Best Wireless Headphones 2021: Our Top Picks For November


If you're on the hunt for the best wireless headphones you can buy, you're in the right place.

As you know, not all wireless headphones are created equal and what's best is completely down to what best suits your needs.

Perhaps you're looking for a set that'll block out unwanted sound, like some of the best noise-cancelling wireless headphones, or maybe you're looking for some of the best budget wireless headphones that still deliver the goods with battery life, sound, and build quality.

In any case, we've selected our top picks from each of our guides to help you narrow down your search. So whether you're looking for some brilliant noise cancelling on the Sony WH-1000XM4s or you want a handy pick for calls in the Bose Noise Cancelling 700s, we've got you covered.

Plus. we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about wireless headphones and share the latest on some of the most anticipated sets rumoured to be heading our way...

Let's get to it!

Best Wireless Headphones

Best Wireless Headphones For Noise Cancelling - Sony WH-1000XM4

best wireless headphones, image of beige headphones
expand image
Image Credit: Sony

Manufacturer: Sony | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 30 hours (With ANC)/ 38 hours (Without ANC) | Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 254g

The Sony WH-1000XM4s are a serious contender for some of the best noise-cancelling headphones out there.

Having ANC is a must-have for high-end headphones due to their ability to block out unwanted noise. While active noise cancellation does completely remove noise, it still makes a real difference in most situations that has to be heard to be believed.

The WH-1000XM4s' HD Noise Cancelling QN1 processor actually allows for cancellation in real-time as well as the external microphones that can sense any outside background noise and neutralise it.

See more: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Best Wireless Headphones With Mic - Bose Noise Cancelling 700

best wireless headphones, image of silver over-ear headphones
expand image
Image Credit: Bose

Manufacturer: Bose | Voice Assistants: Google Assistant. Amazon Alexa | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 20 hours (With ANC) | Weight: 255g

If you're going to be spending time on Zoom, Teams or just on Discord chatting with mates, then you'll want to invest in one of the best headphones with a mic you can find - enter the Bose Noise Cancelling 700s.

Of course, you could spend a fair amount on a dedicated USB or XLR setup, but the Bose Noise Cancelling 700s provide a neat all-in-one solution to the problem.

Their microphone is said to be crisp enough for talking for prolonged periods of time, and in a world where headphone mics have never really been that promising, this makes for a welcome change.

See more: Best Headphones With Mic

Best Wireless Headphones Under 100 - Sennheiser HD 450BT

best wireless headphones, image of black over-ear headphones
expand image
Image Credit: Sennheiser

Manufacturer: Sennheiser | Battery Life: 40 hours (With ANC)/ 60 hours (Without ANC) | Bluetooth: Yes (compatible with aptX Low Latency) | ANC: Yes | Drivers: 32mm | Companion App: Yes | Weight: 238g

If you're looking for the best wireless headphones for under 100, the Sennheiser HD 450BT is certainly one to check out.

These Sennheisers seem to deliver on everything from clear-sounding 32mm drivers, having built-in ANC, and even a whopping 40h battery life (even with ANC on).

There's also a companion app with these Sennheisers too, meaning that you can adjust EQ levels and make them suit how you want them to sound.

See more: Best Wireless Headphones Under 100

Best Wireless Headphones For Apple - Apple AirPods Max

best wireless headphones, image of green over-ear headphones
expand image
Image Credit: Apple

Manufacturer: Apple | Bluetooth: Yes | Battery Life: 20 hours (With ANC) | Drivers: 40mm | Weight: 386g

For Apple users, there's really only one option for the best wireless headphones, the AirPods Max.

Even as the brand's first foray into over-ears, it looks to be a rather noble attempt thanks to standout features such as minimalistic design and great noise cancelling proving to be a smash hit.

For iOS, you could invest a pair of over-ear headphones that can also connect to multiple devices, but the key to the AirPods Max is simplicity and that seamless usage when paired with other devices within the Apple ecosystem, especially with some of the best iPhones around.

They're pricey, sure, but we can see the appeal from a mile away.

Best Budget Wireless Headphones - Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless

best wireless headphones, image of black and bronze over-ear headphones
expand image
Image Credit: Plantronics

Manufacturer: Plantronics | ANC: Yes | Foldable: No Battery Life: 22 hours (With ANC)/ 28 hours (Without ANC) | Weight: 227g

The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless tick all the right boxes when it comes to finding the best budget wireless headphones around.

Headphones like these do away with the notion that anything under $50 is sub-par, case in point, these feature a stunning design, quality build, and excellent padding.

They even feature active noise cancellation, and while at this price range it may not be as advanced as some of the more premium sets out there, it's fantastic to have it as an option without spending upwards of $100.

See more: Best Budget Wireless Headphones

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Wireless Headphones

Do noise-cancelling headphones block all sound?

Headphones such as both the Sony WH-1000XM4s and the Bose Noise Cancelling 700 look to have such good ANC that they can block out most, if not all unwanted background noise.

However, it would be a lofty claim to say they did; in reality, ANC is a great tool for blocking out most unwanted noise and with such premium headphones offering such a tight seal, this can also help in keeping you focused on the audio you're listening to.

Do I need on-ear or over-ear headphones for better sound quality?

Most headphones on this list like the Apple AirPods Maxes for example are over-ears, as they provide a better seal and surround your ear with sound.

On-ears rely on a slightly different design by having earcups that sit on your ears, as opposed to around them. This can be a little bit more comfortable, making the headphones a bit more compact, but you are at risk of sacrificing some immersion.

What is good battery life for the best wireless headphones?

For some of the best wireless headphones, be them budget ones like the Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 Wireless or more premium ones such as the Bose Noise Cancelling 700s, having excellent battery life is vital.

The best ones on this list, the Sennheiser HD 450BTs will last for 40 hours with ANC turned fully on, which is remarkable for a pair under 100, but anything above 20 or 25 hours is excellent, regardless of cost.

Can I listen to my TV with wireless headphones?

Nowadays, many of the best TVs feature built-in Bluetooth connectivity enabling you to connect to devices such as wireless headphones or even some of the best wireless speakers.

If your TV does not feature Bluetooth, you may be able to use a third-party Bluetooth transmitter to connect, however, it is not a guarantee.

New Wireless Headphones Releases, Latest News & More

The Sony WH-1000XM5 release date, whilst unannounced, remains hotly anticipated and is expected to be in August next year, and it should be one of the best wireless headphones around upon dropping.

We'll be back with you soon with all the latest.

Read More: Best Earbuds 2021: Top Picks From Budget To Premium

This Article's Topics

Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!

Deals