Best Headphones Under 500
When it comes to getting high-fidelity headphones, the amount you are planning to spend can reflect the audio performance and quality of the unit. Whether wired headphones or wireless headphones, that fact applies to all. For that reason, audiophiles will try their level best to extend their budget a little.
But that does not mean that you will need to spend a fortune just to get proper headphones. Yes, it is totally possible to get the best headphones under 500. You just need to know what models to consider and what things you need to keep in your mind. And you can acquire the knowledge of both through this article!
Why Buy A 500 Dollar Headphones?
Some of the best audiophile headphones will have a price tag that will be around $1000. Considering that, many of you will refer to the headphones under 500 as cheaper headphones. However, the headphones under 500 are in the mid-range or high-end range of the spectrum for many.
Well, no matter what the case is, you might be wondering what you are going to get if you get the best headphones under 500. Well, here are some of the benefits:
Great Audio Quality
First of all, you will get a superior audio quality that will enable you to enjoy music just like you want it to. You will be signing up to get an immersive music listening experience.
Excellent User Experience
Unlike other headphones, the high-quality headphones will feature a premium design. And that design will work to enhance your overall user experience further. That includes comfort, durability, and other vital elements that make premium headphones premium.
Features
Finally, some of the best headphones under 500 will have a bunch of high-end features. For example, the wireless headphones in this price range will usually have extraordinary active noise cancellation. With that, you can take a deep dive into your favorite tunes without worrying about background noises.
Best Headphones Under 500
Choosing the best headphones under 500 was not an easy task at all. There are just too many brands competing to offer compelling headphones at this price point. However, after much deliberation and after considering all the crucial factors, we managed to huddle this shortlist:
1. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
When it comes to choosing the best audiophile headphones, the first pick for many would be a closed-back wireless headphone. And Bose Headphones is offering something exactly like that.
First of all, let us go through the design of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. The brand has opted for an overall premium design. The wireless headphones have comfortable earcups and a lightweight stainless steel headband. Both of those will ensure a proper fit and the highest overall comfort.
Other than that, these noise-canceling headphones will excel when it comes to blocking background noises. The noise cancellation technology that it equips 11 levels of adjustments. They will offer you complete control. And each level will amp up the background noise reduction by a little bit.
The audio technologies of these wireless headphones will also blow you out of the water. Its drivers will provide punchy and deep bass along with crisp and clear audio quality. And while most Bluetooth headphones offer less natural-sounding audio, you will enjoy lifelike sound through this.
Even the microphone of these wireless headphones is up to the mark. It will adapt to the environment that you are in. In other words, it will provide a noise isolation call quality. The person on the other end will not be capable of hearing much of the external noise that is around you.
Last but not least, the battery life of these noise-canceling headphones is pretty great. You will be capable of enjoying music non-stop for up to 20 hours.
Pros
· Features a premium design
· Has 11 different active noise cancelling levels
· Boasts a great microphone
· Offers punchy bass and crisp sound
· Has a long battery life
Cons
· The Bluetooth connection drops from time to time
· Does not come with a 3.5 mm port
Verdict
The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones have pretty much everything that you can ask for in Bluetooth over-ear headphones. Everything is up to the mark, from the sound quality to the build.
Check Price On Amazon2. Bowers & Wilkins PX Active Noise Cancellation Headphones
What if we told you that you really do not have to go through too much of hassles just to control the perimeters of your over-ear headphones? Do not believe us? Take a look at these noise-cancelling headphones from Bowers & Wilkins.
Unlike other over-ear headphones, this one comes with an adaptive sound control technology. You can pause by lifting one ear cup, make the over-ear headphones go to sleep by keeping the headphone down, or pick it up to make them play music again. Yes, you will not have to touch a single button to control sound settings.
Even the build quality of the noise-cancelling headphones is pretty excellent. The brand has opted for high-quality materials to make this pair of over-ear headphones gain higher durability. Its ear cups are high in quality as well. So, you can expect to get hours of comfort out of this pair of active noise cancellation headphones.
The noise-canceling technology of this pair of closed-back headphones works like a charm. It will get rid of the background noise and offer you an enhanced wireless listening experience. Also, you will have the option to customize the noise-canceling level of the closed-back headphones through the Bowers & Wilkins headphone app.
Alongside that, the pair of over-ear headphones provide incredible sound. The drivers of the headphones can offer a clear and crisp sound. Also, the wireless battery life of the closed-back headphones is at 22 hours, which is pretty impressive as well.
Pros
· Has an intuitive control mechanism
· Features advanced active noise cancellation technology
· Sports comfortable ear cups
· Boasts a long battery life
· Provides high-quality audio and clear sound
Cons
· Does not have a passive listening support
· The app is a little buggy
Verdict
This pair of closed-back headphones provide better sound quality than most other average options. Along with the great sound, this pair of over-ear headphones can also offer proper noise-canceling performance.
Check Price On Amazon3. SENNHEISER HD 660 S
You might have heard about Sennheiser a lot. Yes, they are well-known for offering quality headphones for the price. And the case is the same for this wired offering from Sennheiser.
Before anything else, you will be blown away by the sound quality this pair of headphones has to offer. Its drivers offer a reference sound stage that will enable you to get every nuance of the audio you are listening to. The extended frequency response range is quite balanced as well.
Another thing that makes this headphone a worthy pick is the build. It is designed to offer maximum listening pleasure to the user. The open-back design makes the drivers flow air through your air. And as the ear cups have a good amount of padding surrounding them, you will have a comfortable overall experience using this unit.
Additionally, the headphone comes with advanced transducers. You will find lightweight aluminum voice coils inside, which are coupled to the diaphragms. This combination will eventually result in a stellar transient response. The tight tolerance of the transducers will also help to further enhance the audio performance.
It even comes with a versatile connectivity port. You will find two para-aramid detachable cables. Also, the cables employ high OFC copper to ensure the highest signal integrity. And that plays a big role in maintaining the stability of the audio.
Pros
· Comes with dynamic drivers
· Features a light overall build
· Offers a great comfort
· Boasts advanced transducers
· Sports lightweight aluminum voice coils
Cons
· The bass is not that overwhelming as it is a pair of open-back headphones
· Requires a reasonably powerful amp
Verdict
The fact that Sennheiser is offering a reference style headphone with such an amazing build amazed us. Even the connectivity of the headphones is pretty versatile.
Check Price On Amazon4. HIFIMAN SUNDARA Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones
On the lookout for the best planar magnetic headphones? You can stop your hunt right here because HiFiMan is offering exactly what you have been looking for all this time.
The first thing that makes this over-ear headphone stand out is the diaphragm. It is 80 percent thinner than the other open-back headphones. As a result, you will enjoy a good sound quality and an immersive music-listening experience. And after you pair it up with a good headphone amp, the sound quality will be further enhanced.
Other than that, this pair of open-back headphones did not skimp one bit in terms of comfort. The brand has opted for a weight-spreading strap, which will ensure that you can wear the headphone for a prolonged time. Even the ear pads offer a high level of comfort.
You will not be disappointed with the overall design. It features a sleek design along with a sumptuous matte finish. Thanks to those two traits, you will stand out a little with these open-back headphones on your head.
Other than that, the build quality of this pair of headphones is pretty solid. Every part of the headphone, starting from the ear pads to the headband, is of high-quality material. Let us not forget that that 3.5 mm connector of the unit is also pretty durable.
Pros
· Features an advanced diaphragm
· Offers a stellar sound quality
· Provides an excellent level of comfort
· Has a solid build quality
· Comes with a durable 3.5 mm connector
Cons
· Requires a reasonably high level of power to operate
· The sound leakage is a bit high as it is open-backed
Verdict
It is not a pair of closed-back headphones, so its noise isolation is not that great. But it comes with a thin diaphragm, which will provide great overall sound. Overall, it is a great pick!
Check Price On Amazon5. Shure SRH1540
Sound leakage and external sounds can indeed degrade your overall music listening experience. However, if you get this offering from Shure, you will not have to worry about either of those problems.
First of all, this noise isolation headphone comes with 40 mm neodymium drivers. Those will deliver high-quality audio and enable you to get right into the music. The soundstage of the drivers is pretty clear and crisp. And they are capable of providing warm bass and extended highs.
The sound quality gets further enhanced due to the steel driver frame. It has a vented center pole, eliminating the internal resonance and improving the linearity. In other words, it will make improve the sound quality and allow you to enjoy an immersive experience.
Furthermore, as these are closed-back, you will not have to worry about sound leakage one bit. The ear cups will provide proper sound isolation and block out the ambient sound of the background. And for the circumferential design, the headphone will sit comfortably on your head. You will not feel any discomfort at all.
On that note, the headphone comes with an ergonomic padded headband and dual-frame. Those two will further enhance the overall comfort of the headphones. Also, you will be quite amazed by the overall build of the headphone. It is of aircraft-grade aluminum that will not only enhance the durability but also keep the weight low.
Pros
· Comes with 40 mm neodymium drivers
· Provides high-quality audio
· Can block background noise properly
· Has a stellar build quality
· The overall design is pretty comfortable
Cons
· The earcups are a bit slippery
· Some users might find the headband offers too much clamping pressure
Verdict
Even though it is not a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, it does a fair job of eliminating the background noise. And let us not forget to state that the drivers are highly capable of providing crisp and clear audio.
Check Price On Amazon6. Audeze Mobius
Want to get your hands on a pair of headphones that will ensure crystal clear voice calls? Well, we might have found the right thing for you.
As we have mentioned earlier, the headphone comes with a stellar microphone. It has a built-in noise attenuation along with mute and unmuting functionality. And the boom mic holds the ability to pick up your voice with higher overall clarity. For that reason, the person on the other end will be capable of hearing you clearly.
But the microphone is not the only thing that makes this headphone stand out. The build is quite amazing. It leans a lot on comfort. There are memory foam earpads and a headband with a good amount of padding. As the headband is adjustable, you will not have any issues with the comfort and fit.
The headphone is highly versatile as well. It has three different connection modes. You can listen to this pair of planar magnetic headphones on USB, aux, or Bluetooth mode. So, unlike some in-ear headphones, you will not be stuck with one connection mode.
Other than that, you will find surround sound technology in these headphones. That will enable you to get an immersive audio listening experience. And for integrating LDAC technology, the sound quality on the wireless mode will not degrade at all.
Pros
· Has a high-quality microphone
· Features a comfortable design
· The headband is adjustable
· Highly versatile
· Sports surround sound technology
Cons
· The battery life is just 10 hours
· Does not have any noise cancellation features
Verdict
The main star of the show is the microphone. It can pick up a crystal clear voice. Also, it is surround sound technology is pretty unique. You can get right into the music with that.
Check Price On Amazon7. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
Not really impressed with the noise-canceling feature that most of the headphones come with? You should definitely take a look at what B&O is offering here.
Unlike the other average headphones, Bang & Olufsen has integrated a powerful active noise cancellation technology in this offering. This hybrid noise cancellation feature will ensure that the background noises do not degrade your audio listening experience.
But without a good sound quality, that effective noise cancellation would mean nothing. Well, B&O knew that exactly well. that is why they have integrated a balanced driver into this pair of headphones. They will offer a great overall treble performance and well-balanced bass.
Another thing that makes the headphones a great pick is the long-lasting battery life. You will get up to 30 hours of playtime with a single charge. That means you can easily go for a long journey with these headphones without worrying about the battery life.
Last but not least, the brand had kept extended wear in mind when they were designing these headphones. The overall structure is ergonomic and is pretty light in weight. So, you can wear it for a prolonged amount of time without any issues.
Pros
· Comes with a powerful noise-canceling feature
· Has a well-balanced driver
· The battery life is pretty great
· Features an ergonomic design
· Provides a balanced level of bass
Cons
· The volume control is a bit finicky
· Does not have highly padded ear cushions
Verdict
Bang & Olufsen have checked pretty much every criterion with this pair of headphones. They have integrated a powerful noise-cancelling tech, great drivers, and focused on ergonomics. Also, the battery life of the headphones is fantastic.
Check Price On Amazon8. Apple AirPods Max
We believe that Apple AirPods do not require any introduction at all. They are one of the most popular wireless headphones on the market. But does the AirPods Max live up to the fame? Let’s find out!
One thing that makes the Apple AirPods Max stand out a lot is the build quality. It features an all-metal build that has the premium finish that Apple is well-known for. Each color variation has its own touch of elegance and screams premium. The build also gives the unit get high overall durability.
Apart from that, this pair of headphones comes with memory foam ear cushions and a knit-mesh canopy. Both will enhance the overall comfort level and allow you to use the headphones for an extended amount of time. Along with the world-class noise-cancelling tech, you can comfortably get into hours of immersive sessions.
The headphones also feature an Apple H1 chip. It does a proper job of enhancing the overall sound quality and offering a stellar level of detail to your ears. Also, the acoustic design, combined with the powerful drivers, will enhance your music listening experience to the maximum level.
Now, when it comes to the battery life, you can completely rely on it for hours of the audio-listening session. It can offer up to 20 hours of run time with a single charge.
Pros
· Sports a premium build
· Has memory foam ear cushions
· Provides a comfortable listening experience
· Boasts Apple H1 chip
· Flaunts a stellar battery life
Cons
· The noise cancellation mode is not that flexible
· A little bit on the heavy side
Verdict
Apple never seems to disappoint with their AirPods lineup. And the same thing applies here. The AirPods Max is an excellent pick if you are looking for stellar headphones with extraordinary battery life and sound quality.
Check Price On Amazon9. Master & Dynamic MW65
Although there are a good number of wireless headphones out there, only a few will have a good connection range. And this offering from Master & Dynamic is one of those few.
So, what makes it gain a high connection range? It sports the latest Bluetooth technology. And thanks to that, its range is three times the average industry range, which is 65 plus feet. That means you will be capable of listening to your favorite tracks while your phone is in the other room.
Talking of which, the Bluetooth chip inside is highly efficient. For that reason, the headphones get stellar battery life. It can last for up to 24 hours with a single charge. But that is not all! It comes with active noise cancellation technology that has two modes. That will let you get a semi-customized music listening experience.
The headphones feature a pretty solid build as well. It has an anodized aluminum frame along with a fine leather exterior. Both will enhance the overall sturdiness and durability of the headphones. Also, the earcups have memory foam padding, which will ensure you get the right level of comfort while wearing the unit.
You will even find dual microphones in the headphones. Those will ensure that your voice goes through clearly. And thanks to the highly-tuned drivers, you will be well amazed by the sound clarity and quality.
Pros
· The Bluetooth range is phenomenal
· Boasts an excellent battery life
· Comes with active noise-canceling technology
· Sports a stellar build quality
· Has two built-in microphones
Cons
· The earpads do not seem to stay secure
· Might not offer a secure fit for some users
Verdict
The Bluetooth range is the thing that makes the headphones stand out the most. It also has a superb build quality and battery life. So, it is a great pick for the money.
Check Price On AmazonWhat To Look For Before Buying
Remember that we mentioned that getting the best headphones will become easy if you know what things to keep in mind? Well, the factors that we were referring to are these:
Sound Quality
Before anything else, you will need to consider the sound quality of the headphones. And for this, you will need to check the drivers, the audio technology, and the power of the headphones. If all of them are up to the mark, you will be signing up to get something that will offer you a mindblowing audio listening experience.
Closed Back or Opened Back?
One of the essential things that you need to consider is whether you want a closed-back or open-back headphone. The open-back headphone will provide much of a reference sound signature. And it will come in handy if you are into audio production.
On the other hand, closed-back will be great for noisy environments. They will automatically create a noise isolation membrane as the closed nature will not let the air pass through the drivers. Also, with the closed-back, you will get a much more profound bass. And that is something a lot of users would want.
Noise Cancellation
If you are getting closed-back headphones, you should also check the noise cancellation capabilities of the headphone. The better the noise cancellation, the more immersive experience you will get with the pair of headphones. Those can block the outside noise and allow you to take a deep dive into the music.
Build Quality
No matter how great the sound clarity, crispiness, and quality are, your investment would not be worth it if you can not use the headphones for a prolonged amount of time. For that reason, you need to consider the overall build quality. The first thing that you need to check is the headband. Check if it’s sturdy enough or not.
Then, consider the housing of the drivers and the earpads. If they are not durable, you will not be capable of using the headphones after a few months.
Comfort Level
Another important thing that should be in your consideration is the comfort level. And in this case, you will need the scrutinize the padding of the headband and the earpads. Our recommendation, in this case, would be to opt for the ones that come with memory foam. Those will provide a higher overall comfort.
Wireless Range and Battery Life
If you plan to get a wireless model, you should check the wireless range of the unit. The higher the range, the better. Also, the same thing applies to the battery life. If you happen to get something that does have a good battery, you will find yourself charging it after a couple of hours of use.
Connectivity Ports
Whether you are going for a wired headphone or a wireless one, you should check the connectivity port. Our suggestion would be to opt for the ones that have versatile connectivity modes. Those will effortlessly let you pair your preferred source.
Frequently Asked Questions
· Are in-ear headphones worth it?
In-ear earphones are better at creating an isolated environment in your ear canals. As a result, you stay pretty much blocked from the external sounds when you are wearing them. There are many high-end in-ear earphones available too. Those offer great sound quality as well.
· Are over-ear better than on-ear?
There is really no wrong choice when it comes to over-ear or on-ear. However, over-ears will be better at isolating your ears from the exterior noise.
· What is the good battery life for wireless headphones?
The recommended battery life range would be somewhere around 25 hours to 40 hours. And the headphones that can offer such battery life will enable you not to worry about charging the units that often.
· Do all headphones in the $500 range come with ANC?
Not really! There are loads of headphones in this range that will not have ANC. So, if ANC is your number one priority, check the headphone before purchasing.
· Is Sony WH-1000XM4 a good pick for the money?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a great value for the money. However, the ones that we have on our list offer a better value proposition. So, before checking this offering from Sony, check our picks!
Final Words
As you can see, getting a pair of the best headphones under 500 is not that much of a big deal when you know what to actually look for. And we can assure you that each one of the models that we have gone through in our review section will be worth every penny you will be spending on it. So, what are you waiting for?