When it comes to enjoying music, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference. However, with so many options available in the market, finding the Best Headphones Under 500$ can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore some of the top contenders in this price range and help you make an informed decision. Whether you are an audiophile or a casual listener, these headphones offer exceptional sound quality and value for money.
Looking for a great pair of headphones but don’t want to spend a fortune? There are plenty of great options for the best headphones under 500 Dollars.
8 Best Headphones Under $500:
Finding the perfect pair of headphones can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality pair of headphones without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll explore six of the best headphones under $500 that offer excellent sound quality, comfort, and features.
Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $500
Sony WH-1000XM4 – Best Noise Cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are widely regarded as some of the best noise-canceling headphones available. They offer superb sound quality, a comfortable fit, and a plethora of features that make them ideal for any audio enthusiast.
Why Choose Sony WH-1000XM4?
These headphones are ideal for daily usage and travel because of their superior sound quality and noise cancellation. Additionally, they contain clever capabilities that adjust to your environment to provide you with the greatest possible listening experience wherever you are.
Features:
| Feature | Description |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Industry-leading noise cancellation technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge |
| Adaptive Sound Control | Automatically adjusts settings based on your activity |
| Touch Sensor Controls | Easy control for music, calls, and volume |
| High-Resolution Audio Support | Supports high-quality audio formats |
Pros:
- Outstanding noise cancellation.
- Long battery life.
- Comfortable for long periods of wear.
- High-quality sound with deep bass.
- User-friendly touch controls.
Cons:
- Slightly expensive.
- Not waterproof.
- Bulky design.
- Can be warm over extended periods.
- No aptX support.
Bose QuietComfort 45 – Most Comfortable Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45) lives up to its name, providing exceptional comfort and balanced sound with strong noise cancellation. Perfect for long listening sessions and travel.
Why Choose Bose QC45?
- Unmatched Comfort – Plush earcups for all-day wear
- Great Noise Cancellation – Strong ANC for immersive listening
- Clear, Balanced Sound – Ideal for all music genres
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
| Noise Cancellation | Strong ANC with transparency mode |
| Battery Life | 24 hours with quick charge |
| Comfort | Ultra-light, plush memory foam earcups |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, multipoint pairing |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant & Alexa support |
Pros:
- Ultra-comfortable for long wear
- Solid noise cancellation
- Balanced and natural sound
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
Cons:
- ANC slightly behind Sony WH-1000XM5
- No customizable EQ settings
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 – Premium Build & Sound
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 headphones combine luxury design with excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation. They are perfect for those who want style and performance.
Why Choose Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9?
These headphones offer a blend of luxury, style, and sound quality, ideal for fashion-conscious audiophiles. They also have a long battery life, making them great for long trips.
Features:
| Feature | Description |
| Premium Design | Luxury materials and stylish look |
| Sound Quality | Rich and detailed audio performance |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Effective noise reduction |
| Battery Life | Up to 25 hours of playback |
| Touch Controls | Intuitive and easy-to-use touch controls |
Pros:
- Luxury design and materials.
- Excellent sound quality.
- Effective noise cancellation.
- Long battery life.
- Comfortable fit.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
- Limited portability.
- Sensitive touch controls.
- No water resistance.
- Can be tight on larger heads.
Best Wired Audiophile Headphones Under $500
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 – Best Audiophile Sound
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones offer a premium listening experience with high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. They are well-built and stylish, making them a great choice for audiophiles.
Why Choose Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless?
These headphones deliver exceptional sound quality and a stylish design, perfect for music lovers. For music enthusiasts, these headphones offer superb sound quality and a chic style. To further enhance convenience, they have intelligent functions like auto on/off and Smart Pause.
Features:
| Feature | Description |
| High-Quality Sound | Excellent audio performance with balanced sound |
| Noise Cancellation | Effective noise cancellation technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours of playback |
| Smart Pause | Automatically pauses music when you take them off |
| Comfortable Fit | Padded ear cups for extended comfort |
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality.
- Effective noise cancellation.
- Stylish and comfortable design.
- Smart features like Smart Pause.
- Solid build quality.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Average battery life.
- Bulky design.
- Limited app features.
- No waterproof rating.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro – Best Studio-Grade Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones are designed for professional use, offering excellent sound accuracy and build quality. They are perfect for studio work or critical listening.
Why Choose Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro?
If you need headphones for professional audio work or just want superior sound accuracy, these are a top choice. They also have a robust build that ensures durability for long-term use.
Features:
| Feature | Description |
| Sound Accuracy | Exceptional sound clarity and detail |
| Open-Back Design | Natural and spacious soundstage |
| Comfortable Fit | Soft, replaceable ear pads |
| Build Quality | Robust and durable design |
| Replaceable Parts | Easy to replace components for long-term use |
Pros:
- Superior sound accuracy.
- Comfortable for long listening sessions.
- High-quality build.
- Replaceable parts.
- Natural soundstage with open-back design.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Bulky and not portable.
- Requires an amplifier for best performance.
- Open-back design leaks sound.
- No noise cancellation
Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b- Best for Professional Monitoring
The Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b headphones offer high-fidelity sound with a comfortable and lightweight design. They are perfect for those who value sound quality and comfort.
Why Choose Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b?
These headphones are ideal for listeners who want high-fidelity sound and comfort in a lightweight package. They are also more affordable compared to other high-end models, making them a great value.
Features:
| Feature | Description |
| High-Fidelity Sound | Detailed and balanced audio performance |
| Lightweight Design | Comfortable for extended wear |
| Dual-Layer Air-Control Technology | Reduces unwanted resonance for clearer sound |
| Detachable Cables | Comes with two detachable cables for versatility |
| Build Quality | Durable and well-constructed |
Pros:
- High-fidelity sound quality.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Good build quality.
- Detachable cables for convenience.
- Affordable compared to others on this list.
Cons:
- No active noise cancellation.
- Not as stylish as some competitors.
- Limited wireless capabilities.
- Sound leakage due to semi-open design.
- No app for sound customization.
Best In-Ear Wireless Earbuds Under $500
Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Best for Apple Users
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offers seamless integration with Apple devices, powerful active noise cancellation (ANC), and spatial audio for an immersive experience. With Apple’s H2 chip, these earbuds provide better sound clarity, improved ANC, and longer battery life compared to their predecessors.
Why Choose Apple AirPods Pro 2?
- Best option for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users
- Advanced noise cancellation with transparency mode
- Adaptive EQ and spatial audio for immersive listening
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
| Chipset | Apple H2 Chip for faster processing |
| Noise Cancellation | Advanced ANC & Adaptive Transparency |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized 3D sound experience |
| Battery Life | 6 hours per charge, 30 hours with case |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, instant pairing with Apple devices |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (sweat & splash-resistant) |
Pros:
- Seamless pairing with Apple ecosystem
- Excellent ANC and transparency mode
- Spatial audio for an immersive experience
- Improved battery life
Cons:
- Not ideal for Android users (limited features)
- No support for hi-res codecs like aptX or LDAC
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II – Best ANC in Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II deliver the best noise cancellation in any wireless earbuds. With customizable ANC levels, a comfortable fit, and superior call quality, these earbuds are perfect for those who want distraction-free listening.
Why Choose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II?
- Best-in-class noise cancellation for a distraction-free experience
- Clear and powerful sound with deep bass
- Great call quality with noise-rejecting mics
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
| Noise Cancellation | Best-in-class adjustable ANC |
| Battery Life | 6 hours per charge, 24 hours with case |
| Sound Quality | Balanced sound with deep bass |
| Fit & Comfort | Ear tips with stability bands |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (sweat & splash-resistant) |
Pros:
- Unmatched ANC in earbuds
- Rich and balanced audio
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
- Secure and comfortable fit
Cons:
- Bulky charging case
- No multipoint Bluetooth support
The Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Headphones Under $500:
Choosing the best headphones under $500 involves several important factors. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Sound Quality
Explanation: Sound quality is crucial, as it directly affects your listening experience. Look for headphones with a balanced sound profile that suits your music preferences.
Considerations:
- Bass, Mids, and Trebles: Ensure the headphones deliver clear and distinct bass, mids, and trebles.
- High-Resolution Audio Support: Check if the headphones support high-resolution audio formats for better sound fidelity.
- Soundstage: For an immersive experience, consider headphones with a wide soundstage.
Noise Cancellation
Explanation: Noise cancellation can enhance your listening experience by reducing unwanted ambient sounds, especially in noisy environments.
Considerations:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Look for headphones with effective ANC technology.
- Adaptive Sound Control: Some headphones adjust noise cancellation based on your surroundings and activities.
- Passive Noise Isolation: Ensure the ear cups or ear tips provide good passive noise isolation.
Comfort and Fit
Explanation: Comfort is key, especially if you plan to wear the headphones for extended periods. The fit should be snug but not too tight.
Considerations:
- Ear Cup Material: Look for soft, cushioned ear cups made of materials like memory foam.
- Headband Adjustability: An adjustable headband can help you find the perfect fit.
- Weight: Lighter headphones are generally more comfortable for long-term use.
Battery Life
Explanation: Battery life is important for wireless headphones, as it determines how long you can use them without recharging.
Considerations:
- Playback Time: Look for headphones with at least 20 hours of playback time on a single charge.
- Charging Speed: Quick charging capabilities can be a plus, allowing you to get several hours of use from a short charging session.
- Battery Life with ANC: Note that using ANC can reduce battery life, so consider how long the headphones last with ANC enabled.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Explanation: Ensure the headphones are compatible with your devices and offer stable connectivity options.
Considerations:
- Bluetooth Version: Look for headphones with the latest Bluetooth version for better connectivity and range.
- Multi-Device Pairing: Some headphones can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, which is convenient if you switch between devices often.
- Wired Option: A wired option can be useful if the battery runs out or if you prefer a direct connection.
Build Quality and Durability
Explanation: Build quality affects the longevity of your headphones. Durable materials and robust construction can ensure your headphones last longer.
Considerations:
- Materials: Look for high-quality materials like metal, durable plastic, or reinforced headbands.
- Replaceable Parts: Some headphones offer replaceable ear pads and cables, which can extend the life of your headphones.
- Water Resistance: If you plan to use the headphones for workouts or in various weather conditions, consider water-resistant models.
Additional Features
Explanation: Extra features can enhance your overall experience and add value to your purchase.
Considerations:
- Touch Controls: Easy-to-use touch controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and answering calls.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
- App Support: Some headphones come with companion apps for customizing sound settings and updating firmware.
Final Thoughts – Which Headphone Should You Buy?
- Best Overall Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best for Comfort: Bose QC45
- Best for Audiophiles: Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Best for Studio Use: Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
- For Apple users: Choose AirPods Pro 2 for the best experience.
- For the best noise cancellation: Pick Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
- For audiophiles: Sennheiser Momentum 3 delivers the best sound.
- For overall sound quality: Sony WF-1000XM4 is the perfect balance.
Conclusion
With so many great options available, it can be tough to decide to buy which pair of best headphones is under 500$. However, by considering the factors listed above, you can be sure to find the perfect pair for your needs. These are just an available few best headphones for under 500$. With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect pair for your needs.
FAQS OF Best Headphones Under 500$:
Q. Which headphones have the best noise cancellation?
A. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are top choices for noise cancellation.
Q. What are the most comfortable headphones for long wear?
A. The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are highly praised for their comfort during extended use.
Q. Are there any budget-friendly options in this list?
A. While all the headphones listed are under $500, the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7b offers great value at a more affordable price.
Q. Which headphones are best for professional use?
A. The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro are ideal for professional audio work due to their exceptional sound accuracy.
Q. Can I use these headphones for making calls?
A. Yes, most of these headphones, like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and Sony WH-1000XM4, offer good call quality with built-in microphones.
