Sennheiser’s latest wireless headphones are one of the best I've ever tried

Tech Insider/Jeff Dunn

Like them or not, wireless headphones are probably your future.

With Apple and others pushing consumer audio in a more fragmented direction, going Bluetooth may soon be your only choice if you want one headphone that works with with all your devices. Even if they’re another thing to charge, and even if they can’t match the sound of a good wired pair, they’ll still be the most convenient way to go — if only by default.

This being the case, more and more headphone companies are making an effort to step up their wireless game. Sennheiser is one such group, and recently it launched the PXC 550 Wireless, a $400 pair of noise-cancelling wireless cans with its sights set squarely on Bose’s excellent QuietComfort 35.

It’s not wrong to aim high. I’ve tested the PXC 550 Wireless for the past week, and while it can’t top the QuietComfort across the board, it’s the superior choice for anyone who prioritizes audio quality. Let’s take a closer look.

The PXC 550’s simple, black-and-silver look isn’t what I’d call striking, but it looks and feels professional. Its matte earcups are smooth, its metal accents add a little flair, and the whole thing is tightly put together. It’s not oversized, either. You won’t look goofy wearing it.

Tech Insider/Jeff Dunn

I’ll mention that the noise cancelling and effect mode controls — more in a sec — are on the smaller side, but they become easy enough to adjust after a few listening sessions.

More importantly, it’s comfortable. Both the earpads and headband have plenty of cushion, and the headphone as a whole fits snug without clamping down too hard. It can make your ears a little sweaty over time, but I went through hours-long sessions without experiencing any major discomfort.

Tech Insider/Jeff Dunn

The QuietComfort 35 are a tiny bit ahead here, though. Those are lighter, and the PXC 550’s earpads are angled in a way that could be tricky for those with especially large ears.

Still, the Sennheiser headphones create a tighter seal, and the materials feel a bit more luxurious.

It’s cleverly designed, too. Instead of using a power toggle, you turn the PXC 550 on and off just by swiveling its right earcup flat. This takes a little getting used to, yes, but I eventually enjoyed not having to fiddle around for a tiny switch beside my head.

Tech Insider/Jeff Dunn

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