Receive an email a day with our articles:Gone are the times of uncertainty about the capabilities of wireless sound.In just one year we have experienced a huge change in terms of connectors, applications and different protocols of use.Voice assistants, smarter the more we use them, have determined usage trends: cables have aged.If smartphones have begun to dispense with their jack port —the Moto Z, Pixel 2, iPhone 7 and X, LG G6, Galaxy S8 (and Plus) or the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 we refer to—, we can only ask ourselves: do they meet the wireless headphones minimum requirements and sound qualities?For many, that was a decision that is not supported by any side.But the reality is that more wireless headphones are sold than wired.In fact, we have doubled the figure in just a decade.We can get used to it now.Wireless headphones have always invited mistrust.Encryption technology, until recently, was not up to the task.From radio frequency we went to bluetooth and NFC (near field communication), which has not been a path of roses either.Any modern headset supports the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) profile.SBC (Subband Coding) is the coding system used by default.aptX is the second best known —which can reach DVD quality, 96KHz and 24 bits—, common to almost all stereo equipment, and then there would be the AAC algorithm, with a more advanced but more intelligent compression than MP3, for example.A good headset will include compatibility with all of them.What should be clear to us is that with the bandwidth of the new Bluetooth and WiFi protocols, the doubt about quality is no longer valid.No more extreme compression or audio delay.What's more, moving to wireless models implies in most cases making the leap to models that include their own DAC.The DAC is the hardware in charge of transforming digital information to analog.In other words, it takes all those zeros and ones and turns them into something audible that our hearing aids interpret.So if the DAC is up to the task, when it comes to digital music, the quality can be 1:1 to the source.In theory, at least.Beats, Bose, Jaybird, Skullcandy… everyone knows the most popular brands – not necessarily the best ones, as we will see.We must first focus our search.We could classify wireless headphones into three subcategories:Sports: for any outdoor activity, with tolerance to rain and sweat, that withstand the blow and mistreatment inside and outside the home.The keyword is waterproof.Home: headphones designed to go from room to room, office to office.For study or for broadcasting on YouTube, to play without obstacles or to lie in bed playing the audio from the desk in another room.HiFi: headphones for the most technical ears.High performance systems that are complemented by a High Definition DAC.And, of course, with an emitting source to match.Forget Spotify.Regardless of the type of headset, the three values ​​that we must take into account when choosing a good wireless model are:Autonomy: most range between 5 and 10 hours.But here we also depend on our smartphone, tablet or system.We must look for a headset that does not sacrifice quality when the battery is running low or increase the weight / size disproportionately.Construction: Most wireless headphones include some type of head or ear support: neckband, clip, elastic band, etc.Comfort is absolutely key and they must be able to operate in harsher environments than just two meters from the sofa.Features: pairing, codec support, etc.The ultimate goal of a headset should always be streaming and playback quality.Everything else is accessory.The range is something that worries many users, although it is not that serious;any current standard comfortably reaches 8-10 meters and we rarely separate ourselves more than that distance from the emitting device.For pure practicality, we are going to focus on in-ear and in-ear headphones, with a few specific exceptions.They are more comfortable and versatile than the supraaural ones —those that cover most of the auditory pavilion but are the No. 1 enemy of users with glasses—.Precisely, for reasons of comfort, we will not recommend models with good performance such as the Koss BT540, BÖHM Wireless BH or, on a small scale, the Creative Sound Blaster Jam GH, appreciated by some gamers.You know, they can't be all those who are, but they are all those who are.We start with an old classic of solvent performance.For about 20 euros we have a model with the same technical features as the one mentioned above, with two relevant notes: they are much more comfortable —the box includes 5 pairs of stabilizers (earbuds), three of them waterproof— and they offer a more powerful sound, with greater packing.On the contrary, they go up to almost 60 grams, its battery rarely reaches up to 6 hours and it receives a signal up to 9 meters.As for qualities, you won't have much to worry about: it operates in the 2.4 GHz range, Bluetooth 4.1 standard (in addition to the 4 official profiles) and includes an RSE PLC chip with very capable performance.Also compatible with the A2DP, AVRCP profiles and with the Bluetooth 4.1 protocol, this little one is especially loved by some users for its ergonomics.Its 120mAh rechargeable Li-Polymer battery offers about 5 hours of music and a charging time of less than 2 hours.Its maximum range is 10 meters and, if we had to highlight an element, it would be its perfect sound coherence: stable bass, pleasant mids and not very sharp highs.For this price it is difficult to find something better.The Arbily Yuanguo2 are on sale and are a real gift for what they offer: the same as Optoma NuForce BE Sports3 for just 30 euros.Closed (under the CVC6.0 protocol) and with spectacular performance —8 hours of autonomy in just an hour and a half of charging—, these would be our key decision below 50 euros.This model, the smallest of the SHB family, slips by the hair.Good earphone and best friend, they offer drivers over 10mm (14.2 to be exact) which translates into thicker bass and greater sensitivity (107 dB).Its finish is somewhat more careful than most of those mentioned: flat cable (Flexi-Grip), it weighs less than 3 grams, "classic" design (intraural with vertical drop) and compatibility with Bluetooth version 4.1.Of course, the battery runs out in a jiffy: just 4 hours.This is a good model to start with.The entire Samsung EO family performs efficiently and balanced and you can find the aforementioned for just over 50 euros.The Level U is a headphone with guarantees, one of the most pampered by the company: rubbery body, two magnets to preserve its structural integrity, 10 hours of battery life and very comfortable to wear.Its functions include volume control, play/pause, track advance and calls compatible with most smartphones.Its radius of action is a bit limited (at a little more than 5 meters you will lose the signal) but in return you get a hearing aid of exceptional design.The Cowin E7 Active (noise cancellation) is one of those surprises needed to compete in the little leagues.Ok, they are not very sporty and it is true that they vitiate the bass excessively, but they have a very good microphone and, for less than 70 euros, we will be getting very robust 40-millimeter drivers, NFC pairing and, the key, 30 hours of autonomy thanks to 600mAh batteries.We found a similar surprise in the Avantree BTHS-AS9P: a lot of electronics in these 80-euro helmets with better quality than expected: more stable and, above all, more comfortable than almost any wireless model of its category and construction, which grant 40 hours of autonomy , optional cable included in the original packaging and stable support for aptX low latency support, SBC and AAC codec.The BackBeats have been garnering good reviews for several years.They are very comfortable headphones.At just over 20 grams and with a P2i liquid-repellent coating, this model has been designed for sports from the very beginning.Compatible with any smartphone that uses bluetooth, 8 hours of autonomy —more actually—, memorizes up to 8 different devices.As far as sound is concerned, they may be somewhat limited compared to what will come in the future, but they certainly offer that richness of nuances of in-ear headphones that do not completely close off the outside, allowing the ear to breathe.I think I should be honest with the Xataka reader: I have never tried these headphones, but I know that they are especially loved by runners.In fact, these in-ears have been compared in performance with the Fidelio —one of the best representatives of the brand.This model is the highest of the SHQ family and its specifications are quite generous: for 23 grams we have a well-built model, compatible with A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP profiles, high tolerance to water and a radius of action of up to 10 meters.Jabra has a wide range and has been opening a gap in the different market segments: we do a two for one and recommend the Move (81 euros) and Revo (109.99 euros) - the Elite would fall into another genre.Both are closed, with a dynamic driver and a surprise for any user.A step above the Everest in comfort and not exactly better in performance, these Reflect Response include 8.6 mm drivers and are, regardless of price, the ones that offer the best sound of their range: warm, solid, unusual.They are resistant to sweat and water, their frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 22KHz and they include gesture control technology.You can listen to 10 hours of uninterrupted music with a range of up to 10 meters away.Apple's BeatsX are among the reference models - the blue version, as you can see, has dropped to a very interesting 123 euros - converted into the sporty and more sober alternative to the AirPods, which are priced at 169 euros.Thanks to its 8 hours of battery life and its prestigious bass performance, it will delight the most dedicated users of bass drums and snare drums.Discounted and with succulent periodic offers, the Noontec Hammo TV (139.99) can surprise in daily use as wireless headphones, mainly focused on watching television without interference."But nobody watches TV," you'll say.Connect a Chromecast and we will have life at home resolved.Among its main virtues are the high bitrate with which they operate —thanks to the emission of a base station connected to the television—, their low latency and their 50 hours of autonomy.Something like watching Blade Runner 2049 19 times in a row.The Jaybirds could not miss.These Bluetooth earphones are sweat, water and dust resistant.Their sound quality is a little below what could be asked for —they lack extra power—, they offer 8 hours of music autonomy without cuts and they fit comfortably in the ear thanks to silicone fins.Despite their press, they are not the model that I would recommend at first glance, but in terms of construction they are ideal for traveling long distances with a mountain bike or any type of sports getaway.In this spectrum we have looked for models that stand out for their usability, that are available for sale in Spain and that enjoy a good reputation.It's a shame that firms like RHA haven't launched into manufacturing wireless models, because they would surely occupy a place in this space —you just have to listen to the T10i—, but we leave you with some of the best hearing aids on the market.This is an excellent example of a wireless headphone with good performance and features: fast pairing via NFC, Bluetooth and top-quality, clean and powerful sound - with various dynamic equalizations - for about 6 hours.They are specially designed to withstand any battle and not come off the ears.Your favorite headphones for running… if you can afford them.Repeat the German company that is currently presenting its Byron at the IFA.This model is not only premium for its price: it is a true wireless delight, with updated Qualcomm aptX codec, AAC, totally closed sound, 7.5 hours of autonomy and 10 meters of range.Its nominal value (SPL) is at 90 dB and its frequency range is between 10 and 25,000 Hz, being related in specifications to the Beyerdynamic iDX 160 iE wired model.Continuing with the technological heritage of the BackBeat Pro+, we recommend two closed Plantronics models with 40-millimeter drivers: the very comfortable 811709 (188 euros) and the 811710 (223 euros).This family with active noise cancellation (ANC) are among the most comfortable headphones on the market.The first is capable of operating for 8 hours uninterrupted;the second up to 24 hours and broadcast up to 100 meters away from class 1 Bluetooth devices.By accident I found this model for less than €200.They say they are overrated.I still wonder how they pack so much power into so little space.Part of its bad press is due to its low autonomy – it barely reaches 5 hours – and its drivers are somewhat small for depending on which ears (6.4mm).I will only tell you that, as a user, try them in any specialized store.AKG wants to play in the business and its wireless AKG N60NC for just over 200 euros are committed to maximum practicality: 30 hours of uninterrupted battle, absolutely closed, careful sound fidelity and careful frequency response.It may not be a technological revolution, but this headset will satisfy the demands of the most capricious ears.Let no one miss Sony's bet because they have two very interesting models: their MDR100ABN are the maximum representation of the possibilities of the h.ear family.And upping the ante by 100 euros, its WH1000XM2 (379 euros) are, without subterfuge, one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market.An interesting novelty in terms of price for construction qualities, the Sennheiser Momentum M2 are better than good, closed circumaural with maximum performance, although more than one will prefer to opt for the in-ear with Qualcomm chipset and reduced to 170 euros.In any case, a note: if you want to get the jewel in the Sennheiser crown, the PXC550 of 350 euros are the key, one of the great favorites of the firm with active noise cancellation, light, closed, with up to 30 hours of drums.Popular firm Parrot—what can't they make?—released a headset last year that responds EXACTLY the same with and without wires.A marvel in engineering and design (with models in up to 8 colors) they offer 18 hours of autonomy, thanks to an 830mAH battery, total noise suppression, their own Surround 5.1 control application, these Circumaural are paired on the fly with any compatible device and, for their 328 grams of weight, they are the most comfortable of the entire list.From Bose we can only strongly recommend the QuietComfort 35 II from 2017 but also the 2016 model, which marked a before and after and, in the opinion of many critics, is even better than the current model.In addition, we will be saving from 380 euros to 313 euros.Continuing in the line of 300 euros we have come across (fortunately) a living legend, the V-MODA CrossFade II.These heavy circumaurals are a safe bet for those who can afford them, capable of emulating a deep three-dimensional sound and playing at the highest levels of demand.A pity to leave out –although we have already cheated– some of those safe bets that amount to almost 400 euros.Yes, we are talking about the Bowers & Wilkins P7 (wireless version) that are clearly superior to the PX, but at the same price (399 euros).They are a delight in design and construction, British goldsmith with 111dB/V sensitivity at 1KHz and 17 hours of clean autonomy.They were already analyzed by server and I was passionate.At least they don't cost as much as Fischer or Ultrasone.Share Making the leap to wireless: wireless headphones shopping guide from 15 to 350 eurosMore Sites You'll LikeSee more articlesSee more videos