Best Headphones Under €500 in 2026

Featuring a redesigned 40mm angled drive unit with aptX Adaptive and 30-hour battery life (plus 7 hours from a 15-minute charge), the Px7 S2 delivers class-leading clarity. Its six-microphone array with two adjustable external mics ensures exceptional voice pickup for calls, while lightweight polymer arms and technical fabrics improve long-wear comfort. Best for audiophiles seeking wireless studio-quality sound for critical home listening or office use.

Bose’s best ANC silences plane hum and office chatter, while Bose Immersive Audio with Cinema Mode spatializes any content using BT 5.4 and a 30-hour battery (23 with spatial audio). CustomTune technology automatically adapts sound to your ear shape, and a 15-minute charge yields 2.5 hours of playback. Best for frequent travelers and commuters who want top-tier noise cancellation with all-day comfort and spatial audio for movies and music.

The included Smart Tx transmitter enables lossless audio from any source via USB-C or 3.5mm, bypassing Bluetooth compression for studio-quality sound through its 40mm drivers and built-in DAC. JBL Spatial 360 with head tracking creates a fixed, realistic soundstage from stereo content, while the 8-mic adaptive ANC system delivers 70 hours of playback. These headphones are best for frequent travelers and commuters who want a single device to deliver immersive entertainment and clear calls from in-flight systems, laptops, and phones.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 delivers detailed audio with its carbon 40mm drivers and aptX Adaptive codec, paired with 30-hour battery life and a 15-minute quick charge for 7 hours of playback. Its Nappa leather and aluminum build offer a comfortable fit, while hybrid ANC effectively blocks background noise. Best for studio and music enthusiasts who prioritize sound accuracy over portability or commute noise cancellation.

STELLAR.45 dynamic drivers, 50-hour battery life, and aptX Lossless codec support deliver detailed sound with Dolby Atmos head tracking for immersive spatial audio. Memory foam ear pads and a padded headband provide all-day comfort, while multipoint Bluetooth seamlessly switches between devices for multitasking. These headphones are best for gamers and music listeners who prioritize immersive spatial audio and marathon comfort, though call quality is a weak point.

Its 110-hour battery and 22-hour talk time pair with adaptive ANC and a six-mic ClearVoice system that uses deep learning to isolate speech in noisy offices. The headset folds flat at just 180g, adds a 360-degree busy light, and connects to two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth 5.3. It’s ideal for hybrid workers and call center agents who need all-day call reliability without frequent charging.

40mm drivers pump JBL’s signature sound with up to 50 hours of battery life and Adaptive Noise Cancelling, all wrapped in a pillow-soft fabric headband for all-day wear. Multipoint Bluetooth and ambient-aware TalkThru mode let you manage calls seamlessly and stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones. Commuters who take frequent calls and need dependable ANC will get the most value, reflected in strong commute and call scores of 74.8 and 74.5.

Featuring a hybrid 10mm dynamic and Knowles balanced armature driver setup with LDAC and LC3 codec support, these earbuds deliver precise, Hi-Res Audio with rich bass and clear highs. A 56-hour total battery life, IP55-rated durability, and wireless charging provide practical longevity that outlasts most competitors in its class. This is best for critical listeners and commuters who want a future-proof, multipoint-capable audio package for both lossless music and immersive movie or gaming spatial audio.

Its standout 92-hour battery life (ANC off) and -45dB hybrid ANC pair with Hi-Res Audio over LDAC from 40mm titanium drivers. A 15-minute fast charge yields 11.5 hours, and the 272g foldable build with BT 5.4 multipoint suits travel. Best for commuters and remote workers who value marathon battery and noise blocking; mic performance scores just 64.2, so calls aren't its strength.

Featuring THX Spatial Audio with head tracking and a 6-mic adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to surroundings, the 60-hour battery with rapid charging (10 minutes for 4 hours) ensures uninterrupted use. Memory foam ear cups and wear detection enhance all-day comfort without pressure points. Best for gamers prioritizing immersive 360-degree sound, long battery life, and adaptable ANC for extended play sessions.

An 80-hour battery life and KEF-tuned hybrid drivers with LDAC Hi-Res audio make it a standout. Adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to your surroundings, while plush memory foam cushions provide all-day comfort. Best for commuters and frequent travelers prioritizing marathon battery life and smart noise control, though not suited for critical studio monitoring.

Custom 40mm dynamic drivers co-engineered with KEF deliver detailed sound, supplemented by adaptive hybrid ANC and personalized spatial audio for immersive listening. The semi-transparent design, soft cushioning, and 327-gram weight offer all-day comfort, while multipoint Bluetooth and a 3.5mm jack ensure flexible connectivity. It’s best for music and movie enthusiasts prioritizing an 80-hour battery life and distinctive aesthetics, though call clarity takes a backseat.