Ready to cut the cord? Here's our guide to the best Bluetooth headphones of 2017

An Apple Store employee tries on a pair of headphones

But whatever type of smartphone you own, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by opting for a set of Bluetooth wireless headphones.
As well as providing the convenience of a tangle-free wireless connection, Bluetooth headphones are compatible with most types of smartphones and mobile devices, so you never have to worry if they’ll work with the latest models.
The Lightning connection on the Apple iPhone 7
Bluetooth headphones come in all shapes and sizes, too. There are compact in-ear headphones for sport and exercise, as well as larger on-ear and over-ear headphones that provide additional features such as noise cancellation and longer battery life.
So read our buyer’s guide to find out which are the best wireless Bluetooth headphones for you.

Bose QuietComfort 35

Price: £290
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones - Black
Bose is synonymous with active noise-cancelling headphones, and for good reason.
The company's noise-cancelling technology is some of the best out there, making your daily commute ever-so-slightly more bearable.
However, until the release of the QC35, you still had to deal with the inconvenience of cabled headphones. The QC35, thankfully, embraces Bluetooth to cut the cord. The resulting headphones are just as great as the earlier QC25, so they're terrifically comfortable with great noise cancellation and excellent sound quality.
Battery life on the QC35 is good too, lasting 20 hours with Bluetooth or 40 hours when using the optional audio cable. Pricey, but they’re the best.
SPECS - Headphone type: Over-ear headset, Plug type: 2.5mm headset jack plug (optional), Weight: 310g, Cable length: 1.2m

Plantronics BackBeat Sense

Price: £92
Plantronics BackBeat Sense
The BackBeat Sense headphones are a bit of a bargain, as a recent price cut means that you can now pick them up for less than £100.
The sound quality might not satisfy audiophiles – the mid-range in particular could use a little more emphasis – but it’s perfectly respectable for headphones in this price range.
They’re neatly designed, too, with a weight of just 140g ensuring that the padded earpieces rest comfortably on your ears for hours at a time.
Battery life is very good, lasting close to the claimed 18 hours, and there are some high-tech goodies too, such as a motion sensor that can pause your music when you remove the headphones.
SPECS - Headphone type: On-ear Bluetooth, Plug type: 3.5mm headset jack plug, Weight: 140g, Cable length: 1.2m

Studio Vasa Bla

Price: £70
Sudio Vasa Bla
The name’s a bit of a head-scratcher, but the Vasa Bla is a stylish set of in-ear Bluetooth headphones that provides a great sound at a competitive price.
The rose gold finish and sturdy flat cables look nice and smart, and the headphones come with a classy little leather carrying case to help keep them safe when you’re on the move.
The sound signature has plenty of detail, and the bass isn't too overbearing, allowing the treble to shine through clearly.
Battery life is around eight hours, and our only real complaint is that you don’t get much warning when the battery is running low.
SPECS - Headphone type: In-ear Bluetooth, Plug type: N/A, Weight: 14g, Cable length: N/A

Lindy BNX-60

Price: £80
Lindy BNX-60
The sound of silence often comes with a premium price, but Lindy’s BNX-60 is one of the most affordable sets of noise-cancelling headphones we’ve come across.
Throw in Bluetooth connectivity as well, and they’re a bit of a bargain at around £80.
The large, padded ear cups are nice and comfortable for long journeys, and battery life is rated at 15 hours with Bluetooth, or 30 hours if you decide to use the included audio cable instead.
Sound quality is very good when using the noise-cancellation feature – the bass is a little boomy, rather than tight and focused, but the mid- and higher frequencies ring out nice and clear, and work well with a variety of musical genres.
SPECS - Headphone type: Over-ear headset, Plug type: 3.5mm jack plug, Weight: 998g, Cable length: 1.5m

Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II

Price: £200
Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II are incredibly comfortable, thanks to their large, padded earpieces and contoured headband.
Their sturdy design is ideal for outdoor use, and also includes a noise-cancelling microphone for voice calls when you’re out and about.
The headphones fold flat for easy storage, and you get a convenient carry case too, which makes the SoundLink a great choice for commuters. Sound quality is great, with excellent battery life – up to 15 hours with Bluetooth, and you can carry on listening to music once the battery dies thanks to its 3.5mm audio cable.
SPECS - Headphone type: Over-ear headset, Plug type: 3.5mm jack plug, Weight: 196g, Cable length: 1.2m