We’ve done the research, read the online reviews, and have come up with this list of the best headphones for Android users. Discover why favorites from Sony, Bose, and more come out on top.
All Android smartphones come bundled with earphones for you to get listening to your favorite music or podcasts immediately, but they’re rarely a great set of earphones. It’s a better idea to purchase a separate pair of headphones or earphones that suit your needs, providing you know what to look for.
First of all, consider when you’re going to be using your headphones most often. Do you want to block out background noise while you’re on your daily commute? Do you want a pair that are great while you’re running or working out at the gym? Or do you just want to kick back and relax at home, listening to music through your headphones, perhaps even while you sleep?
Consider just what scenarios you’re planning on using them during then read on to learn what to think about and how to choose the best wireless headphones for your Android device.
Are Beats headphones compatible with Android?
Apple bought headphone manufacturer Beats back in 2014, so it might seem like you can’t use Beats headphones with your Android phone. That’s not actually the case. You can definitely hook up your Beats with your Android smartphone, although you won’t be able to use Quick Glance to see your battery life, and obviously there’s no Siri support.
More importantly though, there are better headphones out there for your Android smartphone than a Beats set, although we are fans of the Beats Solo Pro.
What are the best wireless headphones for Android?
There’s no one way answer to that, as it entirely depends on what you need them for. While Apple owners can assume that AirPod Pros are the best all-rounders for them, Android owners don’t have a “one size fits all” solution. It mostly comes down to what you intend on using them for, which is why it’s worth thinking about your plan, and also why we’ve divided up our favorites according to certain scenarios in life.
Can’t I just buy the cheapest pair?
You totally can, but it’s not worth it. If you’re looking to go easy on your wallet, stick with the pair that came standard when you purchased your Android smartphone. This is only really a worthwhile plan if you’e prone to losing headphones often. Instead, if you regularly enjoy music or podcasts, it’s worth investing in a more expensive pair that offers more useful features like active noise cancellation or companion apps.
Read on to discover our picks for the best headphones for Android:
1. Sony WH1000XM3
Perfect for blocking out noise while traveling.-
Colors:
Black, Silver -
Battery life:
30 hours (with active noise cancellation on)
They’re able to detect the ambient sounds around you, automatically adjusting so that you receive the best level of noise cancellation at all times. It’s a huge help when you’re traveling and moving between different spaces and levels of noise.
The Sony WH1000XM3 headphones don’t just stop there either. They sound great for a wide range of different types of audio, and their touch controls are simple and intuitive. A 30-hour battery life means they’ll last for as long as you need them, whether it’s a marathon day of travel or a series of work calls.
2. Bose QuietComfort 20
Easy to take out to talk to a co-worker while also offering great sound quality.-
Colors:
Black -
Battery life:
16 hours (Noise cancellation)
When you’re working, you want to be able to get into the zone and listen to your favorite music or podcasts (or conference call) in a clear and straightforward way that doesn’t interrupt your focus.
The Bose QuietComfort 20 headphones offer the best of both worlds. You can easily switch noise cancelling on or off at the touch of a button so you hear what’s going on, before switching back to some great sounding audio. These are also super comfy to wear for in-ear headphones, just make sure to buy the dedicated Android/Samsung variety.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35
Connect to Google Assistant or Alexa to make listening even easier.-
Colors:
Black, Silver, Rose Gold -
Battery life:
Up to 20 hours wireless, 40 hours wired
The Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones aren’t the only option out there with Alexa and Google Assistant support, but they are some of the simplest to use. Just tap a button to the side of one of the cans and you can hear all your phone notifications, change up the playlist, or ask your Assistant a question. It’s a big help if you’re out and about and don’t want to dig out your Android smartphone. Alternatively, you can use the Action button to adjust the level of noise cancellation you receive, between three different modes. Everything sounds great and well-balanced too.
4. Cowin E7
Get the best bang for your buck while still enjoying a 30-hour battery.-
Colors:
Black, Blue, Green, Purple, Red, White -
Battery life:
30 hours
Not everyone can (or wants) to spend a lot on headphones, but they still want to use a decent pair. That’s where the Cowin E7 Headphones come in. They’re wallet-friendly but offer a lot of bang for the buck. They even come in a number of different colors. Some 30 hours of playtime is available, plus the option to plug in a 3.5mm audio cable for when you’re caught short. Active noise cancellation is surprisingly good for the price, although maybe don’t expect as good sound quality as you might get on more expensive headphones as some tracks can sound a little crackly.
5. Jabra Elite Active 65t
Work out without worrying about your earbuds falling out.-
Colors:
Copper Black, Copper Blue, Gold Beige -
Battery life:
5 hours
The Jabra Elite Active 65t headphones offer a unique feature in that they have a built-in accelerometer so they can track your run or walk while also allowing you to listen to music. Sure, that might sound a little gimmicky, but it’s always nice to have extra ways to track your run. Perhaps more importantly, they feel comfy in your ears so you won’t have to worry about them slipping out while you’re sprinting at full speed. Sound quality is decent too, with the option to customize how things sound via the Jabra app. Just don’t expect competent noise cancellation here.
6. Sony WI-1000X Wireless
These headphones will give you a snug fit that won’t slip.-
Colors:
Black, Gold -
Battery life:
10 hours
Workouts are understandably pretty demanding on your headphones as well as your body. It’s easy for wires to get tangled or earbuds to fall out. The Sony WI1000X headphones use a wraparound method so they stay behind your neck, meaning there’s little risk of them getting in the way of your routine. They don’t look the best, we must admit, but they work well with active noise cancellation, an ambient sound mode that detects when you want to hear something, and the option for hands-free calling. Battery life could be better, but you can always plug an audio cable in and continue to listen, which is a big help.
Extended sessions with any headphones often make you realize they’re not exactly the comfiest. That’s not the case with the JBL E55BT Quincy Edition headphones. Thanks to their soft leather headband and snug ear cushions, they actually pretty delightful to have on your head. They’re easy to use too, with legendary music producer Quincy Jones himself guiding you through the paces. There’s also the option to easily switch between two devices, depending on what you’re doing. The only downside here is that the audio quality isn’t the greatest, but it’s still not bad, and it’s a small price to pay for a comfortable fit.