People nowadays prefer Bluetooth headphones because they don’t want to deal with cables. But What if you are middle of your favorite TV show and your headphones battery dies?
Don’t you hate it when that happens? Well, of course, you do.
However, there is no debate that you will get the best sound with the cord versus wireless headphones. So, what if you could have the best of both worlds? What if there was a headphone that was both wired and wireless?
This is where 2-in-1 wired and wireless headphones come in handy. With them, you don’t have to worry about battery life and top-notch sound quality because you can simply switch to the wired mode when needed.
There are many 2-in-1 wireless and wired Bluetooth headphones on the market, but not all of them are created equal. To help you find the best option, we’ve put together a list of the best 2-in-1 wired and wireless headphones.
Disclaimer: If you buy through affiliate links on this article, we may earn a commission without any additional cost to you.
Tips For Buying Headphones:
There are a few Tips for buying headphones that you must consider before making your final purchase.
I’ll begin with the battery life since it’s a key feature when purchasing 2-in-1 wireless and wired headphones. The average battery life for these types of headphones is about 5-6 hours, but of course, there are options that offer a longer battery life.
Next, is the sound quality. This is probably the most important factor when choosing headphones since you’ll be listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos in your free time. You’ll have to look for headphones that are both wired and wireless with High quality and crystal clear high-end notes.
Now, the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) feature is something you might want to consider in 2 in 1 headphone. This will allow you to use your headphones in louder environments without having to crank up the volume.
Lastly, the Comfort. if you are looking for 2 in 1 headphone, you’re probably planning to use them for longer periods. Therefore, it is important to choose a headphone that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Look for headphones with soft ear cups and an adjustable headband.
Now that you know the main features to look for in 2-in-1 wireless & wired Bluetooth headphones, here are 5 of the best options available on the market.
- AKG N60NC
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bose QuietComfort 45
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless
- Apple AirPods Max
Reviews of the Best Wireless Headphones With Wired Options
AKG N60NC: Budget On-Ear Headphone
Specs and Features:
- Type: On-Ear
- Weight: about 200g
- Colors: Black
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
- Noise-canceling: Yes
- Cable length: 1.2 m
- Battery Life: 15 hours (with ANC), 30 hours (without ANC)
One-Minute Review:
If you’re looking for noise-canceling headphones that are budget-friendly, the AKG N60NC is the finest ANC o-ear headphones for you.
The N60NC offers an impressive 15-hour battery life with Both the ANC and Bluetooth turned ON and you get almost 30 hours of playback time when you use them without ANC and Bluetooth.
When it comes to noise cancellation, the AKG N60NC provides noise isolation without compromising the audio quality. You will get 15dB of isolation in the bass range(isolation from engine rumble), 17dB of isolation in the mid-range(isolation from ambient speech), and 34dB of isolation in the treble range(isolation from S and Ts sounds and fan noises).
In the audio quality, these headphones are equipped with the AKG Signature sound which offers a deep Bass and Clean and rich mid-range. However, in the High range, it is not as accurate as some of the more expensive options but it’s still pretty good.
Now, let’s move toward comfort. Unlike other expensive On-Ear headphones such as Jabra Elite 45h, the AKG N60NC doesn’t provide the same level of comfort. However, they give a decent level of comfort.
Lastly, Cord length is also important to consider when choosing the 2-in-1 headphones and the AKG N60NC comes with a 1.2m cord which is the same length as the other headphones on this list.
AKG has slashed prices on many of its headphones, including the N60NC. If you purchase it now, you would save 76% off the retail price.
Pros:
- Noise-canceling
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Price
- Battery
Cons:
- Comfort
Sony WH-1000XM5: Best ANC Headphones
Specs and Features:
- Type: Closed-Back
- Weight: about 250g
- Colors: Black, Silver
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2
- Noise-canceling: Yes
- Cable length: 1.2 m
- Battery Life: 30 hours (with ANC), 40 hours (without ANC)
One-Minute Review:
When it comes to the best ANC headphones with a wired option, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is at the top of the list.
Following the footsteps of its best-in-class over-ear noise canceling predecessors (WH-1000XM3 & WH-1000XM4), The headphone provides industry-leading noise cancellation technology to allow you to focus on your music, films, and videos without being disturbed.
ANC is not the only feature that makes the headphone stand out. The headphones also offer top-notch sound quality. They feature 30mm drivers that produce rich, Hi-Res audio. Despite the fact that the drivers are not as big as those on previous versions, the soundstage is still broad and you experience every element of the music.
In terms of performance and features, XM5 is much similar to its predecessor but when it comes to design, there are some subtle changes. The critical difference is, that it is a bit curvier, sleeker, and tidier with a slimmer headband, apparent points of articulation, and discreet noise-canceling mic ports. Moreover, the earcups are squat and ovoid in shape, instead of oval.
Regarding to battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is somewhat similar to its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4. As you would get 30 hours of playback time with ANC turned ON and get extra 2 hours than XM4, 40 hours, if you use them with ANC OFF.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Hi-Res sound quality
- Excellent Battery Life
Cons:
- Not cheap
- The new design is less portable
Bose QuietComfort 45: Best Over-ear Headphone for Music
Specs and Features:
- Type: Closed-Back
- Weight: about 238g
- Colors: Black, Off white
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1
- Noise-canceling: Yes
- Cable length: 1.2 m
- Battery Life: 24 hours (with ANC)
One-Minute Review:
When you talk about noise cancellation, Bose is one of the first brands that come to mind.
Over two decades, Bose has dominated the ANC market with its Quietcomfort headphone range, however, Apple’s Airpod Max and Sony’s WH-1000XM3, WH-1000XM4, and WH-1000XM5 have given a strong challenge to Bose in recent years.
But still, Bose is the best when it comes to ANC in headphones, and the QC 45 is no exception. This 2-in-1 Headphone does an excellent job of reducing noise on low-frequency noises like the engine drone of an aircraft and variable highs-pitched sounds like the surrounding conversations.
Bose does not cut corners on the Sound quality of its Goods. The QC45 sound almost like its predecessor and is equipped with the same number of drivers. On the sub-bass tracks, QC45s reproduced the low-end with authority and didn’t distort even at high volumes.
When it comes to comfort and battery life, the QC 45 delivers both in spades. The headphone weighs 238 grams and the ear-cups are very soft, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time. As for the battery life, you can expect around 25 hours of use on a single charge.
overall, the Bose QC 45 is an excellent 2-in-1 headphone that delivers great sound quality, comfort, and battery life. If you are looking for the best 2-in-1 headphone for music, then this is the one for you.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- The highs are crisp and the bass is rich.
- Exceptionally comfortable
Cons:
- Not as feature-rich as Sony WH-1000XM4 for a similar price
- ANC can’t be adjusted
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless: Portable Studio Headphones
Specs and Features:
- Type: Closed-Back
- Weight: about 307g
- Colors: Black, Lantern Glow
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise-canceling: Yes
- Cable length: 1.2 m
One-Minute Review:
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is the best Portable Studio headphones in the market with 2-in-1 wired and wireless capabilities. With 50 hours of use on a single charge, the ATH-M50xBT2 beats popular models like the AirPods Max and Bose 700 by 30 hours.
Further, the headphones have very good audio quality. They use 45mm large-aperture drivers, an internal DAC, Hi-Res audio Support(LDAC), and an amplifier. All of these work together to give you a clear, powerful, and well-balanced sound.
One thing which you have to compromise is comfort. If you use them for more than an hour, the tight clamp force and driver pressing against the ear will cause discomfort if you have sensitive ears. The earcup padding, on the other hand, is quite comfortable and effective at blocking sound. However, they become heated and damp after a while, which can cause discomfort.
Also, there is no noise cancellation(ANC) on the ATH-M50xBT2. So, if you’re looking for headphones to use in loud environments, these are not the best option.
Pros:
- 50 hours of use on a single charge
- Good audio quality with Hi-Res audio support
- Internal DAC and amplifier
Cons:
- Lack of comfort after extended use
- No noise cancellation
Apple AirPods Max: Luxury Headphones with Industry-Leading Sound Quality
Specs and Features:
- Type: Closed-Back
- Weight: about 384g
- Colors: silver, space gray, blue, pink, and green
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise-canceling: Yes
- Cable length: 1.2 m
One-Minute Review:
When it comes to choosing the best 2-in-1 wireless & wired Bluetooth headphones, the AirPods Max from Apple is one of the finest alternatives for iOS devices.
Apple equipped its AirPods Max with a 40mm Apple-designed dynamic driver which provides rich, deep bass, along with precise mid- and high-frequency detail. Plus, a dual neodymium ring magnet motor helps to minimize unwanted harmonic distortion at high volumes.
The AirPods Max utilizes 2 Apple H1 chips to allow for easy switching between iOS devices as well as high-quality sound. The H1 chip also provides features such as Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and spatial audio – similar to the ones found on other AirPod models and the AirPods Pro.
ANC works really well on the AirPods Max, and you can use it in both wired and wireless modes. With the help of three outward-facing microphones and one inside the ear cup, which detects the outside noises and the amount of sound reaching your ear, the AirPods Max adapts the noise cancellation accordingly.
The ear cups feature a soft, breathable knit mesh that helps to evenly distribute the pressure on the ears and provides all-day comfort. The upward-curvy headband is also made with breathable knit mesh which helps with airflow and sweat control.
The AirPods Max offers up to 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode turned ON. If you’re only using it in wired mode with ANC turned on, then you don’t have to worry about the battery.
I would recommend the AirPods Max to those who are high on budget and are looking for the best sound quality in 2-in-1 wireless & wired Bluetooth headphones.
Pros:
- Fantastic user experience
- Very comfortable
- Brilliant extra features for iOS
- Top class ANC
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited features for Android users
Related Post
Conclusion
It can be difficult to know which headphones to buy, especially when you want the best of both worlds. Wireless and wired headphones offer different benefits, but it can be tough to decide which is right for you.
After careful consideration, I’ve chosen the best 2-in-1 wireless & wired Bluetooth headphones as our top pick. The AKG N60NC is the budget-friendly option and the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the premium choice.
But if you have the budget then you can go for Airpod Max without any second thought as it is best in every way be it design, audio quality, or comfort.