Other Wireless Headphones We’ve Tested
Wireless headphones are the default these days, and there are roughly 1 gazillion of them (and counting). We do our best to test them all, but not everything we test can make the big list. Here are some other good options worth trying.
Sony Linkbuds Clip for $230: Sony’s new clip-on open earbuds are solid performers at a premium price. While I found their call quality subpar, they provide clear and accessible audio playback, good controls, and features like a 10-band EQ and audio presets to tailor your experience. Their full price is a tall ask for earbuds you can't use in loud environments, but they're otherwise a good addition to this rapidly growing segment.
JBL Tour One M3 Smart TX for $350-450: JBL’s Tour One M3 headphones are its best yet, offering a brilliant mix of comfort, style, convenience, and an almost overwhelming number of features. The latest is the Smart Tx transmitter, which acts as a handheld controller but also lets you connect to wired audio sources and transmit them to the headphones and/or any Auracast device wirelessly. Though their sound quality falls below our top picks, their sterling call quality and comfy fit make up some ground for a great option on sale.
Status Audio Pro X for $249: The Status Audio Pro X are an excellent pair of earbuds that are slightly overshadowed by their mainstream competitors when it comes to daily use. That said, these buds look and sound awesome, with a triple driver array (one dynamic for bass, two Knowles balanced armatures for mid and high end), which allows them to stand above many other earbuds.
Nothing Headphone (1) for $239: The Nothing Headphone (1) have a cool see-through design and some of the best physical controls I've ever used. Their 40mm dynamic drivers, designed in collaboration with KEF Audio, provide great sound. They even have good noise canceling for the money, providing a solid midrange option for aesthetically minded shoppers.
Sony WH-1000XM5 for $398: Sony's XM5 remain a top headphone, even after being supplanted by the fancier XM6. For a fairly sizable price reduction, you'll get still-fabulous noise-canceling tech, great sound, and luxe comfort in a supremely portable package.
Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 for $150-$200: These premium earbuds from Beyerdynamic look nondescript, and their noise-canceling can't compete with Sony and Bose, but they do sound fantastic. If you're looking for a great-sounding pair that won't get you judged in public, these are a great option for quiet luxury.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Earbuds for $500: Bowers & Wilkins brings its speaker prowess into the world if high-end earbuds. The Pi8 provide a premium and stylish build, excellent sound quality, and solid noise canceling, albeit at a very high price point. Like other earbuds we've tested lately, one of the Pi8's coolest features is the ability to stream audio from wired audio sources via the charging case, which can really come in handy on long flights.
Edifier Stax Spirit S5 for $500: These high-flying headphones lack noise-canceling, but make up for it with fantastically clear sound from their advanced planar magnetic drivers that use specialized magnet tech for vividly clear delivery. If you can afford their high price, they're a fun investment that digs into the meat of your music like few headphones in their class.
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