True wireless headphones have become a staple when it comes to audio accessories. Noise-canceling headphones over the ear are still one thing, but many companies have focused their attention on the small speakers that are placed in your ears. The advantage for consumers is that there are more options than ever to choose. New models are appearing all the time with refined designs, new features, better battery life and other advances. However, without a shortage of options, it can be difficult to clean up the mess to determine which ones are worth your money.
For this reason, we have a list of the best true wireless helmets available, along with some tips on what to look for while shopping during the holidays.
Things you have to see in wireless headphones
- When buying wireless headphones, the first thing you should consider is the battery life. These wireless headset replacements are useless if you can’t use them whenever you want. Look for the estimated battery figures of at least five hours for headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) and 10 hours or more for models that do not have that feature.
- There is already a long way from these wireless headphones, which only last two to three hours with a charge before you have to dock them in a case. Second, look closely at the integrated controls. The touch can sometimes be frustrating and in general, those with physical controls are more reliable.
- That is not always the case and some people may prefer touch controls independently. But it is definitely something you have to consider. It is also worth taking the time to see if there are any limitations on the controls that seem to be a decisive factor when buying wireless headphones.
- For example, not all wireless headphones have integrated volume control or a quick access transparency mode for brief conversations with someone. Also, be sure to look for customization options; so you must ask yourself: is there a complementary application that allows you to adapt the integrated controls to your preferences?
- There will always be wireless headphones with many improvements
Finally, consider what features you want most in a set of wireless headphones. Over the past year, there have been many improvements in battery life, sound quality and size, just to name a few. - Several true wireless options give you the ability to adjust tuning with an application-based equalizer or futz, with noise cancellation and transparency modes to mark them for your daily use. And you no longer have to settle for wireless headphones that stand out like antennas.
- There are new smaller headphones that are appearing all the time. Not only do they look better when you use them, but they are also discreet, so it is not so obvious that you are trying to disconnect from the rest of the office.
1.- Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless headphones
The latest Sony wireless headphones are still the best choice. The company offers the best sound quality and the most powerful noise cancellation of all the technology giant’s models. In addition, you can adjust the adaptive ANC settings, the built-in controls and the equalizer inside the Sony headset application.
Here is a level of customization that is not available on most competing devices. And the six hours of battery life are respectable, especially for a noise cancellation set.
The WF-1000XM3 does not have hands-free access to the Google Assistant, although you can easily call it with the integrated controls. It also looks bulky, so it will appear that you use two Bluetooth headphones instead of a pair of headphones that are a bit more discreet.
Even with those warnings, the combination of excellent audio, active noise cancellation and customizable settings make the WF-1000XM3 hard to beat.
2.- Apple AirPods Pro wireless headphones
Until the end of October, Apple AirPods were acceptable. The design was not for everyone, but the wireless headphones were a solid audio accessory. The noise canceling model that has been rumored for a long time is finally here. And the AirPods Pro is by far the best set of headphones that Apple has built.
They offer a more comfortable fit, thanks to the silicone tips that also help seal the ear so that the ANC can function effectively. The AirPods Pro is not your only option if you want a wireless charging case, but it is not yet a standard feature for wireless headphones at this time. You can also enjoy these headphones on your iPhone.
The touch controls are located on the stick extension and offer quick access to noise cancellation, transparency mode and basic music controls. Siri is always listening on the iPhone’s headphones, so you don’t have to press a button to call the voice assistant.
Most importantly, they sound great. In fact, the audio quality has improved a lot compared to the previous two AirPods models.
Yes, they are more expensive, but the AirPods Pro put comfort, good audio quality and lots of practical functions in the same elegant package. It will no longer appear that you only have a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
3.- Powerbeats Pro
Beats’ first wireless headphones impressed quite a bit when they arrived earlier this year. The combination of good sound, reliable controls and always active Siri, makes them some of the best training headphones you’ll find right now.
Its controls are somewhat limited, and there is no complementary application to help you customize the settings and sound. But the Powerbeats Pro can withstand sweat and moisture during a workout.
In addition, the hook design, although not for everyone, keeps the headphones in place while lifting weights, running or traveling. You should only consider that design element if you plan to use them with glasses.
The Powerbeats Pro are another recent Beats model that features a more uniform sound profile. There are still wide bass, but it is no longer overwhelming to the point of becoming unpleasant and exhausting. Instead, these wireless headphones are well adjusted, so they handle most musical genres with ease. They also last nine hours with a charge. So you can easily spend a full day without being forced to attach them to the case.
4.- Master and Dynamic MW07 Go
Master & Dynamic premiered its first wireless headphones in 2018. And while they had the company’s characteristic audio quality, there was room for improvement. The company massively reorganized things for this year, presenting two new models, one of which is the MW07 Go focused on sport.
The MW07 Go has no active noise cancellation, transparency mode and some of the other tools you get with the MW07 Plus (another from the company). They have crisp, clear and blunt M&D audio that sounds great in a variety of genres. You might like a good amount of bass during your workouts.
And elements like drum drums have a lot of noise, but they never dominate the audio. The integrated controls work well and are not frustrating to use. And perhaps most importantly, the MW07 Go has an IPX6 water resistance rating. Also, the headphones have a charge of 10 hours.
5.- Audio-Technica ATH-CKS5TW
Audio-Technica took a slightly different approach from its true wireless headphones for 2019. Earlier this year, the company introduced two new models for much less than the cost of some flagship models. Therefore, you might expect some compromises, but that is not the case.
The ATH-CKS5TW has excellent sound quality, with the warmth, crisp clarity and bass stroke that Audio-Technica headphones have enjoyed. There are integrated controls for music and volume. And they are physical buttons that work reliably.
The ATH-CKS5TW offers 15 hours of battery life with a charge, which makes it one of the most durable wireless headphone sets you can have. The included case provides two additional full charges, so you must spend some time before you have to plug them in again.
6.- Bang & Olufsen E8 2.0
These devices are expensive. The B&O E8 2.0 has solid audio quality and practical touch controls, and the charging case looks much better than most of the plastic ones that these headphones usually come with. In particular, that case can be wirelessly charged on any Qi certified device.
Also, if you want a charging accessory that matches your headphones and case, you can buy a slightly more expensive B&O model. Since wireless charging cases are not yet common, you may want to consider them if that is a feature you cannot live without and you are not aware of the AirPods Pro.