Skip to main content

Best Bluetooth Headphones 2018

It’s time to cut the cord and start using the technology that is available to you when you want to listen to music.
In this (Updated) guide, we are going to look at the Best Bluetooth Headphones on the market to help you find a pair that is perfect for you.
Here is a List of Best Bluetooth Headphones 2018:

Best Bluetooth Headphones 2018

ItemBattery LifeNoise Cancelling or Noise IsolationOn-Ear or Over-Ear Design 
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I) Wireless Headphones
(Editor's Choice)
20 hoursNoise cancellingOver-earCheck Price
Sony Premium Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth Headphone
(Editor's Choice)
20 hoursNoise cancellingOver-earCheck Price
V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear Headphone
(Editor's Choice)
12 hoursNoise isolationOver-earCheck Price
Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 Special Edition - Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones24 hoursNoise cancellingOver-earCheck Price
Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones15 hoursNoise isolationOn-earCheck Price
Sennheiser HD 4.40 Around-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones25 hoursNoise isolationOver-earCheck Price
COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone30 hoursNoise cancellingOver-earCheck Price
Avantree 40 hr Wireless Bluetooth 4.1 Over-the-Ear Foldable Headphones40 hoursNoise isolationOver-earCheck Price
Skullcandy Uproar Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones10 hoursNeitherOn-earCheck Price
Creative Sound Blaster Jam Ultra-Light Bluetooth Headset12 hoursNeitherOn-earCheck Price
Other Awesome Lists:

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I) Wireless Headphones


The Bose QuietComfort is often considered the gold standard when it comes to private listening experiences. This series of Bluetooth headphone is designed with built-in active noise cancellation, which means that it actively creates an antiphase tone that is designed to counter any external noise in your environment. This results in a nearly perfect audio experience that isn’t affected by screaming babies, jet engines, or traffic.
This feature is bolstered by the presence of two microphones that can help produce the antiphase at a much quicker rate. This often means that you’ll have a higher amount of noise reduction compared to other similar products.
Additionally, these headphones also are great on battery life. When you’ve fully charged them, which is a process that takes just a few hours, you can expect them to last about 20 hours or so. This is a great feature for anyone that doesn’t want to be encumbered by a need to charge constantly. Also, when you’re near your audio source, you can simply plug in the included wire for unlimited playback.
PROS
  • As you might expect, the QuietComfort headphones provide a lot of comfort during use. They have a good amount of cushioning.
  • It’s rare for a set of Bluetooth headphones to be able to last for 20 hours; making this a very convenient product.
  • You can use NFC to connect up to another Bluetooth device very quickly – just tap the devices together on the NFC panel.
CONS
  • These have a tendency to be somewhat heavy during day-to-day wear.

Sony Premium Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth Headphone


One of the better features of these Bluetooth headphones is that they provide a very similar quality experience to the Bose QuietComfort line with an even better frequency range. In fact, with a frequency that runs the spectrum of 4 Hz to 40 KHz, you’ll definitely hear just about every tone that’s audible to humans. Additionally, the headphones have the proprietary Quick Attention feature that allows you to place one hand on the ear cup to temporarily suspend the active noise cancellation feature.
From an audio perspective, sounds ring true and have a hi-res level of clarity thanks to quality impedance. Sony also utilized their Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, which is designed to make digital files sound on par with their analog counterparts. Like the QuietComfort, these Sony headphones provide about 20 hours of playback battery life, which means that you’ll seldom have to rush and charge these headphones.
PROS
  • Like the QuietComfort, these Sony headphones provide lots of cushioning so that wearing them for extended private listening sessions is easy.
  • The ability to cancel the noise cancellation feature really provides lots of convenience for people that need to listen from time to time.
  • Unlike the QuietComforts, these headphones aren’t very heavy on the head, which means that your neck won’t get tired wearing them.
CONS
  • If the battery starts to wear out over time, it isn’t user-replaceable, which means that you will have to have tech support manage replacement.
  • These can lose noise cancellation if you shift your head due to the Quick Attention technology.

V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear Headphone


These V-Moda headphones shine due to the fact that they have an absolutely excellent construction. These headphones are made of metal on all of the key points so that you can rely on their durability. Additionally, the parts that need to provide cushioning are very plush, which means that these are some very comfortable to wear Bluetooth headphones that also happen to not cost a lot.
Audio-wise, these headphones aren’t slouches either; in fact, they have a frequency range of 5 Hz to 30 KHz, which means that these definitely provide the majority of sounds that can be picked up by the human ear. The highs, mids, and lows are all resonant and are projected crisply, and the cushioning encloses the ear so that there is some high-quality noise isolation as well.
The Crossfades provide a full 12 hours of playback, but also possess the ability to be plugged directly into an audio source so that you can experience unlimited music without draining the batteries.
PROS
  • The dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers that are inside each ear cup was designed by the V-Moda fanbase, which is comprised of audiophiles.
  • The gunmetal grey design of these headphones is very aesthetically pleasing and is anti-reflective.
  • These also have a noise isolation system installed, which means that you can truly groove to the music without interruption.
CONS
  • The control system for audio playback is a little bit touchy; it’s easy to go to the next track when you don’t want to.

Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 Special Edition – Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones


These Plantronic headphones actually manage to provide an even longer battery life than the products that we’ve previously reviewed. On a single charge, the BackBeat Pro 2 headphones are able to provide continuous playback for about 24 hours. You can even read the battery life fairly easily via an LED display on the ear cups of the BackBeat Pro 2 Special Edition.
The Bluetooth tech in these is also fairly impressive; not only do these headphones support multi-point pairing, but they also have an excellent range. On a single pairing, you can easily move 330 feet away from the audio source without losing sound. Like the previous products, these also provide active noise canceling – you’ll just have to flip a switch and the headphones will use an antiphase to help mute the excess noise in your environment.
These headphones also come with a carrying case, which means that you can travel with them without worrying about excess damage. Also, these provide a good amount of cushioning on both the bridge and in the ear cups, which means that you’ll easily be able to wear these anywhere comfortably.
PROS
  • These can easily work up to 100 meters away from a Class 1 Bluetooth device like a smartphone or tablet.
  • They have a very interesting design that features some nice greys and browns.
  • They come with a travel case, which means that you can carry them in a bag without worrying about damage.
CONS
  • The noise cancellation isn’t of the highest level of quality, but in a relatively noisy environment, these can do the job.

Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones


If you don’t want to shell over the money for the somewhat costly QuietComfort headphones by Bose, the company offers an exceptional budget-friendly product as well. These SoundLink headphones provide about 15 hours of playback on a single charge and are fully rechargeable. Additionally, these are also headphones that provide noise isolation features so that you can listen to your favorite music in a fully immersive audio environment.
From a sound standpoint, these headphones perform to the high degree of quality that Bose has become known for. They have powerful sound generation capabilities that provide deep lows, resonant mids, and very crisp highs. These also use the proprietary Adaptive Audio Adjustment Technology that automatically changes the volume based on speech level and ambient noise during calls.
The fingertip controls of these headphones are also very easy to use. They are large, which means that you’ll be able to quickly operate the playback controls by simple touch. These headphones also fold up, which is perfect for storing them in the included travel bag.
PROS
  • The padding on the bridge and on the ear cups is very thick, which means that they fit very comfortably.
  • The headphones go on top of your ear and provide a very natural and clear audio output.
  • These headphones are very light and compact; making them one of the better headphones for traveling.
CONS
  • These aren’t sweatproof, which means that they aren’t the best headphones for cardio.
  • If you’re moving vigorously, then you may have issues keeping these positioned on your head.

Sennheiser HD 4.40 Around-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones


The Sennheiser HD 4.40 is a great set of Bluetooth headphones with an around the ear design. The sound that you will get from these headphones is well balanced to give you quality sound and the bass sounds great as well. While you are listening to your music, you can use the controls that are designed on the earcup to change the track that you are listening to or adjust the volume.
You can also use these Bluetooth headphones to make a phone call, and the controls on the earcup and the integrated microphone will allow you to do so with ease. This device utilizes Bluetooth 4.0, so it should be compatible with most smartphones and tablets on the market. It also has NFC so that you can connect to your devices without the hassle of pairing them.
PROS
  • The earcups are covered in soft leatherette that will not irritate your ears, even during long listening sessions.
  • Pairing is quite simple; in fact, if you have NFC devices, you don’t even need to pair the devices.
  • These headphones are easy to fit in your bag when you travel because the earcups swivel to make them more compact.
CONS
  • There’s not much padding on the headband, so if the headphones do not fit properly, they may become irritating.
  • If you like a lot of bass in your music, then these headphones may disappoint you.

COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone


If you are looking for a great pair of noise-cancelling headphones that use Bluetooth connectivity, then the Cowin E7 is a great option for you to consider. It is designed with Bluetooth 4.0 so that you can easily connect to most of your devices, and it even has NFC to make connecting even quicker. The sound is true to life, and when you add the advanced noise cancellation to the over the ear design, you will notice how amazing the sound really is.
These headphones are designed to give you as much time as possible between charges, which is why you will be able to enjoy your music for up to 30 hours on a single charge. While you are enjoying your tunes, you will notice that there is a control panel that is located right on the ear cup so that you can conveniently control the volume, take a call, or switch the track that you are listening to. When you are ready to stop listening to your tunes, you can turn the earcups inward so that the unit is flat enough to place in the carrying case that is included with the purchase of the Cowin E7.
PROS
  • The noise cancellation of these headphones is exceptional; in fact, any droning sound or engine will be gone.
  • The battery life of these headphones will last more than a day, which is excellent for any Bluetooth headphones.
CONS
  • These headphones are a little heavy, so using them while you’re exercising or moving a lot may become annoying.

Avantree 40 hr Wireless Bluetooth 4.1 Over-the-Ear Foldable Headphones


These Avantree headphones are another over-ear set of headphones that are designed to make connecting to your devices simple. It comes with Bluetooth 4.1 as well as NFC, which means that connecting to your devices will literally take a second of your time. Once you are connected, you will be able to listen to your music through these headphones for approximately 40 hours, which is nearly two full days of continuous play, before they will need to be recharged again.
These headphones are also designed to ensure that you hear what is happening as you watch it on your television. This means that the latency levels will be exceptional so that you never experience lag or delay in your sound. Not to mention the built-in bass boost that will allow you to customize your sound as you go.
Insofar as comfort, you will be amazed at how comfortable these headphones are. They are designed to be lightweight with plenty of padding so that you don’t get neck or ear fatigue.
PROS
  • The headband and the earcups of these headphones are designed for comfort so that you can wear them for hours.
  • The battery lasts for a very long time, so you rarely need to worry about charging it.
CONS
  • If you crank up the volume, the sound does leak out of the earcups a bit.

Skullcandy Uproar Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones


When you think of audio performance, Skullcandy is one of the companies that will typically pop into your head, and this Uproar Wireless set of headphones is going to give you a great listening experience. It is designed with an on-ear design that was created with comfort in mind. The ear pillows are crafted out of a lightweight synthetic leather material that gives you breathable comfort as you listen to your tunes.
The sound is great, especially considering the noise cancellation feature that is built into the design. The battery will allow you to listen to 10 hours of music before it needs to be recharged. There is also a built-in microphone that you can use to make calls whenever you want; this function as well as adjusting the volume and changing the track that you are listening to can be done right from the earcups.
PROS
  • The controls on the earcups are raised a little bit so that you can easily make adjustments.
  • These headphones are very lightweight, which means that you can comfortably enjoy your music for hours.
CONS
  • These headphones are not designed for travel; they do not fold in any way, which takes up more space.
  • The volume of these headphones is adequate, but any audiophile will tell you that it could be much louder.

Creative Sound Blaster Jam Ultra-Light Bluetooth Headset


Creative has been one of the predominant names in computer audio for decades now, and their Sound Blaster series has become iconic. These headphones, which are from the Jam series, are designed to be lightweight and easy to use comfortably – no matter what you’re doing. As a result, these are a good pair of headphones to take on jogs, to the gym, or to listen to during private listening sessions.
These headphones also stand out due to their very inexpensive price point; in fact, if you’re on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a set of Bluetooth headphones at a better value. These also have some good audio quality, and for those that love bass, there is a bass boost button that pumps up the lows but sacrifices some of the overall sound clarity.
These are also NFC-capable headphones, which mean that you can simply tap these to your Bluetooth device and pairing will happen very quickly. Insofar as battery life, these headphones last about 12 hours, which is very impressive considering the price.
PROS
  • For their low price, these headphones can definitely produce some excellent sound and some deep, thrumming bass tones.
  • They have a visual aesthetic that may remind some of the Walkman-style headphones of the 1980s.
  • They are designed to fit just about any head and have a snug fit that holds tight during movement.
CONS
  • When used during calls, the microphone has a tendency to pick up a lot of background noise.
Best Headphones for Swimming Buyer’s Guide

What makes Bluetooth headphones worth purchasing?

Bluetooth is a secure way to connect to your other devices without having a pesky wire in front of your face. Nearly all of the devices that you use are going to have Bluetooth technology. Whether it is your phone, your tablet, or your car, Bluetooth is everywhere, and it is only becoming more advanced.

What should you look for when you’re searching for a pair of headphones?

When you are searching for a new pair of Bluetooth headphones, you need to look for features like sound quality, comfort, and battery life. If you prioritize these three features, you will most likely find a pair of Bluetooth headphones that you’ll love.

Are these headphones comfortable?

Most of the Bluetooth headphones on the market are very comfortable, but comfort can vary for each individual. This means that even though the ear cups and the headband are padded, the headphones may be uncomfortable for you. If you are able to try on the headphones before you purchase them, you can be sure that they are a comfortable fit for you.

Can Bluetooth headphones be used to receive calls?

Yes, if your Bluetooth headphones are connected to your phone at the time that the call comes in, you will be able to answer the call and hear the person on the other end using your headphones. You may still need to talk into your phone, but that will depend on whether or not your headphones have a built-in microphone that you can use.

Are there waterproof Bluetooth headphone an option?

There are waterproof options with Bluetooth functionality that you can use in the shower or in the pool, but these are often earbuds, not headphones. Headphones are a bit larger, so many manufacturers do not make them completely waterproof, though they may be water resistant, which will protect them if you get caught in the rain without an umbrella.

What is the sound quality like for Bluetooth headphones?

The sound that you get in a Bluetooth headset is very similar to what you get with a wired headset; in fact, you will not be able to hear a difference unless you listen to both in quick succession. Though, if you are farther away from the device that your headphones are paired with, you may experience some distortion in the audio.

Is a wider frequency response best?

A wider frequency response is not always best because humans are typically not able to hear outside of a specific range, which is 20 to 20,000 Hz. Highs and lows that are outside of that range are not audible; however, the low bass can actually be felt as the music plays, which can enhance your listening experience. Turntable Lab has a great guide regarding the frequency response for headphones.

Is noise cancellation or noise isolation best?

Both noise cancellation and noise isolation are great for headphones, especially if you are planning to use them during your commute. Noise cancellation headphones emit a sound that cancels out all of the ambient noise that you may encounter during your commute, while noise isolation headphones are designed to put a barrier between the noise and your ear so that you cannot be disturbed by excessive noise while you are listening to music. Decide which option is best for your listening needs before making a purchase decision.

What devices can pair with Bluetooth headphones?

There are a number of devices that can be paired with Bluetooth headphones. The one that is most common is a cell phone, and both Android and iPhone devices will be compatible. You will also be able to pair tablets as well as other devices that you might listen to music from. The best way to know if your device can be paired is to verify that it has Bluetooth capability.

Can Bluetooth headphones connect to a computer?

Yes, Bluetooth headphones can easily be paired with a computer, and doing so will make it easy to get up and get a drink while without removing the headset and pausing the music that you are listening too. The option to pair your headset can be found in the control panel option of the start menu. If you are having issues finding the option for setting up a Bluetooth device, Techwalla has a great guide that you can follow.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones with a smart TV?

Yes, it is possible to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your smart TV, which means that you can watch a movie at night without disturbing others. All you need to do is go into the sound settings on your television, find the Bluetooth option, and connect to your headphones. In fact, if you like to watch movies before you go to bed at night, you may even want to purchase a dedicated Bluetooth headset that you can leave connected to your television.

How do you connect to your devices?

You will need to go into the settings of your phone or the device that you want to pair your headphones with to find the setting that refers to wireless and networks. Under this setting, you will find a Bluetooth setting that you simply need to switch on. You will then need to hold down the pairing button on the headset so that it can scan for the device that you are attempting to connect to.
Once the device is located, you will need to scan on your phone to connect to the headset. In most situations, it will ask for a code; typically 0000 will work, but if not, you can refer to information from the manufacturer to help you locate the correct code. The process of pairing your headset is pretty basic, but if you need help, Livewire has a great how-to article on the topic.

Can you connect multiple headphones to one device?

Typically, there is no built-in method of connecting two headphones to a single device, but if you purchase a Bluetooth splitter for the device, it is possible to use two headphones at the same time. Sometimes, you can pair the second set of headphones to the first to hear the same music, but you will not have any control over the volume.

What is NFC?

NFC is a term that is used when referring to Near Field Communication. This is a technology that allows you to transfer your data to another device that is nearby, and it can be done fairly quickly because the two devices do not need to be paired like they would with Bluetooth. That being said, having Bluetooth headphones and a tablet or a phone that can utilize NFC technology can help you connect within a second, which makes it a great option to have on the devices that you use the most.

Which apps for listening to music are Bluetooth-friendly?

There are several options that you can choose from in the app store, but some of the most common that are used with Bluetooth headphones are Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and even Youtube. There are several more options available, but these are the most popular.

Which Bluetooth technology is the most up to date?

Bluetooth 5 is the newest version; it came out in early 2017, and it is designed with more speed and range than all of the earlier versions. Not all devices are designed with Bluetooth 5 yet, so you will most likely see version 4 or 4.1 on those devices. Check out this breakdown of the different versions of Bluetooth.

What’s the range of the new Bluetooth 5?

Bluetooth 5 devices are designed to have four times the range as devices that have the previous versions of the software installed. This means that a range of about 800 feet is a likely probability with any Bluetooth headphones that are designed with Bluetooth 5, which is more than sufficient in most situations.

Do you need the same version of Bluetooth on your headphones and your device?

No, in most situations, Bluetooth technology is backward compatible, which means that if your headphones use Bluetooth 4.0 and your device uses Bluetooth 3.0, they will be able to be paired so that you can listen to music.

How far from the paired device can you go without disconnecting?

The actual range that you can move from your paired device will vary a bit, but it is a good rule of thumb to stay within seven feet of the device that you are paired with. This ensures that the audio quality stays up to par and the connection does not drop in the middle of your favorite song.

Do Bluetooth headphones have audio controls on a dongle?

No, Bluetooth headphones do not have dongles that allow you to control the audio. Some of these headphones do have the option to control the volume right on the earcup, but if you are looking for a dongle, you won’t find them on these devices.

Are Bluetooth headphones good for working out?

Yes, they can easily be paired to your device before your workout, and they will stay connected throughout. In fact, some of the Bluetooth headphones on the market are even water resistant, which means that they will not become damaged from sweat. These are ideal for working out and are definitely worth considering if you like to listen to music at the gym.

How long will a Bluetooth headset last before it needs to be charged?

Since your Bluetooth headphones are going to be used for commuting to work in the morning, working out, and even while you are traveling. It is important to know how long your headphones will last before they need to be recharged again so that you can charge them when you have the chance before they die completely. Most Bluetooth headphones are designed to last for at least eight to 12 hours of consistent use; don’t aim for anything less when you make your purchase.

What is the typical charging time for Bluetooth headsets?

The charge time will vary based on how much life you have left and the actual headset that you purchase. That being said, most of the Bluetooth headsets on the market today are designed to be charged fully in about two to three hours.

Can you use Bluetooth headphones while they are charging?

Unfortunately, most Bluetooth headphones are not designed to be used while they are charging. Many headphones power off as they charge, but some manufacturers have created headphones that can be connected to the device manually with an audio wire so that you can still listen to music.

What are the weaknesses of Bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth technology is not perfect, which means that you may have distorted audio from time to time and the headphones may even disconnect from the paired device from time to time. They also need to be charged to function properly, so if you are in the middle of your commute, you may not be able to charge them until you get home.

What could interfere with your Bluetooth connection?

While interference is not always an issue, sometimes they do occur. Some of the things that could interfere with your connection are:
  • WiFi could cause audio distortion, cause you to drop the connection, and even slow your data stream.
  • Other Bluetooth devices can cause audio distortion and dropped connections.
  • Microwaves can cause the audio to be distorted.
Is in-ear, on-ear, or over-ear preferred for Bluetooth headphones?
Both of these options are great, the choice really comes down to your personal preference. Some people do not like to have earbuds in their ears, while others do not like the bulkiness of over-ear headphones. Decide which ones you are the most comfortable for your needs, and make a purchase based on that.

Are Bluetooth headphones more expensive?

Typically, you pay for performance when you purchase a pair of headphones, whether they are Bluetooth or not. With that being said, some of the best cheap Bluetooth headphones are amazing when it comes to range, connectivity, and sound quality. They may not have some of the extra extravagant features, but they are perfect for commuting to work in the morning.

Will my Bluetooth headphones work in the subway?

Yes, if you have your device and your headphones paired before you get on your train, they should remain paired in the tunnels. There is a small chance that they could disconnect between stations that are farther apart, but it should not happen frequently. Pairing your headphones to your device while you are on the train may be difficult.

Can Bluetooth headphones be used on airplanes?

According to the FAA, short ranged Bluetooth devices may be used in flight. However, they must be turned off or placed in airplane mode while the plane is taking off. On most flights, you will be notified when you have reached cruising altitude, which means that you can use the device safely.

Wrapping It Up

Any audiophile will tell you that a pair of headphones can make a huge difference in the quality of the music that you are listening to. Bluetooth technology is making these wireless options a popular choice amongst those who are searching for a great pair of headphones. This guide has some of the best budget Bluetooth headphones that are available on the market, so take another look at the products that we’ve reviewed to find one that fits your needs.

Comments