10 Best Headphones Under $500 You Should Buy in 2024

Selecting the right headphones can greatly enhance the experience of listening to music, gaming, or watching movies. In the market, there’s a vast range of options that cater to different needs – from the casual listener to the audio professional. For many, finding the perfect set of best headphones under $500 is a balance between quality and cost. The choice becomes about investing in a pair that can deliver superior sound clarity, comfort for prolonged use, and perhaps active noise cancellation to block out external noise.

When shopping for headphones within this price range, it’s crucial to consider the type of headphones – over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear – as they each offer different experiences in terms of sound isolation and comfort. Build quality and durability are also important as these headphones are typically an investment for several years. Some may prioritize wireless capabilities for ease of movement, while others might value a wired connection for its fidelity. Added features like an in-built microphone for calls or touch controls should also be considered based on the user’s requirements.

With our expertise, we’ve taken the time to evaluate various models to ensure they meet a standard of audio quality, build, and features that justify their price tag, bringing you a curated list of the best headphones under $500.

Top Headphones Under $500

We have thoroughly researched and compiled a list of the best headphones available for under $500. Our focus was to find options that provide outstanding sound quality, comfort, and durability without breaking the bank. Whether you’re an audiophile, a professional, or just someone who appreciates good music on the go, our selections aim to cater to all your auditory needs.

Decider TV Top Picks

1. Apple Air Pods Max

We think you’ll appreciate the Apple Air Pods Max for their comfort and clear sound, especially if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.

Right off the bat, these Air Pods impress with their ergonomic design. Wearing them throughout the day, we didn’t feel any discomfort, which can happen with other earbuds. The fit is just right, not too snug and not too loose. They seem to have been made with the idea that they should feel natural, and they do.

The sound quality is what you’d expect from Apple: crisp, with vocals and instruments coming through clear. These aren’t made for thumping bass, but the overall audio experience is quite enjoyable. They’re perfect for listening to podcasts or catching up on videos.

The in-line remote is a feature we’ve found incredibly useful. It’s handy to adjust the volume or take a call without fumbling with the device itself. Plus, the added control over playback is great when we’re on the move — no need to take out your phone to skip a track.

As for downsides, if you’ve moved on to devices without a Lightning port, you’ll need an adapter. And if you love heavy bass in your music, these might not be the best fit for your tastes. The Air Pods excel in many areas but fall short for bass-heavy headphones genres. Also, the presence of a cable means you have to deal with possible tangles and it can be limiting if you prefer the untethered freedom of wireless earbuds.

In summary, we find the Apple Air Pods Max to be a solid choice for anyone in need of reliable, good-quality wired earbuds and are part of the Apple ecosystem.

2. Sony ZX Series On-Ear Headphones

If you’re seeking reliable on-ear headphones for daily use that won’t break the bank, we think these are a solid pick.

We’ve had the chance to use the Sony ZX Series On-Ear Headphones, and they’ve been a delight. They’re light on the head, which is perfect for extended listening sessions. The music delivery is lively – the beats in your favorite songs will definitely have a good kick to them.

The swivel design has been a lifesaver for us when it comes to storing them. They tuck away nicely in our work bags, making them great travel companions. Plus, the soft ear pads feel gentle, so we’ve never had that ear discomfort even after hours of listening.

What we’ve noticed, however, is that the headphones do feel a bit plastic-like. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re after something that can handle a bit of roughness. Being wired, they also keep us tethered to our devices, which means we can’t wander around as freely as we’d like. Lastly, these headphones don’t block out much background noise, so they may not be the best if you’re often in loud places.

3. BERIBES Wireless Headphones

If you’re in the market for affordable, comfortable headphones with a long battery life, these are well worth your attention.

After spending some time with the BERIBES Wireless Headphones, our ears were treated to hours of uninterrupted tunes thanks to that impressive 65-hour battery life. Whether for work or relaxing at home, they’ve quickly become our go-to pair for their lasting power alone.

Comfort is where these headphones really stand out. We wore them during lengthy conference calls and while tackling our daily playlists without any discomfort—kudos to the memory protein earmuffs. The light-as-feather feel further assures that ear fatigue is a thing of the past.

Switching between six EQ settings brought each genre of music to life with just a tap. Whether you’re a fan of thumping bass or crisp treble, these cans adapt quickly. The built-in Bluetooth 5.3 means pairing them with our devices was both snappy and reliable.

4. JBL Tune 720BT

We think these JBL headphones are a strong contender for listeners looking for a balance between affordability and quality performance.

When we put on the JBL Tune 720BT headphones, the first thing we noticed was the solid bass response that JBL is known for. It’s clear that whether you’re into hip-hop or house music, these headphones deliver the low-end punch that makes tracks come alive.

We spent a lot of time listening to a variety of songs and found the wireless connection to be stable and strong, thanks to the latest Bluetooth technology. Not having to deal with cords is a refreshing change, and we could roam freely without sound cutting out.

We wanted to see just how long we could go before needing a charge. The battery lasted through several days of normal use, and when we did need a quick boost, a 5-minute charge provided hours of playback. Even after wearing them for an extended period, they remained comfortable, and we easily packed them away since they fold flat.

5. Soundcore Life Q30

We think the Soundcore Life Q30 is a smart choice if you want premium features without breaking the bank.

We’ve been trying out the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones, and they’ve stood out as a reliable daily companion. Their noise-canceling capability really allows us to stay immersed in our music without distractions, especially when we’re moving from busy streets to the quiet of our office. The three different modes of noise cancellation adapt to various surroundings, providing us flexibility depending on where we are.

Battery life is a highlight we can’t overlook. We hardly have to worry about charging these headphones, which is a real convenience. Even if we forget to charge them, a quick 5 minutes plugged in gives us enough juice to last a few hours. It’s perfect for those moments when we’re about to step out and realize our headphones need a bit of a boost.

Comfort is crucial for headphones, and the Soundcore Life Q30 doesn’t disappoint. The padding is so soft, we sometimes forget we’re wearing them. This, combined with their light weight, makes the Q30 ideal for long listening sessions. We’ve worn them while working at the desk, during our commutes, and they’ve remained snug and pleasant on our ears the whole time.

One thing we’ve noticed is that while the noise cancellation does wonders for low-frequency sounds, there’s still a chance of hearing louder, high-pitched noises. Occasionally, connecting to our devices doesn’t go as smoothly as we’d like, but reconnecting generally solves the issue swiftly. Finally, the lack of waterproofing means we are extra careful not to get them wet.

In our experience, the Soundcore Life Q30 is a solid performer. With them, we’ve enjoyed countless hours of rich, detailed music, and they’ve proved themselves to be an essential part of our daily gear.

6. KVIDIO Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

We recommend these headphones for anyone looking for affordable wireless comfort and lengthy playtime without sacrificing sound quality.

We’ve just taken the KVIDIO Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones for a spin, and the sound quality blew us away considering their budget-friendly price. Imagine settling into your favorite chair and losing yourself in music that feels both close and clear, almost like you’re at a live show.

Comfort is key with headphones, and that’s where these excel. The memory-protein foam earmuffs didn’t press down on our ears too much, which means no pain after a whole day of use. We also found the headband easy to adjust to fit just right, essential when we’re on the move or nodding along to our favorite tunes.

The Bluetooth connection on these KVIDIO headphones was both quick to pair and stable. We were able to walk around freely without losing our connection, which is perfect for when we need to step away from our desks but want to stay immersed in our music or podcasts. Plus, if the battery does run low, we like that we can just plug in the included cable and keep the party going.

7. Soundcore Space Q45

We think these headphones are a steal for their price, offering top-notch noise cancellation and long battery life that rivals the pricier options.

After spending some quality time with the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones, we were genuinely impressed by the noise cancellation capabilities. You can barely hear any background noise, even in busy environments like coffee shops or airport terminals. It’s almost like being in your own silent bubble.

The battery just goes on and on. During a long week of commuting, we didn’t once reach for the charger. Plus, if you’re ever in a pinch, a quick 5-minute charge gives you enough juice for multiple hours. This is a huge convenience.

We also appreciated the feel of music with these headphones. The bass is rich and powerful without overwhelming the crisp highs. Whether you’re watching a movie or jamming out to your favorite tunes, the sound quality doesn’t disappoint.

We did find that the app control takes some getting used to. It’s packed with features which is great, but it can be a tad complex for first-time users. Additionally, while the headphones are generally comfortable, they might not be the best fit if you have a larger head. Lastly, the protective case does its job, but we felt it could be sturdier to provide better protection while traveling.

8. Soundcore Space One

We think these headphones are a solid pick for anyone looking for high-quality sound and effective noise cancelling without breaking the bank.

Soundcore Space One headphones surprised us with how well they handle noise in busy environments. The 2X stronger voice reduction truly shines when you need to stay focused, whether you’re working out or trying to concentrate in a crowded place.

Battery life is another highlight, providing us with days of usage without reaching for a charger. With up to 40 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation on, these headphones became our trusty companions on a long journey, keeping the tunes flowing without a hitch.

Comfort was also taken into consideration with these headphones. We noticed the thoughtfully crafted ear cups making extended use much less of a strain on the ears. The rotating feature helps them fit snugly, alternating between songs and calls was a breeze.

These headphones cater well to those looking for a mix of style, comfort, and robust sound quality. The high-resolution audio capability through LDAC is a game-changer, elevating the listening experience to a level that usually comes with a higher price tag.

9. JBL Tune 510BT

If you’re on the hunt for headphones that offer great performance without breaking the bank, the JBL Tune 510BT should be on your radar.

The moment you slip on the JBL Tune 510BT, you notice the powerful bass that the brand is known for. It transforms listening to music into a more immersive experience. When you’re on the go, you hardly worry about the battery dying because it lasts almost two days on a single charge. Plus, if you’re in a rush, a quick 5-minute charge keeps the music going for another two hours.

We appreciate these on-ear headphones for their wireless freedom. They’re ideal for those who dislike dealing with tangled wires. You can also seamlessly take calls without interrupting your playlist, thanks to the ability to switch between two devices. That’s a bonus for multitaskers who juggle between gadgets.

While they’re built for portability, the on-ear design might not be the perfect fit for everyone, especially if you wear them for long periods. They do a decent job blocking out ambient sound, but don’t expect the same level of silence as you would get from higher-end noise-cancelling headphones. It’s a bit of a learning curve with the control buttons, but once you get the hang of it, they’re easy to use.

In our hands-on time with the JBL Tune 510BT, we enjoyed the ease of interaction and the durable feel. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking for quality headphones without wanting to invest a large sum. These have you covered for daily commutes, work, or even light workouts at the gym.

10. TOZO A1 Earbuds

We believe these earbuds are a smart buy for anyone in need of reliable, lightweight audio gear without breaking the bank.

Wearing the TOZO A1 Earbuds feels like having almost nothing in your ears. Their sleek design and minimal weight make them an excellent companion for long listening sessions. The comfort they provide is top-notch, letting us enjoy our favorite tracks or podcasts for hours on end without any discomfort.

The sound quality has truly caught our attention. From the crisp highs to the deep lows, the audio experience is gratifying. During our jogs and workouts, the performance of these earbuds remained steady, providing a robust soundtrack to our activities. The touch control was responsive, making it a breeze to manage our music on-the-go.

Battery life is impressive. We could go nearly an entire day without reaching for the charger. The ease with which we could control volume and navigate our playlists allowed us to keep our smartphones tucked away, bringing convenience to our busy lives. The TOZO A1 Earbuds held up their connection seamlessly, keeping the tunes flowing without any annoying disruptions.

Overall, the TOZO A1 Earbuds met our expectations for everyday use, proving to be a reliable option for anyone seeking a solid audio experience within a sensible budget.

Buying Guide

When we’re in the market for headphones under $500, we have to consider several key features to ensure we get the best value for our money. Let’s walk through what to look for.

Sound Quality

First and foremost, we should assess the sound quality. We’re looking for crisp highs, deep lows, and a balanced mid-range. A wide frequency response range can often indicate a greater potential for high-fidelity sound.

Comfort and Fit

Headphones should be comfortable for extended listening sessions. We’ll want to look for padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. Also, the choice between over-ear and on-ear models can affect comfort and is largely a matter of personal preference.

Build Quality

Durability is also a major factor. We should check for solid construction materials and a sturdy design. Metal components generally outlast plastic, and a replaceable cable avoids the need to replace the whole set if the wire fails.

Battery Life (for wireless models)

If we’re opting for wireless headphones, battery life becomes important. Ideally, we look for models that offer at least 20 hours of life on a single charge.

Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation can be a boon in noisy environments. We’ll want to ensure the headphones efficiently block ambient noise without altering audio quality.

Extra Features

Some headphones come with extra features such as Bluetooth connectivity, built-in microphones, touch controls, and app support. While not essential, these may offer additional convenience.

By focusing on these aspects, we can feel confident in identifying headphones that offer the best quality, comfort, and durability within our budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

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