Best wireless headphones for PC and TV

Listening to music or watching a film has a completely different effect with a pair of headphones, especially if they are wireless (with wireless technology).

Thanks to the absence of the wire we will no longer be tied to staying near the PC or the TV, we will be able to listen to anything without disturbing those in the house or the neighbourhood, enjoying superior quality sound compared to simple speakers or speakers integrated into the TV or connected to your PC.

In this guide we will show you which wireless headphones for TV to buy based on the usage scenario, so that only headphones suitable for the intended purpose appear.

READ ALSO: How to improve the sound of wireless headphones (PC and smartphone)

1) How to choose wireless headphones

In order to choose the correct model of wireless headphones we will necessarily have to take a look at the technical characteristics. Since there can be numerous parameters, here are the ones to take into consideration when choosing a pair of wireless headphones.

wireless technology

The wireless technology used is important to be able to connect the chosen headphones to the playback device without problems. The most used technology is without a doubt Bluetoothwhich allows you to connect the headphones to any modern smartphone or tablet, to your PC (via Bluetooth adapter) and to some TVs equipped with Bluetooth technology.

Alternatively, RF (Radio Frequencies) are used, often associated with an independent transmission base to be connected to the TV or playback device via audio jack cable or optical audio cable. WiFi Direct can also be used as a transmission system, but it is not very widespread and will not be taken into consideration.

Wireless signal coverage

The maximum coverage of the headphones depends on the type of wireless technology used and the listening distance. If the headphones you choose adopt the Bluetooth technology we will get the maximum quality and absence of interference within the first 3-4 meters, with the signal decaying rapidly after 5 meters (especially in the presence of obstacles or other wireless waves).

So Bluetooth headphones are excellent if used close enough to the source, while they may not be usable over medium distances (such as TV-sofa, where 10 meters of distance can make the difference).

Headphones that use radio frequencies (RF) certainly have greater coverage with optimal results achievable up to 15 metersbut they particularly suffer from interference with other radio wave devices (FM stereo, clock radio, home alarms, automatic gate remote control, etc.), so the audio quality may not be perfect even if we are close enough (we may hear interference like when we listen the FM radio is noisy).

To solve this type of problem, RF wireless headphones often offer multiple tuning channels, so you can independently choose the best interference-free channel.

Noise Cancellation (ND)

This function, present only on high quality headphonesallows you to reduce the sounds coming from the surrounding environment to zero, thus allowing superior sound performanceespecially when we watch films and TV series in streaming.

Although many look for this function on headphones to use for smart TV, we remind you that any additional function left active will consume batterysignificantly reducing the duration of listening in front of the TV (we will almost always have to charge them after intense use).

Transmission security

The Bluetooth connection is encryptedso no one else will be able to hear what we are transmitting to the headphones (unless they decide to also connect to the same source). The radio connection however is unencryptedso (from a theoretical point of view) anyone can pick up the radio frequency we are using for headphones and listen to everything we are transmitting.

It is not uncommon to “intercept” other radio transmissions as well, which will be played through the headphones, disturbing listening. While this parameter may not be important in most scenarios, it could become important if we live in an area where radio waves are often used to communicate or remotely control vehicles (radio stations for amateur radio, runways for model airplanes, military or air force barracks etc.).

Audio optimization systems

The more expensive models of wireless headphones allow you to obtain higher quality when listening by using independent equalizers, supporting proprietary audio compression protocols (APT-X, AAC, CSR o A2DP) or by mounting a chip dedicated to audio conversion (DAC).

Models with these features offer crystal clear, clean audio with powerful volumes at any listening frequency, for a truly unique experience.

2) Usage scenario

The most expensive headphones are not necessarily good for all use scenarios! For example, if we are looking for wireless headphones for listen to the TV in the living room without disturbingthe best solution is radio wave (RF) headphones, which are convenient to set up and have good quality (without interference).

If we want instead use wireless headphones on your PC or smartphone/tabletthe best choice is without a doubt Bluetooth headphones, which offer maximum quality in the short distance and can also improve the audio quality thanks to the improvements integrated on the high-end models.

3) Bluetooth headphones buying guide

After seeing the characteristics that they must possess good wireless headphoneslet’s see together the best models equipped with Bluetooth technology.

JBL Tune 510BT

The best cheap headphones to use for PCs and smart TVs are JBL Tune 510BTequipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, foldable design, integrated microphone, multipoint connection, voice assistant, autonomy of up to 40 hours and fast charging.

Panasonic RB-M500BE-K

Excellent headphones for every usage scenario are the Panasonic RB-M500BE-Kwhich feature a large earcup, support for Bluetooth technology, quick connection, system with powerful and clear bass, integrated microphone and fast charging.

Sennheiser Hd 450Bt

At the high end of the market we find the Sennheiser Hd 450Bt, among the best headphones for smart TV and computers. These headphones boast a mixed wireless/Bluetooth connection system, boast an external noise reduction system, integrated equalizer, fast charging and sound customization via a dedicated app.

Sony WH-XB910N

Always at the high end of the market we can also view headphones Sony WH-XB910N, a very suitable choice for PC gaming, listening to music and watching films and TV series. These headphones boast an active noise canceling system (Noise Cancelling), battery life of up to 30 hours, fast charging system (10 min. for 4.5 hours of playback), Multipoint connection, Extra Bass system and compatibility with Amazon assistants Alexa and Google Assistant.

Bose Quietcomfort 45

The top of the range in the category are without a doubt the headphones Bose Quietcomfort 45which feature the Acoustic Noise Canceling system, balanced sound with Active EQ, Bluetooth 5.1 connection, 24 hours of battery life and equalizer and function control via a dedicated Bose app.

4) RF wireless headphones buying guide

After seeing the Bluetooth headphones, let’s discover the best ones together models of radio frequency headphones (RF) that we can purchase.

PHILIPS AUDIO SHC5200/10

The best inexpensive and ready-to-use RF headphones are PHILIPS AUDIO SHC5200/10equipped with 32mm drivers, FM Wireless transmission, automatic adjustment strap, lightweight design, rechargeable batteries and station with a choice of two frequencies (to always find the one free from interference).

Meliconi HP Comfort

The most beautiful RF headphones that we can install near our TV are the Meliconi HP Comfortequipped with charging base, adjustable headband, 8 hours of battery life with rechargeable batteries, 3.5mm analog connection and Auto-Tuning system.

Avantree Ensemble

If we are looking for universal headphones compatible with any TV we can try them Avantree Ensembleequipped with AUX input, optical input and Bluetooth connection, charging dock, up to 35 hours of battery life and low latency (which cancels out any lip synchronization delay).

Sennheiser Cuffie Wireless RS 120-W

At the high end of the market we can find RF headphones Sennheiser RS 120-Wwhich boast 3 different audio modes, 120W audio output power, volume control system, signal range up to 60m, transmitter combination and base charger included.

Conclusions

Come cuffie wireless we can choose both Bluetooth headphones and radio frequency headphonesorienting the choice based on the television model we have.

If we have the possibility to use Bluetooth It’s best to get a couple of headphones compatible with this technology, also given the possibility of taking advantage of noise cancellation (which makes the difference when we use the smart TV); if instead we don’t know how to use Bluetoothwe have an old TV or one where Bluetooth doesn’t work it is worth focusing on RF headphoneseven at the cost of giving up some innovative functions.

For further information we can read our guides best Bluetooth headphones for smartphones similar to AirPods come on how to connect headphones to the TV to listen at high volume without disturbing.