Best Budget Wireless Headphones
A pair of headphones doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. The latest models provide amazing sound, features and ease of use at a lower cost.
These wireless headphones on ear have a very long battery life and incorporate controls to manage playback or change songs, as well as activate your smart assistant. They also support Bluetooth Low Latency 5.0 which allows high-definition streaming audio.
1. Sennheiser HD 450BT
With the name Sennheiser on the packaging you'd expect top-quality performance from these headphones. The 450BT delivers on the promise, with superb noise cancellation and a variety of features that you'd typically get on higher-end models. The 450BT uses the aptX low latency codec and has batteries that will easily last longer than the longest flights. They also offer a comfortable fit.
The ear cups are cushioned and padded to offer the most comfortable experience. They can be folded flat to carry in the carry case included. The controls are located on the right earcup, and have a button that will activate your voice assistant on your phone or tablet. You can also use the button to control the playback of music including the ability to pause and skip. The battery of the 450BT is claimed to last 30 hours of music playback with active noise cancellation. The audio quality is top-notch, and you can adjust the sound to your preference using the Smart Control app.
beats studio wireless headphones have a balanced tonality, which makes them a good choice for a variety of musical styles. The bass frequencies are clear without smothering the low-end and the high-frequency trebles have plenty of sparkle. They're also very responsive to changes in the music providing a natural sense of space and airiness that's easy on the ears. The piano keys in Frahm's classical tracks and the pulsing beats of Kendrick's Alright are all fun to listen to.
The 450BT's superb audio quality and modern features make them better than the majority of their competitors, they're still competing against models that cost less than them. Anker Soundcore NC and Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC9 both provide excellent alternatives in this category. If you can increase your budget to $200 then the 450BT is an excellent value.
The HD 450BT's superior noise cancellation, long battery life, and stylish design make these headphones worth the extra cost. These headphones are a great purchase for music lovers of all kinds, but those who prefer more transparency and better Bluetooth codec support might prefer higher-end models like the Sony WH1000XM3 or Bose QC35 2.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
If you're looking to purchase a premium pair of headphones at an even lower price, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT is a great alternative. The Bluetooth version of the popular M-series headphone adds wireless connectivity to the headphones for just S$40 more. These headphones are designed to be used for recording, mixing and everyday listening. The matte black finish is more attractive than the flimsy plastic or fake silver finishes on other budget headphones. They're also comfortable, although their fit isn't perfect and depends on the size of your head.
The ATH-M20xBT has a high fidelity sound that's comparable to most high-end headphones, thanks to 40mm drivers that feature rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils. They're also well-designed and built to last, featuring sturdy metal construction and a foldable design that folds into a small case for easy storage. The earcups cannot be rotated this could be a problem for some users.
They're able to provide a long battery life too that can last up to 60 hours on one charge. They are easy to pair and also support multipoint pairing, so you can listen to two sources. They have a low-latency video streaming mode, which means you'll be able to keep up with the action.
The M-series headphones, while they don't support ANC or apps are a great choice for anyone looking to buy their first Bluetooth headphones at a reasonable cost. They deliver top-quality audio quality and fidelity for the price and the absence of ANC or app control doesn't detract from their 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 considering. It's not as good as the M50xBT2 model, but it does a fantastic job of keeping up with higher-end rivals in this price range.
3. Tranya T20
Tranya is a newer audio brand that is focused on creating high-quality wireless headphones. The T20 is the most recent authentic wireless earbuds from Tranya. They look great, sound fantastic and fit perfectly. The T20 features are similar to Apple's 2nd generation Airpods with less than half the price.
Tranya earbuds have a wide variety of tips to help you find the perfect fitting to your ear canal regardless of what shape it has. They also come with dual EQ settings to allow for flexibility The normal mode sounds soft and balanced, ideal for podcasts, classical music, or jazz, while the bass Boost mode is great for EDM and hip-hop. If you're a gamer the T20s feature a special low-latency game mode that guarantees a smooth, lag-free transfer so that your video and audio feeds match up properly.
To make phone calls the Tranya T20's 4 microphone and noise filtering system does great job of separating your voice from background noise. They also allow hands-free calls, so you can use them with your phone while driving or walking along the street. They're also IPX7-certified which means they are safe to use in the shower or when swimming.
The T20's dynamic drivers of 6mm with graphene coating are not the largest in their class, but they deliver plenty of sound projection to create a large audio stage. The soundstage is clean and feels like an extension of your experience with high-frequency and vocal instruments sounding clear and spacious. The Bass Boost setting is bassy but doesn't overwhelm the higher frequencies, as vocal trance.
The earbuds can be charged with a portable charger that can hold up to five charges. It's easy to determine when it's time for recharges with an LED indicator that flashes red and blue when the battery is depleted. You can connect the earbuds to your laptop or computer for streaming audio and sharing content with friends. And for those on the go the earbuds work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your apps and smart home devices with your voice.
4. 1More Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is a pair of wireless headphones that offer an amazing value for money. They are an excellent choice when you're looking for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that are lightweight and comfortable, as well as having excellent noise cancellation. Although they don't offer the same high-quality audio as the top-rated models such as the Sennheiser PXC 550-II or Bose QuietComfort 45, their great price and features make them a desirable alternative for those looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
They don't have the same level of advanced features, such as noise cancellation that can be adjusted, or a monitor setting to bring outside sound when listening in public. However, they still provide excellent audio clarity and a solid amount of noise-blocking. In addition the 40mm drivers have enough power to pump out richly detailed music. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 with low latency for videos and voice calls.
With an ANC setting turned on the Life Q20 can block out around 70 percent of the ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your audio and shut out the world. However, if ANC is off, the headphones don't do a great job of neutralizing background noise, and they can be distracting in noisy environments. Additionally, the headband can be tight, which could put unnecessary pressure on your skull after a period of use.
After the headphones have been paired with your device they are easy to use due to their simple controls. There are no gesture controls or apps, but clearly marked physical buttons on sides of the earphones. 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 and a USB A to TRS cable to allow wired listening. The case is a nice feature that will show that 1More is committed to making these headphones a good choice for traveling. It's full of places to place various cables and risers to ensure they are at the right height when wearing them.