Headphones may seem like a commodity, but you actually don’t have to spend too much money to get a quality pair. Unless you’re a true audiophile looking for the most balanced acoustics and crystal-clear sound quality, you can get solid name-brand headphones for under $200 on Amazon.
The top headphones brands include Bose, Sony, JBL and Beats. And while they manufacture many high-end headphones, they offer several affordable quality headphones too.
In this article: Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless Headphones II, Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds and JBL Vibe 100 TWS True Wireless Earphones.
Technically, earbuds are synonymous with in-ear headphones, but they usually aren’t labeled that way. Headphones often refer to a more traditional model with an over-ear or on-ear design. Larger headphones typically offer more bass and longer battery life than earbuds, but they’re not as convenient for traveling or exercising.
Unless you buy a pair of wired headphones, you’ll have to charge your wireless headphones regularly. Most headphones offer anywhere from 20 to 40 hours of battery life on a full charge, while earbuds last between 5 and 12 hours. However, earbuds usually come with a charging case, which helps extend the battery life significantly.
Water-resistant headphones are a must if you plan on using them for a workout. Sweat can easily damage headphones that aren’t water-resistant, so it’s crucial to look for an Ingress Protection rating to let you know how water-resistant they are. IPX4 is safe for general gym use, while IPX8 is the minimum for full submersion.
You’ll want noise-canceling headphones if you prefer to drown out external noise. Some headphones have a noise-canceling feature that automatically detects the sound in your environment and adjusts the noise cancellation accordingly. However, if you want to be aware of your surroundings, make sure you can minimize the noise-canceling function so you can hear external sounds.
While you can use your phone to adjust settings, access voice assistants and control music playback, it’s more convenient to do so with a simple touch. Many headphones have buttons on the ear cup and earbuds that let you manage phone calls and perform other tasks without having to look at your phone.
Bose SoundLink On-Ear Wireless Headphones II
These headphones combine TriPort technology and Active EQ to deliver crisp sound and deep bass. You can connect them to two Bluetooth devices and seamlessly switch between them. The built-in microphone works great, even in noisy environments.
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Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds
These earbuds have a sleek design, use StayHear Max ear tips for a secure fit and have noise-rejecting microphones to filter out external noise during phone calls. They deliver high-fidelity audio and have simple touch controls for managing calls and music playback.
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Bose Sport Earbuds are excellent for jogging, cycling and weightlifting, thanks to their secure fit and IPX4 water-resistance rating. The beam-foaming microphone separates external noise from your voice for crystal-clear call audio, and the battery lasts up to 15 hours with the charging case.
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Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds
Sony LinkBuds have a unique open-ring design, giving them a stylish look and a lightweight build. They’re sweat-proof, making them suitable for wearing during workouts, and the V1 produces a balanced, high-quality sound.
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Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N
These wireless, on-ear headphones offer an immersive experience, especially when you're listening to music or watching a movie. They have adjustable metal slides, comfortable padded earcups and noise cancellation with Dual Noise Sensor technology. They last up to 35 hours on a full charge.
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Sony Wireless Headphones WH-CH510
At just under $60, these headphones are a steal. The 30-millimeter driver unit delivers outstanding sound clarity and rich bass, and the swivel design makes them convenient for traveling. Plus, they offer hands-free calling and access to voice assistants, such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
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JBL Vibe 100 TWS True Wireless Earphones
These affordable earbuds are one of the best budget headphones Amazon has to offer. The sound quality is crisp, and the 8-millimeter driver produces impressive bass, making these earbuds ideal for hip-hop, reggae and jazz lovers.
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JBL Tune 510BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones
These headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 for a seamless connection and interruption-free listening. The multifunction button lets you access your device’s voice assistant, and the battery lasts up to 40 hours. Plus, you can charge them in under two hours.
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JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless In-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones
These in-ear headphones have a sleek design and 10-millimeter drivers for producing high-quality audio and rich bass. The two built-in microphones help reduce external noise, and Ambient Aware lets you stay in tune with your surroundings.
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Apple AirPods 2nd Generation Wireless Earbuds
The classic Apple AirPods have a design that never goes out of style, and the charging case offers up to 24 hours of battery life. They have an auto-detect feature that pauses playback when you remove them from your ears. You can also easily pair them and switch to listen on other devices.
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Beats Solo 3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
These high-performance headphones have a lightweight build and a foldable design, making them excellent for traveling. The Apple W1 chip allows them to sync with Apple devices and access Siri hands-free, and Fast Fuel lets you charge them for five minutes to get three hours of battery life.
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These earbuds are a great bargain pick and have plenty of excellent features. The flex-form cable provides all-day comfort, and the Apple W1 chip provides seamless connectivity with Apple devices. Also, they have an auto-pay function and come with four ear tip options.
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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