The 6 Best On-Ear Wireless Headphones - Summer 2021 Reviews

The JBL Live 460NC Wireless are the best wireless on-ear headphones that we've tested. These headphones have a decently comfortable fit and last over 29 hours continuously. They also have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life when you're not using them, and you can even use them passively with their included TRS audio cable.

Right out-of-the-box, they have a neutral sound profile with a touch of extra thump and rumble that's suitable for a variety of audio content like pop, rock, or audiobooks. They're compatible with the JBL Headphones app, which offers a parametric EQ and presets so that you can really adjust their sound to your liking. They also have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system that does a decent overall job of blocking out noise around you, although it struggles more with bass-heavy sounds like the rumble of bus engines.

Unfortunately, their mic has a sub-par noise handling performance, and your voice may get drowned out if you're talking in a moderately noisy environment. Some users may also find that their clamping force is a bit uncomfortable, especially if you're wearing them for long periods of time. That said, these well-built headphones offer a customizable sound experience with long-lasting battery life.

The best on-ear wireless headphones for running that we've tested are the JBL Live 400BT Wireless. These Bluetooth on-ears are lightweight and clamp your head fairly tightly, so they shouldn't fall off your head or move around too much if you wear them while you're out on a run. They do a mediocre job of filtering out background noise, which could be helpful if you're run outdoors and want to stay aware of your surroundings.

They have a fairly well-balanced default sound profile that should suit most kinds of audio content, though their companion app features a parametric EQ that lets you fine-tune their audio reproduction in-depth if you're the type that prefers a little more thump and rumble in your music. They can also pair with two devices simultaneously, so you can stream music from your phone while remaining connected to your computer. They also supply more than 30 hours of runtime on a single charge, though battery life can vary with your usage habits, and offer full audio and mic compatibility on a wired connection thanks to their included 1/8" TRRS cable with an in-line mic.

Unfortunately, some users with larger heads may find their on-ear fit to be too tight. The plastic prominently used in their construction also feels rather cheap, and the headphones don't come with a carrying case or a pouch, which makes transporting them when not in use a little tricky. Still, their broad feature set and long battery life help make them some of the best wireless headphones under $100 that we've tested.

The best noise cancelling on-ear wireless headphones that we've tested are the Bowers & Wilkins PX5 Wireless. These premium on-ear headphones have an adjustable ANC feature that allows them to filter out a broad spectrum of ambient noises, from the rumble of a bus engine to the hum of an AC unit, not to mention the chatter of nearby coworkers. Their near 38-hour battery life should ensure that they easily last you throughout a couple of days in the office or throughout long overnight trips.

They support a broad range of Bluetooth connectivity features, including the aptX and aptX HD wireless codecs for high-quality audio as well as multi-device pairing, so you can stream music off of your phone while remaining connected to your work computer. They also have a fairly comprehensive control scheme that puts a lot of functionality at your fingertips, and the headphones themselves look and feel amazingly well-built.

Unfortunately, while fans of EDM and hip-hop music may enjoy their bass-heavy sound profile, their companion app doesn't have an EQ to fine-tune your listening experience, which is a disappointment at this price range. They also don't have a very consistent audio delivery, especially compared to the Beats Solo Pro Wireless, so they may sound a bit different depending on their fit, seal, and positioning on your head. However, they still offer the best noise isolation performance of all the wireless on-ear headphones we've tested.

The JBL Tune 510BT are the best budget on-ear wireless headphones. These headphones have over 38 hours of continuous playback time and recharge in less than two hours. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can connect them with up to two devices at a time, which is handy if you often switch between your smartphone and laptop.

Their slightly v-shaped sound profile adds a touch of extra punch and boom while vocals and lead instruments are bright. They have a reasonably comfortable and lightweight fit, although only the center of the headband is padded. Their ear cups can also swivel to lay flat, which makes them a bit easier to store in your bag when you're on the go.

Unfortunately, they have a mediocre build quality and are made of cheap-feeling plastic. They also really struggle to block out ambient noise like the rumble of bus or plane engines as well as office chatter around you. That said, if you're looking for wallet-friendly on-ears, they're a suitable choice.