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Personal audio enthusiasts may love music, but they don’t always love cords. At the same time, they worry that losing wires means losing sound quality. However, the right Bluetooth headphones ensure that you can still have a spacious, immersive listening experience away from DACs, amplifiers and other components of the signal chain. I’ve personally traveled with the four best headphones listed here and have never been disappointed. You will probably be traveling before the holidays, or you know someone who will be doing so in the new year, so prepare now. But act quickly; Cyber Monday deals require an Amazon Prime membership and can be had whenever the day arrives. (Prices are correct at time of posting but may change, and deals may sell out, so add to cart quickly.)
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 wireless over-ear ANC headphones $469 (was $699)
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Perfect for audiophiles on the go, Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship Px8 wireless headphones feature custom 40mm carbon cones, derived from the B&W 700 series speaker domes (and now trickled down to the Pi8 earbuds) – which are linked to an optimized basket/motor system. This tilts the sound signature from body punches to button landing. Separation and control are increased and tightened, tempering unruly transients that may come across as excitement but threaten to undermine accuracy. These lightweight yet stiff carbon cones are angled to achieve uniform alignment between every point of the ear and the driver surface and are intended for low distortion (THD+N <0.1%) and high engagement listening. Most impressively, this precision-engineered spatial audio is available when and where you need it, using Bluetooth 5.2 for a rock-solid connection with support for the SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive (with aptX HD) codecs for maximum iOS /Android compatibility. (Want black-and-white sound for less? The Px7 S2e is still expressive, but more affordable at $279 (regularly $399).
Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless Bluetooth headphones with spatial audio $329 (was $429)
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Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones have the best active noise cancellation of any over-ear model we tested, and these headphones have the lowest price ever. Whether you’re trying to drown out the noise of overzealous friends and family members at a gathering or focusing on tranquility during a plane or train ride, these headphones will be your constant, beloved companion during the hectic holiday season. The QC Ultra is the latest in a long line of Bose headphones that push the boundaries of ANC performance. In our experience, these headphones can eliminate the noise of the New York City subway when listening to music and should do an equally impressive job for aircraft engines and sidewalk structures. The headphones’ noise cancellation is complemented by 24 hours of playtime per charge, Immersive Audio support, a multi-microphone array for calls, energetic audio quality, and ample cushioning on the earcups and headband. These comfortable, comforting headphones are worth their usual price, but Amazon’s current discount makes them even better. Would you prefer less noise, but also save costs? The step down Bose QuietComfort noise canceling headphones retail for $199 (usually $349).
Sonos Ace wireless over-ear headphones with noise cancellation, spatial audio $349 (was $449)
Tony Ware
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An ace is an untouchable service, an instant points winner and the name of the first Sonos headphones. And this quest for portable audio delivers quality service. The relatively light (312g), generously cushioned, flat-folding over-ears are available in sleek, smudge-resistant black or soft white (shown). The hidden hinges of the stainless steel extensions allow articulation without tangling. My large head with medium ears, neatly tucked into the memory foam and vegan leather, magnetically attached, replaceable ear pads. Instead of touch panels, that silver multi-function control key combines with a separate button that switches ANC/Aware. Inside, custom 40mm dynamic drivers deliver spacious sound with more presence than pure punch, but the bass can get heavy without being woolly. Imaging – whether airy or intimate – is eloquent via multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 (AAC, aptX Adaptive/Lossless) or USB-C. Any lingering congestion evaporates with Spatial Audio, where the Ace excels. And for the best response, low-level Wi-Fi is used for TV Audio Swap, which sends a TV feed (including Atmos soundtracks) from a compatible Sonos soundbar to the Ace for private home theater.
Focal Bathys HiFidelity Bluetooth noise canceling headphones $629 (was $699)
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Named after the first self-driving submarine, the Bathys headphones are the first wireless model with active noise cancellation (ANC) from French luxury audio brand Focal. It features an established design language and a dynamic yet disciplined, reactive yet refined sound with excellent pacing that is never piercing. They share DNA with the company’s high-end headphones (like the Focal Stellia– on sale for $2,399, down from $2,999, and our closed-back pick for the best headphones of 2023). The Bathys features a 40mm aluminum-magnesium “M”-shaped dome driver beneath the signature concentric circular grille, and skips the touch controls for physical buttons for volume, ANC, and playback controls, all tied together with magnesium yokes and leather headband accents. Under the hood, the well-implemented DSP manages the stable, resolving Bluetooth 5.1 connection (with support for SBC, AAC, aptX/aptX HD/Adaptive codecs, plus multipoint support), and the built-in 24-bit/192 kHz DAC also ensures for unadulterated audio with computers and mobile devices via USB-C. As we said in our full review: “The Bathys is worth investing your time (and money) in if you like a smooth listening experience.”
More of the best deals on Bluetooth headphones:
Would you rather take a musical journey than commute to work? Here are some of the best deals on wired headphones:
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