Best Budget Wireless Headphones
A pair of headphones doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. The cheapest models offer amazing audio, features and comfort for your money.
These on-ear headphones are wireless and come with a long battery life. They also include controls for controlling the playback of music, changing songs, and enabling your personal assistant. They also support Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Low Latency, which allows high-definition audio streaming.
1. Sennheiser HD 450BT
With a name like Sennheiser on the box you'd expect top quality performance from these headphones. The 450BT meets this expectation, with excellent noise cancellation and a suite of features that you'd typically see on more expensive models. They support the aptX Low Latency codec, have battery life that easily outlasts even the longest flights, and provide a comfortable fit.
The earcups have been cushioned and padded for a an enjoyable experience. They can be folded flat and transported inside the case that comes with them. The controls are on the right ear cup, and they include one button that turns on the voice assistant on your phone or tablet. You can also use the button to control playback of your music, including pause and skip. The battery of the 450BT claims to last 30 hours of music playback with active noise cancellation. The audio quality is superb and the Smart Control app allows you to alter the sound to suit your preferences.
The headphones have a well-balanced sound that is ideal for most styles of music. The bass frequencies are clear without compromising the low-end and the high-frequency trebles have plenty of sparkle. They're also very sensitive to the dynamic changes in the music, giving you a natural sense of space and airiness that is easy on the ears. The piano keys of Frahm's classic tracks and the pulsing beat in Kendrick's Alright are all great to listen to.
While the 450BT's excellent audio quality and modern features make them more appealing than most of their competition however, they're competing with models that are priced lower than them. In that category the Anker Soundcore Space NC and Audio-Technica ATH-ANC9 are great alternatives. If you are able to stretch your budget to $200 and 450BT, then it's an excellent value.
The HD 450BT headphones are well worth the cost, thanks to their excellent noise cancellation, durable battery, and fashionable design. These headphones are a great buy for most music lovers however, those who want more transparency and superior Bluetooth codec support might want premium options such as the Sony WH1000XM3 or Bose QC35 2.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
If you're looking for a top pair of headphones at a better price point, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is a solid alternative. The Bluetooth version of the renowned M-series headphones offers wireless connectivity to headphones for only S$40 more. They're designed to record and mix however, they're also perfect for everyday listening. The design is simple and refined and has the 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, but their fit is a matter of personal preference. beats studio 3 wireless bluetooth noise cancelling headphones about your head size.
The ATH-M20xBT provides a high-quality sound that is comparable to most high-end over-ear headsets, thanks to its 40mm drivers and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. They're also made to last, thanks to a rugged metal construction. They can be folded into a compact case that makes storage simple. The earcups don't have a rotational adjustment this could be an issue for certain users.
They're equipped with a decent battery life too, with up to 60hrs from one charge. They are easy to pair and allow multipoint pairing, which means you can listen to two sources. They also support low-latency modes for video streaming, so you'll be in sync with the action on screen.
The M-series headphones, while they do not support ANC or apps are a great option for anyone looking to buy their first Bluetooth headphones at a reasonable cost. The M-series headphones deliver excellent audio quality at this price, and their lack of ANC and app control doesn't detract from the overall value.
If you're looking for a cheap pair of Bluetooth headphones that still provide high-quality music, the ATH-20xBT might be worth a look. It's not as impressive as the M50xBT2, which is more expensive, but it keeps up with other headphones at this price point.
3. Tranya T20
Tranya, a brand-new audio company, is renowned for its high-end wireless headphones. The T20 is the most recent true wireless earbuds from Tranya. They look fantastic, sound fantastic and are comfortable to wear. The T20's feature set compares quite well with Apple's Airpods 2nd Generation at less than half the cost.
The earbuds of Tranya include a variety of tips to help you find the perfect fit regardless of the shape of your ear canal. The earbuds come with two EQ settings to give you flexibility. Normal mode sounds balanced, warm and perfect for classical or podcasts. The Bass Boost setting is the best for EDM or hip-hop. If you're interested in gaming the T20s come with an exclusive game mode that is low-latency that ensures smooth, lag-free transmission so your audio and video feeds match up properly.
To make phone calls, the Tranya T20's 4-microphone and noise filtering system does an excellent job of separating your voice from background noise. They also support hands-free calling, so you can use them with your smartphone while driving or walking down the street. They're also rated for IPX7 which means you can use them while taking a bath or swimming.
The T20's graphene-coated 6mm dynamic drivers aren't the biggest in this class but they provide ample sound projection and deliver an expansive, full audio stage. The soundstage is clear and feels like an extension of your experience, with vocals and higher instruments sounding clear and spacious. In spite of the bassy nature of the Bass Boost setting, I discovered that it didn't overwhelm the higher frequencies in typical dance outskirts, such as vocal trance.
The earbuds can be charged by a portable battery that can hold up to five charges. It's easy to know when it's time for recharges with a LED indicator which flashes blue and red when the battery is depleted. The earbuds can be linked to a laptop or a computer to stream audio and share content with friends. The earbuds can be controlled with Alexa or Google Assistant to control smart home devices and apps.
4. 1More soundcore Life Q20
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 wireless headphones are a great value for money. They are a great option when you're looking for an over-ear wireless headphones that are lightweight and comfortable, as well as having excellent noise cancellation. They might not offer the same quality of sound as the top models like the Sennheiser PXC 550 II or Bose QuietComfort 45 but their pricing and features make them an appealing choice for those who want to save money without sacrificing performance.
They don't come with as many advanced features like noise cancellation that can be adjusted or a monitor setting to bring in external sound while listening to music in the public. However, they still offer great audio clarity and a good level of noise cancellation. Additionally the 40mm drivers have enough power to produce high-quality, detailed music. They also have Bluetooth with low latency, which allows for voice and video calls.
If you have an ANC setting turned on the Life Q20 can block out around 70 percent of the ambient noise, so you can focus on your audio and tune out the world. However, if ANC is turned off the headphones can't perform as well of neutralizing sound, and they could be distracting in noisy environments. The headband can also be tight and can cause unneeded pressure to your skull over time.
Once the headphones are paired with your device, they're simple to use due to their simple controls. There aren't any gesture controls or apps, only clearly labeled physical buttons on the bottoms of the ear cups. If you have the Soundcore app installed, you can adjust the audio settings.
The Soundcore Life Q20 headphones come with a hard case designed for travel, as well as a USB A to TRS cable to allow wired listening. The case is a nice feature that is a sign that 1More is determined to make these an excellent option for travelers and comes with compartments to hold various cords, as well as risers to ensure that the headphones stay at the right height when wearing them.