The best wireless headphones in 2020

Investing in the best wireless headphones doesn’t just free you from pesky cables. It also makes pairing to your portable devices (e.g. smartphone, laptop, tablet) more convenient, while offering listeners rich sound and special features that aren’t available on wired headphones.

Wireless headphones are more in-demand than ever, especially as modern smartphones ditch the headphone jack in favor of Bluetooth. Hence why we are testing the top models from every major headphone brand such as Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, and even Apple, along with rising stars like Jabra and JLab Audio. Our job is to find the right fit for your budget and style. 

• The best noise-cancelling headphones right now
• Our picks for the best wireless earbuds
• The best computer speakers

In compiling a list of the best wireless headphones, Tom’s Guide evaluates several factors: including design, battery life, comfortability, and newly introduced features that increase their value. We also test audio performance across a range of music genres, as well as take controls and ease of use into consideration.

That being said, if you're searching for over-ear headphones or wireless earbuds, the ideal place to start is right here. Let’s take a look at the best wireless headphones you can buy now.

What are the best wireless headphones?

At the top of our list is the Bose 700, which also happens to be the No.1 pick on our best noise cancelling headphones roundup. Bose updated its adaptive mic system to deliver champion active noise cancellation that can be adjusted across 11 different levels via mobile app. The improvements in ANC circuitry also boost sound and call quality, giving these noise-cancellers phenomenal all-around performance.  

Next up is the Apple AirPods Pro – a surprise launch that has dominated the wireless earbuds category with surprisingly good noise cancelation. Newer features like the pinch-gesture controls and hands-free “Hey Siri” support make operating these pearly danglers a breeze, while series hallmarks such as the 24-hour charging case and instant iOS connectivity remain intact.

For the best overall wireless earbuds, there is no better option than the all-new Jabra Elite Active 75t. These sporty buds are the perfect balance of form and function, packing several listening features into a tiny waterproof design. Sound is dynamic, thanks to the inclusion of a built-in EQ and several music presets, and battery life surpasses all AirPods models: single charge and charging case capacities.

There are several other models available that are designed for practicality and individual needs, ranging from Apple-centric sports headphones to super-affordable earbuds in true wireless form. Not to mention we just found out about a new pair that will challenge the AirPods Pro with most of the same features and much better audio quality, which will likely make its way onto this list once tested by us and released to market.

The best wireless headphones right now

1. Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Size and Weight: 8 x 6.5 x 2 inches, 8.8 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 20 hours (NC on) | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

These aren't your daddy's Bose. The Bose 700 headphones have raised the bar for active noise cancelling headphones, effectively silencing outside noise while simultaneously allowing you to clearly be heard when talking to someone on the phone or cueing up a digital assistant. The 700s don't skimp on audio quality either, offering clean, balanced sound with some impressive, intuitive tech flourishes.

Right now, it’s the only model engineered with 11 levels of noise cancellation to keep things quiet without adding distortion to your music, and the Full Transparency mode is similarly impressive. The headphones also come available in four striking colors: Black, Luxe Silver, Soapstone, and Eclipse. The Eclipse version is sold exclusively on Apple.com and Bose.com, and is bundled with a travel charging case that holds 40 extra hours of playtime. Add it all up, and it's easy to see why the Bose 700 is our best wireless headphones overall.

See our full Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review. 

2. Apple AirPods Pro

Size and Weight: 2.4 x 1.7 x 0.9 inches, 8.8 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 4.5 hours (NC on) | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

Apple’s noise-cancelling wireless earbuds have definitely lived up to their hype. Headlining its feature set is active noise cancellation, which is surprisingly effective for hushing rowdy commuters and minimizing background noises during phone calls. The addition of ear tips makes a world of difference for both on-ear stability and sound quality; the tips produce a safe, tight seal that allows music to sound fuller. Apple also developed an adaptive EQ that automatically tunes the low and mid frequencies to your ear shape. 

Hands? That's so passé. Thanks to Apple's H1 chip, the AirPods Pro are packing even more hands-free Siri integration. Plus, you get the near-instant pairing and stable connections we've come to expect from an Apple audio product. And with the new Force Sensors embedded in the redesigned stems, you may never need to touch your smartphone ever again. 

See our full Apple AirPods Pro review.

3. Jabra Elite Active 75t

Size and Weight: 0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6 inches, 0.19 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 7.5 hours; 28 hours (with charging case) | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

If you are looking for a pair of truly wireless earbuds that offers the right balance of personalized comfort, sound, and sporty features, then add the Jabra Elite Active 75t to your shopping cart. These buds earned a perfect score (5 stars) and our coveted Editor’s Choice badge for their amazing overall performance. Design-wise, they are 22% smaller than their predecessor, the critically acclaimed Elite Active 65t, and more rugged. Jabra also added IP57 certification to make them fully waterproof in up to 1 meter of water. 

Audio is another hallmark of the Elite Active 75t, delivering detailed and vibrant sound that gives music a lively presence. With the buds operating on Bluetooth 5.0 technology, they consume less power, so that you get more use out of them when fully charged. Users can also pair to two devices simultaneously and hear music wirelessly from a lengthy distance (est. 35 feet).

See our full Jabra Elite Active 75t review.

4. Sony WH-1000XM3

Size and Weight: 10.4 x 7.3 x 2.9 inches, 9 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 30 hours (NC on), 38 hours (NC off) | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

To say Sony upped its game with the WH-1000XM3 would be an understatement. The improvements in audio fidelity alone place these wireless headphones nearly on par with the Bose 700. They deliver a powerful low-end punch suited for their target demographic, bass lovers, and grant listeners a suite of sound-optimizing options accessible through the Connect app. Most music genres are well-represented, with live recordings shining in Ambient mode. The WH-1000XM3 even supports five codecs for music playback — aptX, aptX HD, AAC, LDAC, and SBC — each engineered to maximize sound quality over Bluetooth. 

But the WH-1000xM3 is not just about hitting your ear drums with a sonic boom. Sony packs killer noise cancellation into a slender design, immersing listeners into their Spotify playlists, while keeping distractions to a minimum; being trapped in the middle of a construction site is the only way you’re going to be pulled away from your music. Battery life is superior as well, at 30 hours with ANC enabled.

See our full Sony WH-1000XM3 review.
 

5. Apple AirPods 2

Size: 1.6 x 0.7 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 0.14 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 5 hours;13 hours (with charging case) | Bluetooth range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

Fast, smart, and longer-lasting than the first-gen model, the AirPods 2 remains a top-tier option for iPhone owners who want the true wireless Apple experience without spending extra on the AirPods Pro. Apple has given people what they want with wireless charging and a hands-free approach to Siri. Other notable features include a Find My iPhone setting, Announce Messages with Siri, audio sharing between two AirPods or Beats headphones, and instantaneous connectivity to iOS/MacOS devices.

On top of all of that, you’ll find much pleasure knowing the AirPods 2 holds a longer charge (5 hours) than the AirPods Pro (4.5 hours). However, portable power is the same, with the charging case holding 24 hours of juice. And the fact that they offer 50% more talk time is the icing on the cake, especially since the original AirPods' was near-instantaneous. 

See our full Apple Airpods 2 review.

6. Sony WF-1000XM3 Earbuds

Size and Weight: 5.6 x 4.7 x 2.5 inches, 0.3 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 6 hours (NC on), 8 hours (NC off) | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

For a while, we didn’t think active noise cancellation was a possibility on true wireless earbuds at all, let alone good active noise cancellation. Then Sony dropped these compact sound-silencers and blew expectations out of the water. The Sony WF-1000xM3 successfully combines stellar sonics with best-in-class ANC technology, letting you enjoy your favorite music, movies or podcasts in peace. Deep, rich bass and tonal balance give these buds an edge over the rest of the competition.

The Sony Headphones app also hosts a variety of unique features, from adjustable ambient listening to custom sound profiles, elevating the WF-1000xM3’s status among the elite to land on our list of best wireless headphones. And with an estimated 6 hours of battery life (ANC on), you'll have a lot of time to indulge in some YouTube binging.

See our full Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds review.

7. Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Size and Weight: 7.1 x 6.7 x 3.2 inches, 8.2 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 20 hours (NC on), 40 hours (NC off) | Bluetooth Range: 33 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

It wasn’t that long ago that the Bose QC35 II was considered the king of noise cancellation. The 700s may have rightfully taken over its spot atop the ANC throne, but these headphones remain a hot seller that can be had for a low price and are well worth the investment.

In terms of noise neutralization, the QC35 II is only second to the 700s, which speaks loudly to its sound-silencing capabilities. The headphones also feature a liberating and comfy wireless design and a dedicated button to summon Google's AI. There is a volume-optimized EQ that makes your tunes sound great even when you crank your phone to 11, and with the 20 hours of battery life, you'll have plenty of power for a couple of cross-country flights.

See our full Bose QuietComfort 35 II review.  

8. Beats Powerbeats Pro

Size and Weight: 1.1 x 1 x 0.9 inches, 0.7 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 9 hours; 24 hours (with charging case) | Bluetooth range: 33 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

For the iPhone fanboy who desires a sporty AirPods alternative without having to give up all of its performance perks, the $249 Powerbeats Pro was specifically designed for you. These wrap-around-the-ear cordless buds don a sweat- and water-resistant shell that protects both the interior and exterior from moisture. Beats’ signature sleek low-profile design is on full display with the embossed B logo sitting pretty in the front.

Since it is technically an Apple product, that means you can expect Apple-y integration as well, which includes access to several iOS-friendly features and quick pairing to all iOS/MacOS devices. In addition, the Powerbeats Pro offers solid audio and a secure, comfortable fit. The best part? You get 9 hours of battery life, which is 4 hours longer than the AirPods.  Just keep in mind that these earbuds are also bigger than the AirPods.

See our full Powerbeats Pro Review.

9. JLab JBuds Air Wireless Earphones

Size and Weight: 1.8 x 3 x 1.6 inches, 0.13 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 4 hours, 14 hours (with charging case) | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

No one said you had to pay a premium to own great wireless earbuds. In fact, JLab has built its reputation manufacturing trustworthy cordless buds for cheap. At under $50, you can’t go wrong with the JBuds Air, which features powerful bass response and sturdy aesthetics. The buds are a superlative choice for exercisers who want energetic sound and IP55 durability, as well as budget shoppers who want an AirPods alternative for $100 less.

Battery life falls in the same area as the AirPods, though the portable carrying case does guarantee the buds won’t die on the road, storing up to 14 hours when fully charged. It’s also cool that the charging cable is built into the design, eliminating the need to carry around extra wires. We also love that the case is lightweight and doesn’t weigh down your pockets.

See our reviews of the best cheap wireless earbuds

10. Sennheiser Momentum Free

Size and Weight: TBD (Could not find online), 1.4 ounces | Battery Life (Rated): 6 hours | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters) | Digital Assistant Support: Yes

The Sennheiser Momentum Free has what is arguably the best soundstage of any wireless earbuds, highlighted by its amazing clarity and responsive bass. Using the Sennheiser CapTune app creates an opening to fine-tune the profile to one's liking, though the default profile is engineered to reproduce all frequencies equally. Seriously, you don’t need to touch it to get prime sound out of these buds.  The Momentum Free also does a surprisingly good job of stabilizing connections, ensuring little-to-no dropout when you're standing several feet away from an audio source. Multipoint connectivity makes switching between devices seamless as well.

Sennheiser just announced the Momentum True Wireless 2, which looks to offer much longer battery life, active noise canceling and Transparent Hearing mode. Essentially, they should be like AirPods Pro, but with much better sound than its predecessor and the AirPods Pro.

See our full Sennheiser Momentum Free review.

How to choose the best wireless headphones for you

The most important thing to look for in the best wireless headphones is battery life. Most devices have an expected battery life, or the number of hours the company says the device can last on a charge. Most wireless earbuds are rated for 5 to 8 hours, while Bluetooth headphones can last about 25 hours or higher.

Another important factor is design — depending on how you like to wear them, you may want to go with on-ear, over-ear or in-ear wireless headphones.

Let’s not forget accessories. Should you want to purchase wireless headphones, look at the bundled accessories listed on the packaging. On your radar should be an aux cable, carry case, charging cable, and a user guide.

If you're interested in a pair of truly wireless buds, make sure you receive a handful of extra ear tips, charging cable, user guide, and most importantly, a charging case. Since earbuds have shorter battery life than over-the-ear headphones, there's a great likelihood you'll have to charge them on the go. 

Customization, while not a necessity, is something else to consider. Those who are interested in personalizing their own headphones or earbuds can check online to see what brands have customization programs; Bose currently lets you design the QC35 II with 37 different colors and two finishes (high-gloss or anodized aluminum) for an extra $50.

How we test the best wireless headphones and earbuds

To help you separate the wheat from the chaff when shopping for headphones, Tom's Guide evaluates the following criteria: design, comfort, features, performance and value. We employ a rigorous review process, comparing products with similar fit, features and pricing.

Each pair is worn over the course of a week for 2 hours at a time. During this testing period, the staff is evaluating comfort, ease of use and, of course, audio quality. We listen to several predetermined sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, and we evaluate the volume, clarity and fullness.

In terms of features, we test the effectiveness of active noise cancelling, Bluetooth range and battery life. For the fitness-focused models, we test to see how they stand up to vigorous workouts, evaluating both how securely they fit while we exercise and how well they handle ambient noise from things like falling weights and gym machines. We test every feature for app-enabled headphones along with ease of setup.

Once we complete our testing, we rate headphones based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product is truly exemplary, it's awarded an Editors' Choice.

And now that more streaming music services are offering high-resolution resolution audio, be sure to read our audio codec FAQ for everything you need to know about FLAC files, MP3s and everything in between.

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