Tune 720, Beats Solo 4, and Soundcore Space One felt more like grainy, piercing, or boomy background noise; hardly the kind of sound to lose yourself in.
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 you'll never wear. We measure how long we can wear each headphone to determine which ones offer the best comfort, including while 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, Sennheiser Momentum 4, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. 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. Overall, Bose has a lock on creating comfortable, long-wearing headphones for most listeners.
Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (left) and the SonoFlow (right) offer an enjoyable listening experience, but the Ultra's better cushioning provides longer-lasting comfort. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Tozo HT2 and 1More SonoFlow 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 HT2 felt too large for some smaller heads. We think the Tozos look and feel similar enough to the Bose that we wonder if they were inspired by Bose in their design for comfort considerations.
A Tale of Two Headphone Types
Headphones come in two basic types: on-ear and over-ear. On-ear designs have smaller earcups intentionally designed to sit on the outer ear without encasing the ear inside the cup. 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 your ear). This pressure can create pressure points, hot spots, and general discomfort fairly quickly. 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 lowest performers' comfortable wear time decreased to only 1-2 hours. The Beats Solo 4, Sony WHCH520 (both on-ear designs), 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 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 tip the scales at 360+ grams. So, while their earcups felt spacious and plush, the general heft and potential for sensitive spots under the headband limited wear time to 3-4 hours.
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 like screaming babies or sirens by covering your ears. If you want to block more sounds, you'll need active noise cancellation (ANC). 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
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
Bose QC Ultra
23.5
28.6
40.4
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 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 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
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.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the best noise-blocking headphone, with the Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen and Bose QC Ultra 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. Both Bose are most effective at removing voices, creating silent coworkers, while Apple allows a whisper of voices. Sony WH-1000XM5 are also impressive offering less cancellation than the XM6 but more than the Sony WH-1000XM4. 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 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 sound 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 and Soundcore Space One offer the best noise blocking under $100. Compared to the premium brand's 20-40 decibel noise reduction in the low to mid-frequency range, these headphones achieve a noise reduction of around 10-20 decibels. 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 Beats Solo 4, Sony WHCH520, and JBL Tune 720 earned the lowest scores because they lack noise-blocking technology and have smaller earcups, which allow most ambient sounds to pass through. 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 lacking the technology.
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 allow them to remain aware of their surroundings. Whether you're walking near traffic, watching the kids, or need to stay tuned in at work, transparency lets you hear the world around you while you enjoy your entertainment.
If you need to maintain awareness, transparency mode is the way to go. The AirPods Max has the best environmental awareness, with the Beats Studio Pro, QuietComfort Ultra, and Momentum 4 all tying for second place. All stand out for clear and pleasant playback, relaying ambient sounds so naturally that we forgot we were wearing headphones. In contrast, the Tozo HT2 amplified sound too much, making louder noises uncomfortably harsh. 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. They let you adjust everything from the voice prompt volume to the wait time for the speak-to-chat function that turns the music down when you talk.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra, 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 you choose between presets or an adjustable equalization (EQ) slider. The sound customization on the Focal and Sennheiser models is responsive, allowing you to adjust the bass for workouts or add vocal warmth to acoustic tracks. The Bose button controls are easiest to use, consistently performing the requested action with intuitive placement. Sennheiser has our favorite sleek touchpad, but it's sensitive and sometimes misfires. For budget shoppers, the Tozo HT2 offers reliable button controls, but its app is cluttered and less intuitive to navigate than those of the top scorers.
The Bose Ultra app is a favorite, offering customizable sound and noise cancelling 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 were the least customizable in the group. They only offer EQ adjustments inside Apple Music, and the adjustments don't make a noticeable difference.
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 you plan to make or take calls with your headphones, you'll want 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.
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 like a subway platform. We appreciated the reduction of background noise, which put the caller's voice at the forefront. 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 JBL Tour One M3, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen are other higher-end headphones that provide impressive call quality with clear voices and diminished background sounds that give callers center stage. The budget Sony WH-CH520 and JBL Tune 720 aren't far behind. Both sound impressively crisp and clear during calls. With screeching rails and garbled PA announcements in our simulated subway test, the Tune 720 and WH-CH520 let more noise through, but still delivered excellent quality for most situations.
The Tozo performed poorly in our subway test. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The worst calls were with the Tozo HT2 and Soundcore Space One, which exhibited serious distortion issues. Both struggled to clearly convey their voices in noisy environments, making it challenging to complete a sentence without confusion. Even in quiet spaces, they introduced a grainy quality. Sometimes, the voices sounded so garbled that we asked the caller to hang up and call back.
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 you'll use 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.
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 how long you plan to use your headphones can help you prioritize features like noise cancellation, comfort, call quality, and battery life. All-day comfort and strong ANC are perfect for work 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 $300 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 enjoyable.
A smart way to save?
Look for previous-generation models, such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5, to save money compared to the latest releases. Older models often drop in price when new versions are launched, giving you 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
Bose QC Ultra is the first generation of the Ultras and a prior award winner. These impressive headphones were displaced with the release of the 2nd Gen version, but make no mistake, they are still an incredible pair and could be a great choice if you can find them on sale. With immersive sound, stellar comfort, and some of the best noise cancellation, we believe most users will be very pleased.
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 your head hard. If comfort is a priority, you should 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 vast as the price range of competitors. Knowing what you need and what you might enjoy about using headphones can help you focus on 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.
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, Dave Berkman, and Lissette Velasquez
