The humble 3.5mm headphone jack wasn’t hurting anyone, but the endless quest for progress killed it dead (assuming everyone follows Apple’s lead). There will be adaptors, and there will be lightning cable headphones, but if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them, so we’re giving you a few suggestions for Bluetooth headphones to go with your shiny new iPhone 7 or 7+. This list isn’t exhaustive, or even in any ranked order, but an important part of the grieving process for a loved one (our mate the headphone jack) is moving on. With a heavy heart, I give you Mixdown’s Guide To: iPhone 7 Bluetooth Headphone Solutions.
In-Ear
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS55XBT
While these headphones include features that are expected of them these days (Bluetooth connectivity, in-line control etc.), where they really stand out is with their Double Air Chamber system. The system manipulates air flow produced by the driver movement to expand the bass output, giving the low end a bit more oomph. Useful if the bass is super important to you but you don’t want On- or Over-Ear headphone
Yamaha EPH-WS01
For the sportier type, these headphones feature a special ear cuff that holds the headphones more securely in place. For use with iPhone 7, the headphones actually connect into a Bluetooth receiver, which itself connects to the phone, meaning that these headphones can still be used with other devices that maintain the normal headphone jacks on them. They also offer “simultaneous multi-point connections with up to two devices”, for when you need to be extra-connected.
Yamaha EPH-W32
These are the step up from the EPH-WS01 headphones mentioned above, and are naturally also a step up in sound quality. The Bluetooth works in the same way as the WS01s, meaning that these headphones can be used both through Bluetooth with the iPhone 7 and plugged straight into other devices.
On-Ear
Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT
With 45mm drivers and 38 hours battery life for continuous use, these cans look pretty solid on the surface. However, it’s some of the other features that really make them a viable option. A built in microphone and volume control in the earcup, near field communication functionality, the ability to remember up to eight Bluetooth devices and a 1.2m cable for wired use with other devices are all handy additions that push these headphones to the front of the pack.
Sennheiser MM 100
A different approach to wireless headphones, this slightly weird-looking Sennheiser model is full of useful features, as long as you’re willing to sacrifice your style for them… Open acoustics give wide, dynamic sound to the headphones, an invisible microphone makes having phone conversations or talking to Siri easy, the neckband is supposedly comfortable (but is it worth the fashion trade off?), and there are headset controls incorporated into said neckband. With Bluetooth connectivity, they’re a pretty decent option for something a bit different.
Over-Ear
Sennheiser Momentum Wireless
These are stylish Sennheiser headphones for people who really care about their sound. Decked out with active noise cancellation, high definition aptX codec, an in-built microphone and large diaphragms, they produce great sound with minimal outside sound interference. However, for the casual listener or someone who doesn’t want to carry massive headphones everywhere, these probably wouldn’t be ideal.
For more information on Sennheiser products, visit: sennheiser.com.au. To find out more about Yamaha products, visit: au.yamaha.com. To learn more about Audio-Technica gear, head to: audio-technica.com.au.
