The 5 Best TV Headphones - Spring 2021 Reviews

The best wireless headphones for TV that we've tested are the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. Many of the features that make for a great gaming experience are also important when watching TV, and these check off all the boxes. They connect wirelessly with no noticeable audio lag thanks to their unique wireless transmitter compatible with a wide range of home theater set-ups. They can even connect to a Bluetooth device simultaneously so you can mix audio from your phone and your TV at the same time.

The wireless transmitter provides a low-latency connection and serves as a battery charging station and a customization center for the headphones. You can EQ the way they sound and control the volume levels of the different input sources directly on the transmitter, which is very convenient. It also charges their removable battery, and since they come with two batteries, you can always keep one charging while the other is in use.

While they have a slightly less gamer-centric look than many other gaming models we've tested, they're still relatively bulky, especially since their microphone isn't detachable. The headband frame can also be too small for some people, which can get uncomfortable at the end of a long movie if your head presses against the frame.

The best wireless headphones for TV specifically designed for this purpose that we've tested are the Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless. They have a specialized receiver dock that directly plugs into most TVs and allows them to be used wirelessly with low audio latency. They're decently well-built and comfortable enough for binge-watching a couple of episodes at a time.

Thanks to their efficient control scheme located on the ear cups, you don't have to get up from the couch to adjust the volume or activate features like additional bass or surround sound. Although some users may find their sound profile is a bit bass-heavy by default, it doesn't completely overwhelm dialogue. Their extra thump and boom can also help make sound effects in action sequences seem a bit more immersive. Their continuous battery life is around 24 hours too, and they use rechargeable AAA batteries.

Unfortunately, their build quality is just satisfactory as the plastic elements used in their design feel low-grade and a bit cheap. They're also prone to inconsistent audio delivery, and you may especially notice a drop in bass if you wear glasses or have thick hair. That said, they're specifically designed for watching TV as they offer a low-latency experience and can be easily adjusted on the fly.

The best Bluetooth headphones for TV that we've tested are the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016. While Bluetooth generally doesn't make for the best option while watching TV due to audio lag issues, they use a technology called aptX-LL that helps reduce latency. You'll need to buy a dedicated Bluetooth adapter that supports aptX-LL and is compatible with your TV for them to work, but once you get everything set up, they provide a very well-rounded listening experience.

They have a very well-balanced sound profile that'll bring out the thump and rumble of your favorite action movie without muffling voices. Their battery performance is among the best we've tested, boasting not only a whopping 30 hours of battery life but several power-saving features, like an auto-off timer and smart pause mode. They can even connect to two devices at the same time, so you can take calls on your phone without needing to unpair from your TV, which is great.

While their active noise cancelling feature (ANC) will help with your everyday household noises, it won't do very much if you live next to a busy street and are constantly disrupted by the sound of traffic outdoors. All in all, they provide the best value for the price and are very easy to recommend.

The best headphones under $100 for watching TV that we've tested is the Logitech G433 Gaming Headset. While these headphones are marketed towards gamers, their wired design means they have virtually no latency. Their lightweight and well-padded design should be comfortable enough to wear while you binge-watch a few episodes of your favorite show.

They have a fairly neutral, well-balanced sound profile that should suit a variety of content and genres. You can also customize their sound using a graphic EQ and presets available in the G HUB companion app. The in-line controls have a dial you can use to adjust the volume, and the boom mic can be detached for a more casual look. They come with a fairly long, 6.5-foot audio cable, so don't need to sit right next to the TV.

Unfortunately, they don't really block out ambient sound, so they aren't ideal if you want to isolate yourself from the sound of a busy street or other noises while you watch TV. They also leak quite a bit of sound. That said, their customizable sound profile and wired design make them a solid choice for watching TV, especially considering their affordable price.