Top 8 Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones in 2014 Reviewed and Rated

Far from a novelty, Bluetooth wireless technology is becoming a must have feature when shopping for high range headphones. All the top brands now have a flagship pair of Bluetooth headphones for connecting devices (sometimes more than one) without getting tangled up in wires. But which to choose? Here’s my roundup of the best Bluetooth headphones in 2014.

Sony MDR1RBT Wireless Bluetooth Prestige headphones

Sony hasn’t managed to gain a sense of dominance in the audio market since the release of the Walkman in the 80s. Not to be perturbed, Sony has entered the Bluetooth headphones market with big ambitions, feeling confident enough to name its entry into the wireless headphones market ‘Prestige’. They certainly standout aesthetically, with an iconic red ring around each seamless metal ear cup and excellent build quality.

Their confidence isn’t completely misplaced. The Sony MDR1RBT Wireless Bluetooth Prestige headphones harness the latest NFC pairing technology and feature specially engineered ultra wideband HD drivers to offer precise mids and highs and powerful bass. Endorsed by Katy B and Magnetic Man, these wireless Bluetooth headphones also feature noise cancelling technology and excellent build quality.

With excellent sound quality, modern looking metal design and classy packaging, Sony can be commended for their efforts to regain some respect in the audio market, with the Sony Prestige worthy for being considered among  be the best Bluetooth headphones in 2014.

SMS Audio Sync Bluetooth Wireless Headphones by 50 Cent

Ever since Dr Dre and Monster joined forces to release the eponymous Beats by Dre headphones, people’s perceptions of over ear cans have changed. No longer are big chunky headphones the size of earmuffs for audiophiles and serious music lovers only. They are now a fashion statement, with in ear headphones relegated to being the low class alternative. However, based on some of the online reviews of Beats by Dre headphones, you can find that the reality hasn’t quite matched up to the marketing. Wishing to mirror his friend Dr Dre’s success but not the criticism, 50 Cent took his time to listen to what the market wanted before releasing headphones of his own.

The SMS Audio Sync Bluetooth Wireless Headphones by 50 Cent feature all the elaborate styling of a celebrity endorsed pair of cans, whilst managing not to disappoint when it comes to performance. These Bluetooth headphones use Kleer technology to provide lossless audio and great sound quality from a paired Bluetooth device. As the name suggests, you can also ‘sync’ up to four of these headphones to one device should you wish to share in the listening experience with friends.

The headband is made from hardened ‘shatterproof’ plastic which should be tough enough to survive the assault course nature of public transport. But the drawback for commuters is that the SMS Audio Sync Bluetooth Wireless Headphones by 50 Cent only feature passive noise cancellation, in other words none at all other than that provided by the over the ear design. This coupled with their bulky size means they might not be best for regular travel.

However, if you want to take your sounds on the street and look good doing it then these are one pair of wireless celebrity endorsed cans which offer the sound performance that lives up to the marketing.

Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck – Best Bluetooth headphones for gadget fans

Brewed from the combined creative talents of product designer Philippe Starck and Parrot’s Henri Seydoux, the Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck Bluetooth wireless headphones took four years to develop. Where these standout, in this list of the best Bluetooth headphones in 2014, is in their range of technological features.

The rubberised texture earpads feature ultra responsive touch panels for controlling the music or answering calls with the merest swipe of the fingers. Rather than pressing down, actions are performed by swiping in different directions, providing a sophisticated control method for these high end wireless headphones.

What also sets the Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck wireless headphones apart is their benchmark noise cancellation technology. After doing the sums, Starck and Seydoux gave these cans four mics instead of the usual two. This enables them to block out 98 percent of ambient background noise for enjoying your music in peace. In addition, these wireless headphones use DSP (Digital Sound Processor) technology which performs the magical feat of making music sound as though it is coming from a stage in front of you, imaginatively referred to as the ‘Parrot Concert Hall’ effect.

Other standout features of these stylish wireless Bluetooth headphones is that they feature a Jawbone sensor which analyses jaw vibrations for more accurate relaying of speech. What’s more, this technology is used to automatically stop playing the music whenever you take the headphones off. If you’re a gadget fan that loves playing around with the latest technology, the Parrot Zik by Philippe Starck are among the best Bluetooth headphones in 2014 to consider buying.

Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones – Best mid priced Bluetooth headphones

The only drawback of buying Bluetooth headphones is that they can be on the pricey side. Not surprising, really, when you consider the advanced sound processing technology that’s needed to replicate music with minimal sound loss. Thankfully, Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones enable you to enjoy the practical pleasures of wireless listening without having to break the bank.

These mid priced wireless headphones feature Dolby Digital Plus technology for rich, full spectrum sound. They are strikingly similar to Beats by Dre in terms of design, with the same hinged collapsible headband design, made from reassuringly durable aluminium. Turntable touch controls on the earpads let you change tracks and adjust the volume with a simple flick of the finger.

While the Jabra Revo Wireless Headphones can’t compete with the other cans in this list in terms of sound performance, if cost is an issue then you wont be disappointed in picking up a pair of these cans which are deserving of the title of best mid-priced Bluetooth headphones in 2014.

Harmon Kardon BT Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones are for the design conscious, who prefer understated sophistication over the comparative brashness of a celebrity endorsed cans. The Harmon Kardon BT Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth headphones are certainly eye catching, offering a smart blend of acoustic performance and aesthetic appeal.

These wirelesss headphones use AAC and apt-X coding for the streaming of audio from a smartphone or other Bluetooth enabled device. A built in mic enables you to take calls, while controls on the ear cups allow you to change tracks and adjust the volume. Perhaps the unique selling feature, along with their high end looks, is that they will still work if you connect a cable after the 12 hour battery has died a death.

The Harmon Kardon BT Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones have decent sound performance, with a clear yet slightly heavy bass. In some reviews there have also been complaints of the audio dropping out. So it might be worth shelling that little bit extra if you really want one of the best Bluetooths headphones in 2014 that offer the modern looks and sound performance to match.

Bose AE2w Bluetooth Wireless headphones

Since it was founded in 1964, Bose has grown to be a brand beloved by travellers with its Bose Quiet Comfort sound cancelling headphones a common sight on planes, trains and picked up by audiophiles as their ‘second pair’ at home. Recently Bose stepped into the rapidly expanding Bluetooth headphones market with its AE2w cans.

As you’d expect of headphones made by a company with a 50 year history, these feature some great technical features. Firstly, they harness Bose’s patented TriPort technology for delivering wide ranging sound. The battery life is a bit on the light side, as you can only expect to get 7 hours out of these before looking for the recharge cable. As with most Bluetooth headphones, the controls for changing the track and volume are mounted on the earpads, which includes switching on the built-in microphone for taking calls.

The Bose AE2w wireless bluetooth headphones are certain to be popular with Bose’s existing loyal fan base. However, some reviewers have complained of their slightly weak bass. If classical or easy listening is your audio tipple of choice then these might be worth a look. But if you’re into your rock, hip-hop or electronica, you might want to look elsewhere for the best Bluetooth headphones in 2014 for pumping out rumbling bass lines.

Logitech UE 9000 Wireless headphones

The brand name might not be as trendy as others on this list, but these wireless headphones deliver exceptional sound performance and build quality to feel quietly smug about.

Logitech’s patented UE Sound Signature delivers pure, undiluted, rich and clear music. Its powerful sound performance is complimented by great build quality. Its metal alloy hinges and durable materials throughout gives you the reassurance that the Logitech UE 9000 Wireless headphones can survive the rough and tumble of the daily commute unscathed.

Logitech’s wireless headphones also feature active noise cancelling technology for filtering out the ambient noise of other people for a more immersive listening experience on the way home. A built in microphone also lets you take calls on the go.

The only drawback with these cans is that they can have compatibility problems with Android devices and the bass can be a bit on the heavy side for some aural palettes. So if you’re not an Apple fan and you listen to classical or easy listening music, you might want to check out some other cans in this list of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones in 2014.

Sennheiser MM 550-X Bluetooth Headphones

Bose is normally the brand of choice for frequent flyers, but their entry into the Bluetooth headphones market has fallen short of the dominance set by their Bose Quiet Comfort. If you’re looking for headphones for travel offering exceptional sound, active noise cancellation and wireless technology then the Sennheiser MM 550-X Bluetooth Headphones are worth a look.

For a long time Sennheiser has been regarded as a top brand by audiophiles and people in the know. These wireless headphones are no exception, featuring Wow HD technology, neodymium magnets and patented duofoil diaphragms. In layman’s terms all this technical wizardry means that they sound superb, with exceptional clarity and warm, thumping bass.

Business people on the go will appreciate the invisible microphone for calls, which they can activate at a press of a button on the earcup. In the sound cancelling department, the Sennheiser MM 550-X Bluetooth Headphones feature Noise Guard technology which cancels out up to 90% of the background noise. What’s more, these wireless cans also feature a TalkThrough button for speaking to flight attendants or fellow passengers without having to take them off.

This is Sennheiser’s third generation Bluetooth cans and arguably the best Bluetooth headphones in 2014. Their technical features and audio performance will delight frequent travellers and audiophiles alike, and maybe earn some new converts to the Sennheiser headphones brand.

 

Originally posted 2014-01-06 05:05:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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The Best In-ear Noise Cancelling Headphones – as Proven by 35,000 Miles of In-Flight Testing

There are a few good noise cancelling headphones out there, but a recent test by headphone measurement Guru and Wirecutter contributor Brent Butterworth discovered which were kings of the hill. Butterworth’s sound tests found that the Bose Quiet Comfort 20s could claim superiority over every other in-ear noise cancelling headphone out there.

The test was conducted using standard measurement equipment and subjective listening tests conducted with multiple testers over the course of 35,000 miles of in-flight testing. Bose QuietComfort20 emerged to be the best in terms of in-ear sound quality, with noise-cancelling features that simply crushed the competition.

A lot of people would thought that all in-ear headphones have “noise cancelling” features. But while an in-ear headphone might have “noise isolation” that’s not the same as “noise cancellation”. These two terms are often used interchangeably, which is wrong. Although both of these features can reduce noise the way tthey do it affects how effective they are at doing it.

Bose QuietComfort 20 has exceptionally effective noise cancellation features and takes noise-cancellation a step further in terms of turning down the ambient noise.

“The QC-20’s noise cancelling function works so much better than any other manufacturer’s that the QC-20 almost belongs in its own product class. In the lower frequencies, where the noise from jet engines resides the result is best I can remember measuring, as good as -45 dB at 160Hz.” says Brent.

So the Bose QuietComfort 20s are clearly the best, but they arent exactly cheap. So if budget is an issue, what are the alternatives?

In-ear Noise Cancelling Headphones Budget Option #1 – Sony MDR-NC13

If you think $300 is too much dough to spend on a pair of headphones, another good option is the $45 Sony MDR-NC13. Sony is a well established brand known for its high quality and durable products, plus they are very affordable and sounded really great, says Geoffrey Morrison former Technical Editor of Home Theater magazine.

Good:  Not as expensive like Bose QC-20 but, a great pick for a good all-around noise-cancelling headphones.  It is bassier, decent sound, good treble detail (which is preferred by most people).

Bad: Mids are a little unclear. The included adapter does not meet the standard airplane adapters, which is double mono plugs and the MDR-NC13 has two stereo plugs which can cause some problems for some.

In-ear Noise Cancelling Headphones Budget Option #2 – Digital Silence DS-101A

The noise-cancelling ability of these in-ear headphones is not far from Sony MDR-NC13. The Digital Silence DS-101A landed on the top spot from the “Best Headphones Under $30” lists on thewirecutter.com, due to their amazingly good sound with excellent noise-cancelling feature, but they are limited and a rarity to find now days.

Good: A good buy for the price. The noise cancellation is very clean, sounded really great and the battery can last for a long time.

Bad: Need to improve more on the Customer Service department. But overall it is a great pair of in-ear noise cancelation headphones.

 

Originally posted 2014-11-19 15:52:25. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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