Not all headphones provide equal music experiences; thankfully, manufacturers have begun offering wireless headphones that sound audiophile-grade.
There’s an extensive range of wireless headphones on the market, many with noise-cancellation features. When searching for the best Bluetooth headphones for audiophiles, consider over-ear models that provide maximum comfort while maintaining an ideal balance between bass, mids, and highs.
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the Bowers & Wilkins Px8.
Best Bluetooth Headphones For Audiophiles Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING AUDIO PERFORMANCE - With a redesigned and optimized acoustic system, an all-new angled,...
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES WITH MIC - The all-new active noise cancellation is designed to block...
- PREMIUM LUXURIOUS DESIGN FOR A COMFORTABLE FIT - With soft Nappa leather and lightweight aluminum arms,...
- EASY OUT-OF-THE-BOX SETUP - The iOS/Android compatible B&W Music App allows you to adjust EQ settings,...
- PERFECT FOR AN ON-THE-GO LIFESTYLE - With 30 hours battery life from a 2-hour charge, plus quick charge...
The Px8 builds on the strengths of their PX7 S2 stablemate by canceling external noise so you can concentrate solely on music – and they do so better than most headphones we’ve tested.
They feature minimal clamping force on your head and an ample supply of soft memory foam in each ear cup to provide long-term comfort during use.
B&W has upgraded their legendary Carbon Dome drivers from their 700 Series loudspeakers for use in these headphones, featuring full-range 40mm angled carbon drivers with models-specific magnets and voice coil motors which promise ultrafast response time with very little distortion.
Furthermore, these drivers have been carefully placed within each ear cup so as to remain at an equal distance from your ears at all points around your head, further adding to their unparalleled comfort.
Tonally they’re refined and balanced, beautifully communicating vocal nuances without coming across as clinical.
Tracking lower-level instrumental strands – like Tinie Tempah’s Simply Unstoppable (Yes Remix)’s drum beat – with impressive agility and precision is another highlight, along with their rhythmic drive delivering shifts in tempo exceptionally well.
Wireless headphones are an excellent choice for audiophiles with expensive high-resolution equipment who want portable wireless headphones they can take anywhere, including work and streaming platforms.
Their design helps reveal detail while remaining musically cohesive and maintaining timing – something Light of the Seven does exceptionally well with. They successfully manage between the milliseconds of silence before its crescendo begins and the orchestra’s dramatic fury with ease.
The Px8 offers nearly identical functionality to that of its counterpart, the PX7 S2, including Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint connectivity and support for AAC, SBC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs for streaming high-resolution music.
They do feature some upgrades that make them even more appealing: these headphones are crafted from more luxurious materials while boasting an executive office or supervillain aesthetic to match their premium price tag.
beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless High-End
- High-end Bluetooth headphones with innovative sound personalization. Operating range up to 10 meter
- High-end Bluetooth headphones with optimum sound quality thanks to Tesla technology and top-class...
- Adapts acoustically to the user's hearing thanks to integrated sound personalization and thus delivers...
- Unique wearing comfort thanks to masterfully balanced contact pressure and perfect fit
- Made in Germany and high-quality materials offer the promise of durability and flawless workmanship
The beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless High-End has an elegant German aesthetic, boasting quality craftsmanship. Their brushed dark gray with copper highlights is both stylish and rugged; the soft Alcantara headband and earcups will provide long listening sessions in comfort.
These closed-back Bluetooth headphones provide audiophiles with a balanced, accurate, and highly detailed sound that they will love.
Their light bass isn’t overwhelmed by hip-hop voices found with other headphones in this price range; in addition, their exceptional comfort and battery life may prevent some from purchasing these.
Unfortunately, however, due to ANC (active noise cancellation), these are limited for home or office use only.
The Amiron headphones include a USB cable, audio cable, and hard case. In addition to having a built-in microphone and supporting aptX HD/LL/AAC low latency music streaming technologies.
With the MIY app (Make It Yours), included with these headphones, you can adjust the sound to meet your hearing. This feature is particularly handy since everyone’s hearing changes over time; with this app and your Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless headphones, you will get maximum value out of them.
These headphones produce outstanding sound and feature a remarkably wide soundstage for closed-back Bluetooth headphones.
Their lows are full but not heavy while mids are warm without becoming overwhelming; highs are crisp and clear with excellent detail while their treble offers natural, balanced tones without becoming overly bright or sibilant.
The beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless headphones offer exceptional value for the money. Crafted from top-grade materials and designed with meticulous care, these stylish headphones sound phenomenal.
Though heavier and bulkier than some Bluetooth models, these still provide exceptional portability and comfort at an excellent value point. However, due to not folding down or swiveling to make them more portable; they weigh nearly one pound with their case on.
Unfortunately, they may not be ideal in noisy environments due to being less quiet than other wireless headphones.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless
- Industry Leading noise cancellation-two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise...
- Magnificent Sound, engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
- Crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio...
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- Ultra-comfortable, lightweight design with soft fit leather
Sony’s class-leading Bluetooth headphones, the WH-1000XM5s are Sony’s latest and greatest offering in this regard.
While retaining all of the elements that made its predecessor, the 1000XM4s, so great – effortless musicality, crisp low frequencies, and wide and detailed soundstage – they also add an additional level of clarity that truly separates themselves from their predecessors.
Like their predecessors, the WH-1000XM5s offer support for Sony’s high-bitrate codec LDAC which, when used with compatible Android devices, can deliver near hi-res wireless audio quality.
Unfortunately, Apple Music users must still rely on lower-bitrate AAC codec.
Furthermore, these headphones also boast multipoint support so you can pair with two smartphones or tablets at the same time and switch back and forth between devices when switching content – an improvement over 1000XM4s which only supported one device at once!
Another upgrade of the WH-1000XM5s is its automatic ambient sound control feature, which adapts to your environment by adjusting noise cancellation accordingly.
When listening to music at home or while walking down a busy street, they may increase noise cancellation to lessen external awareness while increasing ambient noise to make your surroundings seem more alive.
WH-1000XM5s offer many advanced features that make it feel like a premium product, such as their ability to detect when the headphones have been taken off your head and automatically pause your music, or recognize you are talking and reduce noise cancelling levels when talking; and even sense when you are about to take them off and automatically shut themselves off!
The WH-1000XM5s boast minimal sound leakage and are extremely comfortable to wear, with options including Black, Silver and Platinum Blue finishes available to choose from.
Crafted from recycled ABS thermoplastic that makes them lightweight yet robust compared to older style headphones such as the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless or Marshall Major IV; they appear modern while being robust enough for accidental drops without incurring too much damage.
Bose QuietComfort 45
- NOISE CANCELLING WIRELESS HEADPHONES: The perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny...
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO: The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness. Volume-optimized Active...
- QUIET AND AWARE MODES: Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside...
- UP TO 22 HOURS BATTERY LIFE: Enjoy 22 hours of battery life from a single charge. A quick 15-minute...
- PERSONALIZE YOUR AUDIO: Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your...
Bose kept their QuietComfort 45 premium over-ear headphones’ signature design and noise cancellation profile intact while adding some improvements, such as enhanced noise cancellation technology and an “aware mode” allowing you to hear what’s going on around you if you prefer not completely blocking out surroundings.
These headphones are light and comfortable and come with a travel case for convenient storage and transport.
Their headband features soft cushioning with enough flexibility to accommodate different head shapes; their earcups cushion your ears for added comfort.
Sound performance is outstanding, with clear midrange, plenty of bass, weighted harmonic distortion performance that helps distinguish individual notes, and satisfying low-end punch, while some high-end rings out at certain frequencies (vocals/classical), although this should not be seen as deal breakers.
The new QC45s offer multipoint Bluetooth compatibility for easy pairing between two devices simultaneously – such as your phone and computer, for instance. This feature makes them stand out, unlike their counterpart Sony XM5s which use only Bluetooth 5.1 with support for the AAC audio codec instead of AptX.
As expected, Bose headphones provide a strong wireless connection and feature an advanced internal microphone for clear calls.
Compatible with most Bluetooth audio devices and smartphones/laptops without adapters/cables needed; their internal battery provides up to 22 hours of playback when their Active Noise Cancelling function is activated; additionally they come equipped with a headphone jack so you can listen wired.
As with its predecessor, the QC45s features an easily accessible and intuitive control interface. Playback functions are controlled using buttons on the right earcup while voice assistant and an ANC toggle live on the left – the latter also doubles up as a power button!
Unlike some competitors’ buttons which click when pressed, these are easy to feel and press with great feedback for voice assistance summoned by simply holding down on the play/pause button for several seconds; adding to that you can quickly summon Siri or Alexa using just play/pause button which makes voice assistant easy and user-friendly experience!
HIFIMAN Edition XS
- A Major Upgrade of the Popular Edition X: The new Edition XS expands on its predecessor’s achievements...
- Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the...
- HIFIMAN’s NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD): The new NsD is 75% thinner than previous designs,...
- The Headband: The light weight, ergonomically accurate offers maximum comfort for hours of listening...
- The Cable: HIFIMAN’s new 3.5mm sockets are similar to those found on most common audio devices. The...
The HIFIMAN Edition XS headphone is one of the smallest and lightest circum-aural planar headphones offered by this company, making it one of their descendant models to the classic HE1000 with improved comfort features and a more compact design.
Its ear cups are ergonomically shaped to follow the contour of ears for one of the most relaxing listening experiences I have experienced on any headphone; soft earpads offer added comfort; while its cable has been optimized to reduce microphonic noise emissions.
The Eagles song “Hell Freezes Over” shows just how life-like these headphones can sound; you can clearly hear each member of their band even in a large hall!
Additionally, with flawless detail retrieval and outstanding resolution capabilities of the XS, you can use them like an audio microscope to explore your music in search of even its subtle details.
Stealth Magnet technology, found only on the XS headphone, helps minimize wave diffraction turbulence and distortion to nearly imperceptible levels, producing pure sound performance akin to that seen on flagship Susvara headphones.
The Ananda and Sundara models’ upper treble range is lively and slightly forward; this effect is created by its newly developed Supernano diaphragm which is 75% thinner than previous versions and provides for better PRaT performance. Yet its treble is still transparent and detailed without becoming analytical; crash cymbals and pianos sound clear, vibrant, and well-rounded on this speaker.
Philips Audio SHP9500 HiFi
- 50mm neodymium drivers deliver full spectrum of sound
- 1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement for indoor use
- Comfortable double layered headband cushion, breathable ear cushion for longer wearing comfort
- Finishing of connector: gold-plated, acoustic system: open, Magnet type: neodymium
If you are an audiophile and enjoy listening to songs as intended, these headphones won’t disappoint. Crafted with quality materials and designed for long listening sessions, their lightweight plastic ear cups and headband pads feature breathable material that keeps ears cool during long listening.
Furthermore, the Philips SHP9500 HiFi also has an open-back design which allows sound waves to travel freely through them, making these an excellent choice.
These headphones offer excellent value for their price point and can compete with models costing much more.
Their excellent trebles and midrange make them suitable for pop, rock, country, and jazz music as well as their spacious and clear soundstage – with only limited bass capacity as their one drawback compared to competing products.
Philips SHP9500 headphones are an excellent starting point for audiophile enthusiasts just entering this hobby.
Their impressive build and sound quality come at an extremely reasonable cost, making these an excellent choice for anyone wanting to experience music at its fullest depth. Perfect for gaming or music production applications alike – plus their light weight makes wearing them for hours on end easy!
These headphones feature an elegant, professional design and come equipped with a detachable 3.5mm cable that can be upgraded with longer options if required. Each plug on this high-quality material cable features gold plating to complete its look.
Philips SHP9500 headphones are an excellent choice for home or office use. Their neutral sound signature will let you enjoy music without distortions or other artificial sounds, making this ideal for listening to instruments such as cymbals and drums, pianos, and plucked strings – though unfortunately, these don’t provide noise cancellation or Bluetooth connectivity.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
- Open back, around ear, reference class dynamic headphone
- 56mm ring radiator transducers are the largest drivers ever used in dynamic headphones
- Innovative absorber technology reduces unwanted frequency response peaks allowing all the music nuances...
- Unique ear cup design directs sound waves to the ear at a slight angle to create an impressively natural...
- Includes two connecting cables: single ended 1/4 inches And balanced 4. 4 mm Pentacon cable
Audiophiles know that the Sennheiser HD 800 S is designed to meet every audiophile’s need: comfort, soundstage, and unique appearance make them instantly recognizable; they’re also highly durable enough for years of heavy use.
The HD 800 S is a reference headphone, meaning it is designed to deliver accurate and detailed music reproduction. These headphones boast breathtaking detail resolution with the ability to recreate dynamics, stereo panorama, and spatial sound reproduction.
Unfortunately, these headphones aren’t very loud on their own so for optimal use you will require a high-quality amplifier.
Though not quite as neutral as some headphones like HiFiMan HE-6SE or Sennheiser HD 650, the Sennheiser HD 800 S offers an exceptionally natural sound signature.
Their treble range is soft yet extended for an immersive musical experience – an exceptional way to discover music all over again! These headphones capture every emotion and detail contained within the music that you could want from headphones.
The Sennheiser HD 800 S is designed for classical, jazz, and rock music listening; as well as podcasts. These lightweight headphones can revolutionize your collection while showing you things you may have never noticed before! Not to mention being extremely portable so you can take them with you anywhere!
Sennheiser HD 800 S is an open-back headphone with a balanced XLR jack that’s intended to be used with amps with balanced connections.
While not strictly necessary, many audiophiles prefer purchasing an external DAC in order to optimize performance – doing so can increase the clarity of music while decreasing any digital distortion present; additionally, it increases headroom for higher volumes without distortion – though you can still enjoy listening on-the-go using mobile phones or portable devices with unbalanced connections.
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi
- Featuring Newly Developed Diaphragm that is 80% Thinner than the HE400 Series Resulting in a Wider...
- With the weight spreading strap for outstanding comfort but with a more fashion conscious look with its...
- With its all metal headband the SUNDARA is built to take the rigours of urban street life. The SUNDARA is...
- New 3.5mm Headphone connector for enhanced durability
- The slimline SuperMini is the perfect on the partner for the SUNDARA. The SuperMini with its abundance of...
HIFIMAN Sundara headphones are among the best budget headphones currently available for audiophiles.
Its closed-back design offers an excellent sense of space, detail retrieval, and soundstage – not to mention being very comfortable to wear for long durations – making the Sundara an excellent budget headphone that suits classical, jazz, and rock music.
However, its performance may not match up as well with hip hop or electronic genres; still an outstanding value at their price point!
The Sundara boasts Hifiman’s latest generation of planar magnetic drivers, featuring their NEO Supernano diaphragm to minimize distortion to achieve improved PRaT levels.
Furthermore, this headphone features their Stealth Magnet which eliminates wave diffraction turbulence for a cleaner, more balanced sound experience.
Comparatively, to the HD660S, the Sundara has deeper bass that is tighter and more impactful, as well as splashier treble that’s less fatigue-inducing. Mids are subdued and soft which gives this headphone a more relaxed character reflected in vocals which tend to sound natural and soothing.
The highs can sometimes sound monotonous and lacking energy; this is most apparent on harsher tracks like Megadeth’s “Sweating Bullets”. Luckily, however, the upper mids on Hifiman models offer more vibrancy.
The Sundara headphones provide an outstanding sense of space when listening to complex recordings, even those that feature layers upon layers of music. Their impressive sense of depth is quite evident while their soundstage is quite large for closed-back headphones.
Unfortunately, isolation falls below average making these less suitable for outdoor listening than some competing models, and their noise-canceling feature may not work as efficiently as expected.
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