Verdict
All guidesMethodologyAboutContact
The Best 5Reviewed by Mike Hunter·May 25, 2026

Best Wireless Headphones

Top 5 wireless over-ear headphones reviewed and ranked.

Quick answer

Apple AirPods Max 2 is our top pick for wireless headphones — an averaged 4.4/5 across 4 published reviews at about $549. Runner-up: Sony WH-1000XM6 (~$399).

Read the Apple AirPods Max 2 review →$549 · Check Price on Amazon

At a glance

Tap any product for the full review
1Apple AirPods Max 2Top Score
(4 sources)
$549Best for: Best for Apple users — luxurious build with seamless ecosystem integration
$549 · Check Price on Amazon
2Sony WH-1000XM6
(3 sources)
$399Best for: Best Overall — class-leading ANC plus durable folding redesign
$399 · Check Price on Amazon
3Bose QuietComfort Headphones
(3 sources)
$349Best for: Best for travelers — flagship Bose comfort and ANC at sub-Ultra price
$349 · Check Price on Amazon
4Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
(3 sources)
$329Best for: Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio, and don't need hi-res codecs
$329 · Check Price on Amazon
5Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
(3 sources)
$229.99Best for: Value-minded listeners who prioritize the longest battery life and rich, customizable sound over having the absolute best noise cancellation
$229.99 · Check Price on Amazon
Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Reviews aggregated from
What Hi-Fi?SoundGuysTom's GuideRTINGSCNETPCMagTechRadar

The full ranking

How we rank →
Apple AirPods Max 2
#1 · Top Score
★ Premium Pick
Best for: Best for Apple users — luxurious build with seamless ecosystem integration
Apple AirPods Max 2
from 4 sources$549as of Apr 17

The Apple AirPods Max 2 refine the original formula with smoother sound, better dynamics, and enhanced noise cancellation, making them a luxurious choice for iOS users. However, the lack of updates to the battery life and the impractical case design, combined with stiff competition offering superior performance at lower prices, limit their appeal as a class-leading upgrade.

Strengths
  • — Delivers smooth, balanced sound with improved punch, dynamics, and precision compared to the original model
  • — Features a high standard of build quality and luxurious finish
Watch-outs
  • — Battery life remains unchanged from the previous generation
  • — The included case design has not been updated and is considered inconvenient compared to rivals
$549 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM6 →
Sony WH-1000XM6
#2
Best for: Best Overall — class-leading ANC plus durable folding redesign
Sony WH-1000XM6
from 3 sources$399as of Apr 17

The Sony WH-1000XM6 successfully addresses many previous design flaws, such as the fragile hinge and non-folding form factor, while maintaining top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality. However, the absence of water resistance and USB audio support may deter users seeking durability or versatile wired connectivity. Overall, it remains a strong all-rounder for commuters and travelers despite these specific omissions.

Strengths
  • — Delivers excellent active noise cancellation with an Adaptive NC Optimizer
  • — Features a redesigned, more durable hinge that allows the headphones to fold flat
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks any ingress protection rating, making them susceptible to moisture and sweat
  • — Does not support USB audio listening, limiting wired usage options
$399 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Apple AirPods Max 2 →
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
#3
Best for: Best for travelers — flagship Bose comfort and ANC at sub-Ultra price
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
from 3 sources$349as of Apr 25

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2023) replace the QC45 as Bose's mainstream over-ear, sitting one tier below the QuietComfort Ultra. TechRadar gave them 4 stars for 'flagship noise-cancelling for less,' and SoundGuys clocked 27 hours of real-world battery and excellent ANC. They lack the Ultra's Immersive Audio and high-res codecs, but at 240g they're the most comfortable headphone in this guide and the easiest to recommend for long-haul flights.

Strengths
  • — Plush memory foam earcups, only 240g — the most comfortable pair in this guide
  • — Excellent Bose ANC, only narrowly behind the QuietComfort Ultra
Watch-outs
  • — Only SBC and AAC codecs — no aptX or LDAC
  • — 3-band EQ is more limited than rivals' parametric tools
$349 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Apple AirPods Max 2 →
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
#4
Best for: Listeners who want the best possible noise cancellation and all-day comfort, plus spatial audio, and don't need hi-res codecs
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
from 3 sources$329as of May 29

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the noise-cancelling benchmark of this lineup — RTINGS calls them 'top-of-the-line noise cancelling headphones' and What Hi-Fi praises 'class-leading, customisable ANC' alongside sound that is 'both hugely accomplished and hugely entertaining.' They add Bose's Immersive Audio spatial mode over the standard QuietComfort and sit a clear tier above it. The price is steep and they skip hi-res codecs, but for outright silence plus comfort they are hard to beat.

Strengths
  • — Class-leading, highly customizable active noise cancellation — among the best measured anywhere
  • — Rich, entertaining, well-balanced sound that satisfies casual listeners and enthusiasts alike
Watch-outs
  • — Premium price — the most expensive Bose in this guide
  • — Immersive Audio noticeably shortens battery life and not everyone will use it
$329 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Apple AirPods Max 2 →
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
#5
Best for: Value-minded listeners who prioritize the longest battery life and rich, customizable sound over having the absolute best noise cancellation
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
from 3 sources$229.99as of May 29

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is the value-and-endurance pick of this lineup — Tom's Guide says its 'great sound and industry-leading battery life mean it should be on any ANC headphone shortlist,' and What Hi-Fi calls these 'great-value contenders.' Its roughly 60-hour battery (SoundGuys measured 56 hours with ANC on) roughly doubles most rivals, and the 42mm drivers deliver rich, tunable sound. The trade-off is ANC that trails the class-leading Bose and Sony, and a deliberately plain design.

Strengths
  • — Industry-leading ~60-hour battery life — roughly double most rivals
  • — Excellent, customizable audiophile-leaning sound from 42mm drivers with aptX Adaptive hi-res
Watch-outs
  • — ANC is a step behind the class-leading Bose and Sony in this guide
  • — Understated, plain design that some find less premium-looking than rivals
$229.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Apple AirPods Max 2 →

Spec comparison

5 products
SpecApple AirPods Max 2Sony WH-1000XM6Bose QuietComfort HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesSennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Driver40mm Apple40mm40mm dynamic35mm dynamic42mm dynamic
Weight395g227g240g253g293g
ANCYesYesAdaptive ANC with Aware mode and adjustable Quiet modesYes, adjustable + Immersive AudioAdaptive ANC
CodecAACLDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3SBC, AACSBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveSBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
ConnectivityBT 5.3, USB-C, 3.5mmBT 5.4, 3.5mmBluetooth 5.1 with multipoint, USB-C, 3.5mmBluetooth 5.3, multipoint, 3.5mmBluetooth 5.2, multipoint, 3.5mm
Battery Life20h40h24 hours rated (~27 hours measured)24h (18h Immersive)60h (rated), ~56h measured
Folding———Folds flat, hingedFolds at hinge

Frequently asked questions

What is the best wireless headphone?
Apple AirPods Max 2 is our top pick for wireless headphones, with an averaged rating of 4.4/5 from 4 published reviews. The Apple AirPods Max 2 refine the original formula with smoother sound, better dynamics, and enhanced noise cancellation, making them a luxurious choice for iOS users. However, the lack of updates to the battery life and the impractical case design, combined with stiff competition offering superior performance at lower prices, limit their appeal as a class-leading upgrade.
Is there a cheaper alternative worth considering?
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (around $229.99) rates 4.3/5 in our analysis. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is the value-and-endurance pick of this lineup — Tom's Guide says its 'great sound and industry-leading battery life mean it should be on any ANC headphone shortlist,' and What Hi-Fi calls these 'great-value contenders.' Its roughly 60-hour battery (SoundGuys measured 56 hours with ANC on) roughly doubles most rivals, and the 42mm drivers deliver rich, tunable sound. The trade-off is ANC that trails the class-leading Bose and Sony, and a deliberately plain design.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in May 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

Related guides

Browse all →