Despite the abundance of offers on the wireless headphone market, experienced electronics manufacturers with extensive experience in creating traditional headphones and speaker systems can provide high-quality sound. Today, you can find good sound in Bluetooth headphones much more often than a few years ago, but you still have to pay a lot for it.
In our final selection, we’ve rounded up the best full-size wireless headphones to date, released during 2022.
10 Grado GW100x
The main difference between the model is the open acoustic design and the use of new branded dynamic radiators. They use a more powerful magnet system, a lighter voice coil and an improved 44mm diaphragm. This made it possible to increase the sensitivity and at the same time reduce the level of distortion. The headphones have a Bluetooth 5.2 chip that supports SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs and allows you to connect to multiple signal sources in parallel. The model also has a built-in microphone for making calls. The claimed battery life of the headphones is 46 hours. In addition to the USB-C connector used to charge the battery, there is a 3.5 mm jack for wired connection of headphones in passive mode.
Pros – open design, aptX Adaptive support
Cons – no noise reduction system
Verdict: A great option for lovers of open headphones
9. Sony WH-1000XM5
The new generation of over-ear headphones from the market leader features a redesigned design and the most advanced noise-cancelling technology. The heart of the model is the proprietary V1 processor, supported by the QN1 coprocessor. Each cup has 4 microphones that ensure the operation of the noise reduction system both when listening to music and when talking on the phone. The acoustic part has also been redesigned, now it is built on 30 mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets, the membranes of which received polyurethane suspensions. The battery life with the noise canceling system turned on is 24 hours, which is not that much. When connected wirelessly, the headphones support AAC and LDAC codecs, a wired connection is also possible via a 3.5 mm minijack connector. The model is produced in black and silver colors.
Pros – Updated design, better noise cancellation, great sound
Cons: short battery life on a single charge
Verdict: A new generation of one of the best headphones on the market, what more recommendations do you need?
8. Master & Dynamic MW75
The case and cups of this New York-based model are made of aluminum and lambskin. The headband and ear pads use memory foam. For the sound, emitters with a 40-mm diaphragm coated with beryllium are responsible. The active noise canceling system uses four microphones. The developers claim that ANC automatically adjusts the noise reduction settings depending on the environment. Pairing with mobile gadgets is provided by a Bluetooth 5.2 module with support for the aptX Adaptive codec. Battery life is 32 hours without noise canceling on and 28 hours with it on.
Pros – luxurious appearance, quality materials, drivers with beryllium diaphragms
Cons: Not the longest battery life
Verdict: Superb design and materials complemented by great sound
7 Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The next generation of the German brand’s headphones is distinguished by a new design of the headphones themselves and a carrying case, which, in addition to the headphones, contains a USB charging cable, a cable with analog connectors for a wired connection, and an adapter for connecting to an aircraft media system. The novelty is connected to the signal source using a Bluetooth module with support for the aptX Adaptive codec. The Adaptive Noise Cancellation system will offer several levels of adjustment and a “transparency” mode. The acoustic part of the model is built on branded 42 mm dynamic drivers. The battery capacity is enough for 60 hours of playback.
Pros – fresh design, signature sound, 60-hour power reserve
Cons – expensive
Verdict: A natural choice for fans of Sennheiser signature sound
6. KEF Mu7
These headphones were designed by Ross Lovegrove, best known for building the majestic KEF Muon aluminum speakers. Aluminum is also widely used in the model – cups and headband of the model are made of it. The ear pads are filled with memory foam and covered with faux leather. KEF Mu7 will be able to work in wireless and passive wired modes, for which a 3.5 mm jack is provided. All major functions are controlled through the touch area on the right cup. The acoustic part is built on a proprietary dynamic driver with a diameter of 40 mm, the Smart Active Noise Cancellation system is responsible for noise reduction. The earphones support SBC, AAC and aptX HD codecs, and the battery life on a single charge is 40 hours.
Plus – unique design, a lot of aluminum
Minus – the price
Verdict: One of the most beautiful headphones on the market
5. HiFiMan HE-R9
This model is only partly wireless – it turns into it using an external proprietary Bluemini R2R module. A high-quality resistive-matrix DAC and Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive and LDAC support deliver superb sound quality that’s almost as good as a wired connection. The novelty also features the use of rare-earth magnets and the Topology Diaphragm membrane coated with nanomaterials, which ensure the operation of headphones in the range from 15 to 35,000 Hz with a wired connection. High-quality memory foam in the headband with a steel frame ensures maximum comfort for extended wear.
Pros – good bass sound with excellent resolution
Cons – functionality is very limited
Verdict: These headphones are aimed specifically at audiophiles, since there is no noise reduction or fine tuning here.
4. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition
The British brand’s new flagship wireless headphones come in several versions, but our favorite is the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition, a collaboration with McLaren Automotive. The earcups are electroplated in gray and finished in papaya orange, inspired by the famous papaya-orange coloring. The acoustic part is built on new dynamic drivers with a 40mm carbon cone, set at the right angle inside each earcup to ensure the same distance from the listener’s ears. The headphones support Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec, but can also work in wired mode – USB-C and 3.5mm cables are included. High quality drivers are combined with powerful digital signal processing (DSP),
Pros – great sound, great design
Cons – expensive
Verdict: No savings, but worth it
3. Mark Levinson N° 5909
Not quite an ordinary model for the legendary American brand appeared on the market this spring and attracted attention not only at a considerable price, but also with an interesting design and technical solutions. Its acoustic part is built on dynamic transducers with a 40-mm beryllium-coated diaphragm. The cups have a closed design, and all functions are controlled not only through physical keys, but also through a proprietary mobile application. The equipment includes an active noise reduction system with three modes of operation, functioning thanks to four directional microphones. Headphones support aptX Adaptative and LDAC codecs. The headband and ear cushions are finished with natural leather and filled with memory foam. The model can work both in wireless and wired mode, for which the kit includes the appropriate connecting cables with an adapter from USB-C to 3.5 mm, as well as an adapter to 6.35 mm. The sensitivity in passive mode is 97 dB, from a single charge, the headphones can work up to 34 hours.
Pros – beryllium diaphragm, great sound, superb workmanship
Cons – only price
Verdict: Impressive brand debut in the wireless headphone market
2. T+A Solitaire T
The top model of the German company is a closed-type enveloping dynamic headphones. The drivers are equipped with 42 mm biocellulose diaphragms, similar to those used in the best dynamic headphones of all time from Sony. The electronic part includes a Qualcomm QCC5127 Bluetooth chip with support for LDAC and aptX HD codecs, as well as a Saber ES9218 digital-to-analog converter. The cups and headband are made of high-quality aluminum, the ear cushions are made of artificial leather. The model also has a switchable ANC active noise reduction system and is available in two colors – black and white.
Plus – advanced emitters, high quality workmanship
Minus the price…
Verdict: It’s T+A, it’s expensive
1.Audio-Technica ATH-WB2022
The first Bluetooth-headphones of the company, released by the Japanese company for its 60th anniversary, have become the most expensive in the world. They are made in a wooden case and are distinguished by support for simultaneous connection to multiple sources, as well as work with the LDAC codec. In addition, each channel is served by a separate DAC on the ES9038Q2M chip. The built-in amplifier is built on MUSES05 assemblies from the Japanese company Nisshinbo Micro Devices. For making calls, the model has a large 10 mm condenser microphone. A wired connection to the signal source is possible via USB-C, which will allow you to fully appreciate the high quality of the converters and amplifiers built into each cup. The lacquered cups are made from a combination of maple, mahogany and walnut, while the headband and ear pads are finished in Alcantara. The acoustic part is built on dynamic drivers with a diameter of 45 mm with a diaphragm coated with diamond-like carbon. All functions are controlled through the proprietary Audio-Technica Connect application, or through physical keys on the cups.
Pros – Thoughtful design, discrete DACs and amplifiers in each cup, luxurious finishes
Minus – you have to decide to buy
Verdict: Perfect wireless headphones
