Best Wireless Headphones 2025: What to Look For and How to Choose

Wireless headphones in 2025 are lighter, smarter and more comfortable than ever. Many models offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), strong battery life and reliable multipoint Bluetooth. If you’re shopping for a pair to use on flights, in the office or at home, here’s a concise guide to help you decide.

Quick takeaways

• Over-ear with ANC are best for travel and open offices; on-ear can work, but typically block less noise.
• Multipoint (connect to two devices at once) is a must-have for work + phone use.
• Battery life: Expect 30–50 hours on many modern pairs (with ANC on), but verify real-world tests.

Key features to prioritize

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Prefer adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment.
• Comfort and build: Soft pads, low clamp force and a stable headband matter for long sessions.
• Sound quality: Balanced tuning (clear highs/mids, controlled bass). Try in-store if possible; sound is subjective.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth multipoint, fast pairing, stable range; wired option (3.5mm/USB‑C) is a plus.
• Smart features: Auto-pause, wear detection, customizable EQ, transparency/ambient modes.
• Immersive audio: If you care about spatial formats (Dolby Atmos, 360 Reality Audio), confirm support.
• Calls: Look for beamforming mics and wind/noise reduction; check review samples for call clarity.

How to choose for your use case

• Travelers: Top-tier ANC, fold-flat design, long battery, strong transparency for announcements.
• Work/meetings: Comfortable pads, clear mic performance, reliable multipoint, quick mute.
• Music lovers: Natural, detailed tuning and a good EQ. Consider support for high-quality streaming formats.
• Budget shoppers: Prioritize comfort and core features (ANC, multipoint) over extras; watch for realistic battery claims.

Testing notes you should know

• Battery claims vary; independent testing often lands below marketing numbers. Look for mixed-use results.
• ANC performance differs widely; even solid midrange models can struggle with voices compared to flagships.
• App quality matters for updates, EQ and controls. Glitchy apps can sour the experience.

Other models in recent coverage

• Apple AirPods Max: Premium build and features; expensive unless discounted.
• Sonos Ace: Strong debut with home theater tricks; ANC is just okay.
• Sony ULT Wear / WH‑CH720N: Feature‑rich options across price tiers; tuning and ANC vary.
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Class‑leading ANC; immersive audio can be inconsistent by genre.
• Beats Studio Pro: Improved sound; some basics (auto‑pause, full multipoint) are limited.

Price expectations

• Flagship ANC: ~$300–$500+
• Midrange: ~$150–$300
• Budget: ~$70–$150

Tip: If call quality and all‑day comfort are critical, prioritize those in-store over pure sound specs. A comfortable set you can wear for hours often beats a “better‑sounding” pair that causes fatigue.

References:
Engadget: Best wireless headphones 2025

Discussion: What matters most for your next pair—silence (ANC), rich sound, battery life, or crystal‑clear calls?