Best Wireless Headphones for Mac in 2023

A wireless headphone is a great addition to your Mac. You get a wire-free and convenient listening experience. This added convenience also offers a more comfortable listening experience, as the absence of wires allows the listener to move and adjust their headphones freely without worrying about snagging or getting tangled.

In recent years, wireless headphones have greatly evolved. They now work with a wide range of devices, including Macs. Most wireless headphones use Bluetooth to establish a connection with your Mac. It is for this reason that the best wireless headphones for Mac have the latest Bluetooth version.

So let’s examine the best wireless headphones for Mac in more detail. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Things to look for in the best wireless headphones for Mac

If you want to go and get yourself a wireless headphone or upgrade from your existing one, there are a few things you need to check out first. Here are three important things that you should consider before buying wireless headphones for Mac. 

Sound quality

A great wireless headphone should have great sound quality, such as a good base, clear highs, and a balanced soundstage. Another important feature is its noise-canceling feature. It should be able to block out background noise, making the sound from the headphone clear and crisp.

Battery life

A great wireless headphone should also have a long battery life so that it can be used without having to be recharged for a long time. Here in this article, you’ll find headphones with battery life ranging from 20 hours to 40 hours. 

`Comfortability & Durability

A wireless headphone should be comfortable and lightweight so that it can be worn for hours at a time without causing discomfort. While an ideal headphone should be lightweight, it should also be durable enough not to break easily. Moreover, it should be made of high-quality materials.

Compatibility

You need Bluetooth connectivity on your wireless headphone in order to connect them to your Mac. So, if you want stable and smooth pairing between your headset and your Mac or any other device, you need to have the latest Bluetooth version. If not Bluetooth, then the headset should have an alternative wireless method to pair with your Mac. 

Best wireless headphones for Mac | Our Top 10 choices

1. Sony WH-1000XM4
2. Apple AirPods Max
3. Bose QuietComfort 45
4. Beats Studio3
5. SENNHEISER HD 450BT
6. JBL Tune 510BT
7. Beats Solo Pro
8. Skullcandy Grind S5GBW-J543
9. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
10. SteelSeries Arctis 7

Sony WH-1000XM4 Review

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a step up from its predecessor, the WH-1000XM3, with better noise-canceling technology and advanced features like Speak-to-Chat and Multipoint Connection. However, for the former, you also need to download the Sony Headphones Connect app on your phone. Also, the Bluetooth multipoint feature allows you to pair the headphones with more than one device at any given time. 

For noise cancellation, the WH-1000MX4 used the HD noise canceling processor QN1. This processor captures ambient noise from each earcup’s built-in microphone and then applies noise cancellation processing in real time. The result is that you get to hear every sound or note in great detail, no matter the environment. 

For power, you get up to 30 hours of continuous listening time on a single charge, but their main strength is in their quick charging feature. You can get up to 5 hours of listening time with just 10 minutes of charging, which is more when you compare it with the Beats Solo Pro. 

As for pairing with your Mac or iPhone, it’s a seamless process thanks to the Apple H1 chip, which also enables hands-free “Hey Siri” functionality. Also, the Bluetooth 5.0 technology makes sure that the connection is stable and strong, so you can move around without interruptions or dropouts. Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is one of the best wireless headphones for Mac.

Pros: 

• Premium noise cancellation
• Multiple device connectivity
• Siri & Alexa voice controls
• Speak-to-chat technology

Cons:

• Mild discomfort for first time users

Apple AirPods Max Review

The Apple AirPods Max is a premium pair of wireless headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation. They feature an over-ear design with a breathable mesh canopy and come in five different colors to match your personal style. 

The AirPods Max is not only stylish, but they also work well with other Apple devices. This makes it easy to switch between devices and use Siri. As for wireless connectivity, the AirPods Max uses both Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC technology. This ensures a stable and reliable connection to your device and also allows for quick pairing with other compatible devices. This means that the AirPods Max will easily pair with your Mac.

When it comes to the AirPods Max headphones’ battery life, it is nothing to laugh at. Although it is lower than the Sony WH-1000XM4’s 30 hours, 20 hours on a single charge is still pretty impressive. Also, another amazing thing about this headphone is that when you get one, you also get a Smart Case with it. When your AirPods Max is placed in this case, it puts them in an ultra-low power state. So, when you are not using the headphone, the remaining battery life will be conserved. 

However, their high price point may not be feasible for all consumers. You might find headphones from other well-known brands with similar features to be cheaper than AirPods Max. Nonetheless, it still offers some of the best audio quality and other premium features, thus making it one of the best wireless Bluetooth headsets for your Mac or other Apple devices. 

Pros

• Seamless pairing
• Good Sound quality
• Great Active Noise Cancelation with Transparency mode
• Personalized Spatial Audio

Cons

• Very expensive

Bose QuietComfort 45 Review

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is regarded among the best wireless headphones for Mac due to its advanced noise-cancellation technology. Because of this, the QuietComfort 45 can deliver clear, balanced sound even in noisy environments. Also, the QuietComfort 45 is obviously a step up from their earlier QuietComfort 35 II headphones, which are also listed in this review. 

As for how the headphones are made, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is comfortable and light, which makes it great for long periods of use. The headset weighs a reasonable 240 grams, which is spread evenly throughout the headset. Also, the earcups themselves are large, easily covering large ears, and the earpads have a generous amount of padding. All of this contributes to less fatigue when used for long periods of time. However, unlike the AirPods Max, the QuietComfort 45 features a foldable design, allowing for better portability. 

Moreover, this headphone has advanced Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, which is the perfect companion for Mac users who demand superior audio quality and seamless connectivity. Also, for those who are into wired connectivity, the Bose QuietComfort 45 has a 3.5mm audio jack input that allows you to connect a 3.5mm audio cable. Anyone looking for premium wireless headphones for their Mac will find the Bose QuietComfort 45 to be a great investment, thanks to its impressive features. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Also, view our list and detailed review of the.

Pros

• Amazing noise canceling feature
• Comfortable to wear
• Supports both wireless and wired playback

Cons

• Audio quality could have been better

Beats Studio3 Review

The Beats Studio3 headphones have Class 1 Bluetooth technology, which provides extended range and fewer dropouts. Additionally, they have Apple’s W1 chip, which allows for seamless pairing with your Mac and other Apple devices. 

The headphones also have Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC) technology, which actively blocks outside noise and adjusts to each person’s fit and music playback. So, with the Pure ANC turned on, you get up to 22 hours of continuous playback time, and that shoots up to 40 hours when it is turned off. Also, you get 3 hours of battery life with only 10 minutes of charge, all thanks to its Fast Fuel charging feature. For comparison, the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers 24 hours of battery life, and the AirPods Max offers only 20 hours. 

When it comes to audio quality, the Beats Studio3 delivers a fairly decent sound profile. However, it surely lags behind other heavyweights such as the Bose QuietComfort 45, AirPods Max, and the Sony WH-1000XM4, which deliver far better sound quality. 

As for its call quality, you might face some issues as the microphone quality is not up to par, and it tends to pick up a lot of background noise. Overall, the Beats Studio3 is a good choice if you’re searching for a stylish pair of headphones with long battery life and relatively decent sound quality.

Pros

• Good active noise canceling feature
• Good battery life
• Decent sound quality
• Both wired & wireless options are available

Cons

• Call quality could be better

SENNHEISER HD 450BT Review

The next item on our list is the Sennheiser HD 450BT wireless Bluetooth headphone. It features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and supports AAC, SBC, and AptX low-latency codecs. This means that you can enjoy great audio and low-latency video syncing with compatible devices. 

Also, the HD 450BT features great active noise-canceling for its price point, especially when compared to the Bose QuietComfort 45, AirPods Max, and most other headphones on this list. Additionally, its large earpads provide you with decent noise isolation even without the noise-canceling turned on. Also, the earpads themselves have generously cushioned memory foam, making them somewhat comfortable to wear. 

Furthermore, the Sennheiser HD 450BT can play music for an impressive 30 hours straight after a single full charge. Now, add in the Sennheiser Smart Control app, and you can get the adjustable EQ feature that lets you personalize your sounds. In addition, the app also allows you to customize the touch controls on the headphones, giving you more control over your audio playback. 

However, the microphone quality of the HD 450BT could be improved for clearer audio or video chats. It’s important to know that the Sennheiser HD 450BT is mostly made for playing music and other audio, not for making phone calls. Therefore, you might want to take a look at other headsets on the market if you’re looking for one that also has better microphone quality.

Even so, the Sennheiser HD 450BT is one of the best wireless Bluetooth headsets for Mac because it is easy to wear, has a long battery life, and offers sound customization options. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pros

• Good active noise cancellation
• Adjustable EQ
• Comparatively affordable

Cons

• Poor microphone quality

JBL Tune 510BT Review

Most headphones reviewed till now are slightly pricy, with them costing several hundred dollars. However, the JBL Tune 510BT headphones offer a more affordable option without compromising that much on features and sound quality. With just under 50 USD, you are getting great sound quality, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, a built-in microphone, and voice assistant support. 

For connectivity, the JBL Tune 510BT has Bluetooth 5.0 and supports a range of codecs, including AAC and SBC. Additionally, this headphone supports multipoint connectivity, allowing you to simultaneously connect it to two different devices and easily switch between them. So, you don’t have to worry about trying to pair these headphones with your MacBook or any other Bluetooth-enabled device. 

As for the design of this headphone, it is very lightweight and foldable, meaning you can easily store and carry it. However, its build doesn’t feel sturdy enough. And if you are someone who wears glasses, then these headphones would most likely be uncomfortable to wear for long periods. 

One of its most redeeming features is its battery life. You get 40 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge, which beats the likes of the Bose QuietComfort 45, AirPods Max, and other more expensive headsets on this list. Additionally, the JBL Tune 510BT features decent noise cancellation and very good microphone quality. 

Overall, the JBL Tune 510BT is a great option for those who want good sound quality and features without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Foldable and compact
• Bluetooth multipoint connectivity
• Great built-in microphone
• Impressive battery life

Cons

• Not comfortable for people with glasses

Beats Solo Pro Review

Beats Solo Pro is a wireless over-ear headphone that uses an Apple W1 headphone chip. This premium-quality headphone comes with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature that effectively blocks most external noise. It also provides Transparency Mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings clearly. 

As for the sound quality, the Solo Pro tends to have a bass-heavy sound profile. Therefore, if you enjoy bass-driven music genres like hip-hop or EDM, these headphones will more than meet your expectations. However, if you prefer a more balanced sound, then the Solo Pro might disappoint you. 

The Beats Solo Pro boasts an impressive battery life, with up to 22 hours of playback time when using active noise cancellation. And this shoots up to 40 hours when ANC is turned off. Additionally, you can get up to 3 hours of playback time with just 10 minutes of charging.  

Furthermore, when it comes to connectivity, the Beats Solo Pro offers Class 1 Bluetooth with an extended range. Meaning these headphones will pair with your Mac very easily and provide a stable and smooth listening experience without any fear of interruption. Also, if you want, you can use this headset in a wired configuration with your MacBook using the 3.5mm audio cable. 

The Beats Solo Pro is designed for maximum comfort, with plush ear cups and an adjustable headband. The design is sleek and lightweight, making them an ideal choice for those who travel a lot or simply want headphones that won’t be too heavy on their ears.

So, with top-notch sound quality, active noise canceling feature, comfort, and battery life, the Beats Solo Pro is among the best wireless headphone for Mac or any other Apple devices.

Pros: 

• Active Noise Canceling (ANC) 
• Transparency Mode
• Long battery life
• Fast charging
• Wired configuration supported

Cons:

• Sound profile is not well balanced 

Skullcandy Grind Wireless Review

For MacBook users who want a premium audio experience without breaking the bank, the Skullcandy Grind wireless on-ear Bluetooth headphone is a great option. The sound quality of these headphones is great, and they can be compared to that of more expensive headphones. With its strong bass and clear highs, the Grind S5GBW-J543 can make a wide range of music sound more immersive. 

Although the audio quality of the Grind wireless headphone is amazing, it sacrifices the noise isolation front. So, it might not be suitable for use in noisy environments. However, this shouldn’t be a big deal if your main objective is to use these headphones with your MacBook in a home or office setting.

Another area where it falls short is in its battery life. While most of the other headphones on this list offer a battery life of upwards of 20 hours on a single charge, with some even offering as high as 40 hours, like the JBL Tune 510BT headphone, the Grind wireless headphone only offers 12 hours of playtime. 

In terms of the build, the Grind wireless headphone is very lightweight and surprisingly comfortable, especially for an on-ear design. Additionally, the lightweight construction of these headphones makes it easy to carry them around or wear them for extended periods of time.

While the Skullcandy Grind wireless headphone might not be the best in terms of battery life, it still offers an amazing wireless audio experience at an affordable price. Although priced slightly higher than the JBL Tune 510BT, the Skullcandy Grind wireless can also be considered among the best budget wireless headphones for Mac or other Apple users. 

Pros

• Great sound quality
• Lightweight and portable
• Comfortable to wear
• Affordable price

Cons

• Noise cancellation could be better
• Comparatively lower battery life

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Review

The Bose QuietComfort series of headphones are well known for their great noise-cancellation feature. And the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphone is the predecessor to the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphone, which is also featured in this review. While the QuietComfort 45 has surpassed the QC 35 II in terms of performance, which is why it is ranked higher, it is still a formidable headphone. And it is still popular after being on the market for several years. 

The QuietComfort 35 II headphones, like their QuietComfort 45 counterpart, have a comfortable and lightweight design that also makes them suitable for long-term use. Its earpads are generously cushioned, and the 235-gram weight of the headphone is evenly distributed across the headband and the earcups. 

In terms of connectivity, the QuietComfort 35 II headphones support both wireless and wired configurations. So, you can pair the headphones with your MacBook wirelessly via Bluetooth or use the 3.5mm audio cable to connect them directly to your device. But it’s strange that the QC 35 II headphones cost more than the QC 45 headphones, even though they are an older version of the QC 45 headphones. 

Even so, the QuietComfort 35 II headphones still have great noise-canceling technology and fit well. So, if you don’t mind paying a bit more for an older version, the QC 35 II headphones are still a solid choice. 

Pros

• Good Active noise canceling
• Lightweight & comfortable to wear
• Supports wired & wireless configurations

Cons

• Very high price point

SteelSeries Arctis 7 Review

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is a popular gaming headset that also works well for general use with Mac computers. It boasts a long battery life of up to 24 hours and has a comfortable fit, making it ideal for extended use. For pairing with other devices such as your PS5, Mac, or PC, the Arctis 7 headset features a wireless transmitter that delivers low latency and lossless audio at a range of about 40ft. You can pair it with your MacBook using the accompanying USB dongle.

Additionally, its ClearCast microphone ensures clear communication during gaming or online meetings. Their built-in microphone provides superior audio quality and noise cancellation. And you can detach the microphone when not in use for added convenience. 

This headset also has DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound, which gives you a more immersive audio experience for better gaming or entertainment. However, when it comes to noise isolation, the Arctis 7 performs better than most gaming headsets. But you cannot expect it to compete with headphones that have ANC, like the Apple AirPods Max, Bose QuietComfort 45, Bose QuietComfort 35 II, and such.

As for the build of the SteelSeries Arctis 7, the headband is made from lightweight and durable steel, and it has premium woven ski goggle elastic fabric that perfectly contours across your head. In addition to this, you also have AirWeave ear cushions. The ear cushions are made from a breathable material that keeps your ears cool and dry even after long use.

Pros

• Great surround sound
• Good battery life
• Durable & lightweight
• Comfortable to wear
• Good microphone

Cons

• Noise cancellation could be better

How to connect a wireless headphone to a MacBook?

Commonly wireless headphones use Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices like your MacBook. The steps to connect your wireless Bluetooth headphone to your Mac is not that complicated. 

• First, you need to make sure your headphone is in pairing mode. Often it is done by simply turning on the headphone. So, by pressing the power button or, in some cases pressing and holding the power button for a few seconds. 

• Once your headphone is in pairing mode, you need to turn on Bluetooth on your Mac. For this, you can click on the Apple icon from the top-left, then select System Preferences, and then Bluetooth. After that, turn on Bluetooth and then look for the name of your headphone to appear on the list of nearby devices. 

• After that, you need to click on Connect once you select your headphone’s name from the list. Now both your Mac and headphone are paired with each other. 

Furthermore, you’ll notice several wireless headphones on our list also featuring a wired configuration. This means you can connect your headphone to your MacBook with the good old 3.5mm audio cable. 

Wrapping up

In conclusion, when selecting the best wireless headphones for your Mac, it’s important to consider factors like sound quality, battery life, and comfort. With the options we’ve listed above, you can find a pair of headphones that meets your needs and enhances your overall listening experience.

Read more:

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• best Bose wireless headphones