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Best Headphones under $500
After hands-on testing, these are the headphones we’d actually recommend.
October 17, 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
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- Compare tableProductVotes
- 23 total votes23 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
- 0 total votes0 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
- 5 total votes5 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
- 19 total votes19 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
- 4 total votes4 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 picked Sony ULT WEAR as our best overall because it combines long battery life, competent noise canceling, and a comprehensive feature set in a straightforward over-ear package. The ULT WEAR lasted 32 hours and 35 minutes in our standardized battery test, supports multipoint Bluetooth along with SBC, AAC, and LDAC (with LC3 coming later), and includes a 3.5mm cable for wired listening while folding flat into its case for travel. Noise attenuation is strong for the price, consistently reducing more than 25 dB above 80 Hz, and the Sony Sound Connect app unlocks EQ, ANC tuning, and 360 Reality Audio. Our MDAQS charts show the ULT WEAR’s sound leans heavy on bass, so you’ll likely want to tweak the EQ to taste. The ULT WEAR also earned Best Battery Life, Best Over-Ear Headphones, and Best for Comfort recognition for its long runtime, roomy 40mm ear pads, and generally comfortable fit despite some heat buildup from the faux-leather pads.Sourced from Sony ULT WEAR review – SoundGuys.
Best ANC pick: JBL Tour ONE M3
We chose the JBL Tour One M3 as our best ANC pick for its very strong active noise canceling hardware and thoughtful extras that extend usability. The Tour One M3 uses eight microphones with windscreens, solid signal processing and an internal DAC to deliver class-leading ANC performance and clear call quality. Its standout SMART Tx remote adds a portable transmitter and control brick that can act as a low-energy transmitter and give access to advanced features without opening an app. The headphones also offer a broad feature set — Find My, spatial audio, customizable passthrough and vocal modes, and a PSAP personal sound amplification feature — and JBL reports battery life that comfortably exceeds 55 hours in testing. The Tour One M3 also earned recognition for Best Call Quality and Best for iPhone users thanks to its microphone array and compatibility conveniences.Sourced from JBL Tour One M3 review: The next generation of ANC – SoundGuys.
Best Value pick: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
The JLab JBuds Lux ANC earns our best value pick by delivering respectable ANC and long battery life at a budget price. These over-ear cans run for 44 hours and 22 minutes in our battery test, include app-driven features like a 10-band EQ and adjustable ANC modes, and support USB-C wired audio while pairing simply via Fast Pair. ANC performance is modest but practical for commuting — roughly 10–20 dB under 700 Hz with strong passive isolation at higher frequencies — and the headphones support fast charging (ten minutes yields about four hours of listening). For buyers focused on features per dollar, the JBuds Lux ANC is a strong, wallet-friendly option.Sourced from JLab JBuds Lux ANC review – SoundGuys.
Best sound quality pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
We picked the Bose QuietComfort Ultra as our best sound quality choice for its detailed tuning tools and support for higher-bitrate streaming on compatible devices. Bose’s CustomTune and immersive audio settings help the Ultra headphones adapt sound to individual ears, and they’re one of the few models that support aptX Lossless for CD-quality transmission with supported Android hardware. The headphones pair over Bluetooth 5.3, include a 2.5mm-to-3.5mm cable in the case, and deliver about 27 hours and 37 minutes of runtime in our battery test. ANC is also excellent, with dense ear pads and processing that substantially reduces common commute and travel noises. The QuietComfort Ultra additionally earned Best for Android users recognition because of its aptX Lossless and Snapdragon Sound support.Sourced from Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
Across wireless and wired headphones in the mainstream under-$500 category, the Sony ULT WEAR is our pick for the best overall option thanks to its balanced set of features, solid ANC, and long battery life, while the JBL Tour One M3 is the one to choose if ANC and advanced sharing/transmitter features matter most. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC stands out for shoppers prioritizing value and battery longevity, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the choice for listeners who value tuned sound and Android-focused codec support.
For the other recent models we reviewed, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus offers very long battery life (around 53 hours), decent ANC and aptX Adaptive support for reliable everyday use; the Nothing Headphone (1) brings a distinct design, IP52 ingress protection, physical controls and an 8-band EQ with spatial audio/head-tracking via its app; and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless excels on battery life (about 56 hours) and broad codec support along with thoughtful app features like adaptive ANC and geotagged settings. Overall, pick Sony for the most rounded package, JBL for top-tier ANC and extra transmission options, JLab for value, and Bose for refined sound—while the Sennheiser and Nothing models suit buyers wanting long runtime or distinctive features respectively.
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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