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Headphones are an essential for working out, traveling, and even studying. One of the coolest advancements in technology, has been the advent of wireless headphones.
The tangled cord is a thing of the past. But there are also an overwhelming amount of choices out there, and the last thing you want to do is waste your money.
So we did the research, tested a wide variety of wireless headphones, and aggregated tens of thousands of reviews. After extensive testing – we were able to find the best Bluetooth headphones. Here are our top picks.
Our Top Pick
Sony WH1000XM3
Our top pick for the best Bluetooth headphones, this pair of Sony’s are an incredible choice. The 1,700+ positive reviews agree – they are a flawless pair of headphones. Amazing sound quality, comfortable fit, and every feature you could want. Our top pick.
Other Great Picks
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i
With over 200 positive online reviews, the unanimous opinion is that these luxury headphones are incredible. Definitely not a budget pick, but if you are not willing to compromise on sound quality – these are highly recommended.
Jabra Move Style Edition
For anyone looking for amazing sound quality at a low price point – this pair of headphones may just be for you. With over 1,600 stellar reviews, and flawless sound – it doesn’t get much better than this.
Sennheiser HD1
Our staff loved the sound quality on this pair, and they offer every luxury option you can think of. With over 200 glowing reviews, and a flawless score, they are one of the absolute best choices for Bluetooth headphones.
Beats Solo3
With a great design, and flawless sound, we love this iconic pair of headphones. The near-perfect online scores, from over 4,200 customers – definitely back us up. Highly recommended (especially if you love bass).
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
These Audio-Technica headphones are a bit famous on the internet, and we absolutely loved their sleek design and comfortable fit. With a low price point, over 200 glowing reviews, and amazing sound quality – we can’t recommend them enough.
Bowers & Wilkins PX
350 glowing online reviews can’t be wrong. These luxury headphones provide some of the best sound quality we’ve ever heard. While not a budget pick, these are a terrific option for anyone that wants the absolute best in sound.
Samsung Level On
With over 195 positive online reviews, these sleek headphones from Samsung are perfect for anyone looking to save money, without missing out on the best sound quality. Definitely recommended.
Sennheiser HD 4.50
Over 760 positive online reviewers agree that these headphones from Sennheiser are a fantastic pick. Great sound quality, sleek design, and a low price point for the quality. Highly recommended.
Jabra Elite 85h
With over 85 glowing online reviews, these headphones are a great pick for anyone looking for the best sound. Not a budget pick, but definitely recommended if you want the best of the best.
What Is Bluetooth?
Named after a legendary king, Bluetooth is simply a protocol that allows users to transmit data wirelessly. Whether this is files, audio streaming, or even a wireless mouse – it is a paradigm that has completely changed modern life.
Using simple radio waves, Bluetooth is able to transmit data that previously required cords or wires. Wireless networks (you probably know WiFi, which is one form of wireless network) – are usually meant for larger distances and bigger groups of users. Bluetooth, however, is more of a ‘personal’ network.
Bluetooth technology can be used inside laptops, speakers, refrigerators, cars, and – of course – headphones. Bluetooth has many uses, but the most common consumer application so far, has been for wireless headphones.
Perfect for listening to music on the subway, in an Uber, or studying without any entangled cords – Bluetooth headphones allow for a better overall listening experience. And without wires getting in the way – we personally love these headphones for running on the treadmill, or for powering us through an intense kickboxing workout.
How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones
These days, many smartphones require you to move to wireless or Bluetooth headphones, as many manufacturers have completely removed the headphone jack from their smartphone models. This means that you will need to purchase a pair of headphones that can easily connect to your phone.
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your smartphone is very easy. Rather than use a cord to connect your headphones, you will simply use radio waves instead.
Turn on your headphones, go to your system settings on the desired device, and click ‘connect’. That’s it.
While some devices and headphones may have slightly different connecting procedures, they won’t really vary from the standard ‘turn on, connect, and enjoy’ protocol.
It should be noted that not every device is Bluetooth-compatible, though that is becoming increasingly rare these days. Most every smartphone, laptop, smart TV, and even fridge – will be Bluetooth-ready.
How We Tested
We started by looking at the best reviewed Bluetooth headphones, and then we aggregated tens of thousands of online reviews. From this research, we were able to determine which would be the best pairs to test.
Our staff tried many different types of headphones, playing everything from rap to country to podcasts. We looked at battery life, audio quality, pairing ability, range, and even more factors.
Using this unbiased data, combined with our own extensive testing, we were able to determine our top picks.
Some headphones work better for certain genres of music, but work less well for other styles. For example, not everyone will want extra bass for everything they listen to – but on some models, this option cannot be turned off.
So that type of headphone will be great for those who listen to lots of hip hop – but may be a less-than-optimal choice for classical music fans.
Are Bluetooth Headphones Safe?
There has been a little bit of controversy regarding Bluetooth devices. As with any new technological advancement, there is backlash that the technology may be somehow unsafe.
With Bluetooth, the rumor was that it may lead to an increased risk of cancer. Fortunately, scientists have looked into this, and debunked the rumor.
While the data is complex, the bottom line is that Bluetooth uses low-powered radio frequencies – which are traveling short distances. No data has shown any cause for concern, meaning Bluetooth headphones are completely safe to use.
Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones On A Plane?
Flying is one of the most amazing advancements of the last 200 years. Never before has it been easier to travel all the way across the world – and arrive at your new destination in less than 48 hours.
However, as wireless technology has taken off, there has been a little bit of concern about whether or not these devices may interfere with the precise systems needed to steer and navigate complex aircraft.
Interestingly, without certain precautions taken, Bluetooth headphones are not ideal for flying. This is due to the potential risk of interfering with the plane’s vital systems – without which, we would all crash.
In practice though, simply turn your devices off during taxiing, takeoff, and landing. During the flight itself, keep your devices in ‘airplane mode’, and that’s it!
How To Pair Bluetooth Headphones
One of the best things about Bluetooth headphones? They are incredibly easy to use.
While it may sound confusing – ‘pairing’ is the same process as ‘connecting’ – you just need to make sure your headphones and chosen device can ‘talk’ to each other.
Rather than using a wire or cord, this is now done with radio signals. Bluetooth specifically transmits data using very low-power radio frequencies. Bluetooth transmits on a frequency of 2.45 GHz, so it can provide safe and effective audio transmission.
To pair your Bluetooth headphones, simply turn on your headphones, go into the system settings for your favorite device – and click the button to connect the two. That’s it.
While each device and pair of headphones may have slightly different variations on this pairing process – the process could not be any easier.
If you drive a newer vehicle, you can often even pair your Bluetooth headphones with the car – or pair your iPhone to the car’s speakers. For those of us who remember the 8-track and cassette days – this is a revolutionary breakthrough.
You truly have the entire history and library of recorded songs – at your fingertips, no matter where you are. Truly extraordinary.
Battery Life Of Bluetooth Headphones
As heavy users of the Walkman and Discman – we love that Bluetooth headphones have indefatigable battery life. Once a week charging should be all you need to do – even if you constantly wear your headphones.
While battery life will vary a little between models, this is the rough standard we noticed in our testing, and manufacturers often claim even longer battery life, in their official documentation.
To charge the battery, usually all that’s needed is an open USB port (we almost always use our laptop for this purpose) – and the manufacturer-supplied cord. Turn your headphones off, and within an hour or two – you’ll have a fully charged battery.
You do not need to swap out AAA batteries, or anything of the sort. This is a welcome surprise, as even television remotes often still require physically swapping batteries in and out of the device itself.
This is not the case with Bluetooth headphones – which is yet another reason why we love them, and highly recommend them for regular, everyday use.
The bottom line – you will not need to worry about your headphones dying prematurely, and a quick hour or two of charging, will bring them right back up to 100%.
How To Charge Bluetooth Headphones
Charging Bluetooth headphones is very easy. Simply use the supplied cord from the manufacturer, and plug them in to any compatible device. The most common way to do this, is by simply connecting your headphones to one of the side USB ports found on nearly every laptop.
Of course, any source compatible with your manufacturer-supplied cord will work – the laptop way is simply the most popular charging method.
What To Look Out For
As with almost any electronics, you will want to avoid cheap and poorly made Bluetooth headphones. These are never worth your money, as they break easily, provide poor performance, and are made with little to no care.
While it may mean paying slightly more upfront, this slightly higher cost is definitely worth it. When you have a great pair of functioning wireless headphones two years after you’ve purchased them – you’ll be glad you spent the extra money.
While it is rare that any modern device would not be Bluetooth-compatible, you also want to be sure that your intended audio devices support Bluetooth. This means checking that your smartphone, smartwatch, or laptop will properly pair with your newly purchased Bluetooth headphones.
Nearly all consumer devices that support audio have been Bluetooth compatible for five or more years – but it never hurts to double-check. One of the easiest and most common pairing setups, is simply having your iPhone output audio to your headphones – all with no annoying wires or cords, getting in the way.
Who Are Bluetooth Headphones For?
Bluetooth headphones can be used by anyone who listens to a lot of music, but wants more flexibility. Without a cord or wire, listening becomes ten times more enjoyable, and you can move around much more.
While early incarnations of Bluetooth headphones degraded the quality of audio, any pairs from the last 5 years will not do this. Nowadays, Bluetooth headphones provide great audio quality, increased convenience, and increased portability.
Anyone from school teachers, doctors, executives, athletes and even the average Joe – will appreciate the vast advantages of listening to your favorite tunes, without any annoying cords or wires getting in the way.
The Best Bluetooth Headphones
There you have it – our picks for the best Bluetooth headphones. You can listen wireless in airports, on subways, at school, in your office, and of course – at home.
If you want some extra bass – simply choose a model that loves those low frequencies. If you’re looking for the best pair for using at the gym, go with something a little more portable.
Of course, there are a ton of great electronics besides these, so be sure to check out some of our other reviews, in the tech category.