Best Headphones Under $250 in 2026
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Bose QuietComfort 884367-1100
Why we recommend this ▼
With 24-hour battery life and a 15-minute boost delivering 2.5 hours of playback, these closed-back over-ears pair custom ANC and Transparency modes with a lightweight 238g design. Plush protein-leather ear cushions and steel-reinforced headband ensure comfort during long sessions, while the Bose app offers adjustable EQ and SimpleSync for pairing with Bose soundbars. Best for commuters and travelers who prioritize extended battery life, adaptive noise control, and portability in a wired or wireless package.
Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609
Why we recommend this ▼
With up to 60 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and LL, and 45mm dynamic drivers, it delivers high-resolution wireless audio in a lightweight 181-gram foldable frame. Its Red Dot Award-winning design pairs premium aluminum and textile materials with multipoint and Google Fast Pair for seamless daily use. Best for mobile gamers and frequent travelers who prioritize iconic on-ear style, ANC, and all-day endurance over call clarity.
Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 S6CAW-R740
Why we recommend this ▼
Its adjustable sensory bass, controlled by a physical wheel, delivers a haptic, bone-rattling low-end that no other headphone in its class replicates. The 50-hour battery life and Skull-iQ platform provide long-term comfort and future-proof features like custom ANC levels and a personal hearing profile. These headphones are best for bass enthusiasts and casual listeners who prioritize a fun, physically impactful sound signature over studio accuracy.
Nothing Headphone (1) B170
Why we recommend this ▼
The K 80-hour battery life andEF-tuned 40mm dynamic drivers with LDAC support set these apart, delivering Hi-Res audio endurance that outlasts most competitors. The adaptive ANC with up to 42dB depth and a customizable 8-band EQ via the Nothing X app provide precise control over a spacious soundstage. These headphones are best for commuters and remote workers who need marathon battery life and effective noise cancellation for all-day calls and music.
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BTBK
Why we recommend this ▼
With a 90-hour battery life and a quick 3-minute charge restoring 2.5 hours of playback, its digital hybrid ANC and 40mm dynamic drivers deliver clear, full-spectrum sound without frequent recharging. The foldable, lightweight design and plush earpads prioritize portability and comfort for extended wear, while multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 smoothly switches between devices. Ideal for budget-minded commuters and office workers who need ANC and marathon playback, though call quality is its weakest link.
Skullcandy Crusher S6CAW-S986
Why we recommend this ▼
The patented multi-sensory bass uses dual 40mm drivers and additional haptic bass drivers to deliver a physical, vibrating low-end that no other headphone replicates. It pairs this unique sensory experience with adjustable 4-mic active noise canceling and a marathon 60-hour battery life, with a rapid charge providing 4 hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging. This headphone is best for bass enthusiasts who prioritize a fun, physically impactful sound signature for music and movies over analytical accuracy.
Soundcore Space One Pro A3062Z11
Why we recommend this ▼
A 50% size reduction via the FlexiCurve foldable structure, 4-stage adaptive ANC 3.0, and 60-hour battery (40H with ANC on) define these headphones. They stream LDAC Hi-Res audio through 40mm drivers with triple composite diaphragms and less than 3% THD, while a 5-minute charge provides 8 hours of playback. Best for budget-conscious travelers and commuters needing all-day comfort and compact storage, though voice call quality is a weak point.
Soundcore Space 2 D1402
Why we recommend this ▼
Fifty hours of ANC playtime and LDAC high-res audio are driven by a 40mm dynamic driver and 4-stage low-frequency noise cancelling that effectively silences jet engines. Plush protein leather with memory foam and a one-tap Nap Mode delivering built-in soundscapes provide all-day travel comfort. The headphone suits budget-minded frequent flyers who prioritize marathon battery life and noise blocking, though its 52.7 call score makes it less ideal for voice calls.
Turtle Beach TBS-2101-25
Why we recommend this ▼
Dual 60mm Eclipse drivers with separate woofers and tweeters deliver precise audio separation and deep bass, while the 80-hour battery life outlasts nearly every competitor in its class. The dual wireless system lets you simultaneously connect to a console via 2.4GHz and a phone via Bluetooth 5.2, with independent volume controls to mix game and call audio seamlessly. This headset is best for multiplatform gamers who frequently switch between console and PC and need all-day battery life without recharging.