Best Headphones under $500 (2026)

Every headphone in our catalogue with a launch price under $500, ranked by the same 0–100 score computed from verified specs — so you see genuine value, not the cheapest thing we could find. See how we score.

1. 1

   Marshall Monitor III ANC93/100 · from $350

   Travelers needing maximum battery longevity between charges · Listeners who prefer physical, tactile controls over touch-sensitive panels

   See all headphones
2. 2

   Sony WH-1000XM491/100 · from $349

   Commuters and travelers prioritizing high-quality noise isolation · Users looking for a polished upgrade to the older XM3 model

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
3. 3

   Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen91/100 · from $449

   High-fidelity wired listening directly through a USB-C connection · Frequent flyers and commuters seeking elite noise isolation · Immersive movie watching using the newly added Cinema mode

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
4. 4

   Beats Studio Pro90/100 · from $349

   Users who need seamless functionality when switching between iOS and Android dev · Listeners seeking a lighter, more platform-agnostic alternative to top-tier flag

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
5. 5

   Bose QuietComfort Ultra90/100 · from $429

   Blocking out low-frequency cabin noise during air travel and daily transit · Listeners wanting flagship-level noise isolation without the bulk of over-ear he

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
6. 6

   Bose QuietComfort 4590/100 · from $329

   blocking out persistent background rumble during flights and daily commutes · extended listening sessions where a lightweight fit and low clamping force are n

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
7. 7

   Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless88/100 · from $400

   Eco-conscious buyers looking for headphones with easily serviceable batteries · Daily commuters needing active noise cancelation

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
8. 8

   Sony WH-1000XM588/100 · from $399

   Isolating against ambient noise in busy environments or during travel · Users who prefer tweaking their audio experience using detailed software control

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
9. 9

   Sennheiser Momentum 488/100 · from $379

   Long-haul travel requiring class-leading battery endurance · Listeners seeking premium sound quality without paying the premium of the absolu

   Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC
10. 10

    Sony WH-1000XM688/100 · from $450

    Commuters and travelers requiring strong active noise cancellation · Listeners wanting spatial audio upmixing for music and movies · Users seeking versatile wireless connectivity and ambient sound control

    Compare with Marshall Monitor III ANC