Getting the best headphone is crucial whether you plan to use it for gaming, listening to music or simply receiving and making calls. Nonetheless, the best headphone is normally expensive, and, in most cases, you will be forced to go past your budget to get it. However, things do not need to follow this path, as the market now has several quality headsets within an affordable range.
These headsets function like their expensive counterparts because they have advanced features. They produce quality sound; thanks to such features as 40mm neodymium driver and CSR chip. Well, if you do not want to spend much on a headphone then the ones we are set to review on this page are the best bet.
But before we get there, let’s check out the following buyer’s guide.
- Sound Quality: Although you are spending less on a headphone, that does not mean you end up with a unit that delivers poor sound quality. Therefore, make sure the headphone you are about to buy has sound-enhancing features such as CSR chip and 40mm driver units.
- Wireless: Technology keeps on advancing; hence, it is no surprise that the market today has lots of wireless headsets. A wireless headphone spares you the hassle of having to deal with a wired connection. Well, when buying a wireless headphone, make sure its Bluetooth technology is one of the latest.
- Ergonomic Design: An ergonomically-designed headphone can be used for a long time without such things as head fatigue or sore ears. These headsets normally have well-padded headbands and nicely cushioned earcups. These headsets are also adjustable so they can fit your head perfectly.
- Battery Life: If you have a wireless headphone, good battery life is imperative. We are talking about battery life that can last up to 40 hours or something closer to that. Well, long-lasting battery life makes the headphone reliable and great for use on the go.
Now, let’s take a look at the following top 10 best headphones under 500 reviews in 2021.
Table of Contents
- 10. LETSCOM 100 Hours Playtime Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- 9. VOGEK Portable On Ear Headphones with Mic
- 8. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lossless Wireless Gaming headphone
- 7. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones – Preferred
- 6. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Preferred
- 5. Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – Preferred
- 4. Bose QuietComfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices
- 3. Sony MDR7506 Large Diaphragm Headphone – Preferred
- 2. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
- 1. Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear
10. LETSCOM 100 Hours Playtime Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
You get up to 100 hours of playtime if you invest in these Bluetooth headphones. Besides, you can use these headphones for 40 days, assuming you use them for 3 hours every day. Well, this is very important because you will be able to travel with the headphones without having to recharge them – at least for one month. Furthermore, these wireless headphones boast deep bass function that enables them to deliver good sound quality.
| PROS | CONS |
| They are great for the price | Not the best for making and receiving calls |
| The bass boost button is outstanding | |
| The noise-canceling function is nice | |
| The mic is as advertised | |
| Available in two colors (Black and White) | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
9. VOGEK Portable On Ear Headphones with Mic
With 40mm driver units, these on-ear headphones produce full, balanced sound to allow you to enjoy every effect. It is designed with a padded headband as well as featuring cushioned and pressure-relieving ear pads to let your ears rest comfortably. This means you will be able to use these headphones for a long time without being bothered by any form of fatigue. The 12-month warranty proves that these headphones are well-made and the manufacturer believes in their quality.
| PROS | CONS |
| They sound great and are nicely priced | Since they are a bit stiff when new, it can take a while to break them in |
| They allow you to hear or make calls on your phone | |
| The pads are comfortable and soft | |
| Adjustable to perfectly fit all head sizes | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
8. SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lossless Wireless Gaming headphone
The best gaming headphones under 500 are here to prove that you do not need to break the bank to get a quality set of gaming headphones. We are talking about the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Lossless Wireless Gaming headphone. The headphone is designed for gaming and comes equipped with a 2.4G connection that delivers great wireless audio zero interference and low latency. In addition, this headphone boasts a microphone frequency response of 100Hz – 10,000Hz.
| PROS | CONS |
| Very comfortable and will not leave the ears sore | The included cords can be a little too short if you are playing in a much bigger room |
| The build quality seems top-notch | |
| You will hear the footsteps of your opponent | |
| The headphone works outdoors perfectly | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
7. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones – Preferred
We are glad to note that these noise-canceling headphones are Alexa-compatible. They are Alexa-enabled for voice access to music. You can also talk to Alexa through these headphones to get Alexa information and other things. Furthermore, these headphones are equipped with touch controls that allow you to control the volume and your music tracks. They come with a charging cable, a carry case, and an audio cable for wired connection. They also come with a battery that lasts up to 30 hours.
| PROS | CONS |
| The noise-canceling feature is much improved | The touch controls might take a bit to get used to |
| The quality of these headphones seems first-class | |
| They charge very fast | |
| The sound quality is exceptional | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
6. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Preferred
This unit is not referred to as the best wireless headphone under 500 for no reason. It has features that are not there on most headsets. For instance, these Bluetooth headphones are Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, etc. They also have a noise-rejecting microphone system that helps produce clear sound. Plus these Bluetooth headphones come equipped with 3 levels of unrivaled noise cancellation to help ensure better listening experience regardless of the environment you are in.
| PROS | CONS |
| Noise cancellation is amazing | The case could be of better quality |
| Sound quality is fabulous | |
| Controls are easy to find and to use | |
| The earcups are soft | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
5. Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – Preferred
A lot of sound enthusiasts have been impressed with the award-winning sound and design of Beats. Therefore, it is no surprise that these wireless on-ear headphones have made it to these reviews. Their battery life lasts up to 40 hours, and this makes them reliable enough to be used on a daily basis. Additionally, these headphones have a sleek, streamlined design, and they are durable as well as foldable so you can take them anywhere you want.
| PROS | CONS |
| Headphones fold up compactly | Not the most durable, but they serve their purpose |
| The battery lasts a long time | |
| The sound is good | |
| Functions are easy to use | |
| Comfortable and will not cause head fatigue | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
4. Bose QuietComfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices
The Bose QC 25 Headphones are compatible with a good number of Apple devices, including iPhone 3GS or later, iPod touch 2nd Generation or later, iPod, and iPod classic. It is one of the best sets of headphones if you have an Apple device. The headphones produce deep and powerful sound to make sure the music you love sounds good every time you listen to it. Furthermore, these headphones are equipped with an inline mic/remote that will let you control your calls and music.
| PROS | CONS |
| Headphones cancel out a lot of noise | Not the sturdiest; therefore, they should be handled with care |
| Has a wired connection | |
| Headphones are easy to operate | |
| The price is reasonable | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
3. Sony MDR7506 Large Diaphragm Headphone – Preferred
One of the reasons why you are buying headphones is that you are after powerful, detailed sound. Well, the Sony MDR7506 Large Diaphragm Headphone is more than capable of reproducing that particular sound. It has 40mm drivers and neodymium magnets that work together to enable it to produce exceptional sound quality every time it is used. And when not in use, this headphone folds up for easy storage in the included soft case.
| PROS | CONS |
| Sound quality is decent | When new, the headphone is a little too tight on the ear; hence, it is a bit difficult to wear |
| Perfect for use on the go | |
| Comes with a long cord | |
| Adjustable to fit perfectly on various head sizes | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
2. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
It is unsurprising that the best headphone with mic under 500 is from COWIN. This manufacturer knows what music enthusiasts love, and it gives them just that. The E7 Active Bluetooth Headphones have professional active noise-canceling technology that plays a huge role in reducing noise. Furthermore, these Bluetooth headphones come equipped with a built-in microphone that offers hands-free calls. Plus they have NFC technology to further improve their performance. The 18-month warranty is another reason why you should go for these Bluetooth headphones.
| PROS | CONS |
| Headphones seem to hold up well | The noise-canceling technology could be better |
| They sit comfortably on the head | |
| Customer service is exceptional | |
| The headphones seem to be of decent quality | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
1. Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear
Mpow knows that the reason why you are looking for the best headphone is impressive sound quality. That’s why it has come up with these over-ear Bluetooth headphones. They have a 40-millimeter neodymium driver as well as a CSR chip to enable them to produce Hi-fi stereo sound. These headphones also have an around-ear cushion design that also contributes greatly to the production of good sound. Moreover, these headphones are designed with foldable headband; meaning they are easy to store when not in use.
| PROS | CONS |
| Makes a great gift for music lovers | Not the most comfortable; therefore, should not be used for prolonged periods |
| Fold up nicely for storage | |
| Block out the annoying sound | |
| The price is very competitive | |
| Buy on Amazon | More Information |
Conclusion
Modern headsets are versatile and cool. You can use them for gaming, to listen to your favorite music, and to make or receive calls. But just because they are versatile and look really cool does not mean you break the bank to get them. In the above reviews, we have talked about outstanding headsets that cost surprisingly less. So, if you are on a budget, these are for you.
