Best Budget Wireless Headphones
A pair of headphones doesn't have to cost you the earth. Cheaper models now offer incredible sound, features and comfort for the money.
These on-ear wireless headphones have a very long battery life, and also incorporate controls to manage playback and change songs as well as to activate your personal assistant. They also come with Bluetooth Low Latency 5.0 which allows for high-definition streaming audio.
1. Sennheiser HD 450BT
You'd expect top-quality performance from a pair of headphones sporting the Sennheiser brand on the box. The 450BT is a great model that meets this expectation. It offers a wide range of features that include noise cancellation that is typically available on higher-end models. The 450BT is compatible with the aptX codec with low latency and has batteries that is able to last for the longest flights. It also has an ergonomic fit.
The ear cups are cushioned and padded to offer the most comfortable experience. They can be folded flat and carried inside the case that comes with them. The controls are on the right ear cup and include a button that turns on the voice assistant of your tablet or phone. The button can also be used to control the music playback, including pause, skip and rewind. The 450BT's battery provides a claimed 30 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation on. The audio quality is superb, and the Smart Control app allows you to adjust the sound according to your preferences.
The headphones have a well-balanced tone that makes them ideal for most styles of music. The bass frequencies are tense without smothering the low-end and the high-frequency trebles have plenty of sparkle. They're also extremely responsive to changes in dynamic, giving you an easy-to-hear sensation of space and a sense of airiness. The piano keys of Frahm's classic tracks as well as the pulsing beat in Kendrick's Alright are all great to listen to.
The 450BT's exceptional sound quality and modern features make them better than most of their competition however, they're competing with models that cost less than them. In this regard the Anker Soundcore Space NC and Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC9 are excellent alternatives. If you can stretch your budget to $200 and 450BT, then it's an excellent value.
The HD 450BT headphones are worth the cost, thanks to their superior noise cancellation, long-lasting battery, and sleek design. They're a solid buy for most music fans but those who need more clarity and better quality Bluetooth codec support might want higher-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM3 or Bose QC35 II.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT headphones are good choice if you're trying to purchase a pair of high-quality headphones at a cheaper cost. The Bluetooth version of the well-known M-series headphones adds wireless connectivity to the headphones for only S$40 more. They are designed for mixing, recording and listening to music for the everyday. The design is simple and refined with the matte black finish which is much more appealing than the faux silver or plastic options on other headphones that are priced lower. They're also comfortable, though their fit isn't perfect and depends on the size of your head.
The ATH-M20xBT offers a high-fidelity audio quality that's comparable to most premium over-ear headsets because of its 40mm drivers and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils. They're also made to last, thanks to the tough metal construction. They can be folded into a small case, which makes it easy to store. The earcups aren't rotationally adjustable which could be a problem for some users.
They have a good battery life too with up to 60 hours from just one charge. They're simple to pair with devices, and they can be used with multipoint pairing so you can listen to two different sources simultaneously. They also support low-latency modes for streaming video, so you'll be in sync with what's happening on screen.
The M-series headphones aren't perfect, but they don't support ANC or apps, are a great choice for anyone who is looking to purchase their first Bluetooth headphones at a reasonable cost. They offer top-quality audio quality and fidelity at this price and the absence of ANC or app control does not diminish their overall value.
The ATH-M20xBT Bluetooth headphones are a great option for those looking to save money on a pair of headphones while still getting top-quality sound. It's not as impressive as the M50xBT2 which is more expensive, but it can compete with other headphones in this price range.
3. Tranya T20
Tranya is a brand newer to the audio brand that is focused on creating premium wireless headphones. The T20 is the latest true wireless earbuds made by Tranya. They look great, sound fantastic and fit perfectly. The T20's features set is quite well with Apple's Airpods 2nd Generation for less than half the cost.
The Tranya earbuds come with an impressive selection of tips to help you find the perfect fit regardless of your ear canal shape. The earbuds come with dual EQ settings that allow you to have flexibility. Normal mode sounds balanced, warm and perfect for classical music or podcasts. While the Bass Boost setting is the best for EDM or hip-hop. And if you're into gaming the T20s feature a special low-latency game mode that guarantees a smooth, lag-free transfer so that your audio and video feeds will be in sync.
Tranya T20 has a 4-microphone system and noise filtering that isolates your voice from background noise. They also support hands-free phone calls, so you can use them with your smartphone while driving or walking along the street. They're also rated for IPX7, so you can safely use them while you're taking a shower or swimming.
The T20's 6mm graphene-coated, dynamic drivers aren't the largest in this class, but they provide ample sound projection and provide an expansive, full audio stage. The soundstage is uncontrived and feels like an extension of your shared experience, with vocals and higher instruments sounding clear and expansive. The Bass Boost setting is bassy, but it doesn't overshadow the higher frequencies, like vocal trance.
The earbuds are rechargeable via a portable charging case that holds up to five charge. The LED indicator blinks blue and red when the battery is low which makes it easy to know best over ear headphones wireless when to recharge. The earbuds can be linked to a laptop or computer to stream audio and share content with friends. The earbuds can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant to control smart home devices and apps.
4. 1More Soundcore Life Q20
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 wireless headphones are an excellent value for the money. They're a great option when you're looking for a pair of over-ear wireless headphones that are comfortable, lightweight and provide excellent noise cancellation. Although they don't offer the same high-quality audio as top-rated models like the Sennheiser PXC 550-II or Bose QuietComfort 45, their excellent price and features make them a desirable choice for those looking to reduce costs without sacrificing performance.
They don't have as many advanced features such as noise cancellation that can be adjusted or an audio monitor that lets in external sounds while listening in the public. They still provide great audio clarity, and noise cancellation is excellent. Plus the 40mm driver has enough power to play high-quality, detailed music. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 with low latency for video and voice calls.
If you have an ANC setting on, the Life Q20 can block out around 70 percent of the ambient noise, so you can concentrate on your music and tune out the world. When the ANC setting is disabled, the headphones do not neutralize noise and can be distracting when utilized in noisy environments. The headband could also be too tight and cause unnecessary pressure to your skull over time.
Once the headphones are connected with your device they are simple to use due to their simple controls. There are no apps or gesture controls, but physical buttons that are clearly marked on the bottom of the ear cups. If you have the Soundcore app installed, you can alter the audio settings.
The Soundcore Life Q20 headphones come with a hard case designed for travel, as well as a USB A to TRS cable that allows wired listening. The case is a great accessory that is a sign that 1More is committed to making these headphones an excellent option for travelers. It's packed with places to hold various cables and risers to ensure they are at the right level when you wear them.