The best wireless headphones of 2026 are quite impressive, and the gap between them and older models is growing bigger and bigger. While some people (like myself) like to talk about earphones as outside of the headphones category, this blog will cover both over-ear and in-ear “headphones”. Whether you want to block out the world on your way to work, lock in at the gym, or hear music exactly as the artist intended, there’s a pair on this list for you!
Sony WH-1000XM6: The Best All-Rounder
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is still the benchmark for best wireless headphones in the over-ear category. They are great at everything! From sound quality to noise cancellation, they come in at a price that feels fair for what you get. The Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) based on your activity. This feature tracks your movement and automatically tweaks your noise cancellation, so your audio always sounds great. The Sony Headphones app also lets you personalise the EQ to your specific ears!
- World-class noise cancellation that adapts to your activity automatically
- 30-hour battery life with ANC on and fast charging
- Class-leading call quality (6 microphones)
- Lightweight and foldable design
- Some users find the headband is a touch thin and comfort over very long sessions isn’t quite as good as other options
Price (RRP as of time of writing): $629.95 NZD
Apple AirPods Max 2: Best Suited for Apple Users
Apple finally gave the AirPods Max the internal upgrade it needed, making it one of the best wireless headphones for Apple users. The jump from H1 to H2 chips unlocks noticeably better ANC, Live Translate, and Personalised Spatial Audio. The premium aluminium and mesh design is unchanged, which is fair enough since it was already well liked.
- ANC improved by up to 1.5x over the original AirPods Max
- Live Translate for real-time language translation (Just put them on and if someone’s speaking to you in another language, they will auto-translate what’s being said.
- Seamless integration across Apple devices
- Battery life is just 20 hours with ANC, noticeably behind rivals
- Expensive! (Just like all Apple products, you will receive quality, but at the same time you are still paying a bit more just for the brand.)
Price (RRP as of time of writing): $1,149 NZD
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2:
Bose has been making noise-cancelling headphones since 1989, and the QC Ultra Gen 2 is the best they’ve ever made (they say this themselves). ANC is more consistent than the first generation, with less white noise hiss, and the thick leather pads make them really comfortable for long sessions.
- Best-in-class ANC consistency, ideal for travel and busy offices
- 30-hour battery life, up from 24 hours on Gen 1
- Excellent Immersion Mode for spatial audio
- Plush comfort that’s easy to wear for hours
- Sound is very good but a touch off if you’re particular or consider yourself an audiophile, according to online reviews
Price (RRP as of time of writing): $635.95 NZD
Sennheiser HDB 630: Best for Audiophiles
The HDB 630 are the best headphones for audiophiles on this list. Reference-grade sound tuning, a parametric EQ to allow for plenty of adjustments and an included USB-C dongle that delivers atpX Adaptive at up to 24-bit/96kHz, essentially wired-quality audio without the wire. But to put it short, if not much of what you just read made sense to you, these probably aren’t the right headphones for you.
- Neutral, reference-grade sound tuning inspired by the legendary HD 560
- Class-leading 60-hour battery life with ANC on
- Parametric EQ for precise sound customisation
- USB-C dongle for hi-res aptX Adaptive wireless audio
- Neutral tuning won’t suit listeners who prefer a bass-forward, exciting sound
Price (RRP as of time of writing): $1,099.95
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Best for Runners and Outdoor Use
The OpenRun Pro 2 takes a completely different approach. These headphones, yes, they still qualify as headphones, use bone conduction technology. This works by transmitting sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears completely open so you can hear traffic, people, and your surroundings while you listen. The new hybrid driver design adds an air conduction speaker for noticeably better bass than older Shokz models.
- Open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings
- Weighs just over 30g
- 12-hour battery life and IP55 water resistance
- Sound quality won’t match traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, but is still surprisingly good
Price (RRP as of time of writing): $382.52 NZD
Apple AirPods Pro 3: Best In-Ear Wireless Headphones
The AirPods Pro 3 are the best wireless headphones in the true wireless earbud category for most iPhone users. They block around 90% of outside noise, deliver up to 8 hours of battery life with ANC on, and integrate perfectly with Apple devices. The closest rival is the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which has a slight sound quality edge and deeper bass thanks to its dual-driver design. But the AirPods Pro 3 pull ahead where it counts: better ANC, better call quality, and a more polished overall experience.
- Blocks around 90% of outside noise vs 84% for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
- Better call quality and voice isolation than the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
- 8 hour battery with ANC, with another 24 hours in the case
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Galaxy Buds Pro 4 has the edge on raw sound quality and bass for Android users
- Weigh around 10g with just the AirPods and no case
- Can monitor your heart rate
Price (RRP as of time of writing): $479
Powerbeats Pro 2: Best for the Gym
Purpose-built for athletes, the Powerbeats Pro 2 stay locked in your ears no matter what you’re doing thanks to their ear-hook design. This generation finally adds ANC, USB-C and wireless charging, and a built-in heart rate monitor borrowed from Apple Watch technology. Sound is punchy and bass-forward, which suits workout music perfectly.
- Ear-hook design keeps them secure through any workout
- Built-in heart rate monitor, just like the AirPods Pro 3
- Up to 10 hours per charge, 45 hours total with the case
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Users note that the charging case is notably large, and hooks can get uncomfortable on very long sessions
Price (RRP as of time of writing): $249.99
JBL Tune 780NC: Best Budget Pick
Not everyone wants to spend plenty of dosh on headphones, and the JBL Tune 780NC make a very strong case for why you don’t have to. They pack in adaptive noise cancellation, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Spatial Sound, and an impressive 50-hour battery life with noise cancellation on. At this price point, these headphones make a great choice for a tighter budget! Check out these specs:
- 76 hours of battery life with ANC off, 50 hours with ANC on, and a 5-minute speed charge gives you 5 more hours
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient and TalkThru so you can hear your surroundings or jump into a conversation without removing them
- 4 mics for clear call quality
- Bluetooth 6.0
- Foldable design
- The noise cancelling and sound quality won’t match the premium options of this list, but at this price that’s expected
The best wireless headphones for you really come down to how and where you listen. For most people, the Sony WH-1000MX6 or Bose QC Ultra Gen 2’s are the safest all-round choices. Apple users should look at the AirPods Max 2 or AirPods Pro 3; it really just depends on whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear. Audiophiles would prefer the Sennheiser HDB 630 the most out of this list, but if you’re really deep down that rabbit hole, there are definitely even more premium options out there. Runners love the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and gym-goers should take a look at the Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3.
Whatever you choose, you’re investing in some of the best wireless headphones on the market right now. If you need help setting up your new headphones or connecting them to your devices, give us a call on 0800 424 335 or book an appointment online. We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your tech!
