The best wireless headphones in the UK 2023

More practical than headphones and wired headphones, wireless or True Wireless headphones are battery-powered and pair with different devices (smartphone, PC, tablet...) via Bluetooth. They come with a variety of features: waterproof, fast-charging or noise-reducing. Find your ideal pair of wireless headphones with our comparison.

Apple AirPods Pro 1
9/10

Editor's picks

Apple AirPods Pro

The best wireless headphones in 2021

More immersive sound, ultra-effective noise reduction technology, a transparency mode, increased water resistance... In short, you'll have in your hands a wireless headset that is second to none.

160 £ on Amazon

Dive into another world with the active noise reduction of the Apple AirPods Pro wireless earphones. Thanks to the H1 chip, these little gems connect easily to devices in the Apple universe. So much so that their compatibility with other systems is altered. Regarding their autonomy, you will enjoy a total of 24 hours of listening and over 4 hours of use on a single charge.

Apple has made a notable effort to offer better sound quality than the previous version. As a result, the acoustic experience is exemplary. For optimal wearing comfort, 3 different sized earpieces are available. Finally, the user will be entitled to the IPX4 standard, which ensures that the Airpods are waterproof in the rain or during an intensive sports session.

Tiksounds Q12 2
8/10

Best cheapest

Tiksounds Q12

The best entry-level wireless headphones

The Tiksounds Q12 wireless sports earphones are really small in size, but they offer quite unexpected performance, both in terms of audio quality and battery life.

17,59 £ on Amazon

The Tiksounds Q12 earphones are the nice surprise of this ranking. They offer a listening time up to 6 hours. The storage and charging case extends this time to 36 hours. The ergonomics of these wireless sports earphones ensure an optimal fit in the ear canal even during prolonged wear. The IPX7 waterproof certification makes them insensitive to moisture and perspiration.

With a 10 mm graphene diaphragm, these headphones produce high-fidelity sound. The audio effect will impress many, especially in the bass range thanks to BassUp technology. The headphones come with different sized earplugs so that everyone can find the right fit.

Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds
9/10

Best high-end

Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds

The best high-end wireless headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the headphone version of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones. In the same spirit, they offer an unparalleled sound experience. Plus, they're relatively lightweight.

207 £ on Amazon

The Quietcomfort Earbuds take advantage of Bose's expertise in sound. Already breathtaking, vivid and immersive, the sound is greatly enhanced by the noise reduction technology for which the American brand is known. This innovation allows you to play your playlist while completely eliminating outside noise or continuing to hear the sounds of your environment.

To enhance the listening experience, the Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds come with StayHear Max soft silicone tips in three different sizes. A touch-sensitive control helps you skip songs, receive a call or adjust noise reduction settings with a click. This pair of wireless earphones gets up to 6 hours of listening time on each full charge. And if you put them back in the case, you get an additional 12 hours.

AfterShokz Aeropex
9/10

For sports

AfterShokz Aeropex

Great wireless headphones for sports

The AfterShokz Aeropex are wireless bone conduction earphones dedicated to sports. It will not fail to please those who want to keep their ears free at all times.

136 £ on Amazon

Not really a fan of in-ear monitors? Then we recommend the AfterShokz Aeropex. With these sporty headphones, you'll have plenty of time to listen to music without having earbuds inserted into your ear canals. The ergonomic design has been well thought out to ensure better stability, no matter how intense your physical activities.

The bone conduction ensures an optimal diffusion of the sounds. In addition, the comfort level is much higher. This technology does not reduce the quality of the sound which is clear, limpid and precise. Latency is minimized with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which is more stable. The device has an IP67 waterproof rating that makes it resistant to sweat and dust. It can be worn while playing sports without any problem.

Sony WF-1000XM3 3
8/10

Best mid-range alternatives

Sony WF-1000XM3

Excellent wireless headphones

After the in-ear version of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Bluetooth headset, here is the in-ear version of its rival the Sony WH-1000XM3. This pair impresses both by the sound and by the comfort.

135 £ on Amazon

Designed to offer complete freedom of movement, the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless in-ear headphones feature a sophisticated noise cancellation system. Front and rear-facing microphones absorb distracting ambient sounds and noises, and Sony's QN1e HD noise cancellation processor filters them out completely.

DSEE HX technology compresses digital files to near high-resolution quality. The built-in Bluetooth chip is designed to keep signals solid and in sync. Impossible to knock out of your ears, these Sony headphones have 8 hours of battery life, and another 24 hours with the convenient magnetic charging case.

Apple Airpods 4
9/10

Samsung wireless headphones

Apple Airpods

The best mid-range alternatives

Technically and acoustically, these Apple AirPods have nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the other wireless headphones in this review. In addition to the sound, they offer unbeatable Bluetooth usability.

108 £ on Amazon

For this2nd generation of Apple Airpods, Apple has given up on any flashy redesign and focused on the essentials, namely offering excellent audio quality. For starters, the in-ear drivers have undergone a small change. They no longer block the entrance to the ear canal and thus let a lot of noise through. Apple's classic neutral tonal balance has also been slightly improved, adding more subtlety and sophistication to the sound output.

Wireless technology is as reliable and impressive as ever, thanks to Apple's W1 chip. Unlike most portable headphones on the market today, the AirPods don't include a remote control. Instead, you'll rely almost entirely on Siri to adjust volume and skip tracks, in addition to performing a number of other voice-activated functions.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 5
8/10

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

The best Samsung wireless headphones

Bluetooth compatible, the Galaxy Buds 2 are waterproof, practical and easy to use. Indeed, the pairing is done in an almost automatic way. Made by AKG, the well-balanced sound ensures optimal listening comfort.

96,80 £ on Amazon

The Galaxy Buds 2 feature a sleek, comfortable and compact new design. Slip them easily into your pocket. Available in a variety of colors, they use next-generation dual-microphone adaptive noise reduction technology. That means they recognize your surroundings and switch between internal and external microphones to remove noise from your conversation.

The Buds 2 micro battery provides up to 5 hours of music listening on a single charge and 15 hours more with a fully charged case. Plus, the sound that moves you is now made to move with you. With sound from AKG, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 deliver balanced, natural sound with superb dynamic range and precision, which means every word and note you hear sounds stellar.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best wireless headphones

Any specific needs?

The best wireless headphones in 2021

The best entry-level wireless headphones

The best high-end wireless headphones

Great wireless headphones for sports

Excellent wireless headphones

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.7/59 votes

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Comparison table of the best wireless headphones

THE BEST LESS EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE For Sports Remarkable Alternatives Samsung
Apple AirPods Pro 6
9/10
Tiksounds Q12 7
8/10
Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds
9/10
AfterShokz Aeropex
9/10
Sony WF-1000XM3 8
8/10
Apple Airpods 9
9/10
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 10
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Apple AirPods Pro
Tiksounds Q12
Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds
AfterShokz Aeropex
Sony WF-1000XM3
Apple Airpods
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
More immersive sound, ultra-effective noise reduction technology, a transparency mode, increased water resistance... In short, you'll have in your hands a wireless headset that is second to none.
The Tiksounds Q12 wireless sports earphones are really small in size, but they offer quite unexpected performance, both in terms of audio quality and battery life.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the headphone version of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones. In the same spirit, they offer an unparalleled sound experience. Plus, they're relatively lightweight.
The AfterShokz Aeropex are wireless bone conduction earphones dedicated to sports. It will not fail to please those who want to keep their ears free at all times.
After the in-ear version of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Bluetooth headset, here is the in-ear version of its rival the Sony WH-1000XM3. This pair impresses both by the sound and by the comfort.
Technically and acoustically, these Apple AirPods have nothing to be ashamed of when compared to the other wireless headphones in this review. In addition to the sound, they offer unbeatable Bluetooth usability.
Bluetooth compatible, the Galaxy Buds 2 are waterproof, practical and easy to use. Indeed, the pairing is done in an almost automatic way. Made by AKG, the well-balanced sound ensures optimal listening comfort.
Noise cancelling technology
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Protective index
IPX4
IPX7
IPX4
IP67
Non-waterproof
Not waterproof
IPX2
Weight
Earphone (each): 5.4gCharging case
: 45.6g
40 g with case
Headphones: 9 g
26 g
94 g with case
8 g
51.5 g with case
Autonomy
4.5 hours to over 24 hours
5-6 hours and 36 h with case
6 + 12 h
8 h
6 hrs
5 hours on battery and over 24 hours with charging case
5 + 15 hrs
Voice assistants compatible
Siri
Siri
Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Google Assistant
Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Siri
Alexa, Google Assistant

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Buying guide - wireless headphones

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How to choose your wireless headphones

For a successful investment, here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a pair of wireless headphones.

#1 - The use

While wireless headphones are suitable for any environment, if you're into sports, look for sports headphones that are sweat resistant.

#2 - The size

Before you make any purchase, you'll want to make sure your future wireless headphones are comfortable. Too big, and the headphones may hurt and won't fit properly. Too small, and you may lose the low frequencies of sound and be less well insulated.

#3 - Sound quality

The choice of your headphones will also depend on your musical tastes. If you're a fan of Hip-Hop or Electro for example, prefer headphones with powerful bass. On the other hand, if you like classical music, go for a more balanced sound.

#4 - Autonomy

Wireless headphones usually have a storage and charging case so you'll never run out of battery. Expect the battery in your headphones to last at least 4 hours.

#5 - Practicality and comfort

Make sure your future wireless earbuds offer you the ability to adjust the volume at will and switch between tracks without having to use your smartphone or any other connected device. Most of today's wireless earbuds come with a built-in microphone that also allows you to receive and reject calls. You can even redial the last number in your phone's memory. The fast charge function will surely be very useful since it offers a battery life of about 1 hour and a half with only 15 minutes of charging.

Scale of noise in our daily lives

Noise level is measured in decibels (dB). The risk threshold for your ears is about 85 dB. For your information, here is a diagram to inform you about what our ears are confronted with on a daily basis. This, to better protect them and take the necessary measures in this direction.

The best wireless headphones 11

Important

Wearing earphones and headphones is strictly prohibited when driving and riding a motorcycle.

Wired or wireless headphones?

Wired headphones

Wired headphones are still very popular, as they are still compatible with many devices without the need for manipulation or searching for a connection. Old or new devices can still be connected. The lower cost compared to Bluetooth headphones should not be overlooked either.

But for people who are concerned about their appearance, wired headphones do not work to their advantage. In addition, they are not very practical when they are intertwined. But the biggest disadvantage is that to disconnect ourselves from the outside noise, we tend to play the music loudly, which can be harmful to our health.

Wireless headphones

A pair of wireless headphones is a symbol of freedom, because we can listen to music without getting tangled up in wires. And at the same time, the aesthetics will gain since they are tiny and discreet. Thanks to Bluetooth, wireless headphones have a range of several dozen meters, so you will not have to take your smartphone with you.

Wireless headphones still have some drawbacks for those who are not tech-savvy. The problem is mostly with pairing and everything else that goes along with pairing new equipment. Also, wireless headphones need to be charged.

Verdict

For more movement, especially for athletes, wireless headphones are a must for listening to your favorite music. Wired headphones, on the other hand, are more practical for the sole reason that they don't need power.

Good to know

If you feel your ears ringing and buzzing, don't use your headphones for a few days.

The best brands of wireless headphones

In our opinion, the best brands of wireless headphones in 2022 are :

Apple
JBL
Bose Corporation
Beats Electronics
Jabra

Founded in 1976, Apple is an American multinational company created by Steeve Jobs, Steve Woziak and Ronald Wayne and is very famous worldwide thanks to the high-end technology it uses to design its high-tech products. Apple's wireless headphones stand out for their long battery life, estimated at 5 hours, their discretion and their sweat-proof design.

Founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing, the JBL range is known for its premium quality and clear sound. As for the wireless headphones that the company markets, they offer the advantage of being very comfortable and staying in your ears even during intense activities.

Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose, Bose Corporation is an American company known for the variety of products it offers in the market. According to users, Bose products are great, bluetooth pairing is easy, and the wireless headphones offer crisp sound despite their small size.

Known for its high-end headphones, earphones and speakers, the Beats brand was founded in 2006 by artist Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine. Beats' wireless headphones are popular with users, especially sports enthusiasts, because they don't fall out of their ears easily even during a sports session, and they offer premium sound quality thanks to their earpieces that prevent outside noise from reaching the ears.

Part of the GN Netcom group, Jabra is a brand specialising in wired and wireless headsets and earpieces for individuals, professionals and call centres. The advantages of the brand's wireless headsets are revealed through their premium sound quality, their elegant appearance and a very interesting price/quality ratio.

What is the price wireless headphones

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
20 £ to 50 £
Mid-range
50 £ to 250 £
High-end
more than 250 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Take a case for transport.

Most wireless headphones are fairly durable, but ultimately they have sensitive technology that needs to be protected. Check the product details for the wireless headphones you buy to see if a case is included, and pick one up separately if you need one.

To save battery life, keep one earpiece and store the other, then swap them.

If

you're an experienced user who makes a lot of phone calls, or if you're used to listening to music for long periods of time, your battery may run out. A wireless headset can usually work on its own as a Bluetooth headset. Keep the other one in the case to charge it, then replace it as needed. The two earbuds can be interchanged perfectly.

Consider headphones with memory foam tips.

Most wireless headphones include several sizes of silicone tips, so you'll probably find a good fit no matter what size your ears

are.

However, some users have trouble finding the right silicone tips and opt for memory foam tips instead. Which is a good idea, because these tips expand to fit your ear perfectly every time you insert them. Just make sure you get the size that fits your wireless headphones.

Use as an acoustic device.

Apple

has added a feature, called Live Listen, that essentially turns your AirPods into on-demand acoustic devices. There's a bit of setup to do, but once it's done, you can place your phone on a table closer to the person you're talking to and it will send audio to your AirPods.

Check if your firmware has been updated.

Unlike

other products, firmware updates have a huge impact on the performance of most wireless headphones. Always make sure you have the latest version.

FAQ

What are the best wireless headphones?

The best wireless headphones depend on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out more.

Can headphones cause deafness?

Headphones can cause deafness if used too frequently and for long periods of time. In addition, if we expose our ears to sounds that are too loud (above 100 decibels), it can damage our myelin, an essential coating that protects nerve cells and allows nerve impulses to flow properly.

What are the special features of wireless headphones for sports?

Wireless sports earphones feature rubber ear pads and silicone hooks designed to keep the earpiece in a stable position even during intense workouts, and typically have advanced IP (International Protection) certification.

Is it important to charge my wireless headphones at the same time?

When you do not charge your earphones properly, the battery life and internal circuitry of the earphones can be damaged. Therefore, set a schedule for charging your earphones and turn them off before the battery is completely discharged. This way, you can use your wireless headset optimally and increase the battery's performance.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , techradar.com
  2. , nytimes.com
  3. , aeioutech.com
  4. , shop.sennheiserindia.com
  5. , jabra.com
  6. , techheadphones.com
  7. , earklain.com
  8. , forbes.com
  9. , lovemyfire.com
  10. , gearpatrol.com
  11. , boulanger.com
  12. , futura-sciences.com
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , darty.com
  15. , lesnumeriques.com
  16. , fnac.com
  17. , carrefour.fr
  18. , tomsguide.fr
  19. , presse-citron.net
  20. , darty.com
  21. , 01net.com
  22. , mediamarkt.be
  23. , fr.jbl.com
  24. , frandroid.com
  25. , boulanger.com
  26. , cnetfrance.fr
  27. , amazon.co.uk
  28. , bose.fr
  29. , lesnumeriques.com
  30. , bestbuy.ca
  31. , numerama.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Apple AirPods Pro 12
Apple AirPods Pro
Tiksounds Q12 13
Tiksounds Q12
Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds
Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds
AfterShokz Aeropex
AfterShokz Aeropex
Sony WF-1000XM3 14
Sony WF-1000XM3

Lecteurs

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