Are you searching for the best headphones under $300? In this price range, you can purchase excellent headphones that offer impeccable sound quality, supreme comfort, and also will last you a long time after a single charge.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an audiophile looking for headphones under $300 to ensure that you can hear the subtlest notes in the recording of your favorite symphony or if you are a video gamer looking for a pair of headphones with a microphone so that you can interact with your fellow games, you will find something on this list of the best headphones under $300.
Table of Contents
- View The Best Headphones Under $300 Below
- Headphones Under $300 Buyers Guide
- Noise Cancellation Technology
- Comfort
- Battery Life
- Extra Features
- Is there a difference between the sound when the headphones are wireless or corded?
- Is there a sound delay when wearing wireless headphones?
- Conclusion
- Wired or Wireless - For most headphones, wires can be a thing of the past. However, wired headphones do not require batteries, and cheaper wireless models will often sacrifice a lot when it comes to battery life. If you're going to be using your headphones all day and you're not frequently on the go, wired headphones might be an easier choice. Scott Etan Feiner Scott Etan Feiner FOR MUSIC CRITIC If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic, please leave a positive rating:
To ensure that you find the best headphones under $300 to offer you the best audio experience, then read this list and buyers guide to make sure you spend your money wisely.
At a glance: Our top 3 picks
Bose QuietComfort 25
- Acoustic noise cancellation technology
- Perfect for Apple users
- Crisp, natural sound
- Foldable and portable, with inclusive case
- Adaptable earcups that pivot
Bose SoundLink
- Acoustic noise cancellation technology
- Perfect for Apple users
- Crisp, natural sound
- Foldable and portable, with inclusive case
- Adaptable earcups that pivot
Beats Solo3
- Acoustic noise cancellation technology
- Perfect for Apple users
- Crisp, natural sound
- Foldable and portable, with inclusive case
- Adaptable earcups that pivot
View The Best Headphones Under $300 Below
1. Bose QuietComfort 25
As you’d expect from Bose, these headphones exude quality, from their realistic, natural sound, to their sleek, handsome looks. Bose is a leader in producing noise cancelation technology. Actually, Bose created the very first noise-canceling headphones.
The QuietComfort 25 include this acoustic, advanced noise cancelation technology so that no outside noise should be detrimental to your enjoyment of what you’re listening to.
Of course, noise cancelation technology makes flying a more pleasant experience too. If you’re an Apple user, then these headphones are ideal for you, as they have been designed specifically to be used with Apple products.
Pros:
+ Acoustic noise cancellation technology
+ Perfect for Apple users
+ Crisp, natural sound
+ Foldable and portable, with inclusive case
+ Adaptable earcups that pivot
Why We Liked It - The noise cancelation technology is what Bose do well, and that makes these a pair of the best headphones under $300 on the market.
Input - If you're planning on using your headphones across multiple devices, you should confirm that the inputs will line up if there is not a Bluetooth feature included. With so many devices removing and modifying ports from model to model, it's always worth it to double check before sinking money into an investment.
2. Bose SoundLink
SoundLink headphones are another pair of Bose headphones that offer exquisite sound quality, but the best thing about this pair is their functionality for people who need the best headphones under $300 for on-the-go. Why? Firstly, they are wireless. Secondly, they are very lightweight.
Thirdly, they are foldable, easily storable, and can be stored in the included carry case. Another great function is the controls on the side of the earcups. You can be hooked up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and switch between them with a click of a button.
Pros:
+ Wireless
+ Can switch between two Bluetooth connections
+ Voice prompts
+ 15 hours playtime from a full charge
+ Dual microphone system
Why We Liked It - The combination of great sound quality, an excellent microphone, as well as their usability, thanks to their earcup controls makes them a great choice.
3. Beats Solo3
Since Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine set up Beats a little more than a decade ago, the company has quickly become one of the biggest names in the headphones’ world. This is for good reason, as Beats headphones are designed to offer premium quality sound that will intensify every element of your favorite music and allow you to immerse yourself in it.
These wireless headphones have 40 hours of playtime from a single charge. And, amazingly, a quick, 5-minute charge will give you 3 hours of playback, which is perfect if you catch yourself running low on battery while you’re out.
Pros:
+ Incomparable sound quality
+ Excellent battery time
+ Siri enabled
+ Sturdy
+ Wireless
Why We Liked It - The battery life makes the Beats Solo3 the best headphones under $300 for people who have found themselves getting frustrated with constantly having to charge other headphones in the past.
Microphone - If you plan on using your headphones for recording purposes or you're particularly interested in voice command features, you'll want a pair of headphones with a good microphone built into the structure. Not all headphones come with a microphone feature, so confirm that your desired model includes a microphone if that's a priority for you.
4. Beats Studio3
These Studio3 over-ear headphones by Beats have been designed and constructed with comfort in mind. For that reason, they feature very soft ear pads. The ear cups are also pivotable, which means that they constantly adjust to your head movement.
Ventilation is also included in the ear cushion design, meaning that people looking for headphones under $300 that can be worn for prolonged time periods will like them. Of course, being Beats headphones, then you get excellent audio representation. This is especially true with the low-end tones, making them ideal for bass heads.
Pros:
+ Powerful bass
+ Ergonomic design for comfort
+ Ventilation means they can be worn for extended periods
+ Class 1 Bluetooth technology
+ Includes hard-shell carry case
Why We Liked It - Often, even the best headphones under $300 can only offer either comfort or sound quality but not both. The Beats Studio3 are an exception, though, as they provide both these things in abundance.
5. Bose QuietComfort
It is rare to find in-ear headphones that feature noise-cancellation technology, but the Bose QuietComfort headphones are that rarity. Then again, there’s a lot about these headphones that make them different to the other best headphones under $300.
For example, they include a non-standard conical shaped tip which proves both a secure fit, as well as comfort too. Everything can be controlled on the module that is connected to the cables. One element that can be controlled is the Aware Mode, which will allow you to switch off the noise cancelation and hear what is going on around you.
Pros:
+ Comfy in-ear fit
+ Aware mode
+ Active EQ and TriPort technology for better sound
+ Easy to use controls
+ In-built microphone
Why We Liked It - The combination of a comfortable in-ear fit as well as the active noise cancelation technology makes them truly some of the best headphones under $300 on the market.
6. Sennheiser RS 175
Sennheiser has an excellent reputation for incorporating high-end technology into its audio equipment, which provides the listener with large frequency ranges as well as crisp sound quality. The RS 175 headphones feature wireless technology that is second-to-none in terms of range.
In fact, you’re able to get 100m/328ft from the device that you are connected to without any of your audio quality becoming impaired. There is also an option to get “Surround Sound” which makes this pair some of the best headphones under $300 for audiophiles who love to watch movies while listening to the sound through headphones.
Pros:
+ Huge wireless range
+ 17 - 22,000 Hz frequency response
+ Bass Boost and Surround Sound headphone options
+ Closed back for reduced outside noise
+ Zero sound delay
Why We Liked It - They are a typical Sennheiser product, in that they are premium quality, featuring state-of-the-art technology, that makes them excellent headphones for music or for watching movies.
7. COWIN E7
Cowin E7 headphones are a perfect example of an affordable pair of headphones that can be comfortably compared to much more expensive counterparts. Like high-end headphones, the E7s have active noise cancelation technology inside them, so that all bothersome noises can be annihilated, allowing you to just enjoy what you’re listening to. They also have an immense battery life.
On Bluetooth mode, you’ll get a whopping 30 hours of play from a single, full charge. Besides the natural sound quality, which you gain from the 45mm large-aperture speakers, they also include an excellent microphone to make sure that you sound clear when speaking through it.
Pros:
+ Great value-for-money
+ 30 hours of battery life
+ Active noise cancelation technology
+ Comfortable to wear, even while wearing glasses
+ Includes a hard-shell case
Why We Liked It - For the price, these headphones easily pay themselves off thanks to the active noise cancellation technology that makes listening in noisy environments much more enjoyable.
8. Bose SoundSport
If you’re searching for the best headphones under $300 that can be worn for exercise, then the Bose SoundSport wireless earphones might be for you. They are resistant to both sweat and precipitation, meaning they are perfect for a workout or an outdoor jog.
They actually have an extremely accurate heart sensor built into them, which means you can monitor your heart rate during exercise too. To make sure they don’t come out during vigorous movement they have Stay Hear+ tips that form a seal while inside your ears, as well as a flexible ‘wing’ too.
Pros:
+ Designed to be worn for exercise
+ Sweat and precipitation resistant
+ In-built heart sensor
+ 6-hour battery life
+ Includes inline remote
Why We Liked It - These are perfect for exercise. Not only are they comfortable and secure to wear, but you also get outstanding Bose sound quality.
9. Sony Noise Cancelling
Sony’s Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation technology has won awards, and there’s good reason for that. It manages to analyze external noise and will then take this in account to make the appropriate adjustments to make sure you hear no unwanted noises, but still receive supreme quality sound, which comes from the 40mm dome drivers.
Your music is also enhanced thanks to another piece of Sony technology, which is the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, meaning that what you hear is a faithful representation of the original recording. The in-built microphone can also be used for Siri or Alexa, or any other voice assistant.
Pros:
+ Award-winning noise cancelation technology
+ Faithful sound representation
+ Quality microphone
+ Easy to connect to devices via Bluetooth
+ 35-hour playtime from one charge
Why We Liked It - The jaw-dropping sound quality is even more surprising considering that these best headphones under $300 are wireless. They are an example of Sony at its brilliant best.
Headphones Under $300 Buyers Guide
Choosing the best headphones under $300 doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s possible to buy some exceptional headphones in this price range. But to make sure that you choose the best available and the most suited to your needs, then look out for the features explained in this buyers’ guide and breakdown so that you make the right purchase.
Noise Cancellation Technology
Noise cancellation technology is an important aspect of quality headphones. Why? Because this feature will eradicate all unwanted background noises so that you can immerse yourself fully in what you’re listening to.
Your choice is between either active noise cancellation or passive noise cancellation.
A lot of the top manufacturers of headphones under $300 have their own proprietary technology for active noise cancellation. Of course, the leaders in this technology is Bose.
But companies like Cowin and Sony have developed some excellent alternatives. You want to choose a pair of headphones using this technology if you plan to use the headphones in very noisy environments, like on airplanes.
Passive or acoustic noise cancellation is more than sufficient for most headphone users, though, and this is basically created through the seal around the earcups, as well as through the choice of materials used for the ear cushions.
The benefit of this type of noise cancelation is that it doesn’t require any power, meaning that your wireless headphones will give you better battery life than those that use active noise cancellation.
Comfort
Comfort should play a huge part in your choice of headphones, as choosing an uncomfortable pair will hamper your listening experience. Firstly, you should make sure that the ear cushions are ventilated and are not made from a material that can lead to overheating, if so then you might find yourself having to remove them every thirty minutes or so because you’re boiling up.
The ear cushions should also be soft, preferably made from a memory protein material. The headband should also feature padding with a soft cushioning. And the earcups shouldn’t be rigid and unmovable, but instead, they should be able to swivel thanks to pivoting technology so that they adjust to your movement while wearing them.
Battery Life
If your future headphones are wireless or if they include any form of active noise cancellation, then they will also have a rechargeable battery inside them. The range of battery life that you can get is very large, from 5 hours all the way to some offering 30 or even 40 hours.
The key is selecting a pair of headphones that suit your needs. If you’re planning to have your headphones on for long periods without having an opportunity to charge them – which is common with people who travel a lot – then battery life will be something that must be considered.
Make sure to check what battery life you can get from a short charge too, as some headphones can give you hours of playtime from a short five- or ten-minute charge too.
Extra Features
The best headphones under $300 are all designed differently with some including handy features like an in-built microphone offering high-definition sound quality, and others feature water resistance and sweat resistance so that the headphones can be worn during exercise.
Another feature of wireless headphones is the range in the distance that they offer you. If you plan to use the headphones at home, while being hooked up to a stationary device, such as a hi-fi system, then you want to have a good distance range.
Another handy Bluetooth-related feature is the ability to seamlessly switch between two devices. This means, for example, that you could be watching a film while connected wirelessly to your television, but then when your phone rings you can switch to the phone, the film will be paused until you finish the call and return to the TV. Bose includes this feature in some of its headphones.
Portability is something else that should be considered, as some headphones are rigid and inflexible. But the best headphones under $300 are often easily foldable, and they will come with a hard-shell case to make them stable and secure from damage too.
Is there a difference between the sound when the headphones are wireless or corded?
This is a point of contention between audiophiles, with many believing that corded equals higher quality. But people on the opposing side believe that the difference is minimal, and the people in the corded camp are simply reluctant to embrace the new technology.
The real answer lies somewhere in the middle. Wireless headphones give exceptional quality, but at some point, they reach a ceiling, and that’s where corded beats them. Only people seeking hugely advanced sound should care about this, though.
Is there a sound delay when wearing wireless headphones?
There can be a lapse in audio delivery when using wireless headphones, which shows up when playing games or watching movies, but the best headphones under $300 won’t have this latency.
Expert Tip
Don’t let outside noises ruin your listening experience. Pick a pair of headphones that include a form of active noise technology.
Did you know?
Wireless headphones use Bluetooth technology, but did you know that Bluetooth was the name of a 10th century Norwegian and Danish king?
Conclusion
The best headphones under $300 are proof that there are some astoundingly good headphones on the market that offer listeners sensational sound quality, considerable comfort, lengthy battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and noise cancelation to destroy disturbing noises.
Wired or Wireless - For most headphones, wires can be a thing of the past. However, wired headphones do not require batteries, and cheaper wireless models will often sacrifice a lot when it comes to battery life. If you're going to be using your headphones all day and you're not frequently on the go, wired headphones might be an easier choice.
If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic, please leave a positive rating: