Bluetooth is probably today’s most popular wireless connectivity technology but there’s no doubt that many still search for the best wireless headphones for TV that doesn’t necessarily support Bluetooth. Without Bluetooth, wireless headphones for TV function through RF (radio frequency connectivity). This remains popular until today despite advances in technology because not all households have their own smart TV’s. The pairs of wireless headphones for TV that will be discussed on this post can be used on most TV sets – old and new – for as long as the TV has built-in analog and/or digital audio-in/out jacks.
Characteristics of the Best Wireless Headphones for TV
It is not even a struggle or a challenge to find the best wireless headphones for TV as these devices are widely available in various physical and online shops. However, since there are so many models that came out through the years, it is still important to know what you should look for to make sure you’re spending your money on a product that’s worth its price. Here are some features and characteristics you must consider.
- Sound Quality
As most headphones, sound quality should be superior. There’s no better way to enjoy your best TV shows than with rich, crisp and very clear sound quality that will let you hear all details, dialogues, music, sound effects and more.
- Durability
The pair of headphones you should be getting must be solid and durable. You don’t want one that will give up on you within a short while. These headphones should be able to last even if you use it daily for several hours.
- Comfort
Again, these headphones are meant to be used for hours. As much as possible, you’d want a lightweight pair with an adjustable headband and cushioned ear pads. On the list below, you’ll also find one that’s made with ear tips should that be your preferred design.
- Connectivity Range
How far can you be located from the TV? This is a very important feature because the main reason you’re getting a wireless pair of headphones is so that you don’t have to stay too close to the TV and you can move around without having to remove your headphones. Some headphones can work up to 100 feet from the transmitter or even more.
- Battery Life
Another very important feature to look for is battery life. If it’s wireless, then it has to work with batteries and most of the wireless headphones you will find charge through the docking station. To make sure you can watch your favorite shows without any interruption, the headphones you should choose must have longer battery life.
Top 10 Best Wireless Headphones for TV in 2017 - Chart
Picture |
Name |
Price |
Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Picture |
Name |
Price |
Rating |
1. Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones with Charging Dock |
$$ | 4.3 | |
$$$ | 4.3 | ||
$$$ | 4.2 | ||
$$$ | 4.2 | ||
$$ | 4.0 | ||
6. Digital Wireless Headphones with Wireless Transmitter | $$ | 3.9 | |
$$$ | 3.9 | ||
8. TV Ears Original 11641 Wireless Voice Clarifying TV Headset |
$$ | 3.9 | |
$$$ | 3.9 | ||
$$ | 3.9 |
It doesn’t even come as a surprise that a Sennheiser claims the top spot of this for the best wireless headphones for TV. After all, the brand has a reputation of superior quality audio, simply yet classy designs, and durability that gives you way beyond the value of your money. If you are looking for a pair of headphones that delivers all the mentioned qualities of the Sennheiser brand, then the Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones with Charging Dock is a great choice that will definitely not regret. Thousands of exceptional reviews from customers speaks volumes about these headphones and the most common feedback from these happy owners is that this pair has great sound quality, it is comfortable to wear and it is a solid pair that’s durable enough to last for years. More importantly, you’re getting all those at a very affordable price. It truly is a great deal.
The package includes a pair of Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones, a wireless transmitter, which can be used as a charging dock for the headphones and also included are 2 AAA batteries (rechargeable NiMH). While there are many wireless headphones with connectivity that requires Bluetooth technology, this one is great for use in TV and Hi-Fi audio equipment because even your older models that are non-Bluetooth compatible can still be used via its wireless RF (radio frequency) connectivity. Even better, you can expect seamless connection by up to 300 feet interference-free even through walls, ceilings or even if you go outdoors! So if you have to take a quick bathroom break or check the who’s on the door, you won’t miss parts of your favorite TV show!
Latest customer reviews and prices of Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones with Charging Dock
Another pair of RF wireless headphones with basically the same features of the previous Sennheiser, the Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone is also a top-selling product with over 3,000 satisfied reviews to back it up. You can be guaranteed that you’re getting a great pair because first and foremost, this is a Sony. Unless you’ve been living in a rock for the past few decades, you must know by now that Sony is not only popular because of its famous name but also because of the great quality it offers. This particular model is very comfortable to wear. The ear pads are soft and so is the headband, which you can adjust for long-term comfort. It also has a closed back design for an even better noise-free sound quality.
The Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone is a pair of 900Mhz FM wireless headphones, which promises impressive and expressive sound quality through its 40mm driver units. The best wireless headphones for TV feature a noise reduction system that allows minimal transmission noise. Since it can be used to listen to FM radio as well, it features automatic tuning so you can easily get the best signal reception of your preferred station. It comes with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that runs up to 25 hours. The charging dock that comes with the package also functions as the headphones’ receiver. Again, this is not a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones so it may be connected even to older models of television sets via RF connectivity.
Latest customer reviews and prices of Sony MDRRF985RK Wireless RF Headphone
The Sennheiser RS 165 RF Wireless Headphone System is one out of sever RS series that Sennheiser came out with. This pair of sealed/closed-back headphones works at a range of up to 30 meters and works only with TV’s with an analog output. It comes with 2 AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries that require an initial uninterrupted charge of about 16 hours and afterwards, you only need about 8.5 hours to charge the headphones fully. For each full charge, the headphones would work for up to 18 hours. You can use the Sennheiser RS 165 RF Wireless Headphone System not only to watch your favorite TV shows “privately” but also for listening to music and a whole lot more. You can use it through digital wireless audio transmission via its multi-purpose transmitter, which also serves as the charger.
The Sennheiser RS 165 RF Wireless Headphone System has so far received an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 100 happy customers. The most popular feature of this pair of headphones is its simple yet classy design with control buttons on the actual headphones. Most owners also mentioned how its very comfortable to wear even for hours on end because of its cushioned ear pads and the cushioned headband. Furthermore, the best wireless headphones for TV transmitter can support up to two pairs of headphones at the same time; you can purchase the optional HDR separately. Audio quality is, of course, superior as always. This pair even has a bass boost feature for an even more enjoyable listening experience.
Latest customer reviews and prices of Sennheiser RS 165 RF Wireless Headphone System
The Sennheiser RS 170 Digital Wireless Headphones also belongs to the RS series where the previous pair of headphones came from. This particular model may have been discontinued by the manufacturer as of today; however, there are still many sellers, that still has it available. There are newer models of this item such as the RS 175 but if you choose the RS 170, you are still guaranteed superior sound quality, durability and performance. In fact, as of today, there are over 1,600 customers who are very happy with their purchase and has so far given this pair an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in ratings. Closed circumaural design gives the Sennheiser RS 170 best wireless headphones for TV, an edge in producing crystal clear and detailed sound, not to mention how it’s very comfortable to wear too - thanks to its cushioned ear pads and headband.
The Sennheiser RS 170 Digital Wireless Headphones comes with a multi-purpose transmitter that also serves as its docking station and charging cradle. Unlike other wireless headphones for TV with receivers for only one or two headphones at a time, the Sennheiser RS 170 Digital Wireless Headphones offers more with its multi-receiver transmission that can accommodate up to 4 people simultaneously - perfect for your family home theater needs. You can even choose from dynamic bass and surround sound listening modes for maximum enjoyment. Again, this is not a pair of Bluetooth headphones but it’s more than enough for your TV watching needs.
Latest customer reviews and prices of Sennheiser RS 170 Digital Wireless Headphones
If you’re on a tight budget and you’re looking for an impressive pair of wireless headphones that you can use while watching TV, you are in luck as the Insignia Wireless Over-the-Ear Headphones sells at a very competitive price. This over-the-ear pair of headphones provides such comfort so you can use it continuously without feeling any pressure or inconvenience even for hours on end. It weighs just about a pound and it has cushioned ear pads for added comfort. The Insignia best wireless headphones for TV comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery that lets you enjoy up to 8 hours of listening pleasure. It comes with a docking station that you can use to store your headphones and to charge it at the same time.
It has an impressive number of reviews from almost 300 customers who have rated the Insignia Wireless Over-the-Ear Headphones with an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars. Most of these customers have provided great feedback on these headphones and spoke greatly about its impressive audio quality. You can transmit high quality sound from these headphones with up to 45 feet range. Though it isn’t built as noise cancelling headphones, you won’t have to worry much about excessive outside noise while trying to focus on your favorite shows. While you can’t expect the same audio quality from headphones that cost hundreds of dollars, you aren’t getting a cheap pair either. The sound is clear and crisp and most importantly, these headphones are solid and sturdy so you can expect it to last for years.
Latest customer reviews and prices of Insignia Wireless Over-the-Ear Headphones
Another budget pair of headphones that wouldn’t disappoint is the RIF6 Digital Wireless Headphones. It sells at an affordable price and with almost 800 reviews from happy customers, you can be guaranteed that you are getting a good pair. The RIF6 Digital Wireless Headphones looks very simple yet sleek and classy. All black with cushioned ear pads and a soft-padded adjustable headband, you can expect maximum comfort even if you should use this pair for hours. It comes with rechargeable NI-MH batteries that last for up to 20 hours with just one full charge. The docking station that comes with the package isn’t only for display and storage as this is used to charge the headphones as well.
More importantly, the RIF6 Digital Wireless Headphones can produce amazing crystal clear and crisp sound quality. It boasts of a 30Hz to 20kHz frequency response with 0.5% total harmonic distortion. Signal to noise ration is at 70dB which is pretty impressive too. Unlike others within this price range that can only give you less than 50feet range, the RIF6 Digital Wireless Headphones can give you up to 100 feet range with its 2.4GHz Digital UHF/RF technology. Furthermore, this pair is compatible with most TV’s, computers, Hi-Fi radios and more. You can even use it while listening to music on your iPod and other compatible smartphones. The RIF6 best wireless headphones for TV also comes with smart features such as an on and off LED indicator, volume memory preset, mute, speed charge, low power indicator and more.
Latest customer reviews and prices of Digital Wireless Headphones with 2.4GHz Digital UHF
The fourth and not the last Sennheiser on this list and another one from the RS series that rightfully claimed the 7th spot of the best wireless headphones for TV is the Sennheiser RS 160 RF Wireless Headphones. Almost 800 happy reviews from customers resulted to an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars for this pair that only proves that the brand truly doesn’t disappoint. These headphones have a closed circumaural design with cushioned ear pads and an ergonomic adjustable headband that is soft padded too so you can enjoy listening even for hours with maximum comfort. What makes the Sennheiser RS 160 RF Wireless Headphones different from most of the headphones covered so far on this list is its compact portable transmitter that is significantly smaller than the other ones. It works with a range of up to 60 feet and its w x AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries can give you up to 24 hours continuous playback with every full charge.
These are wireless headphones, however, you also get a detachable audio cable with 1/8-inch connectors. The sound quality that you can get out of the Sennheiser RS 160 RF Wireless Headphones is also impressive and you will definitely enjoy crisp, clear and rich sound, thanks to its 18Hz to 21kHZ frequency response. It also features a sealed transducer, carrier frequency of 2.4 to 2.8 GHz, 106 dB sound pressure level (SPL), 32Ohms impedance and 85 dBA signal-to-noise ratio. Though it is not as affordable as the others, its impressive sound quality, features and durability still makes the Sennheiser RS 160 RF Wireless Headphones quite a bargain deal.
Latest customer reviews and prices of Sennheiser RS 160 RF Wireless Headphones
An impressive 4 out of 5 stars rating from customers gives the TV Ears Original 11641 Wireless Voice Clarifying TV Headset a rightfully deserved spot on this list of the best wireless headphones for TV. It has a fair enough price tag since it comes with 5-year limited warranty. The main difference of the TV Ears Original 11641 Wireless Voice Clarifying TV Headset from the rest of the headphones on this list so far is its in-ear design. It isn’t an over-the-head pair of headphones so if you’re the type who prefers earbuds, then this is the one for you. It is ultra lightweight and it is completely wireless. Despite not being a full-sized pair of headphones, it still impressively reduces background noise with its special foam ear tips. In fact, its maximum SPL is at 120dB.
To ensure that you’re getting the latest model and the more affordable pair, look for the TV Ears Original 11641 Wireless Voice Clarifying TV Headset with a Version 5.0 tag. It has a voice clarifying circuitry and sound quality is very remarkable that you probably won’t expect from a pair of earbuds. It also has a volume function that can adjust the one on the TV and the headset separately. The audio frequency response is at 20 to 20,000 Hz and transmission frequency of 2.3MHz. The TV Ears Original 11641 Wireless Voice Clarifying TV Headset is the most affordable among several models that TV Ears came out with. It already has a built-in rechargeable battery and along with the package comes the 5.0 headset, a 5.0 analog transmitter that can hold and charge up to 2 of these headsets, an auxiliary audio cord, an analog audio cord and a power supply.
Latest customer reviews and prices of TV Ears Original 11641 Wireless Voice Clarifying TV Headset
The final Sennheiser on this list and another one from the RS series grabs the 9th spot of the best wireless headphones for TV. The Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System gained an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars average from almost 300 reviews and ratings of customers. Now this isn’t exactly a cheap pair of wireless headphones. The Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System is available for a little bit hefty price but it is definitely worth every penny you spend for it.
Again, this is a pair of closed back circumaural headphones that can give you amazing sound quality with a range of up to 100 meters or about 328 feet. What’s even more impressive is its bass boost and virtual surround sound modes that you can select from so you can listen to your TV shows and more with the best audio quality possible. The multi-purpose transmitter of the Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System supports both digital and analog inputs and you can also use the same as a docking station and charger. The transmitter can also support up to 2 pairs of headphones at the same time. The rechargeable batteries of the Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System can give you up to 18 hours non-stop operation for uninterrupted enjoyment. All these for its price truly make the RS 175 a good pair of headphones to invest on. If you’re willing to shell out a little bit more, then you might as well get a pair that’s guaranteed to impress - no less than a Sennheiser.
Latest customer reviews and prices of Sennheiser RS 175 RF Wireless Headphone System
Last but definitely not the least, the tenth spot on this list of the best wireless headphones for TV goes to another Sony - the Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System. This pair of IR wireless system headphones can probably attribute most of its sales due to the popularity of the Sony brand. When you’re a headphone shopper and you’re looking for a simple pair, then Sony is probably the one that comes across your mind as it has already proven superior quality through the years. The Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System is no exception. Its amazing audio quality that’s crisp, rich and very clear comes from the 30mm diameter PET drivers with ferrite magnet. The frequency response of these headphones is at 18Hz to 22,000Hz. Its IRS wireless system has a 90-degree maximum transmission angle and works within a 24-foot range. The Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System comes with a built-in NiCad battery that requires 24-hour charging but will last up to 30 hours with just one full charge.
If the features mentioned above aren’t impressive enough, you’ll love how the Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System looks sleek and classy as well. The cushioned ear pads are very comfortable to wear and its open-air design with a wide headband is designed for maximum convenience and comfort so you can use these headphones for hours on end. It is very lightweight too at 6.3 oz yet once you hold the headphones, you know that it’s a very solid and sturdy pair - very durable for it to last for many years! With over 1,100 satisfied reviews from customers and selling for over a decade now, if you want to play it safe and put your money on a guaranteed awesome pair, the Sony MDR-IF240RK Wireless Headphone System is a great choice.