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Best Headphones under $500
After hands-on testing, these are the headphones we’d actually recommend.
October 19, 2025
Adam is an Editor at SoundGuys specializing in gaming headsets, flagship headphones, and earbuds. A lifelong fan of video games and cinema, he brings a sharp ear and passion for immersive sound to every review. Beyond hardware, Adam writes thought-provoking features and opinion pieces that explore how audio tech shapes our lives. Armed with a BA in Cognitive Science, he pairs technical insight with a love for music’s psychological uplift. At home, he still rocks his original Sennheiser MOMENTUM over-ears, switches to Bose QuietComfort Ultra on flights, and relies on Galaxy Buds2 Pro while out and about.
Whether money’s no object or you just subscribe to the idea that spending big on headphones will pay off, there are a ton of different options in the high-end part of the audio market. Yes, many of them will be good, but not every pair of headphones at this price range are created equal. Some of these options will do better for specific needs than others.
We’ve tested hundreds of headphones in our lab, and below you’ll find our picks for the best headphones under $500 based on our reviews and extensive testing.
Each headphone receives a single overall headphone score, calculated from multiple testing data points: ANC, durability, isolation, value, design, connectivity, portability, battery life, features, and comfort.
Compare table
Filter
- Compare tableProductVotes
- 25 total votes25 total votes
$200
8.4
7.6
8.4
6.9
7.7
8.0
9.5
7.5
9.9
9.0
9.0
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$449
8.4
7.1
8.7
6.9
7.9
8.0
9.7
7.5
9.4
8.9
9.0
- 6 total votes6 total votes
$450
8.3
6.8
8.7
8.0
8.0
8.0
9.5
7.0
9.9
9.0
8.0
- 20 total votes20 total votes
$80
8.3
7.2
8.1
6.7
9.5
8.0
7.5
7.7
9.9
9.5
8.5
- 11 total votes11 total votes
$300
8.3
7.6
8.5
8.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
9.7
9.0
8.0
- 7 total votes7 total votes
$429
8.3
6.5
8.5
6.9
7.9
8.0
9.5
7.5
9.5
8.9
9.0
- 6 total votes6 total votes
$218
8.3
7.0
8.0
6.9
8.5
8.0
9.5
7.5
9.9
7.5
9.0
- 7 total votes7 total votes
$289
8.2
4.8
7.6
6.9
8.9
8.0
8.5
7.5
9.9
8.8
8.8
- 11 total votes11 total votes
$100
8.2
7.1
8.0
6.5
9.0
7.5
9.0
7.0
9.8
9.0
8.0
- 6 total votes6 total votes
$130
8.1
6.1
7.3
7.5
8.4
7.0
7.5
8.5
9.9
9.0
8.3
- 5 total votes5 total votes
$449
8.1
6.7
8.4
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.5
7.0
9.6
7.0
8.0
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$349
8.1
3.7
6.4
7.3
8.8
8.0
9.8
7.0
9.9
9.5
7.2
Product chart
In the chart above, you can see how each of the headphones compares in terms of price and performance.
To gather information about how well each of the earbuds and headphones work, we subject each product to a number of objective tests. We use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 acoustic measurement system to test headphones and earbuds in our SoundGuys lab. The ear canal of the artificial head was created by averaging and smoothing 3D models of individual ear canal features from the MRI scans of 40 different people.
We perform the following testing to determine the best headphones and best earbuds:
- We run sequences to determine the best fit of the headphones, and if there are any manufacturing issues with the product.
- We measure the headphones’ performance and compare the frequency response to our industry-validated SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve to give context to readers.
- To rate sound quality, we use the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics. These are virtual mean opinion scores as calculated by a powerful machine learning model based on the input of real listeners.
- We play several samples of shaped noise over loudspeakers to test noise canceling and record with our artificial head. We take samples with ANC on, ANC off, and with the headphones off the head. After subtracting the appropriate curves from each other, we can see how well the headphones block out noise.
- To evaluate microphone quality, we play pre-recorded spoken Harvard sentences from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind.
- To measure battery life, we play back music through the headphones or earbuds peaking at 75dB(SPL), a safe and realistic listening level.
In addition to objective testing, our team of audio experts uses each of the headphones and earbuds to evaluate the experience of using the product. By wearing the headphones in day-to-day use, we evaluate the comfort, noting any pain points. We also make sure to try out each of the features that the headphones have to offer, such as using the equalizer in the companion app.
Using a combination of subjective and objective testing, we score each product. To learn more about how we evaluate headphones and earbuds, check out our in-depth explainer on how we test.
Here at SoundGuys, we’ve been testing audio products for over a decade. Our team comprises audio product experts who have tested hundreds of different headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Moreover, our team comes from diverse backgrounds and a wealth of expertise, including audio engineering, film production, journalism, podcasting, music production, and even touring musicians.
Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your purchase or, at the very least, leave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio. To see why you can trust us with your purchase decision, make sure to check out our ethics policy.
Poll
How much are you willing to spend on good headphones?
Best overall pick: Sony ULT WEAR
We pick Sony ULT WEAR as our best overall because it balances long battery life, effective noise canceling, and broad codec support in a comfortable over-ear package. In our standardized battery test the ULT WEAR lasted 32 hours and 35 minutes, and the headphones attenuate more than 25dB of noise at frequencies above 80Hz, making them well suited for commutes and flights. The ULT WEAR also supports Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC and Multipoint, and folds into a compact case for travel. Using our MDAQS context, the ULT WEAR’s sound skews bass-forward — something you can tame with the Sony app. This combination of battery, ANC, comfort, and connectivity is why the ULT WEAR also earned recognition as Best Battery Life, Best Over-Ear Headphones, Best for Comfort, and for its headline connectivity as Bluetooth 5.0 and more.Sourced from Sony ULT WEAR review – SoundGuys.
Best ANC pick: JBL Tour ONE M3
We chose JBL Tour One M3 as our best ANC pick because its microphone array, signal processing, and measured cancellation put it among the top performers for active noise reduction. The Tour One M3 uses eight microphones with windscreens and advanced processing to achieve roughly 30dB of cancellation below 1kHz and strong isolation at higher frequencies. The package includes the unique JBL SMART Tx remote/transmitter, which offloads processing and can act as a transmitter for compatibility and shared listening. Battery life measurements in testing topped 55 hours, and the headphones come with an app-driven feature set including spatial audio and customizable passthrough. The JBL Tour One M3 also earned recognition for Best Call Quality and Best for iPhone users for its microphone performance and ecosystem compatibility.Sourced from JBL Tour One M3 review: The next generation of ANC – SoundGuys.
Best Value pick: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
We pick JLab JBuds Lux ANC as our best value choice because it delivers long battery life and useful app features at the budget end of the market. In lab testing the JBuds Lux ANC ran for 44 hours and 22 minutes, and the companion app provides a 10-band EQ and adjustable ANC modes so you can tune the sound. The headphones fold compactly for travel and support USB-C wired listening in addition to Bluetooth 5.3 pairing convenience. ANC performance is modest compared with premium rivals — roughly 10–20dB under 700Hz — but the ear cups do a strong job isolating higher-frequency noise. Those strengths explain its designation as Best Value for commuters wanting solid battery and customization on a budget.Sourced from JLab JBuds Lux ANC review – SoundGuys.
Best Sound Quality pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
We name Bose QuietComfort Ultra our best sound quality pick for its refined tuning and CustomTune system that tailors response to the listener. The headphones support aptX Lossless for compatible Android devices and include immersive audio settings and an EQ via the Bose Music app. In testing the QuietComfort Ultra lasted 27 hours and 37 minutes, and the dense ear pads plus active cancelation reduce many common noises substantially — the review measured roughly an 87% reduction in some real-world noises. Controls are straightforward and the package includes a travel-ready case and cables for wired listening. The QuietComfort Ultra also earned recognition as Best for Android users due to its codec and platform support.Sourced from Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
Across this set of wireless and wired-capable headphones we favored the Sony ULT WEAR for overall balance — long battery life, solid ANC, broad codec support, and travel-friendly design — while the JBL Tour One M3 stands out if noise cancelation and call clarity are your priorities thanks to its microphone array and SMART Tx transmitter. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC offers the best value tradeoff with very long runtime and app-based EQ for tuning, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the pick for listeners who prioritize refined sound and Android-friendly codecs.
The remaining headphones also have clear strengths: the Nothing Headphone (1) offers unique styling, IP52 water resistance, and extensive app EQ and spatial-audio features; the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus provides a lightweight, comfortable fit with long battery life (over 53 hours) and reliable basic ANC; and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless delivers broad codec support, convenient accessories, and an exceptionally long battery life (about 56 hours) for frequent commuters. Each of these choices can fit different priorities within the wireless headphones category defined by battery, ANC, comfort, and platform compatibility.
FAQ
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On-ear rest on your ears, smaller and more portable.
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In-ear (earbuds) fit inside your ear canal, most compact.
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Wired can offer more consistent sound quality and no battery worries.
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Wireless adds freedom of movement, Bluetooth features, and portability.
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Over-ear headphones with strong ANC work best on planes and trains.
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Compact earbuds are great for commuting and portability.
Higher-priced models usually have better ANC, premium materials, wider soundstage, and extra features.
Active Noise Cancelling uses microphones to cancel out external noise for a quieter experience.
Open-back designs allow air and sound to pass through, creating a wider, natural soundstage but leaking sound. Closed-back isolate better and have more bass punch.
No, it’s a premium feature. Multipoint is useful if you switch often between laptop and phone.
Yes, by reducing background noise so you don’t need to turn up the volume. But listening too loud can still cause damage.
Isolation refers to the ability of your headphones to block outside noise from reaching your ears. This might sound like active noise cancelation, but it isn’t. Active noise canceling uses microphones to pick up the sounds that are going on around you and then uses clever processing to cancel them out. In physics, it’s called destructive interference, and you can learn more about that in our article on how noise canceling works, but that isn’t what isolation is.
Isolation is simply having a physical barrier between your ears and the outside noises. Every time you stuff your fingers in your ears, you’re isolating yourself. You might hear certain loud noises around you, but for the most part, sounds are blocked out. A good pair of over-ear headphones can do something similar. They’ll cover your ears and block noises that would otherwise interfere with the music you’re listening to.
Not yet. While Bluetooth has become way better and more convenient in the last few years, it still can’t compete on a technical level with wired over-ear headphones. Sure, we might be a little biased against removing the headphone jack. Still, even our objective testing of the LDAC codec (which is arguably one of the top transfer methods currently available) revealed that Bluetooth falls short. Of course, you probably won’t have to worry about it too much if you’re over the age of 24 because our hearing tends to go a lot sooner than you might realize, but it’s still something you should be aware of. At least for now, wired headphones still reign supreme.
Over-ear headphones generally offer superior sound quality due to their larger drivers and better isolation, which minimizes ambient noise and allows for a more immersive listening experience.
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