Best Bluetooth Headphones

Sometimes, a good playlist or your favorite podcasts are the only way to get through the day. There’s nothing like some energetic tunes to increase your productivity or an informative podcast to pass the time on a long haul flight.

Since computers and phones are phasing out ports for connecting devices like headsets, Bluetooth headphones are the way to go. They allow for hands-free usage and eliminate cords that tangle with all the other wires on your desk.

Today, you can find headphones that stay connected from farther distances while still delivering quality sound. For those who will use them during the work day, many feature a toggling system that switches from music to phone calls with the touch of a button. As Bluetooth headphones become more common, the technology only gets better and better. 

You may be interested in: The Best Wireless Bluetooth Ear Plugs

What Style of Bluetooth Headphones Should I Buy?

Headphones come in two different styles: over the head earmuffs and earbuds that fit directly into your ear. Choice depends completely on preference between the two. Some users have trouble with earbuds fitting snugly into their ears, so look for a pair that include various sized ear cups to find that perfect fit.

Earbud styles are also ideal for those who workout at the gym, use them for running, cycling or other outdoor activities. They’re also great for those who prefer a minimal style that they can easily take with them anywhere.

If you listen to music more at home, on planes, or at the office or cafe, over the head earmuffs may be ideal. In office settings, they obviously show that you are listening to music, so coworkers are aware when they start talking to you.

While earmuffs do fold up into a compact size, they are not quite as portable as earbuds.

Important Features You Need to Consider When Buying Bluetooth Headphones

Storage

Think about where you want to keep your headphones when they are not in use. Many come with a storage case. Earbuds often include a case that doubles as a charger and can fit into your pocket. If you tend to lose small items, then consider a pair of over the head earphones that you won’t likely lose as easily.

If you opt for the larger, over ear headphones, then you’ll want to note if they fold into a compact size and come with a case for safe keeping.

Water Resistance

Those who seek headphones for workouts or for outdoors activities are going to want a pair that won’t become damaged when they get wet from sweat or rain. Make sure you understand what “resistance” means when you go to purchase a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Some can withstand more water than others.

Battery Life

The last thing you want to do is worry about having to recharge your headphones every time you use them. If you tend to travel or wear them for long periods of time, then look for a longer battery life. Make sure to also check the amount of time it takes to recharge the headphones or whether they can be switched to a wired functionality to extend use when charging is not available.

Portability

Depending on where you plan to use your headphones, you’ll want to select a size that works best for you. If you are on the go often or working out of different places each day, then a more minimal pair might be the best solution for you. Alternatively, if you plan to use them for exercise, then a minimal design with a small carrying case would be an ideal option.

Toggling Buttons

The beauty of Bluetooth headphones is the lack of wires, and sometimes that means compromising on functions like the ability to seamlessly advance songs without having to open your music app, or more importantly for those who wear headphones during work to be able to jump between music and phone calls without fumbling around.

Earmuff-style headphones generally have buttons located on one earcup, so it’s really just a matter of memorizing where they are located. Earbuds come with a case that may include toggle buttons, but then that means having the case handy if this is a feature you use frequently.

Top 5 Bluetooth Headphones

COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

Best for frequent travelers

These high-quality active noise cancelling bluetooth headphones offer incredible sound, clean bass, and clear percussion, allowing you to fully enjoy your tunes. The 30-hour battery life is great for long flights and won’t die on you halfway through the trip.

Conduct work more easily with the built-in microphone that connects to your phone to answer phone calls, control the volume, and talk clearly with clients.

The cushioned around-ear fit makes them comfortable to wear for long periods of time without pain. 

For those looking for fully noise-cancelling headphones, keep in mind that these do not cancel out snoring, talking, music, or other high frequency sounds. They will muffle them, but not cancel them out completely. They do cancel out sounds like airplane cabin noise, city streets, and busy cafes or offices.

Who Should Buy These Headphones?

Users who travel long distances frequently will love the 30-hour battery life of the COWIN E7 headphones. The noise reducing features will also drown out air cabin noise, as well as any chattering in busy office or cafe settings.

Pros

• Noise cancelling
• Built-in microphone
• Around-ear fit
• 30 hours of battery life
• 18-month warranty
• 40mm big speaker drivers

Cons

• Not fully noise cancelling

Specs for Comparison:

Available colors: Black, Blue, Green, Purple, Red, White

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TOZO T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds

Best for fitness buffs

With a minimalist design, these headphones can go with you everywhere, carried easily in your pocket or tucked into your purse. They feature advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology with a 8mm large speaker for optimal bass performance. 

To pair, simply take them out of the case and connect to your phone or computer.

The included case charges the headphones up to three times and makes them waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Out of the box, these headphones are sweat, weather, and water resistant. After several uses, the headphones can be charged using either a USB cable or wireless charger.

Each pair comes with ear cups in varying sizes to allow for perfect fit for different ears. Unlike other wireless earbuds, these shouldn’t fall out, even during exercises like running.

Who Should Buy These Bluetooth Headphones?

Active people will love these TOZO T10 earbuds that fit just about anywhere for on the go travel. From the gym to the office to the plane, they won’t take up space and the various ear cup sizes mean they will stay put during a vigorous workout.

Pros

• 8mm large speaker
• Includes charging box
• Size of a quarter
• Sweat, water, and rain resistant
• Ergonomic design

Cons

• Connectivity can be choppy during heavy movement
• Short battery life at 4 hours

Specs for comparison:

Available colors: Black, Blue, Gray, Khaki, White

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Zihnic Foldable Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Best for those who can’t live without music

Designed with long term comfort in mind, these headphones are made with a soft memory foam leather earmuff that can be worn for hours without pain. A 14-hour battery life means that they are a great option for long travel days. If the battery died mid-use, however, you can easily switch to wire mode for unlimited tunes.

The high definition stereo is designed to reduce outside noises allowing you to hear only your music and little else. To store, simply fold and place in the protective case when not in use. 

Switch between music and phone calls by using the buttons located on the side of the earmuff. 

Who Should Buy These Bluetooth Headphones?

The Zihnic Foldable Bluetooth headphones are ideal for those who can’t function without music and wear headphones all day long. The memory foam earmuff ensures all day comfort and a snug, yet comfortable fit around the ears.

While the battery lasts 14 hours, buyers can simply opt for the wired setting if they don’t want to wait for a charge or are not near an outlet to do so.

Pros

• High definition stereo
• Noise reducing
• Memory foam padding on ear cover
• Foldable
• 14-hour battery life
• Ability to switch to wired mode
• Function control in earcup

Cons

• Print manual difficult to read due to small font size

Specs for comparison

Available colors: Black, Orange, Green, Blue, Red, Gray, Rose Gold

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BEBEN Bluetooth 5.0 True Wireless Earbuds

Best for outdoor enthusiasts

Easily control the volume, advance to the next song, or switch between music and phone calls with these compact bluetooth earbuds. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, expect long range connectivity. To pair, simply take out one or both earbuds and turn on the Bluetooth function on your phone. They should connect automatically once paired.

If you enjoy working out or using them on runs or other outdoor activities, then rest assured these won’t damage with a little sweat and rain, thanks to the water resistant features. The charging case is waterproof for added protection.

A single charge lasts 6 hours, and can be recharged in the charging case up to four times for a total of 30 hours of working time. 

Who Should Buy These Bluetooth Headphones?

With the water and sweat resistant features of the BEBEN Bluetooth earbuds, these are best for outdoor enthusiasts who will get outside no matter the weather. They can withstand sweat and rain no problem, and if it’s really wet out, the case is entirely waterproof for full protection.

Pros

• Bluetooth 5.0 technology
• Water and sweat resistant
• Earbud controls on case
• Case charges earbuds up to 4 times
• Connect to phone
• Affordable

Cons

• 6-hour battery life
• Average sound quality
• Uses USB micro cable for charging

Specs for Comparison

Available colors: Black

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Mpow H7 Bluetooth Headphones

Best for those on a budget

For the affordable price, these Bluetooth headphones pack a punch. The sound quality is clean thanks to the HiFi sounds and 40mm drivers. The battery lasts up to 18 hours with an option to switch to wired mode when needed, perfect for those who travel frequently.

Easily toggle between music and phone calls with the earmuff controls for hands-free conversations.

The rotating design makes them easily transportable and they store in the included carrying case. Memory foam earmuffs ensure comfort over long periods of use and the adjustable sliders mean a perfect overhead fit.

Who Should Buy these headphones?

Anyone who wants the quality sound without the price tag will love these Mpow H7 Bluetooth headphones. The 40mm HiFi drivers provide ample quality and the 18-hour battery means you can dance at your desk all day long without plugging in.

Pros:

• 40mm drivers
• 18-hour battery
• Wired mode option
• Hands free controls
• Affordable
• Noise-cancelling microphone

Cons:

• Small ear cups may not fit some buyers
• Long battery charge time

Specs for Comparison

Available colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Gray

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Bottom Line

Bluetooth headphones are ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with cords and wires and prefers to roam freely, as long as they are within distance of their paired device. For those who travel long distances at a time frequently or who do not have access to plugs easily, look for headphones that include a wired option to ensure that you never have to go without tunes while you work or relax.

Buyers can choose between two different styles, either over the head earmuffs or earbuds that fit directly inside the ear. The earbuds are more portable and ideal for active users who enjoy listening to music or podcasts while they workout at the gym or run and bike outdoors.

Over the head earmuffs work well in offices and for more stationary music enthusiasts who don’t have to worry about active movement causing them to slide off their head constantly. They also serve as a great signal that you are on a call or listening to music if someone comes by to chat.

For those who need to toggle between music and phone calls, a number of headphones include the option with easy-to-access buttons on the side of the earmuffs or in the carrying case.

Consider where and when you listen to your music most as you make your decision on style, then think about your need for long battery life and ability to use them for phone calls. There are plenty of great options available, it’s just a matter of picking the one that suits your needs best.