updated: Best wireless headphones 2015

Headphones we recommend

Update: We've recently added the budget-friendly Sony MDR-ZX770BT to the list. If you're looking for a full set of features, including NFC-connectivity, amazing battery life and full sound, check these out on page two.

Wireless headphones are all about empowerment. After all, you've now graduated from the wire, the training wheels of electronics. But be aware: with the power you get from clipping the cable, wireless can be unwieldy.

Thankfully, our choices for best wireless headphones have very few issues (if any) and are the best that we've had a chance to try.

Sennheiser Momentum Wireless

If a good set of wireless headphones is something you're prepared to shell out for, consider the excellent Sennheiser Momentum Wireless.

Where to start? The audio performance is killer, only helped by the supreme comfort of the leather-coated memory foam earpads. Active noise cancellation helps to keep out noises from the outside world.

Finally, these headphones feature a 22-hour battery life, which is long enough to get you through a flight overseas, and some. The only kicker? These are $499, which is a lot to swallow. But for what you're getting here, it's worth it.

• Read our Sennheiser Momentum Wireless review

Koss BT540i

If value is your main concern when looking for a set of headphones, you'll be pleased with the Koss BT540i. The Milwaukee, Wisc.-based Koss is known for providing a good bang-for-your-buck experience and these are no exception.

While these lack premium features like touch controls on the earcups or active noise cancellation, you'll hardly notice, what with the spectacular sound quality and comfy ear cushions.

These headphones provide a natural, well-balanced sound that's great for all genres of music. At $200, we think you'll be a happy camper with the BT540i.

• Read our Koss BT540i review

Beats Solo 2 Wireless

Despite the legacy behind the name, our reviewer Hugh Langley was cautious to swallow the pill without digging deep into the Beats Solo 2 Wireless headphones. After all, the headphones brand is known for pumping serious sound and offering iconic design. This comes at a cost, however. In the case of Beats Solo 2 Wireless, it chimes at the tune of $300.

To be fair, there are certain qualities we all like in a set of headphones and these have 'em: sleek design, great sound and long-lasting comfort. However, the signature feature in Beats headphones is one that some people may not be so fond of, namely, their heavy lean on bass.

Thankfully, Beats is moving on from their bass-heavy past and moving to a more balanced sound. This is evident as ever in the Beats Solo 2 Wireless and it's about time.

• Read our Beats Solo 2 Wireless review

Plantronics BackBeat Pro

The most "no-frills" wireless headphones on the list so far, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro are a slick, professional looking option with the beat to back it. The BackBeat Pro is easy to recommend based on looks alone, but more importantly, it speaks for itself with some seriously sweet features like 24-hour battery life, great sound and noise cancellation. At $250, we're starting to dip into "affordable" territory, and with the Plantronics BackBeat Pro, what better place to start your wireless adventures?

• Read our Plantronics BackBeat Pro review

Jabra Move Wireless

At just $99, the Jabra Move Wireless are one of the best values around for Bluetooth headphones. Not only does the minimalistic design - infused with the energetic Cobalt blue styling - impress off the bat, it keeps on delivering the goods with a surprising amount of function and performance.

You'll find deeper lows and mids and highs with an extra level of crisp when you drop a couple more big bills, but for the money, the Jabra Move Wireless offer a big, full sound.

To top off the offering, these headphones are light as a feather and have a battery that just keeps on delivering.

• Read our Jabra Move Wireless review

Headphones we recommend continued

Sony MDR-ZX770BT

For some, the word "wireless" might be synonymous with "expensive." Sony tries its hardest to eliminate that association with its $150 wireless headphones called the MDR-ZX770BT.

While not the fanciest option available, those only looking for the must-have features will find that there's a lot to like here. The build quality and materials are top-notch for the price. The sound quality won't blow your mind, but it's totally serviceable for listeners looking for a full sound. Its most treasured feature is the battery life, which lasts for 17 hours. Personally, I was able to squeeze 20 hours out of them.

• Read our Sony MDR-ZX770BT review

JBL Synchros E40BT

If the selection we've provided so far has been a little out of reach financially, you'll like this next set of wireless headphones. For $99, the JBL Synchros E40BT are a surprisingly well-rounded choice. Not only do they look good, but they sound reasonably great for the price.

What makes these different from the others in this guide is that the Synchros E40BT are on-ear headphones, meaning that they rest on your ear cartilage. It's not always as uncomfortable as I make it sound, but some people hate it.

Reviewer Andrew Hayward praised the great sound, long battery life, but had issues with the pressure that the band presented against his ears. Are these right for you? If you're looking for an affordable, good-performing set of wireless headphones, check these out.

• Read our JBL Synchros E40BT review

Parrot Zik 2.0

For the over-ear wireless headphones with the most control, check out the Parrot Zik 2.0. While $400 may seem like a lot, you're getting a ton of functionality with the bundle. Compared to the original Zik, this improved model showcases the same design expertise, but adds some new functionality into the mix.

Setting the Zik 2.0 apart from other wireless headphones is its ability to be tweaked and tuned to the heavens. A companion app for Android and iOS enables music lovers to tweak the EQ to their desired flavor of sound.

Additionally, touch functionality, killer battery life and a signature style round out this offering.

• Read our Parrot Zik 2 review

Bose SoundLink on-ear

If you're a fan of the full-sized options put forward by legendary speaker company Bose, but have been waiting for a wireless option, your patience has just paid off.

The Bose SoundLink on-ear wireless headphones look a lot like the Bose QuietComfort 25, the wired over-ear options that we liked quite a bit. One major difference though is that the cord has been severed, allowing you to roam freely.

The SoundLink carries the same qualities as you'd expect: great sound, comfortable design and serviceable battery life. At $249, these are priced to move.

JBL Synchros S400BT

Just because something looks a little stiff and executive in design doesn't necessarily mean that it can't bend like Beckham. Case in point, the JBL Synchros S400BT. These premium on-ear wireless headphones offer comfort, ample sound performance and a battery that just keeps on going.

Stacked on top of that, the S400BT boasts some neat features like gesture controls for skipping tracks or adjusting volume with a swipe on the right ear cup. We also found the 3.5mm input for alternate wired listening to be a thoughtful addition.

For $229, there are cheaper options on this list, but the JBL Synchros S400BT rocks a premium design with fine audio performance and features to back the price.

• Read our JBL Synchros S400BT review

Sony MDR-10RBT

For low-cost wireless headphones capable of pumping out exceptional sound for 17 hours before needing another charge, check out Sony's MDR-10RBT.

Also simply known as Sony's "Premium Bluetooth Wireless Headphones", these over-ear headphones boast tight bass response and a slick design.

With features like one-touch connection with NFC and swiveling earcups for portability, $199 is close to being a steal.

We're constantly reviewing new wireless headphones, but let us know if there is a set that you'd like us to take a look at.

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