A selection of the best wireless earphones of 2016. Featuring the latest 4.0 Bluetooth technology and apt-X codecs for optimal Bluetooth streaming. Our list features the best premium wireless earphones and more affordable options for those on a budget.
Wireless earphones are the perfect audio solution for sports activities and working out at the gym. Wired earphones typically generate unwanted noise from the cable making contact during motion. This can also cause sound balance variables due to slight movements of the earbuds. A good set of wireless earphones will completely eliminate this problem and allow you to train in comfort without any loss of audio quality.
Bragi the Dash – Best Wireless Earphones for technology
Key Features
- Balanced armature speakers
- 3 Hours playtime / 15h with case charger
- Integrated music player (4GB Storage)
- Smart biometric tracking with live feedback
- Passive noise cancellation mode …more
Jaybird X2 Sport – Best Wireless Earphones for Battery Life
Key Features
- Bluetooth Shift SBC codecs
- 8 Hours music playback and Calls
- Over and Under-Ear Fitting options
- Comply Sport Memory Foam Ear Tips
- Lifetime Sweat-Proof Warranty …more
Beats Powerbeats 2 – Best Wireless Earphones – Most Iconic
Key Features
- Available in black, red, blue, pink and white
- Premium dual drivers
- 6-hour battery life with fast charge
- Sweat and water-resistant
- in-line microphone and remote for calls
- Lightweight flexible ear hook …more
Rowkin Mini – Best Wireless Earphones for compact size
Key Features
- Bluetooth 4.1 CVC 6.0 noise reduction
- 60min playback – charges in under 60mins
- portable charging unit (6 charges)
- 2 simultaneous Bluetooth connections
- Built in microphone for hands free …more
Plantronics BackBeat GO 2 – Best Wireless Earphones for overall value
Key Features
- Comes with portable charging case
- Case can charge your Smartphone
- 4.5 Hours playback / 14.5 hours with case
- Hibernation mode – lasts for 6 months
- Plantronics App – Battery Meter widget
- Military-grade water resistance cable .more
SoundPEATS Q9A – Best Wireless Earphones on a budget
Key Features
- Impressive sound quality for price
- Bluetooth 4.1 and advanced aptX codes
- 5 Hours playback – charges in under 2 hours
- Hands free calling
- Available in a range of colours …more
Alternatives to Wireless Earphones
Our list of the best wireless earphones do not include those that are considered ‘Neckband style.’ If you don’t mind the idea of wearing a neck unit, it’s definitely worth checking them out – Best Bluetooth Neckband Headphones.
Many have the same in-ear style buds as wireless earphones, but typically offer better features and battery life due to the additional internal space inside the neck unit. Some wireless neckband headphones can last up to 30 hours off a single charge.
I think the Beats bluetooth earphones are about double the price they should be for what they are. You could almost buy 10 of those SoundPEATS Q9A earbuds for that price and the only difference would be that the bass would be unnaturally heavy on one of them……..
Hi Mitch
Choosing to buy the Beats Powerbeats 2 wireless earphones over less expensive earphones like the Q9A’s is more about the brand than the actual performance, I sort of agree with you. Having beats wireless earphones is probably 40% about the audio and 60% about the fashion.
Those Bragi the Dash earphones looks amazing, but I’d be absolutely petrified of losing them, a little over my budget I think 🙁
Hi Beth,
I know what you mean, I’ve lost / broken more earphones than I care to remember. I’m guessing if you owned a pair of Bragi the Dash earphones, you’d probably be a lot more careful with them than you would a regular pair of wireless earphones.