Which wireless headphones should I choose for my iPhone, Android smartphone?
Now that Apple has ditched its headphone jack on its latest iPhone 7, perhaps now is the time to buy yourself some wireless headphones. Thanks to the latest Bluetooth specification sound quality is improving all the time and in many cases performance from these wireless models is now on a par with wired headphones.
A couple of weeks ago on Tech Digest we looked at the best wireless earphones on the market. However for those who like a bigger design there are also plenty of over the ear headphones to choose from. Chris Price picks his favourites.
V-MODA Crossfade Wireless Over-Ear Headphone
From £249
If you like everything chrome then you’ll love these wireless chrome headphones from V-MODA. Although they’re also available in other colours, including black and red and white/silver, it’s this Phantom Chrome pair we like best. Designed to give you the best of both worlds, the Crossfade Wireless gives you wireless sound via Bluetooth technology for ultimate freedom. Alternatively, if you run out of juice or just want to enjoy sound via a hi-fi amp you can use the wired connection provide. Unlike other wireless headphones, inserting a cable plug into the headphone jack instantly switches off all electronics to achieve zero latency, which is essential for gamers and DJs. Just pair your Crossfade Wireless to a Bluetooth device and enjoy your headphones up to 33 feet (10 meters). They can also be paired with two sources at the same time, such as smartphone and a laptop or smartphone and smartwatch (a specially tuned antenna has been designed to work with all smartwatches on the market). The built-in hidden microphone is specially tuned and optimised for phone calls. Beats by Dr. Dre Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
From £209.99
From the now Apple-owned headphone manufacturer comes these latest range of wireless headphones. Perfect for the jack-less iPhone 7 as well as other iPhone and Android smartphones on the market, the latest Dr. Dre Solo 3 wireless headphones aren’t cheap. However, they do combine comfort with great performance. Various colours are available including these fetching rose gold headphones to match the iPhone. However, if the rose gold isn’t your thing there’s also white, silver, black and gold models to choose from. Up to 40 hours of battery life can be provided with a single charge while with Fast Fuel option means a 5-minute charge gives you 3 hours of playback. Push the centre b-logo button to play or pause music, change tracks, answer calls and activate Siri. The comfort-cushion ear cups buffer outside noise for more immersive sound through the headphones.
Sound Intone P6 Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Stereo Headphones
Available in several different colours, including black and gold (pictured), black and blue and black and red variants, these wireless headphones represent great value for money. No more tangled cables, earplugs slipping out of ears or ear pain due to uncomfortable ear pads. The headphones use CVC 6.0 broadband noise reduction technology to provide high clarity sound. And thanks to its 300MA explosion-proof polymer rechargeable battery, they can play music for up to 6 hours (standby time 30 hours) on a single 1.5 hour charge. Other features include 3D HD stereo sound technology and wired connectivity if the battery runs out of charge. The headphones can also be folded for easy transportation.
COWIN E-7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Cowin E-7 wireless headphones are engineered to sound better, be more comfortable and easier to take with you. Even air travel becomes more bearable with advanced active noise reduction technology which has been designed to reduce cabin noise as well as the noise from city traffic or a busy office. The E-7 Headphones are lightweight with pillowy-like softness on the headband and protein ear cushions, with earcups that rotate for a fine-tuned fit. These wireless headphones also boast an impressive 30 hour battery life which means you can relax knowing that a full charge has you well and truly covered. Also on board is a fast fuel feature which means you are never without your tunes for too long as just 10 minutes of charging gives you over 1 hour of playtime.
B&O Beoplay H4
From £249
Brand new from B&O PLAY is this pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones designed by Jakob Wagner. Called the Beoplay H4, the headphones feature soft lambskin ear cushions as well as a lambskin covered headband. The inside of the ear cushion is made of memory foam that adapts to the shapes and curves of the ear. The ear cup discs are made of aluminium which is stamped, polished and anodised. Beoplay H4 comes with a simple and intuitive user interface with three buttons. Simply press the centre button to answer/end calls, play/pause; press upper or lower button for volume control and to skip tracks; or press upper and lower buttons simultaneously to pair your headphones through Bluetooth. Connectivity includes a micro USB connector and a 3.5mm jack. Beoplay H4 provides up to 19 hours of wireless music with just a 2.5 hours charge. However, if the Beoplay H4 runs out of power, you can plug in the enclosed mini jack cable to keep enjoying your music. What’s more, the headphones are also compatible with the Beoplay App for Android, iPhone and Apple Watch.