Wireless headphones have quickly become one of the most popular gadgets for students, and for good reason. They’re a great tool to help you listen to music while studying, catch up on a video for class, or even watch a YouTube video when you need a break, all without having to deal with pesky wires getting the in way. With so many different headphones on the market, it can be hard to figure out which ones are the best wireless headphones for students.
To make your life a little easier, we’ve researched many different wireless headphones from top brands including Apple, Sony, Beats, and more. We’ve narrowed down the search to the best of the best, so you can find a great pair of wireless headphones, no matter what grade you’re in.
The Best Wireless Headphones for Students
- Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best Over Ears: Beats Studio Pro
- Best Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pros
- Best Splurge: Apple AirPods Max
- Best Budget Over Ears: Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
- Best Budget Earbuds: JLab Limited Edition Go Air Pop True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
- Best For Noise-Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- Best For Young Kids: MIDOLA Kids Headphones
- Best For All-Day Wear: JBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones
- Best Design: Bowers & Wilkins Over-Ear Headphones
Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Key Specs
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 10 meters
- Weight: .55 pounds
Pros:
- Noise cancellation
- Very long battery life
- Comfortable for long periods of time
- Can adjust EQ settings in the app
Cons:
- Not water/sweat resistant
- Expensive
- Don’t fold up small for travel
If you’re looking for something you can rely on as you study for a big exam or focus while writing a paper, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are an all-around great choice. Not only do these headphones come with industry-leading noise cancellation and great sound, but they also have a built-in automatic noise canceling optimizer, which means they tailor the noise canceling based on the ambient sounds going on around you.
But what makes these headphones our pick for best wireless headphones for students are the stand-out features. They automatically pause whatever you’re listening to when you take them off your head, and they even pause when you speak. Not to mention, these headphones function with hands-free calling, feature four high-quality microphones for very precise voice pick-up. And with a battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, these lightweight, comfortable headphones are ideal for wearing for long hours while at the library.
Touch control settings allow you to skip different music tracks, control the volume, or even activate a voice assistant with a minimum of effort. All in all, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are great for noise-canceling headphones fans who need something they can rely on for years to come.
Best Over Ears: Beats Studio Pro
Key Specs
- Battery Life: 40 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 100 meters
- Weight: 9.17 oz
Pros:
- Easily connects with Apple products
- Great noise cancellation
- Have a wire plug-in option
Cons:
- Not sweat- or water-resistant
- Some users complain about the fit
The over-ear headphone design of the Beats Studio Pro ensures the sound feels totally immersive, no matter if you’re listening to music, podcasts, or even taking calls, which is why they’re our pick for best over-ear headphones. The forth generation of these headphones, the Beats Studio Pros are among the most popular headphones — for a good reason.
With up to 40 hours of battery life (plus a 10-minute “Fast Fuel” charge that provides up to 4 hours of additional playback), these headphones can help you power through an all-nighter. They connect wirelessly but also comes with a 3.5 mm audio cable so you can transition them to wired headphones, if needed. They also connect seamlessly with Apple and Android products and have two distinct modes — active noise cancellation (ANC) and full transparency mode, which means you can tailor your listening experience and tune out your noisy roommate when you’re cramming for an exam.
And at one of the more reasonable prices compared to others on this list, the Beats Studio Pro are a solid option for anyone looking for headphones that’ll help them get the most out of their listening experience.
Best Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Key Specs
- Battery Life: 6 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 240 meters
- Weight: 8.4 oz
Pros:
- Sound quality
- Noise cancellation
- Connects easily
Cons:
- Heavier than previous models
- On the expensive side
Apple took an already great earbud in the original AirPods Pro and made them even better with the AirPods Pro (2nd generation). They’re now powered with Apple’s H2 chip, which has more processing power while still being energy efficient. Not only that, but these earbuds have improved sound quality, better noise cancellation, and more battery power.
With new drivers and amplifiers, you’ll find that these AirPods Pro are high quality. You’re now also able to quickly change the volume on the stick of the bud. And if you’re prone to losing your earbuds (especially since they’re so compact), you’ll love to hear that these have a speaker in the case that dings when using ‘Find My’ so you can locate them easier.
Because these are from Apple, they are designed to work better with other Apple products. So, if you’re an Android user, these might not be the best for you. But the ANC is great, as well as the transparency mode that automatically adapts to your environment so you can have a conversation with someone you run into on campus without having to take an earbud out to hear them. Overall, these are a great pick for any iPhone or Mac user that needs stand-out earbuds to be with them from freshman all the way through senior year.
Best Splurge: Apple AirPods Max
Key Specs
- Battery Life: up to 20 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 40 meters
- Weight: 29.6 oz
Pros:
- Sound quality and noise cancellation
- Long battery life and charge quickly
- Have a very sleek look
Cons:
- Heavier weight makes them uncomfortable for some
- On the expensive side
The Apple AirPods Max are pricey, but they come with a lot of value for money, making them perfect for those willing to splurge on the best wireless headphones for students. These Apple wireless headphones run for 20 hours before needing to be charged, even with active noise cancellation enabled.
The ANC feature is high-quality and allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite songs. Or you can activate the transparency mode to hear the world around you. In either case, the headphones provide spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, so they always provide good sound no matter how you move your head.
These are bolstered by on-head detection, device switching, and audio-sharing functions with other Apple devices, like your iPhone or iPad. If you need to save battery, you can store it in ultra-low power mode with a very slim Smart Case. Ultimately, these are some of the best wireless headphones available thanks to their quality and plethora of high-tech features.
Best Budget Over Ears: Marshall Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
Key Specs
- Battery Life: up to 80 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 10 meters
- Weight: 6.28 ounces
Pros:
- Very long battery life
- Collapse to make them easy to travel with
- Come with a wire to turn them into wired headphones
- Cool retro design
Cons:
- Does not come with a case
- Control buttons can be hard to understnad
- Can be uncomfortable to wear for long period of time
Marshall’s Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones are fantastic choices if you need some great wireless headphones without breaking the bank. These affordable wireless headphones still deliver custom-tuned dynamic drivers, ensuring that all levels of sound are clear and effective, whether you’re listening to music or calls.
Even better, you get up to 80 hours of wireless playtime and quick charging functionality (15 minutes of charging gets you about 15 hours of playtime.) These long-haul, durable headphones are ergonomic and very comfortable, with the ear cushions being designed for softness as they conform to your ear shape.
These affordable wireless headphones can be charged wirelessly and controlled with a multidirectional knob that enables extra ease of use. You can even take these Bluetooth headphones with you anywhere on campus, as they are easy to fold up into a compact size for storage.
Best Budget Earbuds: JLab Limited Edition Go Air Pop True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Key Specs
- Battery Life: 8+ hours (plus 24+ hours in the charging case)
- Active Noise Cancellation: no
- Bluetooth Range: 30+ feet
- Weight: .634 oz
Pros:
- Sound quality
- Affordable price
- Small and portable
Cons:
- Can be hard to get out of the charging case
- Not water- or sweat-resistant
If you’re looking for a more affordable earbud option, the JLap Go Air Pop earbuds are a top-notch choice. They have 8+ hours of play time and an extra 24+ hours in the charging case, which means you can wear them for days without needed to charge. And as one of the lightest on our list, you might not even realize you have them in (until you hear the music, of course.)
The touch-control functions mean that you can change the volume, track, play/pause, answer calls, activate a smart assistant, and switch between sound preferences (including JLap Signature, balanced, and bass boost modes) all using the earbuds. You can also connect each bud individually to different devices or use them together. And with more than 32,000 five-star ratings, reviewers back up that these earbuds may be small, but they sure are mighty and a great pick for best budget earbuds.
Best For Noise-Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Key Specs
- Battery Life: up to 6 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 10 meters
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
Pros:
- Noise cancellation
- Great sound quality
- Can customize fit with included eartips
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Touchpad area can be sensative
- Can’t tell how much power the case has
- Can have problems connecting to an iPhone
Sometimes you just need to tune out the world around you, and these Bose Quiet Comfort earbuds are here to do just that. Designed with three different modes, you can use these earbuds in either Aware Mode, where you hear what’s around you, Quiet Mode, which tunes out some of the ambient noise, and Immersion Mode, that engages the full noise cancellation and immersive audio so you can’t hear anything happening around you.
Not only are these earbuds lightweight and comfortable, but they also come with nine soft ear tips and stability bands so you can customize the fit to ensure they won’t fall out. You’re also able to use a singular earbud to listen to music or take a call. And the up to 6 hours of battery life and additional two hours with 20 minutes of charge, makes them a great option for long study sessions. Reviewers do mention that the touchpads on the earbuds can be a bit sensitive and even wind or hair can set them off. But at the end of the day, these are great earbuds that can help you focus on the tasks with the immersive sound and stellar noise cancellation.
Best For Young Kids: MIDOLA Kids Headphones
Key Specs
- Battery Life: up to 60 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: no
- Bluetooth Range: 15 meters
- Weight: 8.96 oz
Pros:
- Comes with audio cable for wired connection
- Limited volume to protect ears
- Fold to be compact, so are good for traveling
Cons:
- Quality could be better
- No noise cancellation
Wireless headphones are useful for people of all ages, but young children need to protect their ears as they are still growing. But the MIDOLA Kids headphones are specifically designed for kids ages two and up because they limit the volume to 85dB, which is the level the World Health Organization considers safe for young kids. Though they can to go into “adult mode” and go up to 110dB when you press and hold the pause/play button for three seconds.
They have up to 60 hours of battery life and also come with a wire so they can be converted to wired headphones, if needed. These do not have active noise cancellation, so the volume can seem a little low when it loud places, such as an airplane. But your kid will be able to listen to music or watch lessons on a tablet without bothering you with the noise. They also collapse small, which makes them great to travel to and from school. Parents love these headphones, especially since they are super affordable, which makes them a great pick for best wireless headphones for students.
Best For All-Day Wear: JBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones
Key Specs
- Battery Life: up to 50 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 10 meters
- Weight: 9.3 oz
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Comfortable design
- Fold up to travel with easily
Cons:
- Can feel bulky for some
- Included case could be more protective
Finding a comfortable pair of headphones can be more challenging than you think. While many may be comfortable for a short amount of time, some will make your ears sore after only a few hours. But the JBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones are a great option for all-day wear. Padding around the ear and the band, ensure that your head won’t hurt at the end of the day.
These are some of the best wireless headphones for students because they have excellent sound and a more affordable price tag. They also come with patented Ambient Aware technology, which decreases ambient sounds as you are out and about. You can chat while keeping your headphones on thanks to the TalkThru music function, as well, plus enjoy podcasts without having to wear a full headset or stifling earcups.
Even better, the JBL Live 660NC Wireless Headphones offer functionality with your preferred voice assistant, including Amazon Alexa. You can take calls, play music for up to 50 hours, and much more, and only have to charge the headphones for about 10 minutes to enjoy four hours of battery life.
Best Design: Bowers & Wilkins Over-Ear Headphones
Key Specs
- Battery Life: 30 hours
- Active Noise Cancellation: yes
- Bluetooth Range: 10 meters
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
Pros:
- Sleek appealing design
- Great sound quality
- Battery life
Cons:
- Can disconnect randomly
- ANC could be better
If design and look is most important to you, you’ll love the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones. They are made with foam earpads and a fabric finish, as well as metal detailing that truly gives these a sleek, expensive look.
These upgraded over-ear headphones have a redesigned, fully optimized acoustic system and a powerful motor system, ensuring that you get excellent audio performance and high clarity 24/7. Noise-canceling technology is present, of course, and you can adjust the external microphones to improve your voice clarity during phone calls.
But most importantly, these comfortable headphones are made with technical fabrics, lightweight polymer arms, and other improvements to the ear cushions. As a result, they fit a variety of different head shapes but never make your head, neck, or ears feel sore, even after many hours of use. The headphones last for 30 hours before needing to be recharged.
How to Choose the Best Wireless Headphones for Students
Budget
Wireless headphones can really range in price from very affordable to super expensive. You’ve got to decide what are the most important factors to you when it comes to headphones. Are you looking for a pair that’ll totally immerse you in the sound or are you willing to compromise a bit to get something that may not be as high quality with the sound but will still help you focus and study? No matter what you’re willing to pay for a pair of wireless headphones, you’ll be able to find an option that works for you.
Design
The design of wireless headphones can be broken into two main categories: over-ear headphones and earbuds. The over-ear style completely encompasses your ear and can give you a more immersive experience, while earbuds are smaller, lighter, and can be easier to travel with. But it really comes down to what you prefer to use and what situation you’ll be using them in.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a tool that actually takes the sounds around you and flips the frequency, so you don’t hear them and instead are surrounded by silence. Many wireless headphones have “Active Noise Cancellation” or ANC, which reduces those unwanted sounds and essentially makes the world around you disappear. That coupled with the sound quality can really make or break a pair of wireless headphones. Good sound quality will have drivers and amplifiers as well as equalization that work together to make whatever you’re listening to sound great.
Extra Features
And beyond the standard features of wireless headphones, you’ll have to figure out if you want more from them. Some have quick-charging ability, are lightweight, fold up small, or even make a sound to help you find them. These features can make it feel like you got your money’s worth.
The Bottom Line
Our top overall pick for best wireless headphones for students was the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones because of the sound quality, noise cancellation, and extra features. But there are still a lot of other great options if you want to tailor your headphone choices to your life. For earbuds, we recommend the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) because they take the already great first version of AirPods Pro and make them even better with improved sound quality, better noise cancellation, and more battery power. But if you want a more affordable option, two great picks are the Marshall’s Major IV On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones and the JLap Go Air Pop earbuds. No matter how you plan to use wireless headphones as a student, you’ll be able to start your research and narrow down your search with this list.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the different kinds of wireless headphones?
The two main kinds of wireless headphones are over-ear headphones and earbuds. Over-ear headphones are also called circumoral headphones and feature large ear cups that enclose your entire ear. This helps them create immersive sound and noise isolation. Earbuds, on the other hand, are more portable and convenient. They are smaller, lightweight and can even fit in a pocket. Many have ergonomic designs and provide ear tips for a customized fit so they’ll stay in place better.
Should kids use earbuds or headphones?
While kids can use either earbuds or headphones, it’s important to monitor the volume level, as too high can cause hearing damage. Earbuds might not fit younger children comfortably, so it’s recommended to choose over-ear or on-ear headphones for kids in third grade and younger.
Are noise-canceling headphones okay for kids to use?
Kids can use noise-canceling headphones, as it may help them focus, especially in louder environments. But it is important to keep volume levels low. But kids should not use noise-cancelling headphones when hearing sounds is crucial for safety, including walking or bike riding.
Can noise-canceling headphones help with studying?
Yes, using noise-canceling headphones can help students study and focus on the work in front of them. It can decrease auditory distractions, increase concentration, decrease distress, and improve learning.
Methodology
When deciding what are the best wireless headphones for students, we took many factors into consideration. We reviewed many different headphones and made sure all were still available and the best versions. We looked at the price, style, features, and more that really made these stand out. Age was also a consideration, as grade school through collage-aged students can find benefits in using wireless headphones. We even updated this list with more current options and better superlatives so you know that these truly are the best picks.
Sources:
