There are a lot of great headphones out there, but if you’re looking for the best of the best, you’ll want to check out our list of the best headphones under 500.
From Beats to Bose, there’s something for everyone on this list. So whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of headphones for your commute or just want the best sound quality possible, Rezence has got you covered.
Top Rated 8 Best Under 500 Headphones
[amazon bestseller=”headphones” items=”6″ template=”table”]Best neutral: Shure SRH1540
On our list of the top 8 headphones under $500, the Shure SRH1540 is the most expensive item. They are full-size professional headphones that are mostly used for mixing and critical listening. A terrific option for musicians and audiophiles alike.
Things we like
Closed-back headphones with a good style are something we enjoy about the SRH1540. They come in an appealing dark gray and black combo. The headphones offer big, generously padded oval cups and an adjustable, pleasantly padded headband. There are no inbuilt controls on the 1.8m long detachable audio cord.
The lightweight materials used to make the headphones include carbon fiber, Alcantara, and aircraft-grade aluminum. This model is incredibly pleasant and durable because of the use of all these premium materials, which is uncommon in the headphone business. Despite being constructed of plastic, the cups don’t take away from the overall effect.
The Shure SRH1540 has a fairly flat frequency response and a neutral sound profile, just like all studio-focused headphones. The treble is vibrant and sparkly, the middle is open and natural, and the bass is somewhat raised. The quantity of detail that these headphones produce leaves one of the strongest impressions.
Things we don’t like
Unfortunately, Shure SRH1540 headphones are extremely pricey. They are not particularly lightweight wired headphones either.
Best noise-canceling: Sony WH1000XM3
Sony products have long been renowned for their audio quality, but we must confess that the WH1000XM3 also has a great design and performs admirably. They are not inexpensive, but there are several factors that contribute to their high cost. The best features include incredibly effective ANC technology, excellent battery life and signal range, and both.
Things we like
Full-size closed-back Bluetooth headphones with a silver or black finish are called Sony WH1000XM3. The headphones seem pretty appealing because of their streamlined form and matte finish. Their comfort level is increased by the slightly inclined cups. The cups of the headphones may swivel and revolve in addition to being collapsible.
These cans appear to be surprisingly flexible and sturdy despite being made of plastic. Although not the most comfortable headphones on the market, they are among the most pleasant Sony models thanks to their highly padded adjustable headband and cup cushions.
The touch-sensitive controls on the headphones are incredibly responsive. Most of these are on the right cup, and they are reasonably simple to use. There are controls for the volume, track skipping, and a multifunction button that is used to manage calls and control playing.
The audio may be muted by completely covering the control pad with your palm, which is helpful if you want to focus on something else without taking off your headphones. The ambient button, which activates the so-called “conscious” mode, is located on the left cup. Additionally, a voice assistant can be activated by pressing this button.
[amazon box=”B07H2DBFQZ” template=”horizontal”]The headphones can pair through NFC. They use Bluetooth 4.2, with a maximum signal range of 185 feet.
Additionally, the WH1000XM3 headphones include a strong battery that offers up to 27 hours of playback time on a single charge and recharges in just 2.2 hours. The detachable audio cord will let you keep listening to your favorite music even if your battery runs out.
Speaking of music, we must note that these headphones produce a well-balanced, bass-heavy sound. If the bass is too much for you, you can change the EQ settings using the Sony app. The headphones are excellent for a variety of uses since they provide excellent noise isolation and little sound leakage (office use, commuting, etc.).
Things we don’t like
Even though we think the Sony WH1000XM3 are a fantastic set of headphones, we think a pair in this price bracket need to include a metal headband.
Most Comfortable: Bose QC 35 II
One of the most well-liked closed-back Bluetooth headphones is the Bose QC 35 II. They are one of the most comfortable headphones on the market, and this is mostly due to their incredible ANC technology. The headphones are ideal for a variety of daily uses because they are beautiful, lightweight, and portable.
Things we like
The headphones include beautiful oval cups, a soft headband, and elegant looks. They are available in rose gold, silver, and black. The control strategy essentially mirrors the QC 35 control strategy.
The power button, volume controls, multifunction button, and micro USB connector are all located on the right cup. An AUX input and an ANC button are located on the left (which can also be used to activate voice assistant). The headphones can also be paired via NFC.
Despite being made of plastic, the headphones appear and feel very sturdy. The headband is comfortably padded and has an adjustable length. Also, the cups have substantial padding.
These headphones are among the most comfortable full-size closed-back versions on the market because of the padding, lightweight materials, remarkable flexibility, swiveling cups, and QC 35 II’s form.
Bose doesn’t provide any information regarding the Bluetooth version, but we can attest that pairing and connection are simple and reliable. The battery in the Bose QC 35 II headphones is rather powerful and provides up to 20 hours of playback.
With the quick charging feature enabled, you can use the headphones for up to 2.5 hours after only a 15-minute charge. If your batteries run out, you can easily resume listening by plugging in the included audio cord.
Additionally, these headphones produce a really pleasant sound with highly distinct mids and above average bass. The closed-back design of the headphones allows for effective passive noise isolation. They also support ANC, which is ideal for regular travelers and commuters because it operates flawlessly.
Things we don’t like
The mic performance of the Bose QC 35 II is one of its biggest drawbacks. Although having a built-in microphone is a fantastic feature, we had hoped for a little bit more performance and clarity given the pricing.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
To put it mildly, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are really outstanding because they offer Alexa voice controls, unmatched voice pickup, excellent sound, and unsurpassed noise cancellation capabilities.
The noise cancelling technology that these Bose headphones employ is one of their most intriguing and distinctive characteristics. You may create the ideal atmosphere to listen to music, audiobooks, or anything else for that matter by adjusting the volumes to 11 various settings.
You may control the volume so that you can still hear children in the background without being distracted if you need to hear them. You can also modify your levels to experience complete background silence if you need to completely cancel out all background sounds.
[amazon box=”B07Q9MJKBV” template=”horizontal”]The long battery life of these wireless headphones makes them even more incredible. In reality, the battery life lasts for 20 hours on a single charge, so you may use them for a considerable amount of time before recharging them.
They should therefore have enough battery life to last for the required time before you need to charge them again, even if you forget to charge them one day but still need to use them for a few hours.
After owning the headphones for a few months, one reviewer stated that the right side earpiece speaker had stopped working. It is normal for this to occur occasionally because items aren’t always made correctly.
Even though it’s unpleasant to experience this, you can get it fixed by getting in touch with the manufacturer and informing them of your issue. Since they are typically quite good and genuinely care about their consumers, they will typically send a replacement set of headphones free of charge.
The lightweight design, the comfy headband, the angled ear cups, the extended battery life, the hands-free assistant, and many more features will make you adore the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.
Longest Battery Life: Sennheiser PXC 550-II
Great over-ear headphones with outstanding performance and a long battery life are the Sennheiser PXC 550-II. These stylish headphones look high-end and perform superbly with all types of music. They are designed for mixed usage. And they are incredibly comfortable.
Things we like
The PXC 550-II headphones resemble the PXC 550 model almost exactly. The newer model only differs in having an all-black design without any silver accents. This does not lessen the appeal of these full-size headphones, though.
The majority of the headphones are made of strong plastic. Additionally, they have a comfortable, adjustable headband and large, well-cushioned cups that let your ears breathe. These headphones are incredibly portable because of their ability to fold.
Sennheiser PXC 550-II has a very responsive and simple-to-use control scheme in addition to good design and build quality (volume controls, call management, playback controls).
The Bluetooth pairing button is another option, and pressing it will activate the voice assistant. Three ANC levels—user mode, max, and off—can be selected using a slider on the headphones.
Additionally, the 550-II uses Bluetooth 5.0, which has a 237-foot maximum signal range. With the ANC turned off, their battery, which is among the strongest ones available, provides up to 30 hours of gameplay (or approximately 20 hours with the ANC on). It can take up to 1.5 hours to recharge.
We are pleased to a great extent with the PXC 550-II’s sound signature. The headphones are appropriate for most musical genres because the bass and mids are superbly matched. These are ideal for commuters, frequent travelers, office workers, etc. since ANC works like a charm.
Things we don’t like
Sennheiser should enhance treble performance by making it less erratic and harsh because it significantly influences the overall impression.
NFC pairing is not supported by the headphones.
Most Attractive Design: Beats Studio 3
Beats Studio 3 are excellent headphones with a versatile design, as you could expect. They resemble the previous Beats Studio Wireless cans almost exactly, except they have better noise cancellation that adjusts to the user and the surrounding environment.
Things we like
Consumer headphones called Beats Studio 3 are fashionable and quite appealing. The control buttons integrate well with the headphone design and are rather unobtrusive. You can use them to manage calls, manage the volume, playback, and noise-cancelling function.
The following color options are offered for this model: matte black, blue, red, white, crystal blue, black-red, midnight black, sand dune, and shadow gray.
[amazon box=”B085296FLT” template=”horizontal”]Despite being built completely of plastic, the headphones feel strong and long-lasting. With an adjustable headband and softly padded, comfy cups, they only weigh 0.58 pounds. Additionally collapsible and very portable, Beats Studio 3s.
W1 chip and Bluetooth 4.2 are supported by Studio 3 headphones, which have a 297-foot signal range. The battery provides roughly 23 hours of playback time, and the recharging process just takes 2 hours. Make sure the audio wire is close if your batteries die. A 10-minute charge gives you 2.5 hours of playing with the rapid charge option.
In terms of audio quality, Studio 3 headphones produce pleasing, well-balanced sounds. The mids are not overpowered by the minor emphasis on the bass. The sound is interesting and enjoyable. These will be fantastic for active people, especially commuters, thanks to their noise suppression technology.
Things we don’t like
Given that the Beats Studio 3 are not inexpensive headphones, it is important to note that multipoint pairing and NFC pairing are not supported.
Best Sound Quality: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
The ATH-M50xBT is a wireless variant of Audio-acclaimed Technica’s ATH-M50x. They might not be the most feature-rich Bluetooth headphones available, but their strongest feature is their sound quality, which is nearly on par with the cable version.
Things we like
The ATH-M50xBT headphones share the same aesthetic as their predecessor. Although not the most gorgeous headphones available, they nonetheless have a respectable appearance.
They have additional features such a built-in microphone, volume controls, a play/pause/answer call button, an on/off switch, an AUX input, and a USB charging port in addition to being foldable and having swivelable cups.
One touch-sensitive button is also present and is used to launch the voice assistant. On the right cup, there are all the controls and ports.
The headband is strengthened with aluminum, while the headphones are made of sturdy plastic.
The headphones are unbelievably comfortable. They are obviously too loose to be solid enough for working out, but they will be absolutely comfortable for regular indoor and outdoor wear.
The headphones are simple to use, have a great battery life, and maintain a stable connection even at a distance of 100 feet (without obstacles). The connection should be steady up to 50 feet away when utilized indoors.
They also provide up to 37 hours of playtime. It can take up to 5.5 hours to recharge. If your battery dies, you may always resume listening to music by connecting the included audio connection with inbuilt remote and mic.
M50xBT headphones are aptX compatible. They include the Audio-Technica Connect app, which functions well on both iOS and Android. The app enables users to check the battery level, choose a BT codec, and locate their lost headphones.
In terms of sound quality, there aren’t any significant drawbacks that we can identify. The sound quality is just as fantastic as the previous model. The treble is constant, and the mids are precise. The ranges are all evenly distributed. There is a minor increase in the bass response.
Things we don’t like
The most popular advanced Bluetooth functions, such NFC pairing, ANC, and multipoint pairing, are not supported by the headphones, as we’ve already stated. The mic’s performance is barely adequate, and the app lacks any equalizers.
Best true wireless: Powerbeats Pro
Powerbeats Pro is the following model on our list of the top 7 headphones for less than $500 in 2021. These headphones are among the most expensive true wireless models available, but the elegant design, complete lack of cables, usability, feature set, and sound quality make the price seem justified.
Things we like
Powerbeats Pro has a lot of qualities that we love, but let’s start with their appearance. These earbuds’ distinctive design is the first thing you’ll notice about them. They come in the colors blue, black, yellow, red, pink, moss, navy, and ivory.
They stand out from the majority of true wireless earphones thanks to their huge hooks. The hooks are to thank for the increased stability and comfort.
In terms of construction quality, we can remark that the buds feel both pleasant and soft to the touch while also being quite robust and long-lasting. Due to its silicone covering and IPX4 certification, they are resistant to perspiration and water splashes. Naturally, this indicates that both indoor and outdoor workouts are ideal for the buds.
[amazon box=”B07R5QD598″ template=”horizontal”]Additionally, we think the Powerbeats Pro earbuds are quite simple to use. They offer Bluetooth 5.0 with the H1 chip, which boosts performance (compatible with iOS), and the pairing and connection are quick. Additionally, the controls on the earbuds are quite sensitive and let you manage calls, adjust the volume, and playback.
The earphones’ battery life is also more than adequate. On a single charge, you can play for up to 11 hours. You receive little more than one more fee as a result of the situation (14 hours of playback time).
You may also use the fast charge mode, which allows you to start playing after just 5 minutes of charging. Every time you pull the Powerbeats out of your ears, the music stops thanks to proximity sensors in the headphones, preserving battery life.
We are quite happy with the sound quality of the sound signature. With a powerful bass, perfectly balanced and precise mids, and accurate and engrossing highs, the earbuds produce a really pleasant sound.
Things we don’t like
A few app updates are required for the Powerbeats Pro earbuds. We think that, especially at this price point, any headphone/earbud app shouldn’t just be for checking the battery level. The app might use some EQ settings and presets to improve it greatly.
A Guide to Choosing the Great Headphones Under $500
You’ve made the independent decision to go shopping for the top headphones for under $500. Going this approach is quite acceptable and makes sense if you like to do your own investigations. My reviews are frequently well-liked since other people enjoy receiving recommendations from others.
If you do want to choose your own preferred headphones for less than $500, take these things into account:
Possibilities for Noise Cancellation
Some people enjoy using noise-cancelling headphones. Others desire premium headphones that allow some background noise to pass through so they can hear their children playing in the backyard.
The best noise-cancelling headphones let you choose whether to cancel out all noise, just a portion of it, or only the amount of it that makes you feel most comfortable.
Battery Longevity
Depending on your headphones, battery life is undoubtedly useful. You do not want to be forced to use headphones that are completely dead when riding the bus or the subway.
You won’t be able to listen to your preferred audio programs; instead, you’ll have to sit there and think, or perhaps grab a newspaper. You should be alright if you can find headphones with battery life of at least eight hours and preferably 24.
Stereo Quality Sound
You should constantly opt for headphones with fantastic sound quality, it goes without saying. You won’t go wrong if you concentrate on picking a set that audiophiles strongly suggest.
FAQs
How Do I Know If Headphones Are Right For Me?
There is no correct response to this query because the performance and cost of the headphones under $500 varies widely. To help you decide if something is right for you, you can consider feedback from friends and other users, how frequently you use it, and the genre of music you and your partner are listening to when using it.
What Are The Best Headphones For Gamers?
There are a few different types of headphones that can be used by gamers, and the best way to find the perfect fit is to try on different ones. Some people might prefer earmats, while others might prefer headphones with ear cups.
There are also headphones that are specifically designed for gaming, like the Ingenio GTS 4.0. They are a bit more expensive, but they offer great sound quality and can last for a long time.
What Are The Best Features of the Headphones Under 500 Dollars?
The best features of the best headphones under $500 are the earbuds because they provide the best sound quality. Some of the other features that are important for headphones include fit, comfort, and sound quality.
The earbuds should be made from synthetic or occasionally real materials such as plastic or rubber. They should be made from durable materials like metal or plastic. They should be easy to hold for your ear and should be comfortable.
Do Expensive Headphones Sound Better?
Typically, even untrained hearing can distinguish between an expensive headset and a cheap one. Of course, there are exceptions. However, and this may be stating the obvious, more costly headphones typically provide greater detail and a cleaner audio experience.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great headphones under 500 on the market. Many options out there that will give you great sound quality without breaking the bank. Hope that you can find it helpful in this post. Thanks for reading!