Best Bluetooth headphones 2022: which ones to buy?

Madecratized by the Apple AirPods, the best true wireless Bluetooth headphones are finding more and more pairs of ears in 2022. To the point that the offer is becoming almost unreadable as the number of models is increasing. On the one hand, smartphone manufacturers offer almost all their wireless headphones to accompany their latest innovations. On the other hand, audio specialists rely on their expertise in the field to win their share of the cake.

Difficult to see clearly. To help you choose the best Bluetooth headphones, we have concocted a complete comparison. Indeed, the sound quality is not the only important point when buying wireless headphones. Autonomy, comfort, maintenance or compatibility with your devices are all elements to take into account before buying.

Top 5 best bluetooth headphones 2022:

1. AirPods Pro
2. AirPods 3
3. Galaxy Buds 2
4. Huawei Freebuds Pro
5. Sony WF-1000XM4

1- AirPods Pro

The best 2022 bluetooth headphones on the market… if you have an iPhone

© Apple

Do we still have to present the AirPods Pro? Apple headphones have quickly established themselves as the best true wireless Bluetooth headphones on the market. With the first AirPods, Apple even started the trend. It continues it with the recent release of the AirPods Max, a premium wireless headset from the same manufacturer.

While they are not the ultimate benchmark for audio quality, the AirPods Pro are still very good, if not excellent. Apple has chosen to provide the same rendering to all of its users, so you won't be able to really personalize listening using an equalizer. Nevertheless, the sound delivered is of high quality with good bass and excellent midrange (voice).

Buy AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro differ above all from their competitors by their very good active noise reduction and a transparency mode that is well above the competition, complementing passive isolation due to the in-ear format of the headphones. Apple manages to remove the cork effect by integrating welcome air outlets. Result ? By switching from noise canceling mode to transparency mode, you will never need to remove these headphones from your ears, the comfort of which helps to make them completely forgotten.

That said, if you don't like the silicone tips, we advise you to opt for the AirPods 3 instead (ranked #2 in this comparison of the best wireless earphones).

Finally, note that AirPods Pro provide the best experience for any iPhone, iPad, or Mac user. Pairing takes a handful of seconds and integration into the Apple ecosystem is simply exemplary. An excellent choice therefore for users of Apple products, but not for others since the functionalities will be limited.

AirPods Pro at the best priceBase price: 279 € eBay-28%202 €Check the offerAmazon-23%215 €Check the offerCdiscount-14%239 €Check the offerBoulanger-7%259 €Check the offerDarty279€Check the offer dealApple€279Check dealRakuten€281Check deal See more deals

2- AirPods 3

2022's best headphones with open design

© Apple

If you are one of those allergic to in-ear headphones, the AirPods 3 stand out as better Bluetooth headphones than the AirPods Pro. More affordable (199 euros), they differ from the previous generation by their more AirPods Pro design, their increased sound quality and their case with wireless charging.

We therefore find a design with a small upper – which has now become a standard. Here, the sound quality is a little worse than with the Pro version, which is quite logical since the AirPods 3 have neither passive isolation (due to their format) nor active noise reduction. If the audio quality really matters very little, we invite you to also check out the AirPods 2 still on sale, a little cheaper.

Buy AirPods 3

The AirPods 3 deliver a fairly consensual sound, without artifice, but which remains at the height of a product at this price thanks to physically larger drivers. Its main asset lies in the quality of the conversations and the good transcription of the voices. Perfect for listening to podcasts, a little less for music. If you plan on making a lot of calls, these Bluetooth headphones will be nicer than the AirPods Pro.

You guessed it, the AirPods 3 enjoy the same integration into the Apple ecosystem. That said, they are also compatible with Android devices (and more generally all Bluetooth-enabled ones). Hence its position as number 2 in this comparison of the best wireless headphones.

AirPods 3 at the best priceBase price: 199€ eBay-45%110€Check the offerCdiscount199€Check the offerFNAC199€Check the offerDarty199€Check the offerBoulager199€Check the offer See more offers

3- Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

The best headphones 2022 for audio quality

If you are looking for a good compromise between top audio quality and full integration into the Android ecosystem, Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 are the best Bluetooth headphones for you. These True Wireless earphones are praised for their sound reproduction quality, especially thanks to their deep and powerful bass. They are obviously equipped with active noise reduction like the best Bluetooth headphones from Apple.

Unlike their competitors, they still have full touch controls on the sides. Of course, the rest is subjective, but many users find them more comfortable than Apple's AirPods and AirPods Pro. They come with a case that charges wirelessly – at no extra charge. Thanks to their larger design, they allow repairs – including changing the battery. Which is a real plus on the AirPods which are disposable, whatever the model.

Buy Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2

There are also a few hiccups – which nonetheless have little impact. Not everyone is a big fan of treble and midrange reproduction. Users also report some bluetooth instabilities with some smartphones. The “Transparency” mode which “cancels” the presence of the headphones on your ears can seem a little artificial and unpleasant. Finally, capturing the voice requires a relatively quiet environment.

4- Huawei Freebuds Pro

The best bluetooth headphones 2022 to make you forget the AirPods Pro

© Huawei

After several encouraging attempts, Huawei seems to have found the right recipe. With the Freebuds Pro, the Chinese giant easily competes with Apple's AirPods Pro. It even allows itself to surpass the American in terms of audio quality.

Huawei's Freebuds Pro also adopt an in-ear format with active noise reduction. If the insulation equals that of Apple headphones, the sound quality is much better. The bass is more present, the mids just as good and the highs well calibrated.

If use with the Huawei ecosystem is more ergonomic, the Freebuds Pro also work with any Android and iOS smartphone. This of course applies to tablets and PCs.

Huawei's main difference is its price positioning. The Freebuds Pro are available at 180 euros, which is 100 euros less than the AirPods Pro. They also come in three colors: white, black and silver (our favorite). In short, a product that fully deserves its position on the podium of the best wireless headphones this year.

Best Price Huawei Freebuds ProBase Price: £199 Aliexpress-60%£80Check DealAmazon-42%£116Check DealDarty-35%£129Check DealBoulanger-35%£129Check DealeBay-35 %129 €Check the offerCdiscount-30%139 €Check the offerRakuten-28%143 €Check the offer See more offers

5- Sony WF-1000XM4

The best bluetooth headphones 2022 for noise canceling quality

© Lemon squeezer

While its WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are the new benchmark, the WF-1000XM4 wireless headphones are among the best true wireless headphones when it comes to audio quality.

Unlike Apple or Huawei, Sony is here for sound lovers. The expertise of the Japanese in this field is no longer to be proven, so the WF-1000XM4 leave great freedom to users.

The accompanying app allows for advanced sound customization with multiple listening profiles and a full EQ. Everyone can therefore configure their headphones as they wish for optimal audio quality.

On the other hand, the WF-1000XM4 are not as comfortable to wear (imposing) even if Sony has considerably reduced their format. They make up for it with a very good autonomy as well as a multitude of touch controls directly accessible on the headphones.

Finally, the Sony WF-1000XM4 have improved noise reduction, a weak point of the previous generation. The gold standard in consumer wireless headphones. For now.

Sony WF-1000XM3 at the best priceBase price: 249 € Cdiscount-48%129 €Check the offerAmazon-48%129 €Check the offerFNAC-48%129 €Check the offerDarty-48%129 €Check the offereBay- 41%€148Check offerAliexpress-39%€153Check offer See more offers

© Sennheiser

A reference in the audio world, Sennheiser also offers its wireless headphones. With the Momentum True Wireless 2, the manufacturer is focusing on what it knows best: sound. They are unquestionably the absolute reference in terms of audio quality. The deep bass complements disconcertingly accurate mids as well as treble with small onions.

Add to that careful manufacturing (special mention to the fabric case), excellent support and a set of controls on the headphones, all customizable.

The Momentum True Wireless 2, on the other hand, fail with their barely perceptible active noise reduction, their autonomy well below competitors or the absence of a multi-point connection.

Finally, the Momentum True Wireless 2 have a fairly high price of 299 euros all the same. The price of premium sound. Too bad you have to compromise.

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 at the best priceRakuten-33%199 €Check offerAmazon-33%199 €Check offerCdiscount-16%250€Check offereBay-15%254€Check offerBoulanger -13%€259Check the offer See more offers

7- Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds

Trust the best bluetooth headphones for active noise reduction

© Bose

You can't talk about audio without referring to Bose. Renowned for its excellent headsets, the American is catching up on the market for wireless headphones. With the Quietcomfort Earbuds, Bose reminds us of its good memories and delivers an almost flawless copy.

Historically, Bose has distinguished itself by its mastery in noise reduction. Its true wireless headphones live up to its reputation and arguably offer the best noise reduction on this type of headphones. This know-how can also be found on its QC 35 II headphones or on the recent Bose Headphones 700.

On the audio side, regulars will immediately recognize the brand's signature. Bose sound is identifiable among a thousand and the QC Earbuds are no exception.

The audio is therefore characterized by particularly attractive bass, a round and enveloping sound and very good voice management. We will point out treble that is a bit metallic, but nothing that can dampen our enthusiasm.

Finally, note that the QC Earbuds are (by far) the best wireless headphones for holding telephone conversations, with voice recognition of bluffing precision.

Sold for 280 euros, the Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds are positioned as high-end headphones. They come in Triple Black and Soapstone versions.

Best Price Bose Quietcomfort EarbudsBase Price: £279 Amazon-20%£224Check DealRakuten£279Check DealDarty£279Check DealBoulanger£279Check DealFNAC£299Check Deal See More Deals

8 - Cambridge Audio Melomania 1

The best bluetooth headphones 2022 for value for money

© Cambridge Audio

Audiophiles are no doubt familiar with Cambridge Audio. The British specialist is also embarking on the adventure of wireless headphones with the Melomania 1. Offered at 129 euros when they come out, they are often found around 99 euros. And for this price, it seems difficult to find other headphones as good.

If they are not without flaws (no companion applications, unconvincing active noise reduction, slightly saturated treble at high volume), the Melomania 1 are complete for their price.

Thus, we will first salute their excellent autonomy (nearly 10 hours of listening) as well as their comfort, their support and their beautiful finishes. Above all, we will highlight the remarkable sound quality (punchy bass, balanced mids, controlled treble) for such affordable headphones.

If your budget is a little tight but you want to enjoy premium audio quality, these Melomania 1s are made for you.

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 at the best priceRange price: 99 € Amazon99 €Check the offer

9- realme Buds Q

The best cheapest Bluetooth headphones 2022

After a sensational entry into the smartphone market, realme quickly moved into audio products. As with smartphones, the manufacturer always relies on its credo: to make technological standards accessible.

The Buds Q perfectly illustrate this desire. Marketed at only 30 euros, they will therefore be suitable for those who want to equip themselves with true wireless headphones without breaking the bank.

Obviously, for this price, you will have to make some concessions. First on the audio quality: the Buds Q are no match for the premium models (logical) but still deliver more than adequate sound for their price.

You will also have to skip the active noise reduction. Note, however, that the design of the headphones allows you to enjoy very effective passive isolation. They are also particularly discreet, well designed and very pleasant to wear. For 30 euros, you will not find better. From a value for money point of view, these are among the best Bluetooth headphones on the market.

Realme Buds Q at the best priceBase price: 29€ Aliexpress-41%17€Check the offerCdiscount32€Check the offer See more offers

Conclusion: how to choose the best bluetooth headphones in 2022

All the models in this comparison deserve the qualifier of the best Bluetooth headphones 2022. But then how to choose? The first aspect to consider is the brand of devices you already own. The AirPods, for example, are a real treat for iPhone owners. After pairing (simplified) everything works without having to think about it. You put them in your ears and start reading, whether on your watch, your smartphone or your computer.

The quality of the standard AirPods, and their autonomy can leave a little to be desired. But if you really want to take it up a notch in quality and functionality, the AirPods Pro are definitely for you. They are compatible with Hey Siri, have really impressive active noise reduction, and a transparency mode without any equivalent on the market. Of course they can work when paired with an Android smartphone.

But their daily use is much more tedious, especially since there are advantageous options depending on the brand of your smartphone. For example, if like a large number of Android users you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, you are entitled to almost the same user experience in the event that you transfer your choice to Galaxy Buds 2 for example.

Besides, ease of use is not everything. Other models in this selection do much better in terms of audio quality. While being capricious on the pairing side. This is why we can say both that you can buy certain references such as AirPods and Galaxy Buds with your eyes closed, but that we also advise you to go, as much as possible, to test competing products in stores before buying. make your choice.

Our comprehensive review of the best wireless headphones ends here. Of course, we were not able to compare all the products on the market as there are so many of them. If you particularly liked a product not listed in this guide, please let us know in the comments.

AirPods Pro

9.2

Overall Rating

9.2/10