Wireless Headphones

Types of wireless headphones

Wireless headphones are an option for those who don't want to be tethered to the source. They're a good choice for home theater, a home stereo system or even for computer games where you wouldn't want a cord to get in the way of your game-controlling hand. The problem with many wireless headphones is sound quality.

Some wireless headphones operate on radio bandwidth, and although that means you can wander around your house with your headphones, you can also get interference and static from other electronics that use radio signals, such as cordless phones and wireless routers. However, careful tuning usually corrects this issue. The more expensive wireless headphones of this type have auto-scanning that will attempt to find a clear channel for an interference-free transmission. At the higher end, some wireless headphones supposedly can draw an acceptable signal from 100 meters away.

Some wireless headphones use infrared (IR) technology. There's much less interference than with radio frequency (RF) headphones, but you have to remain within sight of the infrared transmitter. Even then, there is the slight chance of interference by strong direct light such as that from sunlight or glare from plasma screens. Infrared wireless headphones are better if you plan to stay in one place.

Wireless headphones for home theater come with a base unit that hooks up to your audio equipment and communicates with the headphones. The base unit also doubles as holder for the headphones when you're not using them.

Lighter, more portable Bluetooth headphones are available for portable music players, including iPods. Bluetooth is also a kind of radio transmission. These wireless headphones include a Bluetooth adapter than can be plugged into most standard headphone jacks. Some, like the Logitech FreePulse (*est. $100) , work with music players only. Others, like the Plantronics Pulsar 590A (*est. $110) , can connect to both a Bluetooth phone and a music player (or laptop), letting you use one headset for both phone and music.

The FreePulse headphones, for example, work natively with iPods and non-iPods, and the Bluetooth adapter plugs into most headphone jacks. The FreePulse uses a recent Bluetooth technology called A2DP, which promises better range and stereo sound quality. Testers ventured as far as 50 feet from their iPod. The FreePulse Bluetooth headphones weigh only 2.1 ounces, but the headband isn't adjustable, so those with smaller heads will likely find it too loose. Another drawback is that you can't actually control your iPod with the headphones.

Best wireless headphones for home theater

Reviews say that for the money, the Pioneer SE-DIR800C Cordless Surround Headphones (*est. $300) come close to replicating the sound you'd get from corded headphones. Experts say the high price is justified by Pioneer wireless headphone's excellent audio qualities. Reviews praise the surround-sound experience, which precisely mimics the high and low notes of movie and stereo listening -- from sounds bouncing off of walls to creatures sneaking up behind you. Listeners get the majority of the action, while those in the next room hear nothing. These are infrared headphones, so you need to stay within sight of the base unit to keep the connection.

At CNet.com, the Pioneer SE-DIR800C wireless headphone gets the best ratings among all the competition. Editors say the 8-ounce Pioneer headphones are extremely clear, with no hiss or distortion. These wireless headphones have integrated Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS processing. Testers say the Pioneer accurately replicates the sound you'd get from surround-sound speakers, simulating 5.1 surround sound. The Pioneer uses two rechargeable Ni-Mh batteries and battery life is more than sufficient for an evening of DVD-watching. The Pioneer transmitter unit has RCA stereo analog inputs, along with optical and coaxial digital inputs.

The Sennheiser RS 130 (*est. $150) is an upgrade of the Sennheiser RS 120 headphones (*est. $100) . CNet's review says the 9.8-ounce Sennheiser RS 130 did have some low hiss or whistling during quiet scenes. The virtual surround-sound, which is supposed to mimic 5.1-channel speakers, didn't work that well, creating an echo. In the end, editors say they'd choose corded headphones over the Sennheiser RS 130. The similar Sennheiser RS 140 headphones (*est. $200) differ mainly in that they are closed -- completely surrounding your ears. This makes for a more immersive sound. This Sennheiser set uses radio frequency.

Other reviews are more positive for the Sennheiser RS 130 wireless headphones. GoodGearGuide.com.au says the RS 130 offers good sound, "the vented cans offer outstanding bass response and are extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the padded arch at the top of the headphones." In his review for The Sunday Times of London, David Price writes that "the surround sound feature wasn't convincing, but nevertheless this is a fine all-round package at a persuasive price." Note that in this review, Price says that sound quality from the $40 corded Sennheiser PX 100 is still better than all the wireless headphones he tests.

For less money, some reviewers say the $100 Sennheiser RS 120 is not a bad choice. Editors at HeadRoom like these wireless headphones for the money but warn that these aren't closed earcups, so you'll probably be able to hear outside noises, and conversely, the headphone will leak some sound, which can bother others. Otherwise, editors say, "the Sennheiser RS 120 gets a hearty recommendation."

Some experts like the radio-frequency Sony MDR-RF960RK (*est. $65) or Sony MDR-RF970RK (*est. $80) as a good value. Editors at OnHeadPhones.com say the MDR-RF960RK has "above-average sound," but the range of 150 feet is "optimistic."

If price isn't a concern at all, there's the AKG Hearo 999 (*est. $500) , which lists for $1,200 but can be found online for much less. HeadRoom says the radio-frequency Hearo, "gets an A+ on building a beautifully stable and dimensionally immersive listening experience." Reception is also said to be great but testers wish there was more bass. Still, the AKG wireless headphones are rated the best luxury option. Testers also like the way they look.

AKG is due to release the AKG K 930 in November and it's getting some buzz online, although no one's reviewed a pair yet. These are supposed to have a range of 100 meters and AKG has a history of making quality high-end conventional headphones. The price is expected to be about $200. It's not clear whether they will be offered on the U.S. market initially.

Bluetooth headphones

If you can get past the appearance and price, and you don't mind the invasiveness of having earphones in your ear canals, the best sound comes from the wireless Etymotic ety8 earphones. CNet reviewer David Carnoy calls these, "the best-sounding Bluetooth headphones we've heard to date," but Carnoy goes on to note that Bluetooth headphones are still in their infancy, and that there could soon be better (and presumably less expensive) headphones soon on the market from Etymotic and others.

In his review of the Etymotic ety8 for Business Week, Jay Greene writes, "The sound quality is much better than you might expect from a wireless headset. And the ety8s fit great as well, coming with a variety of eartips for a custom fit." Greene says this wireless headphone also does a great job canceling out ambient noise. Still, to Greene, they look "goofy." The look of the Etymotic ety8 was too much for testers at PC Magazine. While editors say the sound is fantastic, the great audio quality tends to highlight defects in compressed music such as MP3s.

Among less expensive Bluetooth wireless headphones, Logitech's FreePulse (*est. $100) is more respected than most, but still there are shortcomings, according to some reviews. Business Week's Jay Greene says the FreePulse's sound quality is solid, but the stiff behind-the-head band isn't that comfortable and the controls are a bit awkward. In his The Sunday Times of London review, David Price likes the sound quality, especially the "punchy" bass, but agrees with other reviews that the Logitech FreePulse isn't very comfortable and felt "flimsy."

Reviews of Bluetooth headphones can contradict each other wildly, not just on generalities but on specifics. The Creative Labs CB2530 (*est. $100) , for instance, get a rave review from GoodGearGuide.com.au, while CNet.com's editors give them a very low rating. GoodGearGuide.com.au reviewer Nathan Taylor writes that reception is great, with "quality bass and high tones that came through the 40mm driver unit strongly," but the padding is on the thin side, which can be uncomfortable for long periods. CNet's Steve Guttenberg says the opposite on both counts – the ear cushions are "ultrasoft," but the sound is "subpar" with an iPod.

We found a couple of good reviews for the Plantronics Pulsar 590A headphones (*est. $110) . These are slightly more expensive than the Logitech FreePulse, but since they have an integrated microphone, they can double as a wireless headset for a Bluetooth cell phone. In a review at Forbes magazine, the Plantronics Bluetooth headphones have "nice styling and killer sound quality." Like the Logitech, the Bluetooth adapter plugs into the headphone jack on your MP3 player or stereo and range is about 50 feet. The Plantronics Pulsar headphones are larger and more traditional-looking than the Logitech FreePulse, with full-cushioned earcups and an over-the-head adjustable headband.

The Plantronics Pulsar 590A is judged most comfortable and best sounding of the three Bluetooth headphones tested at The New York Times. Battery life is about eleven hours. The Plantronics comes with a charging dock and travel case. Call quality is good for both caller and receiver. If your Bluetooth phone is one of the latest stereo A2DP Bluetooth phones, you'll also be able to listen to stereo sound from your phone; otherwise, sound is analog. Because the universal adapter that comes with the Plantronics Pulsar 590A isn't specifically made for iPods, you can't control your iPod (or other music player) though the headset - you can only control volume. When you receive an incoming call, there's a little chirp in your headphones; you push a button to receive the call while the music is muted. However, the music doesn't pause, so you won't re-join your music at the same spot.

Important Features: Wireless headphones

Here's what experts say to look for in wireless headphones:

• Wired headphones sound better. Reviews agree that wired headphones almost always sound better than cordless headphones. Wireless home theater headphones sometimes emit a faint, high-pitched hiss into the earpiece, noticeable during quiet scenes. They can also get interference from other electronics or crackle when you are out of range. Bluetooth headphones don't get as loud as wired headphones and reviews say no Bluetooth headphone can compete with wired audiophile headphones. Wireless headphones are more about convenience than sound quality.

• For home-theater headphones, infrared technology is better than radio-frequency. Although radio-frequency wireless headphones get more range, infrared headphones get a lot less interference. If you're watching DVDs, TV or playing games, range obviously isn't as much of an issue.

• Because headphones put pressure on your skull, the best designs are lightweight, adjustable and comfortable. Cushions are key here -- foam used in pads can be as rough as sandpaper or as smooth as fabric.

• If you can, try on headphones before you buy. Comfort is subjective, and what feels good to you may not be comfortable to someone else.

• For Bluetooth headphones, check compatibility. Some Bluetooth headphones work only with an iPod player's docking port. Others have universal adapters that plug into the headphone jack. For Bluetooth headphones that can also pair with Bluetooth cell phones, check that your phone has A2DP Bluetooth, or you won't be able to hear music from your phone.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with Retailer Links)	Detail from Amazon.com
4	Sennheiser RS 130 (*est. $150)	details
3	Logitech FreePulse (*est. $100)	details
2	Pioneer SE-DIR800C (*est. $300)	details
2	Ten Technology NaviPlay (discontinued)	-
2	Etymotic ety8 (*est. $220)	details
2	Creative Labs CB2530 (*est. $100)	details
2	Logitech Wireless Headphones for iPod (discontinued)	details
2	Sennheiser RS 120 (*est. $100)	details
1 each	Sony MDR-RF970RK , Jabra BT620s , BlueAnt X5 Stereo , IOGEAR Wireless Stereo (discontinued), Motorola S9 , Plantronics Pulsar 590A

The pricey Pioneer SE-DIR800C is the best home-theater wireless headphone model with Dolby Digital surround sound decoders. The Sennheiser RS 120, RS 130 and RS 140 are all RF headphones, but they cost less than the Pioneer. We found the best support in reviews for the Sennheiser RS 130 wireless headphones, but the Sennheiser RS 120 is a good budget set. The Creative Labs CB2530 gets mixed reviews – great scores in some articles, but low marks in others.

We found a lot of reviews for Bluetooth portable headphones, but not much consensus as to which are best. The Logitech FreePulse headphones get good reviews for sound quality and range.

Sponsored links