In the jungle of headphones, it's not always easy to choose the model that's right for you. In this buying guide, we've selected the best wireless Bluetooth headphones for you. Whether you're looking for high-end headphones, Bluetooth headphones for under 200 euros, or simply wireless headphones with good value for money, you should find what you're looking for here.
The Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones in April 2025
- Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Sonos Ace
- Apple AirPods Max
- Sony ULT Wear
Our selection of the best headphones of the moment
Sony WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM5: the best value for money
The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents a real improvement over the previous generation, thanks in particular to even more effective active noise reduction. It now reaches a level close to that of Bose's most accomplished models. The sound quality is there, with deep and well-controlled bass, even if you will have to use the equalizer to balance the sound on more classic tracks. The practical functions that we already knew, such as the automatic activation of ambient mode or the pause during conversation, are still present and well integrated. The whole thing remains very coherent and designed for everyday use.
Battery life drops more quickly when noise cancellation is activated, and the new design, although more refined, abandons the folding system, which can be annoying when traveling. In addition, the headband is a little more noticeable on the top of the head, especially when using the headphones for a long time. Despite these adjustments, the Sony WH-1000XM5 remains an excellent choice for those looking for versatile, comfortable, and high-performance headphones, whether for work, commuting, or relaxing. Note that its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4, is still highly recommended and has the advantage of being foldable.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra: exceptional noise reduction
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra incorporates the fundamentals that have made the brand's reputation: impeccable comfort, well-thought-out ergonomics, and active noise reduction that remains as impressive as ever. The sound quality is also there, provided you use the equalizer to obtain a more balanced sound. The increasingly comprehensive companion app allows you to deeply customize the listening experience.
But it's hard not to balk at its price (at least at launch), which is significantly above average, without any real justification compared to the competition. Especially since certain limitations remain, such as an immersive mode that could still be improved, sometimes uneven depending on use, and significant energy consumption. We would also have appreciated the possibility of using USB audio, especially for sedentary uses. The fact remains that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra ticks almost all the boxes on a technical level, and will suit demanding users... willing to pay the price, which has since dropped considerably.
Sonos Ace: a very good high-end audio headset
For a first foray into the world of headphones, the Sonos Ace makes a remarkable entrance. We find the usual attention paid by the brand to design and manufacturing quality, with an elegant, discreet and very well-finished headset. Comfort is there, despite a rather heavy weight, and the physical controls fall easily to hand. The app effectively supports the whole thing, with precise adjustments. On the audio side, the promise is kept: the restitution is warm, flattering, and pleasant across a wide range of music. The active noise reduction is very effective, and compatibility with Sonos soundbars opens up interesting possibilities when you're at home.
On the other hand, the placement of the microphones leaves something to be desired: too low on the earpieces, they easily pick up the friction of clothing or wind, which spoils the experience in transparency mode or on calls, even though the performance in these uses is very good. Finally, the high price could put some off, especially when direct rivals are starting to lower their prices. Despite this, the Sonos Ace remains a very good high-end headset, capable of appealing to both audiophiles and brand loyalists.
Apple AirPods Max: for Apple lovers
Apple's AirPods Max offer a polished experience from start to finish. Everything seems designed to appeal to iPhone, Mac, or iPad users, from the simplified setup to the impeccable ergonomics and exemplary finish. Integration with the Apple ecosystem works perfectly, and the presence of the digital crown, inherited from the Apple Watch, is very practical. On the audio side, the headphones offer particularly successful sound reproduction, supported by highly effective active noise reduction and a convincing transparency mode. Comfort is also there, even during long listening sessions.
But despite all these qualities, a few points make people grind their teeth. It's impossible to completely turn off the headphones unless you put them in their cover, the famous "Smart Case," whose design left us perplexed. The lack of a headphone jack port is no longer surprising from Apple, but it remains a constraint for some. The main obstacle, however, remains the price, which is difficult to justify when faced with competitors who offer comparable products for much less. In short, the Apple AirPods Max are easily appealing... as long as you don't worry too much about the cost.
Sony ULT Wear: the best Bluetooth headphones for less than 200 euros
The Sony ULT Wear manages to combine performance and a low price, and that's what makes it particularly interesting. For a reasonable price, these Bluetooth headphones offer a warm and well-balanced sound signature, with the added bonus of a dedicated bass button for those who like punchy sounds. The noise reduction is impressive at this price point, even approaching that of the brand's premium models. You also benefit from very comfortable battery life, and the well-designed companion app lets you customize your experience according to your preferences.
There are still a few imperfections, such as the assembly, which sometimes shows a bit of play, which betrays the product's positioning. And while the app is comprehensive, it would have benefited from being a little less cluttered, with some features seeming more gimmicky than useful. Despite this, the Sony ULT Wear is a solid alternative for those who want to enjoy a good wireless noise-canceling headset without breaking the bank.
How to choose your wireless Bluetooth headphones
What is the difference between Bluetooth headphones and wireless headphones?
A Bluetooth headset is a type of wireless headset that uses this technology to connect to your devices. Conversely, wireless headphones can also use other protocols (such as Wi-Fi or a proprietary radio link), but in common usage, we mostly talk about Bluetooth.
Is the sound as good as with wired headphones?
High-end Bluetooth headphones today offer sound that is increasingly similar to wired models, especially with codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive. That said, audio purists or musicians will always prefer wired for its stability and zero latency. The Focal Azurys headphones, for example, are high-quality, wired-only hi-fi headphones.
What is active noise reduction (ANC)?
It's a technology that uses microphones to capture ambient sounds and neutralize them in real time. It's very useful in transport or noisy environments. The best models in this area are those from Sony, Bose, and Apple.
Should you choose Bluetooth headphones or earphones?
Headphones generally offer better audio quality, longer battery life, and more effective noise reduction. Earphones, on the other hand, are more compact and practical for sports or travel. The choice depends on your primary use.
Can you use a Bluetooth headset for gaming?
It's possible, but be careful of latency. For competitive or console gaming, a wired headset is still preferable. Some Bluetooth headsets offer low-latency modes, but this isn't always sufficient for demanding gaming.
What battery life can you expect?
In general, Bluetooth headsets offer between 20 and 40 hours of battery life depending on the model and ANC usage. Some very durable models go even further.
Can I connect a Bluetooth headset to multiple devices?
Yes, more and more headsets offer Bluetooth multipoint, which allows you to stay connected to two devices at once (for example, a computer and a smartphone). Very practical for juggling between calls and music.
Are Bluetooth headsets compatible with iPhones and Android?
Yes, all Bluetooth headsets work with both iPhones and Android devices. However, some advanced features, such as spatial audio or automatic wear detection, may be reserved for the brand's ecosystem (Apple for its AirPods, for example).
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