Sony
WH-1000XM3
Test score
29 October 2021
Best wireless headphones for 2021
Sound quality and battery drain are no longer a concern with wireless headphones. We’ve rounded up some excellent models to suit you.
Oliver Trebilcock
Most wireless headphones work using Bluetooth. The best Bluetooth headphones are comfortable and have enough battery to see you through several long-haul flights. Most importantly, they don’t sacrifice sound quality for wireless convenience.
In our independent lab tests we've uncovered the best wireless headphones that sit over, in or on your ear. Our experts have handpicked some of our favourites that we recommend in the tables below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you’re not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.
Looking for more recommendations and buying information? See our expert guide to the best headphones.
Best wireless over-ear headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ear – they're larger than other pairs, but can be more comfortable to wear and often offer extra features. Many over-ear wireless headphones are noise cancelling too, blocking out external noise.
- 91%£159.00
These over-ear headphones were a landmark launch, becoming the highest-ever scoring wireless headphones at our expert lab. The industry-leading active noise cancelling is some of the best we’ve yet seen, they’re superbly comfortable, and the 27-plus hour battery life goes the distance. They’re foldable and there’s even a detachable cord if you forget to charge them, plus a whole host of optional settings in the accompanying smartphone app.
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These are fantastic-sounding Great Value over-ear noise cancelling headphones – they’re so good they’ve even beaten many pairs double their price in our tests. It’s a real challenge to find a pair with effective noise cancelling in this price range, and these really do deliver.
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Already a member?Log in - 74%£159.73
Headphones with effective active noise cancelling can be extremely expensive. But these headphones are a slightly cheaper option that are also excellent, with superb noise cancelling. In fact, they’re ideally suited to travelling, with a compact design and travel case, lightweight feel and good build quality. A great alternative to bulkier pairs, and cheaper than many rivals too.
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Pricing and recommendations correct as of September 2021.
Best on-ear wireless headphones
On-ear headphones rest on top of your ears, rather than surrounding them. This allows the earcups to be smaller, but they can be less comfortable to wear over longer periods as the earcups put pressure on your ears.
- 78%£119.00
These on-ear headphones are ideal for your commute, with excellent active noise cancelling to block out unwanted background noise. They sound excellent and are comfortable as well - plus conveniently fold up into their provided carry case for easy storage. The safety issue only applies to very early batches and relates to the carry pouch.
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If you love listening through headphones at home and want to do away with wires, these could be the perfect pair. They make for very immersive listening and have nice retro looks. They have a lovely warm, natural tone with a wide range of sound frequencies produced and plenty of detail.
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Already a member?Log in - 67%£24.99
These lightweight on-ear headphones are a great option if you’re looking for a versatile pair on a budget. The sound quality is great and they’re easy to use.
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Looking to get the best product for your budget? Read our guide on the best wireless headphone deals.
Best wireless in-ear headphones
The most compact and lightweight type, in-ear headphones form an acoustic seal around your ear canal, while earbud headphones rest on your outer ear. Earbud headphones are usually very cheap pairs – they can be easier to fit, but tend to leak more sound to your surroundings. One exception is the Apple Airpods, which are wireless earbud headphones.
- 80%£99.00
These headphones are some of the best-sounding our lab has tested. They're designed to pair perfectly with iPhones, and even allow you to control Siri without having to get your phone out of your pocket. They’re light and comfortable, so are easy to take out and about with you.
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Already a member?Log in - 72%£179.00
These high-end truly wireless headphones are designed for regular travellers with exceptional active noise cancelling to block unwanted ambient sounds, and an excellent level of detail and clarity to the sound. The battery lasts for seven hours of continuous music playing and the charging case holds two additional top-ups. They’re also comfortable and fit well.
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These truly wireless headphones are specifically designed for sports and exercise, with special eartips that aim to give you an extra secure fit in your ears. They’re also sweat and weather resistant. The sound quality is great, with a lovely drive and beat that will help keep you motivated. The fit is on the tighter side, but this is good while you’re working out. The battery lasts for five hours between top-ups from the charging case.
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Not found the product for you? Browse all of our headphone reviews.
Wireless headphones to avoid buying
The convenience of wireless headphones won't count for much if you get a pair that can't produce great audio. The worst models we see at our test lab are bad enough to induce headaches, with harsh sound and uncomfortable fits. Make sure you check the table below so you can avoid some of the worst offenders.
- 43%£47.00
You'll want to steer well clear of these headphones. They're actually meant for use in the home, so you can listen to your hi-fi or TV late at night without disturbing others. Unfortunately though, you're the one that will end up being disturbed if you buy these headphones. The sound is rotten - a distracting hiss swamps everything you listen to.
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Already a member?Log in - 39%£30.00
These budget over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones are a shining example of ‘too good to be true’. At a rock-bottom price, they’re barely more expensive that some of the cheapest in-ear wired headphones. They seem to have all the useful features, including a mic and controls to answer and control calls, as well as volume and music controls, and the earcups swivel flat for easy storage. However, sound quality is appalling. Bass is boomy, but also thick and dull; sound is muffled and lifeless, lacking articulation and excitement, and highs are tinny and harsh.
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These affordable headphones may have barely passable noise cancelling technology, but the headphones themselves are heavy, hot and uncomfortable to war. Sound is muffled, dull and lacking in detail. Battery life is also well below the manufacturer's claims. Avoid.
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Wireless headphones FAQs
Will wireless headphones work with any smartphone?
Pretty much, yes. The vast majority of wireless headphones – and all the models featured in the tables above – use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your phone. Bluetooth is a universal standard, so you'll be able to transmit music from any Bluetooth-enabled phone, laptop or tablet to any pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Things do get slightly more complicated, as there have been different Bluetooth standards released over the years. The later versions allow music to be transmitted in higher quality and use less battery power. Don't worry though: if the headphones and the music source are both compatible they'll automatically use the higher-quality version.
How do you charge wireless headphones?
Most wireless headphones now have a built-in rechargeable battery, and typically come with a charging cable ending with a standard USB socket. To charge such headphones from the mains, you usually need to purchase a USB plug adapter with a power output (watts) suitable for your device, as these aren't typically provided in the box.
Most headphones will charge from a standard USB charger plug like those supplied with mobile phones. For example, if you already have an Apple 5W USB power adapter for charging your iPhone, you can also use it to charge your Apple AirPods headphones. Choose any reputable brand for the adapter - it rarely needs to match the brand of your headphones. Some headphones will support higher power adapters for faster charging.
Can wireless headphones sound as good as wired?
The reasons are complicated but, in short, yes, wireless headphones can sound just as good as a wired pair for most people's purposes. The thing that matters most for sound quality is the physical design of the headphones. The best wireless headphones are capable of playing music in CD quality and above, and it's a matter of scientific debate whether we can even hear differences in quality above this.
How does Which? test and recommend wireless headphones?
We use a panel of five experts to judge every pair of headphones on their sound quality, comfort, durability and how much sound they leak. We also look at how stable the wireless connection is between the headphones and smartphone or MP3 player, to make sure you get uninterrupted music.
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