Best Headphones Under $500 in 2026
Sennheiser HDB 630
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Sony WH-1000XM6
Why we recommend this ▼
A new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 with 12 microphones enables adaptive noise cancellation and a 30-hour battery life in a 254-gram foldable design. Co-tuned with mastering engineers, its 30mm neodymium drivers support LDAC high-resolution audio, and a 3-minute quick charge provides 1 hour of playback. They are best for frequent travelers and gamers who demand top-tier ANC and immersive 360 Reality Audio.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen
Why we recommend this ▼
Combining Bose's best noise cancellation with breakthrough spatialized audio that places sound in front of you, these headphones deliver 30-hour battery life and CustomTune tech that adapts to your ear shape. Lossless USB-C wired listening and a new Cinema Mode for video add versatility, while plush cushions and a metal headband ensure all-day comfort. Best for travelers and remote workers needing reliable ANC and immersive audio for calls and movies, though music playback scores a weak 48.4/100.
Apple AirPods Max MWW43AM/A
Why we recommend this ▼
Apple’s 40mm dynamic driver paired with the H1 chip delivers high-fidelity audio and computational sound, while pro-level ANC removes up to 2x more background noise. The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions ensure a comfortable, sealed fit, with a Digital Crown for precise volume and track control. Best for music lovers and commuters who value immersive Spatial Audio and strong noise cancellation, though call quality is a weaker point.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Why we recommend this ▼
The Dual Noise Sensor and Edge-AI adapt noise cancellation to your environment, while the 30-hour battery with a 10-minute quick charge for five hours of playback supports all-day use. Speak-to-Chat automatically pauses audio and pipes in ambient sound when you talk, and multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching. Best for frequent flyers and call-heavy professionals who need dependable ANC, 87.6-rated call clarity, and a comfortable 254g foldable design.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Why we recommend this ▼
Custom-tuned 40mm bio-cellulose drivers with 24-bit DSP and aptX Lossless codec support deliver reference-grade clarity, while eight-mic adaptive ANC sustains playback for up to 30 hours. Plush memory foam ear cushions and a lightweight fabric headband provide exceptional all-day comfort without fatigue. Studio professionals and audiophiles who need precise monitoring will value the 99.7/100 studio score accuracy for critical listening tasks.
Technics EAH-A800
Why we recommend this ▼
LDAC support and 40mm PEEK/Polyurethane drivers deliver Hi-Res audio with a 60-hour battery life, while dual hybrid ANC and 8 mics provide clear calls and effective noise isolation. The lightweight 298g build with super-soft earpads ensures all-day comfort, and a 15-minute quick charge adds 10 hours of playback. Best for commuters and hybrid workers needing multipoint connectivity, long stamina, and clear voice quality for calls on the move.
Sonos Ace
Why we recommend this ▼
Dolby Atmos spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and lossless playback over Bluetooth or USB-C, plus 30-hour battery life with 3-minute fast charging, define the Sonos Ace. Memory foam ear pads and intuitive slide controls make it comfortable and easy to use for long sessions. Best for gamers and movie enthusiasts seeking wire-free Dolby Atmos immersion with effective noise cancellation.
JBL Tour One M3 Aviator
Why we recommend this ▼
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.
