Headphones have developed into more than just a portable listening gear as technology progresses. They now serve as a portal to a world of rich audio environments and eye-catching features. Therefore, let’s explore the realm of the best headphones under 500 USD, where exceptional audio quality meets your budget to create the audio experiences of your dreams.
The best headphones under 500 USD | Buying Guide
The 500 USD price range offers a sweet spot for outstanding audio experiences if you’re looking for high-end headphones without breaking the bank. The easiest way to ensure you receive the most value for your money and find the best headphones under 500 USD for your needs is to follow the following buying guide.
Type of Headphones
Depending on your taste for comfort and portability, select over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear headphones. The best over ear headphones under 500 USD often provide the finest sound isolation and comfort for prolonged use, while in-ear headphones are more portable and perfect for active lives.
Sound Identification
Decide whether neutral, bass-heavy, warm, or bright is your preferred sound profile. Bass fans may favor headphones with strong low-end frequencies, although audiophiles often prefer neutral or balanced sound characteristics for accurate sound reproduction.
ANC
Active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones are a good option if you need noise isolation for a relaxing listening experience. An immersive listening experience is provided by ANC headphones, which employ microphones to cancel out background noise.
Compatibility and connectivity
Check the Bluetooth and wired connectivity choices. Although the best wired headphones under 500 frequently offer higher audio quality, especially for critical listening or studio work, wireless headphones do give you greater mobility. Additionally, make sure the headphones work with your gadgets.
Battery Life (Only wireless)
Battery life is important for wireless headphones. To prevent frequent recharging during prolonged listening sessions, choose devices with long-lasting battery performance.
Both comfort and build quality
Make comfort a priority because you’ll be wearing headphones in your ears for a long time. A comfortable listening experience is facilitated with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear cups, and lightweight construction. To ensure durability, use headphones with a strong construction.
The best headphones under 500 USD| Top 9
Whether you’re a dedicated audiophile, a busy commuter looking for refuge in music, or a professional musician wanting the highest caliber sound, the best headphones under 500 USD are worth a second look. So, allow us to reveal the top selections to enhance your listening experience.
Below are the 9 best headphones under 500 USD
- SENNHEISER HD 660 S
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50XWH
- Focal Elegia
- GRADO SR325x
- Focal Listen Professional
- AKG Pro Audio K702
- Meze 99 Classics
SENNHEISER HD 660 S
Form: Over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
In Sennheiser’s well-known HD series of headphones, the HD 660 S is the top-of-the-line model. These open-back headphones are made for audiophiles and avid listeners. Moreover, the open-back design improves the sound’s overall spaciousness and airiness. To add, allowing sound waves to exit from the rear of the ear cups creates a more authentic and natural listening environment. Excitingly, high conductivity OFC, copper, is used in detachable cables with para-aramid reinforcement were used here to ensure signal integrity and very little handling noise.
Furthermore, these over-ear headphones are adaptable and excel in a variety of genres, making them appropriate for studio work, recreational listening, and critical listening. No matter what genre of tunes you enjoy, these headphones provide a thrilling and interesting listening experience. No wonder this is a top pick for folks wanting a top-notch listening experience due to its excellent sound quality, comfort, and portability. Plus, the strong construction, which combines high-quality metal and plastic elements, increases the longevity of the headphones.
Pros:
- Top-notch audio quality
- Open-back ear cups
- Sophisticated noise cancelling
Cons:
- Not ideal for commuting
Overall, these premium Sennheiser headphones are ideal for private listening in calm settings, but their design also makes sound leaking likely. Plus, it is designed for continuous listening with its lightweight, ergonomic headband and velvety velour ear cushions, which provide exceptional comfort throughout extended usage. All-in-all, The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a great investment in your audio experience if you’re seeking open-back headphones with a polished and natural sound character.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 9.5/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Noise cancellation: 9/10
- Durability: 9/10
Sony WH-1000XM4
Form: Over-ear
Connectivity: Wireless
The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are well known for their cutting-edge noise-canceling technology, which successfully cancels out any ambient noise for an immersive listening experience. These headphones offer a wide range of music genres with rich, intricate, and well-balanced audio performance.
Furthermore, extended listening periods are possible without pain due in part to the soft ear cups and adjustable headbands. In regards to the battery life of these Bluetooth headphones, these Sony headphones have enough power for all-day usage with up to 30 hours of playback duration on a single charge.
Pros:
- Portable with foldable design
- Excellent battery life
- Solid noise cancelling
Cons:
- Nothing significant
Managing audio and voice calls while on the road is simple, thanks to the touch controls and easy access to voice assistants. Plus, noise cancellation and background noise levels are adjusted by the headphones in accordance with your activities and environment, thanks to adaptive sound control. Overall, with its superior sound quality, noise isolation, and comfort, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is one of the best headphones under 500 USD.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 9/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Noise cancellation: 8.5/10
- Durability: 8.5/10
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Form: On-ear
Connectivity: Wired
With its balanced sound character, clear highs, nuanced mids, and robust bass, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro offers remarkable audio performance and is a great option for professional studio use and casual listening. To be specific, these headphones can provide an immersive soundstage-like feeling because of the open-back design, giving listeners a natural and spacious listening experience.
Moreover, the headphones’ adjustable headband and velvety velour earpads make them comfortable to use even for lengthy listening sessions. Plus, high-quality components were used in the construction of the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, giving it strength and durability, making this one of the best audiophile headphones under 500 USD as well as under 200.
Pros:
- Precise audio delivery
- Versatile headphones
- 250 OHM design
Cons:
- The treble can come off too high
All-in-all, the headphones’ detachable cord makes it simple to swap out and customize with aftermarket cables. Because of their precise and clear sound, which makes them perfect for mixing, mastering, and recording activities, the treble stays smooth throughout. One cool thing is that these headphones have an impedance of 250 OHM and use specialized headphone amplifiers to provide better audio performance and dynamics, hence why they made it to our best headphones under 500 USD list.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Noise cancellation: 8/10
- Durability: 8.5/10
Audio-Technica ATH-M50XWH
Form: Over-ear
Connectivity: Wireless, Wired
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50XWH is a pair of reliable headphones that is suitable for a range of audio genres and audio applications thanks to its clear, detailed, and balanced sound quality. These headphones are favored by audio professionals and artists due to their exceptional audio reproduction, making them ideal for studio monitoring, mixing, and critical listening.
Moreover, the closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, and the headphones’ plush ear cushions and comfy headband make them perfect for prolonged use during long listening sessions or recording sessions. Plus, the headphones come with both a straight and a detachable coiled cable, allowing for flexibility and simple cable replacement in the event of damage. Also, 45-millimeter large-aperture drivers are included here to deliver note-worthy sound quality.
Pros:
- It can be used professionally
- One of the best closed back headphones under 500 USD from a premium brand
- Exceptionally affordable
Cons:
- Lack of any real noise-cancelling
Ultimately, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50XWH offers outstanding sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation, making it a wise choice for both music fans and professionals. Due to its closed-back design and robust construction, it is appropriate for a variety of listening conditions. Although individual tastes may differ, these headphones continue to be a dependable and well-liked choice for anyone looking for a high-quality audio experience.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Noise cancellation: 8/10
- Durability: 8.5/10
Focal Elegia
Form: Over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
Thanks to its premium drivers and closed-back construction, the Focal Elegia headphones provide a very precise and detailed sound character, making it a top choice when searching for the best headphones under 500 USD. Plus, it is suited for private listening with minimal outside noise disruption because of the closed-back design’s superior noise isolation.
Pros:
- Highly detailed sound clarity
- Premium construction
- Closed-back design
Cons:
- Earpads are non-removable
Moreover, high-quality materials were used in the construction of these headphones to ensure their sturdiness and opulent appearance. Also, long listening sessions are made pleasant and secure with Elegia’s memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband. Overall, these$500 headphones are easy to transport and store while you’re on the go, thanks to their folding design and supplied carrying bag. The Focal Elegia is a great choice for audiophiles and music lovers looking for a high-fidelity closed-back headphone experience since it provides remarkable sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation. We feel these are some of the best budget studio headphones around.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 8/10
- Comfort: 8.5/10
- Noise cancellation: 7.5/10
- Durability: 8/10
GRADO SR325x
Form: Over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
The Grado SR325e headphones are known for their distinctive and personable sound profile, which is distinguished by finely defined highs, a resonant middle, and a dynamic presentation. To add, an expansive and airy soundstage is produced by the open-back design, creating a natural and immersive listening environment. Furthermore, Grado adjusted 44mm drivers of their fourth generation updated headphones alongside an easily driven 38ohm.
Pros:
- Unique sound delivery
- Hand-crafted build
- Minimal sound leakage
Cons:
- Lacks foldability
Additionally, eight conductors with ultra-annealed copper wire and upgraded braided cable minimize twisting and kinking, testify that Grado is renowned for its artisanal approach to making headphones, which guarantees superior workmanship and close attention to detail. We noticed that even during lengthy listening sessions, the lightweight design and padded ear cushions make for a comfortable listening experience.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 8/10
- Comfort: 8/10
- Noise cancellation: 7.5/10
- Durability: 8/10
Focal Listen Professional
Form: On-ear
Connectivity: Wired
Because of its ability to deliver a precise and accurate sound profile, the Focal Listen Professional is appropriate for music creation, studio monitoring, and critical listening. The memory foam ear-cushions and adjustable headband on these headphones provide comfort even during prolonged studio sessions or listening sessions.
To add, when traveling or on the go, you can simply transport and store the headphones thanks to their folding form, which improves portability. The Focal Listen Professional has a strong build that can endure the demands of studio settings and was built with longevity in mind.
Pros:
- Accurate sound profile
- Effective noise isolation
- Robust design
Cons:
- Bass is a bit overwhelming
Moreover, the headphones’ detachable, coiled cable offers flexibility and facilitates simple cable replacement in the event of damage. Due to its closed-back design’s effective noise isolation, you can concentrate on your tunes without being distracted by outside noises. Plus, the headphones’ neutral and balanced sound profile makes them appropriate for a variety of genres and audio projects.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 8/10
- Comfort: 7.5/10
- Noise cancellation: 8/10
- Durability: 8/10
AKG Pro Audio K702
Form: Over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
The AKG K702 is well known for its wide and precise soundstage, which produces a roomy and immersive listening experience. Plus, these headphones are appropriate for critical listening, audio production, and mixing duties since they reproduce sound precisely and in great detail. Moreover, long listening periods are made more pleasant with the velour ear cushions and self-adjustable leather headband.
Pros:
- Immersive soundstage
- Comfy fit
- Detachable cable
Cons:
- Size is a bit on the bulky side
Additionally, the open-back design adds to a more natural and transparent audio presentation and heightens the sensation of space in the sound. Also, these AKG headphones have a detachable cable that makes easy modification or replacement possible. Due to their realistic audio reproduction, these headphones are loved by audio lovers and pros and are perfect for studio monitoring and mixing.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 8/10
- Comfort: 7.5/10
- Noise cancellation: 7.5/10
- Durability: 8/10
Meze 99 Classics
Form: Over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
The Meze Audio 99 Classic headphones provide a fusion of beauty and practicality with their distinctive and beautiful design and wooden ear cups. Plus, the sound signature of these headphones is warm and rich, with an emphasis on accurate audio reproduction across a range of frequencies. Moreover, Lengthy listening sessions are made pleasant by the memory foam ear cushions and self-adjusting headbands that come with the headphones.
Pros:
- Crisp audio delivery
- Beautiful genuine wooden ear cups
- Accessories included
Cons:
- On the heavy side
All-in-all, a detachable cable is included with Meze Audio 99 Classics, making cable replacement or modification simple. We feel like these headphones are made to last and sustain repeated usage since they are made with premium materials. On the other hand, the headphones come with a durable carrying bag for easy storage and transit despite not being collapsible, which is a nice addition.
Quantitative measurements:
- Sound clarity: 8/10
- Comfort: 7.5/10
- Noise cancellation: 7.5/10
- Durability: 7.5/10
In conclusion
In terms of high-quality audio, headphones under 500 USD provide a variety of options to accommodate various tastes. Each choice offers special attributes, from the Sony WH-1000XM4’s robust bass to the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro’s studio-quality clarity. More tastes are added by the opulent Focal Elegia and spacious sound of the AKG K702. Furthermore, natural tones are provided by Sennheiser HD 660 S, while Meze Audio 99 Classics combines style and performance. Plus, craftsmanship and unique sound are on display in the Grado SR325e. In conclusion, whether you like studio work, concentrated listening, gaming, or just listening to tunes, your decision will rely on what you enjoy doing.
Next, check out the best planar magnetic headphones to grab some cool new audio equipment.
