This guide highlights the top wireless Bluetooth headphones of 2024, emphasizing key factors such as sound quality, battery life, comfort, and noise cancellation. Featured models include Sony WH-1000XM5, WH-1000XM4, Apple AirPods Max 2024, JBL Tour One M2, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Marshall Major IV, each offering unique features and specifications to cater to diverse preferences and budgets.
Discover the Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
In today’s audio landscape, wireless Bluetooth headphones have risen to match their wired counterparts in sound quality. This guide showcases a curated list of the top headphones available, featuring both models with and without active noise cancellation.
Top Picks for Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
When selecting the ideal Bluetooth headset, it’s essential to consider various factors beyond just sound quality. Battery life, comfort, material quality, and noise cancellation are crucial elements. Our comprehensive buying guide is designed to help you identify the perfect Bluetooth headset tailored to your preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 represents the latest iteration of Sony’s premium wireless headphones. Launched as one of the finest Bluetooth headphones in 2024, it features a sleek, modern design with an elegant finish. Although it sacrifices foldability, it comes complete with a protective carrying case, a mini-jack cable, and a USB-C charger.
This model shines in comfort, allowing for prolonged wear without discomfort. It includes intuitive mechanical buttons and a touch panel for seamless control. A standout feature is its presence sensor, which automatically pauses playback when removed and resumes when worn again.
Equipped with multipoint connectivity, the WH-1000XM5 introduces a Quick Access function that lets you easily launch apps like Spotify. The impressive 30-hour battery life is complemented by a rapid charging capability, providing up to 3 hours of playtime after just 3 minutes of charging. Notably, its advanced active noise cancellation leverages dual processors and eight microphones to adapt to your environment and preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Initially priced at €379 in 2020, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is now available for under €260, offering remarkable value for its exceptional audio quality. This headset is nearly on par with the XM5 in sound performance.
Both models support a variety of audio codecs, including SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC. With an impressive battery life of 38 hours while using active noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM4 stands out as one of the best options on the market.
The right ear cup features a spacious touch control area, while the design closely resembles its predecessor. The audio quality remains stellar, complemented by excellent noise cancellation and responsive touch controls—a top contender for Bluetooth headphones in 2024.
Apple AirPods Max 2024
Almost four years after the introduction of their first wireless model, Apple has refreshed the AirPods Max for 2024, replacing the traditional lightning port with a USB-C connection to align with their latest devices.
Available in a range of new colors, including black, white, blue, purple, and orange, the AirPods Max 2024 incorporates cutting-edge technology from Apple’s renowned headphones. Powered by the Apple H1 chip, it may not be the latest audio SoC, but it remains highly competitive in the market.
Although priced higher than many competitors at €579 upon launch, the AirPods Max does not compromise on build quality, comfort, or sound. The luxurious design features stainless steel and aluminum, contrasting with the plastic commonly found in rival models. The circumaural ear cushions provide excellent passive noise isolation and are crafted from soft memory foam.
While optimized for Apple devices, the AirPods Max can also connect to Android and Windows devices through Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring high-quality stereo sound. Be sure to check our detailed review for an in-depth look at Apple’s Bluetooth headset.
JBL Tour One M2
JBL has gained recognition for its affordable and high-quality portable audio products, and with the Tour One M2, the brand secures a spot among the best wireless headphones available. Although the circumaural folding design leans towards a classic aesthetic with a somewhat plastic feel, it offers impressive build quality and exceptional comfort.
Featuring a combination of a touchpad, physical buttons, and voice control, this wireless headset provides excellent ergonomics. It supports multipoint connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3, compatible with AAC and SBC codecs, along with an option for a wired connection. The sound profile delivers a balanced and precise listening experience, while the active noise cancellation competes with the best models in our selection.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is a premium Bluetooth headset that builds on the success of the acclaimed Momentum 3, released in August 2022. This model showcases the brand’s commitment to superior design and audio engineering, differentiating itself in a crowded market of active noise cancellation headphones.
One of its standout features is its remarkable battery life, allowing for up to 60 hours of playback with active noise cancellation—twice that of many competitors. The headset includes a high-quality hands-free kit with four microphones for clear voice capture, making it suitable for both music lovers and professionals working remotely.
Sennheiser has improved its active noise cancellation capabilities, providing a more satisfying user experience. The Momentum 4 also opts for touch controls on the ear cups instead of traditional buttons.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
As a worthy successor to the Bose 700, the QuietComfort Ultra returns to a more classic design while maintaining the high standards set by its predecessor. The new model adopts Bluetooth 5.3 and supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs, ensuring high-quality sound and effective active noise cancellation.
With enhanced battery life of 24 hours—four hours more than the previous version—the QuietComfort Ultra also boasts a quick 15-minute charge for an extra 2 hours of listening time. Full recharging takes approximately 2 hours.
Launched in 2023 at a price of €499, the Bose QC Ultra is more premium than budget-friendly, but it frequently appears on sale, often found for around €399.
Marshall Major IV
Marshall’s Major IV headphones continue the brand’s legacy of merging style with functionality, offering an iconic design paired with impressive audio performance. Stay tuned for further insights into its features and capabilities.