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The 15 Best Wireless Headphones for Every Budget

Audiophiles, rejoice!

By Vanessa Powell
shot of a young businessman using a smartphone and headphones in the city
Getty/ PeopleImages

Guys, it’s the 2020s, which means it’s time to cut the cord…from your headphones, that is. Your old, wired, over-ear cans may still work, but there is an entire new world of music listening you can immerse yourself in with a fresh pair of wireless headphones. When it comes to jamming, there is a drastic difference in sound quality and user experience from a good pair of headphones compared to a great one. But just because a brand offers a pricey option attached to a laundry list of features, that doesn’t mean they are a good fit for you.

    The best wireless headphones for listening to music check off comfort, portability, battery life, durability, and of course listening quality. The market has exploded with options, making shopping for the best wireless headphones seem like quite a chore. Just like shopping for a car or a good pair of sneakers, you’ll want to consider characteristics in a product that you prioritize the most. Some wireless headphones are even better for certain genres (more on that later).

    Wireless Earbuds or Over-Ear Wireless Headphones?

    We love a good pair of easy-to-store earbuds, but if you’re a bass-hunting audiophile or a master gamer, you should seek a great pair of over-the-ear wireless headphones. You get better noise-canceling capabilities to drown out ambient sound, a fuller, more luxurious listening experience; and a safer way to bump loud beats. Plus, these wireless headphones safeguard your hearing, because you won’t need to turn the volume up as high due to the noise-canceling capabilities. There is also a greater distance between loud sound and your eardrums, without sticking anything in your ears.

    While there’s nothing like the feel of a soft leather cushion creating a sexy pool of sound waves of your favorite music, there isn’t much to say about the convenience of lugging around a clunky pair of over-the-ear headphones—even if they fold up and come in a nice carrying case. That’s where wireless earbuds come in.

    With the latest tech advances, these pocket-sized personal speakers can get the job done with flying colors, and usually at a lower price point. Sure, you might be trading in-studio listening for a more portable option, but with the latest tech advances, it becomes an experience only true audiophiles will notice (we’re talking soundstage, frequency, and harmonic distortion). If you’re an everyday, average listener that prioritizes efficiency over audio specs, go for a solid pair of wireless earbuds—and, trust us, you won’t recognize a difference.

    Ahead, we bring you the top-rated wireless headphones of 2023. We cover both wireless earbuds and over-the-ear wireless options at every price point, so you can find a pair that best fits your lifestyle. From the best wireless headphones for working out in, for outdoor running, traveling, and more—there is something on this list for every type of listener. Whether you're an Android guy or an iPhone stan, get ready to invest in a new listening experience because the best wireless headphones are worth every penny. You just have to find the right fit for you.

    Read more: Best Headphones for Running

    Best Wireless Headphones Overall

    Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700

    Editor’s Choice
    Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
    Best Wireless Headphones Overall

    Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700

    $379 at Amazon$379 at Walmart$379 at hp.com

    • 11 levels of smart noise cancelation
    • 20 hours of battery life on a single charge
    • Built-in voice control
    • One touch to Spotify
    • IPX4 water-resistant rating

    You will rarely find a best wireless headphones list that does not include at least one style from Bose. As a leader in the audio space (and the official sound of the NFL), Bose has the bragging rights of creating noise-canceling audio unlike anyone else—just ask Tom Brady.

    The 700s have fantastic active noise-canceling capabilities that you can customize through the app, meaning you can allow background noise in when you want it. It’s a versatile wireless headphones option for travelers, office workers, and students alike that sometimes want to let in noise for safety. The deep, rich sound is crisp and clear with a stellar bass at every level and genre.

    They have an IPX4 rating making them water-resistant (just don’t submerge them). They have 20 hours of wireless battery life, voice assistant features, and a one-touch listen to Spotify, making these headphones extremely easy to navigate. Best of all, they are lightweight and comfortable, not compromising design for quality.

    Read more: Best Tech Gadgets for Men

    Best Wireless Headphones For iPhone Users

    Apple AirPods Max

    Apple AirPods Max
    Best Wireless Headphones For iPhone Users

    Apple AirPods Max

    • Apple high-fidelity audio
    ANC technology
    • Apple H1 chip for automatic connection
    • 20 hours of battery life
    • IPX4 water-resistant rating

    If you haven’t figured it out by now, the best wireless headphones in the biz don’t come at a cheap price—and the long-awaited Apple AirPods Max are no exception to that. They will set you back nearly $550, but they bring in a ton of special features, making this investment worth its hype.

    What sets the AirPods Max apart from the others on this list is the spacious audio hub, letting sound waves breathe before reaching your ears. The result is a crisp and balanced sound, achieving a wide range of depth and a vibrational bass at any volume level. It’s the closest you’ll get to being at an actual concert but in the comfort of your own personal space.

    They deserve no criticism on both the noise cancelation and transparency mode, but if you’re set on adjusting the levels (like you can with Bose and Sony), you’re going to want to pass. They come with magnetic ear cushions that can be swapped out for an added cost and feature the famous H1 chip, which makes pairing with any Apple product a breeze. You'll get 20 hours of battery life and an impractical protective case, but the killer features and spatial audio is legit.

    Best Wireless Headphones For Working

    Apple AirPods Pro

    Best Seller
    Apple AirPods Pro
    Best Wireless Headphones For Working

    Apple AirPods Pro

    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer

    • ANC technology
    • 5 hours of battery life, 24 hours with charging case
    H1 chip for Apple products
    • Siri built-in
    • IPX4 water-resistant rating

    There’s no way Apple AirPods Pro was not going to make this list. Apple took the world by storm when they first dropped the true wireless tiny buds. You can tune out the world around you with just one tap for ANC—making these an exceptional office-friendly option. Plus, the dual mic system remains crystal clear, even in noisy settings.

    They have a more custom fit than the first go-around that helps keep them in place with interchangeable ear tips. The tiny speakers pack a punchy sound with a full-bodied base. It might not be audiophile status, but the convenience of these wireless earbuds is pretty damn great.

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    Best Wireless Headphones For Working Out

    Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds

    Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
    Best Wireless Headphones For Working Out

    Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds

    Now 20% Off
    Credit: Courtesy of Retailer

    Noise isolation
    • 9 hours of battery life, 24 hours with charging case
    H1 chip for Apple products
    • Siri built-in
    • IPX4 water-resistant rating

    Dr. Dre wouldn’t steer you wrong with just average audio. The Powerbeats Pro are one of the best true wireless headphones on this list. They are more substantial than typical earbuds, making the drivers, bass, and sound quality a step closer to over-the-ear headphones options, but still in a compact size.

    The low-profile and lightweight design makes them the number one choice for all types of workouts, even for Superman pushups. You get nine hours of battery life and another 24 from their charging case. These wireless earbuds also have a dual mic and single connection capability for taking calls and leaving one ear open.

    Best Sound Quality

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0 True Wireless Earphones

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0 True Wireless Earphones
    Best Sound Quality

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0 True Wireless Earphones

    Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

    • Transparency adjustable (background noise, not fully ANC)
    • 4 hours of battery life, 16 hours with charging case
    • No IPX rating

    Bang & Olufsen offers a great pair of wireless headphones in a great design and for a good deal. The first thing you notice is the aesthetics. They come in a sleek, pebbled leather carrying case and you can choose from five different luxe color options to match your vibe.

    Now, onto what you’re paying for: the exceptional custom sound that pumps through these pocket-sized speakers. Precise audio is their M.O. You can hear minor details in songs that you wouldn’t be able to on other, less-expensive earbuds, making these a good, commuter-friendly option for the audiophile listening to all genres.

    But the best thing about anything from B&O is the coordinating Beoplay app. In it, you can adjust the volume, sound transparency and select the type of sound you’re listening to—commute, workout, or podcast, to name a few.

    The only setback is that these earbuds don’t offer noise cancelation. While the transparency slider allows you to adjust background noise, but you can’t tune it out completely. For someone that doesn’t prioritize this, it’s not a deal-breaker. Once you get used to the convenient touch controls, you’ll be the coolest kid on the block, jammin’ in your B&O’s true wireless buds.

    Best Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

    Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

    Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
    Best Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

    Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

    Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

    Dual noise sensor ANC technology
    30 hours of battery life
    Touch sensor controls
    Built-in voice control

    Just ask anyone on the internet for the leading active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones and they'll tell you it’s the Sony XM4s (for short). Audiophiles sing the praises of the top-notch ANC in these babies. While the design might not be as compact as some of the others on this list, making for a chunkier home, the sound quality you’ll get is unparalleled.

    These wireless headphones are a leader in both sound and comfort, matched with high-tech features, like automatic calibration mode to detect the shape of your head for the optimal experience.

    Sony uses something called Digital Sound Enhancement technology that processes high-resolution audio when using a streaming service. This makes for better highs in audio, along with punchy bass. The result of the openness of each earphone is a balanced and dynamic sound, great for bass-hunting audiophiles looking to tune out from the world.

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    Best Wireless Headphones For All Music Genres

    Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones

    Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones
    Best Wireless Headphones For All Music Genres

    Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Headphones

    Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

    • Advanced ANC technology
    • 17 hours of battery life
    • Built-in Tile chip
    Custom equalizer
    IPX4 water-resistant rating

    Sennheiser is a leading brand of audio pros. It’s what many top recording artists and producers use to create the music you listen to every day. So it only makes sense to use what the pros do for your own listening entertainment. The Momentum 3 Wireless is an exceptional wireless headphones choice for warm sound, great for instrumentals, and deep sultry bass. You can customize the equalizer depending on your genre, making it a great option for anything from jazz to soul to hip hop or EDM.

    You get an integrated and adjustable ANC that can quiet background noise entirely. The sophisticated design nods to a retro look with luxurious comfort for longer wears (even with glasses). These wireless headphones have the latest Bluetooth firmware for a seamless connection to any type of device, along with a 17-hour battery life. If you’re one that frequently misplaces your headphones, you may want to consider these, as they have a built-in Tile chip, so you can track their location at any time.

    Best Multi-Fuctional Headphones

    Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

    Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
    Best Multi-Fuctional Headphones

    Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

    Now 28% Off
    Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers
    Pros
    Cons

      • ANC adjustable technology
      • 5.5 hours of battery life, 24 hours with charging case
      • No built-in voice assistant
      • IPX4 water-resistant rating

      These compact wireless earbuds bring you a little bit of everything. They feature 12MM speakers, six microphones for phone calls, over 5 hours of battery life, wind and weather protection, a multi-connect system, and more.

      With adjustable noise-canceling settings (11 to be exact) to find your perfect sound, if there’s one set of wireless headphones that have it all, it’s these. They're one of the best wireless headphones for traveling, commuting, working, and working out. If you’re looking for a one-size-fits option (for both iPhone and Android), go for the Jabra 85Ts. The sound quality is comparable to the AirPods Pro, but they have a slightly longer battery life, a more compact size, and they're a better fit for all devices.

      Best Wireless Headphones Design

      Master & Dynamic Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

      Master & Dynamic Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones
      Best Wireless Headphones Design

      Master & Dynamic Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

      • ANC technology
      • 24 hours of battery life
      Built-in microphone

      The Master and Dynamic MW65 Noise-Canceling Headphones give off the same sexy feel of a vintage European car. Sure, they look cool, but they perform even better. If you’re a lover of retro style and high-tech luxury (that comes at a higher price point), look no further.

      You get ample control over these wireless headphones with multiple buttons on each ear to help you swiftly through notifications, talk to your Google Assistant, or adjust audio levels. And they do a great job of filtering out excessive noise through noise cancelation. These headphones support all genres of music (not just bass-happy pop fans) with consistent frequency response. You’ll get better clarity and less bass, ideal for classical, folk, or bluegrass listening.

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      Best Wireless Earbuds Under $300

      Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds

      Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds
      Best Wireless Earbuds Under $300

      Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds

      Now 27% Off
      Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

      • 10 levels of ANC technology
      • 6 hours of battery life, 18 from the charging case
      • IPX4 water-resistant rating
      • Tap controls
      • Voice assistant

      As one of the pricier pairs of wireless earbuds on this list, Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling wireless headphones live up to their hype, especially for bass-hunting listeners of hip hop and EDM. And they straight up just feel good in your ears. Bose uses something called StayHear Max ear tips, which are flexible silicone wing that tucks into the ridge of the ear for soft, added stability.

      You can sculpt your own audio profile through the coordinating app with automatic equalizer boosts. The sound feels dynamic and deep at any volume. The rich soundstage makes the nearly $300 price tag worth it.

      But their ultimate claim to fame is their near-perfect active noise cancelation. You can choose between 10 levels of ANC and completely tune out the world around you. It’s pretty amazing that such a small bud can do an astonishing job at this. When you take out one earbud, the other goes into noise-isolating mode so you can (sort of) come back to earth. One more major callout is the “self-voice” feature, which allows you to adjust how much you hear your own voice on a call so you don’t end up talking too loudly (this is typically a complaint of any ANC headphones). They are on the larger side for a compact earbud, but worth all the fancy features that come along with them.

      Best Budget Wireless Headphones

      JBL TUNE 750BTNC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

      JBL TUNE 750BTNC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
      Best Budget Wireless Headphones

      JBL TUNE 750BTNC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

      Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

      • ANC technology
      • Bluetooth 4.2 (Bluetooth 5 is the latest standard)
      • 15 hours of battery life
      • No IPX water-resistant rating
      • Built-in microphone and voice assist

      JBL is no rookie in the audio space, and for $130 (less than the price of AirPods Pro), you can’t beat the value. They rank high on this list in terms of comfort and packability, with a sound system that brings punchy bass and an above average, yet adjustable ANC system. They are smaller in size, meaning you can’t compare them to the Apple, Bose, or Sony options on this list, but place them in their own category of quality sound.

      The battery life is average, with a 15-hour claim and 2-hour of recharging time. There is no proper IP rating, so tread lightly in all-weather workouts. While you don’t get a protective case, keep in mind that you’re paying for the solid, consistent audio, that remains strides ahead of earbuds at a reasonable price.

      Most Secure Fit Wireless Earbuds

      Jaybird Vista Totally Wireless Sport Earbuds

      Jaybird Vista Totally Wireless Sport Earbuds
      Most Secure Fit Wireless Earbuds

      Jaybird Vista Totally Wireless Sport Earbuds

      Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

      • Noise isolation
      • 6 hours of battery life, 10 hours with charging case
      • IPX7 rating

      The Jaybird Vistas are the most durable pair of wireless earbuds on this list. The brand calls them #EARTHPROOF, and at an IPX7 rating, they can withstand pretty much anything.

      The major draw to these earbuds is how little they weigh and how great they stay in your ear, thanks to their custom silicone wingtip. Even after a full battery drain (six hours of wearing them), you will forget you even have them in. The tap controls eliminate the need to take out your phone to adjust the volume or skip a song, and you can adjust these shortcuts accordingly through the Jaybird app.

      The app also features a custom equalizer where you can preset audio profiles for different genres. The audio is solid—everything you can expect from a compact and durable earbud. It’s not audiophile status, but it’s definitely not cheap sounding. The unsung hero, however, is the carrying case. With magnetic closure and shallow grooves, it’s slim enough to fit in a jeans pocket. Plus, it comes with a lanyard.

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      Most Incognito True Wireless Earbuds

      Earin A-3 True Wireless Earbuds

      Earin A-3 True Wireless Earbuds
      Most Incognito True Wireless Earbuds

      Earin A-3 True Wireless Earbuds

      Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

      • No ANC technology
      • 5 hours of battery life, 30 hours with charging case
      • IP52 rating (sweat and dust resistance)

      Earin invented the “true wireless” earbuds dating back to 2015. Since then, the Swedish brand has come out with the smallest, lightest earbuds on the market: the A3s. They remove the stem you see on the other earbuds on this list, making them the best wireless earbuds with the most incognito design. They don’t interfere with your hair, mask, glasses, or anything else, in fact—you end up forgetting you’re wearing them at all.

      And before you decide an earbud this small couldn’t possibly create quality sound, think again. The tech on these is so advanced, it can detect which ear is which—you never have to worry about inserting the wrong bud. More importantly, Earin placed 14.3mm dynamic drivers into these tiny baby buds (that’s an impressive, compact speaker that brings luxury-sounding audio). The A3s bring both a solid bass and frequency balance.

      Most Comfortable Over-The-Ear Wireless Headphones

      Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

      Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
      Most Comfortable Over-The-Ear Wireless Headphones

      Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

      Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

      • Smart ANC technology
      • 36 hours of battery life
      • Certified rain-resistant (with warranty)
      Built-in microphone and voice assist

      The Jabra Elite 85h are another more affordable pair of over-the-ear wireless headphones. They might not outperform the sound quality of the Sony or Bose options on this list, but for nearly $200, these wireless headphones are holding their own. Taking price out of the equation entirely, they are highly rated when it comes to comfort, even for people with glasses. If you’re one to get sick of the feeling of an over-the-ear headphone, especially on long travel days, these are for you. The reviews are flooded with how comfortable they are.

      Jabra uses smart noise cancelation to filter out ambient sound automatically, and you can also control it all through the Jabra Sound+ app. Another feature other models don’t have is the HearThru setting, which in turn amplifies your surroundings for when you need to stay alert but don’t want to turn off your tunes.

      You get an impressive 35 hours of battery life, Alexa and Google voice assistance, and a water-resistant nanocoating. They are a bit bulky in size but provide crisp, clear, and balanced audio.

      Best Wireless Headphones Under $50

      Beats Flex Earbuds

      Beats Flex Earbuds
      Best Wireless Headphones Under $50

      Beats Flex Earbuds

      Credit: Photos Courtesy of Retailers

      No ANC technology
      • 12 hours of battery life

      If you’re someone prone to misplacing your headphones, or you want to add another pair of wireless headphones into your audio listening arsenal without burning a hole in your pocket, you can’t go wrong with the Beats Flex. For just under $50, you get Beats-worthy audio. While they aren’t true wireless headphones (we call them "wired wireless"), this design eliminates the problem of a bud popping out while you’re on the go.

      If you’re a simple guy, looking for a simple pair of headphones at an accessible price point, consider the small investment for wireless headphones that gets the job done well. They work great for making calls and have a good battery life compared to other models at a similar price point. Best of all, the sound is pretty impressive. While there are no bells and whistles like a custom equalizer, active noise cancelation, or an IPX rating, the Beats Flex are the best choice when it comes to sound quality and design for under $50.

      Lettermark
      Vanessa Powell

      Vanessa is an established editor, stylist and shopping expert covering all things style, gear and wellness. She lives in Los Angeles and is passionate about sharing innovative products, tips and trends for people and the planet.

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