Best Budget Wireless Headphones
You don't have to spend an arm and a leg on headphones. Less expensive models can provide amazing audio, features and comfort for your money.
These on-ear wireless headphones have a super long battery life and incorporate controls to control playback and change songs as well as to activate your personal assistant. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Low Latency, which provides high-definition audio streaming.
1. Sennheiser HD 450BT
With the name Sennheiser on the box you'd expect top quality performance from these over-ear headphones. The 450BT is a fantastic model that meets this expectation. It comes with a variety of features, including noise cancellation that is typically found on more expensive models. The 450BT supports the aptX codec with low latency and has a battery life that is able to last for the longest flights. It also has an ergonomic fit.
The earcups are padded and cushioned to make for a very comfortable experience, and they fold flat for easy transport in the included case. The controls are located on the right earcup and include a button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone or tablet. You can also use the button to control music playback including the ability to pause and skip. The battery of the 450BT provides a claimed 30 hours of listening time when active noise cancellation enabled. The audio quality is superb and you can alter the volume to suit your needs through the Smart Control app.
These headphones have a balanced sound that is ideal for most styles of music. The bass frequencies are tense without smothering the low-end and the high-frequency trebles have plenty of sparkle. They also respond to changes in dynamics, giving you an easy-to-hear sense of space and airiness. The piano keys in Frahm's classical tracks as well as the pulsing beat of Kendrick's Alright are all fun to listen to.
The 450BT is a great model, but it's still up against models that are more affordable. In that category, the Anker Soundcore Space NC and Audio-Technica's ATH ANC9 are excellent alternatives. If you are able to increase the price to $200, then the 450BT is a affordable price.
The HD 450BT headphones are worth the extra cost due to their outstanding noise cancellation, durable battery, and sleek design. These headphones are a great purchase for anyone who loves music, but those who prefer more transparency and better Bluetooth codec support might want premium options such as the Sony WH1000XM3 or Bose QC35 2.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT headphones are great option if you're looking to purchase a pair of excellent headphones at a lower price. The Bluetooth version of the popular M-series headphones includes wireless connectivity to the headphones for only S$40 more. They're designed for mixing and recording however, they're also great for everyday listening. The design is simple and refined and has a matte black finish that looks much nicer than the faux silver or plastic options on other headphones that are priced lower. The headphones are also comfortable, however their fit is not a matter of opinion. It is based on your head size.
The ATH-M20xBT offers a high-fidelity sound comparable to that of the top-of-the-line over-ear headphones, because of its 40mm drivers and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The headphones are also constructed to last, with a rugged metal construction. They fold into a compact case, which makes it easy to store. The earcups aren't rotationally adjustable, which can be an issue for some users.
The battery life is good, lasting up to 60 hours on one charge. They are easy to pair and also support multipoint pairing, so you can listen simultaneously to two sources. They also have low-latency mode for video streaming, which means you can stay in sync with the action on screen.
The M-series headphones, while they do not support ANC or apps are a great choice for those looking to purchase their first Bluetooth headphones at a fair price. The M-series headphones offer excellent audio quality at this price and their absence of ANC and app control does not detract from the overall quality.
The ATH-M20xBT Bluetooth headphones are a good option for those looking to save money on headphones but still enjoy premium sound. It isn't as good as the higher-end M50xBT2, but it does a great job of keeping up with more expensive rivals in this price range.
3. Tranya T20
Tranya is a brand newer to the audio brand that's built around creating high-quality wireless headphones. The T20 is its latest pair of true wireless earbuds and they look great and fit well. They also sound great particularly when you get them for a great price. The T20 features are comparable to Apple's 2nd generation Airpods with less than half the cost.
The earbuds of Tranya come with a broad range of tips that will assist you in finding the perfect fitting for your ear canal, no matter what shape it has. They also come with dual EQ settings to allow for flexibility The normal mode sounds warm and balanced, ideal for classical music, podcasts or jazz, whereas the bass Boost mode is ideal for EDM and hip-hop. If you're a fan of gaming, the T20s have a low-latency mode that ensures smooth, lag free transmission, ensuring that your audio and video feeds are synchronized properly.
For phone calls, the Tranya T20's 4-microphone and noise filtering system do great job of separating your voice from any background noise. You can also use them hands-free using your smartphone when walking or driving. They're also IPX7 rated and are safe to use in the shower or when swimming.
The T20's 6mm dynamic drivers with graphene coatings aren't the biggest of their class, but they provide an impressive sound projection that creates an expansive audio stage. The soundstage is clear and is like an extension of your experience with high-frequency and vocal instruments sounding clear and expansive. The Bass Boost setting is bassy, but it doesn't overshadow higher frequencies as vocal trance.
The earbuds can be charged via an accessory case for charging that holds up to five charge. The LED indicator blinks red and blue when the battery is running low It makes it easy to tell when it is time to recharge. The earbuds are connected to a computer or laptop to stream audio and share content with your friends. If best wireless headphones traveling, the earbuds are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your apps and smart home devices with your voice.
4. 1More Soundcore Life Q20
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 wireless headphones are an excellent value for the money. They're an excellent choice when you're looking for a pair of over-ear wireless headphones that are comfortable, lightweight, and offer great noise cancellation. Although they don't offer the same high-quality audio as the top-rated models such as the Sennheiser PXC 550-II or Bose QuietComfort 45, their great price and features make them a great alternative for those looking to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
They don't offer as many advanced features as the more expensive alternatives, such as adjustable noise cancellation or a monitoring mode to pipe in external sound when you're listening to music in public. They still have excellent audio clarity and noise cancellation is a good thing. Plus the 40mm drivers are equipped with enough power to pump out richly detailed music. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 with low latency for video and voice calls.
When the ANC is on, you are able to tune out the rest of the world and concentrate on your music. However, when ANC is off, the headphones don't perform as well of neutralizing noise, so they can be distracting in noisy environments. The headband may also be too tight and can cause unneeded pressure to your skull over time.
Once the headphones are connected with your device they are simple to use due to their simple controls. There aren't any apps or gesture controls, only physical buttons that are clearly marked on the side of the earcups. If you have the Soundcore app installed, you can alter the audio settings.
In addition to the headphones, the Soundcore Life Q20 comes with a hard travel case and the USB-A-to-TRS cable for wired listening. The case is a nice touch that is a sign that 1More intends to make these an excellent option for travelers, and it's packed with places to hold different cords and risers to ensure that the headphones stay at the correct height while wearing them.