We’ve come a long way from the days of lugging a Discman around the block on our hot girl walks—one hand holding the dog leash, the other balancing a CD player too big for any pocket.
Sure, Bella Hadid may have revived the humble wired headphone in 2019, but wireless options still reign supreme for their convenience, sleek style, and cutting-edge designs. But finding the perfect pair isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. So, we’ve rounded up five of the best wireless headphones and earbuds for every occasion—from top picks for a workout to the best budget-friendly buy, and even a headset for swimming.
The best in style:
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones (Kim Special Edition)
With a name as widely recognised as Kim Kardashian, it doesn’t take much to capture the world’s attention when she launches something new. But fame aside, Kim K has consistently delivered top-notch products—her clothing line SKIMS, her beauty rebrand SKKN by Kim, and, of course, the family TV series ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians.’ Her latest venture is no exception. This week, she dropped a collaboration with Beats Electronics LLC (also known as Beats by Dr. Dre Beat), unveiling the Beats Studio Pro, a new wireless headsets in three shades: Moon (a creamy pink), Dune (a golden tan), and Earth (a deep purple).
What makes the newest iteration so good—aside from their sleek colouring that elevates even the boringest of outfits, is the audio fidelity and active noise cancellation, allowing for full concentration when working in noisy spaces. This feature is enhanced by the personalised spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, which users can set up when first connecting the headphones to their Iphone. Android users, rejoice! Kim K and the Beats team haven’t overlooked you—just download the Beats companion app to set up your wireless headphones seamlessly.
With up to 40 hours battery life, and plush cushioning, this stylish set is ideal for long haul flights—Euro trip anyone?
The best wireless earbuds for exercise:
JBL Reflect Aeros TWS
Working out, at the best of times, proves its own challenges. The last thing you need is a slippery earpiece to slow you down. The JBL Reflect Aeros TWS are engineered with a secure, ergonomic fit, ensuring they stay in place in even the sweatiest of Pilates sessions—and with a IP68 waterproof and sweatproof ratings, you don’t have to worry about that sweat doing any damage.
With adaptive noise cancellation, it makes it easy to focus on your training without distractions. Nearly ready to run? These earbuds offer a long battery life, so you can listen to the entire Brat album from top to bottom. *Queues 360 by Charli XCX*.
The best wireless headphones for phone calls:
Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones
To the girlies chatting to clients all day long, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones might be for you. No need to worry when it’s time to sell that big deal you’ve spent all afternoon going over, this headset features advanced digital signal processing (DSP) and a sophisticated microphone array that limits background noise and focuses solely on your voice, providing exceptional call quality.
And when the roles are reversed and you’re being briefed over Zoom on a presentation, this headset boasts active noise cancellation technology, blocking out ambient sounds and distractions.
Lastly, the wireless set is comfy, with an over-ear design and intuitive touch controls to make it easy to manage calls.
The best for budget (under $50):
JLab Go Air Pop, True Wireless Earbuds
The best for swimming:
Hydgenos, HYDGENX9 Swimming
If you’re looking to improve your fitness in the pool this summer, swimming laps doesn’t have to be a bore. Hit play on your favourite podcast and dive in with Hydgenos’ 100 per cent waterproof device. The cutting-edge design offers a Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, meaning you can leave your phone nearby and trust it won’t cut out when you hit the 50m mark.
The earpiece offers up to 10 hours of playtime, and its ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable fit that slips snug under your swim cap.
