Do you love music but hate how your cheap headphones sound? Or maybe you need a new pair for school, but your wallet is feeling a little light? Finding good headphones that don’t cost a fortune can be tricky. There are so many brands and styles, and it’s easy to feel lost.
You want headphones that sound great, feel comfortable, and last a long time. But when you’re trying to stay under $500, it feels like you have to give up something. Do you pick better sound, or do you pick a comfy fit? It’s a common problem for many music lovers and students.
This guide will help you figure it all out. We’ll show you the best headphones you can get for under $500. You’ll learn what makes a good pair of headphones and how to pick the ones that are just right for you. Get ready to find your next favorite listening buddy without breaking the bank!
Our Top 5 Headphones Under 500 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Headphones Under 500 Detailed Reviews
1. Koss KPH7 Colors On Ear Headphones
Rating: 8.8/10
The Koss KPH7 Colors On Ear Headphones are a fun and practical choice for anyone who loves music. These headphones connect to your devices with a cord. This means you get a clear, steady sound without any annoying interruptions. They also come in cool colors, so you can pick one that matches your style. The design is comfortable for wearing them for a long time.
What We Like:
- The cord connection gives you super reliable sound quality. You don’t have to worry about losing the signal.
- You can hear a wide range of sounds. This means you’ll enjoy both the deep bass notes and the high, clear singing.
- They look good with their over-head design. This design also makes them comfortable to wear, even for hours.
- The Koss KPH7 headphones are very affordable. They offer great sound for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cord can sometimes get tangled.
- The earcups are on-ear, which some people might find less comfortable than over-ear designs for very long listening sessions.
Overall, the Koss KPH7 Colors On Ear Headphones are a solid pick for everyday listening. They offer good sound and comfort without breaking the bank.
2. Live 500BT Cooling Gel Ear Pads defean Replacement Cushions Compatible with JBL Live 500BT / Live 500 BT Around-Ear Wireless Headphone
Rating: 8.5/10
Give your JBL Live 500BT headphones a refresh with these defean Cooling Gel Ear Pads. They’re designed to fit perfectly and make your listening experience even better.
What We Like:
- Great Fit: These ear pads are made just for the JBL Live 500BT headphones, so they snap on easily.
- Cool Comfort: The cooling gel helps keep your ears comfortable, even during long listening sessions.
- Better Sound: The high-density foam helps block out outside noise, so you can focus on your music.
- Good Value: defean makes quality ear pads at a good price.
- Easy to Install: You can swap out your old ear pads for these new ones in just a few minutes, no tools needed.
- Worry-Free Buy: They come with a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Model Check Needed: Make sure you have the JBL Live 500BT model before buying, as they only fit that specific headphone.
These defean ear pads are a smart choice for anyone wanting to improve the comfort and sound of their JBL Live 500BT headphones.
3. Plantronics BackBeat 500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Lightweight Memory Foam Headband and Earcups – Compatible with iPhone
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for comfy, wireless headphones that won’t break the bank? The Plantronics BackBeat 500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones in white (renewed) are a fantastic option. They’re designed for comfort and long listening sessions, making them great for music lovers, movie watchers, and anyone who needs to take calls on the go.
What We Like:
- Long-lasting Battery: Enjoy up to 18 hours of music or calls on just one charge. That’s a whole day of listening!
- Super Comfortable: The memory foam headband and earcups feel soft and light. They won’t feel heavy, even after hours of wear.
- Works with Everything: These headphones connect easily to your iPhone, iPad, Android phone, and other Bluetooth devices.
- Great Sound Quality: Big 40 mm drivers deliver clear sound with deep bass. You’ll hear your music the way it was meant to be heard.
- Easy Voice Assistant Access: Just tap your headphones to talk to Siri, Google Assistant, or Cortana. You can ask questions or send texts without touching your phone.
- Clear Calls: The microphone is designed to pick up your voice clearly, so your calls will sound great.
What Could Be Improved:
- Renewed Product: As a renewed item, it might have minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Bluetooth Range: While generally good, the Bluetooth range might not be as extensive as some higher-end models.
These Plantronics BackBeat 500 headphones offer a great balance of comfort, sound, and battery life for their price. They are a solid choice for everyday wireless listening.
4. COZOO Headphone Stand with USB Charger Under Desk Headset Holder Mount with 3 Port USB Charging Station (20W PD & QC3.0) and iWatch Stand Smart Watch Charging Dock Dual Earphone Hanger Hook
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of messy desks and tangled cords? The COZOO Headphone Stand with USB Charger is here to save the day! This awesome gadget keeps your headphones out of the way while charging all your devices. It’s like a mini command center for your desk.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one design! You get a headphone stand and a USB charging station in one.
- It has a 20W PD and Quick Charger 3.0, so it charges your devices super fast.
- Your headphones stay hidden under your desk, keeping your space neat and tidy.
- It can even hold two sets of headphones!
- Comes with 6 cable hooks to keep all your cords organized.
- The charger automatically figures out the fastest way to charge your gadgets.
- It’s made of strong, fire-resistant plastic and has safety features to protect your devices. It’s UL Tested for safety!
- It makes a fantastic gift for gamers or anyone who loves a clean desk.
- COZOO offers a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 24-month warranty, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention if there are different color options available.
- It’s designed to mount under a desk, so it might not be ideal for everyone’s setup.
This COZOO Headphone Stand is a smart buy for anyone looking to declutter and power up their tech. It’s a great way to keep your workspace organized and your devices ready to go.
5. Lamicall Headphone Stand
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of your headphones cluttering your desk or getting tangled? The Lamicall Headphone Stand, Headset Holder in a fun pink color offers a neat solution. This 2-pack of sticky headphone holder hooks mounts conveniently under your desk, keeping your favorite headphones, like AirPods Max, Sennheiser, or Beats, easily accessible and out of the way. It’s a simple yet effective way to organize your space and protect your valuable audio gear.
What We Like:
- The magnetic design lets you fold the holder up when not in use, saving precious desk space.
- A soft rubber pad on the arm protects your headphones from scratches and slipping.
- Strong adhesive tape sticks firmly to smooth surfaces like desks, tables, and more.
- Installation is super easy – just peel and stick!
- It’s not just for headphones; you can hang cables, hats, and other small items too.
- Wide compatibility means it works with most wired and wireless headphones.
What Could Be Improved:
- This holder will not work well on painted or whitewashed walls; it might fall down.
- You need to wait 24 hours after sticking it for the adhesive to be strongest.
- It can only hold a maximum of 500g (about 1.1 lbs), so it’s not for heavy items.
Overall, these Lamicall headphone holders are a practical and stylish way to keep your workspace tidy. They offer great value for organizing your headphones and other small accessories.
Finding Your Perfect Pair: Headphones Under $500
Why Headphones Matter
Headphones are more than just gadgets; they’re your personal gateway to music, podcasts, and immersive gaming. Finding the right pair under $500 means you can get amazing sound without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into how to pick the best ones for you.
Key Features to Look For
Sound Quality
This is the most important thing! Good headphones offer clear, balanced sound. You want to hear every instrument and every word. Some headphones have “bass boost” for more powerful low sounds, while others offer a more natural sound. Think about what kind of music you listen to most.
Comfort
You’ll be wearing these for hours, so comfort is key. Look for soft earcups that fit snugly but don’t squeeze your head. Adjustable headbands help too. Some headphones have “over-ear” designs that cover your whole ear, while “on-ear” headphones rest on your ears.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a superpower! It blocks out background noise, letting you focus on your audio. This is great for noisy commutes, busy offices, or just finding peace and quiet. Some headphones have “transparency mode” which lets you hear your surroundings when you need to.
Connectivity
Most headphones today use Bluetooth for wireless listening. Look for the latest Bluetooth versions for a stable connection and better battery life. Some headphones also come with a cable so you can plug them into devices that don’t have Bluetooth.
Battery Life
If you’re going wireless, you need good battery life. Many headphones offer 20-30 hours of playtime on a single charge. Some even have fast charging, so a quick 10-minute charge gives you a few hours of listening.
Important Materials
The materials used affect both comfort and sound.
- Earcups: Soft leatherette or plush fabric makes them comfortable.
- Headband: Padded headbands prevent discomfort.
- Drivers: These are the small speakers inside. Better drivers mean better sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Them Great
Good sound drivers, comfortable padding, and effective noise cancellation all make headphones amazing. A strong Bluetooth connection and long battery life are also big pluses.
What Can Make Them Less Good
Cheap plastic can feel flimsy and break easily. Poorly designed earcups can become uncomfortable quickly. Weak Bluetooth connections can cause audio to cut out. Bad noise cancellation means you’ll still hear distractions.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Music Lovers
If you love music, prioritize excellent sound quality. Look for headphones that reproduce music faithfully, with clear highs, mids, and bass.
For Commuters and Travelers
Active Noise Cancellation is your best friend here. It makes noisy planes, trains, and buses much more peaceful.
For Gamers
Gamers often look for immersive sound and clear microphones for talking to teammates. Some headphones are specifically designed for gaming.
For Everyday Use
For general listening, a good balance of comfort, sound quality, and battery life works best. Wireless options are super convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between over-ear and on-ear headphones?
A: Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears for better comfort and sound isolation. On-ear headphones rest directly on your ears, which can be lighter but might let in more noise.
Q: Is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) always good?
A: ANC is great for blocking constant noise like airplane engines. It might not block out sudden, sharp noises as well. Some people also find ANC can slightly affect sound quality.
Q: How important is the Bluetooth version?
A: Newer Bluetooth versions (like 5.0 or higher) offer better stability, faster pairing, and improved power efficiency, leading to a smoother listening experience and longer battery life.
Q: Can I use headphones underwater?
A: Generally, no. Most headphones are not waterproof. If you need headphones for swimming, look for specially designed waterproof earbuds.
Q: Do more expensive headphones always sound better?
A: Not always. While price often reflects quality, you can find excellent-sounding headphones under $500 that compete with much pricier models. It depends on the brand and specific features.
Q: How do I clean my headphones?
A: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the earcups and headband. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water or a very mild soap solution. Avoid getting moisture into the speaker grilles.
Q: What does “impedance” mean for headphones?
A: Impedance measures how much resistance the headphones offer to electrical signals. Higher impedance usually means you need a stronger audio source (like an amplifier) to get the best volume and sound quality. For most smartphones and computers, headphones with lower impedance (under 60 ohms) work best.
Q: Are wireless headphones as good as wired ones?
A: For most people, wireless headphones offer great sound quality now. The biggest difference used to be sound compression, but with modern codecs, the sound is very close. Wireless offers unmatched convenience.
Q: How long should my headphones last?
A: With proper care, good quality headphones can last for several years. Battery life will eventually degrade, but the physical components should hold up well.
Q: Should I buy headphones with a microphone?
A: If you plan to make calls or play games with others, a built-in microphone is essential for clear communication. Check reviews for microphone quality if this is important to you.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.