Best wireless headphones for 2026: top picks from our expert tests

Most wireless headphones connect via Bluetooth to stream music and podcasts from your mobile device without the need for a cable to be attached.  

The best Bluetooth headphones are comfortable and have enough battery to see you through several long-haul flights. Most importantly, they don’t sacrifice sound quality for wireless convenience.

In our independent lab tests we've uncovered the best wireless headphones that sit over or on your ears. See the ones we recommend in the tables below.

If you're looking for wireless in-ear headphones, check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds.

Best wireless over-ear headphones for 2026 

Every year we test around 60 headphone models for sound quality, noise cancelling and comfort to help you find the ideal pair. Only logged-in members can see our full list of the best headphones in our table below. Join Which? to get instant access to our Best Buys and expert reviews.

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ear – they're larger than other pairs, but can be more comfortable to wear and often offer extra features. Many over-ear wireless headphones are noise-cancelling too, blocking out external noise.

Best wireless on-ear headphones for 2026 

On-ear headphones rest on top of your ears, rather than surrounding them. This allows the earcups to be smaller, but they can be less comfortable to wear over longer periods as the earcups put pressure on your ears.

Check out our headphone reviews for more models.

Wireless headphones by brand 

• Apple wireless headphone reviews
• JBL wireless headphone reviews
• Sennheiser wireless headphone reviews
• Soundcore by Anker wireless headphone reviews

Wireless headphones by price 

• Wireless headphones under £50 
• Wireless headphones under £100
• Wireless headphones under £200
• Wireless headphones under £300

Why you can trust our headphone reviews 

We put headphones through the paces in a specialist laboratory to test for features including sound quality, noise cancelling, battery life and comfort. 

Our tests aren't based on a single person's experience or preferences – each model undergoes the exact same testing, so that our results are comparative and precise. For example, our noise cancelling tests are extensive – we use a synthetic reference ear, followed by a listening panel who rate the noise cancelling under different sound conditions. 

All of our headphone reviews are based on data from our tough lab tests, so that there is no bias. We also don't accept samples from manufacturers or retailers, so that we can share honest and impartial product reviews. 

Find out more about how we test headphones.

Where to buy headphones 

You can buy headphones direct from the brand or a retailer who stocks them. Our Best Buy headphones start from around £30, while some premium models can cost more than £500, so it really depends on your needs. 

We've tested budget headphones that rank higher than some of the expensive models, so price is really no indication for good sound quality. 

Popular online retailers include: 

• Argos stocks a range of headphones from popular brands, including Apple, Sennheiser, Sony and JBL. Wireless earbud prices start from around £20 to more than £350, while wireless headphones are up to more than £600. You can do click and collect, or delivery is free if you spend over £100. 
• John Lewis also stocks headphones from popular brands, such as Apple, Bose, Sony, Beats and more. Prices start from around £30 for wireless headphones to more than £700 for premium models. Standard delivery is free if you spend more than £50, while click and collect is free for headphones costing over £40. 
• Amazon is also a great bet when looking for headphones, with popular models from brands, such as Sound by Anker, Apple, Sony, Samsung, JLab and more. Prices start from around £15 for wireless headphones, with premium models costing more than £1,400. Prime members can get free shipping. 

Wireless headphones or wireless earbuds: which are better?

Whether you buy wireless earbuds or headphones is entirely down to your preferences. Here are a few key differences:

Size 

Earbuds typically insert discreetly into your ears. The advantage of buds is that they are smaller, less bulky and not as conspicuous to wear. Even when in the charge case, the're also extremely easy to carry in a bag or pocket.

By contrast, wireless headphones are large and take up more space in your bag when travelling.  

Sound quality 

You would choose wireless headphones as the sound can often be better overall, and they sometimes can plug into your phone using a cable, so you can continue listening when the battery dies. 

Battery life 

A decent pair of wireless earbuds will last 8 to 10 hours before needing a charge. However, wireless headphones can last significantly longer, with some offering more than 80 hours' listening time. 

See above some of the best wireless headphones to consider. Or, if you think wireless earbuds could be better for you, then head to our guide to Best wireless earbuds

How to connect wireless headphones 

Wireless headphones mostly connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone or speaker. 

However, with some models you can also use a cable to connect. This can improve the sound quality, but also it enables you to continue listening even when the battery has died. 

Wireless headphones FAQs

Will wireless headphones work with any smartphone?

The vast majority of wireless headphones – and all the models featured in the tables above – use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your phone. Bluetooth is a universal standard, so you'll be able to transmit music from any Bluetooth-enabled phone, laptop or tablet to any pair of Bluetooth headphones. 

Things do get slightly more complicated, as there have been different Bluetooth standards released over the years. The later versions allow music to be transmitted in higher quality and use less battery power. Don't worry though: if the headphones and the music source are both compatible they'll automatically use the higher-quality version.

Some headphones make use of accompanying apps to alter settings or use various features such as noise-cancelation. These apps can be exclusive to certain stores so it always best to check our reviews for these details. 

How do you charge wireless headphones?

Most wireless headphones now have a built-in rechargeable battery, and typically come with a charging cable ending with a standard USB socket. To charge such headphones from the mains, you usually need to purchase a USB plug adapter with a power output (watts) suitable for your device, as these aren't typically provided in the box. 

Most headphones will charge from a standard USB charger plug like those supplied with mobile phones. For example, if you already have an Apple 5W USB power adapter for charging your iPhone, you can also use it to charge your Apple AirPods headphones. Choose any reputable brand for the adapter - it rarely needs to match the brand of your headphones. Some headphones will support higher power adapters for faster charging.

Can wireless headphones sound as good as wired?

The reasons are complicated but, in short, yes, wireless headphones can sound just as good as a wired pair for most people's purposes. The thing that matters most for sound quality is the physical design of the headphones. The best wireless headphones are capable of playing music in CD quality and above, and it's a matter of scientific debate whether we can even hear differences in quality above this. 

Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?

Headphones are essential for long journeys and fortunately, you can use them on a plane albeit with a few conditions. Most airlines say they can be used during your journey but need to be switched off during taxi, take-off and landing, as well as during the safety briefing. You should also enable airplane mode. If you're ever unsure, it's best to speak to a staff member who can advise.

Not sure whether wireless headphones are right for you? Compare our top picks on all types in our guide to the best headphones.