Television is not just a source of entertainment; it’s a means of staying connected and engaged with the world. However, for seniors with hearing impairments or those who simply prefer a more personalized audio experience, watching TV can be a challenge.
That’s where wireless TV headphones come in. We combined first-hand testing with in-depth research on over 10 models to come up with the best wireless TV headphones for seniors in every category: Overall, Quality, and Affordability.
We found the Avantree HT5009 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones to be the best wireless TV headphones overall for seniors. They combine amazing sound quality with easy to use controls all for a great price.
Whether you’re a senior or you’re looking for the perfect gift for an older loved one, read on to discover the top wireless TV headphones that can enhance the television viewing experience.
Best Overall
Avantree HT5009
Great Performance
Easy to Use
Long Battery
Best Quality
Sennheiser RS 175
Great Quality
Noise Canceling
Long Charge Time
Best Budget Choice
Avantree Ensemble
Less Expensive
Easy to Use
Not Cutomizable
Avantree HT5009 Wireless Headphones
Best Overall
Product details:
- Range: Up to 164 feet
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
- Battery Charge Time: 3.5 hours
- Latency (audio delay): Less than 40 milliseconds delay
- Compatibility: Optical, AUX, and RCA input cables work with all TVs on the market
Best for:
Seniors looking for headphones with excellent overall performance, easy connection, and very little audio delay all at a reasonable price.
Why we like it:
These headphones connect easily, produce excellent balanced sound, and have very little delay between the picture and sound.
They are compatible with most TVs, including older models. And they’re basically plug and play. No difficult bluetooth pairing or setup.
There are two channels. So, you can use the headphones while others are listening through other headphones or external soundbar/speakers. Ideal for couples or families that enjoy watching TV together at different volumes!
These headphones are mid-range in price, but provide excellent value for what you spend.
Reasons to buy:
- Simple connection with multiple connection options (optical, RCA or AUX audio output)
- Very little audio delay
- Long battery life and long distance connection
Reasons to avoid:
- Not for TVs with non-functional audio output ports (test before purchase)
- May mute built-in TV speakers (depends on TV make/model)
- No sound customization (for example, more bass)
Sennheiser RS 175 Wireless Headphones
Best Quality
Product details:
- Range: Up to 120 feet
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Battery Charge Time: 8 hours
- Latency (audio delay): Less than 55 milliseconds delay
- Compatibility: Optical input cables
Best for:
Seniors looking for headphones with excellent sound quality, little audio delay, and extra features like surround sound and noise canceling.
Why we like it:
These headphones allow you to adjust the sound specifically to what you are watching, and have very little delay between the picture and sound.
They are compatible with most TVs, but you may need an adaptor to work with RCA outputs.
These headphones are mid-range in price, and the build quality is good.
Reasons to buy:
- Quality construction and performance
- Very little audio delay
- Long battery life and long distance connection
Reasons to avoid:
- May lose sound quality if not in line-of-sight.
- May need adaptor for older TV connection
- Batteries take a long time to charge
Avantree Ensemble Wireless Headphones
Best Budget Choice
Product details:
- Range: Up to 100 feet
- Battery Life: Up to 34 hours
- Battery Charge Time: 2 hours
- Latency (audio delay): Less than 40 milliseconds delay
- Compatibility: Optical, AUX, and RCA input cables work with all TVs on the market
Best for:
Seniors looking for headphones with good performance, easy connection, and very little audio delay all at a great price.
Why we like it:
These headphones connect easily, have good sound quality, and have very little delay between the picture and sound.
Like their higher-end cousin, the Avantree HT5009, they are compatible with most TVs, including older models. And they’re basically plug and play. No difficult bluetooth pairing or setup.
The transmitter doubles as a charging base, making storage and charging a cinch.
These headphones are relatively inexpensive, but still provide good quality sound and experience.
Reasons to buy:
- Simple connection with multiple connection options (optical, RCA or AUX audio output)
- Very little audio delay
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- May not be compatible with other external speakers and may mute built-in TV speakers (depends on TV make/model)
- No sound customization (for example, more bass)
Other Options
Logitech Wired Headset (Inexpensive)
Product details:
- Wired: You need to sit within 6.5 feet of the TV in order to use them
- Inexpensive: Best headphones at the lowest price
- Audio: Clear, but may not have enough bass for some
- Lightweight and comfortable
These may not be the best headphones for TV viewing because of the cord connection. However, if you want something inexpensive that works give these a try.
AudioRange Wireless TV Headset
Product details:
- In-Ear Headset: These are more like earbuds with a band that goes under your chin
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Audio: Good, but lacks any room-canceling function
- Fast charging
Unless you absolutely don’t want headphones on top of your head, these are not the best choice. The sound quality is not as good as over the ear models that can reduce ambient noise. And, this product is in the mid-range for price.
How to Choose the Best TV Headphones for You
Wireless or Wired?
Wireless headphones offer more freedom of movement and convenience since they don’t require a physical connection to the TV. Just like moving to streaming instead of traditional cable or broadcast TV!
However, they can also be more expensive and may have issues with connectivity or signal interference. Wired headphones are generally more affordable and have a reliable connection, but they may be less comfortable and restrict movement while watching TV.
Ease of Use
Consider how comfortable you are with technology. Some headphones connect very easily to multiple different audio outputs. However, bluetooth wireless headphones that do not come with a transmitter will require you to connect a bluetooth adapter to make them work.
Consider a senior-friendly tv remote to further improve ease of use.
And, if you’re interested in upgrading to a smart TV as well, read our complete guide to the best new TVs for seniors.
Headphones or Earbuds?
The choice between over-the-ear headphones and earbuds is a personal choice. However, most headphones provide better sound isolation from the room. So, they make it easier to hear the TV sound, but more difficult to hear family or friends if they try and speak to you (maybe not a bad thing LOL).
Earbuds aren’t compatible with hearing aids, but you may be able to wear headphones with a hearing aid.
Battery Life and Charging
It is important to consider the hours of battery life and how long it takes to recharge fully. A good option would be wireless headphones that offer a long battery life of 10 hours or more and a quick charging time of about 2-3 hours.
Choose headphones with a low-battery indicator to avoid interruptions during use. Additionally, considering the option of purchasing a backup battery or charger can help ensure uninterrupted use of the headphones.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration. Establish a budget before you start shopping. Remember that a higher price doesn’t always equate to being a better fit for your needs. Balance the cost with the features that are most important to you.
Are TV Headphones Worth Buying?
They are worth buying for seniors who,
- Watch TV with others that may like to listen at a different volume
- Watch TV when others are doing something else like reading or sleeping
- Watch TV for long periods of time, because they can make the experience more immersive
- Have hearing difficulty, because they can play at louder volumes or highlight aspects of the sound (such as speech) to make the show or movie more understandable.
They may not be worth buying if you don’t have the budget, or can get by with wired headphones or just by turning up the volume.
Our Verdict
Older adults have specific criteria when searching for the best wireless TV headphones to purchase. Some focus on ease of use, low cost, or excellent quality. We highly recommend the Avantree HT5009 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones as the best wireless TV headphones overall for seniors looking for excellent performance, easy to use interface, all at a reasonable price.
And check out our review of the best tv remotes for seniors for more ways to make your television experience the best that it can be!
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions seniors ask when shopping for wireless TV headphones.
Can you use wireless headphones on an older TV?
Most older TVs will not have Bluetooth features that allow you to pair bluetooth wireless headphones directly to the TV. Your best option is to purchase wireless headphones specifically made for watching TV, like the ones reviewed above, that come with a transmitter that plugs into most TVs.
How do I connect my wireless headphones to my TV that doesn’t have Bluetooth?
You can use a bluetooth adapter to connect wireless headphones to a TV that doesn’t have Bluetooth installed. These adapters can be connected to a 3.5mm audio jack or a standard AUX audio jack.
How do you know if your TV has Bluetooth?
- Check under the “Connectivity” section of your user’s manual.
- Check under “Settings” on your TV. Go to “Menu” and “About” or “Settings” to see connectivity options
- Check online. Go to the manufacturer’s website and search for your model number. Then look under “Specifications.” You can also do this on an ecommerce site such as Amazon.
How Long Will Wireless TV Headphones Last?
The average battery life of wireless TV headphones is 12-15 hours on a single charge.
