Finding the best headphones under 500 can be frustrating. Most buyers worry about poor sound quality, weak battery life, or uncomfortable designs that hurt after long use. The good news? In 2026, several budget headphones deliver excellent sound, long battery life, and real comfort without breaking the bank.
After carefully analyzing real customer reviews and hands-on usage patterns, here are the top 3 headphones under 500 that offer the best overall value.
Table of Contents
1. JBL Tune 520BT – Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Best For: Battery Life & Everyday Use
Overview
The JBL Tune 520BT is a lightweight, on-ear wireless headphone designed for daily listening. It delivers JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound, ultra-long battery life, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity at a very affordable price. This is an excellent choice for users tired of charging their headphones every day.
Key Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to 57 hours (5-minute charge = 3 hours playtime)
- Weight: Lightweight, foldable on-ear design
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
Pros
- Exceptional battery life that lasts for days
- Clear sound with punchy bass for the price
- Reliable microphone for calls and meetings
Con
- On-ear fit may feel tight for some users during long sessions
Our Verdict
Buy this if you want the best headphones under 500 for long battery life and daily casual use without constant recharging.
Buyer Pain Point Solved: Perfect for users frustrated with headphones that die too fast or disconnect often.
- NOTE: If headset is too tight we suggest placing them over a ball or something of similar size/shape. Leave undisturbed …
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: The JBL Tune 520BT features the renowned JBL Pure Bass sound, the same technolgy that powers the mo…
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 technology: Wirelessly stream high-quality sound from your smartphone without messy cords with th…
2.TAGRY Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best For: Noise Cancellation & Travel
Overview
The TAGRY A18 headphones offer features usually found in higher-priced models, including hybrid ANC, massive battery life, and clear call quality. They are ideal for travelers, gamers, and anyone working in noisy environments who still wants comfort and immersion.
Key Specifications
- Battery Life: Up to 120 hours (wired mode supported)
- Weight: Approx. 0.54 lb
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0 + 3.5mm AUX
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation for the price
- Extremely long battery life
- Comfortable ear cushions for extended wear
Con
- Bass is powerful but not audiophile-grade
Our Verdict
A top pick if you want the best headphones under 500 with noise cancelling and marathon battery life.
Buyer Pain Point Solved:
Ideal for users who struggle to focus in noisy places like offices, gyms, or public transport.
- Advanced 6-Mic ENC for Crystal-Clear Calls: Featuring a six-microphone array with smart Environmental Noise Cancellation…
- 120H Ultra-Long Playtime & Wired Mode: Powered by a high-capacity 650mAh battery, the A18 wireless Bluetooth headphones …
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling & Immersive Sound: The A18 over-ear headphones use dual internal and external microphones…
3.Acer Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
Acer Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
Overview
Acer’s ANC headphones surprise with balanced sound, strong noise reduction, and all-day comfort. They’re especially suited for long work sessions, calls, and travel thanks to soft ear cushions and stable Bluetooth performance.
Key Specifications
- Battery Life: 40H (ANC on) / 60H (ANC off)
- Weight: Lightweight over-ear design
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 + Wired Option
Pros
- Comfortable for long hours of wear
- Clear sound with balanced bass
- Low-latency game mode for videos & gaming
Con
- ANC is good, but not class-leading
Our Verdict
Choose this if you need comfortable headphones under 500 for work, calls, and long listening sessions.
Buyer Pain Point Solved:
Great for users whose ears hurt after wearing cheap headphones for too long.
- 【Comfortable & Pressure-Free ANC】Features advanced Active Noise Cancellation that effectively reduces ambient noise for …
- 【Immersive Sound with Deep Bass】Equipped with custom-tuned 40mm large-aperture drivers, delivering rich bass, clear mids…
- 【Dual Device Connection & One-Click Switch】Seamlessly connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as your phon…
How to Choose the Best Headphones Under 500
How to Choose the Best Headphones Under 500
- Battery Life: Look for at least 40+ hours to avoid frequent charging
- Comfort: Over-ear or padded designs matter for long use
- Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth versions offer better stability and lower lag
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If we had to recommend one clear winner, the JBL Tune 520BT stands out as the best headphones under 500 overall thanks to its unbeatable battery life, reliable sound, and strong brand trust.
1 thought on “Top 3 Best Headphones Under 500 in 2026 (Best Value Picks)”