10 Best Wireless Headphones Under $300 In 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

If You Buy Any One Out Of 10, You Will Think That My Money Is Worth A Lot

by Wireless Earbuds
10 Best-HiFi-Over-Ear-Headphones

At the moment there are a lot of wireless Bluetooth headphones Under 300 Dollars in the market. But all brands are not good like the present headphone user demand, A very little part of the brand can give you satisfaction as your requirements.

Top-Rated-10-Best-Wireless-Bluetooth-Headphones-Reviews

If you have read the headphone discussion or review, then you can see that the design is good but the sound is not better, again the design and sound are good but not comfortable.

Even all are good but the price is high. And have another problem, someone likes to use noise-canceling and someone did not like it.

I show here the best 10 brands which are obviously the best wireless headphones under $300.

 

 

We Created This List by Following These steps

  1. Design (soft and style)
  2. Comfortable
  3. IPX ratings
  4. Noise-Cancelling ( Active/Passive Noise-Cancelling )
  5. Battery life up to 10 hours
  6. USB c-type charging port.
  7. Bluetooth 4.0 to 5.0 version.
  8. Wireless range
  9. Voice search
  10.  over-ear

If you came here to type the wrong keyword search then no problem, I have more posts on headphones and earbuds if you need earbuds, Then click the Best true earbuds and need cheap earbuds then click Best budget-friendly Earbuds. Even if you want to budget-friendly headphones then check Best Budget Headphone, below are the top 10 best wireless headphone brands with descriptions. I write this post depending on the 53 user opinions, even from one year I read a ton of product reviews and follow 5 tech Youtuber review and their subscriber opinion and a few Redditor opinions, at last, I decided this 10 brand is absolutely perfect headphone at the moment in under $300. If anyone thinks that, my selection is wrong then, please write your opinion with reasons below the comment box. I appreciate the user’s opinion.

1. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones WH1000XM3

The new generation of wireless headphones offered by Sony has better noise cancellation. We are talking about Sony 1000XM3, which promises to cancel outside noise at a magnificent level. Also, it provides undoubtedly excellent comfort, which, for many demanding users, with these headphones, Sony has been able to overcome Bose. But recently Sony releases more effective headphones WH-1000XM4, I think the overall xm3 is good but xm4 is best because of its power full ANC feature. 

Also, the Sony WH-1000XM3 although wireless headphone, you can use with a cable. In addition, you can use them in passive mode (with the unit of amplification, noise cancellation, and equalization off). You will notice that its earmuffs completely surround the ears which help to cancel noise as well. Another interesting feature is that it has USB-C connectivity (the previous model, had a Micro-USB port), which helps to reduce the battery recharge time. Your headphones will be full in just one hour.

These headphones are not very luxurious or flashy on the outside, which for many who only look for an excellent experience in sound quality, these details take a back seat. Despite this, its polycarbonate construction makes it very resistant and easy to handle.

Noise Cancellation:

Let’s start by referring to its adaptive noise cancellation technology. Sony created something called a QN1 HD noise-canceling processor, for the new third-generation 1000X wireless headphones. Unlike previous models that integrated noise cancellation into the audio processor, this independent processor works by itself to identify and filter out more background noise than before. However, you can also choose to listen to some of that background noise through an application. Something quite useful at times like when you’re at an airport. For example, if you want to hear the flight announcements, filter the rest of the noise. The new QN1 chip is designed to make this better.

Style & Comfort:

In its construction, Sony has used a polycarbonate of very good quality. It gives them a great lightness (weigh 255 g) and is quite robust, despite not having a luxurious appearance. The WH-1000XM3 is an all-terrain headset and its aesthetic is in keeping with its function, so in this area, we have nothing to object to.

For the opinion of many users, the only feature of a headset that rivals its importance with sound quality is its ergonomics. As good as they sound, if they are not comfortable, we will end up stopping using them. Fortunately, these “helmets” are very comfortable. You can use them for many hours and you will see that you will forget that you wear them. And a good part of the merit is the homogeneity with which the headband distributes the pressure on our head.

Sound Quality:

The WH-1000XM3 gives you the possibility to modify the equalization and control the configuration of the ambient sound using Headphones Connect. This is a free app available for smartphones with iOS or Android. In addition, it guides us through the connection process of the headphones on our mobile phones.

An important quality to highlight is that the effectiveness of the environmental noise cancellation technology contributes decisively to presenting the music with a clean background the level of detail of these headphones is superior to other models.

On the other hand, its response in subjective frequency is very broad. The bass noise is detailed. The voices, on the other hand, are warm and have the harmonic complexity that only professional headphones offer. And the grave is very well defined. Its overall sound quality is comparable to that of models from both Sony and other brands significantly more expensive and wired.

Connectivity:

The Sony WH-1000XM3 cannot pair with Multi-device, and it’s their big lack because they come to fight with Bose Qc35 II. They use Bluetooth 4.2 which maintained a stable connection up to 53 ft and they claimed a line-of-sight range of 185ft.

What In The Box When It Comes:

  • Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphone
  • Audio cable
  • USB-C cable
  • Airline adapter
  • Manuals guide
  • Carrying case
Pros
  • Excellent noise-canceling performance
  • Supremely comfortable
  • Supports numerous wireless codecs
  • Fun, lively sound
  • Long battery life
  • USB C type connector for quick charge
cons
  • Only two color

Our Verdict:

I think its a Decent headphone for the mixed user. And bit more comfortable than the WH-1000XM2, also has no leakage at higher volumes, which makes them suitable for most environments. Obviously WH-1000XM3 Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones. If You Need More Info Then Read Our Full Review Sony wh1000xm3 and Sony Wh 1000XM4 reviews.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35 ii – Closed-Back Wireless Headphone

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Noise-Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Bose is always been the boss in the headphone, For many years Bose serves us with a lot of beautiful headphones. I came here to talk about Bose QuietComfort 35 II an amazing wireless headphone even at the moment QC 35 II is one of the top wireless headphones.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II is a decent look and fantastic design that is easy to use and very comfortable. You can also wear them for hours without any tiredness, thanks to them for using the very soft padding of the ears. But its have a  bit of update which is a google assistant feature.

Noise Cancellation:

The noise cancellation of the Bose QC35 II is superb and the same as that of the older model QC35. If you did not use effective noise-canceling headphones before, You could not understand how powerful the QC 35 II feature is. When it comes to active noise cancellation, we know that Bose is simply the best and the QC35 truly perishes all low-end noise. Concert areas and similar types of noises disappear on these making them perfect for use in crowded places, trains, buses, and the subway. While you switch on the noise cancellation you feel like walking into a quiet environment after being on a busy city street.

Style & Comfort:

Quiet Comfort 35-II is not too tight on the head, the headband and earcups are nicely paddings and they’re lightweight. Even it’s very effective when you are wearing it. The Bose Quiet Comfort 35-ii has a weight of 234g, which is enough less than others.

Connectivity:

The Bose QC35 II can pair multi-device (2 devices) and support Near-field communication. And they use Bluetooth 4.1 which maintained a stable connection up to 41ft and they claimed a line-of-sight range of 122ft.

Sound Quality:

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II is obviously a very good-sounding closed-back over-ear headphone. Its bass is balanced and deep. This makes them very versatile and suitable for all types of content from classical, and Dubstep, to podcasts. They also have very well-balanced mid and trebles ranges, although have a bit of a lack of vocals and leads.

What’s The Update?

While you on the power of headphones for the first time, you need to download the Bose Connect App for your phone as the headphone will require using the app for many features like toggling noise cancellation and remapping the Google Assistant button, updating firmware, and more.

What In The Box When It Comes:

  • Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphone
  • Audio cable
  • Airline adapter
  • Carrying case
  • USB charging cable
Pros
  • Great noise cancellation
  • Very good battery life
  • Incredible Comfortable wireless design
  • Superb sound quality
cons
  • Much pricey
  • Not waterproof
  • No autoplay/pause auto feature

Our Verdict:

There is no compromise on the quality but if you own the previous version QC35 then I think don’t need to upgrade to qc35 II, just add a new feature Google Assistant.

3. Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface Headphones Noise Cancelling Headphones

There are a lot of debates about how attractive the Microsoft Surface design is. But in my opinion, it’s obviously true that surface design is very smart. Microsoft has been designing Surface for three years by a large designer and engineer team. So, I think undoubtedly Surface design is very nice. Although Microsoft has no previous experience in Headphones. And the surface is their first impression in headphone criteria, I say the surface is not impressive but ultimately a nice product.

Microsoft’s Assistant:

You can use Microsoft’s assistant “Cortana” to control music playbacks, such as forward and backward by voice. Even You can ask to navigate by a certain artist or track by Voice Command.

Noise Cancellation:

Microsoft Surface comes with active noise cancellation and delivers 13 levels of fantastically integrated side dials for volume and noise cancellation. But many trusted reviewers’ opinions, surface noise cancellation quality is not similar to Bose QC35.

Design and Material:

Combining ergonomics adapted with the durable build quality and a sleek platinum finish, Surface Earphones is an attractive pair of cans. Plastic (ear-cup) and steel (headband). Each of these components is strong and durable. Soft-touch exterior looks great, plus a nice shine factor that plays between the metal and plastic headphones’ premium look.

Comfort:

Microsoft Surface is a very comfortable and lightweight headphone. Its Cup is good enough for the pad and most ears. The headband is a very good pad and does not put too much pressure on the head. This should be enough comfortable for a long listening session. But the weight bit heavy than Bose QC and sony.

Bluetooth Version:

The surface is Bluetooth compatible 4.2 version and can connect with two devices together (phone and computer). And surface stable connection up to 42ft and they claimed a line-of-sight range of 296ft.

Sound Quality:

The average condition of Microsoft Surface is closed-back over-ears. They have strong and consistent lightning, a decent-balanced mid-range, but have a sub-parallel treble. Their bass is lightning is a little malicious and overdone, while their mid-range is overpowering and cluttered, making the frequent sound of the voice and lead instrument. Their treble is also slightly rude and uneven, meaning they will have a warm word overall and the lightning will be suitable for heavy discipline fans and is not ideal for more vocal-centric music.

What In The Box When It Comes:

  • Surface Headphone
  • Carrying case
  • USB cable-Charger
  • Audio cable
  • Quick start guide
  • Safety and warranty documents.
Pros
  • Excellent controlling
  • Superb noise cancellation
  • Good battery life
  • Smart look and amazing wireless range.
  • USB C-type charging port
  • Premium comfortable
cons
  • “Cortana” is less capable than other assistants.
  • A bit pricey and Need improvement in sound quality as price.
  • Lack of APTX, not supported for AAC/Apt.

Our Verdict:

Microsoft Surface headphone is the average mixed usage headset. Enough comfortable and good build quality for long time listening sessions. Quality is enough good but not great and the same amount as the Bose QC35 II or Sony MX1000M3. If You Need More Info Then Read Our Full Review Microsoft Surface

4. Sennheiser PXC 550 

Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless – NoiseGard Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Bluetooth Headphone

These PXC 550 are designed for the majority of users who are looking for excellent sound quality to enjoy any type of multimedia content. In addition to good connectivity and a comfortable and simple interface.

For the big music fans and their more private listening, these large headphones (whose ear pads cover the ears and rest on the head, without pressing them) are the best of the best. With them on our ears, the hours pass without stress, more if as in this case the pads are made of quality material and the headband is also padded. With on-ear headphones like these, the membranes are slightly further away from the ears and these can work in a similar way to how they do in a “real” or live listening normally: each ear prints its character to our listening and this makes the listening more natural.

And another advantage is that we can better isolate ourselves from ambient noise. Sennheiser helps us if we want to isolate ourselves from noise with its NoiseGard technology. Dedicated microphones pick up the ambient noise from the outside of the headset, and the circuit injects an identical signal to cancel the noise.

Noise Cancellation:

The main innovation of the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless headphone is the incorporation of the much-demanded active noise cancellation or NoiseGard technology that causes the total isolation of the external noise while listening to your favorite songs, with it, the sound of a car or voices near you are already history if you were looking for noise cancellation. It should be noted that the headphones include a cable with a 3.5mm jack port with which the cancellation will not be effective if you use it. Remember that if you want to activate it will have to be with the headphones in Bluetooth mode.

Style & Comfort:

In terms of design, you can find a generous model in size, with rounded pads and a padded headband so they are not uncomfortable. To facilitate the control, we will find some buttons in the lower part of the headphone that allows us to go from the change the songs to increasing or decreasing the volume without having to look at the screen of the Smartphone. They are also foldable so that transportation is substantially facilitated. Elegant and minimalist, the new wireless headphones have been made from durable materials that make them tough enough to be audio partners for every day.

Sound Quality

If something stands out Sennheiser is for their efforts to offer the best sound quality. The Sennheiser PXC 550 excels in reproducing even the smallest sonic detail and inimitable bass power. Thanks to its codecs, the wireless listening experience becomes unique. If you want to welcome the sound in high fidelity, you are facing a great choice.

These Sennheiser PXC 550 offer comfort on all four sides because thanks to its Bluetooth 4.0 connection and aptX protocol you can fully enjoy the sound quality, however, this does not remain here since using NFC technology you will only have to make a minimal movement, and your headphones and the portable player will be paired immediately.

Connectivity:

These headphones support Bluetooth version 4.0 and can pair multi-device. Even the Bluetooth maintained a stable connection up to 42ft and they claimed a line-of-sight range of 120ft.

What In The Box When It Comes:

  • Sennheiser PXC 550 headphone
  • Audio cable
  • Carrying case
  • USB charging cable
  • Manuals Guide
Pros
  • Nice noise cancellation – Good for travel
  • Aptx connectivity
  • Nice price than others
  • Soft and comfortable.
cons
  • Nice noise cancellation for home, and airlines, and not good for working out.

Our verdict:

Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless versatile headphones in most cases. They are a highly customizable sound but it lacks some good features. They are relatively comfortable, stable, and durable above and comparatively well-off in crowded environments. Best for home and office use.

 

5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Budget-Friendly

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

The Audio-Technica M50 and the Audio-Technica M50x, have been recognized as one of the most used studio headphones in the world. Now, Audio-Technica presents the Audio-Technica M50xBT, a wireless version of this popular headphone with the sound of its predecessor M50x. The headphones offer wireless performance and functionalities that allow total mobility, including a range of 40 hrs. Despite the request of the users for the ATH-M50 to have Bluetooth connectivity and forget about the cable, Audio-Technica went a step further. ATH-M50xBT added the long-awaited wireless connectivity but did not lose the classic cable with a 3.5 mm minijack plug.

Also, these headphones include a touch control to activate the assistants by voice Google Assistant or Siri on your smartphone. It has a built-in microphone, and easy management through the Audio-Technica Connect app for Android and iOS. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT also has a good performance in terms of battery life, and great comfort thanks to its perfect adaptation in the ears which promises study quality audio with or without the cable.

Noise Cancellation:

The Audio-Technica M50xBT retains everything that has made this family of headphones so famous, except for the cables. And when we say that they keep everything, it’s really everything. The M50xBT has been designed by the same engineers who designed the original model, with the only variant that this time the quality of wireless sound has been prioritized.

However there are certain characteristics, or rather absences, that could be improved. For example, it does not contain any type of active noise cancellation technology incorporated. And although it does a job thanks to its passive cancellation, it will never achieve the results that can be obtained with a good active noise cancellation system. For this, you should raise the volume of the music, which is not the best solution for some users.

Style & Comfort:

If we compare the design and style of the old headphones with this new version, they are quite similar. Both maintain their professional style with informal listening. The ATH-M50xBT has an elegant appearance with a thick headband, filled with soft foam and a hinge also wide where the pads are connected. These earmuffs are also filled with foam to provide better comfort to the ears.

These headphones are foldable, which means, that the earmuffs turn to bend and thus be able to keep them in their transport bag that is included, so you do not have to worry, they are flexible so you can handle them without problems, its material is quite rustic but comfortable.

The ATH-M50xBT is black and the Audio-Technica logo is surrounded by a silver color on the back of both earmuffs, which gives it a striking but discreet touch.

Sound Quality:

And so we come to the most important section of the headphones in general and where the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x feels powerful in particular. We have a 45mm speaker with a neodymium magnet that responds to frequencies ranging from 15 to 28,000 Hz. A sensitivity of 99 dB and an impedance of 38 ohms complete it.

The sound emitted by this pair of speakers could be described as transparent. In the good sense of the adjective. The ATH-M50xBT provides a very clear sound at all frequencies without highlighting one above the other. A pair of headphones for true music lovers that do not oversize the bass, the media, or the highs. Only the frequencies that the audio track sends and how it was actually recorded originally. This model ATH-M50xBT gives what the composer and the producer of the track promised when they recorded their piece. This does not mean that we do not have low, medium or highs; only that they will be provided in their proper measure when they must show up.

Connectivity:

M50xBT supports Bluetooth version 5.0, so you can get better results from the wireless range. which maintained a stable connection up to 69ft and they claimed a line-of-sight range of 174ft.

What In The Box When It Comes:

  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT headphone
  • Nice Carrying pouch
  • 1/8” TRRS audio cable
  • USB to the micro USB charging cable
  • Manuals user guide
Pros
  • Excellent battery life
  • MicroUSB charger
  • Super flexible and adjustable with cool comfort
  • Nice sound performance and super stylish
  • Support Bluetooth 5.0
cons
  • No noise cancellation
  • Nothing crazy for the extra feature

Our Verdict:

The ATH-M50xBT have a good and well-balanced audio reproduction that is suitable for a wide variety of music genres. In Average for mixed usage. Also, you can use it comfortably while you Travel in gyming like Sports/Fitness and gaming. And if think, you don’t need noise cancellation then undoubtedly it’s your brand because except for noise canceling its price is much better.  If You Need More Info Then Read Our Full Review ATH-M50xBT

6. Jabra Elite 85h

Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The Jabra Elite 85h can be found for just under $300, making them slightly more affordable than similar noise-canceling headphones. They perform just as well, if not better than some of their higher-priced competitors. They have a long-lasting battery life, with or without the noise canceling features activated. If the battery is drained, a quick charge of 15 minutes can give you up to five hours of playback. A full charge can be achieved in just under 2.5 hours and give approximately 35 to 41 hours of comfortable playback time.

They also fold compactly for easy travel use and storage. The Jabra Elite 85h offers great sound replication and there is no need to worry about rain with their water-proof coating. Not only are they Bluetooth 5 capable, but they also can be hard-wired for optimal audio quality.

While they do lack AAC and aptX support, the Jabra Elite 85h’s offer a multitude of features in addition to great noise-canceling capability and audio sound quality.

Noise Cancellation:

The noise cancellation feature is fully customizable with the Jabra Sound+ App. The Jabra Elite 85h utilizes eight microphones that filter out ambient sounds. The headphones are adaptive and change according to the environment with the Jabra SmartSound technology. This technology can detect more than 6,000 unique sounds and uses this to determine what level of noise cancellation to apply to your environment.

If the eight microphones located in the headphones pick up on any unwanted noise, they automatically switch the ANC on. The app can be used to adjust the ANC requirements. The ANC is high effective at diminishing noises like keyboard clicks, air condition units, and washing machines as ambient noises in the background. Low-frequency noises may still come through at times, but that is normal will any ANC headphones. The HearThru settings can also be adjusted to amplify surroundings if desired.

Noise cancellation can also be adjusted with a small toggle button on the edge of the left side of the headphones. The Jabra Elite 85h’s claim to last up to 41 hours of playback time if the noise-canceling feature is turned off. With noise-canceling turned on, the headphones still offer an astounding 35 hours of playback time depending upon volume and other applications. If the headphones are used strictly for a daily commute, they would not need to be recharged until the end of the week.

Style & Comfort:

The Jabra Elite 85h’s are extremely comfortable as an over-the-ear wireless headphones. They have plush ear cups that can fit around any ear. The ear cups are a bit bulky, but they need to be in for their 40mm drivers and to ensure full noise cancellation. Their comfortable fit makes them great for all-day wear.

Due to their bulky size and heavyweight, it is not recommended to purchase these headphones for use during active workouts. They are better recommended for the daily commute or stationary listening. They are slightly heavier than their Bose and Sony competitors.

The Jabra Elite 85h’s are sturdily built and foldable with dual hinges to help them fold. The Jabra Elite 85h does fold flat and even rotates 90 degrees. They also come with a carrying case for easy travel. When they are folded flat, they automatically turn off. While turning them inward will turn on the Jabra Elite 85h.

One noted issue on the fit is that the headband may not extend far enough for those with larger head sizes. The headphones are available in three colors: black, gold/beige, and navy blue.

Sound Quality:

The audio sound quality of the Jabra Elite 85h’s is fantastic. They offer an accurate reproduction of sound with great depth. Instrument separation is detailed and vocals really stand out. The midrange is clear in the sound quality, giving great texture to vocals. The Jabra Elite 85h have a notable ability to distinguish between different frequencies and seems to have a good understanding of their sound with how to properly reproduce each music track as it was intended to be heard by the artist.

The sound detail is bright and the deeper bass can be boomy. The bass is not as responsive as other wireless headphones, but it is not noticeably lacking or distracting from the audio quality.

The headphones are protected with nano-coating which makes them water-resistant. If briefly exposed to rain during a commute trip, the headphones will be able to still produce quality sound.

The Jabra Elite 85h’s do not support aptX or AAC. While the headphones produce great sound quality without those features, for optimal audio sound quality, it is suggested to use the included 3.5mm cable for wired listening.

The headphones do allow for use during phone calls with their connected microphone, but lower voices are not picked up as well as higher-pitched voices. Background noise such as wind noise is isolated well during voice transmissions. If the headphone’s main use will be for calling features, rather than music listening, then the Jabra Elite 85h’s might not be the best option for purchase.

Connectivity:

The Jabra Elite 85h is Bluetooth 5 capable and has a 10-meter wireless connectivity range. There is also an included 3.5mm cable for wired listening. You can also pair up to eight devices to the headset and connect two simultaneously with multi-connect. The headphones are compatible with both iPhones and Android devices.

The Jabra Elite 85h features automatic ear detection, which is a rare find in wireless headphones. As mentioned above, the headphones can fold flat. When they are folded flat, they automatically turn off. While turning them inward will turn on the Jabra Elite 85h. When the headphones are sensed to be removed from the user’s head, playback automatically pauses. When placed back on, playback then automatically resumes. The headphones can also be set to turn off after a certain amount of time using their sound app for battery life conservation.

The headphones do include a panel on the right side that is nearly undetectable by any non-user. The panels include playback, volume, and call controls. There are also small buttons found on the edges of both of the ear cups that control noise cancellation and microphone voice assistant.

The voice assistant button has the capability to connect to Siri, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The button responds easily to the touch but is a bit small in size.

Pros
  • Noise cancelling
  • Long battery life
  • Water-resistant nano-coating
  • Bluetooth 5 connectivity
  • Quick charging
  • Comfortable
cons
  • No AAC support
  • No aptX support
  • Low bass response

Our Verdict:

The Jabra Elite 85h’s have a great battery life and offer great noise cancelling in the under $300 price range. When turned off, the headphones offer a year of standby time. A full charge can be achieved in 2.5hours. The quick charge and long-lasting playback time are great for commuters and daily listening. The audio sound quality is fantastic and the noise cancelling capabilities are notable. The only downfall of these headphones is their lack of AAC and aptX support, otherwise, they are a worthwhile purchase.

7. AKG N60NC 

AKG Noise Cancelling Headphones N60NC

The AKG N60 NC is just under $300 and is on the higher end of the upper $200 price range for wireless headphones. Notably, these are the headphones given out on Lufthansa flights. Their noise cancellation capabilities and high-end sound quality make them perfect for airline travel.

The AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones offer an astounding 30-hour battery life. Note that this is only if the ANC and Bluetooth are not being used. Otherwise, the battery life shrinks down to 15 hours. The AKG N60 NC have minimal sound leakage and offers excellent detail and precision in its sound quality.

Noise Cancellation:

The AKG N60 NC has a high level of noise cancellation that is hard to top. Their top-tier noise cancellation allows for easy listening and superior audio levels at low volumes.

You cannot adjust ANC recognition or turn it off to save the battery life, which is cut down to 15 hours of playback time during wireless use. The ANC can distort the lows and mid-levels at times. However, their noise isolation is so great, its best to have the ANC optimized at all times.

ANC is automatically activated with the wireless operation of the headphones. The ANC can be turned off only if the headphones are hard-wired to the audio device. When plugged in with ANC off, battery life can last up to 30 hours.

The noise cancellation is extremely impressive and does an excellent job of erasing any background noise from busy streets, subways, or offices.

Style & Comfort:

The AKG N60 NC are plastic built and there is no notable aesthetics that make the headphones stand out significantly. They are better looking than other wireless headphones with some metal housing connections and accents for style. Obviously, their style is not their main feature and they are purchased for their sound quality and noise cancelling capabilities.

Their comfort level is not optimal for long listening sessions, especially for those with shorter hair. After a few hours of wear, the ear pads put pressure directly onto your ears. No amount of padding can correct this issue, but these earpads do have thick padding and larger cups to cover more ear surfaces. The AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones’ on-ear design makes them breathable so they should trap in less heat.

The earpads are deep and covered in a soft leather-like material, and the band does adjust for the perfect fit. If the band is too tight, the headphones might pinch and become uncomfortable without an adjustment to their fit. The headband is lightly padded for comfort.

The AKG N60 NC are lightweight, which makes them not as durable or stable for athletic wear or use during physical activities.

The AKG N60 NC come with a 3.5mm auxiliary cable, a micro-USB cable, and a neoprene carrying case. While not quite as comfortable as over-the-ear wireless headphones, they are more portable and have a more compact size in comparison. They are slightly larger than their wired predecessor, The AKG K490-NC, but feel like they are built with more durability in mind. The AKG N60NC Wireless headphones are flexible and can fit into jacket pockets for easy portability. Their cups are foldable and rotate to lay flat. They come with a soft carrying pouch to store and protect against minor scratches and water exposure.

Sound Quality:

The AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones offer superior sound quality for being closed-back on-ear headphones. They offer crisp, clear sound. Music and audio can be listened to at super low volume levels. The lower your volume, the better quality of your sound. Usually, most turn the volume up to higher levels to manually cancel out background noise. With the AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones, the noise cancellation levels are so great that it is not necessary to do so.

The low volume is key to in-flight use so that there is not a lot of unnecessary sound leakage. The headphones fit on the ear, so there is not a super tight seal and some sound leakage may occur depending on volume levels. This may be why their sound quality excels at lower volumes which would offer less sound leakage.

The mid-range performance is very good. Treble’s performance is also very good and well-balanced. As noted above, the ANC can affect the sound quality of the lows and mids at times. Vocals come across well and do not seem affected by any ANC distortion. There is good detail and precision in the sound quality offered by the AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones with the ANC blocking out any exterior sounds.

Overall the headphones offer pretty good bass sound. Bass is balanced against midrange and treble nicely. Bass can sometimes become boomy and overemphasized at times. Also, a small echo can occur at times due to the closed-back design of the headphones.

The microphone sound quality is not good, which is similar to a lot of wireless over-the-ear headphones in this price range. This could also be due to the fact that these headphones are marketed for sound quality and audio rather than for phone call use and gaming chats. In noisy environments, the microphone has difficulty separating speech from ambient noise in the background. They do come with an audio cable with an in-line microphone to help correct any poor microphone sound qualities.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth headphones are becoming quite popular now, but it is difficult to find a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones that offer great sound and noise cancellation. The AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones do support both AAC and aptX codecs with Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. This is especially helpful with the recent uptick in smartphones dropping their headphone jack entirely.

The headphones will automatically pair and sync to smartphone devices. They can be connected wireless to two Bluetooth devices at the same time for listening convenience. The wireless range for connectivity is also notable depending on the signal strength. It can range from 64 to 231 feet.

The headphones do come with a 3.5mm cable for a wired connection if desired or if your AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones are running low on battery life.

There are basic hand controls that are built in the bottom of the ear cups for power, sync, volume, and track control. The control buttons are intuitive in their location and design, making it difficult to mistake volume for “next track” buttons like on some wireless headphones. The playback button doubles as the call answer switch. The hand controls are switches rather than buttons, making them easier to use, but they do not offer audio cues as buttons do.

Pros
  • Good noise canceling
  • Lightweight
  • Portable
cons
  • Comfort level
  • Battery life Needs improvement

Our Verdict:

The AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones offer great noise and sound isolation, making them an excellent choice for use in noisy environments such as the subway or in-flight. While their comfort level is not ideal for super long listening sessions and their battery life with ANC activated is only 15 hours, the AKG N60 NC Wireless headphones are a noteworthy purchase for just their sound quality alone. They are compact in size, decently priced, and offer strong sound quality and noise cancellation.

8. GRADO Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphone

GRADO Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones

Found for under $300, the Grado GW100 wireless headphones offer excellent sound quality and Bluetooth capability with an open-back design. Battery life can last a little over 15 hours and a full charge with a micro-USB cord only requires two hours of charging. While the battery life is not overly impressive, and those 15 hours are at mid-level volumes, the battery does last long enough for regular daily use and two hours for a full charge is remarkable.

The open-back design is a mainstay in Grado headphones. The open-back design is preferred by a select corner of the headphone market and is not typically offered in wireless headphones, mainly because they lack noise cancellation and suggest quite a bit of sound leakage which then narrows their usage capabilities.

While their fit may not be ideal for smaller heads, their lightweight is appealing for comfort and long listening sessions. The Grado GW100s are not overwhelmingly impressive headphones, but they do offer a unique open-back design style for wireless listening and great sound quality. Grado is well known for its wired headphones, and the Grado GW100s are their first attempt at wireless headphones.

Noise Cancellation:

The Grado GW100s do not offer any noise canceling. Outside background noise can clearly be heard over the headphone’s audio, especially in noisy environments like the subway. With the headphones being designed as an open back, there are also a lot of sound leakages making them less than ideal for listening while at work or in quiet environments. The open back also deters any noise cancellation since the drivers can direct sound both in and out of the ear cups.

With their 15-hour battery life, only at mid-level volumes, the Grado GW100s do not compare to other wireless headphones in their price range that can outlast their battery life and offer both noise cancellation and less sound leakage. Since they do not travel well and leak in quiet environments, it is a wonder as to why they are wireless in the first place.

Style & Comfort:

The Grado GW100s are on-ear wireless headphones with a unique open-back design. On-ear means the cushions sit on, not over, the ear. This design makes the headphones more compact and travels friendly rather than over-the-ear headphones. The on-ear cushion style is also more comfortable for longer wear as well.

Their open-back design gives them a vintage aesthetic. Though, for such a high price, the construction of the headphones is not as expected. Grado GW100’s plastic built, which makes them feel cheap. The headphones do not seem very durable in build. However, the plastic build keeps the headphone extremely lightweight for long-wearing sessions. The headphones are only offered in one color, black with aluminum hardware.

While the headphones are comfortable in daily wear, they do cause a bit of discomfort for those with glasses. The headband is a thin, lightweight vinyl leather material and is fully adjustable. The downfall of the headband is that it does not adjust to fit smaller heads. The Grado GW100s can easily slip off the head if moving too much or if not tightly fit to the head. They do stay in place if fitted tightly enough while running, and their lightweight does not allow them to bounce around.

The ear pads come off easily for cleaning and can be replaced if lost or damaged. They are made from foam that does not seem high quality, but they do offer comfort in their wear.

The Grado GW100 higher-end price suggests they should have a more durable build and better fit in comparison to other wireless headphones in their price range. The headphones do not collapse or fold in any special way. The headphones come with a carrying pouch, 3.5mm auxiliary cable, and a micro-USB charging cable.

Sound Quality:

The Grado GW100s offer excellent audio sound quality. While Bluetooth was capable and wireless, the headphones do offer the option of wired listening if preferred. Acoustic tracks sound great on the headphones, as do most frequencies as long as there is not a lot of outside background noise.

Vocal sounds are prominent and treble frequencies receive an appropriate emphasis in sound quality. Bass frequencies also do not disappoint in the Grado GW 100’s. Bass sounds project as powerful, but not overwhelming from the headphones. The EQ settings can be adjusted on your phone if needed.

Sound leakage is an issue with the Grado GW100s. This makes them less than ideal for use during daily commutes or in an office space. Background sounds also can be heard easily while listening with headphones, especially in noisy environments like the subway. With their sound leakage, the headphones are really only suitable for at-home listening in a quiet room.

With their open-back design, the grille is exposed on the back enclosure of the cups. This allows sound and air to move freely in and out of the cups and improves the sound quality. The open back gives the headphones a wider sound stage, so the music feels like it covers the entire room and gives a more natural audio sound.

There is an integrated microphone for call usage, but it is not very efficient. Voices will sound echoed and distant. The microphone is fine for quick phone calls, but not meant to be the main usage of the headphones.

Connectivity:

The headphones connect via Bluetooth 4.2, which is not the most updated version of Bluetooth currently. Regardless, it is not noticeable in the connection quality and the connection works well with very few interruptions. They pair instantly to smart devices. There is also a 10-meter connectivity range. As mentioned above, there is an auxiliary cable for wired listening as well. Qualcomm’s aptX is the only Bluetooth codec supported by the Grado GW100 headphones.

There is no in-line remote on the included wired cable, nor is there a smart sync function for automatic turn-on or off when not in use. There are buttons on the outer edges of the ear cups for power, playback, and call controls. The Grado GW100s connect easily to smartphones and do not have any connection drop issues. The built-in microphone can connect to your smart device’s voice assistant, but due to the microphone sound quality mentioned above, call audio is not optimal and the headphones were not made with call usage in mind.

The Grado GW100s are very similar to Grado’s previous classic wired headphones, but with Bluetooth. Some suggest that the Grado GW100s also offer much better sound capabilities than their previous wired headphones.

Pros
  • Decent battery life
  • Great sound quality
  • Lightweight
  • aptX support
  • Aesthetic design
cons
  • Plastic build
  • Sound leakage
  • No noise cancellation

Our Verdict:

The Grado GW100’s are not very impressive for their price range. Most choose wireless headphones for use during daily commutes, but since the Grado GW100s do not offer noise cancellation and have quite a bit of sound leakage, they do not isolate the user from any outside noise. The Grado GW100s are only ideal for those listening in a home environment looking for wireless headphones where noise canceling and sound leakage are important. The Grado GW100s offer great sound quality, but a wired model would save costs and offer better features.

9. Beyerdynamic 250 OHM

beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones

The Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s in Pro Style DT 770 are a great studio and monitor headphone at a reasonable under $200 mid-range price tag for one of their higher-end models. They offer a closed-back over-the-ear style and a long, wired cord that does not leave you feeling tethered. The 250 OHM’s were designed for control and monitoring with their professional sound. They are used in studios all over the world by broadcasters and music producers.

The headphones are aptly named to reflect their impedance level of 250 OHM. Such a high level makes them perfect for sound mixing in the studio. They are a closed-back model which gives them great noise isolation and less sound leakage.

Their sound quality offers spectacular bass and balanced sound. The Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s are durable in build and extremely comfortable for longer wear plush ear pads that fit over-the-ear rather than putting pressure and sitting on ear.

Noise Cancellation:

The Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s are a closed-back model that helps their noise cancellation levels. You can hear some ambient noise while listening at times. They do keep out a lot of general background noise and suggest strong noise isolation. The headphones should get approximately 18dB of noise cancellation. Their closed-back design helps minimize any sound leakage and bleed, as does their over-the-ear cup design. The Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s are excellent for use in loud environments.

Style & Comfort:

The Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s style DT 770 is an over-the-ear closed-back design. They are highly noted for their comfortable fit which is great for long listening sessions. This is mainly due to their over-the-ear design so the earpads are not pressing against your ears. The band and yokes are adjustable so that you can fully enclose the ears for optimal sound quality and speaker position. Even users with glasses find the band of these headphones comfortable. There is a replacement headband pad that snaps over the metal underneath for additional comfort.

The ear cups are pretty massive in size and deep, but this is so that they can cover the entire ear and avoid sound leakage or pressure on the ears. Despite their large size, during wear, the headphones do not stick out much from your head and are not overly noticeable. With this in mind, the aesthetic appeal of the headphones is nothing amazing, but it does the trick of looking decent and timeless for the under $200 price range. The headphones also stay tightly on your head and do not fall off easily.

The headphones are all black and have a durable and sturdy build, but the overall feel of their textured plastic build can seem cheap. The use of hard, textured plastic on the ear cups and the headband adjustment mechanism is not ideal. However, the ear pads are made of a super-soft padded material that is similar to velvet. The earpads can be replaced or exchanged for more different pads that offer more sound isolation if desired. If you do swap out the earpads, note that the comfort level that the pads were designed for will be lost, as well as the original aesthetics of the Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s design.

While not wireless, their coiled cord can reach 3 meters which gives them a wide range of motion during wear. The cable material is also durable and has a spring to it if pulled. The wired cord is quite flexible and can bend to fit any placement. The wire is non-detachable and cannot be replaced if it does break or have any defects. There is a 2-year warranty included with the headphones. There are also exposed wires that come out of each ear cup that might bother some users.

The headphones come with a very thin, vinyl material carrying bag. The bag is extremely thin and will not do much for the protection of the headphones or storage.

Sound Quality:

The sound quality overall has a good balance and offers decent sound. The DT 770 Pro model seems to focus on the details and vocal presence but tends to leave out the mid ranges. The mid-levels are withdrawn, but come off as clean and un-muddied. High sound levels are not grainy or harsh. Treble detail is truly focused on the Beyerdynamic 250 ohms.

The headphones are consistent in terms of frequency response. They also have a large soundstage similar to their predecessor, the 80 OHM version. For being closed-back headphones, their soundstage is quite impressive. Imaging is also notable on the headphones, though it can come off as flat at times. The headphones are labeled left and right-sided, but the sound comes off evenly and harmoniously to both.

The bass sound quality on the Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s is fantastic and luxurious. The innovative and reflexive bass is probably one of their best features. The bass can be velvety in sound and smooth. Lower frequencies can sometimes sound boomy which can be distracting. The bass and the treble focus of the Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s, in addition to their comfortable wear, is what makes them perfect for monitor and studio use.

Unfortunately, the headphones do require an amp for listening to louder volumes. A specialized amp is recommended to enhance the difference in sound between the DT 770 Pro 250 OHM’s and their earlier, cheaper versions. The headphones do respond well to EQ adjustments.

Connectivity:

As noted above, the headphones are wired with a 3-meter cable. The cable does not detach and is not replaceable if it comes off by error. The cable mini-jack is gold plated to add some aesthetics to the otherwise plain-looking black headphones. There is also a ¼ inch stereo jack adaptor included which helps the headphones adapt to other plug-ins. Being wired means they have no Bluetooth capabilities or wireless technology. They do connect to smartphones and laptops easily with their cable and jack adaptor. Wired can also be a plus for these headphones since it will mean they have no latency and will have a quick response rate.

While they may not offer much in connectivity, the Beyerdynamic 250 OHM’s in the DT 770 Pro model offers maximum flexibility and detailed reliable sound, making them preferred for professional use. The headphones come at a great value for their features and audience focus of professional usage. However, for a slightly higher price point, you could probably find wireless headphones that may offer more adaptable features for those with a more active lifestyle.

Pros
  • Comfortable
  • 3-meter cord range
  • Price
  • Durable build
cons
  • Wired cord
  • Plastic build
  • Sound quality

Our Verdict:

The Beyerdynamic 250 OHM headphones are durable and lightweight, making them ideal for long listening sessions and extended use. They sit comfortably over the ears and have minimal sound leakage with their closed-back design. They are offered at a mid-range price point and their sound quality seems to reflect that pricing. Sound quality is mediocre and without a wireless option, this makes the headphones less than ideal for purchasing on sound quality alone. However, if you are purchasing headphones for listening while sitting at a monitor for long periods of time, their comfort level and isolation would be worthwhile.

10. Bose 700 Outstanding ANC Performance 

Bose Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 700, with Alexa Voice Control

The Bose NC 700 offer amazing sound quality and noise cancellation levels. Great sound quality and noise cancellation are expected at their high price point. They can be found for nearly $400 at many locations. While the price is notably on the high end for wireless, noise cancelling headphone, their features speak to the worthiness of such a high price.

Bose is a brand well-known for its great products in the sound industry, especially for noise cancelling headphones. The Bose NC 700 are no exception to that. Not only do their headphones isolate noise while listening to music, but they also isolate for phone calls.

The Bose NC 700s are wireless and have a sleek stylish design. They also offer sufficient battery life for all of their included features. The battery life on the headphones is approximately 20 hours and will vary slightly depending on what features you are utilizing and volume levels that will drain the battery life.

Noise Cancellation:

The Bose NC 700s lead their class with outstanding noise cancellation levels. Most noise cancelling headphones only isolate noise during listening sessions. The Bose NC 700 take noise cancellation one step further. Their noise cancellation also functions well during phone calls, so that the other line cannot hear any noise in the background of your phone call. Making phone calls with your wireless headphones while walking down a busy street is no longer an issue with the Bose NC 700s.

Their supreme noise cancellation is achieved with an eight-microphone system. Six of the eight microphones enable traditional noise cancellation during audio playing. Two of the Bose NC 700’s microphones are paired with two separate mics. Those mics work together to isolate your voice and reject ambient background noise during phone calls. Your voice will sound clearer to the person on the other line than if using another brand or version of wireless headphones.

There are 11 different noise cancellation settings that are available to the Bose NC 700s. The settings range from very light noise cancellation to full noise cancellation. The highest level should block out nearby drilling sounds, loud conversations, or other extreme noises in the background or nearby. The noise cancellation settings are controlled by using the Bose Music application on your wireless connected device. There is also the option to preset three of the noise cancellation levels with one of the buttons on the ear cup.

Some noise cancellation levels add additional pressure within the headphones to the ears, and that can become uncomfortable for users. The 11 different settings available eliminate this issue entirely. There is no additional pressure felt from the noise cancellation or suction-like feeling that other noise-cancelling headphones may have.

Noise cancellation can also be turned off if preferred and would allow for you to be able to hold conversations without having to remove the headphones or turn your music off.

Style & Comfort:

Their design is sleek and stylish and is offered in silver or black. There are no visible hinges or bulky hardware on the Bose NC 700s. They have a one-piece aesthetic that is extremely appealing. Their sleek design makes other over-the-ear, wireless, noise cancelling headphones appear large and clunky.

The headband is cushioned and designed in stainless steel. There are no unsightly sliders for size adjustment. Instead, the cups can slide up or down for adjustments. Size can easily be adjusted, as can changing the headphones from flat to cylindrical. The cushion on the headband makes them extremely comfortable for long listening sessions.

The headphones are lightweight and the ear cups are super soft. The earpads are leatherette material and very comfortable. The Bose NC 700s are an over-the-ear style, so the cups fully enclose the ears. The over-the-ear design helps ensure comfort so that the cups are not pressing against the head or ear. The design also adds to the noise cancellation and noise isolation levels. The ear cups are large enough to fit over most ears. 

While the lightweight feel is great and helps keep the headphones comfortable for long wear, they can make the headphones feel cheaper and less durable in build. But I have no doubt NC 700 headphones are in the market.

The headphones do not collapse inward for storage like previous Bose headphones. Instead, they fold flat. They also come with a nice faux-leather zip-up carrying case for storage and protection. Since the headphones do not fold inward, their storage case has to be a bit large to accommodate their fit.

Sound Quality:

The Bose NC 700s have a vibrant, fantastic sound. The audio never sounds muddy and has a great punch to it. There is amazing detail in sound quality and real clarity. The clarity in the audio allows the listener to pick up on a lot of great sound textures and accuracy within their music. Their sound quality is a definite upgrade to Bose’s previous wireless headphones.

They have a wide and well-balanced soundstage. noise-canceling headphones usually do not have such a wide soundstage. With the Bose NC 700s, you can feel immersed in your music. The headphones are enjoyable for long listening sessions with their bold sound quality.

As mentioned above, the sound quality during audio phone calls is remarkably clear due to the amazing noise cancellation levels offered by the Bose NC 700s.

Connectivity:

To sync your wireless device with the wireless Bose NC 700s, you will need to install the Bose Music application on your device. The application is free to download and install. The Bose Music application will have on-screen instructions to pair your device to the headphones easily.

Within the Bose Music application, you can easily change the default voice assistant from Google Assistant to Alexa. You can also reassign the button on the headphones for your default noise cancellation levels. Default is 0, 5, and 10, and there are 11 different settings available. 

The Bose NC 700 headphones can be controlled with touch-sensitive other ear cups on the right side. There are also buttons that are pre-set located on the outside of the ear cups.

The touch controls are intuitive and easy to use. Swiping up or down on the ear cup changes the volume, tapping can pause or play your music, and swiping backward or forwards will skip tracks.

The headphones can connect to Google Assistant and Siri. There is a button on the right ear cup that activates the voice command option. Alexa is built-in already, so connecting to Amazon’s voice-activated assistant is even easier – all you need to do is say “Alexa” and it will connect automatically. The headphones also come with USB Type-A and Type-C cords for charging and a 3.5mm to 2.5mm audio jack.

Pros
  • Noise cancellation
  • Sound quality
  • Stylish design
cons
  • Price
  • Battery Life

Our Verdict:

If you expect top-tier sound and noise cancellation from steeply priced wireless headphones, you will not be disappointed with the Bose NC 700s. They offer unparalleled noise cancellation and top-notch sound quality for a truly immersive and enjoyable listening experience. For their price, their battery life could be longer. For their connectivity and features offered, the Bose NC 700s are a worthwhile purchase.

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