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

The best wireless on-ear headphones that we've tested are the Beats Solo Pro Wireless. These well-built headphones offer a fairly versatile overall performance that can please lots of different types of listeners. With a continuous battery life of 24 hours, they're suitable for long listening sessions without needing a recharge.

Out-of-the-box, they have a pretty neutral sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different music genres, and they have a slightly excited sound thanks to the little extra emphasis in the bass and treble ranges. They don't leak a lot of noise, so you can crank up the volume on your favorite tunes without really bothering those around you. Also, thanks to their ANC feature, they have great noise isolation, so you don't really hear the sounds of people chatting around you.

Unfortunately, while these headphones are fairly comfortable, they may feel a bit too tight for some listeners, especially those with larger heads. They also don't have any sound customization features, which can be disappointing if you like to adjust the sound to your liking. However, if you're looking for a pair of wireless, noise cancelling on-ears with versatile performance, they're a solid choice.

The best on-ear wireless headphones for running that we've tested are the JBL Live 400BT Wireless. These headphones have a very stable and tight fit on your head, so they shouldn't fall off while you're out for a run. Also, thanks to their wireless design, you don't have to worry about accidentally snagging any cables while at the gym.

They have a very neutral, balanced sound profile out-of-the-box that makes them suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content. They also offer a parametric EQ and presets in their companion app so you can customize their sound according to your preferences. They don't leak a lot of noise, either, and escaping audio sounds very thin, so you can crank up the volume on your tunes without really bothering people working out around you.

Unfortunately, while their build quality is fair overall, their plastic design feels a bit cheap and doesn't seem very premium. Also, their noise isolation performance is just okay, so you can still hear the low rumble of bus and plane engines as well as people talking around you. However, this design feature may be preferred by some athletes since it can help you stay aware of your surroundings while running outside.

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 best budget on-ear wireless headphones that we've tested are the Status Audio BT One Wireless. These wireless on-ears are decently comfortable and lightweight, with an understated design that shouldn't stand out in any environment. Their control scheme is basic but easy to use, even when you're on the move.

They have a well-balanced sound profile with a touch of added bass, which should add extra thump and rumble to your favorite EDM and hip-hop tracks without overwhelming vocals or lead instrumentals in other genres. They have a battery life of over 22 hours, which should be more than enough to get you through a couple of days at work without needing to be recharged. While they don't offer any sort of multi-device pairing capability, they do support the aptX-LL codec for low-latency wireless audio with devices that have a compatible receiver, allowing you to watch videos with very little audio delay.

That said, they block out very little background noise, which may interfere with your listening experience. They also aren't especially stable on the head and are likely to fall off your ears with even moderate movements. Still, if you're looking for a well-balanced listening experience without breaking the bank, they're a solid option.