X

Article updated on March 27, 2024 at 7:00 PM PDT

Best Multipoint Bluetooth Headphones and Earbuds for 2024

Multipoint headphones have never been more affordable. Here are the top models that have been reviewed by CNET's experts.

Our Experts

Written by 
David Carnoy
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
Why You Can Trust CNET
16171819202122232425+
Years of Experience
14151617181920212223
Hands-on Product Reviewers
6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000
Sq. Feet of Lab Space

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Our Picks

$200 at Amazon
Image of Bose QuietComfort 45
Latest Bose
Bose QuietComfort 45
View details
View details
$398 at Amazon
Image of Sony WH-1000XM5
Top noise-canceling headphones with multipoint
Sony WH-1000XM5
View details
View details
$169 at Amazon
Image of Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony's best earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM4
View details
View details
$172 at Walmart
Image of Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4
Best new Soundcore by Anker buds
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4
View details
View details
$128 at Amazon
Image of Sony LinkBuds S
Smaller Sony earbuds with big sound
Sony LinkBuds S
View details
View details
$180 at Amazon
The Pixel Buds Pro are available in 4 colors
Best wireless earbuds for Android users
Google Pixel Buds Pro
View details
View details
$299 at Amazon
Image of Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
View details
View details
$175 at Walmart
Image of Technics EAH-AZ60
Premium Panasonic multipoint buds
Technics EAH-AZ60
View details
View details
$599 at Master & Dynamic
Image of Master & Dynamic MW75
Best-sounding premium noise-canceling headphones
Master & Dynamic MW75
View details
$35 at Amazon
Image of Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2
Budget on-ear multipoint headphones
Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2
View details
View details
$999 at Music Direct
mark-levinson-no-5909-headphones-1
Great if you can afford it
Mark Levinson No. 5909
View details
$100 at Amazon
The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 delivers excellent sound
Premium noise-canceling headphones for less
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
View details
View details
$120 at Target
Image of Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Line-topping Jabra buds
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
View details
View details
$180 at Amazon
Image of Shokz OpenRun Pro
Best bone-conduction
Shokz OpenRun Pro
View details
View details
See at Amazon
Image of Jabra Elite 45h (Update: Currently Unavailable)
Best value on-ear multipoint headphones
Jabra Elite 45h (Update: Currently Unavailable)
View details
View details

If you're in the market for premium headphones with multipoint technology, you don't have to go over budget. What exactly is multipoint Bluetooth? It's the ability for two devices to be paired with your earbuds or headphones simultaneously. Most Bluetooth earbuds and headphones, as of 2024, can be connected to multiple devices, but only select models can be paired to multiple sets at the same time. This is the main difference between multipoint Bluetooth and multiconnection Bluetooth, and they should never be confused.  

A pair of headphones without multipoint Bluetooth pairing can only be actively connected to one device at a time. If you wanted to pivot to another device, you would need to manually switch to access a different audio source. Multipoint pairing can allow you to listen to audio on your computer and when a call comes in on your phone, you can click to answer, prompting your headphones or earbuds to automatically shift over to your phone to take the call. In this article, I'll share the best multipoint Bluetooth headphones and earbuds for you.

Apple and Samsung offer a variation of multipoint Bluetooth pairing called "automatic switching," which works only for their respective devices. For instance, you can have your AirPods Pro 2 connected to your iPhone and Mac simultaneously (and an iPad) but a non-Apple device can't be in the mix for simultaneous pairing. Samsung's various Galaxy Buds have a similar arrangement with Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

In the past, business-focused headphones -- some of which featured integrated boom microphones -- offered advanced multipoint Bluetooth pairing. The feature has gradually come to more consumer headphones, which are what we're focusing on here. (We also have a list of the best headphones for working from home, which includes some of the more business-class headsets with boom mics and USB dongles for reliable wireless PC connectivity.) Unfortunately, multipoint Bluetooth pairing isn't easy to implement reliably with true-wireless earbuds.

"Up until recently, Bluetooth chips supported a maximum of two simultaneous connections," explains Jonathan Levine, CEO and founder of Master & Dynamic. "This makes multipoint easy for headphones, where a wire connects both ear cups. However, for a true wireless product, one of the two connections gets consumed by the other earphone -- leaving only one available connection to an audio source. Cutting-edge connectivity protocols have allowed true wireless products to connect much more seamlessly and bypass the maximum limit of two connections."

I've tested all the headphones and earbuds on this list and will add top models with multipoint Bluetooth connectivity as they're released. Note that products in Apple's AirPods line, which includes the AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max, can automatically switch between Apple devices on your iCloud account, but they aren't included on this list because the feature is exclusive to Apple devices. The same goes for Samsung's earbuds. Keep reading to find the best multipoint Bluetooth earbuds and headphones available right now.

$200 at Amazon

Latest Bose

Bose QuietComfort 45

The QuietComfort 45 has virtually the same design as its predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, which many people consider one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones, if not the most comfortable. It has the same drivers, according to Bose, and the buttons are in the same place. There are small but notable changes. First off, these have USB-C instead of micro-USB.

Secondly, the microphone configuration is different. Not only have the mics been shifted on the headphones, but there's now an extra external microphone for voice pick-up, which means the QC45 has a total of six microphones, four of which are beamforming and used for voice. By contrast, the QC35 II has a total of four, two of which are used for voice. (The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 also have six microphones total.)

These headphones are excellent for making calls. They're similar to the Bose Headphones 700 in that regard. They also include top-notch noise canceling and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you can connect them with a PC and your phone simultaneously. Read our full review of the QuietComfort 45.

$398 at Amazon

Top noise-canceling headphones with multipoint

Sony WH-1000XM5

When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony's WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they've improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it's done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher $400 price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony's made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.

Note that you do have to activate multipoint pairing in the Sony Headphones companion app for the feature to work.

$169 at Amazon

Sony's best earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM4

No earbuds are perfect, and not everybody will love the fit of the Sony WF-1000XM4 buds. If you're looking for earbuds with quality sound, active noise cancellation, solid voice-calling capabilities and good battery life, these buds check all the boxes. They are frequently on sale, as Sony is expected to release next-gen flagship earbuds later this year.

Like the Linkbuds and Linkbuds S, these buds initially didn't have multipoint Bluetooth pairing but Sony added the feature late last year. It does have to be activated in the companion Sony Headphones app to work.

$172 at Walmart

Best new Soundcore by Anker buds

Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4

While their sound isn't quite up to the level of higher-end buds like Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 which cost significantly more, the Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 earbuds have a strong set of features, including a spatial audio mode with head tracking, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, up to nine hours of battery life, wireless charging and support for Sony's LDAC audio codec that can offer sound improvements if you have the right setup.

Compared to top-sounding buds I've reviewed, they lack a bit of overall clarity, accuracy and bass definition. Most people will think they sound quite good. They play plenty loud and deliver strong bass, and you can tweak their sound profile in the app or create a personal HearID Sound profile (it's also for noise canceling). 

$128 at Amazon

Smaller Sony earbuds with big sound

Sony LinkBuds S

Unlike the "open" LinkBuds, the LinkBuds S are traditional noise-isolating earbuds with tips that jam in your ears. They're more compact and lighter than Sony's flagship WF-1000XM4 and also feature Sony's V1 processor. While their sound and noise canceling don't quite measure up to the XM4's, they're close and cost less. They're the Sony buds for people who can deal with larger buds like the XM4 but want 80 to 85% of those buds' features and performance for $21 less.

Initially, these buds didn't have multipoint Bluetooth pairing, but Sony added it late in 2022. It does have to be activated in the companion Sony Headphones app.

$180 at Amazon

Best wireless earbuds for Android users

Google Pixel Buds Pro

The Pixel Buds Pro are Google's first earbuds to feature active noise canceling. While it's nice that they finally have a feature that a lot of true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately sets the Pixel Buds Pro apart and makes them worth considering -- particularly for Android users -- is their distinct design and winning fit. That helps enhance their performance on both the sound quality and noise-canceling fronts. While not quite elite for voice-calling, they did perform well as a headset for making calls. A couple of features were missing at launch -- spatial audio and a five-band equalizer -- but the equalizer has now been added with a firmware update. We're now just waiting for spatial audio with full head tracking.

Note that multipoint has to be enabled for it to work with these buds (read how here). 

Read our Google Pixel Buds review.

$299 at Amazon

Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Sennheiser's previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro, part modern, and stood out for the exposed metal on their headband. For better or worse, that's all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser's flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some of their competitors.

The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard, although the biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding -- up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels. There's also a transparency mode that allows ambient sound in, as well as the ability to create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ, sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that "assesses the user's listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste."

Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offers "best-in-class" sound, which is debatable. I'd say the Momentum 4's sound quality is right there with other models in this price range. They sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They're a pleasure to listen to.

$175 at Walmart

Premium Panasonic multipoint buds

Technics EAH-AZ60

Panasonic's Technics EAH-AZ60 buds don't have quite as premium a feel as the earlier EAH-AZ70W, but they sound sweet with clean, well-balanced sound, well-defined bass and good detail. They feature active noise canceling (it's good), a transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth pairing (so you can connect to your computer and phone at the same time) and they have very solid voice-calling performance with good noise reduction. The buds are IPX4 splash-proof and are rated for up to 7 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels. 

They're missing some features usually found at this price point: Notably, an ear-detection sensor that automatically pauses your music when you pull the earbuds out of your ears, and wireless charging (the former feature is more important). The step-down EAH-AZ40 also sounds good but the EAH-AZ60 not only has larger drivers (8mm compared to 6mm) but also supports Sony's LDAC audio codec and has two additional microphones for voice calling and noise canceling (the EAH-AZ40 doesn't have noise canceling). 

$599 at Master & Dynamic

Best-sounding premium noise-canceling headphones

Master & Dynamic MW75

The MW75 is Master & Dynamic's best full-size headphones yet. Needless to say, they're pricey at $599; most people will be quite satisfied with the $330 Sony WH-1000XM5, which is lighter and more comfortable, and delivers best-in-class voice calling and noise canceling. The MW75's build quality is hard to beat and they offer top-notch sound for a wireless model (I thought they sounded better than Apple's AirPods Max headphones), plus strong voice-calling and noise-canceling performance. With their support for aptX Adaptive, they have additional appeal for Android users, who can get a touch better sound quality with the right setup. I was also quite happy streaming music with my iPhone 13 Pro using the AAC codec.

$35 at Amazon

Budget on-ear multipoint headphones

Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2

I was a fan of Creative's original Sound Blaster Jam headphones that came out in 2015 and had a decidedly retro look and feel, with good sound for the money. Now they're available in a 2.0 version that has some key upgrades, including Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging, improved call quality and multipoint Bluetooth pairing that allows you to pair it to two devices simultaneously. Battery life is rated at up to 22 hours.

I was able to pair this wireless headphone set with a Mac Mini and an iPhone 12 Pro and then switch audio between them. Often when pairing Bluetooth headphones with Mac and Windows PCs, one can encounter some issues, but once I got the headphones paired with both my PC and phone, they made a good pair of work-from-home headphones. Also, the price is right for parents looking for a decent set of kids' headphones for remote learning and everyday use.

Comfortable for on-ear headphones, the Jam V2s are lightweight and have nicely balanced sound with good detail and bass that's ample but not overpowering. Call quality was good in my tests with callers saying they could hear me well even on the noisy streets of New York. No carry pouch is included, but you do get an extra set of foam ear pads, which is good, because they will wear out over time.

The headphones have physical buttons for controlling volume and playback, and there's aptX support for devices that support the wireless streaming codec. 

$999 at Music Direct

Great if you can afford it

Mark Levinson No. 5909

The No. 5909 are premium audio brand Mark Levinson's first headphones. Yes, they're expensive at $999 and probably a wee bit overpriced, but they're excellent. They have a sturdy design without managing to feel hefty on your head (read: they're substantial, but not heavy) and they're comfortable to wear over long periods thanks to their nicely padded (and replaceable) leather-covered earcups and headbands.

Not only do they have good noise canceling and excellent sound, but their voice-calling performance is top-notch, making them one of the best noise-canceling headphones options on the market. Plus, they have multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can pair them with two devices, such as a computer and a phone, simultaneously.

The No. 5909 are high-res certified with support for Sony's LDAC and Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive codecs that allow for near-lossless streaming over Bluetooth. Apple's iPhones and iPads don't support those codecs while certain Android devices do. Using the No. 5909 headphones over Bluetooth on my iPhone 13 Pro, it sounded a tad more natural and refined than the AirPods Max (the No. 5909 had a touch more "pure" and accurate sound).

I did notice a difference when I paired the No. 5909 to my Google Pixel 4 XL, which has support for LDAC, and using the Qobuz audio streaming service that offers high-res streaming. Overall, the sound had a little more depth and texture, and there's a touch more sparkle, definition and openness.

$100 at Amazon

Premium noise-canceling headphones for less

Soundcore by Anker Space Q45

If you can't afford Sony's WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 (yes, there's a bit of copying going on here) is a good alternative for $100, and we should see occasional discounts on it. While it may not fit some smaller heads, it's comfortable to wear, with nicely padded ear cups and a dual-hinge folding design. Sound quality is very good and the headphones offer better noise canceling than the step-down Q35, as well as multipoint Bluetooth pairing (these are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3) and support for the LDAC audio codec for streaming high-resolution music tracks over Bluetooth, if you have a device that supports LDAC. Many Android phones do, although Samsung's Galaxy phones don't. 

Battery life is very good at up to 50 hours with noise canceling on at moderate volume levels and the headphones come with a hard carrying case for travel.

$120 at Target

Line-topping Jabra buds

Jabra Elite 7 Pro

Coming in at 16% smaller than the Elite 75t, the Elite 7 Pro are Jabra's top-of-the-line earbuds in its new range and include the company's new MultiSensor Voice technology with a bone-conduction sensor, four microphones and intelligent algorithms to deliver new "ground-breaking call quality," Jabra says. The voice calling performance doesn't quite live up to the hype, but Jabra has updated the buds' firmware and added multipoint Bluetooth pairing and other small improvements. 

These have adjustable active noise cancellation, Jabra's HearThrough transparency mode and Bluetooth 5.2. They offer up to nine hours' play time at moderate volume levels with noise canceling on, and nearly three additional charges in the charging case. The total battery life is rated at 35 hours. The charging case has wireless charging capabilities.

The earbuds' IP57 rating means they are dust-resistant and fully waterproof (they can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water). For those who like to use only a single bud, you can also use either bud independently in a mono mode. 

$180 at Amazon

Best bone-conduction

Shokz OpenRun Pro

AfterShokz has changed its name to Shokz and released new ninth-gen bone-conduction headphones that offer improved bass performance compared to the company's earlier flagship model, the Aeropex (now called the Shokz OpenRun). That makes the OpenRun Pro the best bone-conduction headphones you can get right now, although they still can't match the sound quality of traditional headphones.

Bone-conduction wireless headphones don't go on your ears; they deliver sound through your cheekbones. The big benefit of this technology as a safety feature for running is that thanks to its open design, you can hear what's going on around you -- traffic noise in particular -- while listening to music or having a phone conversation. Also, some race coordinators don't allow runners to wear anything in their ears, which is where headphones like this come in handy.

They do offer fuller sound with more bass, but it's an incremental improvement, not a huge leap forward. Like other bone-conduction headphones these are strongest in the midrange where voices live so they're best for podcasts, talk radio, newscasts and audiobooks. They're also good for making calls and, like other Shokz models, have multipoint Bluetooth pairing.

Shokz also makes other more affordable models as well. The , which integrates a boom microphone, also has multipoint Bluetooth pairing.

See at Amazon

Best value on-ear multipoint headphones

Jabra Elite 45h (Update: Currently Unavailable)

Released in mid-2020, the Jabra Elite 45h was essentially billed as the best on-ear headphones for the money. While there's nothing fancy about them, they're among the best-value on-ear headphones right now. They have good sound quality, a sturdy design and a comfortable fit (for on-ear headphones). They perform well as a headset for making calls too, and include a sidetone feature that allows you to hear your voice so you don't talk too loudly. Battery life is also good and it has multipoint Bluetooth pairing so you can connect to your computer and your phone at the same time, and easily switch between the two should a call come in on your phone. It mostly works.

Note that the , which has an integrated boom microphone, is essentially the souped-up office version of these headphones.