Audio technology has rocketed into the stratosphere in recent years. Decades ago, vinyl records ruled the world, but music media has since become smaller and smaller, moving from the 8-track tape to standard cassette tapes to CDs, and finally into the digital age.

With the evolution of media, itself, came changes and improvements to headphones. Standard headphones revolutionized private listening, but necessary cords got in the way, caused a mishap or two, and often eventually wore out to the point that users could only hear out of one ear maximum.

The best wireless headphones on the market today offer some of the finest portable audio experiences, with some being noise-cancelling headphones, at that. Wireless headphones offer previously unattainable freedom of movement for the user, which makes them an ideal choice for working out, listening to music while tackling housework, and a wide variety of other listening situations that would be hindered by cords.

In this buyer's guide, we'll talk through the best wireless headphones of 2020; no matter your budget, your style, or hardware preferences, this guide has a little something for everyone.

Get your favorite music ready - here we go!

For a long-lasting, noise-free music experience virtually anywhere, look no further than the COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones. These headphones keep outside noise—like airplane cabin noise, traffic, and office noise—to a minimum, offering you an immersive music experience like no other.

This headset also comes with a built-in microphone, giving you more freedom and ability to multi-task while you're on hands-free calls. The stability of a powerful Bluetooth connection will keep your call going strong and your music flowing without interruption.

The earpads can be worn for hours on end without becoming uncomfortable, as they are created from super soft protein to cushion your ears and your head. The manufacturer does recommend removing your headphones every two to three hours, just to give your head and ears a break, even if they're so comfortable you won't want to!

These headphones boast a massive 30-hour battery life, keeping you listening for so long you'll forget there's a battery at all.

Customers appreciate the ease of use of these headphones. In addition to the simplicity of up-to-date Bluetooth connectivity, the headphones also come with very simple controls. The microphone seems to work well for hands-free calls, which isn't found often among the competition.

Some customers report that the headset isn't as loud as it could be, and the durability can leave a bit to be desired, as dropping them can potentially cause them to break. However, the good far outweighs the bad when it comes to these wireless headphones.

Overall, the COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are a great investment with a long-lasting battery, comfortable fit, and high-quality sound experience. They’re well worth the money!

Key Features
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Bluetooth connectivity and built-in microphone
  • Earphone covers built for maximum comfort and long wear
Specifications
  • Style: Over-ear
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Playtime: 30 hours
  • Bluetooth: 4.0
  • Brand: cowin
Pros
  • Extra long battery life
  • Easy to connect to all devices
  • Multiple color options
Cons
  • Can be a little fragile
  • Some customers prefer them to be louder
Premium pick

2. Samsung Galaxy Buds+

9.65 / 10
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The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ earbuds are everything earbuds should be.

The audio quality of this wireless option is a standout feature, crafted by AKG for a clean, satisfying audio experience – no matter what you're using your earbuds for. Controls couldn't be simpler, handled with a few taps to the earbuds. You can even customize your own controls, making the use of your earbuds as convenient as possible for you.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ also feature a smart noise cancellation system, which cuts out a lot of ambient noise but also gives you the flexibility to keep an ear out for important sounds on your commute, airline announcements, or other beneficial noises you won’t want to miss. The earbuds' smart noise cancellation system, by most all accounts, seems to work like a charm, allowing users to stay alert while listening to their favorite audio experiences.

These earbuds are simple to connect and will stay connected between Samsung devices, flowing seamlessly between your phone and tablet, for example. Even those who use Apple AirPods, a main rival of Samsung, find the Galaxy earbuds to be a fine product. They are described as pretty, discrete, a great value for the money, and comfortable.

Some users say the earbuds can be difficult to adjust in the ear without accidentally hitting any of the controls, which may take a little bit of a learning curve to figure out. The most discerning audiophiles out there might have issues with the sound quality, but the other features more than make up for any shortcomings for most users.

Key Features
  • Ambient Aware smart noise cancellation
  • Internal and external microphones
  • Android and iOS compatible
Specifications
  • Style: Earbuds
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Playtime: 11 hours
  • Bluetooth: 5.0
  • Brand: Samsung Electronics
Pros
  • Smart noise cancellation system works like a charm
  • Easy connection and swapping between devices
  • More comfortable than competitors
Cons
  • Can be difficult to adjust
  • Some may find audio quality only average

The LETSCOM Bluetooth Headphones are great for workouts, at-home listening, and for office wear—and they come in at a pleasantly reasonable cost.

These headphones boast up to 100 hours of playtime on a single charge! They work well wirelessly or wired while charging; this latter option is not a feature often seen among wireless headsets and can be a major benefit in the event that your headphones run out of juice before you’re through using them for the day. With regards to sound, a deep bass function adds another layer of sound quality that's surprising for such an affordable headset.

Hands-free calls are simple with this product’s built-in microphones. It should be noted that the microphone feature only works while the headset is wireless, however. The headset is ergonomically designed, with comfort in mind. It's equipped with ultra-soft ear cups, a foldable, convenient design and a user-friendly carrying bag.

Customers really appreciate the standout price point of the LETSCOM headset; it's a steal to receive the quality and battery length this headset offers. Unlike many wireless headsets, the LETSCOM Bluetooth Headphones appear not to disappoint in the microphone department. The range it offers is very long, working with devices up to 60 feet away.

Some customers report the headset can feel a little tight on their head shape. They also say connections can sometimes cut out, but it doesn't happen often. Overall, this headset is an excellent budget pick and should definitely be considered in terms of getting the best bang for your buck.

Key Features
  • Deep bass for premium sound
  • 3.5mm audio cable included
  • Built-in microphone
Specifications
  • Style: Over-ear
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Playtime: 100 hours
  • Bluetooth: 4.1
  • Brand: LETSCOM
Pros
  • Great microphone
  • Excellent value
  • Extra long battery life
Cons
  • Can get a little tight sometimes
  • Sometimes connection can be choppy

It's difficult to find wireless headsets that work well with phone calls, but the YAMAY Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone seem to be built just for that!

The flexible boom mic has noise cancellation technology that picks up your voice clearly while blocking out noise from the world around you, making for a clean, quiet call. Simple controls on the side of the headset make it easy to mute, hang up, or adjust the volume as needed.

This headset is lightweight with soft, protein earmuffs, making for a comfortable listening and speaking experience. This headset also connects easily, and to multiple devices at the same time. The battery of this headset can be fully charged within two hours. With a full charge, this headset runs for up to 15 hours of use, or 100 hours of standby time.

Customers appreciate the uncommonly good quality of this headset’s microphone and the ability to switch between devices with the flick of a button. The comfort of this set makes it easy to use these earphones for hours on end.

Some customers experience difficulty with initial setup, but with a call to support, the issues can be fixed fairly quickly, and with assistance. Other customers have some challenges with the controls at first and are not big fans of the microphone placement, but with adjustments and time, these issues, too, can be resolved.

As far as market competition is concerned, this set works best for those who are going to be using the phone frequently for work, not so much for gaming or music.

Key Features
  • Flexible boom microphone with noise cancellation
  • Connectivity to multiple devices
  • Very lightweight and comfortable
Specifications
  • Style: Over-ear
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Playtime: 15 hours
  • Bluetooth: 5.0
  • Brand: YAMAY
Pros
  • Great microphone
  • Easy to switch between devices
  • Comfortable set
Cons
  • Controls take some time to learn
  • Microphone placement could be better

The Beats venture into the earbud market is a respectable one, to be sure.

Boasting up to 12 hours of use on a single charge, the Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones are great on battery life, making them perfect for a long day at work—or even for a week's worth of workouts. The FastFuel feature means you can get a solid charge of one hour after about five minutes of charging, which can be great in a pinch.

The Powerbeats3 are also sweat-resistant with a durable design; they can take a beating from even the most intense workouts, and you won’t have to worry about their integrity or longevity. The included four earcup sizing options makes it easy to find the right fit for you; no slipping out of your ears while working out!

Customers like the sound quality and the lengthy battery life these earphones offer. They are great for workouts, commutes, casual listening, and beyond. The non-slip and sweat-resistant build of these earbuds makes them great for workouts, of course, much to any customers' delight.

The price point may be out of reach for some budgets, but the price is greatly reduced from what it has been, which customers really like. The carrying case for these earbuds feels a bit cheap, and while there is no charger to speak of, it does come with its own charging cable.

Overall, the Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones are a solid buy for those in the market for some high-quality earbuds for workouts and more.

Key Features
  • Quick charge - five minutes gives you an hour
  • Sweat and water resistant
  • Flexible, secure ear hooks
Specifications
  • Style: Earbuds
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Playtime: 12 hours
  • Bluetooth: 4.0
  • Brand: Beats
Pros
  • Durable and well-suited for workouts
  • Good sound quality
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Price is a little high
  • No charger except cable included

One of the most iconic pieces of wireless earwear on the market today is the Apple AirPods.

Apple AirPods are premium wireless earbuds that pair seamlessly with virtually any Apple product. They are automatically on, automatically connected, and oh so simple to set up.

These earbuds can easily switch between multiple devices, which is great for those making use of a host of Apple products, be it iPhones, Apple Watches, or iPads. Functionality is simple, as well; you can double tap to skip forward or play your tracks, and Siri is available immediately by saying "Hey, Siri!".

The new Apple H1 headphone chip makes connectivity issues a thing of the past; there's no compromise in audio quality here.

AirPods charge easily and quickly in a durable, sleek case connected to a standard Lightning connector. The earbuds offer up to five hours of listening time and hold a charge for more than 24 hours.

Customers really appreciate the plug-and-play nature of the Airpods, as they work right out of the box and the controls can be mastered in mere seconds. The earbuds are as reliable as they are easy to use.

Depending on your intended use, it may be important to know that the microphone leaves a little to be desired; some customers note that it may not be suitable for taking calls hands-free. The price point is also a little on the high side among the competition. However, with the consistent quality that comes with Apple products, it's well worth the investment for many users.

Key Features
  • Seamless transition between devices
  • High quality audio
  • Simple, two-click controls
Specifications
  • Style: Earbuds
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Playtime: 5 hours
  • Bluetooth: 4.2
  • Brand: Apple
Pros
  • Works right out of the box
  • High quality sound compared to other models
  • Functions well with Siri
Cons
  • Price point is high
  • Wireless microphone isn't the best

Tough and perfect for the gym, the TOZO T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds ride an excellent balance between durability and comfort.

Pairing the earbuds with any Bluetooth-compatible device couldn't be easier, and with the most up-to-date Bluetooth 5.0 technology, connecting to any number of devices is simple. The best Bluetooth available also ensures that the sound quality is second to none.

The TOZO T10’s are ergonomically designed with comfortable, non-slip, gel-flexible earcaps that fit closely and comfortably to your ears. The water-resistant coating makes this set of earbuds waterproof up to one meter deep for 30 minutes, further adding to this option’s durability.

This set of earbuds lasts of four hours of playing time on a single charge and 14 additional hours using the wireless carrying case, for added convenience.

Customers often find that these earbuds fit a bit better than Apple AirPods in some cases; it helps that they come with four different sizes of earcaps for the ideal fit. The price is great for the product you get, and the quality is definitely there in both design and sound integrity.

On the other hand, some customers report the earbuds being a bit too heavy, which can cause them to slip out sometimes; however, this may be because they haven't found the right match as far as earcaps go. Some customers would have also liked to see a longer battery life, but the convenience of the charging case certainly helps in that regard.

Overall, the TOZO T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds are excellent earbuds without breaking the bank, and they should certainly be considered.

Key Features
  • One-step pairing, automatic connection
  • IP-X8 waterproof
  • 14-hour charge in wireless case
Specifications
  • Style: Earbuds
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Playtime: 4 hours
  • Bluetooth: 5.0
  • Brand: TOZO
Pros
  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Rubber earcaps help fit most ears
Cons
  • Can be a little heavy
  • Charge time is somewhat short

Performance earbuds can be hard to find. Those who frequent the gym know that workouts take a lot out of the body, so it’s common to demand earbuds that can stay in place, offer great sound quality, and go the distance in battery life.

The Purity True Wireless Earbuds with Immersive Sound are a great candidate for performance earbuds on a budget. With IP-X5 sweat-proof technology and multiple sets of comfortable, soft earcups, finding a good fit that doesn't short out at the first sign of sweat couldn't be easier.

These earbuds pair rather effortlessly with any number of Bluetooth compatible devices. Thanks to a handy, portable charging case, you can the standard four hours of playtime per charge, with an additional 10 hours from the charging case, making for a total of 14 play hours.

The one-button controls make for easy and convenient commands, whether you're answering a call, skipping a song, or bumping up the volume. This is incredibly useful while working out, as our hands are often otherwise engaged.

Customers really appreciate the low price point and the subsequent value. The simple but multi-functional controls and the convenience of the extra charge that the carrying case offers are other noteworthy positives. The microphone quality is also known to be good.

Customers do sometimes have some issues getting used to the feel of the earbuds, but say they get used to them after a few days of use. Pairing may take a little bit of learning for those new to the process, but the included instructions are helpful.

Key Features
  • Out-of-the-box pairing
  • Portable charging case included
  • Sweat resistant
Specifications
  • Style: Earbuds
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Playtime: 4 hours
  • Bluetooth: 5.0
  • Brand: Purity
Pros
  • Easy, one-button controls
  • Carrying case offers added convenience
  • Microphone quality is good
Cons
  • Not super comfortable at first
  • Requires instructions to connect

The Boltune Bluetooth V5.0 in-Ear Stereo Wireless Headphones are light, attractive, and a solid contender for budget Bluetooth earbuds.

These earbuds are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, making for a rock-solid and quick connection with no signal loss or dropouts for devices up to 50 feet away. The earbuds are ready to use right out of the box and can seamlessly pair with a number of Bluetooth-compatible devices with no problem.

Customers find that one quick setup will do the trick, and all that needs to be done going forward from that point is to turn on the earbuds—you’ll be connected instantly.

A six-hour battery life puts this pair of earbuds right about in the middle of the market in terms of playtime, but for what you get for the money, it's quite impressive. These headphones are quick and easy to charge via USB connector and will be fully charged within 90 minutes.

These earbuds are durable and IP-X8 water resistant, meaning rain and sweat will provide no issues.

Customers report being happy with the sound quality these earbuds produce, and they also note that the volume levels are typically higher than most other Bluetooth earbuds. On the other hand, there are some reports of audio issues when it comes to using these earbuds for phone calls, which points to minor issues with the microphone.

Overall, however, the Boltune Bluetooth V5.0 in-Ear Stereo Wireless Headphones are a great pick, particularly for those on a budget, and a solid choice for anyone who loves to enjoy their music on the go.

Key Features
  • 50 foot range
  • 40-hour battery life
  • Quick, 90-minute charge
Specifications
  • Style: Earbuds
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Playtime: 6 hours
  • Bluetooth: 5.0
  • Brand: Boltune
Pros
  • Long range
  • Durable and water resistant
  • High volume and sound quality
Cons
  • Some microphone issues

Classic headphones aren't dead by any means! The Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones are proof of this. This excellent set is designed for comfort and quality, while at the same time offering customers the old-school charm of a quality headset. The modern element of a foldable design makes them easy and convenient to transport anywhere.

These headphones are interesting for the fact there is no active noise cancellation, but they do provide passive noise isolation. What's the difference? Noise cancellation can be a serious sap on the already-limited energy needed to keep wireless headsets going for hours on end. With passive noise isolation, there's no battery drain, but still a bit of ambient noise reduction.

The Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones work both wirelessly and wired, which isn't commonly found in a lot of Bluetooth or wireless headsets these days. They come with a wired backup that allows you to use these headphones as wired while they're charging. The battery lasts up to 20 hours on a full charge, and it only takes about 10 minutes to give you two hours of play when the battery is low.

Some discerning customers may not be satisfied with the sound quality these earphones provide, but Mpow has a great customer service team that is happy to assist with any possible improvements on that front. Furthermore, some customers report having issues with the microphone when attempting phone calls with this headset, which is a common but minor setback.

Overall, customers appreciate the natural noise suppression this headset offers, as well as the convenience of the folding feature. The wireless/wired switch offers additional, great flexibility. The value for the relatively low price means you're getting more than what you pay for with this set!

Key Features
  • Memory protein earpads for maximum comfort
  • Excellent noise suppression without battery cost
  • Built-in microphone and call controls
Specifications
  • Style: Over-ear
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Playtime: 20 hours
  • Bluetooth: 4.1
  • Brand: Mpow
Pros
  • Great value
  • Wired charger offers excellent flexibility
  • Many color options
Cons
  • Audio may lag
  • Microphone quality is a slight issue

As wireless headphones have evolved in recent years, two main camps of listeners emerged. This friendly debate pits headphone users against those who prefer earbuds.

On one hand, earbuds are compact, can go virtually anywhere you can, and they provide a close, “in your head” listening experience headphones just can't offer. On the other hand, headphones are not easy to lose, provide comfortable listening experiences with greater passive noise cancelling, and can be considerably more comfortable than their earbud counterparts.

Let's take a look at the ins and outs of earbuds versus headphones, and you can decide what listening experience is best for you when shopping for your new wireless audio equipment.

Comfort

Since they sit outside your ear canal, headphones are the considerably more comfortable option for most people. Headphones don't push into your ear canals and are a great fit for a number of situations; for example, if you don't wear glasses and want to maintain maximum auditory health, headphones would probably be a good option for you.

Earbuds are great for situations where wearing headphones simply isn't possible. Earbuds work particularly well if you wear glasses or if you're working out or engaged in an activity where you need to move around a lot. While the comfort level is different, some may prefer the feel and closeness of earbuds. Earbuds, in short, are more situational than comfortable, but a level of comfort is still present for many users.

Sound Quality

Audio purists would have you believe that wired, over-the-ear headphones are the way to go when it comes to getting the best quality audio experience. Wireless technology compresses audio to ensure it works properly with the Bluetooth technology that makes wireless headsets possible in the first place. As such, the music's "resolution" is somewhat lessened, meaning the audio may not be as natural as possible.

With that said, wireless devices can still provide a great audio experience, but you may still be wondering: are headphones or earbuds better?

Earbuds can have a few shortcomings in this department. A lot of moving parts have to work well in order to produce a good sound over a Bluetooth connection, and since some wireless earbuds are separated into left and right units, that provides one more step that could theoretically further lower the quality of the sound and/or invite further interference between the earphones and the audio player. In short, headphones have the slight edge in terms of audio quality.

Noise Leaks

Though headphones offer a good deal of advantages, earbuds have a clear advantage here. Using properly fitted earbuds, you're less likely to have your neighbor hearing every note of your favorite songs. It saves you those dirty looks from neighbors who might not share your love of Britney Spears.

To Sum Up...

To find out whether you fall into the headphones camp, the earbuds camp, or somewhere between, it's best to experiment. Don't be afraid to invest a little in your sound equipment as quality brands—no matter which you choose—make all the difference in the long run.

ResourcesHumavox, TechRadar

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