Best Wireless Headphones of 2024

The first one on our list is Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones by Bose stand out as the pinnacle of Bose’s noise-canceling technology, offering a superior audio experience and enhanced noise-canceling performance. 

The design embodies classic Bose aesthetics, with a dual-folding feature and an upscale touch, using aluminum for headband sliders and ear cup forks. The widened headband, now cushioned with softer synthetic leather, contributes to an exceptionally comfortable fit, with a balanced clamping force.


Controls have seen improvements, opting for physical buttons over touch controls. The multifunction button handles playback, ANC modes, and call management efficiently. While volume control has a raised design for easy thumb locating, its accuracy may leave users wanting more. Wear sensors automatically pause music when the headphones are removed, a thoughtful addition.

Sound quality evolves from the energetic NCH 700, with a more bass-forward tuning akin to Sony’s signature. CustomTune technology adapts sound to individual ears, with the Bose Music app offering EQ adjustments. The support for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform enhances audio for select Android users, providing a nuanced listening experience for lossless and hi-res audio.

The standout feature is the Bose Immersive Audio, which delivers unparalleled virtual spatial audio. Head tracking complements this, creating a sense of music emanating from external speakers, synchronized with head movement. Noise cancellation outperforms competitors, with transparency mode sounding natural and an added Active Sense feature for automatic transition to ANC in loud environments.

The battery lasts about 24 hours per charge when using Active Noise Cancellation and Aware modes, which is decent but not particularly exceptional.

Overall, The Bose QuietComfort Ultra showcases Bose’s commitment to innovation, making them a compelling choice for audiophiles and those seeking top-tier active noise cancellation.

The second one on our list is Beats Studio Pro. The Studio Pro headphones by Beats present a mixed bag of features and performance. 

Adorned with the signature stylish design synonymous with Beats, these headphones instantly appeal to users seeking a fashionable accessory. The initial setup is seamless, catering to Apple users with easy pairing reminiscent of AirPods. The lightweight build and sleek foldable design enhance portability, with a fabric case adding to the overall aesthetic.

In terms of audio quality, the Studio Pro marks a significant leap forward for Beats. They deliver a well-balanced sound profile, excelling in reproducing deep notes, clear treble, and vocal clarity. The headphones maintain tone separation even in complex tracks, providing an enjoyable listening experience across various genres. While they may lack a bit of dynamism compared to competitors, the overall sound quality is impressive.

The adaptive noise-cancelling capabilities of the Studio Pro are noteworthy, effectively reducing ambient noise. Call quality remains clear in both quiet and noisy environments. The headphones offer a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5-millimeter port, and USB-C for charging and audio.

Battery life is decent, with up to 40 hours in ANC-disabled mode and a quick charging feature replenishing four hours in just 10 minutes.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks as well. The headphones lack wear detection, requiring users to manually pause music when removing them. Surprisingly, despite being an Apple product, the Beats Studio Pro lacks the expected H1 or H2 chip.

In short,  the Studio Pro stands out as the best-sounding Beats headphones to date, combining great sound, solid noise-canceling, and unique cross-platform features that cater to users of both Apple and Android devices.

The third one on our list is Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2. The Crusher ANC 2 headphones by Skullcandy continue the tradition of delivering skull-rattling bass that the brand is known for. Building on the success of their original Crusher ANC wireless headphones, this new model introduces enhanced comfort, sophistication, and added features.

The headphones boast a sleek design, folding and twisting for easy portability. With ANC and awareness modes, physical buttons for media controls and volume adjustment, and voice control commands, the Crusher ANC 2 offers a range of functionalities. The inclusion of Tile technology for locating lost headphones is a practical addition.

Comfort is another highlight, with padded ear cups and a headband ensuring a pleasant experience during extended use. The headphones are reasonably lightweight compared to competitors.

The standout feature of the Crusher ANC 2 is the sensory bass effect, controlled by a unique wheel on the left ear cup. This wheel allows users to adjust the intensity of the bass, offering a tactile and customizable experience. While the wild sensory bass may not appeal to everyone, it adds a distinctive element for those who seek a more immersive music experience.

In terms of sound performance, the headphones provide a robust and boastful sound even without the Crusher sensory bass. The bass can be adjusted to various preset intervals, and users have the option to fine-tune it according to their preferences.

However, it does have a few drawbacks, such as the constant iOS notifications during connection and the lack of ear detection for automatic pause, which may impact user experience. The overall performance and features make the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 a compelling choice for those who prioritize a personalized and impactful audio experience. 

The fourth one on our list is Anker Soundcore Space One. The Soundcore Space One headphones offer a compelling blend of style, features, and performance, making them a noteworthy option in the budget ANC headphones market.  

With a sleek over-ear design, these headphones stand out under the Soundcore brand, delivering an impressive set of features for their category.

Comfort is a highlight, as the headphones boast a stylish and lightweight build, with soft PU leather on the earcups and headband. The absence of a hard-shell case might be a downside for some, but the collapsible design and silky carrying pouch make them convenient for on-the-go use.

In terms of audio quality, the 40-millimetre dynamic drivers deliver impactful sound, albeit with a slightly bass-heavy default profile. However, the customizable audio options, including an eight-band graphic equalizer and genre-specific, presets, allow users to fine-tune the listening experience. The HearID Sound feature, based on a personalized EQ, proves effective in achieving a well-balanced mix.

The active noise cancellation feature performs admirably, with effective passive sound isolation and five strength levels for ANC, including an adaptive mode. The transparency mode also works well, offering a balance between ambient awareness and audio immersion. The wear-detection sensor on the left earcup adds a touch of convenience. 

The battery life falls slightly short compared to some competitors, providing around 55 hours with ANC off; however, the quick five-minute charge for four hours of playback is a handy feature.

Overall, the Anker Soundcore Space One headphones offer a compelling package, excelling in comfort, audio quality, and ANC capabilities. They’re an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking feature-rich over-ear ANC headphones.

The fifth one on our list is Apple AirPods Max. The Airpods Max headphones by Apple continue to make a mark in the over-ear headphone market.

Boasting a sleek design with rounded square cups and a stainless steel mesh headband, the headphones come in various colors, adding a touch of style. The controls are minimal, featuring a button for switching between noise cancellation and transparency mode and a digital crown for volume and track adjustments. 

Comfort is a standout feature, with well-distributed weight and fabric earcups ensuring a pleasant all-day wear experience. The active noise-canceling technology excels, adapting seamlessly to different environments. Transparency mode sets the AirPods Max apart, providing an unmatched experience in amplifying outside sounds.

In terms of sound quality, the AirPods Max delivers detailed and neutral audio with the added benefit of Apple’s “Adaptive EQ” adjusting levels based on music genres. While the audio is considered good, it falls slightly short of being exceptional compared to other models in a similar price range.

The battery life, lasting up to 20 hours with ANC on, may lag behind some competitors but remains sufficient for most users. The headphones offer extra features like spatial audio for an immersive cinematic experience and the ability to share audio between Apple devices.

For Apple enthusiasts, the seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including exclusive features and convenience, makes the AirPods Max a compelling choice. However, considering factors like aging technology and advancements in the market, potential buyers might weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. 

Overall, the AirPods Max offers a blend of style, comfort, and performance, making them a noteworthy option for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is on our list as well. The WH-1000XM5 headphones, part of Sony’s acclaimed WH-1000X series, represent a significant leap in design and functionality. 

The WH-1000XM5 boasts a revamped design, moving away from the bulkiness of its predecessors. The earcups, suspended directly by the headband, offer a sleek look. However, the absence of collapsible earcups results in a larger frame, demanding a slightly bulkier case for travel. The build quality is commendable, featuring a luxurious soft-touch feel despite the predominant use of plastic.

Comfort, though, is a mixed bag. While the plush ear pads provide a comfortable fit, the shallow depth of the earcups may cause discomfort during extended use. Breathability is a concern, especially in warmer climates.

The headphones integrate seamlessly with the Sony Headphones Connect app, offering features like Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat, and 360 Reality Audio. However, the app’s setup process can be cumbersome.

In terms of sound quality and noise canceling, Sony’s reputation holds true. The WH-1000XM5 incorporates advanced technology, strategically placing eight microphones for improved cancellation across frequencies. The sound quality is impressive, offering a balanced performance across the spectrum. The inclusion of Sony’s DSEE-HX Extreme engine enhances audio quality, and the LDAC technology ensures high-bitrate audio streaming over Bluetooth.

On the other side, the headphones excel in microphone performance, delivering clear voice quality even in noisy environments. Latency for video watching is minimal, and the battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours with ANC enabled.

In conclusion, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones successfully build upon their predecessor’s legacy. While design changes may not appeal to everyone, the overall performance, comfort, and advanced features make them a top recommendation for noise-canceling enthusiasts.