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The world has shifted far from traditional wired headphones (although Gen Z is bringing back the trend) to wireless headphones that connect to your device via Bluetooth. These headphones allows you to play music and receive calls with a built-in mic. They are pretty convenient and eliminate the hassle of managing wires while you walk, drive, or travel.
Headphones are certainly useful in many scenarios where you would not want to disturb the people around you. However, spending hundreds of dollars may not be possible for everyone, so we've compiled a list of affordable headphones that offer high-end audio quality and useful features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which reduces ambient noise and helps you relax or focus in noisy environments.
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Soundcore Store
Soundcore by Anker Q20i comes with the ANC feature that shuts out 90% of the ambient noise using two internal and two external mics. If you want to stay aware of the environment, turn on the Transparency mode. These headphones can be paired with the Soundcore app on your smartphone to manage EQ settings or play customized audio per your mood, such as dance or classical. Plus, the batteries are long-lasting: in a single charge, you get 40 hours with ANC turned on and 60 hours without ANC. It offers an additional fast charging option where just five minutes of quick charge can bring you another four hours of performance.
In addition, you can connect these noise-cancelling headphones to two devices simultaneously. The microphone contributes to crystal clear calls, plus you can answer them by pressing the button present on the set. About the audio, the 40 mm dynamic drivers provide high-resolution sound output. Also, the headphones benefit from comfortable memory foam cushions.
JLab JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Headphones
JLab Store
The JBuds Lux ANC are small headphones that sit firmly on your head, with adjustable hinges and rotating earcups for a seamless fitting. Additionally, the one-inch cloud foam cushions go super soft on your ears. This comfort is necessary as these headphones can last for up to 70 hours without ANC, and 40 hours with ANC. The 40 mm drivers add clarity and depth to the music, while the Spatial Audio feature works with apps like Dolby Atmos to create greater immersion.
Connecting these headphones to the JLab App brings further control, such as customizing touch controls, enabling presets, setting safe sound limits, and more. For easy operation, the headphones come with buttons that let you manage volume and ANC mode, and there is a separate button that lets you wirelessly share audio to another Lux headphones. Consequently, you can enjoy your favorite music together with a loved one. Integrated with Bluetooth 5.3, it can work up to 30 feet away from the primary device.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones
Sony Store
Up for grabs on Amazon for just $38 after a massive 46% discount, the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones offer high-quality sound with customizable equalizer settings to adjust the output precisely to your liking. It has a battery life of around 50 hours, and if the charge runs out mid-journey, just plug in the headphones for three minutes and receive an extra 1.5 hours of playback. Furthermore, the pair is pretty lightweight and is integrated with cushion padding on the headband, combined with soft earpads to go comfy on your ears.
Furthermore, you can pair them to two devices at the same time. Kick away the worries of losing your headphones by pairing them with Google's Find My Device app on your smartphone. You can pick the location they were last spotted at to get an idea of where you lost them. Plus, it also has a Digital Sound Enhancement feature that enhances the quality of compressed audio files for a better listening experience.
Beribes Bluetooth Headphones
Beribes Store
With Beribes Bluetooth Headphones, you can enjoy six music modes: classic, pop, rock, vocal, jazz, and BassUp. These headphones have an adjustable headband and 90-degree rotating earcups for a firm fit. To take care of your ears, it has memory protein earmuffs that rest gently on your ears even after extended hours of listening. Moreover, you can juice out about 65 hours of play time on a single charge, while a five-minute charge can add three more hours to the battery, making them a good pick for long travels.
There is an in-built HD microphone that picks up your voice for a clear audio delivery, and it can be connected to two devices simultaneously. Interestingly, these are waterproof headphones, so don't worry about spillages. Get them on Amazon for just $18.02, although the original price is $28.99.
Kvidio Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear
Kvidio Store
Designed with dual 40 mm drivers, the Kvidio Bluetooth Headphones produce low-latency audio to mimic the vibe of an actual concert. You can use these headsets in both wireless and wired modes to eliminate the stress of losing music when the battery dies down. But worry not, the Kvidio Headphones have a 500 mAh battery that lasts for 65 incredible hours and is ready again after 2.5 hours of charge.
A side note? Just recharge it for 10 minutes to enjoy an additional seven hours of music. Bluetooth 5.4 supports a fast and stable connection with your device, covering over 30 feet for an uninterrupted sound experience.
The earmuffs go gently on your ears, made with super soft elastic sponge material, while the headband can be adjusted according to the size of your head. These over-ear headphones block the outside noise, although Amazon reviews criticized the noise cancellation performance. There are five color options; black is the cheapest, at $17.34 (with a $28.99 list price).
Methodology
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We consulted customer reviews on major retail sites such as Amazon, where thousands of customers have reviewed these headphones, producing average scores of 4.5 and above.
There were several benchmarks central to our research. For example, all headphones come with powerful batteries that last at least 60 hours of continuous sound delivery outside the ANC mode. Special attention was paid to headphones with fast charging features.
Price was another important element. All headphones listed here are available for under $80 on Amazon; this is the sweet spot of value, sound quality, and features.
