The best wireless TV headphones for 2025 that let you actually hear what characters are saying

Hard time hearing the TV? You could add a top-rated soundbar, which would not only make the audio louder and clearer but also boost voices. Of course, blasting episodes of Only Murders in the Building is the very definition of disturbing the peace. Before your spouse or landlord throws you out, consider donning a set of wireless TV headphones instead. You'll hear everything a lot better and reduce the number of murderous looks directed your way. All that remains is to figure out what the best wireless TV headphone is for your particular needs. And while we're asking questions, how much should you expect to pay?

I can't say there's one pair of TV headphones that's vastly superior to another; they all have their merits. Ultimately, it depends on your budget and level of tech-savviness. It's hard to beat the convenience and simplicity of a good set with a rechargeable battery and drop-and-go charging base, but you can probably save money by choosing ordinary headphones or earbuds and pairing them directly to your TV or streaming device. (See the FAQ section below to learn more.)

Here, I've rounded up what I consider the best options across various categories. Some of them I've tested firsthand; others earned a spot here based on reputation and user ratings. Chances are good you'll be happy with any of them.

(Looking for a better way to listen to music on your phone? You might like our list of the best noise-cancelling headphones or the best AirPods Pro alternatives priced under $100.)

Update, July 14, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our picks for best wireless TV headphones remain unchanged.

FAQs

How do wireless TV headphones work?

Let's start with the "traditional" TV headphones designed expressly for this purpose. These include a base station that plugs into your television and beams audio to the headphones using some kind of wireless technology — usually RF, infrared or Bluetooth. That base station will often double as a headphone charging dock.

Next, there's Bluetooth, the short-range wireless technology that's now built into most TV sets and streaming devices (Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, etc.). This eliminates the need for a base station and, indeed, opens the door to just about any Bluetooth earbuds or wireless headphones — perhaps even those you already own.

For example, I paired Anker's Soundcore Space Q45 Bluetooth headphones with a Hisense U7H TV, and presto: wireless private listening. No extra equipment needed, no switching of modes or inputs. When I powered on the headphones, that's where the sound played. When I turned them off, it returned to the TV speakers. (Your mileage may vary depending on the age and capabilities of your TV and headphones.)

Similarly, if you have a Roku TV or streaming device, you can use the Roku app to activate a feature called Private Listening, which routes the TV audio to whatever headphones or earbuds are plugged into or paired with your phone.

What is the difference between wireless and Bluetooth headphones for TV?

There are two types of “wireless” headphones that you can use with a TV. The first one uses radio frequency (RF) receivers, which plug into the analog output of your television and convert the sound into a wireless signal that the headphones can pick up. This type of connection is always lag-free, but as the battery starts to run low on the headphones you may notice some static.

The other option is Bluetooth, which uses a short-range wireless connection between the headphones and the TV to transmit audio. Your TV set will need to have Bluetooth built in, or you can add an adapter and connect the headphones to the adapter instead.

Can you use any wireless headphones for TV?

Yes, you can use a pair of wireless headphones that you have at home already with your TV, as long as it has Bluetooth built in. If your TV set does not have Bluetooth, you’ll need an adapter in order to pair the headphones to your TV.

How do I know if my TV has Bluetooth?

If you happen to know the model number of the TV you bought, you can easily look up the features online to find out of it has Bluetooth or not. In most cases, though, you probably don’t know it, so the easiest way to check for Bluetooth is going to be in the settings. You’ll want to use your television remote to navigate to the Settings menu, then find the Sound section, and look under Sound Output.

This may vary a bit by TV, so you may need to dig around a bit in the Settings menu to get the information.