Best Wireless Headphones for TV

Why do people need headphones while watching TV? 

TV has always been one of the greatest entertainment sources for people of all age categories. Right from kids, Millennials to elderly people, this home entertainment system is useful in many ways, and with the advent of the smart TV paired with online streaming services, it has now become even more engaging for many. 

Most people love watching their favorite TV shows in a decently loud volume that can be heard by everyone in the house. Sometimes, playing it at a low volume may make it difficult to hear the music or the dialogues. If you are really into a movie that has your favorite actors you wouldn’t probably want to miss out on a tiny bit of the dialogues from them. However, there may be other members in the family who are either sleeping, working or kids who need to focus on their school homework! If you are sharing an apartment with a roommate, the sound of the TV may disturb them. 

Getting a good pair of headphones for TV can be of great help. There are numerous benefits if you use a headset while watching TV, the very first being able to enjoy your Netflix binge without disturbing your partner, the kids, your roommate, or even the neighbors. Other than that, you can also save yourself from getting disturbed by the loud sound coming from your next-door neighbor, or the kids playing and shouting, or traffic sound if your apartment faces the main street if you use headphones while watching TV. 

Why should you wear headphones while watching TV?

The noise-canceling feature in modern-day headphones is hugely beneficial when you are looking for solace with a bowl of popcorn and a good relaxing show. Headphones come with a lot of different features that have their benefits which make your experience more interesting and enjoyable. We will get to that a bit later. 

If you are setting up a home theatre in your house, headphones can be a great addition. They not only come much cheaper than the big surround sound systems, but they also give you a personalized surround sound effect. Some of the best home theatre headphones can give you a realistic 360-degree listening experience that is similar to the surround sound speakers placed around the room. Not to forget about the space that they save in the room! Other than that, you also get to set the sound as per your listening preference. Now that sounds pretty convenient, right? Yes, TV headphones are all about convenience and experience. 

The home audio sound system has come a long way. Right from the vintage audio players to MP3, DVD players, and now the home theatres with the surround sound system, there has been quite a significant development over the years. Speaking of the surround sound, the very first of its kind was used in one of the Disney movies, “Fantasia”. 

Today, the surround sound is found in two different sets up 5.1 (i.e. the 5 channel setting) and 7.1 (i.e. the 7 channel setting). The best part is you get them in the headphones as well. Some of the best wireless headphones for TV have a 7.1 surround sound setup built in them to give you an immersive, life-like experience. 

How about the latency in these headphones?

Many of you might have a concern about the time lag between the video and the audio in content when it comes to wireless Bluetooth headphones. It can be annoying when you are watching a video, and you see the lip movement first and the audio a few seconds later. That’s a valid concern because this used to be a major issue when the Bluetooth headphones had just emerged. 

Well, the latency or the time lag is still a concern in headphones that use older versions of the Bluetooth and codec. However, with the technology change, the Bluetooth codec has improved to a great extent from what it was a few years back. The latency has been reduced with the latest codecs and this issue with a time lag and a few more problem areas have been improved. 

If you have been reading this so far, by now, you would have already understood that TV headphones are slightly different from regular headphones. The headphones dedicated to TV focus more on the sound setting (especially the surround sound technology) and the bass levels for the best possible experience. 

In the next section, we will provide you with a list of some of the best wireless headphones for TV that we have compiled along with their features and other details.

Best wireless headphones for TV: List of some of the top-rated home theater headphones, their significant features, and pricing: 

The market is crowded with TV headphones from different brands and manufacturers, and it can make your hunt for looking for the right one tough. However, the good thing about so many options is that there is something out there for everyone. Keeping that in mind, we have come up with this list of the best wireless headphones for TV, where some of which are high-end, from the reputed brands leading the industry, and some of them are mid-range to affordable ones as well. 

**In case you do not find any of these options interesting or feel that you need to see some more before you pick the final one, we have a rundown on the various factors you need to look for when buying a good pair of home theatre headphones. This will help you narrow down your search and make your work much easier. 

Let’s get started…

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless home theater headphones: (Overall best wireless headphones for TV) 

This headphone tops our list because it is an all-rounder pair loaded with features for a perfect listening experience. Even though this is a favorite among video gamers, they make great home theatre headphones as well because they offer everything you need for TV as well.  

The headphone is engineered with lossless audio technology, together with Bluetooth technology that eliminates any kind of time lag between the audio and video. This ensures that you get uninterrupted content streaming while maintaining high-quality audio. The headphone connects via a transmitter that works with a wide range of TV models or home theater setups. It simultaneously uses Bluetooth to pair with other devices, so you can mix and match other devices with your TV.

Speaking of audio, the high-quality drivers with neodymium magnets have the capability of detecting a frequency range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz ensuring that you get the clearest possible sound. The powerful and detailed sound with prominent bass gives you an enjoyable television experience. You will get these headphones at $349.00 which sure is on the higher-end yet a lot lesser than setting up large speakers to get a theatre-like experience. 

Pros: 

• The pack contains two batteries that allow you to charge one battery while the other one is in use.
• Excellent battery life of 20 hours. 
• Great sound.
• Durable build.
• Customizable EQ settings for greater convenience.
• Includes microphone.

Cons: 

• The mic is non detachable which can be slightly bothersome to a few people. 
• The headband frame may feel a bit tight to some people. 

Sennheiser RS 175 RF home theater headphones: (Dedicated surround sound headphones for TV)

Here’s a great pair of headphones that are designed specifically to suit TV needs. The headphone comes with an RF transmitter or the docking station which also acts as a charger for the phone. Very easy to set up, you just need to plug the transmitter into your TV, and it is ready to use. The transmitter also enables connecting two different headphones at the same time, so two people can watch it at the same time. 

The sound quality of the headphones is incredible- a well-balanced and detailed sound signature. While the overall sound presentation is neutral, the manufacturer has done a great job adding two EQ presets. The bass boost mode accentuates the bass and the surround sound mode that gives you a spatial realistic sound for immersive listening.  This way if you want to add more effect to the headphones’ otherwise neutral sound, you can customize it as per your listening preference. The sound profile, design and comfort levels of this device makes them the best headphones for movies.

The controls on the headphones are easy to use with tactile buttons with raised designs for easy identification. All-in-all, these are some of the best home theater headphones worth giving a shot. This set will cost you $236.00 which isn’t bad for a package like this. 

Pros: 

• Good battery life of 18 hours.
• Long connection range of 100 meters which allows a lot of flexibility to move around. 
• Customization sound for a better listening experience.
• Ergonomic design with over-ear fit allows comfortable wear for long hours.
• RF connection offers a long-range.

Cons: 

• Average build quality- some users have experience peeling of the ear pads after two to three years. 
• The bass level may drop a bit if you use them while your glasses are on. 

Avantree Audition Pro: (Best wireless headphones for TV for budget buyers)

If you are looking for a great pair of home theatre headphones without having to break a bank, then this feature-packed pair with a price tag of just $69.90 will not disappoint you. 

The headphone is supported by Bluetooth codec aptX LL or low latency which gives you well-coordinated audio and video streaming without any time lag. With the latest Bluetooth technology, you can also pair the headset and the TV instantly. 

When it comes to the sound, the headphone is sure to impress those who appreciate fine details in audio. There is clarity along with in-depth bass and clean treble which will make your movie moments more enjoyable. One of the best wireless headphones for TV, this pair also excels in the battery department. With up to 40 hours of playback time, you can use the headphone forever. 

Pros:

• Soft ear padding for superior comfort with adjustable headphone sliders.
• Outstanding battery life. 
• Dual connectivity mode: wireless and wired.
• Great passive noise isolation.
• Offers a Bluetooth range of 32 meters.

Cons:

• None. 

Avantree Opera Enhanced Dialogue home theater headphones: (Best wireless headphones for TV to use with family)

Using home theater headphones is usually out of the question when you have several members of the family watching the same show at the same time. This model features a ‘Bypass’ that works along with your TV speakers or the soundbar. This way your family can watch the TV like usual while you can use the headphones for an enhanced sound simultaneously. A perfect option when you are watching a movie with many other family members, isn’t it?

With Bluetooth 5.0, optical, RCA, and aux input cables, the headphone is compatible with multiple different devices making it a versatile option. Engineered with an amplified volume, the headphone also has three additional equalizers presets- Enhanced Bass, Enhanced Treble, and Balanced modes. 

With all the features and the price tag of $149.99, Avantree Opera is a strong contender for the best TV headphones that are available in the market right now. 

Pros: 

• Class 1 Bluetooth transmitter offers an extended range of 50 meters.
• Supports FastStream, aptX HD, and aptX Low Latency codecs that eliminate the time lag.
• These headphones can work simultaneously with the speakers. 
• Incredible battery life of up to 35 hours.
• Intuitive controls.

Cons: 

• Some LED indicators for the controls would have been great for senior people to operate.

Poly Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2: (Best surround sound headphones for TV with ANC)

If you are looking for the best TV headphones with active noise cancelation, then here is one worth considering. The headphone allows you to turn the ANC on or off depending on how you want your listening ambiance to be. The headphones’ immersive and rich sound exhibits deep powerful bass, well-sculpted mids, and clean upper frequencies ensuring that you get a delightful listening experience be it music or the dialogues in the TV show. 

The headphone has plush ear paddings with a cushioned headband that ensure you can wear them for long hours without feeling uncomfortable. The Class 1 Bluetooth ensures seamless connectivity with a long signal range. Furthermore, the design of the headphones also offers solid passive noise cancellation in case you want to keep the ANC turned off. 

Pros: 

• Good battery performance of 24 hours.
• Incredible sound.
• Noise cancellation performance is decent.
• Superior build quality.
• Minimalistic look.
• LED indicators on the earcups indicate the level of charge.

Cons: 

• The ANC performance could have been better.

Sennheiser 195 home theater headphones: (Another great surround sound headphones for TV from Sennheiser)

Be it home needs or commercial use,  Sennheiser has a range of offerings to suit everyone’s expectations. Here’s yet another good pair of surround sound headphones for TV from the company with some technical makeover from the 175 models. 

This headphone features 7 different listening modes so you can switch to what suits you the most. Additionally, there are two different hearing modes- ‘speech mode’ for clearer dialogue delivery and speech, and a ‘music mode’ that instantly makes the headphone ready to deliver a more dynamic sound best suited for music. 

Another interesting feature with these headphones is that you can adjust the volume of the left and the right ear to balance it using a knob on the transmitter. Overall, these are the best TV headphones if you are looking for a feature-rich pair with multiple different settings for the most accurate hearing. The headphone has a price tag of $299.99.

Pros: 

• Immersive audio for the best experience.
• The sound quality is extremely detailed and of audiophile level.
• Great EQ setting options.
• A multifunctional transmitter that also works as a charger and a docking station for the headphone. 
• Can connect with two headphones simultaneously.

Cons: 

• The leather finish earpads may heat the ears when worn for long hours.
• It may be expensive for some.

Sony MDR-RF995RK home theater headphones: (Best wireless headphones for TV for budget-conscious people)

Well, there has to be a Sony headphone somewhere in the list of the best TV headphones-they have earned it! Needless to mention Sony is well known for the incredibly powerful sound quality that all its audio products carry. 

MDR-RF995RK is a great option for those who are looking for a powerful sound within a budget-friendly price tag. The headphone operates with the help of RF technology giving you a wireless range of 150 feet. 

This audio gear is integrated with large drives and a hi-fi sound system that offers cinematic sound with booming bass, clean and crisp mids, and highs. This makes the voices in a movie crystal clear and music even more enjoyable. Additionally, there is a voice mode that can further improve the voices in a movie or a TV show allowing you to hear even the whispers from characters. 

Pros: 

• Plug-and-play construction makes it easy to use.
• Incredible battery life of 20 hours allows uninterrupted entertainment.
• Voice mode for superior dialogue audibility.
• Stellar sound with all the elements balanced in the right proportion. 

Cons: 

• The headphone’s size is average and may not be suitable for people with larger head sizes. 

Logitech G533: (Best surround sound headphones for TV for a bargain price)

Logitech G533 will meet all your TV needs at just $64.99. This pair is in our best wireless headphones for TV for several solid reasons. It features hi-fi audio with adjustable sound settings through dedicated Logitech software. 

The integrated driver aperture along with the DTS 7.1 surround sound capabilities deliver superior sound accuracy with a wide soundscape giving you an immersive listening experience. This makes your cinema moments more involving and realistic. Originally designed for gaming, this headset also comes with a mic, but it has everything that you need to see in the best TV headphones.

Pros: 

• Removable and washable ear cups for better hygiene.
• 15 hours of battery life. 
• Durable and lightweight construction for comfortable use.
• Amazing surround sound for a realistic experience.
• A replaceable battery that can be changed when needed.

Cons: 

• None.

Philips SHP9500: (Great home theater headphones for superior comfort under $75)

This headphone is a complete package of stylish looks, great performance, and an ultra-comfortable build. If you are looking for the best wireless headphones for TV at a wallet-friendly price without expecting high-end features, then this one is your go-to. At $74.99, the audio gear has a lot to offer. 

Constructed with 50 mm neodymium drivers and with an extended frequency response of 12 Hz to 35 kHz, you will get unbelievably precise audio on these large driver headphones. To add to that, there is an incredible balance at all the levels lows, mids, and highs. 

The ear cups are thickly cushioned with a soft under layer in the headband that allows you to comfortably wear the headphone for several hours without a complaint. The adjustable sliders give you the best fit as per your head size. The headphones seem a bit bulky, but they are light in weight. 

Pros:

• Very comfortable to wear.
• Simple headphones with not too much technicality.
• Powerful sound. 
• Long-lasting build.
• Affordable option.

Cons: 

• Bass response isn’t very punchy so if you are a bass lover, this will not be a great option.

HyperX Cloud Alpha S: (Best surround sound headphones for TV within $150)

Here’s yet another one in the surround sound headphones list that is a great option for people looking for a home theatre experience without having to spend on a high-end product with a huge price tag.

The headphone reproduces virtual 7.1 surround sound giving you an immersive listening experience. The headset uses a sound card that helps switch between the surround sound and the stereo sound mode with a single press of a button. The large drivers ensure ultimate audio precision across an extended frequency spectrum which means that you will never miss a dialogue in a movie or a beat in music. 

The headphone has a powerful bass response balancing out the vocals and treble. The bass sliders incorporated into the headphone allow you to further adjust the bass tone based on how mild or punchy you need. 

Just like Logitech G533, these headphones are also built for gaming needs but qualify for the best TV headphones as well.

Pros:

• Realistic listening with 7.1 surround sound.
• Dual mode-stereo and surround sound.
• Comfortable design with adjustment sliders for the appropriate fit.
• Durable build.
• Comes with bass level adjustment for the right sound.

Cons: 

• No wireless option. 

Some other options worth considering: 

Sony L600 Wireless Digital Surround Dolby Audio Sound Headphone

Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless home theater headphones

Bose SoundLink wireless over-ear Headset for TV

Sennheiser Momentum 3

Sony WH-1000xm4 wireless headphones with ANC

What are some of the features you need to consider before you purchase headphones for your TV?

There are a few technical as well as non-technical features that you need to consider while buying the headphones for TV:

Connection facility:

Not all TVs have the same type of input/ output setup. Depending on the model or the brand the AV connection set up varies. While most of the headphones have multiple different output sockets, some may have a limited number. Therefore, before buying a headphone make sure that the TV has sufficient connection setups and your headphone is compatible with them. In some cases, there might be a need for an adapter to connect the headphone transmitter to the TV. 

If you are planning on using headphones without a transmitter or the ones with only wireless connectivity, it is important to ensure that your TV is compatible with the wireless connection. 

Latency or time lag:

One of the major issues while using headphones with TV is the time lag between the audio and the video which can be really annoying. This latency depends on several factors like the Bluetooth range, the codecs used, the wireless connection, headphones, and transmitted quality and functionality. In order to make sure that your device doesn’t experience latency or any kind of interruption checks the factors that cause this. 

Bluetooth Codec:

codec plays a major role in the latency caused in headphones. To ensure that there is no latency make sure that the headphone you are buying is supported by the latest high-quality codecs like the aptX, aptX HD, aptX low latency, Apple’s AAC and Sony’s LDAC. 

Connection or operational range:

Every wireless headphone has a specific operational range depending on the kind of wireless technology they support like Bluetooth or RF wireless technology. While the RF headphones have the longest range, the Bluetooth ones have a much shorter range. If you move beyond the headphone or the range of the transmitter, you will experience signal breakage, audio drops, or latency. Depending on your comfort, you need to choose between RF and Bluetooth and also check the maximum range that they have.

Aspects to keep in mind while purchasing Bluetooth headphones for TV.

For Bluetooth headphones that have a really short connection range, say 10 meters, you may need to stay closer to the audio source which restricts your mobility with the headphones on. That is why it is important to check the codecs as well. 

Battery Performance and Charging Time:

There’s no point in having a headphone that keeps draining out battery within a few hours. Pick up headphones that have a battery life of at least 18 to 20 hours. It is also important to check the time it takes to charge the headphones fully. The shorter the charging time the better but the standard charging time in the case of most of the good headphones is between 2.5 to 3 hours. We have included in this article some best wireless headphones for TV that have solid battery life. 

Sound Quality:

When it comes to the TV headphones, the sound is more geared towards voice clarity and audio detailing rather than what you need for music. So, while there is heavy bass, and crisp treble in a sound profile, you need to see whether you are able to hear every little thing as clear as a crystal. Usually, headphones with large drivers offer an extended frequency response giving you detailed audio. 

Surround Sound:

Another important thing that many people prefer in a TV headset is the surround sound capability for an immersive experience. While some TV headphones have virtual surround sound technology, others do not. They might have enhanced audio with bass and EQ adjustment presets. If you are particular about having a headset with surround sound, do check that before you buy. We have included a few surround sound headphones for TV that you might be interested in.

Comfort:

It goes without saying that the headphones you are going to buy must be extremely comfortable because you may need to be wearing them for a few hours. Make sure that the headphones are well padded on the headband and on the ear cups. They should have an adjustable headband, so you can fit them as per your head size.

Some of the other common features that you need to keep in mind are the price, warranty, customer service, advanced features like customizable sound settings, auto shut off, etc. 

How to set up headphones for your TV? 

Wireless headphones:

With changes in technology, it is becoming much simpler to connect headphones with television these days. Most modern-day smart televisions have built-in Bluetooth technology that allows easy wireless connectivity with the headphones. The only thing is you just need to go through the instruction manual to figure out how to connect or get to the Bluetooth option and once you get used to it, it becomes easy. 

An important point to remember here is that it is always best to use a headphone that is dedicated for use with TV. This makes pairing or connecting easy because these headphones are designed to fit into the TV connectivity needs.

Now, if you have a TV that is an old model, then it might not have the built-in Bluetooth technology. In that case, you can connect a wireless headphone using a Bluetooth transmitter or an RF transmitter depending on the type of wireless technology you are using. The transmitter, also known as the docking station, can be connected to the TV directly with the help of a 3.5 mm audio jack. 

Once the transmitter is connected to your TV, the headphone can be easily paired with the transmitter which acts as a mediator between the headphones and the TV. In case you are wondering where you would get a transmitter, then don’t worry. They are easily available online, and they do not cost a lot. Some Bluetooth or RF headphones come with a transmitter like Sennheiser RS 175 RF home theater headphones or Sony MDR-RF995RK home theater headphones. 

Wired headphones: 

In the case of wired headphones, you need to first check if the headphones jack is compatible with your TV. While the older TV models may have a dedicated headphone jack, most modern-day smart TVs do not come with a headphone jack. This means that you will need an adapter so you can connect the headphone with the TV and this adapter needs to be compatible with your TV. So before you buy an adapter just check the TV’s output jack and then get one accordingly. 

Do remember that if you are planning on using wired headphones for watching TV, the cable has to be longer, so you can sit at a sufficient distance from the TV. shorter cables can make it quite challenging. But, there is a way to resolve that as well. You can use an extension cord to connect with the headphones cable and sit comfortably at a distance.  Earbuds with retractable cord can be very handy for using with TV or other devices.

Using a streaming device: 

The wired or wireless headphones can also be connected through the streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV. The instruction manual that comes with these devices usually has the step-by-step process of how you can connect them. 

The TV headphones have specific features that need to be checked before buying. These headphones are available in different price ranges so, it is not necessary that you have to spend an extravagant amount to get a good pair of headphones for enjoying your entertainment time. You just need to ensure that the headphones are compatible with your TV and meet your expectations. For this, the best thing is to go with headphones that are dedicated to TV because it is always easy to set up a connection, and you get the exact sound that you require for this purpose. We have provided a list of headphones that you can use with your TV, and a buying guide to help you get what you are looking for. Hope you find this information useful. 

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