Whether you’re looking for wireless in-ear, on-ear, or full-fledged headphones, here are the best wireless earbuds so far: fall 2022. In this article, the main criterion for choosing wireless headphones is the ratio of price to quality. Of all the headphones that have recently hit the market, 10 models of wireless headphones have been selected.
The best wireless earbuds of 2022
The difference between headphones and wireless headphones
Stereo headphones have been around since before the first Sony Walkman. About the same time I had to put up with tangled wires to listen to music on the go. Luckily, wireless headphones now exist. They are convenient because you do not have to deal with dangling cables, for example, in the gym or on public transport.
Now that many phone manufacturers are ditching the headphone jack, wireless headphones are a great way to ensure compatibility between devices. Wireless no longer means bad sound. Bluetooth headphones still compress high-res audio, but the new codecs keep the quality much better than in the past.
Headphones (or in-ear headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile compared to regular headphones. As a general rule, you’ll get better sound from a full set of cans on your head than from headphones on your neck or in your ears. On the other hand, small headphones are much more suitable for sports because they are smaller in size.
Tips for buying headphones
At the moment, most wireless headphones do not have a connecting wire, which was in earlier versions. Instead, the consumer gets two separate earbuds and a charging case. Initially, this type of setup was not very reliable, but now the user is unlikely to have connection problems.
If you’re looking for a set of wireless earphones primarily for the gym, the first thing to check is the IP rating for water and sweat resistance. Regular headphones will provide a very good listening experience. However, you still have to choose between on-ear and in-ear models.
Earbuds fit close to the ears but do not surround them, while on-ear headphones completely cover the ears. The latter block out most external noise and usually deliver a more powerful and rich sound, but in-ear models are less bulky and less distracting.
What is noise reduction?
Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headphones use outward-facing microphones to capture and analyze noise, which is then canceled by their internal circuitry, generating a return wave. It used to be an expensive and cumbersome technology. Over time, this technology has been greatly reduced in size.
However, top models are still quite expensive. While many of the models in this review cost over $100, you shouldn’t spend too much money to get quality sound. This is especially true for buyers with a limited budget. Below are labels for the best wireless earbuds across a wide range of prices and feature sets.
List of the best wireless headphones of 2022
AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
The second generation AirPods Pro deliver exceptional ANC and audio performance, making them the best wireless noise canceling headphones for Apple device users. Approximate price $240.
Pros
Rich, well-balanced sound.
Excellent active noise cancellation.
The adaptive transparency mode is really impressive.
The charging case has a useful built-in speaker.
Fully compatible with Apple devices.
Cons
No support for high definition codecs.
The device only offers unadjustable EQ presets.
Bose QuietComfort 45
While the competition is fiercer than ever, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones continue to lead the segment with superior active noise cancellation. Approximate price $330.
Pros
Best-in-class noise cancellation.
Sculptural sound with rich bass and crisp highs.
Exceptionally comfortable headphones.
Cons
ANC is not regulated.
The sound is not ideal for true audiophiles.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II wireless headphones set a new standard for active in-ear noise cancellation while delivering powerful bass-boosted sound. Approximate price $300.
Pros
Captivating sound with deep lows and bright highs.
Fantastic low and high frequency noise reduction.
Useful Active Aware mode.
Waterproof construction.
Cons
There is no way to disable noise cancellation completely.
The case does not support wireless charging.
Jabra Elite 45h
The Jabra Elite 45h on-ear headphones provide great wireless sound and tons of great features for less than $100. Approximate price $85.
Pros
Powerful sound with bass boost.
Useful app with adjustable equalizer.
Comfortable fit on the ear.
Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Strong microphone clarity.
Cons
Combined volume/track navigation controls allow you to accidentally skip a track.
Sennheiser HD450BT
The Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones deliver superior Bluetooth audio and reliable noise cancellation at a bargain price. Approximate price $102.
Pros
Strong noise cancellation for the price.
Excellent sound quality.
Can be used in passive mode with cable or wired mode with ANC enabled.
User configurable equalizer.
Cons
Noise canceling is solid, but not best in class.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones combine top-notch noise cancellation with best-in-class sound quality in a comfortable, attractive design. Approximate price $398.
Pros
Superb sound quality with deep bass and crisp highs.
First-class active noise cancellation.
Intuitive controls.
The application offers an adjustable equalizer and other settings.
Comfortable, stylish design.
Cons
More expensive than other models.
Anker Soundcore Space A40
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 headphones deliver quality active noise cancellation and balanced, detailed sound at a modest price. Approximate price $100.
Pros
Rich, detailed sound performance.
Good quality active noise canceling for the price.
The app includes a customizable equalizer and controls.
Long battery life.
Waterproof construction.
Cons
Noise canceling mode has little effect on the audio signature.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro wireless headphones offer quality active noise cancellation and top-notch microphone performance in a waterproof design. Approximate price $200.
Pros
Powerful sound with deep bass and crisp highs.
Adjustable ANC and EQ settings.
Excellent microphone intelligibility.
Completely waterproof, dustproof earphones.
Cons
Custom ANC requires more work than other models.
Urbanista Los Angeles
Great Urbanista Los Angeles headphones that provide deep bass, good treble and solid active noise cancellation. The headphones have a unique design and support solar charging. Approximate price $213.
Pros
Charging from solar energy.
Impressive sound quality with rich, deep bass and crisp highs.
Quality noise cancellation for the price.
Stylish design.
Cons
No built-in equalizer.
Noise cancellation has little effect on the audio signature.
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 budget in-ear headphones provide good sound with bass boost. They have an excellent design. Oriented for listening while exercising in the gym. They also provide reliable noise cancellation. Approximate price $80.
Pros
Powerful treble and bass sound.
Impressive ANC for the price.
The headphones have an adjustable equalizer and customizable controls.
Waterproof construction.
Cons
The ear hook design makes the docking process annoying.
The array of controls on the ear could be more intuitive.