Listen to the Music: Must-Have Headphones Under $500
From wired to wireless, in-ear, over-ear, and more, there are so many choices when it comes to headphones. Here are three standouts at their respective price points…
Grado SR60X
Grado SR60X
The entry-level SR60X is, in my opinion, the single best value in stereo headphones. At $99, they’re almost magical in the sound they deliver. They're also handsome, with an open-air design that never feels fatiguing, and can connect with both your phone and home audio system. gradolabs.com
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
From the moment you open the package, you can see and feel what can only be described as “elegant.” And that description carries on in the sound they produce. These also hit way above their weight class, delivering crystal-clear sound when listening to everything from Bach to Bad Bunny. The Px7 offers Bluetooth wireless connection, noise cancellation, a two-year warranty, and are available in a variety of colors; at $399, they hit all the right notes. bowerswilkins.com
HIFIMAN Edition XS
I was telling a friend that I wanted to buy a pair of headphones, something that would offer me an immersive sound experience when plugged into my audio system and an alternative to my floor standing speakers at 1 a.m. Without skipping a beat, he recommended the HIFIMAN Edition XS planar headphones. As I was listening to some of my favorite records, it felt like I was hearing them for the first time. For $499, they’re a tremendous value and are incredibly comfortable, even after hours of wear. hifiman.com
The entry-level SR60X is, in my opinion, the single best value in stereo headphones. At $99, they’re almost magical in the sound they deliver. They're also handsome, with an open-air design that never feels fatiguing, and can connect with both your phone and home audio system. gradolabs.com
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
From the moment you open the package, you can see and feel what can only be described as “elegant.” And that description carries on in the sound they produce. These also hit way above their weight class, delivering crystal-clear sound when listening to everything from Bach to Bad Bunny. The Px7 offers Bluetooth wireless connection, noise cancellation, a two-year warranty, and are available in a variety of colors; at $399, they hit all the right notes. bowerswilkins.com
HIFIMAN Edition XS
HIFIMAN Edition XS
I was telling a friend that I wanted to buy a pair of headphones, something that would offer me an immersive sound experience when plugged into my audio system and an alternative to my floor standing speakers at 1 a.m. Without skipping a beat, he recommended the HIFIMAN Edition XS planar headphones. As I was listening to some of my favorite records, it felt like I was hearing them for the first time. For $499, they’re a tremendous value and are incredibly comfortable, even after hours of wear. hifiman.com
by Terry Carroll
Photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.