Wifi headphone for tv: Sennheiser RS 195 RF Wireless Review

Best wireless TV headphones for 2023

by Crutchfield’s
Colin M.

Jul 06, 2023

In this article: Our top wireless TV headphone picks for sound that’s clear and steady…

  1. Best over-ear TV headphones — Sennheiser RS 195
  2. Best in-ear TV headphones — Sennheiser RS 5200
  3. Best true wireless TV headphones — Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2
  4. Best value for TV headphones — Sennheiser RS 175

…Plus some introductory information about TV headphones and how they compare with other kinds of wireless headphones.

A dedicated pair of high-quality wireless TV headphones offers a clean solo TV listening experience with a flexible, wire-free set up. These systems are helpful for folks with hearing loss and are especially good at clarifying dialogue. The audio mix in many shows and movies makes quiet conversations and calm moments notoriously difficult to understand. A good set of TV headphones solves that problem handily with additional clarity and volume.

TV headphones are also an excellent option for anyone after the rest of their household has gone to bed. If you want to enjoy your TV late at night without disturbing your family or roommates, these sets are an easy, effective go-to. You won’t send rumbles through the house with every onscreen explosion or worry folks that there’s a gangster making deals in the living room while they sleep. (Or maybe that’s just me on the crime drama kick.)

Just how “wireless” are these headphones?

Most dedicated TV headphones come with a wireless transmitter. This transmitter connects directly to your TV, usually with either an optical digital cable or a 3.5mm miniplug. The transmitter then sends a strong, low-latency signal to the headphones for rich audio detail that stays in sync with the action on your screen.

The transmitter and headphones are generally paired right out of the box, so there’s no need to re-pair them every time you watch TV. This makes getting started easier. And the range provided by these systems can extend up to a couple hundred feet or more, giving you plenty of room to move around during commercials or if you need to step away for a moment.

All of the Sennheiser RS Series wireless TV headphones on our list below include a wireless transmitter that shares these features. There’s a reason this line of headphones has been one of our best sellers for years.

Can’t I just use Bluetooth?

In short, it depends. Lots of TVs can send a Bluetooth signal to either a sound bar or a pair of headphones. Bluetooth is a great wireless technology for a lot of applications, but the latency, range, and bandwidth of Bluetooth can vary a lot depending on what device(s) you’re specifically using. And the wireless transmission provided by dedicated TV headphones tends to outperform Bluetooth in these areas.

It’s the low-latency transmission you get with TV headphones that’s the biggest plus for most people. Nothing throws off your viewing experience like sound that’s out of sync. Especially with dialogue, it can feel like a distractingly bad dub.

That being said, Bluetooth headphones that support aptX Adaptive or other high-quality codecs can be a great fit. Like many other kinds of technology, Bluetooth advances over time, so there are more and better options now than there were even a few years ago. In fact, our true wireless pick below happens to use a high-bandwidth version of Bluetooth.

Sony’s WLA-NS7 wireless transmitter is a great example of a middle ground between TV headphones and standard Bluetooth headphones. This transmitter connects to Sony BRAVIA XR TVs via an optical cable or USB. It can then send a Bluetooth signal to a wide range of Sony’s great-sounding wireless headphones like the popular WH-1000XM5. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 and supports the SBC Low Latency codec, allowing to pass even high-bandwidth formats like Dolby Atmos.

Best wireless TV headphones, by type

The list below breaks down our favorite picks by style and fit of headphone: over-ear, in-ear, and true wireless. Plus, we’ve included an extra pick for budget-conscious folks looking for maximum bang for their buck. These picks should help you find something that’s comfortable and works for you.

Best over-ear TV headphones — Sennhesier RS 195

The Sennhesier RS 195 delivers crystal-clear sound for extended listening with thick, soft padding on its headband and earcups. The extensive 18-hour battery life ensures you’re not running out of juice in the middle of the action. The transmitter also acts as a dock that charges the headphones while you’re not using them.

These high-quality ‘phones have an over-ear design that helps keep out external distractions, so you can focus on what you’re watching. And easy-to-use controls are built into the right earcup, including volume and a variety of listening modes that help you personalize the sound for your needs.

Details
  • over-the-ear, closed-back design helps keep out external noise
  • connect to TV with either the included optical digital or stereo 3. 5mm miniplug cable
  • multi-receiver mode enables two people to listen to the same source (requires additional compatible headset)
  • wireless range: up to 328 feet (line of sight)
  • battery life: up to 18 hours with a full charge using the included batteries

The clarity and range are phenomenal. And the headphones are one of the most comfortable I have ever used with very intuitive and simple volume controls.

Martin – Crutchfield Customer from Sarasota, FL

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best in-ear TV headphones — Sennhesier RS 5200

The lightweight Sennheiser RS 5200 are easy to comfortably fit in your ear, with four different eartip styles to choose from. There are two pairs of standard silicone tips, one pair of foam tips that are acoustically transparent so you can maintain awareness of your environment, and a pair of closed memory foam tips with a noise-isolating seal for when you want to shut out the world.

These in-ear headphones feature 12-hour battery life and a convenient transmitter that acts as a docking and charging station. They even turn off automatically while not in use to save battery power.

With several listening modes and presets accessible on the lanyard’s controls, including a speech boosting button, you can easily customize your sound to fit your needs, too.

Details
  • lightweight “stethoscope-style” lanyard receiver with attached in-ear headphones
  • connect to TV with either the included optical digital or stereo 3.5mm miniplug cable
  • four pairs of eartips for proper fit and comfort
  • RF wireless transmitter range: up to 200 feet
  • built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of operation

I have owned this headset for several years. It is so easy to use and enjoyable I ordered a set for my son. I am sure he will enjoy them as I have.

Donald – Crutchfield Customer from Waipahu, HI

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best true wireless TV headphones — Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2

The Sennheiser TV Clear Set 2 combines the flexibility and convenience of a “true wireless” design with reliablity of a dedicated pair of TV headphones. A transmitter connects directly to your TV and is paired with the earbuds right out of the box. You can also use Bluetooth to pair with other devices, like your phone, letting you jam to your favorite tunes or take hands-free calls.

You can adjust the volume, pick up (or hang up) calls, control music playback, and more with tactile controls built into the earbuds. You can also access the controls and tinker with your settings via the free Sennheiser TV Clear app for Apple® and Android®.

The earbuds hold up to 15 hours of battery life and can be charged by being placed inside the included carrying case, which banks up to 22 additional hours of power. You can also wirelessly recharge via compatible Qi chargers (sold separately)

Details
  • 100% wire-free earbuds with no connecting cord between left and right earbuds
  • wireless connection to transmitter or any Bluetooth-enabled device
  • transmitter connects to TV with either the included optical digital or stereo 3. 5mm miniplug cable
  • “Ambient Awareness” mode lets you hear external sounds and voices
  • Bluetooth wireless transmitter range: up to 60 feet
  • built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of operation
  • carrying case banks up to 22 hours of power to wirelessly recharge headphones

There’s no headband or connecting cord in the way. That’s a game changer if you like to lunch while you watch TV!

Jeff – Crutchfield headphone expert

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Best value for TV headphones — Sennheiser RS 175

The Sennheiser RS 175 have been one of our best-selling pairs of TV headphones for years, hitting just the right cross-section between price and performance. These comfy over-ear headphones feature selectable sound modes including virtual surround sound and a dynamic bass boost that can be accessed with the built-in earcup controls.

The rechargeable battery lasts 18 hours and can be charged by docking the headphones on the transmitter. If you have an extra headset on hand (sold separately), you can watch TV with a partner while you both listen at volume levels that suit your separate needs. No more fighting over the remote!

Details
  • over-the-ear, closed-back design helps keep out external noise
  • connect to TV with either the included optical digital or stereo 3.5mm miniplug cable
  • multi-receiver mode enables two people to listen to the same source (requires additional compatible headset)
  • wireless range: up to 328 feet (line of sight)
  • battery life: up to 18 hours with a full charge using the included batteries

I bought this for my mother in law. She can control her volume independently of the actual TV speakers, and the rest of us can hear at our own level and we can all enjoy watching movies together. Very simple for me to set up and for her to use. Perfect!

Steve – Crutchfield Customer from Hartford City, IN

Read all of the Crutchfield customer reviews

Get started today!

We have an assortment of excellent headphones. But if you need help finding exactly what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly Advisors.

Free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase.


Popular questions customers ask

Wireless TV headphones can aid in your perception of voices. Some models have advanced surround sound processing, which can help isolate voices and make them clearer in the mix. Others have modes can compensate for hearing loss and boost common speech frequencies to make dialogue more intelligible.

Most models have some form of volume adjustment available right on the earcups. Some also include controls for different listening modes, bass boost, and left/right channel balance.

Most wireless TV headphones have either an analog 3.5mm connection or an optical digital connection (or both). The good news is that most TV headsets come with the cables you’ll need to make those connections.

Wireless TV headphones can last anywhere from 12 to 20 hours on a single charge (depending on the model) before they need to go back on their charging cradle.

Wireless TV headphone systems come in two parts: a transmitter and the headphones. The transmitter gets hooked up to your TV. Once it’s connected, go into your TV’s settings and pick the right audio output (optical or 3.5mm, often listed as “headphones” or “headphone output”). The transmitter then takes the signal from your TV and sends it to the headphones.

Retekess TA006 wireless Over-Ear Headphones for TV Watching with Charging Dock

  • Overview
  • SPEC
  • FAQ
  • INQUIRY
  • Product Reviews

Quiet listening

With this TV headset, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite TV shows and movies at your own volume, without disturbing those around you.

Easy setup

Just power up the transmitter base and then connect the transmitter to your TV. The transmitter can be connected to your TV in 4 different ways (supports coaxial, optical, 3.5 audio, and RCA connections), making it compatible with almost all TVs on the market.

When the transmitter is on, remove the headset from the transmitter base, and the wireless headset will start and connect to the transmitter automatically within 5 seconds.

Long playback time

Up to 8 hours of battery life allows you to watch and listen for long periods of time without frequent recharging. When the battery does need to be recharged, you simply place the headphones on the transmitter, which doubles as a charging dock, it is convenient.

Listen from a distance

This wireless TV headset has a stable and reliable connection of up to 100 feet/30 meters (unless there are tall obstacles in the way or wireless interference). You can roam the room at will without audio interruption.

Use as a wired headset

Connect the included 3. 5mm audio cable to the AUX jack on the headset, and plug the other end into your smartphone, tablet, laptop, MP3 player, and other mobile devices, suitable for outdoor use.

Comfortable headset

The headset has soft, roomy ear pads and an adjustable headband length for hours of comfortable wear.

Specifications of Transmitter Specifications of Headphone
Voltage DC5V Voltage 3.7V(450mAhbuilt-in rechargeable battery)
WorkCurrent 80mA WorkCurrent 55mA
Modulate 50Khz Worktime around 8hours
Mode Stereo Charge time 4hours
WorkRange 100ft(30meters) S/Nratio ≥60dB
Distortion ≤1%
Frequency response 60-15,000Hz

Question: Can 1 transmitter connect two or more earphones?

Answer: Yes, the product includes a transmitter and a headset, but you can pair additional Bluetooth headsets with the transmitter, and the audio is transmitted to all headsets connected to the transmitter.


Home
Shop
Audio System


Retekess TA006 wireless Over-Ear Headphones for TV Watching with Charging Dock