Wireless headphones have come a long way in the last decade. With more advanced Bluetooth codecs, stronger batteries, and better sound quality, it is tough to resist getting one. With that in mind, we have rounded up our top 5 wireless headphones 2021.
Sony WH-1000XM4
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 8.95 oz
- Cable length: 3.94 ft
- Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz
- Drivers: 1.57-inch
- Driver type: Dome-type
- Sensitivity: 104.5 dB
- Impedance: 47 ohm
- Battery life: 30 hours
- Wireless range: 30 meters (98ft)
- NFC: Yes
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The Sony WH-1000XM4 is not only lightweight but also delivers noise-cancellation with excellent sound quality. Even though these wireless headphones don’t look too different from their predecessor (Sony WH-1000XM3), they are improved with a lot of new features.
These include multipoint pairing, DSEE Extreme upscaling, conversational awareness, and a built-in sensor. All of these help the Sony WH-1000XM4 stand among the best headphones in 2021.
This wonderful pair of headphones also support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format that enables spatial audio on stereo headphones. Not to mention its support for 990 kbps bitrate and cutting-edge codec.
AKG N60NC Wireless
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 199.4g
- Cable length: N/A
- Frequency response: 10-22,000Hz
- Drivers: N/A
- Driver type: N/A
- Sensitivity: 111dB SPL/[email protected]
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Battery life: 15 hours
- Wireless range: N/A
- NFC: No
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The AKG N60NC Wireless sounds like a pair of headphones that should be much more expensive than just $150. At this mid-range price point, these wireless headphones offer fantastic sound quality and a level of noise-cancellation that can be found only in some premium headphones on this list.
Our biggest issue with the AKG N60NC is the fact that they’re on-ear rather than over-ear. This means that you might find it a bit uncomfortable when using it over a long period of time. Regardless, the pros of these headphones completely outweigh the cons. So, if you don’t mind having on-ear headphones, then the AKG N60NC is a great deal for the price!
Jabra Elite 85H
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 296 grams
- Cable length: N/A
- Frequency response: 10-20kHz
- Drivers: 40mm
- Driver type: Dynamic
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Impedance: N/A
- Battery life: 36 hours
- Wireless range: 10m (33ft.)
- NFC: N/A
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We highly recommend the Elite 85H if you want a pair of headphones with strong battery life and personalization for sound profiles. Also, in case you are looking for an alternative to the Sony WH-1000XM4, then these wireless headphones are a great option with $70 cheaper. Despite the lack of high-end codec support, Elite 85H still stands out on the market at this price point.
Apple AirPods Max
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 350g
- Cable length: N/A
- Frequency response: N/A
- Drivers: 40mm
- Driver type: Dynamic
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Impedance: N/A
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Wireless range: N/A
- NFC: Yes
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The release of the first Apple’s new over-ear headphones had been rumored and expected for almost 2 years. Finally, we can take a look at the AirPods Max, which was released back in December last year.
These Apple headphones come with active noise cancellation, superb audio quality, and a design that sets them apart from most noise-canceling rivals on the market. Honestly, their exceptional audio performance and class-leading ANC are quite impressive.
Meanwhile, battery life has never been Apple’s strong point. So, don’t be surprised when you only get around 20 hours of use from these headphones. Also, the lack of a 3.5mm audio port might make some fans disappointing. However, if you are now tied to Apple’s ecosystem, then the AirPods Max is really good to go.
If you are an Android user who has never laid your hands on an Apple device, then the AirPods Max is simply a high-performance pair of noise-canceling headphones with an unusual design.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Headphones
- Acoustic design: Closed
- Weight: 310g
- Cable length: 1.2m
- Frequency response: 10 – 30,000 Hz
- Drivers: 43.6mm
- Driver type: Full range
- Sensitivity: N/A
- Impedance: 20 kOhms
- Battery life: 30 hours
- Wireless range: N/A
- NFC: N/A
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If you’re looking for a pair of wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is well worth considering here. With improved sound quality, 30 hours of battery life, and a honed aesthetic, the PX7 could give any of the headphones on this list a run for their money.
Also, these headphones are packed with aptX Adaptive for better stability and latency between the headphones and your device. Not to mention their high-quality (24-bit) streaming aptX HD. At $349, we don’t think the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 price tag is too fancy for premium headphones.
The Bottom Line
Personally, I would recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4, whether you are an Android or iOS user because of its amazing noise cancelation and amazing sound quality. But, if you are an Apple fan who wants to take more advantage of the Apple ecosystem, then the new AirPods Max is the way to go here.
What wireless headphones do you like here? Let us know in the comments below.
