Best Bluetooth Headphones in 2026: Tested, Compared, and Ranked

We have been testing wireless headphones at Best Tech Radar for over two years now. During that time, we reviewed dozens of models across every price range, from budget picks under $50 to flagship pairs from Sony, Bose, and Apple. That experience is what led to this site. We wanted a place focused entirely on Bluetooth headphones, where every recommendation comes from actual listening time and not just a spec sheet.

This guide covers the best Bluetooth headphones you can buy right now. We tested each pair for sound quality, comfort, battery life, noise cancellation, call quality, and overall value. Whether you need the best noise-canceling over-ear wireless headphones for flights, best-sounding wireless headphones for music, budget over-ear headphones for daily use, or wireless headphones for iPhone or Android, you will find them here.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

Before we get into the details, here is a quick look at our top Bluetooth headphones for 2026:

• Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM6
• Best for iPhone: Apple AirPods Max 2
• Best sound quality: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
• Best for Android: Technics EAH-A800
• Best budget under $100: Anker Soundcore Space One
• Best budget under $80: SoundPEATS Cove Pro
• Best mid-range: Sony WH-CH720N
• Best battery life: Edifier WH950NB
• Best for workouts: Beats Solo 4
• Best luxury build: Bowers and Wilkins PX8

Best Bluetooth Headphones: Full Reviews

Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best Overall

Sony made its reputation on delivering Bluetooth headphones that don’t skimp out on sound quality, and the WH-1000XM6 continues that tradition. No other pair of wireless headphones in the consumer market combines this level of noise canceling, sound quality, and features in a package that just works.

The ANC is almost unbeatable. If you’re a commuter who needs the best noise-canceling to get you through trips, the XM6 blocks out roughly 95 percent of external noise in testing. Human voices, airplane engine drone, traffic noise, and HVAC hum all get reduced to near silence. Sony uses dual noise sensor technology with two microphones on each earcup that capture ambient sound from multiple directions.

Sound quality is rich, detailed, and wide. The bass is tight and punchy without being overly boomy. Mids are clear and well represented. Highs have good clarity where you can pick up fine details and an open, immersive soundstage. Sony supports LDAC for high-resolution wireless audio, and DSEE Extreme upscaling recovers detail lost to Bluetooth compression.

Battery life sits at 30 hours with ANC on, which is solid for a flagship model. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity allows you to connect to multiple devices at once, and physical buttons provide reliable on-board control. The companion app gives you full control over EQ settings, ANC levels, and adaptive sound control which adjusts noise canceling based on what you are doing.

Comfort is excellent for long listening sessions. The pads are fantastic, extremely comfortable, and leave a lot of air inside the cup that helps dissipate heat build-up. At 250g these are one of the lightest flagship headphones available.

The main downside is price. But if noise canceling and sound quality are your top priorities, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are the ones to beat.

Key specs: Dual Noise Sensor ANC | 30h battery | Bluetooth 5.3 Multipoint | LDAC | 250g

Apple AirPods Max 2 – Best for iPhone Users

If you own an iPhone, the AirPods Max 2 are the best wireless headphones you can buy. Apple improved the noise cancellation to the point where it now competes directly with Sony for the strongest ANC on the market. Beyond ANC, these headphones are packed with features that only work with Apple devices.

Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise canceling and transparency based on your environment, so you do not need to switch modes manually. Conversation Awareness lowers media volume when you start talking. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive listening experience that makes it worth the investment.

Sound quality got a bump too. The bass has good drive and clarity throughout its sound signature. The overall tuning is balanced and detailed, with plenty of customization through EQ in the settings. Battery life is about 24 hours with ANC on.

The biggest limitation is obvious. You need an iPhone to access most of these features. On Android, the AirPods Max 2 still work as Bluetooth headphones with ANC, but you lose Adaptive Audio and the deeper Apple ecosystem features.

The premium build is nothing without a good sound, and thankfully the AirPods Max 2 delivers. It’s one of the few wireless headphones in this price range to have a true luxury look, setting it apart from its competitors.

Key specs: Adaptive ANC | 24h battery | H3 Chip | Spatial Audio | No Multipoint | 385g

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Best Sound Quality

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is the pair we reach for when sound quality matters most. Sennheiser is another Bluetooth headphone that doesn’t skimp out on sound quality. You can expect a nice, even tuning where highs, mids and lows are all well represented. No overly boomy bass or scooped out mids.

Where the Momentum 4 pulls ahead is audio. The sound is rich, detailed, and wide. Bass has real depth without bleeding into the mids. Vocals sit clearly in the center of the mix. Instruments have texture and separation that you can actually hear, not just read about in a spec list. Sennheiser supports aptX Adaptive for high-quality wireless audio.

Noise canceling is a step behind Sony and Apple but still effective at cutting out low-frequency sounds like engines, fans and air conditioners. The gap between Sennheiser, Sony, and Apple in ANC performance is slim enough that you will be satisfied with any of the three if noise canceling is your main concern.

Battery life is outstanding at 60 hours on a single charge with ANC on. That is among the longest we have tested. Features include Bluetooth multipoint, transparency mode, and the Sennheiser Smart Control app with full EQ customization.

For listeners who want the best sounding wireless headphones, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is the top pick.

Key specs: Adaptive ANC | 60h battery | Bluetooth 5.4 Multipoint | aptX Adaptive | 293g

Technics EAH-A800 – Best for Android

The Technics EAH-A800 comes from a company best known for turntables and high-end audio, and you can hear that background in how these headphones sound. For Android users who want premium wireless headphones with excellent audio, this is the top recommendation.

ANC performance is strong and consistent across frequencies. It handles airplane noise and busy commutes well, and while the raw noise reduction is a touch behind Sony, the difference is small in real-world use. Where the Technics headphones stand out is the feature set. Three-way multipoint lets you connect to three devices at the same time and switch between them without disconnecting. That is something no other headphones on this list offer.

LDAC support means you get high-quality wireless audio on Android. Battery life delivers over 50 hours on a single charge without ANC. Comfort is good for extended listening, with soft earpads and adjustable headband.

Key specs: Hybrid ANC | 50h battery | LDAC | 3-way Multipoint | 298g

Anker Soundcore Space One – Best Budget Under $100

You do not need to spend $250 or more to get effective noise canceling. The Anker Soundcore Space One is proof of that. At under $90, these headphones offer ANC performance that comes surprisingly close to models costing three times as much.

Soundcore dominates the budget-everything space right now. The reason they do so well is they somehow deliver a full feature set, progressive tech all in a package that just works but doesn’t cost the world. Don’t be worried if you don’t recognize the brand, they are legit and the audio decision of Anker products (the company famous for its power banks and charging solutions). They have their own factories and the engineering power to put together seriously competitive headphones.

We reviewed the Space One on Best Tech Radar and found the adaptive ANC genuinely impressive for the price. It uses dual microphones and does a strong job reducing droning noises, fans, and traffic. Battery life is about 40 hours per charge with ANC on, which is fantastic for a budget model.

Sound quality leans slightly warm, which works well for casual listening. The highs are smooth and never harsh. Codec support includes LDAC, which is exceptional for a budget headphone. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity is supported.

If you want the best budget Bluetooth headphones in 2026 without giving up features that actually matter, the Soundcore Space One is the one to get.

Key specs: Adaptive ANC | 40h battery | LDAC | Bluetooth 5.3 Multipoint | 260g

SoundPEATS Cove Pro – Best Budget Under $80

For even less money, the SoundPEATS Cove Pro delivers a lot of technology. We tested these headphones in our Cove Pro review on Best Tech Radar and came away impressed by the combination of 56dB Adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and 95 hours of battery life without ANC.

The ANC is responsive and adjusts to your environment in real time. It will not match a Sony or Bose flagship, but for a pair of headphones at this price point, the noise reduction is noticeably better than what most budget models offer. Battery life is humoristically long at 95 hours total without ANC, which means you can go days between charges.

Sound quality stands out thanks to Hi-Res Audio certification and a frequency response range of 20Hz-40kHz. The 40mm dynamic drivers produce a sound that is balanced and detailed. The seven-microphone setup handles calls well, keeping voices clear even in moderately noisy environments.

Build quality feels durable for the price. The headphones are lightweight at 250g and comfortable for extended listening. If you are looking for affordable Bluetooth headphones that punch above their weight in sound quality and features, the Cove Pro is a strong choice.

Key specs: Adaptive ANC (56dB) | 95h battery | LDAC | Hi-Res Audio | 7 Microphones | 250g

Sony WH-CH720N – Best Mid-Range

The Sony WH-CH720N sits at $149 and offers a balance of noise canceling, sound quality, and features that works well for everyday use. The ANC punches above its weight for this price. It reduces about 85 percent of ambient noise in testing. That is strong enough for commuting, working in a shared office, or studying in a noisy environment.

Sound quality is good, with a slightly warm tuning that the Sony Headphones Connect app lets you adjust through EQ presets or a custom equalizer. Battery life is over 35 hours per charge with ANC on. Bluetooth multipoint lets you stay connected to two devices, so switching between phone and laptop is easy.

For the money, the WH-CH720N hits a sweet spot. You get Sony’s app ecosystem, decent ANC, and reliable daily performance without spending flagship prices.

Key specs: Integrated Processor V1 ANC | 35h battery | Bluetooth 5.2 Multipoint | 192g

Edifier WH950NB – Best Battery Life

If short battery life is the thing that annoys you most about wireless headphones, the Edifier WH950NB is worth a look. At 55 hours per charge with ANC on, these headphones outlast most options on this list. Without ANC, battery life extends to 95 hours.

ANC performance is solid for the price. Edifier includes adaptive noise canceling that adjusts based on your environment. Sound quality is balanced and natural, with good clarity and detail. LDAC and Hi-Res Audio certification are supported.

Build quality is good, and the lightweight design at 268g makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. If you want wireless headphones that last all day on a single charge and sound excellent while doing it, the WH950NB is the pick.

Key specs: Adaptive ANC | 55h battery (95h ANC off) | LDAC | Hi-Res Audio | 268g

Beats Solo 4 – Best for Workouts

Finding wireless headphones that stay in place during intense exercise is harder than it sounds. The Beats Solo 4 solve that problem with an on-ear design and secure fit that locks the headphones in place through runs and workouts.

Sound quality has the signature Beats bass emphasis. It is punchy and energetic, which works well for workout playlists. The fit stays secure regardless of how much you move. Battery life is about 50 hours per charge, which is enough for even the longest training sessions.

Powered by Apple’s W2 chip, these headphones offer features that work best with iPhone. Spatial Audio and one-touch pairing are supported. The main trade-offs are that, like AirPods, you get the most out of these if you use an iPhone.

Key specs: 50h battery | W2 Chip | Spatial Audio | On-Ear Design | 217g

Bowers and Wilkins PX8 – Best Luxury Build

Not many Bluetooth headphones in the consumer market can match the premium build offered by the Bowers and Wilkins PX8. It’s one of the few wireless headphones in this price range to have a true luxury look, setting it apart from its competitors.

A premium build is nothing without a good sound, and thankfully the PX8 delivers. You can expect a good bass drive and clarity throughout its sound signature. The sound is immaculate and detailed. It’s not just a high-end Bluetooth headphone, the PX8 is just a great closed-back headphone in general.

ANC is effective, though not the strongest on this list. Battery life is 30 hours with ANC on. Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint and aptX Adaptive are supported. While more expensive than the other options on this list, the PX8 earns its spot with its immaculate sound and luxury materials.

Key specs: Hybrid ANC | 30h battery | aptX Adaptive | Bluetooth 5.2 Multipoint | 320g

Bluetooth Headphones Comparison Table

Best Bluetooth Headphones by Brand

Sony Wireless Headphones

Sony has one of the deepest lineups in the wireless headphones market. At the top sits the WH-1000XM6, which we consider the best overall Bluetooth headphones available. For mid-range buyers, the WH-CH720N delivers solid ANC at a much lower price. Sony headphones use the Headphones Connect app, which gives you full control over EQ, ANC levels, and adaptive sound. LDAC support is available across most of their lineup, making Sony a strong choice for Android users who care about audio quality.

Bose Wireless Headphones

Bose made its reputation on noise cancellation, and their QuietComfort lineup continues that tradition. If blocking out noise is the single most important feature for you, Bose is still the brand to pick. That focused approach is why Bose wireless headphones consistently rank at or near the top of every comparison.

Apple Wireless Headphones

Apple headphones run on Apple chips, which makes them a natural fit for iPhone users. The AirPods Max 2 provides the best experience for Apple device owners. All Apple wireless headphones share the same strengths: tight Apple integration, Spatial Audio, and Adaptive Audio features.

Sennheiser Wireless Headphones

Sennheiser comes from a company best known for professional audio equipment, and you can hear that background in how their headphones sound. The Momentum 4 offers the best sound quality for listeners who prioritize audio fidelity. Sennheiser wireless headphones tend to have a balanced sound signature that works well for all music genres.

JBL Wireless Headphones

JBL covers a wide range of prices with wireless headphones that emphasize fun sound and practical features. JBL headphones tend to have a bass-forward sound signature that works well for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Anker Soundcore Wireless Headphones

Soundcore dominates the budget-everything space right now. They won the top spot on our list of the best budget wireless headphones and featured heavily in our testing. The reason they do so well is they somehow deliver a full feature set, progressive tech all in a package that just works but doesn’t cost the world.

Beats Wireless Headphones

Beats headphones run on Apple chips, which makes them a natural fit for iPhone users who want something different from AirPods. All Beats wireless headphones share the same strengths: strong bass, and tight Apple integration.

Bluetooth Headphones Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For

Sound Quality

This is the core feature for most people. Pay attention to driver size (40mm is standard), codec support (LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC), and whether the companion app includes EQ customization. For sound quality, you want to hear a nice, even tuning where highs, mids and lows are all well represented. No overly boomy bass or scooped out mids. Good clarity where you can pick up fine details and an open, immersive soundstage.

Generally, wired headphones, dollar for dollar, sound far better than wireless headphones. However, going wireless doesn’t mean giving up on sound quality. Our tests show that the best Bluetooth headphones have impressive audio, too.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Look for headphones with adaptive ANC that adjusts automatically based on your environment. Check whether the headphones offer hybrid ANC with both external and internal microphones. The best noise canceling headphones in 2026 handle both constant low-frequency noise and variable sounds like voices.

Sure, you can find on-ear models with ANC, but over-ear designs are much more effective at blocking sound. If you frequently crank up the beats in noisy environments, you’ll want to not only make sure ANC is there, but also make sure it’s good, preferably with adaptive ANC. If you plan to use your new headphones in quieter spaces, skipping ANC can save you some money.

Comfort and Fit

A proper fit is essential for long listening sessions. Look for headphones with memory foam earpads and adjustable headbands. The pads should be fantastic and extremely comfortable. Lightweight designs under 300g reduce fatigue during extended wear.

Battery Life

Battery life varies a lot across wireless headphones. Most flagship models offer 24 to 30 hours with ANC on. Budget models sometimes offer longer playback times, up to 55 or 95 hours. Consider how you use your headphones and whether the battery will last through your typical day. Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, longer battery estimates mean fewer charging sessions.

Bluetooth and Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.3 or newer gives you the most stable and energy-efficient connection. I recommend choosing headphones that are Bluetooth 5.0 and above. These are newer, more reliable versions of Bluetooth. They give you a greater wireless range and faster data transfer rates.

Bluetooth multipoint is a useful feature that lets you pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. You can hop back and forth from your laptop and phone for music, meetings, and calls – a game changer for the office or working at home.

Codec Support

Codec support matters if you care about audio quality. LDAC and aptX Adaptive deliver higher quality audio than standard SBC or AAC. LDAC is best for Android users. aptX Adaptive works across multiple platforms. AAC is optimized for Apple devices.

Features

Features is typically a distant third after sound quality and comfort, but if a company doesn’t cover basic functionality (automatic pausing, transparency mode, multipoint connectivity), it can be an indication of overall quality. We recommend trying to get the most bang for your buck, but as you’re shopping around you should determine which items are must-haves and what you can live without.

Price

Effective noise canceling and good sound quality are available at every price point in 2026. Under $80 gets you solid ANC with good features from brands like SoundPEATS and TOZO. Between $100 and $200 is the mid-range sweet spot where Sony and Edifier offer strong noise canceling with full feature sets. Above $300 is flagship territory where Sony, Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser deliver the strongest ANC and best sound quality.

Our recommendation: if sound quality and noise canceling are your primary reasons for buying, the difference between a $400 flagship and a $80 budget pair is real and noticeable, especially for critical listening and in very noisy environments.

How We Test Bluetooth Headphones

The primary way we test wireless headphones is to wear them as much as possible. We prefer to do this over a one- to two-week period. During this time, we listen to a mix of music and podcasts, while also using the headphones to take both voice and video calls.

Since battery life for headphones can be 30 hours or more, we drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level, usually around 75 percent. This simulates real-world use.

To judge the best Bluetooth headphones, we focus on higher-quality audio by listening to a variety of genres and paying close attention to how each style sounds.

We typically look at three factors: design, sound quality and features. In terms of design, we look to see if the build quality feels cheap and plasticky. Plenty of companies use plastic, but they can do so in a way that doesn’t look or feel like budget models.

For sound quality, we want to hear a nice, even tuning where highs, mids and lows are all well represented. No overly boomy bass or scooped out mids. We also want good clarity where you can pick up fine details and an open, immersive soundstage.

Our team of trained testers benchmarks every model we test against established references, testing for sound quality, fit, and noise cancellation. For this guide, we tested the best Bluetooth headphones based on a variety of factors, including style, their best uses, and price.

Frequently Asked Questions