Finding the perfect pair of headphones is a quest for superior sound, comfort, and features that match your lifestyle. With a budget of $500, you enter a realm of high-fidelity audio where professional-grade equipment becomes accessible. The choices can be overwhelming, spanning from wired studio monitors for critical listening to advanced wireless models with industry-leading noise cancellation.
Our expert team has tested a wide range of models to simplify your decision. This roundup focuses on eight standout headphones under $500, each excelling in different areas. Whether you are an audio engineer, a commuter, or a dedicated music lover, our selections offer a path to an exceptional listening experience without compromise.
Our Top Headphone Recommendations Under $500
- Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones with Carrying Case
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones with Spatial Audio
- Focal Clear MG Open-Back High-Fidelity Over-Ear Headphones
- AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Reference Studio Headphones
- Sennheiser HD 660S Open Back Headphone
- Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Reference Headphones
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones with Carrying Case
The Audeze LCD-X represents a significant achievement in planar magnetic driver design. Its core technology utilizes large, ultra-thin diaphragms paired with double-sided magnet arrays. This configuration delivers a uniform driving force across the entire surface of the diaphragm, resulting in exceptionally fast response times and a dramatic reduction in distortion.
For the critical listener, this translates to a sound profile that is both clear and highly accurate. You will hear details in your recordings that lesser headphones simply cannot reproduce. The improved imaging provides a precise and stable soundstage, making these headphones a trusted tool for audio professionals and a source of pure enjoyment for audiophiles.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones
Bose continues to lead the market for premium wireless headphones with the QuietComfort Ultra. These headphones are engineered for immersion, featuring spatial audio that creates a captivating, multi-dimensional listening experience. The proprietary CustomTune technology automatically calibrates the sound to the unique shape of your ears, providing a personalized audio profile from the moment you put them on.
Their noise cancellation is among the best available, offering multiple modes to suit any environment. Whether you need complete silence in Quiet Mode or situational awareness in Aware Mode, you have full control. Combined with crystal-clear call quality and long battery life, these headphones are an ideal companion for travel, work, and daily commutes.
Focal Clear MG Open-Back High-Fidelity Headphones
Focal’s Clear MG headphones are a testament to French audio engineering, blending sophisticated design with exceptional acoustic performance. The open-back construction is key to their success, creating a wide and natural soundstage that makes music feel spacious and airy. The distinctive ‘M’-shaped grille is not just for aesthetics; it is acoustically tuned to improve high-frequency reproduction.
Comfort is paramount during long listening sessions, and the Clear MG delivers with its premium materials. The headband is covered in a combination of leather and soft microfibre, while the perforated microfibre earpads provide a comfortable seal. This combination ensures you can focus entirely on the rich, detailed sound for hours on end.
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Reference Studio Headphones
The AKG K712 PRO is a studio standard, trusted by audio engineers and musicians for its accurate and uncolored sound signature. Its sophisticated open-back technology produces a sound that is both spacious and airy, allowing for precise monitoring and mixing. The flat-wire voice coil design contributes to a faster transient response, capturing the subtle nuances in every performance.
Comfort is a major focus, with an over-ear design and plush padding that make long work sessions manageable. The K712 PRO also features an improved low-end response, delivering a 3dB boost for more powerful and accurate bass reproduction without muddying the midrange. This makes them exceptionally versatile for both critical professional work and immersive music listening.
Sennheiser HD 660S Open Back Headphone
The Sennheiser HD 660S builds upon a legacy of renowned open-back headphones, offering a refined and natural listening experience. They are designed to reveal a remarkable level of detail with a smooth, warm frequency response that is easy on the ears. This makes them excellent for analytical listening as well as long, enjoyable music sessions where fatigue is a concern.
Featuring improved voice coils and a robust transducer design, the HD 660S provides lower harmonic distortion across the entire frequency range. The soundstage is intimate and precise, allowing you to pinpoint the location of each instrument with clarity. For those seeking a balanced and highly resolving headphone from a trusted brand, the HD 660S is a compelling choice.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
Built for durability and precision, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is a workhorse for studio professionals. These open-back headphones feature Beyerdynamic’s innovative Tesla drivers, which are known for their high efficiency and powerful, detailed sound reproduction. The result is a dynamic range that can handle everything from subtle acoustic passages to powerful, complex mixes.
The DT 1990 Pro includes two sets of interchangeable earpads—analytical and balanced—allowing you to tailor the sound signature to your specific needs. Combined with a robust, user-repairable construction and exceptional comfort, these headphones are built to last and perform reliably in demanding professional environments.
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Reference Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x stands out with its unique design and professional-grade performance. As open-back reference headphones, they provide a natural and spacious soundstage that is ideal for critical listening and audio engineering tasks. They are exceptionally lightweight, utilizing a carbon composite resin and honeycomb mesh housing for durability without the bulk.
A signature feature is the “3D Wing Support System,” which creates a comfortable, self-adjusting fit that distributes weight evenly. This, combined with their high-quality drivers, ensures accurate sound reproduction and long-wearing comfort. The ATH-R70x offers a neutral and detailed sound profile that faithfully represents the source material.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are a benchmark in the wireless category, offering best-in-class noise cancellation that effectively silences the outside world. They automatically optimize the noise canceling and sound quality based on your wearing conditions and environment, thanks to an integrated processor and dual noise sensor technology.
Sound quality is exceptional, with a clear and powerful profile that appeals to a wide audience. They also excel in convenience, featuring quick charging, impressive battery life, and crystal-clear hands-free calling. For anyone seeking a top-tier wireless solution that combines intelligent features with outstanding audio performance, the WH-1000XM5 is a leading option.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Headphones Under $500
Stepping into the world of high-quality audio doesn’t have to break the bank. The sub-$500 price bracket is a sweet spot, packed with headphones that deliver exceptional performance that used to cost much more. But with so many fantastic options, how do you pick the right pair for you? I’ve tested many of them, and it really comes down to a few key decisions.
First, you need to decide on your primary use case. Are you a critical listener who wants to hear every nuance of a recording at home? Then a pair of open-back headphones is probably your best bet. They provide a vast, airy soundstage that makes music feel incredibly spacious and realistic. The trade-off is that they don’t block outside noise, and sound leaks out, so they’re not suitable for noisy environments or quiet libraries.
If you plan to use your headphones on a commute, at the office, or in the gym, closed-back headphones are the way to go. They isolate you from ambient noise and keep your music to yourself. Many in this category also offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which electronically cancels out low-frequency droning sounds like airplane engines or air conditioners. For portable use, also consider weight, foldability, and whether they come with a carrying case.
Next, think about sound signature. This is the “flavor” of the sound. Some headphones are tuned for a neutral, flat response, which is great for audio professionals and those who want to hear music exactly as it was mixed. Others have a “V-shaped” sound, with boosted bass and treble, which can be more exciting for genres like electronic or rock. Some focus on warm, rich mids that are fantastic for vocals and acoustic music. There’s no single “best” sound; it’s about what you personally enjoy.
Finally, don’t forget about comfort and build quality. You’ll want to wear these for hours, so look for plush earpads, an adjustable headband, and a weight that doesn’t cause strain. Materials matter too; a metal or high-quality plastic frame will last much longer than a flimsy one. Considering these factors—use case, design, sound signature, and comfort—will help you narrow down the perfect pair from our list of the 8 best headphones under $500.
FAQ
Are expensive headphones under $500 really worth it compared to cheaper models?
In my experience, absolutely. While you can get decent sound for $100, the jump to the $300-$500 range is where you typically see massive improvements in build quality, comfort, and most importantly, sound clarity and detail. You get better drivers, superior materials, and more refined tuning. It’s the law of diminishing returns, but this price point offers a significant performance boost that is absolutely noticeable.
What is the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones?
This is one of the biggest differentiators. Closed-back headphones have solid ear cups that seal in the sound and block out a lot of external noise. They’re ideal for commuting, offices, and recording. Open-back headphones have grilles on the outside that allow air and sound to pass through. This creates a more natural and spacious sound, like listening to speakers in a room, but they offer no isolation and people around you can hear what you’re listening to.
Do I need a special amplifier for these headphones?
It depends on the headphone’s sensitivity and impedance. Some models, like many planar magnetic headphones, are power-hungry and will truly shine with a dedicated headphone amp. Others are efficient enough to run well from a smartphone or computer. If you feel your headphones aren’t getting loud enough or sound “thin” even at high volume, an amp is a great next step. For our list of the 8 best headphones under $500, I’ve included options that work well both with and without an amp.
How important is active noise cancellation (ANC) in this price range?
If you travel frequently or work in a noisy environment, ANC can be a game-changer. In the under-$500 category, the ANC technology is often top-tier, rivaling what you find on flagship models from big brands. It effectively eliminates constant low-frequency sounds. However, if you primarily listen at home or in a quiet studio, you might prefer a pair without ANC, as that budget can be directed entirely towards superior sound quality and components.
What should I look for in terms of comfort for long listening sessions?
Comfort is crucial. Look for headphones with deep, soft earpads made from materials like memory foam and velour or protein leather. The clamping force—how tightly they grip your head—should be secure but not oppressive. A well-padded, self-adjusting headband also distributes weight evenly. I always recommend, if possible, trying them on to see how they feel, as head shape and size vary greatly from person to person.