What are the best retro Bluetooth headphones?
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Best retro Bluetooth headphones: Top picks for vintage style and modern sound
If you’re hunting for the best retro Bluetooth headphones, you’re in the right place. As a lifelong headphone enthusiast with a collection spanning everything from audiophile-grade models like the Audeze and Sennheiser HD series to consumer favorites like JBL, Jaybird, and Bose, I’ve tested gear across the spectrum. My setup includes on-ear, over-ear, and in-ear headphones—some designed for reference listening, others with heavy DSP tuning for more color and character.
For this review, I used my Sony NW-ZX300 digital audio player as a clean, high-quality source. All DSP features were disabled to ensure an accurate, uncolored listening experience. I evaluated each pair across a wide range of genres—from metal and hip-hop to soul, techno, and classical—to see how they perform in real-world scenarios.
So, what are the best retro Bluetooth headphones?
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of vintage aesthetics, modern wireless features, and great sound, the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 easily takes the crown. With excellent audio quality, solid build, and stylish retro design, they offer unbeatable value. That said, the right choice depends on your taste and budget—so don’t miss our
Top 10 list of retro Bluetooth headphones to find your perfect match.
Our Top 9 wireless headphones
1. Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 – The ultimate retro Bluetooth headphones
- Type: Over-ear
Design: Closed-back
Driver size: 40mm
Weight: 0.57 lbs (260g)
Impedance: Passive – 28 ohm / Active – 480 ohm
Sensitivity: 113 dB
Frequency response: 16Hz – 22kHz
Battery life: Up to 22 hours
Connection: Bluetooth + 3.5mm wired option
A retro design that turns heads
If you’re looking for the best retro Bluetooth headphones that combine vintage style with premium performance, the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 is hard to beat. With its sleek stainless steel sliders, real leather headband, and minimalist aesthetic, the Momentum 2.0 brings serious retro vibes while offering all the modern features you’d expect from a high-end headset.
Designed for comfort and portability
The updated design features larger earcups and thicker memory foam padding, providing improved passive noise isolation and long-lasting comfort—even for users who wear glasses. The foldable frame adds portability, making these ideal for commuters and travelers.
Sound quality that satisfies audiophiles
Inside, you’ll find precision-engineered 40mm drivers delivering crystal-clear audio with a warm, natural sound signature. From deep, controlled bass to articulate mids and sparkling highs, the Momentum 2.0 handles everything from metal and hip-hop to classical and techno with ease. The improved earcup seal also reduces bass leakage, making for a more immersive listening experience.
Smart features and solid connectivity
The Momentum 2.0 offers Bluetooth wireless freedom, along with the option to plug in via a standard 3.5mm jack for wired listening. It includes a three-button inline remote and microphone for easy control and hands-free calls. While newer models may offer USB-C or ANC, the Momentum 2.0 remains a fan favorite for its sound-first approach.
For mobile compatibility, there are two versions:
AEi (Apple iOS)
AEG (Android & Windows)
Final verdict: Still one of the best retro wireless headphones
The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Over-Ear headphones are more than just a throwback—they’re a benchmark. With a retro-inspired look, rich sound profile, and sturdy build quality, they’ve stood the test of time as one of the best-sounding Bluetooth headphones in their class.
Whether you’re a casual listener or a full-on audiophile, the Momentum 2.0 hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and innovation.
Find the best price here Sennheiser Momentum 2.0
FAQs
Is the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 good for travel?
Yes! The foldable design and strong battery life (22 hours) make them excellent for travel.
Does it support active noise cancellation (ANC)?
No, it relies on passive noise isolation, which is surprisingly effective due to the padded earcups.
Can I use these for gaming?
While they’re not gaming-specific, the soundstage and detail are excellent. For competitive gaming, Sennheiser’s G4ME Zero is still a popular choice at pro events—and one I personally use.
2. Master & Dynamic MW60
- Over-Ear
- Closed-back
- 45mm Neodymium drivers
- 0.77 lb
- 32 ohm
- 120 dB
- 5Hz – 25kHz
- Bluetooth 4.1
- 16-hour battery life
The MW60 is one of the best closed-back Bluetooth headphones you can get unless you spend $1900+ for the Audeze closed-back or the Fostex Premium.
Like the wired model MH40 these cans are insanely good but a little price.
The sound quality of these headphones is what REALLY got me. I didn’t expect a fashion-oriented headphone company would make such great sounding headphones. These are the most balanced sounding headphones, I’ve ever had for under 500$ and that’s why they are number two on my list, only the Sennheisers beat them here and that’s because of price and comfort where the Sennheisers have an edge.
My non-audiophile girlfriend, who always complains about the money I spend on quality sound, can tell the difference between any other headphone and the MW60, it’s that good.
Find the best price here Master & Dynamic MW60
3. Bowers & Wilkins P5
- On-Ear
- Closed-back
- 40mm drivers
- 0.47 lb
- 22 ohm
- 115 dB
- 10Hz – 20kHz
- 17-hour battery life
Bowers & and Wilkins are well known for their quality speakers, and their headphones are up there quality-wise.
The B & W P7 we have here is the follow upper for the P3, and it is a great step up. Leather pads and memory foam keeps them comfortable for hours, though they tend to get a little hot after longer sessions.
These are foldable and have a really smart hidden aux plug, for when the battery runs low.
Aesthetics are a very subjective thing, but I personally like the way P7 Wireless looks and feels. They’re mostly made out of leather and metals which gives them a premium feel.
Find the best price here Bowers & Wilkins P7
4. Marshall Major 3
- On-Ear
- Closed-back
- 40mm drivers
- 0.53 lb
- 32 ohm
- 99 dB
- 20Hz – 20kHz
- 30-hour battery life
30+ hours of wireless playtime on a single charge, and of course with a mic built-in.
They have aptX technology and not only does Bluetooth aptX play music at a higher bitrate, but it also minimizes audio/video syncing issues, allowing you to watch movies with perfect lip-sync. This also gives you the freedom and convenience to move with 30 feet of wireless listening range.
It has a beautiful retro look over it, and it will do the job just fine if you need something for all-around use.
Marshall is well known in the music industry, so if you like these then you won’t get disappointed.
Find the best price here Marshall Major 3
5. Koss Porta Pro
- On-Ear
- Open-back
- drivers: N/A
- 0.87 lb
- 60 ohm
- 101 dB
- 15Hz – 25kHz
- 12-hour battery life
If you want something casual the Koss Porta Pro would be a great choice. It’s not on par with some of the other headphones here, but it will do fine for 90% of all people.
It’s lightweight so you can run around with it for hours at a time.
Sound quality is really good and like the old wired model, it’s foldable.
Battery life is around 12+ hours, so for most people that would be more than enough.
Find the best price here Koss Porta Pro
6. Marshall Monitor
- Over-Ear
- Closed-back
- 40mm drivers
- 0.58 lb
- 28 ohm
- 92 dB
- 20Hz – 20kHz
- 30-hour battery life
Especially for those who create music, you probably know the Marshall name from their iconic line of guitar amplifiers, but they also make a line of headphones and speakers for those who want to rock out while listening.
I realize what sounds “good” is somewhat subjective, especially dependent on the person listening and what they are listening to. These headphone’s 20Hz–20kHz frequency response has a mid-frequency scoop, which sounds clean and quite nice to me, especially when listening to rock, blues, audiobooks, and podcasts.
These headphones allow you to share what you are listening to with a friend via the 3.5mm I/O jack and included cable.
All in all, these are a solid pair of headphones. The killer features for me are the long wireless range, good wireless audio quality, snug fit, long battery life, and overall tasteful design and style.
Find the best price here Marshall Monitor
7. iKF R2 Retro Classic
- On-Ear
- Closed-back
- 40mm drivers
- 0.5 lb
- 32 ohm
- 103 dB
- 20Hz – 20kHz
- 60-hour battery life
The iKF R2 Retro Classic stands out with its vintage-inspired design featuring metal accents and litchi-textured leather. These headphones don’t just look good—they’re also surprisingly comfy for long sessions, thanks to the soft ear cups and adjustable leather headband.
Sound is crisp and well-balanced, with clear highs, decent mids, and a pleasant bass presence that doesn’t overwhelm. They’re not audiophile-grade, but they easily outperform what you’d expect at this price point—especially with the added ENC call clarity and dual Bluetooth/wired flexibility.
Noise isolation is good for casual use, though not fully noise-canceling. But the Bluetooth 5.4 connection is stable, and being able to connect two devices at once is a great bonus for those who juggle calls, playlists, and Netflix.
The best part? Over 60 hours of playtime on a single charge. Foldable, stylish, and practical—these are the kind of headphones that make you feel cool just wearing them.
Find the best price here iKF R2 Retro Classic
8. Symphonized Wraith
- Over-Ear
- Closed-back
- 40mm drivers
- 1.01 lb
- 32 ohm
- 107 dB
- 18Hz – 22kHz
- 10-hour battery life
These are arguably some of the best wireless over-ear headphones one can purchase for under $100. They definitely kick the sound out, with a solid showing in all ranges. They’re also quite stylish–retro and futuristic at the same time and will turn heads.
The Wraith 2.0 Wireless isn’t going to blow your mind. But for the price, they’re definitely on point, and I’ve already recommended them to a few friends looking for something with a quality sound output but not wanting to blow the bank. Dollar for dollar, you get great bang for the buck.
Find the best price here Symphonized Wraith
9. JLab Audio Rewind
- On-Ear
- Open-back
- 36mm Neodymium drivers
- 0.13 lb
- 32 ohm
- 106 dB
- 20Hz – 20kHz
- 12-hour battery life
RETRO RETRO RETRO
Honestly, these headphones perform better than I was expecting. They’re basically just a look, right? Reminds you of the ’80s and ’90s. For the price, they’re worth that by itself.
Not only do they let me hear my surroundings, but they’re super comfortable, easy to pair with my devices, and have great battery life.
The sound quality is just OK, the recharging jack is a bit awkward, and there’s no volume control. But for under $20, what more can you expect? It’s a great value – they even include an extra pair of foam pads.
Find the best price here JLab Audio Rewind
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