Top Ten Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones for TV including infrared wireless headphones allow users to listen to signals from their television sets or other media devices without disturbing those around them. The absence of wires, however, means the user can move freely about the room. Increasingly these wireless headphones have become favorite accessories in the workplace and at home for their ability to isolate the user from distractions while not bothering co-workers with unwanted music.

Depending on the technology used, wireless headphones are normally bundled with some kind of transmitter unit that is attached to the media source. The headphones pick up the signal emitted within a designated range. Infrared headphones are line-of-site devices whereas Bluetooth models have radial reception within a given distance.

In addition to the privacy and sound isolation features (including noise cancellation) of wireless headphones, the units offer excellent sound quality and are lightweight and comfortable to wear for expending periods of time. They come in the traditional over the head form factor as well as in the "ear bud" and "in the ear" configurations. (The "in the ear" form factor offers the greatest sound isolation but the ear pieces need to be carefully fitted to prevent discomfort.)

Disadvantages of Wireless Headphone

The greatest disadvantage to wireless headphones is that they cannot be used satisfactorily with all media devices. The ever popular iPod, for example, offers no native wireless solution and users are forced to purchase add-on solutions that are often clunky and add bulk to their otherwise sleek players.

Some wireless headphones are subject to interference from external sources like cordless telephones or other wireless peripherals and range can be limited. Battery life is often poor and charge times slow. Most users, however, are more than willing to find ways around these issues in favor of the flexible use offered by wireless units.

Top Ten Best Wireless Headphones

Buyers are presented with a wide range of selections from Sony wireless headphones and Logitech wireless headphones to more expensive models from Shure and Sennheiser. Some of the following units have scored good marks with reviewers.

Sennheiser PXC-300

Sennheiser wireless headphones feature noise cancellation and are lightweight and comfortable although this unit does come with a battery pack which decreases the portability. Sennheiser headphones are recognized by audiophiles as among the best headphones on the market, however, and at $306 the PXC-300s are a solution for hardcore audio fanatics.

Creative Digital Wireless Headphones

With a transmitter no larger than a pack of gum this Bluetooth wireless headphone set streams music at 48 kHz with a range or approximately 28 feet. AAA batteries are used for both headset and transmitter. Users can control noise through the mute button attached to the headset. Battery life is around eight hours. The set is priced at $138.

Bose QuietComfort2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphone

These traditional, over-the-ear headphones with their soft leather cushioning are a favorite with frequent flyers. The set comes in a handy case with included adaptors for 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm jacks. The headphones have a 35 hours battery life on a single AAA battery. The headphones retail for around $459.

Continue to: Most Top Rated Infrared Wireless Headphones