This content was initially published on Mashable for a U.S. audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Television watching is a time-honored hobby enjoyed by many. A night spent on the sofa engrossed in the latest Netflix series is a common pleasure. However, distractions at home can interrupt this enjoyment, and housemates might be disturbed by late-night viewing. Additionally, individuals who are hearing impaired may require assistance with dialogue clarity. For these reasons, investing in a good pair of headphones for TV watching is advisable.
Wireless headphones provide the means to immerse oneself fully into a show or movie without disturbing others. For those seeking guidance on choosing the best pair, there is useful information available, along with a selection of recommended headsets.
The necessity for headphones while watching TV can vary. As mentioned, viewers may be hard of hearing or live in busy households. With numerous devices often in the same room, owning a quality pair of headphones makes sense, even for occasional use. Options are available for headphones that serve both television and everyday use.
When purchasing headphones specifically for TV viewing, sound quality is a critical factor. Consideration should be given to the types of content being watched, whether action movies with heavy bass, nuanced dialogue, or varied programming like sports and comedy. Noise-canceling technology is also recommended, and wireless models are preferable to avoid physical connection to the TV. Checking the wireless range might also be beneficial for mobility within the home while remaining connected to audio.
For wireless headphones, Bluetooth is common for syncing with smart devices; however, it may not be ideal for TV due to potential lag in sound synchronization. Alternatively, radio frequency (RF) technology offers minimal latency, ensuring seamless picture and audio. Reliable Bluetooth options do exist, featuring codecs designed to minimize latency.
For those opting for Bluetooth headphones, considering the supported codecs is vital. Codecs encode and decode digital audio signals at specific bitrates, impacting latency. Low-latency options such as Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codecs are generally recommended for video content streaming and TV use.
While the choice of noise-canceling headphones depends on personal preferences and the home environment, these provide an immersive experience by blocking external noise. Two types are available: passive noise cancellation through the physical build of the headphones, and active noise cancellation (ANC) that uses microphones to create anti-noise sound waves.
For those seeking recommendations, there is a compiled list of headphones suitable for TV watching, featuring brands like Sony and Sennheiser. Options are available for varied budgets and preferences. Evaluating these choices against one’s viewing habits is recommended.
These represent the best wireless headphones for watching TV in 2025.
