Best Budget Wireless Headphones
You don't need to spend the money to buy headphones. The latest models provide amazing audio, features and comfort for a much lower price.
These on-ear wireless headphones have a very long battery life, and integrate controls to manage playback, change songs and activate your personal assistant. They also come with Bluetooth Low Latency 5.0, which allows high-definition streaming audio.
1. Sennheiser HD 450BT
With a name like Sennheiser on the box you'd expect top quality performance from these headphones. The 450BT is a great model that meets the promise. It offers a wide range of features, including noise cancellation that would be included on more expensive models. They support the aptX Low Latency codec, and have battery life that is able to outlast even the longest flights, and provide a comfortable fit.
The ear cups have been cushioned and padded to provide the most comfortable experience. They can be folded flat and carried inside the case that comes with them. The controls are located on the right earcup and come with a button to activate your voice assistant on your phone or tablet. You can also use the button to control playback of your music, including the ability to pause or skip. The battery of the 450BT provides 30 hours of music playback time with active noise cancellation on. The audio quality is top-notch and the Smart Control app allows you to adjust the sound to suit your preferences.
The headphones have a well-balanced sound that is suitable for all musical styles. The bass frequencies are clear without smothering the low-end and the high-frequency trebles have plenty of sparkle. They're also extremely responsive to changes in dynamic which gives you a clear sensation of space and a sense of airiness. The piano keys of Frahm's classical tracks as well as the pulsing beat in Kendrick's Alright are all fun to listen to.
The 450BT's superb sound quality and modern features make them more appealing than their competitors, they're still competing against models that are priced lower than them. Anker Soundcore NC and Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC9 both provide excellent alternatives in this category. If you are able to increase your budget to $200, then the 450BT is an excellent value.
The HD 450BT's superior noise cancellation and battery life that is long and stylish design make these headphones worth the extra cost. These headphones are a great buy for most music lovers however, those who want more transparency and better Bluetooth codec support might prefer more expensive models such as the Sony WH1000XM3 or Bose QC35 2.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT headphones are a excellent choice if you're looking to buy top headphones at a less expensive price. It's the Bluetooth version of their popular M-series headphones, they add the convenience of wireless connectivity for just S$40 more. They're made to record and mix however, they're also great for everyday listening. The matte black finish is more attractive than the cheap metal or fake silver finishes on other headphones with a budget. They're also comfortable, but their fit isn't perfect and is dependent on the size of your head.
The ATH-M20xBT offers high fidelity audio that's comparable with high-end headphones, thanks to 40mm drivers that feature rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils. The headphones are made to last, thanks to a rugged metal construction. They can be folded into a small case, which makes it easy to store. The earcups don't have a rotational adjustment this could be a problem for some users.
The battery's life span is good, lasting up to 60 hours on a single charge. They're easy to pair with devices and they can be used with multipoint pairing to let you listen to two different sources simultaneously. They also have a low-latency video streaming mode, meaning you'll be able to keep up with the action.
The M-series headphones aren't perfect, but they don't support ANC or apps, are a great choice for anyone looking to buy their first Bluetooth headphones at a reasonable price. The M-series headphones deliver high-quality audio for this price point and their absence of ANC and app control doesn't take away from the overall quality.
If you're looking for a cheap pair of Bluetooth headphones that still give you high-quality music, the ATH-20xBT might be worth considering. It's not as great as the M50xBT2, which is more expensive, but it still keeps up with other headphones in this price range.
3. Tranya T20
Tranya is a newer audio brand that's built around making premium wireless headphones. The T20 is the newest true wireless earbuds from Tranya. They look great, sound fantastic and fit well. The T20's feature set compares quite well with Apple's Airpods 2nd Generation for less than half the price.
The Tranya earbuds come with a wide array of tips to help get the best fit, regardless of the shape of your ear canal. The earbuds also come with dual EQ settings that give you flexibility. The default setting is balanced, warm and is perfect for classical or podcasts. The Bass Boost setting is the best for EDM or hip-hop. If you're a gamer, the T20s come with the low-latency mode, which ensures smooth, lag-free transmission, ensuring that your audio feeds and video feeds are synchronized properly.
Tranya T20 has a 4-microphone system, as well as noise filtering, which keeps your voice separate from background noise. You can also use them hands-free with your smartphone when driving or walking. They're also IPX7-certified which means they can be used safely in the shower or when swimming.
The T20's 6mm graphene-coated dynamic drivers aren't the biggest in this class but they provide ample sound projection and provide an impressive, wide audio stage. The soundstage is clear and feels like an extension of your shared experience with the vocals and other instruments sounding clear and spacious. And despite the bassy nature of the Bass Boost setting, I discovered that it didn't overwhelm the higher frequencies of the 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 to recharge by using a a LED indicator which flashes blue and red when the battery is running low. The earbuds can be linked to a laptop or a computer to stream audio and share content with your friends. And if over-ear headphones wireless on the go, the earbuds are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your apps and smart home devices using your voice.
4. 1More soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is an affordable pair of wireless headphones that offer outstanding value for the price. These headphones are a great option for those looking for an over-ear wireless headphones that are lightweight and comfortable. They also have excellent noise cancellation. While they don't have the same great audio quality as top-rated models like the Sennheiser PXC 550 II or Bose QuietComfort 45, their affordable price and features make them an appealing choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality.
They don't come with as many advanced features, like noise cancellation that can be adjusted or a monitor setting to bring in external sounds while listening in the public. They still provide outstanding audio clarity, and noise cancellation is a good thing. Additionally the 40mm drivers have enough power to pump out high-quality, detailed music. They also have Bluetooth with low latency, making it possible to make video and voice calls.
With the ANC setting turned on the Life Q20 can block out around 70 percent of the ambient noise, which allows you to concentrate on your music and turn off the world. But, when the ANC is turned off the headphones can't perform as well of neutralizing background noise, and they can be distracting in noisy environments. Also, the headband is too tight, which puts unnecessary pressure on your skull after a while of use.
After the headphones have been paired to your device, they are easy to use due to their simple controls. There aren't any apps or gesture controls, just physical buttons clearly labeled on the side of the earcups. You can also adjust the audio settings with the free Soundcore app if you've got installed it.
The Soundcore Life Q20 headphones come with a hard case for travel, as well as a USB A to TRS cable to allow wired listening. The case is a nice feature that shows 1More is determined to make these the best choice for traveling and is packed with places to hold different cords, as well as risers to keep the headphones at the correct height while wearing the headphones.