So your phone doesn’t have a headphone jack, what do you do? Well, you can always try to get by with the provided dongle but it can be a bit inconvenient and you usually can’t charge your phone at the same time. In this case, switching to a wireless Bluetooth headset might be the best solution but there are so many options available that it can feel overwhelming. We’ve tested over 250 headphones and 104 wireless Bluetooth models, and below are our top 5 recommendations for the best Bluetooth headphones you can get in 2018.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II: The best wireless Bluetooth headphones overall
Type: over-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: yes
Wireless: yes (can also be used wired)
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are the best Bluetooth headphones that we’ve tested so far. They’re super comfortable and versatile Bluetooth over-ears that are suitable for most use cases. Their noise cancellation feature is one of the best that we’ve measured and will easily block the ambient chatter of a bus ride or a noisy flight, especially if you’re listening to music. They have a well-balanced sound that packs a good amount of bass without overpowering instruments and vocals. They also have a good wireless range and battery life, support NFC, and can pair with 2 devices simultaneously, so you can seamlessly switch between audio sources like your tablet and your phone.
Unfortunately, their build quality doesn’t look quite as premium as some of the headphones they are often compared to, like the Sony WH-1000XM2 and the B&W PX. However, the Bose deliver a more consistent performance in almost every category that makes a great Bluetooth headset.
Shop Now: $349
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 : Great Bluetooth over-ears at a fair price
Type: over-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: yes
Wireless: yes (can also be used wired)
If you want a pair of versatile Bluetooth over-ears but find the Bose QuietComfort II too expensive, get the Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2. They offer a great value for their price, being below $200, but still deliver a well built, good-sounding wireless noise-canceling performance.They’re easy to use and even beat pricier models in some categories.They have an excellent wireless range and a long 30hr battery life, with an auto-off feature, so they will easily last you more than a weekend of heavy use, and even a full week if you use them casually. They have an exciting sound that packs a lot more bass than the other recommendations on this list, but still sound balanced enough for instrument and vocal-heavy tracks. They also have a comfortable and ergonomic design with easy to use and efficient controls. They support aptX and aptX- LL (Low-Latency), so they’re suitable for watching movies if you have the right transmitter dongle.
Unfortunately, their noise cancellation isn’t on par with the more high-end A.N.C headphones. They’re also a bit bulky so they won’t be the most travel-friendly option and won’t do as well in loud environments or on really busy commutes.
Shop Now: $130
BeatsX: A versatile and portable Bluetooth in-ear
Type: around-the-neck, in-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: no
Wireless: yes
If you need a more portable Bluetooth headset than the over-ears on this list and have also have an iPhone, then get the BeatsX. They have a lightweight and compact around-the-neck design that’s flexible enough to fold and fit in your pockets. Their in-ear fit is also sufficiently stable for sports and provides enough passive isolation to make them a decent option for running, commuting and most use cases in your daily routine.
They have a better wireless range than most of the wireless in-ears we’ve tested. They have a decent battery life with an excellent and super convenient quick charge feature that will give more than an hours’ worth of playback from a quick 5-minute charge. They’re also one of the better sounding wireless in-ears we’ve measured, with a good and well-balanced bass, a neutral mid-range but a slightly inconsistent treble that can be sharp on some tracks but slightly lacking on others.
Unfortunately, they are more optimized for iOS so Android users will not get battery data and better latency compensation when watching videos. Their battery life is also fairly short overall; at 6.5hrs, it’s decent but might not be enough for some.
Shop Now: $70
Samsung Gear IconX: A well-rounded Bluetooth truly wireless in-ear
Type: truly wireless in-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: no
Wireless: yes
If you have an Android phone and want to make the jump to a truly wireless design, then get the Samsung Gear IconX instead. They offer a great value for their list of features and overall performance. They’re compact, truly wireless in-ears that are smaller than most, are easy to carry around and come with a great charging case.
They have a decently well-balanced sound that you can somewhat EQ with the Samsung Gear app. They also have up to 4Gigs of on-board storage, which is especially useful if you’re running outdoors and don’t want to carry your phone on you. They even have a built-in exercise coach that keeps track of your workout progress. Their in-ear fit blocks a lot of noise passively, so you can use them on noisy commutes or while traveling, and they are easier to pair with new devices than most truly wireless headphones we’ve tested.
Unfortunately, their wireless range, latency and battery life will not be ideal for everyone. They won’t be the best choice for watching a lot of video content and their battery life will not last as long as the other headphones on this list if you’re a heavy user.
Shop Now: $180
Anker SoundBuds Curve: A budget Bluetooth sports headset that is good enough for most use cases
Type: in-ear
Enclosure: closed-back
Noise canceling: no
Wireless: yes
If you do not want to spend more than $50 on a Bluetooth headset, but still want a great value for your money, then get the Anker SoundBuds Curve. They have a simple and surprisingly comfortable wireless in-ear design with ear-hooks that makes them stable enough for running and most sports.
They have a good 12hr battery life and a decently balanced audio reproduction that sound better than most of the other wireless in-ears in this price range. They’re also easy-to-use with a simple and efficient control scheme and a portable design that you can easily carry around in your pocket and comes with a good hard case.
They do not have the build quality or the customization options of the Samsung U Flex, which are also under $50. But on the upside, they’re a bit more portable, they sound better, and they look quite well made for their budget price.
Shop Now: $26
This guide may have been updated. To see all measurements and the current recommendations for the best Bluetooth headsets, please go here .
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