Top 10 Bluetooth headphones 2024: elevated listening experiences to excite your routine
Bluetooth headphones have become essential wireless tools for our daily routines. Now we’re in 2024, it’s time for a new pair of wireless headphones to redefine your listening experience.
This year’s list of the best Bluetooth headphones features a mixture of Bluetooth headphones and TWS earbuds for all price tags. Many offer excellent noise-cancelling and high-res audio for great listening experiences while sitting comfortably with long battery life.
We’ve chosen both affordable and upper-market Bluetooth headphones under equal criteria, including audio quality, battery life and comfort. Whether you’re looking for your next pair of workout or gaming headphones, a music lover, or you’re just after a fresh pair, we’ve got you covered.
- Sony 1000XM5
- Bose QuietComfort
- Edifier WH950NB
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
- Edifier Neo Buds Pro 2
- Beats Studio Buds Pro 2
- EarFun Free Pro 3
- JBL Tune Beam TWS
1. Sony 1000XM5 ($279 / £250 / €320) – best overall wireless headphones
Sony’s reputable XM series needs no introduction, and the WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones redefine the standard for noise cancelling by employing dual processors with eight microphones to eliminate environmental ambience.
Coupled with the onboard Multi Noise Sensor technology, the specially designed 30mm driver unit and Integrated Processor V1 provide extreme noise reduction and extremely high audio fidelity. Throw Sony’s high-resolution LDAC Bluetooth codec into the mix and you get a premium listening experience… with a large price tag.
Furthermore, the XM5s offer 30 hours of playtime as well as rapid charging, whereby a 10-minute charge will buy you 3 hours of playtime. And they’re 360 Reality Audio certified, ensuring an immersive spatial audio experience while streaming.
Beyond their exceptional sound, the WH-1000XM5s offer advanced features like Precise Voice Pickup technology for crystal-clear calls, Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts settings based on your location and activities, and Speak-to-Chat for seamless transitions between conversations and music playback.
With touch controls, multi-point pairing and voice assistant compatibility, the XM5s offer a convenient user experience when controlling playback and managing calls too.
2. Bose QuietComfort headphones ($279 / £350 / €299) – best premium Bluetooth headphones
The Bose QuietComfort headphones are a perfect fusion of style and substance for the ultimate listening experience. These renowned headphones redefine premium audio with legendary noise cancellation that lets you escape into your music.
Choose between Quiet Mode, which provides a cocoon of tranquillity where music is everything, and Aware Mode which offers transparency for conversations or environmental awareness.
With customizable modes and an adjustable EQ that puts you in control, you can fine-tune your noise cancellation and sound profile preferences to your liking. Comfort meets sophistication with plush earcup cushions and a secure band in striking colours like Black, White Smoke, and the limited-edition Cypress Green.
Connect seamlessly with Bluetooth 5.1 and enjoy up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge. A quick 15-minute boost provides 4 hours of playtime. The optional audio cable with an in-line microphone ensures you’re always connected. The Bose Music app guides you through setup, offers voice assistant options, and provides additional customization.
Complete with SimpleSync for synchronized entertainment and an array of practical features, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are your companion for unparalleled sound, comfort, and style. Elevate your listening journey and make a bold statement with these iconic headphones that transcend the ordinary.
3. Edifier WH950NB ($180 / £180 / €170) – best value for money
The Edifier WH950NB headphones offer a premium look and feel at an attractive price point, making them a noteworthy alternative to more expensive models like the Sony WH-1000XM5. Their lightweight design, swivelling ear cups, and comfortable fit make them suitable for extended use. The inclusion of a 3.5mm aux jack provides a wired option, catering to those who prefer avoiding Bluetooth compression.
Sound-wise, the WH950NB delivers impressive audio quality with a well-defined bass response, flat mid-range, and notable treble clarity. The customizable EQ presets, including Classic, Dynamic, and Custom, allow users to tailor their listening experience. While the noise cancellation is effective, some ambient sounds may break through, offering a balanced experience.
The headphones support various modes, such as Theatre and Game modes, although the latter may have slight lag issues. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, including LDAC support, ensures a seamless experience for both Android and iPhone users. The battery life is commendable, with up to 55 hours of playback without ANC and 34 hours with ANC activated, and fast charging capabilities.
In summary, the Edifier WH950NB headphones provide a compelling option for casual listeners seeking a premium audio experience without breaking the bank. The combination of comfort, sound quality, and affordable pricing makes them a competitive choice in the wireless headphone market.
4. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e ($399 / £370 / €429) – best for sound isolation
Unleash the evolution of wireless audio with the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones, a pinnacle of sound sophistication. Derived from the flagship Px8, these headphones boast a meticulously tuned acoustic performance, employing a 24-bit DSP and 40mm custom-designed drivers for an immersive sonic experience.
With six advanced microphones, including potent noise cancellation technology, the Px7 S2e ensures an uninterrupted audio journey, maintaining the integrity of your music and providing crystal-clear call quality. The plush memory foam earpads offer luxurious comfort for extended listening sessions, complemented by an elegant design featuring a fabric finish and metal detailing.
Seamlessly connect and control your audio experience through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, providing access to a range of compatible streaming services. Bluetooth 5.2, aptX™ Adaptive, and a remarkable 30-hour playback time redefine wireless convenience. Choose from the refined finishes of Anthracite Black, Cloud Gray, Ocean Blue, or Forest Green, and elevate your wireless listening with the Px7 S2e.
5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ($380 /£240 / €300) – best headphones for sound quality
Sennheiser is a brand that needs no introduction, and its Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are crafted to deliver the brand’s signature stellar sound. Enjoy premium comfort and style with a lightweight design, padded headband, and soft cushioned earpads too.
Boasting a 42mm driver system built for dynamics, clarity, and musicality, customizable sound features include built-in EQ, presets, sound modes, and Sennheiser’s Sound Personalization tool. Consequently, you can shape your auditory world according to your preferences with ease.
Seamlessly transition between total immersion and situational awareness with the touch-sensitive controls. Adaptive Noise Cancellation adapts to ambient noise, so noise cancelling will be more intense in louder places while Transparency Mode keeps you aware of your surroundings.
Smart listening features include up to 60 hours of battery life, fast charging, and intuitive controls like Smart Pause, which halts playback when you remove the headphones and resumes accordingly.
Crystal-clear calls, top-tier battery, convenient unboxing with a carry case, USB-C charging cable, and auxiliary cable complete the premium package. Elevate your listening experience further with Sennheiser’s Smart Control app for easy sound customization and modes tailored to your taste.
6. Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT ($120 / £80 / €90) – best wireless headphones for music production
Bluetooth headphones for music production were bound to arrive sooner or later, and the ATH-M20xBT wireless headphones from Audio-Technica combine the studio-quality sound of their wired counterparts with wireless transmission.
The manufacturer has modelled the ATH-M20xBTs on its closed-back studio headphones, so they’re easily the best choice on our list to use for use music production. Offering multipoint pairing, the ATH-M20xBTs allow wireless connections to two devices at once while low latency mode delivers synchronized audio and video for smooth streaming and gaming too.
These over-ear headphones boast powerful 40 mm drivers delivering high-fidelity audio and dynamic range which can take full advantage of with the option of a wired or wireless connection thanks to Audio Technica’s inclusion of a detachable 3.5mm auxiliary. The built-in microphone and controls on the left earcup meanwhile allow easy call management, music playback, volume, and power.
Designed for durability, their closed-back build provides excellent sound isolation in noisy environments, though they don’t offer noise cancelling. An astonishing 60-hour battery life after a full charge and 3 hours after ten just minutes of charge.
7. Edifier Neo Buds Pro 2 ($130 / £120 / €120) – best TWS earbuds for audio quality
Edifier’s Neo Buds Pro 2, despite being mid-range priced, deliver premium sound that defies expectations. Whether connected to a PC, Mac, or smartphone, the earbuds consistently impress with their exceptional audio quality. Featuring sound profiles catering to diverse musical styles, these earbuds ensure a personalized experience.
With a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz, the Neo Buds Pro 2s excel in reproducing a broad spectrum of sounds. The listening modes, Classic and Dynamic, provide distinct sonic experiences. Dynamic mode accentuates treble and bass, ideal for electronic genres, while Classic maintains a balanced frequency reproduction suitable for various music styles.
Under the hood, the earbuds boast 10mm Dynamic Drivers and Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers, delivering rich, warm bass and clean separation between frequencies. Notably, the High Noise Cancelling mode, coupled with Savitech’s LHDC codec, offers an immersive experience, effectively reducing ambient noise by up to 50dB.
Featuring a comfortable design with customizable touch controls, the Neo Buds Pro 2 provide easy access to features like Spatial Audio, Game Mode, and different sound profiles. Despite lacking multi-point pairing, these earbuds offer a remarkable combination of features at a competitive price point. The Edifier Connect app further enhances the user experience, offering convenient features like “Find My Earbuds.”
The design of the earbuds, with seven pairs of additional ear tips for comfort, a stylish charging case with customizable LEDs, and a protective carry bag, balances both form and function. Priced at USD 159 / GBP 129 / EUR 149, the Neo Buds Pro 2 offer exceptional value, making them an attractive choice for those seeking affordable TWS earbuds with premium features.
8. Beats Studio Buds Pro 2 ($170 / £180 / €220) – best for bass-driven beats
Immerse yourself in a symphony of sound with Beats Studio Buds, designed to deliver a spatial audio experience for music that surrounds you wherever you go. These in-ear earphones boast ANC blocking external disturbances and a Transparency mode that reintroduces ambient sounds seamlessly when necessary, providing harmonious and powerful audio.
Crafted for comfort and stability, Beats Studio Buds feature three soft, silicone ear tip options for a customized fit. With a simple one-touch pairing system, they effortlessly connect to both Apple and Android devices via Bluetooth, adapting to various technology ecosystems. The earbuds offer an impressive 8 hours of listening time, complemented by a pocket-sized charging case for two additional charges, ensuring your music never misses a beat.
Whether you’re managing calls, controlling music, or activating voice assistants, Beats Studio Buds provides a seamless experience with their on-ear controls. Fast Fuel charging adds an hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge, making them ideal for users on the move. Elevate your auditory journey with Beats Studio Buds, where every beat transforms into a captivating adventure.
9. EarFun Free Pro 3 ($80 / £80 / €80) – earbuds with best value for money
EarFun’s Free Pro 3 earbuds are a super affordable option with great audio quality and superb noise cancelling. They’re durable with a commendable battery life, offering up to 6 hours between charges (rapid USB-C charging) and totalling approximately 30 hours with 24 hours in the case.
EarFun’s affordable earbuds perform exceptionally well in treble and mids with distinct instrument separation and delivering clear highs and impactful transients. The bass response however depends on the noise cancelling, occasionally resulting in boominess and inconsistency.
The compact rectangular design is comfortable and snug over long listening sessions, facilitating excellent noise-cancelling while listening and during calls. The active noise cancellation is top-notch, with a 43dB reduction in environmental noise, although the controls over ambient sound are limited.
Touch controls aren’t too sensitive and maintain convenience. Despite lacking spatial audio and advanced controls found in pricier alternatives, the Free Pro 3s impress with their overall value, durability, and active noise cancellation.
Finally, the EarFun companion app facilitates control customization and access to low-latency Game Mode, as well as other features.
10. JBL Tune Beam TWS ($60 / £50 / €60) – best affordable TWS earbuds
The JBL Tune Beam True Wireless earbuds are undoubtedly the best budget-friendly Bluetooth headphones for a multitude of compelling reasons. Equipped with 8mm drivers that deliver the signature JBL Deep Bass Sound, you’ll get an immersive audio experience without breaking the bank.
With 8 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case, you can enjoy your music without for up to 32 hours. When you’re in a hurry, you can recharge them quickly and get two hours of playtime in just 10 minutes.
JBL’s affordable earbuds frequency response delivers 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and their secure and comfortable stick-closed design ensures a snug fit in your ears. Therefore, this ergonomic design is not only comfortable but provides excellent sound isolation.
The JBL Tune Beam earbuds offer two modes of Smart Ambient Technology that determine how much environmental noise bleeds in. TalkThru meanwhile allows you to instantly hear your voice and sounds in your surroundings without having to remove the earbuds.
These budget-friendly earbuds also handle hands-free calls with VoiceAware technology, enabling you to control the balance of your voice and external sounds during conversations.