Best Rated Bluetooth Headphones of 2019. If we were to decide what Bluetooth headphones are the best, we would pick the first headphones on our list, from Bose. Bose have everything we want, and if you don’t know what we mean, go back and read the review again!
Who Needs a Headphone Jack?
Stereo headphones have been around since before the first Sony Walkman, and that's roughly how long we've put up with tangled wires while listening to music on the go. That's long enough, if you ask us. Fortunately, this is where wireless headphones come in. They're convenient for any situation where you don't want to deal with dangling cables—especially at the gym. And now that many phone makers are ditching the headphone jack, wireless headphones are a good way to ensure compatibility with just about any new device.
Wireless no longer means poor sound, either. These days, Bluetooth audio sounds much better than it ever has. Even though the stereo Bluetooth data signal is compressed, various headphone and earphone vendors have discovered ways of enhancing the signal to compensate for deficiencies in fidelity . (That said, audiophiles will still hear a difference and should probably stick with wired headphones.) But for casual listening, many of the most recent wireless models we've tested sound just fine—even great. Check out our buying advice below before picking the perfect pair.
Wireless Earphones vs. Headphones
Earphones (or earbuds, or in-ear headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile compared with conventional headphones. Generally, you'll get better sound from a full set of 'cans' around your head than from buds in your ears, but in-ear sound quality has improved a great deal. More importantly, in-ear headphones are much more likely to be water resistant, and much better suited for use when working out. Get a good sweat going, and you'll turn your headphone earpads into a nasty mess. For our top picks, check out the best earphones and the best headphones for running.
If you aren't primarily looking for a set of wireless earphones for the gym, conventional headphones can offer a very good listening experience. You'll still have to choose between on-ear and over-ear models, however. On-ear headphones rest the earcups against your ears, but don't surround them. Over-ear headphones completely enclose your ears. Over-ear headphones block out the most outside noise and usually provide a more powerful, rich sound, but on-ear headphones are less bulky and distracting to wear when you're out and about. See the best headphones for more.
And if you're shopping for your little one, we've also rounded up a collection of the best wired and wireless headphones for kids.
How Long Do Bluetooth Headphones Last?
Bluetooth headphones are convenient when they're charged, but once the batteries run out you're left without music. Some headphone manufacturers include a portable charging case, like Apple does with its AirPods. Others include a 3.5mm detachable cable.
See How We Test Headphones
For models with a wired option, you can plug the cable in and use them as conventional headphones until you can charge them again, and use them without issue on airplanes, to boot. Wireless earphones almost never have this option, because they're already so small there simply isn't any room to place a headphone cable jack.
What Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones?
Active noise cancellation uses outward-facing microphones to pick up and analyze noise, which then gets canceled out by circuitry that generates an inverse wave in the headphones. It was previously an expensive, cumbersome technology that couldn't be found on wireless headphones, but that changed a few years ago with advances in battery life and circuit miniaturization. You'll pay a premium for headphones with active noise cancellation, but it's a handy feature if you just want to tune out everything around you besides your music. For more, check out the best noise-cancelling headphones.
What About Completely Wire-Free Earbuds?
Truly wireless earphones completely remove the cable and make each earpiece its own discrete device that wirelessly syncs with the other one. Apple got the wire-free ball rolling with the AirPods, and since then many other earphone manufacturers have been working on their own takes on the concept.
Wire-free earphones are generally gym-friendly, with most models sporting some form of water resistance. They also usually come with their own battery-equipped carrying case for keeping them topped off when not in use, and the simple advantage of not dealing with a wire is its own significant benefit.
The trade-off is that most wire-free earphones have inferior battery life compared with tethered models, forcing you to pop them in their charging case fairly often. Their small size also means on-earphone controls are generally limited, and their price is usually significantly more than similar tethered wireless earphones. Our reviews go into greater detail about these benefits and limitations, and highlight how certain models are starting to overcome these growing pains.
For more, see the best true wireless headphones.
Do You Need Apple's W1 Chip?
If you're an iPhone user, it's worth considering a pair of headphones that use Apple's proprietary W1 chip. The W1 chip makes Bluetooth pairing even easier—there's no need to open the Settings menu, as your phone automatically prompts you to connect whenever the headphones are nearby. The chip also makes for a more stable connection and increased wireless range.
How Much Should You Spend on Wireless Headphones?
This is a look at the top wireless headphones we've tested overall, regardless of price. As such, many of the options here fall in the $100 and up range. That doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money to get headphones that deliver quality audio. If you're shopping on a budget, head over to best headphones under $50 for plenty of great options that won't break the bank.
With that in mind, we've included a range of styles and prices here. You're bound to find something that fits well, sounds great, and—above all—doesn't tie you up in knots. Once you've found the perfect pair, check out our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and six ways you're using your headphones wrong. And if you want to share your tunes with others, look no further than our favorite wireless speakers.
Best Wireless Headphones Featured in This Roundup:
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Review
MSRP: $399.95Pros: Best-in-class noise cancellation and ambient listening mode. Excellent microphone clarity. Powerful bass depth. Comfortable.Cons: Expensive. Sculpted audio not for purists. No EQ (yet).Bottom Line: The wireless Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 offer terrific audio performance, hands-free voice assistant access, and the best active noise cancellation you can buy.Read ReviewMarshall Mid ANC Review
MSRP: $269.00Pros: Bass-boosted, crisp audio. Solid noise cancellation. Marshall amp-inspired design is thoughtfully executed with attention to detail. Comfortable fit. Solid array of accessories. Excellent on-ear controls.Cons: Marshall amp look isn't for everyone. Audio is very sculpted and not for purists.Bottom Line: You won't find better noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones under $300 than the Marshall Mid ANC.Read ReviewSony WH-1000XM3 Review
MSRP: $349.99Pros: Excellent audio performance with superb bass depth and high-frequency clarity. High-quality noise cancellation. App includes adjustable EQ and ANC controls. Plush, comfortable fit.Cons: Expensive. ANC affects sound signature slightly. Cable lacks inline remote.Bottom Line: Sony's WH-1000XM3 headphones feature some of the best audio performance we've heard paired from a pair that also boasts excellent noise cancellation.Read ReviewHyperX Cloud Mix Review
MSRP: $199.99Pros: Excellent audio quality. Very clear boom mic. Solid, comfortable design.Cons: Uses pinhole microphone instead of boom in Bluetooth mode. No USB sound card included.Bottom Line: The versatile Kingston HyperX Cloud Mix works very well as both a wired gaming headset and a pair of Bluetooth headphones.Read ReviewJaybird X4 Review
MSRP: $129.99Pros: Powerful audio performance that is completely customizable using the app's EQ. Excellent in-ear fit. Waterproof.Cons: Short, proprietary charging cable.Bottom Line: The wireless, exercise-focused Jaybird X4 earphones are supremely versatile, delivering booming bass or balanced audio depending on your EQ preferences.Read ReviewJBL UA True Wireless Flash Review
MSRP: $169.95Pros: Powerful bass-forward but balanced audio performance. Solid mic clarity. Strong battery life. Waterproof. Includes one year premium membership to MapMyRun.Cons: Cuts off beginnings of newly navigated-to tracks and phone prompts. Minor hiss at low volumes.Bottom Line: The JBL UA True Wireless Flash earbuds deliver strong audio performance and excellent exercise-focused features.Read ReviewRHA T20 Wireless Review
MSRP: $249.95Pros: Nice array of eartips. Includes swappable tuning filters to increase treble or bass. Detachable earpieces can be used wirelessly or with included cable for passive, wired listening.Cons: Expensive. Included cable lacks remote or mic.Bottom Line: The RHA T20 Wireless is a terrific pair of Bluetooth earphones for anyone seeking accurate audio and an excellent in-ear fit.Read ReviewRHA TrueConnect Review
MSRP: $169.95Pros: Excellent audio performance with rich bass and detailed, clear highs. Handsome, spare design. Sweat-resistant.Cons: Controls can be hard to memorize at first. Battery life remains a weakness for all true wireless models.Bottom Line: The secure-fitting, well-designed RHA TrueConnect earphones deliver excellent true wireless audio.Read ReviewJabra Elite 85h Review
MSRP: $299.99Pros: Powerful audio performance with deep bass and bright highs. Exceptionally comfortable. Excellent app features adjustable EQ and ANC settings.Cons: Expensive. ANC can alter sound signature slightly. Weak Alexa integration. On-ear controls could be better implemented.Bottom Line: The Jabra Elite 85h headphones deliver solid wireless audio performance and active noise cancellation for the price.Read ReviewBeats Powerbeats Pro Review
MSRP: $249.95Pros: Powerful audio performance with intense bass depth and bright highs. Strong battery life. Exceptionally secure in-ear fit.Cons: Expensive. Wildly sculpted sound signature. Auto-play feature isn't for everyone.Bottom Line: A secure fit, easy operation, and a bass-forward sound signature make the Powerbeats Pro ideal true wireless earphones for Beats fans.Read Review
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Best Overall:Plantronics Voyager 5200 at Amazon
“Ups the ante with four microphones to offer unparalleled call quality.” - Best Value, Best Warranty: Plantronics Voyager Legend at Amazon
“This headset is reasonably priced and features smart-sensor technology.” - Best for Comfort:Plantronics Voyager Focus UC at Amazon
“Ideal for extended wearing with soft, padded over-ear earpieces.” - Best Budget: Mpow Pro Trucker at Amazon
“It enables crystal-clear calling even in noisy environments.” - Runner-Up, Overall: Sennheiser Presence-UC at Amazon
“Speak Focus technology eliminates most background noise.” - Runner-Up, Best for Comfort: Samsung Level U Pro at Amazon
“Far more comfortable than the always-in-your-ear standard.” - Best Design:LG Tone Free Headset at Amazon
“You can get really powerful music playback too.” - Best Hands-Free:BlueParrott B550-XT at Walmart
'A 100-percent voice-controlled headset with quick access to your phone’s voice assistant.' - Best Multipurpose: Huawei TalkBand B5 at NewEgg
“Shifting from watch to Bluetooth earpiece only takes a single push of a button.” - Best Compact:Jabra Stealth Bluetooth at Amazon
“The sound is surprisingly clear given the size.”
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Plantronics Voyager 5200
4
With most Bluetooth headsets, you’ll get two or three microphones, but the 5200 ups the ante with four microphones to offer unparalleled call quality. Its noise cancelation paired with Plantronics’ proprietary WindSmart technology mute distracting background sounds. And it also has smart-sensor technology and voice recognition that automatically answers (or ignores) calls. It pairs to multiple devices via NFC or Bluetooth and you can dictate text messages, though it won’t read incoming texts to you.
It features the familiar over-the-ear design of previous Voyager models, but the 5200 has a slightly shorter ear hook, so prepare for it to fit a bit differently than the Legend, if that’s what you’re used to. (Note that like headphones, Bluetooth headsets are one technology you’ll likely want to try on before buying as the devices fit every individual differently.) Plantronics claims up to seven hours of talk time, though when put to the test, the 5200 delivers closer to six — which is still a respectable spec.
![Ten Best Bluetooth Headphones Ten Best Bluetooth Headphones](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126228314/360029938.jpg)
If you have an existing Voyager model, it’s probably not worth the price to upgrade, but if you’re new to the market and looking for a Bluetooth headset with remarkably clear call quality, the 5200 is a winner.
Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best Plantronics headphones.
Best Value, Best Warranty: Plantronics Voyager Legend
3.3
Plantronics Voyager Legend headset design, although on the bulky side, slips comfortably over the ear. Most of the controls are located behind the ear, and the unit is built in such a way that it doesn’t interfere with the wearing of glasses as some other models do. Controls include a volume rocker switch, power on/off button, and call button.
This headset is reasonably priced and features smart-sensor technology, which can answer calls automatically when you place the headset on your ear or automatically output audio via your phone when you put the headset down. The Legend also features voice recognition. For example, just say ‘Answer’ or ‘Ignore’ when a call comes in, and the Legend will be your personal assistant.
The crystal-clear sound is aided by noise-cancelling technology. The patented triple-mic reduction of background noise and wind works up to 80 decibels. The battery lasts for up to seven hours of talk time, which is considerable; in addition, the full recharge time is a just 1.5 hours. And there’s no need to worry about the headset getting wet, as its P2i nano-coated for advanced water resistance (and even sweat-resistant).
Plantronics offers superior product support: The headset includes a one-year warranty, and the support page offers extensive resources for solving any issue.
Take a peek at some of the other best headphones under $100 you can buy.
Best for Comfort: Plantronics Voyager Focus UC
4.5
The Platronics Voyager Focus looks noticeably different than the other headsets on this list. In fact, it looks more like traditional headphones. But this pair is built with comfort in mind. Ideal for office use and extended wearing, the Voyager Focus has soft, padded over-ear earpieces that won’t drive you mad to get them to sit comfortably. It also has a thin boom mic that extends out, and can be swiveled away when not in use. If you need to drown out noisy office chatter, you can activate the noise-canceling feature, which works a bit better than others on this list considering the over-ear form factor.
When you're not using the headset, you can place the headset on its standing charge dock or juice it up via USB. It works seamlessly across Bluetooth-enabled devices and smart sensors answer calls automatically when you put on the headset. Likewise, you can mute by taking off the headset. On the downside, this is a Bluetooth-only set and some may miss the wired option, but it will certainly provide unrivaled comfort.
Best Budget: Mpow Pro Trucker Bluetooth Headset
4.2
This Mpow Bluetooth headset does one thing and it does it right: calling. While it doesn’t support listening to music, it enables crystal-clear calling even in noisy environments. Its 4X noise-canceling microphone blocks out background noise and it’s also adjustable, so it will pick up your voice accurately. It pairs easily with up to two Bluetooth devices at once and callers can roam up to 30 feet before the connection starts to fizzle. The battery guarantees 12 hours of talk time or 200 hours of standby, plus it charges up via MicroUSB in just two hours.
The design is fairly old-school, but comfortable nevertheless, and a great option for those who don’t want an in-ear design.
Runner-Up, Overall: Sennheiser Presence-UC
The Presence-UC features superior sound thanks to their proprietary HD Voice Clarity Technology. This high-definition audio technology makes the call as clear as possible, not only on the wearer’s side but on both sides of the connection.
The Presence has three microphones, rather than the usual two. The triple mics help to eliminate background noise. Sennheiser goes further than most Bluetooth headset manufacturers with Sennheiser Speak Focus technology, which eliminates most background noise, and WindSafe, which acts to eliminate wind sounds from a call. On top of all this, the ActiveGard feature will detect and eliminate sounds and noises that may be dangerous to the ear due to their high decibels or pitch.
This Sennheiser headset also features a high-quality detachable ear hook for extra convenience. Its battery generally lasts for eight to ten hours – the longest on our list – thanks to its support for Bluetooth 4.0 LE. If superior audio technology and sparkling sound is what attracts you to a Bluetooth headset, the Sennheiser Presence-UC is the top-quality choice.
Runner-Up, Best for Comfort: Samsung Level U Pro
Samsung’s Level U Pro might not look like your traditional Bluetooth headset, but that’s exactly the point. The addition of flexible urethane joints and a lightweight, ergonomic design make it fit comfortably around your neck. When a call comes in, the 6.4-ounce headset vibrates alerting you to the incoming call and allows you to place the headset in your ears and answer. Sure, it’s an unusual style, but far more comfortable than the always-in-your-ear standard Bluetooth look that has existed for years.
The Level U Pro connects to any Bluetooth-compatible smartphone or tablet and pulls double duty as a musical headset as well. A set of buttons on the right side of the neckband allows for pausing and playing music, answering and ending calls, skipping tracks and lowering the volume.
The 13mm dynamic and 13mm Piezo speakers deliver high-quality and clear sound, as well as microphone noise reduction and echo cancellation. The U Pro is rated for nine hours of music playback and nine hours of talk time at moderate volume levels, which is fairly average at this price point.
Best Design: LG Tone Free Headset
LG took a crack at the “true wireless” earbud concept with the LG Tone Free headphones, and for the most part, they’ve done a really nice job. The LG Tone line features a few different versions of the “around your neck” headphone bar that contains buds meant for running, but only the Tone Free set actually removes the wire altogether. The two buds are worn independently of the band, and you pop them right back into the band for both safe storage and as a dock for charging them. These headphones support all four Bluetooth connectivity formats: Advanced Audio Distribution, Audio/Video Remote, Handsfree, and Headset. So, not only can you make and receive calls seamlessly on these buds, but you can get really powerful music playback, too. That playback is powered by LG’s impressive Advanced Armature Speakers, which offer mind-blowing sound quality for buds that only weigh 0.2 ounces each. LG has rounded out the package with text read-back features and the ability to auto-reconnect just in case your Bluetooth drops. But features aside, the design alone on these is probably enough to sell you on making them your main Bluetooth accessory.
Best Hands-Free: BlueParrott B550-XT
BlueParrott headsets are a popular pick for truck drivers or other jobs that involve long travel, loud environments, and working with your hands. That also makes the B550-XT a great choice for anyone who could benefit from its useful features and performance. It bills itself as the world’s first 100-percent voice-controlled headset, and it does have a decent range of commands and quick access to your phone’s voice assistant.
More impressive, though, is the B550-XT’s sound quality. Its mic provides excellent audio clarity even with noisy surroundings, and it boasts 96-percent background noise cancellation. The large, cushioned earpad helps block out noise too, as adds some much-needed comfort to a device that you're probably wearing all day. The B550-XT’s battery is also listed with a talk time of 24 hours.
Best Multipurpose: Huawei TalkBand B5
It’s a wristwatch, it’s a Bluetooth earpiece, it’s both. Combining the best of two worlds, the Huawei TalkBand B5 is a truly versatile piece of equipment. Shifting from wristwatch to Bluetooth earpiece only takes a single push of a button. Once on your ear, a triple-core audio chipset enables clear calls in HD audio while dual-mic noise canceling helps reduce any unwanted background noise. Featuring a Bluetooth range of 30 feet, the TalkBand fits well within the average range of today’s wireless earpieces.
Fortunately, Bluetooth calls aren’t the only highlight of the wristwatch. Doubling as a fitness band, the B5 adds a slew of features that help keep it on your wrist daily. The usual fitness tracker specs like recording steps, calories, and distance are all included. But the Talkband B5 takes it one step further by helping to build a running plan and suggesting recovery steps after a workout. Capable of tracking running, treadmill running, walking and riding, it also provides the opportunity to monitor sleep stages. Huawei TruRelax keeps an eye on heart rate trends for stress level management.
Best Compact: Jabra Stealth Bluetooth
The Jabra Stealth is lightweight (2.7 ounces), measures 4.3” x 2” x 7.2” and has a catchy red in-ear piece and corrugated silver casing design. This model is well-balanced and does not fall from the ear easily, staying in place for prolonged amounts of time to provide maximum comfort. The sound is surprisingly clear given the size, and the Noise Blackout dual-microphone technology allows for considerable reduction of background noise. A2DP is supported for music streaming. You can pair two devices to the headset concurrently, and there’s even support for NFC pairing.
If you’re always losing your Bluetooth headset, Jabra has you covered, with the Jabra Assist App. This mobile app allows you to find your Jabra Stealth using GPS. And unlike other models from Jabra, the Stealth has a physical mute button. While this model might not be the loudest in terms of overall sound, the battery has a reasonably long life (lasting for four to five hours).
Tested by
How We Tested
We bought four top-rated bluetooth headsets that our reviewers tested for 130 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these headsets, from their sound quality to their design. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Bluetooth Headset
Call quality -Call quality is one of the most important features of a Bluetooth headset because it’s likely the main reason you have one in the first place. In addition to high-quality speakers, look for a headset with multiple microphones — most have one or two, but a fancy headset will score you up to four.
Noise-canceling -To help deliver the best call quality, spring for a headset with advanced noise-canceling technology. In some sets, an additional microphone is even included to pick up background noise and block it out.
Design -Clear call quality is great, but if your Bluetooth headset is uncomfortable, you will spend more time fiddling with it than focusing on your call. There are a wide variety of designs available, ranging from a single over-ear piece to an around-the-neck style. Don’t overthink it — pick the one that feels most natural to you.
Test Results: Plantronics Voyager 5200 (Best Overall)
4
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Great call clarity
- Extensive battery life
Our testers liked this Bluetooth headset for its “top-notch” call quality and vocal clarity, as well as its effective noise cancellation. One of our reviewers also praised the “intuitive controls — from interesting call sensors to an adaptive mute button.” In terms of downsides, one of our reviewers found it bulky and couldn’t get it to sit well in his ears. One of our testers commented, “These aren't designed as headphones, and as such, they tend not to do great with bassy music.” Bottom line: “You’ll get a lot of premium features including solid call quality and good controls,” remarked one of our reviewers.
Test Results: Plantronics Voyager Legend (Best Value, Best Warranty)
3.3
What We Like
- Very clear sound
- Responds to voice commands
- Comes with a magnetic charger
What We Don’t Like
- Not comfortable
- Bad bass response
“With an impressive mic array system and solid noise reduction, your voice will be crystal clear with this headset,” revealed one of our testers. One of our reviewers was also pleasantly surprised at how much he liked the look of it: “The design—even though I wouldn't personally walk around with this in my ear outside of the house—was sleek.” However, one of our testers tried all the included earbuds but couldn’t find one with the ideal fit, so be aware that you may have to try this headset on before fully committing. The fit can also affect the bass response, cautioned one of our reviewers. However, based on the call quality and “some premium control features,” one of our testers felt the overall value outweighed the cons.
Test Results: Plantronics Voyager Focus UC (Best for Comfort)
4.5
What We Like
- Good sound quality
- Easily connects to your device
- Comfortable
What We Don’t Like
- Charging station is bulky
- Battery life could be better
Comfort, ease of use, and high-quality sound were some of the things our testers loved about this headset. One of our reviewers said, “Memory foam padding in both the ear cups and the headband make for a really easy-to-wear construction.” Other highlights? “With an intuitive, adaptive mute button, automatic call sensors, and a twistable volume control, this headset leaves a lot of guesswork out of it,” noted one of our testers. There weren’t a lot of negatives, but one of our reviewers wished for a longer battery life: “Adding just a few more hours would have gone a long way toward making this headset truly worth the price,” he said. Overall? “If you are looking for a premium-priced headset, the Voyager Focus will definitely not disappoint,” one of our testers declared.
Test Results: Mpow Pro Truck Driver Bluetooth Headset (Best Budget)
4.2
What We Like
- Great price
- Good call clarity
- Impressive battery life
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly uncomfortable
- Not portable
“On price alone, these are a no-brainer,” raved one of our testers. Our reviewers were particularly impressed with the call clarity at this price point, as well as the battery life and features. One of our testers did note it was “difficult to wear these for long talking sessions,” however, because the set wasn’t very comfortable. Though one reviewer wished it were possible to fold the headset (to make it more portable), she would still recommend this model if you’re looking for a basic Bluetooth headset that does what it promises.