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Best Headphones under $500
After hands-on testing, these are the headphones we’d actually recommend.
March 11, 2026
Adam is the Managing 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
- 90 total votes90 total votes
$200
8.4
7.6
8.4
6.9
7.7
8.0
7.5
9.5
9.9
9.0
9.0
- 13 total votes13 total votes
$449
8.4
7.1
8.7
6.9
7.9
8.0
7.5
9.7
9.4
8.9
9.0
- 34 total votes34 total votes
$450
8.3
6.8
8.7
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.5
9.9
9.0
8.0
- 78 total votes78 total votes
$80
8.3
7.2
8.1
6.7
9.5
8.0
7.7
7.5
9.9
9.5
8.5
- 12 total votes12 total votes
$500
8.3
7.4
8.3
7.5
7.0
8.0
7.0
9.5
9.9
9.0
9.0
- 40 total votes40 total votes
$300
8.3
7.6
8.5
8.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
9.7
9.0
8.0
- 40 total votes40 total votes
$429
8.3
6.5
8.5
6.9
7.9
8.0
7.5
9.5
9.5
8.9
9.0
- 25 total votes25 total votes
$289
8.3
6.6
7.9
6.9
8.9
8.0
7.5
8.5
9.9
8.8
8.8
- 31 total votes31 total votes
$218
8.3
7.0
8.0
6.9
8.5
8.0
7.5
9.5
9.9
7.5
9.0
- 33 total votes33 total votes
$100
8.2
7.1
8.0
6.5
9.0
7.5
7.0
9.0
9.8
9.0
8.0
- 4 total votes4 total votes
$199
8.1
7.6
8.3
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
9.5
9.9
8.5
8.0
- 91 total votes91 total votes
$130
8.1
6.1
7.3
7.5
8.4
7.0
8.5
7.5
9.9
9.0
8.3
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 they combine long battery life, competent active noise canceling, and flexible connectivity that suits everyday wireless headphone use. The ULT WEAR lasted 32 hours and 35 minutes in our standardized battery test and support Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC plus Multipoint, so they hold up well for long commutes or travel. Their ANC and isolation consistently attenuate more than 25dB of noise at frequencies above ~80Hz, making them practical for flights and public transit, though they don’t match only‑top‑end rivals. The cans are tuned toward heavy bass — the ULT button pushes a lot of low end — so we recommend using the Sony app’s EQ to tame the low frequencies; our MDAQS discussion also highlights how pronounced bass emphasis affects measured listening attributes. They’re comfortable with wide 40mm ear pads and fold into a flat case for travel, and they also earned Best Battery Life, Best Over-Ear Headphones, and Best for Comfort recognition in testing.
Sourced from Sony ULT WEAR review – SoundGuys.
Best ANC pick: JBL Tour ONE M3
The JBL Tour ONE M3 is our pick for best ANC thanks to a robust microphone array, advanced processing, and a measurement profile that shows it cancels roughly 30dB of outside noise under 1 kHz. JBL outfits these headphones with eight microphones, an internal DAC, and 40mm drivers to support high ANC performance and reliable isolation, and the package includes a unique SMART Tx remote brick that serves as both a controller and a low‑energy transmitter. In practice that brick helps bypass some source compatibility issues and enables shared listening over Auracast, which adds useful travel and family‑use options. The Tour ONE M3 also posts long runtimes — our updated testing shows battery life north of 55 hours — and it additionally earned recognition for Best Call Quality and Best for iPhone users thanks to its mic array and AAC support.
Sourced from JBL Tour One M3 review: The next generation of ANC – SoundGuys.
Best Sound Quality pick: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra claim our best sound quality slot because they combine angled dynamic drivers with CustomTune and immersive settings that deliver a consistently satisfying tonal balance. Bose supports higher‑quality wireless options here too — Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless are available for compatible Android devices — and the headphones include useful app features and a straightforward control layout. Their ANC is excellent in real use, with dense ear pads that create strong isolation and measurable reductions in common transport noise, and battery life runs about 27 hours and 37 minutes in our protocol. We also note they earned recognition for Best for Android users because of aptX Lossless and other Android‑centric capabilities.
Sourced from Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review – SoundGuys.
Best Value pick: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
The JLab JBuds Lux ANC are our best value pick because they pack long battery life, app customization, and usable ANC into a sub‑$100 over‑ear package. In testing they ran 44 hours and 22 minutes per charge and offer a 10‑band EQ and adjustable ANC modes via the JLab app, so you can tune the sound rather than returning the cans if the default voicing isn’t to your taste. Their ANC is understandably weaker than premium models — roughly 10–20dB under 700Hz with strong high‑frequency isolation — but the seal and ear cup fit help block higher‑frequency noise effectively. Fast charging also adds convenience, with a short charge delivering multiple hours of listening time.
Sourced from JLab JBuds Lux ANC review – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
For wireless headphones in this broad $0–$500 consideration set, the Sony ULT WEAR is the most well‑rounded pick: excellent battery life, versatile codec support, and useful ANC make them a great daily driver, especially if you’re willing to tweak EQ for the bass tilt. The JBL Tour ONE M3 is the better choice if ANC and call performance are your top priorities, bolstered by the SMART Tx transmitter and an exceptionally long battery life, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra leans toward listeners who prioritize refined sound and Android‑focused codec support. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC stands out for buyers focused on value — long runtime and app EQ at a budget price.
The other headphones in the set also suit specific needs: Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus is a straightforward, lightweight ANC option with about 53 hours of battery life and solid isolation and connection options (Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive). Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless delivers exceptional battery longevity (56 hours) and wide codec support for commuters who want flexible wired and wireless listening. And Nothing Headphone (1) brings IP52 water resistance, distinctive design, comfortable memory‑foam pads, and deep app EQ control for buyers who want durability and customization without folding into the top badge winners.
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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