Rating of the best wireless headphones for watching TV

Wireless headphones are suitable not only for listening to music, but also for those who like to watch movies or television shows at night and do not want to wake up their family or find this solution convenient. In addition, these devices are useful for people who are hard of hearing. Read more about how to choose wireless headphones for your TV and which models deserve attention.

Types of signal transmission in wireless headphones

It is believed that wired headphones provide better sound quality, but their cable length is limited to 2-3 meters. This interferes with free movement around the room and forces you to remove the headset as soon as the user moves away from the TV.

Wireless headphones are mobile and powered by a built-in battery. The main thing where they differ is in signal transmission technology:

• Bluetooth;
• IR port;
• Wi-Fi;
• radio channel

Bluetooth headsets

This is the most common data transmission technology. These headphones do not require a stationary transmitter, and they connect to any device that supports Bluetooth. In this case, the signal transmission radius does not exceed 10 meters.

The disadvantage of Bluetooth headphones for TV is that not all TVs support this technology, which means you may not be able to connect to them. When choosing a Bluetooth headset, users check support for the aptX HD codec, because without it, the audio stream will be compressed, which will affect the quality of the reproduced audio. At the same time, the TV itself must support this codec.

Infrared

The principle of signal transmission in infrared headphones is similar to the operation of a remote control. There is a receiver-transmitter of IR waves inside the TVs. But for the headset to work, the IR sensor included in the kit is connected to the playback device. Once connected, the receiver in the headphones catches the signal, decodes and amplifies it.

The signal transmission radius is limited to a few meters and is inferior in this regard to Bluetooth headsets. In addition, the receiver and transmitter must be in direct line of sight. This is reminiscent of the process of transmitting an audio recording or picture via an infrared port in the distant 2000s. IR headphones are considered outdated and are only suitable for watching TV, listening to FM radio and broadcasting video players that work with optical discs.

WiFi

Wi-Fi headphones include models operating at frequencies of 2, 4, 5 GHz and transmitting an encrypted signal. The kit includes a base that is inserted into the audio output of the playback device. The advantage of Wi-Fi over other technologies is its long range (up to 100 m) and the quality of the transmitted signal. These headsets are suitable for use with Wi-Fi enabled smartphones and smart TVs.

Headphones

The principle of their operation is to transmit FM radio waves from the transmitter to the headphones. The advantage of radio headphones over IR and Bluetooth models is their larger coverage area (up to 100 meters). And obstacles in the form of walls and tables do not interfere with the passage of radio waves, which allows you to listen to audio while being far from the TV. The disadvantages of radio headphones include their vulnerability, because the signal is not encrypted, and the sound quality is low. The last disadvantage is compensated by the coverage radius and autonomy of these devices. RF headsets are suitable for watching movies, but they are not designed for listening to Hi-Res and games.

The kit includes a rechargeable (or battery-powered) headset and a transmitting/receiving base, which is connected to the playback device via a USB port or 3.5 mm jack.

Criteria for choosing wireless headphones for TV

When choosing wireless headphones for TV, consider the following criteria:

1. Construction type. Depending on the type of device, there are 3 types of headphones: in-ear, in-ear and on-ear. The first ones are good because they are inserted into the auricle and do not strain the hearing when watching TV for a long time. In-ear headphones have special ear pads on the body and are placed directly in the ear canal. Due to this, they transmit sound at high volume and in good quality, isolating the user’s hearing from extraneous noise. However, their ears get tired faster. On-ear headphones have a bow and are worn on the head. They are superior to the two previous types both in sound quality and autonomy, but they also weigh a lot.
2. Frequency range. This indicator reflects the reproduced frequencies. You should not make this parameter decisive in choosing “ears” for your TV. If you plan to use the headphones to listen to music, then the frequency should be 20-20000 Hz.
3. Headphone sensitivity. The sensitivity level determines the headphone volume reserve. To be completely immersed in the plot when watching a movie, you need a headset with a sensitivity of 100 dB or more.
4. Autonomy of the gadget. How long the headphones will work on one charge depends on the battery capacity. Often, the operating time of earbuds and in-ear models is limited to 4-8 hours. Most overhead models have a battery life of 12-24 hours. If headphones are needed only for watching TV, then autonomy does not matter. It’s another matter when the user carries the accessory with him all day, but there is no way to charge it.

How to charge wireless bluetooth headphones

1. Weight of the gadget. The less the headphone weighs, the more comfortable it is to wear, including if you plan to use it for a long time. For in-canal accessories and earbuds, the optimal weight remains 15-30 g, and for over-ear models – up to 300 g.
2. Control type. Each model has its own type of control. Typically, wireless headsets have buttons: changing the volume, switching songs, etc. If the model is equipped with a built-in microphone, then you will need keys to accept and cancel calls. At the same time, TWS headphones usually have a touch-sensitive control panel.

Headphones

Headphones are mainly loved by gamers, movie and TV lovers. Transmits a wireless radio signal over a long distance. The connection is stable even when the client moves around the apartment or house. Designed more for stationary use. There is no way to connect them to phones.

Flaws:

• There may be noise and interference.
• They consume a lot of electricity.

Sennheiser RS ​​195

High-quality headphones from the manufacturer Sennheiser. Specially designed for wireless connection to a computer or TV. You can listen to music or watch movies using headphones. Management and configuration are carried out through the docking station.

Kleer technology transmits the signal better, they are suitable even for complex computer games and for TV, but for clearer sound it is worth purchasing a professional model. The gadget works for a long time, and the ears do not hurt if worn for a long time.

Characteristics table RS 195

Advantages of the RS 195:

• good noise reduction;
• surround bass;
• pleasant controls;
• dock station;
• does not distort the sound of TV instruments;
• can be used for computer games.

Disadvantages of RS 195:

• weak sound when connected to a laptop;
• the signal may be interrupted through walls;
• price;
• heavy in weight.

Sony MDR-RF811RK

A good wireless model for a stationary TV from a well-known brand. The kit includes a transmitter with an antenna, a power adapter and the headphones themselves; power is supplied through a power supply consisting of two batteries.

The operating time allows you to not be distracted by charging for a long time, and movie lovers will be able to comfortably watch the series. The ear pads are made of fabric material, which prevents your ears from sweating.

The sound is at a decent level, the signal transmission does not distort musical instruments or speech.

MDR-RF811RK Specifications Table

Pros of MDR-RF811RK:

• long-term autonomy;
• convenient control with TV;
• nice materials;
• easy operation;
• rich sound;
• price.

Cons of MDR-RF811RK:

• make background noise;
• allow external sounds to pass through;
• the sound sometimes floats.

Sennheiser Rs 175

Another model from Sennheiser also connects via a radio signal. With compact docking station for control. There is good sound insulation.

You can watch TV comfortably and not disturb your family. The operating time is 18 hours, which is enough for a TV series or a computer game.

The sound lags a little behind the TV, this is not critical for films, but is not suitable for musicians. It may block the Wi-Fi signal, but this aspect does not occur for all users.

Characteristics table Rs 175

Advantages of Rs 175:

• high-quality assembly;
• ears do not sweat;
• comfortable to wear on the head;
• good sound;
• long-term operation on one charge;
• stable connection.

Disadvantages of Rs 175:

• TV sound delay;
• The radio signal is blocking the wifi connection.

Ritmix Rh 707

Wireless headphones for TV with its own Hi-Fi class docking station. The range is 100 m, which allows you to move around the house without losing the signal.

Price is also an advantage. A gadget with an intelligent charge level recognition system. When placed on the base it charges immediately.

The operating time is 15 hours. Suitable for everyday use with a TV and for gamers. The ear pads put pressure on the ears, which causes discomfort. Sometimes there is background noise.

Characteristics table Rh 707

Pros of Rh 707:

• easy controls;
• sound;
• stable connection when moving;
• tight fit;
• price.

Cons of Rh 707:

• background noise;
• press on ears;
• weak bass.

FAQ

1. Is it possible to use wireless headphones for a TV and a computer at the same time ? The fact that headphones are designed to connect to a TV does not mean that they cannot be used simultaneously with other devices. For example, after watching a movie, the user can connect this accessory to a computer, laptop, set-top box and other gadgets. But for this, the playback device must support the transmission technology used by the headphones. That is, if the computer does not have Bluetooth, the connection will be impossible. You can solve this problem if you buy a USB adapter with Bluetooth (or a Bluetooth transmitter) and insert it into the appropriate input in the PC interface. Such products are cheapest on Aliexpress and other Chinese platforms.
2. Are wireless headphones suitable for all TV models?

   Contactless headphones are suitable for TVs from BBK, Haier, LG, Philips, Sony, Toshiba and models from other manufacturers. Again, for a connection to occur, both devices (headphones and TV) must support the same technology. If the headset transmits a signal via Wi-Fi, then the smart TV must also have a Wi-Fi sensor. But the TV series and model have almost no effect on this.

   Although, there are manufacturers whose TVs do not support all wireless headphones. We are talking primarily about Samsung. TVs from this Korean brand work mainly with factory headsets. LG also has this problem.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

There are few main criteria for choosing a headset, but the quality of using the headphones will depend on them, so you should study the main ones before purchasing.

Among these it is worth highlighting the following:

• View . There are two types of such accessories – in-ear headphones and full-size ones. For greater isolation and sound quality, an accessory with a headband is preferable;
• Signal transmission method . There are three of them: radio signal, infrared radiation, Bluetooth. The first type has a large range - from 50 m, but is sensitive to interference. IR: the main nuance will be the distance - does not exceed 10 m. Connection via Bluetooth has a radius of 10 m (the exact range depends on the model), more bulky, but transmits good sound quality;
• Sound quality . Depends on three parameters: volume, impedance, frequency response. For volume, the standard is 100 dB; if the parameter is lower, then there is a possibility of poor hearing. Impedance indicates the acoustic power of the headset, usually equal to 32 ohms. The frequency range has average values ​​from 15 Hz to 20 thousand Hz.

In addition to the above characteristics, you should try on the headphones to feel if they are comfortable, pay attention to the battery life, the presence of a volume control on the cups and automatic adjustment against interference.

Rating of the TOP 10 best headphones for TV 2020-2021

Sennheiser RS ​​165

Photo: YouTube

Specifications:

• Resistance: 32 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 106 dB
• Frequency range: 8–21,000 Hz
• Harmonic distortion: 0.5 %

• Working hours: 18 h
• Power: 2 AAA
• Weight: 300 g
• Range: 30 m

Sennheiser is the only German audio electronics manufacturer in the review, represented by two models of wireless headphones. The RS 165 comes with a multi-purpose transmitter that functions as a docking station and easy device charging.

The flexible headband is reminiscent of the RS 185: a metal base and two soft pads. Large oval ear cups completely cover users' ears, blocking outside noise from entering. On the right ear cup there are buttons for adjusting the volume and switching to Bass Boost mode.

The headphones have a balanced sound with the ability to include enhanced bass response. The model transmits the audio stream without delay and is ideal for watching movies at night without disturbing the peace of neighbors and nearby people.

The Sennheiser RS ​​165 comes in a dark blue cardboard box with a plastic base. The package includes a transmitter, an analog audio cable, a power supply with 4 adapters, batteries and a user manual.

Price: from 8,990 rubles

pros

• Robust design
• Rich bass
• Convenient height adjustment

Minuses

• Inconvenient volume buttons
• Passive noise isolation

Sven AP-B770MV

Specifications:

• Resistance: 32 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 106 dB
• Frequency range: 20–22,000 Hz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.0

• Working time: 22 h
• Power: Battery
• Weight: 210 g
• Range: 10 m

Sven AP-B770MV is a wireless stereo headset with an original design of cups in the form of patterns reminiscent of a tortoise shell. The device has a standard set of functions and does not cause a WOW effect when playing melodies.

The main part of the structure is made of medium-strength matte plastic. Faux leather, pleasant to the touch, covers the internal metal mechanism, which is connected to the cups using movable hinges.

On the right are buttons for switching and stopping songs and a micro USB connector for charging. According to reviews from Yandex.Market users, the battery lasts up to 20 hours. On the left cup there are power, volume up and down buttons and a metal mesh that hides the microphone.

The sound quality will not suit all listeners. The headphones do an excellent job with the lower frequency range in simple compositions. The presence of additional instruments and voices in the track leads to distortion. However, when watching movies, inaccuracies in sound are practically unnoticeable.

Price: from 2,855 rubles

pros

• Low cost
• Stylish design
• Loud noise

Minuses

• Passive Noise Cancellation
• Small ear pads