If you live in an apartment, or you want to watch late-night TV without bothering your spouse or roommate, a good pair of wireless headphones is a worthy investment to enjoy your favorite TV shows without any distractions. A great pair of headsets for the television can change your experience from average to mind-blowing, depending on what headsets you are using. Make sure you choose wisely because not all over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear wireless headphones are suited to watch TV programs and movies.
Below we have listed the top picks of the best wireless headphones with their reviews and the pros and cons. There is also a detailed buying guide of what to consider when buying the best wireless headphones for following your favorite shows.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
(Best Premium Wireless Headphones)
- Industry-leading noise canceling with Dual Noise Sensor technology
- Next-level music with Edge-AI, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)
- The WH1000XM4 Touch Sensor controls to pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate...
- Speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces volume during conversations
Sony WH-1000XM4 are the best wireless headphones for watching TV that can be used by everyone who is looking to splurge on a top-tier set. They can connect to two devices simultaneously, making them convenient to use every day with an easy transition. The Sony wireless headphones for TV are very comfortable to wear. They activate through passthrough mode automatically when you speak, so you don't have to remove the headphones to have a conversation with someone.
Like their predecessor Sony WH-1000XM3, they provide excellent noise isolation performance because of the ANC feature and feature a premium design with Bluetooth 5.0. The best specifications of the Sony headphones are sound quality, thinner ear cups design, and the spot-on timing that guarantees synced dialogue. The touch-sensitive ear cups are thicker, meaning better isolation even with noise canceling turned off but a thinner headband with less padding.
The pairs of tv headphones to watch shows are available in two different colors: Silver and Black. However, the Sony best wireless headphones are compatible with LDAC technology and do not have aptX HD support.
PROS
CONS
2. Sennheiser Rs 175 RF Wireless
(Best Dedicated TV Headphones for two people)
- Compact, ergonomic over-ear headphones. Connectivity Technology: Wireless.Frequency...
- Bass boost and surround sound listening modes. Maximum sound pressure level: 114 dB at...
- Digital wireless technology ensures that signal transmission remains clear and accurate
- Easy to set up and enjoy
- MAIN controls located on headphones
Sennheiser RF headphones are a great choice for anyone looking for home theater headphones because it offers several listening modes. The wireless headphones have a playback time of 18 hours, and the setup is plug and play as it comes with an external RF transmitter. The Sennheiser RS Bluetooth set comes with two preset EQs with light indicators that tell you the current EQ mode on your tv watching headphones. Notably, Sennheiser Bluetooth headphones use rechargeable AAA batteries.
These best TV headphones feature intuitive controls, so you can easily switch between different modes by simply pressing a button control on the right earcups. The Sennheiser RS TV headphones also come with a transmitter that doubles as a charger and a charging dock station, thus offering a cable-free charging experience. Apart from the excellent build quality of these Sennheiser pair of headphones, they also have a special receiver dock that plugs directly to most TVs and allows wireless use with low audio latency.
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CONS
3. Avantree Audition Pro 40
(Best wireless headphones for tv- Budget Pick)
- [TV WITHOUT DELAY] Our wireless Bluetooth headphones work with any aptX low-latency...
- [SUPERIOR Hi-Fi SOUND] Experience superb music and voice clarity. Built-in bass boost...
- [LONG BATTERY LIFE & DUAL MODE] Designed to last for up to 40 hours of playtime in...
- [COMFORTABLE & SUPER LIGHT] These over-the-ear wireless headphones come with super soft...
- [MULTIPOINT and EASY TO USE] Connect to two phones simultaneously and never miss a call....
Avantree Audition Pro the make best wireless headphones for watching TV if you are on a budget because they come at an affordable price with high performance. They qualify as excellent wireless headphones for TV because they feature an aptX low latency codec with an audio lag of 32ms, making them virtually seamless. With such specifications and more, these best headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods, thanks to their over-the-ear design and a super soft ear pad.
It has a wireless range of about 32 feet and works great for watching TV in bedrooms or living rooms, but they don't work well for long distances. However, this brand of home theater headphones offers a Bluetooth transmitter at an additional cost. With long battery life, you get 40 hours of playback, and the pair features a 3.5mm audio cable that plugs into the ear cups for a wired connection.
PROS
CONS
4. Power Acoustik HP-902RFT
(Best headphones for TV Watching Couples)
- Dual Stereo Audio Inputs
- 100 Ft. Operational Distance
- Ear Pads Fold Flat for Seat Pocket Storage
- EVA hard Carry Case Included
- Channel Selectable
Power Acoustik headphones give you a bang for your buck, being an affordable, high-quality wireless solution for two pairs. Using RF technology and a base station to connect your headsets to your TV. They work perfectly for couples watching shows or movies but have no bells, fancy Bluetooth, or noise-cancelling features.
This pair of the wireless set features two RCA inputs with a wireless range of up to 100feet and delivers decent audio quality with little to no audio leakage. A standard AC adapter powers each pair of these headphones to enable cutting costs while offering great value of money, but it's not inclusive, and you have to buy it separately.
PROS
CONS
5. Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2
(Best Bluetooth TV Headphones for Mixed Usage)
- Sound shapes your day, so enhance every moment with BackBeat PRO 2 wireless headphones....
- Sound shapes your day, so enhance every moment with BackBeat PRO 2 wireless headphones....
- Sound shapes your day, so enhance every moment with BackBeat PRO 2 wireless headphones....
- Sound shapes your day, so enhance every moment with BackBeat PRO 2 wireless headphones....
Plantronics Backbeat Pro pairs of headphones are comfortable and sturdy with easy to use controls and an improved design compared to the original Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. They can be used for indoor and outdoor use and have a low latency of 35ms, even with the Bluetooth 5.0 connection. You can use these Plantronics headsets to listen to music on your smartphone to watch a movie on a laptop, or a Bluetooth-enabled home theater setup without missing a beat.
Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 offers other specifications like extraordinary battery life, noise cancelling for complete immersion while watching, and work great for wearing for long periods, which offers decent audio quality. However, these Plantronics are not breathable headphones like most brands with closed-back over-ears and will make your ears sweat more than average.
PROS
CONS
What to Consider Before Buying the Best Wireless Headphones for TV
1. Connection Setup
The connectivity is the main factor you should consider when choosing the best headphones for Tv as it can affect the signal you get. Most TVs have multiple audio output jacks, but others have only one audio jack, where the headphones that need a Bluetooth transmitter have their set of jacks. This means additional adapters will be required to convert the connectors to the right one.
Some headphones include a useful charging base station that works as a transmitter, and connected devices like soundbars have this function. However, you may need to purchase your transmitter separately and preferably get one that allows you to connect multiple headsets simultaneously. 3.5 mm and RCA input options are ideal, but you have the option of purchasing adapters that will boost your connectivity.
Some manufacturers give free adapters because they are cheaper than having built-in support. If you own an Xbox One or a PS4, you can use wired headphones to connect with the wireless controllers.
2. Latency
Audio latency is the delay between the point where audio was played on TV to the point where the headphones received the sound. Hence, when the connection is terrible between the receiving and transmitting device, you experience latency. The connection turning bad can be an environmental problem like a short line of sight coverage with the TV or RF devices interfering.
3. Transmission Range
The transmission range can be essential depending on the position of your TV in the living room. Bluetooth headphones have a shorter wireless range than RF headphones. You will experience the best connection quality if you are within the allowed maximum transmission range.
Also, having a good line-of-sight is crucial as if there are many physical blockages between the TV and the headphones, the transmission range is affected and therefore reduced. Remember that some models guarantee an impressive wireless range as long as you are in the transmitter's line of sight, so if mobility is an essential factor to you, choose a model that promises signal across various rooms.
4. Sound Quality
The sound quality test of headphones focuses more on the clarity and details of the audio and less on the musicality. If you have hearing loss, the products that include voice isolation can improve the TV dialogue. A good pair of headphones will pick up details like messy dialogues, background sound, or any sound effects easily missed in an open environment. Notably, the best sound quality can sometimes come with a premium price range, especially if it has unique features or customizable modes.
If a home theater system experience is what you are looking for, go for headphones that include Surround Sound or Bass Boost audio options. However, if you reside in a noisy place, consider products with noise-cancelling technology for the best experience. The noise-cancelling feature boosts your overall audio quality while keeping you away from distractions.
5. Size and Material
It is very easy for size and materials or rather build-quality to be overlooked when choosing the best wireless headphones for your TV but keep in mind that comfort is essential. Wireless earbuds are a lightweight option, but they don't guarantee noise cancellation or immersive sound. Also, headbands on headphones are better and more durable than the neckband design.
The weight of the product should be noted when purchasing headphones, particularly for children for long-term use. Bulky headphones can be quite uncomfortable on your ears after using them for a few hours. Additionally, features such as padded headband and memory foam or plushy ear cups, reasonable clamping force make the real difference.
If noise cancellation technology is your main concern, over-ear headphones produce better results than on-ear headphone models.
6. Battery Life and Charging Speed
For anything wireless, battery life is a significant concern. The longer the battery life, the less you need to worry about recharging your headphones in the middle of your watch. A minimum battery life of 1 hour works fine for regular living room use, but there are also products with up to 40 hours of usage and quick charge models available if you need extended battery use.
Apart from having a high capacity battery, the charging speed is also essential. Some headphones have a fast-charging capability that gives you an hour battery life of listening experience with a charging time of 15 minutes.
7. Codec
Codec is vital if you are looking for Bluetooth headphones, but it's unnecessary for RF headphones. It is a program that compresses an audio file for faster file transmission. Among the few codecs that concern Bluetooth is aptX Low Latency codec, Advanced audio codec (AAC), aptX, LDAC, and Low Complexity Subband Coding (SBC).
All Bluetooth models support SBC, and that's the baseline codec for transmitting Bluetooth audio. However, the SBC has the worst compression algorithm in terms of bandwidth and quality, but they have the highest adoption rate since they are free. High-quality proprietary codecs that manufacturers need to pay for, like Sony's LDAC or Apple's AAC, deliver superior wireless audio quality.
It is important to note that you need both the receiver and the transmitter to support the same codec for decompression and compression to work accurately. If it's not compatible, it will use SBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best wireless headphones for listening to TV?
If your tv set has built-in Bluetooth capability, connecting wireless headphones is a matter of on-screen configuration, and the best headsets to use would be the Sennheiser 175 with an RF
2. What is the best brand of wireless headphones for TV?
The best brand is Sony, either the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the WH-1000XM3, which is the previous model and gives excellent sound quality.
3. What best wireless headphones can I use with my TV?
According to our review above, the best headsets are the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Sennheiser RS 175, and we have stated why in the review above.
