Convenience is everything. True wireless headphones have always been about ergonomic convenience, and they’re so much fun to use!
Everything we do is enhanced when we’re not bogged down with wires. Commuting in the mornings, enjoying music while we work, going for a light jog in the evening, or working out at the gym — all these activities are easier and more satisfying when music is playing, adding extra inspiration and motivation.
Today, the best wireless headphones have many features making them simple to use, seamless to connect, and highly satisfying to listen to.
Wireless headphones come with a wealth of attractive features. Active noise-canceling, hands-free smart controls, and built-in microphones are popular among wireless headphone users. However, because there are so many options, it can be confusing to determine which wireless headphones are perfect for your scenario. So, we’ve taken the guesswork out of it and compiled a list of the top features you should look for when shopping for wireless Bluetooth headphones.
Top Wireless Headphone Features
Table of Contents
Interested in learning how Audio Advice rates our headphones as the best? Read our Headphone Buyer’s Guide to learn everything there is to know about the best-sounding headphones, wireless and wired included. There’s a pair of headphones for everyone, but getting the most out of your music sometimes requires more than one pair.
We tested each pair of headphones with the same three songs. If you can visit one of our showrooms, we encourage you to do the same testing to see what you hear!
Instrumental by Black Country, New Road is a really fun track with many dynamic sounds and will test your headphones’ overall balance. You hear the thumping bassline in the back, the electric guitar jamming in the midrange, and the synth doing its thing in the higher frequencies. On top of all that, add in drums and the horns at around 2:20, and your ears are filled with instruments playing in all the frequency ranges. We’re listening to see which ones stand out more than others and if you can hear them all separately without sounding muddy.
Lay me down by Crosby & Nash is perfect for testing the midrange quality due to its beautiful vocals and harmonies. We’re listening for clear, detailed vocals not overtaken by the other high or low frequencies. It’s important that the low end is strong enough to support the midrange to allow the vocals to sound full and realistic. We’re also listening for how spacious and stable the harmonies are throughout the song.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish is undoubtedly one of the most fun songs to test on headphones. It has plenty of bass and some really well-done vocals panning all around you. Her brother, Finneas, produces her songs and has a way of perfectly blending the low, high, and whisper tones she uses throughout many of her songs. We’re listening for how well it handles the bass and her voices' overall immersion and separation. Also, who doesn’t love some good bass drops at the end of the song?
In our testing, the Sony WH-1000XM5 outshined all its competitors regarding Active Noise Cancellation. The XM5s use 8 microphones to read the ambient sound around you to dramatically reduce high-frequency noise and put you in a world of silence to let you fall deeper into your tunes. The Auto Noise Cancellation Optimizer automatically adjusts to your wearing conditions and external environmental factors such as atmospheric pressure.
Traveling by air, car, bus, or even walking along a busy urban street are great opportunities to block out unwanted noises in your environment, and Sony continues to lead the pack in their noise-canceling tech. With a new redeveloped diaphragm design made with lightweight, rigid carbon fiber, the Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz for a more refined, well-rounded soundstage compared to the previous Sony WH-1000XM4 model.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
In our testing, these were some of the most comfortable headphones on this list. They are very lightweight, and pressure is evenly distributed around your head, so they are great for working out without worrying about constantly adjusting them. The XM5s are extremely versatile and perform great when taking calls in the office, running errands downtown, and even just lounging around listening to music at home. For their price point, they have the best noise canceling, every feature you should need, and they sound fantastic.
Instrumental by Black Country, New Road: The XM5s performed admirably in reproducing the intricacies of this composition, maintaining a neutral and uncolored tonality throughout. The bassline was conveyed with satisfying weight and impact, even as the soundstage was filled with a plethora of other instruments. The ability to discern each individual instrument amidst a complex and dense mix was truly impressive, and the overall balance of the headphones made for an enjoyable and engaging listening experience.
Lay Me Down by Crosby & Nash: This is one of my favorites to test midrange quality. The XM5s did a great job producing clear vocals with a warm, full sound. The low end was a bit overpowering, and I found that adjusting it in the app made the harmonies in this song shine even more.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish: XM5 pairs extremely well with this song. If you love bass, these handled it easily while still producing Billie’s voice clearly and upfront. The noise canceling detached me from the world, making the harmonies and whispers in the background even more realistic.
Battery Life
Full charge: 30 hours of playback | 3-minute charge: 3 hours of playback
Bluetooth
5.2
Supported Audio Formats
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Similar to the XM5s, the Px7 S2 by Bowers & Wilkins is a premium over-ear wireless headphone, sporting re-designed oblong rectangular ear cups that will provide an immersive soundstage with a great sealing condition. The active noise cancellation is also impressive since it was completely overhauled with a new DSP hardware platform and algorithms that optimize the audio for the highest fidelity on phone calls and music.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 wins the “best headphones for music under $500” category because of its superb sound quality that rivals its bigger brother, the Px8. The S2’s 40mm drivers (10mm larger than XM5s 30mm drivers) are built and tuned by the same engineers who crafted the famous Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond speakers used in Abbey Road Studios.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
They’ve gone as far as angling the drive units inside the earcups to be perfectly aligned so the music can directly enter your ear canals undisturbed. This attention to detail isn’t something you usually find in headphones in this price category, and we love that they used trickle-down tech from some of their flagship products to develop the Px7 S2s.
Right away, these headphones feel and look more premium than the XM5s. We love the distinct contrast between the durable cloth and the shiny accent rings on the earcups. They create a tight seal and distribute the weight perfectly for long listening sessions. We would still recommend the XM5s if you’re looking for a headphone for the gym or absolutely need the best noise canceling possible. But if you want something more stylish with premium materials and musical sounding, the Px7 S2s have the leg up.
Instrumental by Black Country, New Road: The bass immediately felt tighter and cleaner than the XM5, which I expected with all the engineering Bowers & Wilkins put into these headphones for their music quality. The instruments were even easier to distinguish and had an effortless sound, even when they played simultaneously.
Lay Me Down by Crosby & Nash: The soundstage is incredibly immersive, fully immersing the listener in a sonic landscape of pristine clarity and crisp vocal reproduction. As the first chorus commences, I was treated to a truly spatial experience, with the vocals expertly separated and positioned, one seemingly closer and more intimate, the other slightly recessed and elevated, providing a truly mesmerizing listening experience.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish: The bass is extremely fast and actually feels like you’re in a room with a subwoofer instead of wearing headphones. Immediately, you can hear Billie's slightest breaths, even in her backing vocals. This song is extremely immersive with the right pair of headphones, and the Px7 S2s did not disappoint.
Battery Life
Full charge: 30 hours of playback | 15-minute charge: 7 hours of playback
Bluetooth
5.2
Bluetooth Codecs
aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is the new flagship headphone that offers a brand-new drive unit technology from Bowers and Wilkins—plus the engineers have doubled down on the use of premium materials for this model. Similar to the Px7 S2, the headphones have a modern, high-end style—however, instead of just cloth & aluminum for materials—the Px8 features fine Nappa leather detailing and diecast aluminum construction, which really helps these headphones create a special feeling as you wear them. From a user experience point of view, everything electronically about the design is the same as the Px7 S2.
Instead of bio-cellulose diaphragms used in Px7 S2, Px8 features a 40mm B&W driver with an ultra-low distortion carbon fiber diaphragm. Additionally, B&W stepped up from a 15mm voice coil in the Px7 S2’s to a 20mm voice coil based on their Kapton former—the same kind of voice coil former in their premium loudspeakers.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
These are positioned alongside updated magnets (or motor systems) that reduce overall distortion in the Px8 for improvements in resolution & detail. Since carbon is extremely rigid, the diaphragm will remain stiff even up into the higher range of frequencies. This means that the stiffer carbon cone diaphragms can respond to transient attacks in a more pistonic manner as instruments and other nuances hiding in your music reach up into the higher frequencies.
The result is less distortion across a wider range of frequencies with substantial improvements to the resolution of details hiding in the top-end extension—especially on music where many instruments are playing simultaneously. Compared to the great-performing Px7 S2, the accuracy and timing improvements were immediately apparent after testing the Px8.
Instrumental by Black Country, New Road: Go to 4:44 in the song where all the instruments are playing, and a horn comes in to play a solo. The Px7 S2s seem to do a great job until you experience how well the Px8s can separate the horn solo from the rest of the instruments. The Px8’s shine in the higher frequencies, like that horn solo, due to the stiffer carbon cone driver, and it’s very apparent in this song. The horn sounds detailed and right up front without losing clarity in the remaining instruments.
Lay Me Down by Crosby & Nash: The vocals were presented in a pristine and lifelike manner, with a warm and crisp tonality, through the Px8. Compared to the Px7 S2's, the vocals were imbued with a fuller, richer, more dynamic quality. The soundstage was also notably expanded. Listening to the Px8 was a truly transformative experience, and I could not imagine reverting to the Px7 S2, as the sonic improvements were substantial and immensely gratifying.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish: In comparison to the Px7 S2s, the Px8s delivered a truly expansive sound, with a notably larger and more complete presentation. Even during the most demanding passages, such as the bass drops at the end of this track, the headphones never betrayed the slightest hint of strain, instead conveying the music with an ease and effortlessness that was truly remarkable.
Battery Life
Full charge: 30 hours of playback | 15-minute charge: 7 hours of playback
Bluetooth
5.2
Bluetooth Codecs
aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
As a leader in luxury audio since 1972, № 5909 is Mark Levinson’s first high-resolution wireless headphones. № 5909 is a durable, lightweight pair of closed-back headphones that feature Mark Levinson’s Adaptive Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and almost every feature you could ask for.
As far as looks, the headphones have a modern and luxurious style. Mark Levinson’s № 5909 features black premium leather on the earpads and headband with a black anodized aluminum construction throughout — giving it a strikingly premium appearance. For a little splash of color sheen, the № 5909’s ear cups are polished with automotive-grade paint in three metallic finishes — Pearl Black, Ice Pewter, and Radiant Red. The finishes almost glisten under the right lighting like a luxury high-performance vehicle.
These are the most expensive on our list, but they are also the most luxurious on the list. With all the effort they put into making these look great, you can tell these are clearly for someone who likes to travel with style. They don’t overdo it, but when you are close to them, you can tell these are not your average cheap-looking headphones. And their sound is just as premium as their looks.
Overall, № 5909 presented a wide soundstage that was neutral. The № 5909 had good bass reproduction that sounded natural across various frequencies. Mark Levinson utilized the same engineers behind their world-renowned amplifiers, turntables, and streaming players. Then they tuned the № 5909’s custom drivers using the famous HARMAN Curve to create a neutral sound across the entire frequency response. This is the same curve we use when installing super high-performance JBL Synthesis theaters in homes. The result is a well-balanced soundstage that will let you hear your music with neutral reference-quality sound and detail retrieval that is as close to what the artist intended as we have ever experienced from a wireless ANC headphone.
Instrumental by Black Country, New Road: These are simply some of the best wireless headphones we’ve heard. The bass was fast, tight, and articulate. They delivered an effortless sound with a perfect soundstage that really immerses you.
Lay Me Down by Crosby & Nash: The vocals were rich and enveloped by the bass in this particular track, drawing me into the point of losing myself in the music entirely, so much so that I momentarily forgot to analyze the headphones critically. The perfectly balanced sound made me want to listen to more of my favorite tracks.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish: This track really revealed just how big and immersive the soundstage is in these headphones. It felt as if I was in a room with the music coming from all around me rather than from drivers directed into my ears. Everything was clean and detailed.
Battery Life
Full charge: 30 hours of playback | 15-minute charge: 6 hours of playback
Bluetooth
5.1
Bluetooth Codecs
LDAC, AAC, and aptX™ Adaptive
Focal has spent years refining their proprietary driver technology. This 'M'-shaped dome driver is crafted in France using a blend of magnesium and aluminum. This driver is featured in all of their high-end headphones. The Bathys headphones feature a new, lightweight version of this driver designed for portable use. The result is the same superior dynamic sound that delivers exceptional detail and the signature Focal warmth, making them ideal for extended listening sessions.
The true magic is unleashed when utilizing the USB connection, ideally suited for home or office use. By simply flipping the switch to "DAC On", you engage the high-quality built-in DAC, capable of handling 24/192k resolution. We had the pleasure of testing this feature on a Mac Studio, bypassing the standard, inferior digital-to-analog converter in favor of the superior DAC within the headphones. The difference in sound quality was nothing short of fantastic.
The ability to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless connectivity while incorporating noise-cancellation technology is simply impressive. We tested them with some of our most intricate reference tracks, tracks that typically reveal the subtlest of nuances, and were thoroughly impressed by the level of detail and separation we could discern.
These headphones are a true triple threat. They possess the most impressive sound quality of any portable headphones we've had the pleasure of auditioning, capable of achieving near-reference level audio when utilized in USB DAC mode, akin to the Focal Clear MG, which retails at nearly three times the price. Additionally, they are versatile enough to be utilized in the office, with multiple noise-cancellation modes at your disposal. Kudos to Focal for delivering a resounding success in their debut high-performance wireless noise-canceling headphones.
Instrumental by Black Country, New Road: By far, my favorite headphone to listen to this track is on the Bathys. They sound warm and smooth at the same time. The instruments were so well separated, and these were the first headphones on this list that had me feeling like I could have been at a live concert with the band.
Lay Me Down by Crosby & Nash: Compared to the natural-sounding Mark Levinson’s, the vocals felt much warmer and richer on this track. Being able to plug them in and use the internal DAC brought the quality even higher and made them much more enjoyable.
Bad Guy by Billie Eilish: I did a blind listening test with all the headphones on this list and used this song. The Focal Bathys won first place because of its detailed sound quality. These headphones just sound phenomenal with any song you throw at them.
Battery Life
Full charge: 30 hours of playback | 15-minute charge: 5 hours of playback
Bluetooth
5.1
Bluetooth Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Wireless headphones have a whole host of features making them simple to use, seamless to connect, and extremely satisfying to listen to. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top features to shop for, a list of our favorites, and why we selected them.
The brand new truly wireless headphone series from Bowers & Wilkins.
Bowers and Wilkins, the iconic high-end speaker manufacturer, announced its new headphone lineup with new noise-canceling models, the Px7 S2, Px5, PI7, PI5, and PI3. This year, Audio Advice got an early sneak peek of the latest and greatest Px noise-canceling models, and these utilize Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec, which, promises class-leading, 24-bit/48kHz Bluetooth transmission quality, and low latency.
Bowers & Wilkins PI 3 Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins PX 5 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
The PX7 S2 is an over-the-ear noise-canceling headphone with all of the latest technology. The previous Px7 Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling headphone was highly successful and quickly became one of the Best Wireless Headphones available after it debuted back in 2019. Every year, the luxury Px7 tops our list of Must-Have Audio Gear for Remote Workers. However, the new Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2 is completely redesigned inside and out. Priced below $500, the new S2 costs less than Apple's highly popular AirPods Max. The S2 is available in a range of colors—including Blue & Gold, Light Gray, and a classic Bowers & Wilkins Black finish for the most understated look. All three are made from premium materials—and the beautiful detailing will make you proud to show them off. The PX7s have a revised custom 40mm full-range driver that beats out the 40mm driver in almost every headphone in this class. Additionally, we found the headphones hold over a 25-hour charge, and the engineers were able to cut the total time to charge to 100% down to just 2 hours! Plus, the S2 gives you 7 hours of charge in just 15-minutes, which is just fantastic! The engineers spent many months perfecting the level of comfort you get to ensure the new S2 remained comfortable for longer. In terms of weight, the Px7 S2 is slightly smaller, which cuts down on materials that add weight on top of your head. The S2 weighs less than 11 ounces, and features upgraded pressure-relieving memory foam that covers plenty of surface area around the ears with thicker, extra soft padding in the ear cushions and soft padding in the headband. The engineers also spent a lot of time designing the earcups chambers to give your ears more room to breathe. The drive units are carefully positioned at an angle inside the earcups to better direct sound into your ear canals—and this creates more depth inside the earcups for ample chamber real estate that helps your ears to stay cooler. The noise-canceling ability is also extremely cutting edge. The S2 has a new microphone pattern comprised of six microphones with four that are used for advanced noise-cancellation and two that are for voice pickup. Just like we did for the Sony WH-1000XM5, we will send all Audio Advice Px7 S2 purchasers our special “Tips & Tricks” video that will guide you on how to best set up the headphones with the app, so you get the most out of your investment.
The second headphone launched is the PX 5 and it’s the little brother to the PX 7. It is $100 less and is the on-ear version of the P line up. It utilizes the same technology as the PX 7, including the advanced noise-canceling, but has a 35mm driver. We found the earcups to actually be extremely comfortable. For people who prefer on-ear headphones and a sleeker look, you will find these to be some of the most comfortable around.
With True Wireless (TWS) In-Ear Headphones becoming increasingly more popular today, many of these compromise on the sound quality for wireless convenience. However, B&W knew this issue would need to be addressed before they could consider launching a True Wireless in-ear headphone capable of delivering the world-class sound quality and technology the brand is so well-known for.
After an extensive period of research and development, B&W released two True Wireless in-ear headphone models with Active Noise Canceling technology — B&W PI7 and PI5.
Read our full review on the B&W PI7 & PI5 True Wireless In-Ear headphones.
Both models feature Bowers & Wilkins 9.2mm bespoke dynamic drivers for the bass and mid-range frequencies in each earphone, so both will produce an impressive frequency response from 10Hz to 20kHz — but it’s the flagship PI7 that has the high-frequency balanced armature tweeters in each earphone, so you hear more dynamic details hiding in the music — and this makes the 20kHz top-extension really come alive.
Plus, the smart case that comes with the PI7 has a cool trick hiding up its sleeve. When you want to switch to music playing from a laptop or another audio source, the smart case can function as a wireless retransmission device that will transmit high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/48 kHz to your PI7 in-ear headphones.
Finally, B&W has also launched the PI 3 portable in-ear phones. If you like the B&W sound profile and you want something to use for active workouts, we would recommend going with a sweat-resistant option with over-the-ear loops or a neckband design.
The PI3 utilizes a behind-the-head loose cord that connects each earphone. These obviously have the most relaxed look. The primary advancement in these earphones is that B&W included two completely different drivers. Most headphones in the $199 range have one driver but B&W included both a standard dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver for the highs. Rather than using a crossover, there is actually an amplifier dedicated to each driver.
These are a great fit if you are considering an in-ear headphone for highly active workouts where normal in-ears would risk falling out.
If you have questions about these headphones or any audio gear, we are available to help via online chat or on the phone. As mentioned we released a comparison against the Bose Noise Canceling 700 series headphones (the newest version after the Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones). Additionally, we will be providing one of Audio Advice’s exclusive tips and tricks videos for the PX7 and the PI7 In-Ear headphones given the depth of technology in those headphones.
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Since streaming services are offering hi-res audio with details hiding in the music you never even knew were there, now is a great time to upgrade to a headphone with better sound quality that will also work better for your ergonomic scenario. However, there are some essentials a great headphone at this price point must include. We will cover all of them right here.
While there are a lot of headphones under $500, not all of them are made equally, and while many offer cool features, more and more people are coming to us wanting to know if there are better options for the money. Our number one piece of advice for headphones at this price point is — narrow down the search to brands that specialize in audiophile-grade headphones.
Many luxury headphones will cost upwards of thousands of dollars or more, and when you buy a headphone made by one of these high-end brands, some of the same technology, materials, craftsmanship, and comfort from their more expensive flagship models trickle down for less — giving you the best sound & build quality for the money.
Brands like Focal, Audeze, Bowers & Wilkins, Meze Audio, Grado, Sony & Klipsch make world-class headphones for more critical listening, and they also make fantastic headphones under $500 — so, these are the ones we are focusing on.
If you are shopping for headphones that let you casually listen to music all day, then you will want them to fit comfortably and have wireless features so you can roam freely. A great headphone will have lightweight materials and a soft headband that distributes the weight on top of your head, evenly, so you can listen longer.
Most of the headphones on this list weigh slightly less than a pound. Clamping force is also something to look out for, so that the ear cups fit snug around your head, creating that tight sealing condition that locks in the music, while also blocking out unwanted noise from entering into the earcups.
Our Headphones & Headsets Buyers’ Guide breaks it all down.
The next thing to keep in mind when shopping for headphones is deciding where you will use them the most.
A headphone with an open-back design will have the widest soundstage that will sound a lot more three-dimensional, like sitting in front of a pair of really good loudspeakers. This is a great choice if you want to really pick apart the details hiding in the music.
On the other hand, a closed-back headphone will provide the best isolation that locks in the sound, preventing the sound from leaking out and letting everyone around you know what you are listening to.
This is why the bass response of a closed-back will work best for portable all-day use and usually works better for bass-heavy music since closed-backs focus the sound of the bass more into the center of the overall sense of presentation. The result is a narrower soundstage that makes the music sound like it is “in your head” compared to an open-back’s wide-open soundstage.
Our Open vs Closed-Back Headphone Guide covers everything and more.
Finally, the most important thing to consider when shopping for better headphones in this price range is — assess your listening style, and only shop for the features you really need.
For example, when you are enjoying music, what are you generally listening to? If you like classical, Jazz, Motown, Soul, or any genre with a lot of acoustic instruments hiding in the mix, then you might prefer listening more critically — while others prefer to just kick back, relax, and get lost in all the sounds.
If you think you might be a critical listener, then at this price-point, choosing a neutral headphone with a flatter frequency response that does not accentuate the bass, the mids, or the high frequencies will have a more “natural” sound profile — allowing your music to sound much closer to the way the artist intended.
On the other hand, if you listen to a lot of fun, bass-heavy genres like EDM, Hip-hop, R&B, DubStep, or even modern Rock with a lot of low-end and mid-frequency content — such as vocals and guitars — then a headphone that bumps up the bass and rolls off the top-end will have a “warmer,” more musical sound — this will be a really fun option to wear for all-day use.
High-quality active noise-canceling & great sound are features we are seeing on some of the more high-end portable headphones with transparency mode, which makes them very well suited for casual all-day listening. This technology eliminates unwanted background noise so you can stay fully immersed in your music without distractions. The important thing to keep in mind is to shop for one that enhances the way you listen to music.
While there are a lot of headphones under $500, not all of them are made equally, and while many offer cool features, more and more people are coming to us wanting to know if there are better options for the money. Our number one piece of advice for headphones at this price point is — narrow down the search to brands that specialize in audiophile-grade headphones.
Did you ever wonder How Noise Cancelling Headphones Work? Our guide breaks it down.
Of course, this Audio Advice list of best headphones under $500 would simply not be complete if we didn’t select only the best sounding headphones for the money. To conduct our comparison, we tested over 25 different models to come up with the best two in each category.
All the headphones we tested had low impedances, so they will all work with just your smartphone and nothing else. They present accurate, immersive sound — but for each category, we chose one for casual listening on the go and one for more critical listening in private settings.
While you could shop for something closer to a reference-level audiophile headphone, you will spend well over $500, and many of them will require a headphone amp to drive them.
For less than $500, if you choose one of these, you will have the best sound quality for your preferred style and not have to buy anything extra to experience better sound quality. We will start with the best low-impedance wireless headphones, first, and then quickly cover the others.
If you are simply looking for the best-sounding bare-bones wireless headphone for less than $500, without any of the noise-canceling features, then these are the ones you should be checking out.
Focal Listen Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Critical listeners who want to hear more resolute details will appreciate the Focal Listen Wireless the most. Focal’s top-of-the-line headphones sell well over the $3,000-range, and while this cannot compare to those, you do get some of the same high-performance tech of those much more expensive high-impedance models.
The Listen has a high-performance 40mm mylar and titanium dynamic driver, which is not the same material as Focal’s most expensive models, but the driver is based on similar tech. You get a pretty wide range of frequencies with bass that goes down to 15 Hz and a top-end extension that goes up to 22 Khz.
The closed-back earcups on this pair of headphones do a fantastic job keeping the bass tight and punchy, and if you simply like having the convenience of aptX over Bluetooth, then these really do offer fantastic CD-like sound quality for more critical listening on the go. The Listen has a slight emphasis on the low-end, so bass-heavy music sounds punchy and clear, but overall, the sound profile is neutral for this price point.
Details stood out clearly on the Listen, but on some music that was not recorded well, issues in the mix became slightly fatiguing after listening for more than two hours. If you are more of a casual all-day listener, strongly consider Grado’s GW-100 wireless headphones.
Check out our guide to Must-Have Audio Gear for Working Remote.
Not only do these sound fantastic for either listening style, but the noise cancellation also sets a benchmark.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
If you want your headphone to have noise-canceling tech for travel or for working in public places, then the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 or the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best ones under $500.
Sony’s noise-canceling tech is the industry standard, so if you are looking for the best noise-canceling over-the-ear headphone, you should go for the Sony WH-1000XM5. Sony’s active noise canceling will block out low-end frequency noises like the rumble of engines as well as mid-range sounds like chattering voices.
The Sony XM5s have fantastic deep bass that will make bass heads smile, but the revised driver design delivers a more refined and well-rounded soundstage overall. There's also an EQ in the app that lets you adjust the sound to taste, so we liked how this allowed us to pick out more details in the music when we wanted — or dial it back for a warmer sound on a long road trip or a long flight.
The sound is better balanced compared to the previous Sony WH-1000XM4, but if you are someone who likes to get lost in the music, and listen to a lot of EDM, Hip-hop, Pop, or any music with deep & heavy bass, such as Dubstep, then this is still the noise-canceling headphone you should stash in your bag. The hardshell travel case even compresses so it fits snugly in your bag. It is highly portable, travels well, and the XM5's sound profile will let you listen casually all day long.
Watch the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for more on how both perform.
On the other hand, B&W’s noise cancellation is the most useful for casual commuting or being at the office, and this is the one you should consider if you are looking for a slightly more musical sound with good bass.
Bowers & Wilkins is an iconic high-end speaker manufacturer from England that makes the 800 Series Diamond speakers used in Abbey Road Studios, and they utilized the same engineers for the B&W PX7 S2.
If you leave all of the settings neutral across the headphones, we think the B&Ws are just a touch closer to matching the original source material and depth of bass, and we think this is what sets these two apart.
The noise-cancellation tech performed very well in an office environment where we needed to block out a lot of mid-range chattering voices in the environment. The earcups also did a fantastic job isolating the sound and locking in the music, so our co-workers didn't have to know what music we were playing.
If you listen to a lot of Classical, Jazz, Rock, or any genre with a lot of natural organic instruments, then leave this one on your work desk, and be in the moment with your work and your music. The S2 is one is the best noise-canceling headphone for more critical listening.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
If you don’t care about noise-canceling, and just want the best sounding closed-back headphone for portable music on the go, then these are the best under $500.
If you are a critical listener, go for the Sony MDR-1AM2, and don’t look back.
This one has Sony’s large 40mm Liquid Crystal Polymer drivers that cover the full spectrum of music with deep, resolute bass down to 3 Hz all the way up to 100 kHz, which is just fantastic at this price point.
Overall, we could hear more subtle details hiding in the music more clearly compared to the Meze 99 Classics. Details like a bassist’s playing style or even the subtle dynamics of guitar strings chiming as guitarists plucked their strings were slightly more resolute, and easier to pick out.
The Meze 99 Classics were very comfortable and they isolated sound inside the ear cup with a tight-sealing condition, but after about 2 hours of listening non-stop, our ears needed a break.
The Sony MDR-1AM2 is very well suited for shorter critical listening sessions.
Read the 3 Types of Headphones Everyone Needs for more.
Having said that, if you’re on the hunt for a closed-back headphone that is slightly more well-rounded and natural, then the Meze Audio 99 Classics should be at the top of your list for the money.
The 99 Classics have a similarly large 40mm driver that covers a wide range of frequencies from 15Hz to 25KHz, which is less range than the Sony’s. However, the frequency response is a bit flatter which makes these a lot more neutral to all types of music.
We could listen to anything from classical or Jazz to Hip-hop or EDM and enjoy music with good, warm, punchy bass all day long.
Not only that, the comfort of the 99 Classics is the most comfortable out of any headphone on this list, so casual listening all day is absolutely obtainable with this headphone.
The only downside to be aware of is that these did not isolate sound as well as the Sony’s, so co-workers knew what music we were playing, and this could be something to consider when planning to use them in public places or even in public transportation.
Meze Audio 99 Classics Over-Ear Headphones
If you want to enjoy music in the privacy of an office or at home with a turntable, then open-back headphones are the way most audiophiles go.
There are many options in this category that are well-suited for critical listening, while others are just fantastic for getting lost in all the details & dynamics. If you are a casual listener who just wants to kick back and get immersed in your music, then the Grado RS2x is a fantastic choice at this price point.
The RS2x presents a spacious soundstage across a pretty wide range of frequencies with good, punchy bass from 14Hz to 28kHz. This one is the updated version of Grado’s previous RS2e, and this new model combines maple wood and hemp for the enclosure, housing a new fourth-gen 44mm “X” driver, which Grado says they specifically tuned for the new wooden enclosures.
Grado selects different woods for their unique tonal qualities similar to the way a guitar or a speaker manufacturer chooses wood for building instruments and speaker cabinets. The result is a fantastic mid-range that is very easy to get lost in. Vocals and guitars stood out and sounded fantastic with these.
The RS2x also has good, punchy bass and a rhythm and pacing that made us want to get up and start tapping our feet. Taylor Swift’s Red album was so much fun to listen to with these! We wore these all day long for hours.
Check out our Open vs Closed-Back Headphone Guide. It covers everything and more.
That concludes our comparison on the best headphones under $500! Choose any of the headphones on this list, and you will experience the best immersion for your style of listening, available, for less than $500. The important thing to always keep in mind is shop for the one that enhances the way you listen to music.
So, are you a critical listener, picking apart all the details, or do you prefer just kicking back, and getting lost in the music? It’s all about having fun, so come have a chat with one of our headphone experts in chat, and tell us your style and what you’re listening to!
If you have any questions about these headphones or how your listening style can be enhanced to take full advantage of all the high-resolution detail coming to music streaming platforms, just give us a call, chat with us on AudioAdvice.com, or stop into one of our award-winning showrooms. We'll be happy to help you out!
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Do you listen to music critically, picking out all the details, or do you prefer getting lost in all the sounds? There’s no right or wrong way to listen to music — it’s all about having fun! So, if you are a die-hard bass head or a detail junkie, this has the best headphones under $500 for any listening style.
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Hey everybody! If you are reading this, you are probably either a lucky new owner of the new Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones, or perhaps just you’re shopping around and wondering how the setup will go. For those of you who are new owners, congratulations!
As with most things that can offer greater performance than the competition, going through a few steps first will help you get the most out of your new headphones. This short guide is meant to get you up and running with your WH-1000XM5 quickly.
Getting Started:
In the box, Sony includes a 3.5mm stereo miniplug cable, and a short USB Type-A to USB-C charging cable. Also, bundled with the package is a new soft-shell travel case that has been redesigned for the Sony XM5’s new form factor. The redesigned case is collapsible to save space while it's in your bag, and it does a pretty good job protecting the headphones too.
Powering On:
Find the power button on the bottom of the left ear cup. Press and hold the power button and your Sony WH-1000XM5 will automatically enter pairing mode right out of the box. Put the headphones on, and you will hear a voice guiding you the rest of the way.
Pairing with Your Device:
Now is a good time to download the Sony Headphones Connect App.
In the app, follow along with the prompts that pop up–it basically walks you through the entire setup and the registration. We recommend enabling Bluetooth on your device first before you begin the setup–and go ahead and allow the app to send you notifications and to use your location. These will open up some more cool features that we’ll cover in just a moment.
Finally, go ahead and set up the 360 Reality Audio feature when prompted in the app. This will walk you through the steps that take a series of photos of your ears for analysis so that the app can tailor an immersive Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio sound field just for you.
When wearing the headphones and listening to music playing, you can control the playback of your audio using the touch capacitive interface on the surface of the right earcup:
These gestures are very intuitive and it’s really easy to navigate the touch-capacitive surface of the right earcup once you get the hang of it. They’re pretty fun and they actually become muscle memory after a while!
Enable Speak-To-Chat in the Sony Headphones app if it’s not already turned on by default. Start speaking and your Sony WH-1000XM5 headset will automatically pause the music for you and activate ambient sound control mode, so you can hear someone speaking to you while still wearing the headset. To change the sensitivity of Speak-To-chat, go to Sony Headphones app > “Sound” tab > Make sure the Speak-To-Chat switch is toggled into the On position > Tap the Gear symbol > Tap “Voice Detect Sensitivity.”
From the dashboard of the Sony Headphones app, go to the “System” tab > “(NC/AMB) Button Operation Setting > then, select your preferred actions (keep in mind this requires at least two selections).
From the dashboard of the Sony Headphones app, go to the “System” tab > Under “Quick Access” > Tap the GEAR icon > Tap EITHER the Down Arrow under “Press the [NC/AMB] button 2 times”–OR–Press the [NC/AMB] button 3 times > to set the NC/AMB button to quickly launch and start playing your favorite Spotify playlist. You can also get to this from the “SERVICES” tab.
From the dashboard of the Sony Headphones app, go to the “System” tab > scroll to the bottom of the screen and toggle “Automatic download of software” On. Right now there are not that many services available to customize for the [NC/AMB] button, but leaving this setting enabled will ensure you’re always receiving the newest features as soon as they roll out!
We hope this quick guide will help you achieve great results quickly. As always, the team at Audio Advice is here to support you. If you have any questions at all, you can always reach out to us via chat, phone, or email.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling Headphone Review
While the name hasn’t changed much, there are some significant improvements to Sony's new WH-1000XM5. This review will help you decide if the improvements to everyone's favorite noise-canceling headphone is worth the upgrade.
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What are the best wireless headphones of 2022? Ahh, freedom from wires. Wireless headphones are all about convenience — the convenience of connecting to your music and not having to worry. When we aren’t worried about tethered connections, we roam free.
At Audio Advice, we’re loving the new ways we can listen to music on-the-go. Back in 1978, when we were setting up turntables and two-channel audio systems, there was only one way to transmit music wirelessly on-the-go — the radio! There was no way around audio cables except for radio transmissions. But with so many advancements in technology, the ways we’re able to experience music today have completely evolved.
When it comes to wireless audio, we couldn’t be more excited about what these new conveniences mean for audio — but with so many options, it’s tough trying to figure out if ditching the cable is even worth it. More importantly, which wireless headphone is truly the best for your lifestyle?
By the time you’ve finished the first part of this “best of” guide, we hope you’ll have a better understanding of how the best wireless headphones can improve your life and the music you love.
Ergonomics. True wireless headphones have always been about ergonomic convenience, and they’re so much fun to use!
When we’re not bogged down with wires, everything we already do is enhanced. Commuting in the mornings, enjoying music while we work, going for a light jog in the evening or working out at the gym — all of these activities are easier and more satisfying when music is playing — cheering us on. Whether it’s running on the treadmill, taking calls with a built-in microphone, or blocking out the outside world while traveling, listening to music without wires is so cool!
Today, the best wireless headphones have a whole host of features making them simple to use, seamless to connect and extremely satisfying to listen to.
In-Ear, On-Ear and Over-Ear headphone-styles provide various fits for numerous ergonomic situations, but which style provides the right fit for you? To understand the benefits of each, check out our In-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. Over-Ear Buying Guide.
Wireless in-ears and headphones come with rich sets of features that may be useful to you. Features such as active noise-canceling, convenient hands-free smart controls, and built-in microphones are popular choices with wireless headphone users; however, because there are so many options, it can be confusing determining which headphones or earphones are perfect for your scenario. So, we’ve taken the confusion out of it and have compiled a list of the top features you should look for when shopping for Bluetooth headphones.
Bonus points:
Adaptive Noise Canceling, Voice Assistance (via Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant), Tactile Buttons Control, Proximity Sensors, Intelligent Head Tracking Technology, 3D Virtual Sound Localization, Room Simulation, Detachable Headphone Cable, Carrying Case, Foldable Design.
Whether your activities and lifestyle require active noise-canceling headphones, a high-quality built-in mic with great sound, or great battery life, Audio Advice is proud to present the best wireless headphones for taking calls on-the-go, working out, traveling, or enjoying music at home.
Now that we’ve put the best features on your radar, it’s time to do the same for wireless headphones. We’ll tell you what the best wireless headphones are and why we selected them. Whether it’s on your commute to work, at the office, on a run, or in the gym, when you need to bring your A-game, show up with the best, so you can do your best. The best wireless headphones are right here.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Interested in learning how we at Audio Advice rate our headphones as the best? Read our Headphone Buyer’s Guide to learn everything there is to know about the best sounding headphones. There’s a pair of headphones for everyone, but when getting the most out of your music, sometimes one style is just not enough!
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Fully loaded with the coolest tech, the Sony WH-1000XM5 takes you even deeper into silence and the music with Sony’s industry-leading Noise Canceling technology and smart listening features that dynamically adjust to you and your surroundings.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 wins as the “best wireless headphone with noise-canceling” because of the headphone’s intelligent noise reduction features that target specific frequencies or noises set by the user and actively silence them even when the user’s environment changes.
Any noisy situation can benefit from Sony’s adaptive active noise-canceling technology. For example, traveling by air, car, bus, or even walking along a busy urban street are great opportunities to block out unwanted noises in your environment. When traveling, navigating a crowded area like an airport is another perfect opportunity to silence the background noises of your changing environment. When your on-the-go lifestyle requires a good wireless headphone with active noise canceling that adapts to you, the Sony WH-1000XM5 will help you rest, focus, and meditate no matter where you go next.
With a new re-developed diaphragm design made with lightweight, rigid carbon fiber, the Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a full range of frequencies up to 40 kHz for a more refined, well-rounded soundstage compared to the previous Sony WH-1000XM4 model.
Head over to our Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Comparison to see if this is the right one for you.
Bonus points:
Adaptive EQ Control (via Mobile App), Hands-free Voice Assistance (via Mobile App), Capacitive Touch Control, Proximity Sensors, Detachable Headphone Cable, Carrying Case, Swivel Design, Highly Portable.
Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling
Battery Life Lasts Up To 30-Hours
3-Minute Quick-Charge = 3-Hours of Play-Time
Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Truly Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Truly Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Similar to the WH-1000XM5, Sony packed tons of similar technology into their smaller truly wireless earphone version — this time, in the form of In-Ear headphones that you can put in your pocket. Sony managed to take you deeper into silence and your music with a truly wireless in-ear design that has the same industry-leading noise-canceling and smart listening features as the larger over-ear WH-1000XM5.
The Sony WF-1000XM4 wins as the “best true wireless earphone with noise-canceling” for several reasons. First, the smaller fitting IPX4 water resistance design is well thought out and fits snugly inside the ear canal without falling out. This alone makes the WF-1000XM4 a perfect match for anyone with an active lifestyle who wants one of the best-fitting universal earphones.
Next, since the WF-1000XM4 true wireless earbuds pack almost the same technology as the larger Sony Over-Ear headphone model, users benefit from cool features like noise-canceling that helps you stay in the zone. Also, with a simple finger gesture over the earbud, convenient hands-free “Quick Attention” controls instantly bring the volume down and allow ambient sound in so you hear your surroundings in an instant. This feature is great for social interactions like ordering coffee, or even at the gym, so you can strike up a conversation without taking your earbuds off. A simple gesture over the earbud turns the volume right back up when you’re done chatting. Or, take one earbud out, and the music automatically pauses on both sides. Put the earbud back in and the music automatically resumes playing — right where you left off.
To learn more about how it performs, read our Sony WF-1000XM4 In-Ear Review. Want to know how it compares with the other earphones that also pair with your cell phone? Read the Sony WF-1000XM4 vs. Airpods Pro vs. Power Beats Pro Review.
Bonus points:
Adaptive Active Noise Canceling, Adaptive EQ Control (via Mobile App), Hands-free Voice Assistance (via Mobile App), Capacitive Touch Control, Proximity Sensors, Charging Case/Carrying Case, Highly Portable.
Great Fitting Earphones That Stay In Place
Battery Life Lasts Up To 24-Hours
5-Minute Quick-Charge = 60-Minutes of Play-Time
B&W PI7 Wireless Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones
The B&W PI7 wins as the “best true wireless IEM to use at work" for several key reasons. First, the all-day comfort. Once you find the right tips for your ears, these are some of the most comfortable in-ears on the market. When seated stationary at our desks or going on a walk around town and doing normal activities, the soft silicone tips did an excellent job reducing ear fatigue and lasted hours on end without the need for a break to remove the earphones.
Next, the PI7 steps up the noise-canceling tech to Adaptive Noise Canceling that will automatically monitor and adapt to your surroundings in real-time so you can block out the external world and focus on the music. The ANC tech here is driven by six microphones – three in each earphone – for crystal-clear sound quality with every phone call. Holding the intuitive, one-touch user interface will activate the ANC and this can also be further refined in the app.
In terms of Bluetooth, multiple source devices can be wirelessly paired to it, and this allowed us to reconnect easily and conveniently to each source as needed – such as quickly switching from music on a phone to an online conference call on a laptop. Also, the range of aptX compatibility is extended when you step up to the PI7. The PI7 gives you aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, and aptX Classic.
Finally, the smart case that comes with the PI7 has a cool trick up its sleeve. When you want to switch to music playing from a laptop or another audio source, the smart case can function as a wireless retransmission soundcard that will transmit high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/48 kHz to your PI7 in-ear headphones. We think the ability to play through the case itself is super cutting edge, making these the only headphones you'll need for daily use, on flights, and especially listening to hi-res music while you work on your laptop. This is a real differentiator for an in-ear headphone at this price point.
To learn more about the PI series from Bowers & Wilkins, read our B&W PI7 & PI5 Noise-Canceling In-Ear Headphones Review.
Bonus points:
Adaptive Active Noise Canceling, Adaptive EQ Control (via Mobile App), Hands-free Voice Assistance (via Mobile App), Capacitive Touch Controls, Proximity Sensors, Smart Charging Case/Carrying Case with hi-res audio wireless transmission capabilities, Highly Portable.
Great Fitting Earphones That Stay In Place
Cutting-edge Smart Case with Wireless Re-transmission Super Powers
15-Minute Quick-Charge = 60-Minutes of Play-Time
Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport In-Ear Headphones
Klipsch T5 II True Wireless Sport edition wins as the best in-ear headphone to use at the gym, for fitness, or almost any extreme activity involving water. It's similar to the regular edition T5 II True Wireless — the earpieces house Klipsch's custom 5mm ultra-thin driver to present a wide soundstage with more top-end extension and dynamics. Additionally, the earpieces each have the high IP-rating of IP67, so they're completely waterproof and dust-proof.
But, what separates the Sport edition from the regular Klipsch T5 II True Wireless is the bundled case, color selection, and price. For less than $250, you get a rugged, water-tight, and gasket sealed (IP67) Sport edition case that's also a USB-C and wireless Qi-charging system. This gives you 24-hours of use when they're inside the case or up to 8-hours of wireless use. This one will really help you go the distance while protecting your earphones from the elements.
Not only that — there's a really clever moisture-removal-system built inside the case. What happens when you use your earphones at the gym and stow them in your bag inside the case only to forget about them overnight? Klipsch engineered a convenient system that absorbs liquid from within. So, just stow your earphones in the case overnight, and when you wake up, your earphones will be dry!
You get more color options too: Black, Gray, Green will match your high-performance style. For less than $250, we think this stands out as one of the best earphones to work out with — and when you need a break from your workout to answer your phone, you get the same clear call quality as the slightly less-expensive T5 II True Wireless with the benefits of a waterproof and dust-proof case that dries out your earphones at the same time — but with the Sport model, you'll never have to worry. Your earphones will always be ready for your next adventure.
Read our Klipsch T5 II True Wireless In-Ear Headphone Comparison to learn more about how this one performs.
Bonus points:
Highly Portable, Includes Six Pairs of Ear Tips for Twice the Customizability — includes a pocket-friendly wireless Qi-Charging Case with USB-C charging port, and push controls that are easy to use.
IP67 Water & Dust-Proof Earphones + Case
Internal Moisture-Removal System Dries Your Earphones
Great Fitting Earphones That Stay In Place
Grado GW100 Wireless Bluetooth Open-Back Headphones
Jam-packed with over 30 years of American headphone heritage, Grado sets a milestone with the world’s first open-back Bluetooth headphones — the Grado GW100.
Grado GW100 Wireless Bluetooth Open-Back headphones win as the “best wireless headphones for working at home” because of it’s great open-back on-ear design. Open-back headphones are rare in wireless headphones, but the open-back design is the perfect way to listen to music, and still be alert to your surroundings while you work.
Does your job require you to be alert to your surroundings when working? If you work from home, the Grado GW100 Wireless Open-Back headphone is the best wireless headphone for the job. It sounds great, and if you have home-matters to attend to while you're multitasking, then the GW100’s open-back design will let you stay alert to anything or anyone who needs your attention. If you work from home and want better-sounding music to motivate you throughout the day, see the Best Audio Gear for Remote Workers, to learn more — Grado GW100 Wireless Bluetooth Open-Back Headphones are on the list.
Inside the GW100 are the signature drivers by Grado. These are the same speakers built inside their iconic wired headphones, which Grado finely tunes for especially for the enclosures. Grado Lab’s first wireless headphone is no different from drivers configured specifically for the GW100. The desired sonic capabilities of the GW100 would not be possible without Grado’s decades of experience designing the drivers.
Bonus points:
Detachable Headphone Cable, Highly Portable
Open-Back Design
Battery Life Lasts Up To 15-Hours
Classic Grado Signature Sound
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Similar to the Sony’s, PX7 S2 by Bowers & Wilkins is a premium over-ear wireless headphone, sporting re-designed oblong rectangular ear cups that will provide an immersive soundstage with a great sealing condition. The active noise cancellation is also impressive since it was completely overhauled with a new DSP hardware platform and algorithms that optimize the audio for the highest fidelity on phone calls and music.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 wins the “best wireless headphone for taking calls” category because of its Clear Voice Communication (CVC) technology. With four microphones dedicated to Active Noise-Canceling plus two more dedicated voice-calibrated mics that are positioned and angeled to pick up your voice better, the Px7 S2 offers the clearest calling experience of all. When walking through crowded streets, the S2 had the advantage of canceling out background noise from wind or other sources without having to press mute as frequently during calls.
Finally, the S2’s 40mm drivers are built and tuned by the same engineers who crafted the famous Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond speakers used in Abbey Road Studios. No matter where your life takes you next, powerful drivers by Bowers & Wilkins and Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology will put you at the center of the phone conversation and the music while you roam free from wires.
Bonus points:
Active Noise Canceling, EQ Control (via Mobile App), Voice Assistance (via Mobile App), Tactile Buttons Control, Proximity Sensors, Detachable Headphone Cable, Carrying Case, Highly Portable.
Best Experience On Calls
Battery Life Lasts Up To 30-Hours
15-Minute Quick-Charge = 7-Hours of Play-Time
Klipsch T5 II True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
For anyone who wants the best call quality and the most comfort, the Klipsch T5 II TW packs the best performance for long phone conversations for less than $200.
Klipsch T5 II True Wireless stands out as the best true wireless earbuds for taking hands-free calls for several reasons. First, the T5 II is one of the most comfortable earbuds on the market. It included six ear tips for a more customizable fit and the sound isolation is best-in-class.
Second, it packs four high-performance Beam-Forming Microphones. With four high-quality microphones, your voice will be crystal clear during phone conversations, and transparency mode will pipe in clear ambient noise when you want to hear the noise in your environment.
Next, the T5 II True Wireless earphones house Klipsch's custom 5mm ultra-thin driver to present a wider soundstage with more top-end extension and dynamics. Think of music with deeper sub-bass, clearer vocals, and enhanced details in the higher frequencies compared to typical true wireless earbuds.
Not only that — the new T5 II True Wireless earpieces also have the high IP-rating of IP67, so they are water & dust-proof.
To learn more about how this one performs, read our Klipsch T5 II True Wireless In-Ear Headphone Comparison.
Bonus points:
Highly Portable, Includes Six Pairs of Ear Tips for Twice the Customizability — includes a pocket-friendly case, USB-C charging port, and push controls that are easy to use.
IP67 Water & Dust-Proof Earphones
8-Hour Battery Life & 24-Hrs In The Case
Quad Beam-Forming Microphone Pattern
Audeze Mobius Headphone & Gaming Headset with 3D Sound
The Audeze Mobius wins as the “best wireless headphone for gaming” because it’s powered with tons of cool technology that completely immerses players in their game-play and music. Powered by Audeze world-famous Planar Magnetic drivers, the Mobius provides an immersive experience for both music and gaming with a level of depth and realism that no other gaming headphone can match. The included detachable microphone is high quality and will give you and your comrades a competitive advantage by enhancing the game with clearer communications.
Partnering with Waves, the world-leader in audio DSP technologies, Mobius can process 5.1 and 7.1 Surround Sound with ground-breaking Head Tracking and Room Emulation technologies. The Mobius is the first gaming headset to provide a completely integrated listening experience that is truly believable and fully immersive without requiring any additional software or hardware.
Bonus points:
Adaptive EQ Control, Intelligent Head Tracking Technology, 3D Virtual Sound Localization, Room Simulation, Detachable Headphone Cable, Headphone Carrying Pouch.
Read our Audeze Mobius Gaming Headset Review to learn more about how this performs.
Powered By Tech To Immerse You In All The Action
Battery Life Lasts 10+ Hours
Detachable Microphone
Whether your activities and lifestyle require active noise-canceling headphones, a high-quality built-in mic with great sound, or great battery life, Audio Advice is proud to present the best wireless headphones for taking calls on-the-go, working out, traveling, or enjoying music at home.
