Top 15 Best Headphones for TV in 2018
Ever experience watching TV alone? You sit there with the guilty pleasure of watching the 50th re-run of The Proposal, audio set at the most comfortable volume and ogle at the perfect Sandra Bullock without all the annoying noises and in the dead of the night. The thought is beautiful, isn’t it? Only until someone screams at you to turn off the TV because its 2 AM. The dream of watching TV in peace can stay alive with headphones for TV. These full-size headphones can bring you the solace, comfort and the intense fangirl/fanboy moment that other people will not interrupt with their random chatter. At 2 AM. To save you the trouble, we found the 15 best headphones for TV. Spread across budget and connectivity option, we have something for everyone. We have also written a complete guide about the best workout headphones.
How to connect headphones to the TV?
You can connect headphones to TV in both wired and wireless manner. Admittedly, with advances in the wireless technology, wireless TV headphones are preferred. Here are the different way you can connect the TV and headphones:
Wireless
RF Headphones: These are the most common type of TV headphones. The RF headphones come with a transmitter base. This base connect to the TV via optical, RCA or 3.5mm plugs. The transmitter then connects wirelessly to the headphones via radio frequency. In many cases, the transmitter doubles as the docking stand and charger too. So you can easily store and never run out of battery power.
RF headphones have better clarity than Bluetooth headphones and negligible lag issues. They also have a better distance range from the TV/transmitter than Bluetooth headphones. You also have IR frequency headphones but RF headphones have better audio performance. If you are looking for large durable headphones, you can refer to our guide about the most durable over-ear headphones.
Bluetooth: The Smart TVs usually come equipped with Bluetooth. The audio settings of your TV will tell you if it supports this. Some streaming devices like Fire TV and Apple TV also support Bluetooth. So the programs being streamed through these devices are available on Bluetooth headphones. Or you can get a Bluetooth adapter which enables wireless streaming on traditional TVs. They connect to the audio output of the TV and then pair with the headphones.
Once you pair your headphones with any of these, you will be able to hear the audio with independent volume. Bluetooth headphones have lag issues unless both devices are using the latest versions i.e. 4.1 or above. Inexpensive Bluetooth headphones and transmitters alike are likely to have this latency issues. The lag in the audio is disconcerting for most people.
Wired: For wired headphones, you need to check the audio output port of the TV. Older TVs have RCA ports. You can get an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter to make them compatible with normal wired headphones. If you have a newer TV, they most likely communicate through optical ports. For these, you have to get a digital to analog converter which will have the appropriate ports for the headphone.
How to select the right headphones for TV?
Type: These are broad-level decisions based on your preferences. You should select between over-ear, on-ear and in-ear headphones. Most TV headphones are over-ear because these are comfortable and noise-isolating. On-ear headphones reduce sweating but they sit exactly on the ears. So they are generally less comfortable and less noise-isolating. There are some in-ear headphones too, most of them are specially equipped for hearing-impaired people.
Audio: The quality of audio makes the headphones for TV worth all the wires and adapters. So make sure you buy the ones with the right sound signature. If you watch more action movies, you should look for headphones with a slight bass boost. Neutral headphones are good if you watch a variety of media. With TV headphones the EQ options might be limited but neutral headphones are the easiest to Equalize.
Audio effects are also important especially when watching movies or playing games. TV headphones offer some EQ presets based on popular preferences. Check out the Surround Sound options. It sounds great for movies and gaming. You should also have the option to turn it off for music.
Range: How far do you sit from your TV? Wireless headphones with 100-150 feet range are usual. You must check the connectivity with walls in between. Also be sure to check that the headphones reconnect automatically once they are back in range.
Battery Life: Gal Gadot going mute in the middle of Wonder Woman is the ultimate anti-climax. But battery life can cut short your on-screen love affair with the lady. Check out how long the battery can last per charge. Most wireless headphones can stay on for 20-25 hours which is enough for a series marathon. It would also be great if the docking station is the battery charger too. This way, it will charge while the headphones are stored neatly.
Price: Since the TV headphones are an evolving niche, they have progressively better products as the price tag grows. But the feature requirements of every user can be different, so we have covered the best headphones for TV in a large price range.
Which are the best headphones for TV?
We looked at a bunch of products before landing on the 15 best headphones for TV. Since this is a niche market, there are many headphones that call themselves TV headphones but aren’t really. After rooting them out, we ranked these based on:
Audio: The best headphones for TV were evaluated based on their audio quality. We have covered ones with different sound signatures that work with TV viewing. We checked them out in their respective ranges to find out if they are devoid of static and connectivity issues. The volume range and bass also helped make the decision.
Comfort: TV viewing can go on for long hours. Overall comfort is important in this context. We checked that the earcups rested comfortably and the headband didn’t have a strong clamp. We also checked how noise isolation balances against ear sweating.
Convenience: We checked out the connectivity options so that these headphones are versatile in their use. If there are more connectivity option, you can use them with other playback devices. We also checked how easy they are to connect, mute, EQ, charge and store.
Features: Features like Noise isolation, Surround Sound, Wireless connectivity etc. added brownie points to the package. Hearing profiles and audio level knob for the left/right earcups are also part of some of these specs.
Budget: The best headphones for TV are spread across a wide price range. They were compared based on their value for money rather than their absolute value.
TOP 15 BEST HEADPHONES FOR TV IN 2018 - COMPARISON CHART
1. Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System
The Sennheiser RS175 RF TV headphones are a glowing testimony of how far the wireless technology has come. They sound just as clear and chop-free as the wired headphones and they bring premium Sennheiser sound to the table. The exceptional wireless range, long-term comfort and versatile connectivity options make it a solid top choice for best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser RS175 RF TV headphones come as a transmitter-headphones set. The transmitter is a lean tower standing on a base. The front side has the controls to power on/off Surround sound and Bass boost. There are port for optical and 3.5mm connections at the back. This base connects to the power cord and to the TV output. Your TV needs to have an optical port, RCA port or a 3.5mm audio output to route sound to these. The headphones themselves look somewhat remnant of Sennheiser’s famous HD700 headphones. They have large racetrack oval earpads which rest around our moderate-sized ears. The headband arch is padded but has a cleft in the middle where it can rest on the transmitter. The earcups swivel forward to adapt to the shape of your head. The clamp could be a little lighter in our opinion, but it gets better with time.
The transmitter of these TV headphones moonlight as a docking station and charger. You can connect two RS 175 headphones to one transmitter simultaneously and watch programs together. When the center of the headband touches the terminals on top of the transmitter, they start charging. There are AAA batteries inside either earcup which recharge and are removable. The battery life of these headphones per full charge is 18 hours. You have a power LED indicator. There are four buttons on the right earcup. These are volume up and down, Bass Boost and Surround Sound. The overall quality of these TV headphones is as expected from the price. But the transmitter can tip over if you aren’t careful while putting the headphones on the tower.
Audio
The Sennheiser RS175 RF TV headphones can operate within a 330-foot line of sight range with a 2.45GHz wireless signal. Of course, inside the apartment the range is closer to 100 feet. But within this range, the audio is static-free and stays strong. In fact, the flow of audio is almost as uninterrupted as a wired headphone. We could easily move to kitchen and take bathroom break while still tuned into Superbowl.
The audio quality is also at par with the wired headphones of this price. These are closed back headphones with a wide enough soundstage. The balanced audio gets plenty of space to play here. Open back headphones will sound more expansive but they won’t isolate noise as well as these. The virtual Surround Sound makes the audio sound a little more expanded than usual which is good while watching movies. The bass in the original audio is bodacious so Bass Boost is just an add-on for the true bass-heads. The vocals are crisp and clear, especially for the movies where characters seem to mumble a lot.
Pros:
- RF wireless headphones + transmitter
- Crisp, solid wireless connection
- 330-foot range
- Comfortable and noise-isolating
- Virtual Surround Sound and Bass Boost
Cons:
- Transmitter could be more stable
2. Sennheiser RS 165 RF Wireless Headphone System
The Sennheiser RS165 RF wireless headphones are almost similar to their costlier cousin RS175. They do not have the virtual Surround Sound and optical input and if you can do without these features, RS165 is the more affordable buy. It has the large comfortable over-ear design where your ears can snuggle painlessly. The audio is signature Sennheiser sound. The fail-proof package takes another top spot on the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser RS165 RF TV headphones are a not-so-portable over-ear unit. They come as a set of transmitter base and headphones. The headphones are closed back, just like the RS175. But the backplate of earcups have a smooth texture as opposed to the faux-grille design of RS175. The RS165 has oval earcups with ample padding. The headband also has divided padding which allows it to hang comfortably on the transmitter. The clamp is optimal and keep the headphones balanced without much pressure. The sheathing on the earpads should have been better quality. This is neither protein leather, nor actual leather which is a weird choice for headphones of this price. The earcups can swivel forward and hug your ears in a comfy manner.
The transmitter unit of this TV headphones is same as the versions of this Sennheiser TV headphones line-up, we hear. It also doubles as a docking station when the headphones are not in use. It charges the headphone when they are placed correctly on the unit. They are powered by AAA batteries in either earcup. They can chug on for 18 hours of audio per charge. There are three very tactile buttons on the earcup. Two are for volume navigation and one is for Bass boost.
The transmitter can connect to the RCA ports to 3.5mm audio ports of the TV. It cannot connect to the optical port of the TV like the RS175.
Audio
The Sennheiser RS175 RF TV headphones have a range of 100 feet line of sight. When inside the home, the range is closer to 30 feet. That is still plenty of space for us to move around in a moderate living space. The audio remains clean and strong within this range. We never had any issue with choppy sound of buzzing/hissing of the audio.
These TV headphones have the delightful Sennheiser neutral sound signature. The audio has plenty of character but they do not overly emphasize any part of the frequency spectrum. There is weighty bass here along with clearest, crisp vocals. The treble has great definition. The Bass Boost just adds extra weight at the bottom. This is excellent for horror and action movies to make the audio sound closer. The volume range is quite sufficient for normal use and even for hearing-impaired persons.
Pros:
- Comfy over-ears
- Transmitter can connect to 2 headphones simultaneously
- On-headphone controls
- Bass Boost
- 100-foot range
Cons:
- Earpad is covered in low-quality leather
- Build quality could be better
3. Sennheiser RS 185 RF Wireless Headphone System
Sennheiser RS 185 RF TV headphones are the next generation of these line-up. These are open-back cans and that brings in a natural, airy quality to the audio. They sound slightly richer than the closed-back RS175. But this makes them less noise isolating and cause a little more leakage. If you are willing to make the trade-off, these are the best headphones for TV.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser RS185 RF TV headphones are handsome-looking cans. These are open-backed and they backplate is covered by real grilles. The earcups have lavish padding that sit softly on the ears. The earcups have racetrack oval pads. The headband has soft dissected padding with charging terminals at the center top. The padding is sheathed in soft velour and it feels exceptionally soft on the ears. They are less sweaty too. Based on the price of RS175, they should have the same material on the earpads too. The earcups lean forward and adopts to the shape of the head. The headphone clamp is pretty optimal and maintains the balance of the headphones on the head.
These TV headphones have a few controls on the left earcups. These include volume navigation buttons and the buttons for changing the left/right balance of the audio. RS185 has Automatic Level Control (ALC) which automatically maintains the volume when sources are switched. You can also change the volume manually. The transmitter base is also a docking station and charger. The headphones can be stored here and they will charge simultaneously. The batteries are stored in the ear pieces. The earpads can be popped off to see the batteries and replace them.
The transmitter tower can connect to two RS185 headphones at a time to share the audio. You can connect the transmitter to the TV using the optical port, RCA ports or the 3.5mm audio port.
Audio
The Sennheiser RS185 RF TV headphones have a range of whopping 330 feet. The actual range with the walls in between is around 50-60 feet. That range holds true within a moderate-sized house. The static doesn’t creep in up until this point. The audio sounds as clear and crisp as the wired headphones.
The RS185 TV headphones have a full, rich tone. The open back lends space to the stereo imaging, especially with movies and gaming. The audio is high-fidelity as in protects the natural character of the original audio. The sounds signature is neutral but enjoyable. The audio sounds very revealing which we truly appreciated when we watch Orson Welles in Macbeth. Mumble-gate is easier to handle with headphones that highlight the details as clearly as the RS185. Although completely stereo, they bring the dynamic quality of Surround Sound to the audio.
Pros:
- Full, rich audio
- 330-feet wireless range
- Automatic Level control
- Velour earpads
- Open-back open sound
Cons:
- Leakage
4. Sony MDR-DS6500 Digital Wireless 3D Surround Headphones
Sony MDRDS6500 TV headphones bring surround sound and uncompressed audio together in a typically comfortable Sony package. After the Sennheisers, these look practically low profile. These have been around for a long time and have received consistently positive feedback so we know they are durable. These go straight into the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Sony MDRDS6500 TV headphones are a cool-looking over-ear pair. The headband extends to both sides and the earcups are mounted on it. The earcups are slightly smaller than the Sennheisers but they sit around moderately-sized ears. The round ear pieces have lavish padding with pleather topping. The ear headband is padded from ear to ear. There’s a small space near the middle of the arch where the headphones rest on the transmitter base. These are lightweight and have minimal pressure on the head. Sony makes them comfortable for long-term use. These are pretty lightweight too which adds to the comfort factor.
These TV headphones come with a dedicated transmitter base. At the back, it has the power port along with optical and RCA ports. Optical cable is the easiest way to connect to the TV. There are slider switches to select between these two output ports. You also have similar switches to choose audio effects and compression. If you find the volume is low, you can switch off the audio compression switch. In terms of controls, the newer headphones have smartphone apps for these options which are much more intuitive. The headphones can be docked on the transmitter base for charging. The battery life is stated to be a long 20hours but we could never test it because the MDRDS6500 always seems to have charge.
Audio
The Sennheiser MDRDS6500 TV headphones have a distance range of 328 feet line of sight. Within the apartment, you get around 100 feet through the walls. The volume range is high enough for hearing-impaired people to listen to the audio with wireless freedom.
These TV headphones support a bunch of Surround Sound modes. These include the 7.1 Dolby Digital and Sony Virtualphone’s technology. The audio sounds widely expansive during movies. It might not be as good as true Surround Sound but it still makes for an immersive audio. The frequencies are balanced from bass to treble. Sony goes for a neutral audio with plenty of bass punch. The auto tuning reduces the human effort required to adjust the audio and get static-free audio.
Pros:
- Multiple Surround settings
- Balanced audio with good bass
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 330-feet
- 20-hour battery life
Cons:
- Surround Sound could be better
5. Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones with Charging Dock
The Sennheiser RS120 RF TV headphones are the face of this category and have been around for more than a decade. They are lightweight and comfortable. The Sennheiser audio comes alive in these cans. There are some obvious disadvantages since more advanced sets like RS185 are available today. But if you want a simple, affordable pair of headphones for TV, these are a great choice.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser RS120 RF TV headphones are a pair of comfy cans. They go on the ear rather than around it. They are mounted with flat earpads instead of the usual once. The foam pads kept out ears from sweating too much. The headband is also padded with spaces in between, where the headphone makes contact with the charging leads. These are lightweight and mighty comfortable to wear for long hours. The left earcup has tuning and volume dials. The other earcup has the power on/off buttons.
These TV headphones come with a transmitter stand. It looks nothing like the transmitter towers of the newer RS headphones. It looks much classier but occupy more space. Apart from connecting to the power, it should be connected to the RCA or 3.5mm ports of the TV. You can select between 3 RF channels. There are LED lights on the transmitter to signify power and connectivity status. These headphones run on 2 AAA batteries. They can be recharged by placing them on the transmitter which doubles as a docking station. The batteries lasts through 20 hours per charge. So it’s almost like you never run out of charge.
The tuning option does feel ancient compared to the new headphones that have automatic tuning. You need to adjust the tune dial in small steps to get static-free audio. You can adjust the TV settings such that you can change the volume of these headphones independent of the Actual TV volume. Another amazing feature is that you can connect up to 100 of these headphones to a single transmitter.
Audio
The Sennheiser RS120 RF headphones have a wireless range of 300 feet line of sight. We got good reception for 50-60 feet with walls in between. The audio settles down once you tune correctly and rarely shows any static. However, when the audio source is off or has no audio, some static may creep into the silence.
The audio of these headphones is the highlight feature that has got people comparing them to the latest RF headphones. They are like the classic HD598s of the audio line up. The sound is pleasantly open and enjoyable. The open-air audio is coupled with strong bass for movies and gaming. The sound is detailed enough to understand the mumbling of characters. The vocals are clear and rise above the mayhem of the audio.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Balanced, clear audio
- 300 feet range
- 20-hour battery life
- Tuning control
Cons:
- Older features
6. Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless Headphone System
The Sennheiser RS195 RF TV headphones are their most advanced piece. They have a bunch of cool effects, some of them really useful to hearing-impaired people. These are closed-back and have the audio quality touted by the RS185s. The stylish design and the top-of-the-line features rake up the price but it still brings enough value to earn a place in the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser RS195 TV headphones are a good-looking pair. The earcups have racetrack oval earpads that g around the ears. The cushions are fluffy and comfortable on the ears. The headband also has plush cushions for comfort while doing movie marathons. The ear pieces can lean forward to adapt to the ears. The transmitter base is beefy. But it has its perks. It has the controls to go through hearing profiles A to G. These can boost either speech or audio surrounding the vocals. Or you can also stick with the standard audio. Another feature is the ability to shift the audio balance towards left or right earcup.
These TV headphones have three buttons on the right earcup. These include a Mode button which cycle through many listening modes. But you can choose the hearing profiles only from the transmitter. You also have volume up/down buttons. The backside of the transmitter has digital port and RCA ports. You have switch to toggle between the two connections with a switch at the back. The battery goes on for 18 hours per charge.
Audio
The Sennheiser RS195 RF TV headphones have a wireless range of 328 feet. You can select the Mode and Haring Profiles in Conjunction. If you want to focus on the Music, select the Music mode. Then you select the Hearing Profiles from A to G, A being the most bass-focused and G being the most treble-focused audio. If you are watching movies, you can go into the Speech mode for clearer vocals. If you have no such preferences or hearing issues, go for the standard mode.
In the usual setting, the RS195 is powerful audio equipment. They have the kind of visceral bass that makes a major impact during movies. The audio is balanced too without focusing on one specific frequency region. The imaging is staged in a spacious soundstage. The midrange is peppered with intricate details that make music and movies equally enjoyable. Sennheiser takes the edge off of the treble for a fatigue-free listening experience.
Pros:
- Multiple listening and audio modes
- 330-feet range
- Powerful and rich audio
- Digital and analog connections
Cons:
- All features are not useful for everyone
7. Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone
The Sony MDRRF985RK RF TV headphones are an older model. But they bring the trifecta of comfort, Sony audio and reliable performance. These are popular cans that have received a lot of positive feedback. The RF transmitter gives you uninterrupted access and long range from the transmitter compared to the Bluetooth headphones. But their journey to the best headphones for TV list was quick.
Design and Features
The Sony MDRRF985RK RF TV headphones are a comfy pair for regular use. These have large round earcups which only Sony can pull off while maintaining comfort. Most of the comfortable headphones have oval earcups. The ear pieces have opulent padding sheathed in pleather. The headband is also padded and similarly finished. Do note though, the pleather has a tendency to peel off after continuous use. The earcups can lean towards the head for better fitment.
These TV headphones come with a transmitter. It has both RCA and 3.5mm ports for connection. The transmitter is also the charging and docking station. The battery lasts for 25 hours per charge and it takes only 3 hours to come to full charge. The earcups also have auto tuning button and a volume wheel. Automatic tuning will give you instant access to static-free audio.
Audio
The Sony MDRRF985RK RF TV headphones operate within a line of sight range of 150 feet from the transmitter. The range is clean and crisp without any fallouts.
These TV headphones go for the neutral Sony audio with sufficient bass behind them. The audio has substantial body without sounding too cramped. We liked them for movies and music. They are decently detailed for the price and easy on the ears. They don’t fatigue your ears after long hours of use.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Neutral audio with decent bass
- Good audio range
- 25- hour battery on 3-hour charge
Cons:
- Build quality should be better
8. Avantree Audition Pro Wireless Bluetooth 4.1 Over-the-Ear Foldable Headphones
The Avantree Audition Pro Bluetooth headphones are a very versatile set of wireless cans. They don’t have the range of RF wireless headphones but they can be used with way more devices. And these are much more portable than the RF headphones/transmitter combo. For folks with smart TVs, these get a well-deserved place in the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Avantree Audition Pro Bluetooth headphones are a lightweight pair. They are reinforced by metal in key areas. The earcups hang off from the headband from metal brackets. The headband is padded subtly and have that stylish stitches in black contrast thread. We liked the metallic tabs on the ends of the headband with R and L for right and left earcups. The ear pieces are mounted with racetrack oval earpads. They are lavishly thick and sheathed in faux-leather, we think. The earcups swivel forward and adapt to the shape of your head. The controls are on the left earcup.
These TV headphones use Bluetooth V4.1 for wireless connectivity. It also has NFC capability, so it can connect with another NFC-enabled device with a simple tap. They have low-latency apt-X support too. They can be paired with the Bluetooth headphones. They claim that they have minimal delays of up to 40ms when paired with Avantree Bluetooth adapter to a traditional TV. The battery life runs 40 hours straight! We haven’t been able to test the whole period. They can also be used to connect via wires to your other playback devices. This comes in handy if the headphones are out of charge.
Audio
The Avantree Audition Pro Bluetooth headphones have a wireless range of only 30 feet. So you can get this if you usually sit that close to the TV. The trade-off is that these are portable and you can use them with a number of portable devices. The Apt-X, if supported by the playback device, also improves the audio quality and reduces compression.
We used these Avantree TV headphones with our Bluetooth TV. We liked the audio signature for an affordable headphone. The vocals sounded clear and crisp over the background music. It has strong bass with enough oomph but to make movies enjoyable but not too harsh while listening to music. The audio did start to cut out after 20 feet with walls in between. The over-ear earcups provide decent noise isolation. They also do not leak much audio out. These headphones also have mic to make hands-free call. The mic quality is good for talking over from a public place.
Pros:
- Bluetooth v4.1 with low-latency Apt-X
- 40-hour battery life
- Stylish and portable
- Balanced audio with good bass
Cons:
- Only 10m range
9. Sony MDRRF995RK Wireless RF (Radio Frequency) Headphone with Transmitter Base Station
The Sony MDRRF995RK TV headphones replaced the popular 985s and they go one step better with light weight and comfort. The transmitter unit may not be as good as that of the 985s but these are pretty good too. The Sony sound is everything that you would expect from an audio giant with such a legacy. These did a quick slide into the best headphones for TV.
Design and Features
The Sony MDRRF995RK TV headphones are a lightweight pair at 9.7 ounces. They have large racetrack oval earcups. These sit around the ears rather than on them. The earcups can swivel forward and hug the ears for comfort. They are sheathed in quality material which is unlikely to tear off easily with consistent use. The headband is not padded much. But the lightweight structure doesn’t require any padding at the arch. The matte texture of the entire architecture makes it pretty low profile for use at home.
These TV headphones have a controls on one ear pieces. There’s a volume wheel next to Voice preset. You also get an automatic tuner button instead of having to manually tune the frequency. The transmitter tower is pretty plain and acts as a docking station and charger. It only has a 3.5mm output port. The other cable is to the power point. It’s a shame this does not have optical input to go with the new TVs. But these are relatively more affordable amongst the RF TV headphones. The batteries of these TV headphones last for 20 hours per charge. It takes 7 hours to charge fully, but you won’t know because the charger is also the storage place.
Audio
The Sony MDRRF995RK TV headphones have a wireless range of 150 feet, line of sight. Within the apartment, we got 50-60 feet. We tried with them with the transmitter tower of the older version 985. It’s not easy to give out an exact range but we wish the transmitter was better.
These TV headphones do not hesitate to invest in good audio in spite of the low price. The audio is balanced with strong bass. The audio is detailed without being too revealing. It’s a versatile headphone that can be used for music, podcasts, movies, the whole shebang. We got a decent bit of noise isolation but there was some audio leakage.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Balanced, natural audio
- 20-hour battery life
- Low-profile design
Cons:
- Transmitter range should be better
10. Sennheiser RS 110 Wireless Stereo Headphones
The Sennheiser RS110 TV headphones are a budget set for those on a shoestring budget. These come with or without a charging station and work on as long as you have AAA batteries. They bring the classic Sennheiser sound and the comfort of wearing them over long hours. These take a dive right into the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser RS110 TV headphones look and feel much like the RS120s. The earcups have foam padding which rest softly on the ears. The earcups are racetrack oval. They sit exactly on the ears without pressing down so much. The headphones are very light. It has padding on the cranial arch of the headband. The earpads can be popped off to see the AAA batteries inside. The earcups can lean forward and adjust to the shape of your head.
These TV headphones are available with or without a transmitter. It must be hooked up to power and the TV through an RCA cable. This does not support a direct optical connection. The build quality could be better but we haven’t had any problems with durability. The AAA batteries on these headphones last a long time. Those who do not have a recharging station can simple swap out the batteries.
Audio
The range of Sennheiser RS110 TV headphones have a good 50-60 feet range. The audio isn’t choppy like the Bluetooth headphones. The audio is balanced about along the frequency range. The bass is strong but not over-emphasized. It has good punch for the movies and music. The vocals have clarity and sound crisp over the background noise. The treble is defined. They are quite detailed for the price too. You cannot expect this level of maturity in the audio in another brand. Which is what makes the Sennheiser RS110 so worthwhile.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Balanced open audio
- Good range
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the best features
11. ARTISTE Wireless Headphones for TV with RF Transmitter
The Artiste wireless TV headphones operate on RF frequency and a small budget. These check the boxes of comfort and good audio. These are one of those surprise finds from a lesser-known brand that work great. These come with a different kind of transmitter structure too. These cans take a well-deserved spot on the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Artiste wireless RF TV headphones remind us of the Bowers and Wilkins P7s. They have these large rectangular earcups with rounded edges. The ear pieces can swivel a little bit on the headband. The earcups have a plush padding with mesh sheaths. This helps with the air circulation and keeps the ears somewhat cooler than usual pleather earpads. The headband has a cushion at the top of the arch. The headphones are lightweight and their clamp is also easy. The earpads can be removed to access the batteries.
The transmitter is like a tray where the headphones can be placed. The base station of these TV headphones doubles as the storage and charging station. The battery lasts for 20 hours per charge. Some of the controls are placed on the earcups. The transmitter connects to the TV via 3.5mm to RCA plugs. You can connect to traditional TVs through the optical ports of their cable boxes.
Audio
The Artiste wireless TV headphones has a line of sight range of 100 feet. We got to 50-60 feet without breaking the connection. The audio signature is designed to make the movies sound big. We loved revisiting the old favorites with these headphones. We went through quite a few genres to test the abilities of these cans. They held up well although they went quite as transparent as the Sennheisers. But they have decent detailing which allows you to hear the new generation of mumblers.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Transmitter tray with RCA connections
- 20 hours charge and 100 feet LOS
Cons:
- Volume buttons could be more tactile
12. SteelSeries 61463 Arctis 7 Lag-Free Wireless Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone
If you do a fair bit of gaming and also watch a lot of TV, a wireless gaming headset like SteelSeries Arctis 7 can double as TV headphones. Their greatest advantage is that they look nothing like gaming headsets. Their Surround Sound Audio and extra feature land them straight into the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 TV headphones are a comfortable and classy pair. They have a self-adjusting headband with a suspension system. The headphones suspend on elastic straps. They have a plastic headband which limits the maximum expansion of the elastic headband. The elastic can be adjusted for size through Velcro straps. The earcups are large and racetrack oval. They rest around the ears. The earpads are lavishly padded for marathon gaming and movie-watching. They are sheathed in airweave material which enables better air circulation.
These TV headphones have a retractable mic. When retracted, these look just like regular stylish headphones. You have microphone mute and volume controls. There’s also a ChatDial Mix which allows you to change the balance between Game sounds and Chat sounds. The battery runs 24 hours on a single charge. These can also be used in wired mode through 4-pole 3.5mm cable.
Audio
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 may win as TV headphones because of their 7.1 Surround Sound. They make any audio sound much more expansive and open compared to the normal TV sound. There’s real punch in the audio which makes movies and gaming sound surreal. The sound is balanced and not skewed towards bass as you would expect from a gaming headset.
These headphones are very moderately priced compared to TV headphones. And they double as a top-class gaming headset. So gamer/movie watcher personalities can have double the fun.
Pros:
- Exceptionally clear open sound
- 1 Surround Sound
- Self-adjusting headband
- Comfortable and normal-looking
- Excellent gaming features
Cons:
- Some people might not need the gaming features
13. Sennheiser RS 160 RF Wireless Headphones
The Sennheiser RS160 RF TV headphones are another one of their comfortable, sonically advanced headphones. These comes with a smaller island-like transmitter. With the independent volume settings, these help people with both normal and impaired hearing. These slip right into the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Sennheiser RS160 RF TV headphones are a plushly padded set. Since the batteries go in both the earcups, these are slightly bulky. They stick out a little bit when worn but if you were using them only at home, this isn’t a big concern. The earcups are amply padded and sheathed in pleather. The pleather tends to peel off after many uses. The earcups sit around the ears not on them. The headband is padded optimally too. These are quite lightweight at 7.4 ounces.
These TV headphones have volume and power buttons side-by-side on the earcup. This causes some annoyance to the users who tend to use these controls. You can set the volume on these independent of the actual TV audio. The batteries on these last 24 hours per charge. The transmitter connects to the TV via RCA jacks.
Audio
The Sennheiser RS160 RF TV headphones have a range of up to 60 feet. They maintain a good and strong connection throughout the range. They have a balanced audio signature that goes with every genre of music and movies. There’s good bass with clear mids and treble to match. You get decent noise isolation with the over-ear earcups.
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight
- 24-hour battery life
- Balanced audio with good bass
- 60-feet range
Cons:
- Transmitter is not a docking station
14. Bluedio T2s Bluetooth Headphones On Ear with Mic
If you have a Bluetooth-enabled TV, you can actually go for a highly portable Bluetooth headphone. The Bluedio T2s TV headphones are versatile and easy to carry around. They can connect in a jiffy to a number of devices. The design is comfortable and slides easily into the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Bluedio T2s TV headphones are stylish lightweight cans. These are supra aural and go on the ears rather than around them. Although over-ears are recommended for long-term comfort, these on-ears are light and keep the airflow on. The earcups are round and padded well. The cushions are draped in protein leather. The headband is lightly padded and that’s sufficient since these are lightweight cans. The arms of the headphones rotate inwards and reduce their footprint for storage. You can travel around with these. They have volume and track navigation buttons and also a multifunctional button.
These TV headphones operate wirelessly through Bluetooth v4.1. These have a 40 hour battery life per charge. You can charge it through USB cable and a usual power adapter. When it runs out of charge, it can be used in a wired mode. This might not give you a lot of range with the TV but you can use extension cables. It is available in 4 stunning colors too.
Audio
The Bluedio T2s TV headphones have an operating distance of 32 feet. You can move about to rooms close by. These are decently balanced and have a good amount of details to watch movies and TV programs. We also liked them for casual music when connected to the smartphone. You get a few EQ options which can be cycled through by pressing both volume buttons at once. We would have appreciated more information about these EQ presets though. They might not be able to compete with the Sennheisers but they fit into a small budget.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Foldable and lightweight
- Clean audio
- Stylish with EQ presets
Cons:
- Average audio
15. Sony MDR-IF245RK Wireless Infrared Headphones
The Sony MDRIF245RK IR TV headphones are on-ear cans for those who like wearing something lightweight for long hours. The IF wireless technology might not be as interference-free as the RF headphones. These are Sony headphones though and their audio holds strong within the range. These go straight into the best headphones for TV list.
Design and Features
The Sony MDRIF245RK IR TV headphones are a petite light headphones. These are on-ear headphones with foam earpads like the computer headsets. The headband has a self-adjusting elastic band that adapts to the size and shape of your head. The controls of the headphones are on the right earcup. The AAA batteries are not included but they go into the left earcup.
These TV headphones come with a transmitter cradle. The earcups rest on the cradle for charging. The battery lasts 28 hours per charge. There are RCA ports at the back of the cradle to connect to the TV. The power cord also connects to a port in the back. They have a Muting feature which is said to reduce noise disturbances. But since these are on-ear headphones, they do not cancel much of the ambient noise.
Audio
The Sony MDRIF245RK IR TV headphones are a budget pair. Being Sony headphones, they have a great audio signature. The punchy bass, the clear midrange and the defined treble are all there. You get a full, rich audio that sounds substantial with the TV programs and movies. They aren’t as immersive a full-size headphone but they are comfortable for people who like the feeling of computer headsets.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 28-hour battery life
- Muting feature
- Cradle transmitter
Cons:
- Could be cheaper
