HEADPHONES WIRELESS

4 Best Wireless Headphones to Buy in 2018

Wireless Bluetooth headphones have changed the way we listen to music, but it's difficult to know which ones to buy. But you're in luck: We've done the homework for you, so read on for our top picks, which include the best wireless headphones overall, the best for exercise, the best for sound quality, best for travel and more.

Best Overall: Jabra MOVE Wireless (RM275.12)

Jabra MOVE Wireless on-ear headphones are the best all-round option on the wireless headphone market. They only weigh about a pound and are a relatively low cost option yet deliver excellent sound in a thoughtful, energetic design. The headphones (particularly the red and cobalt designs) stand out from the crowd and the look is both bold and minimalist.

The lightweight stainless steel headband is adjustable for comfort and is covered in a dirt-resistant fabric for durability. Earcups are matt-textured plastic and you’ll find a power switch that doubles as the Bluetooth discovery switch on the right earcup. On the left earcup, there is a 3.5” input, so should your battery run dry you can plug in to your device with a standard connector. You’ll also find a multifunction button that allows you to play and pause your audio from the headset. You can expect up to eight hours of constant usage and 12 days of standby time.

Another reason we choose the Jabra MOVE Wireless as our top pick is the sound performance – it’s crisp and balanced. Across bass, mids and highs, the earcup speakers perform their job admirably, and the MOVE headphones’ sound is right up there with the best wireless ones despite their relatively low price. It has a 29 Ohm speaker impedance and a speaker max input power of 80mW. Depending on your use case, you might find their lack of noise insulation annoying, and constant use can tend to wear down the leather earpads, but at this price point Jabra MOVE Wireless headphones are hard to beat.

Best for Comfort: Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones (RM1371.67)

While the QC35 headphones were a top contender for our favorite noise-canceling headphones, they ultimately won us over for their extreme comfort. Starring large, oval ear cups and a headband that are both plumped with padding, even extended listening sessions feel comfortable. As far as noise-canceling goes, Bose is the gold standard. The QC35 has built microphones inside and outside the ear cups to sense unwanted noise and, using its new digital equalizing system, will balance sound accordingly.

This wireless pair has a battery life rated at an impressive 20 hours, but Bose has moved away from AAAs to a rechargeable battery mechanism, which makes it impossible to swap in new, standard batteries should yours die in the middle of your listening session. Thankfully, the QC35 can be used with a wire, so it’s easy to just plug in and continue listening. It’s worth noting that the sound quality is also slightly better when using it as a wired headphone, but it’s still top of its class when it comes to wireless Bluetooth sound.

Best Budget: Creative Sound Blaster Jam (RM149.35)

A pair of Bluetooth headphones under $50 that actually sound good? Yes, it's possible. The Creative Sound Blaster Jam headphones come from the company better known for making computer sound cards, but they’re punching way above their weight here.

Considering the price, there are some concessions here (the build quality is noticeably cheaper and the headphones don’t fold for travel). Earcup padding is minimal, but does the job – if you’re used to thick pads then you’ll need to look elsewhere, and the look is a little '90s (but don't trends come back every 20 years?). However, Creative Sound Blaster Jam headphones are nice and light – just 8.8 oz.

Both Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC are supported, and you’ll get a range of around 30 feet, which is pretty standard for wireless Bluetooth headphones. You’ll get up to 12 hours of use between charges, thanks to the 3.7 V 200mAh lithium ion battery inside, and it can be charged through a USB cable (a one-meter cable is provided). There’s no 3.5” input at all, so you’ll need to ensure to keep your battery charged.

Sound quality is pretty good, and is powered by 32 mm NeoDymium drivers. The bass is helped immensely when you engage the bass boost switch and mids are nice, although there will be some muddying if you push the volume up. At the high-end, the treble is crisp.

Although these headphones don’t excel in any one area, they get a passing grade for everything, and at such a low price for wireless Bluetooth headphones, they’re an extremely good value.

Best Sound Quality: B&O PLAY by Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Wireless Headphones (RM1017.95)

Perhaps the most important feature for any audiophile on the market for wireless headphones is sound quality and these Bang & Olufsen headphones don’t disappoint. They house 40mm electro-dynamic drivers that produce a deeply rich and balanced sound with high clarity and crisp mids. They have an option to be used as wired headphones, but when used over Bluetooth, we’re pleased to say the sound quality holds up. The battery life impresses, too, promising a respectable 19 hours of playtime per charge.

Bang & Olufsen is renowned for its design details and the H4 certainly upholds the reputation. Sleek yet sturdy, they are made of metal with lambskin leather on the headband and feature memory foam earpads that one Amazon reviewers says “feel like clouds.” While they don’t have active noise cancelation, you’ll find they block out sound very effectively anyway.