The age of wireless is here. And thanks to some truly awesome technological advances over the recent years – think Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity – most modern gadgets can operate wire-free. Headphones are no exception. From wire-free music to long battery life, we’ve rounded up five of the biggest benefits of wireless headphones…
5 advantages of wireless headphones
1. Freedom
Wireless headphones are designed for active lifestyles. Pick up the phone without having to literally pick up your phone, dance in your living without getting tangled up, work out without getting your wires crossed. In short, no wires means no hassle. Plus, you never have to worry about unwinding any knotted cables (remember those days?).
2. Excellent sound quality
Wireless has made audio arguably better than it’s ever been. Nowadays, almost all smartphones are cutting the cord and kicking headphone jacks to the curb. So, it’s become a necessity for wireless headphones to really step up when it comes to sound quality. Lots of big-name audio brands have turned (almost) completely wireless. Meaning all that research and innovation is funnelled into wire-free technology. Resulting in wireless headphones that produce high-quality sound to rival their wired counterparts of years past.
3. Smart features
Headphones are for more than just music. Thanks to some really awesome features and functionalities, wireless headphones can double up as smart assistants. Check the weather, text your mum or get real-time translations. And do it hands-free. But that’s not all. Other functionalities – like noise cancellation and bass-boosting – allow for a truly immersive sound experience.
4. Improved battery life
Are you always on the move? Thanks to long-lasting batteries, wireless headphones have never been more practical. You can buy the best-sounding headphones in the world, but that doesn’t matter if they conk out halfway through your jamming session, TV show or flight. We recommend purchasing wireless headphones that last between seven and 40 hours on a single charge.
5. Style plus comfort
Wireless earbuds look stylish and sophisticated. But the best part by far is that they’re extremely comfy. Secure, soft and ergonomically designed, wireless headphones offer maximum comfort. Meaning you can run, jump, and dance without worry.
Disadvantages of wireless headphones
1. Interferences
Occasionally, Bluetooth interference can cause your wireless headphones to stumble. Maybe the song will skip on its own, the sound might cut in and out, or perhaps your headphones will disconnect completely.
2. Durability
The built-in electronic circuitry of wireless headphones makes them less resistant to drops compared to their wired counterparts.
3. Battery life
Like we said above, most wireless headphones can last for hours on end between charges. But forget to charge them? You’ll be stuck in silence until you can find a plug.
The best wireless headphones
Wondering which headphones you should buy? When it comes to wireless, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are top tier. They’ve taken sound-quality to the next level. And when it comes to noise cancelling, they really can’t be beaten.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are the ideal mix of comfort and functionality. And they have the edge on most of the competition when it comes to quality and price. The best part? The built-in battery lasts up to 24 hours per charge, but comes with a cable just in case you do run out of power.
If you’re a strict Apple user, Apple AirPods Max are the wireless headphones for you. Crisp sound, spatial audio, and seamless connectivity with any Apple device make these a game-changer. Plus, they’re packed with plenty of small hidden features.
Are you a casual listener who prefers compactness, portability, and microphone quality above everything? The JABRA Elite 4 packs a lot into a great set of wireless headphones at a budget-friendly price. They're also a great pick for gym bunnies.
Unsure if you should opt for wireless, or stick with wired? Maybe wireless earbuds or a portable speaker is more up your street? Our audio buying guide will help find the perfect product for you.
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