10 Best Headphones Under 300 Dollars for 2021 | NC, Wireless, Mics & More

Searching for the best headphones under 300 dollars? Well, in this price range, you’ll have a wide selection of headphones on offer, from supreme comfort and impeccable sound quality to a long-lasting battery life that will endure without running out on the track.  

Suppose you’re an audiophile looking for decent quality $300 headphones and are keen to hear subtle notes in your favorite tunes. Or you’re a gamer looking to get in with your fellow gamers online; conversely, you’re simply looking for top-quality headphones for your travels or daily commute, you’re bound to find something on this list.  

Let’s dive into the best headphones under 300 dollars; we’ll look at their reviews and why we love them.

Best Headphones Under 300 Reviewed

In a hurry? Or better yet, you know what you’re looking for? Take a look at the best headphones for under 300 dollars, providing you with the best audio experience. Thereafter, read our list of top headphone reviews and buyer’s guide to help you find your ideal set of headphones/earphones.

  1. Overall Best Headphone Under 300 – Bose SoundLink Wireless Headphones 
  2. Best Affordable Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone – COWIN E7 Noise Cancelling Headphones 
  3. Best Wireless Headphones Under 300 – Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones 
  4. Best Closed-Back Headphones Under 300 – Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
  5. Best Budget Wired Headphones – Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Bluetooth 
  6. Best In-Ear Headphones Under 300 – Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds 
  7. Best Bluetooth Headphones Under 300 – Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
  8. Best Headphones Under 300 Over-Ear – V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Headphone
  9. Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 300 – Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones 
  10. Best Audiophile Headphones Under 300 – Beyerdynamic DT 990 Over-Ear-Headphones Review

Our 3 Top Picks: Best Headphones for 300 Dollars & Less

With such an assorted range of headphones for a wide range of users, we sometimes need a little help choosing our perfect earphones. Take a look at the top headphones below to make your decision easier.

Image Product Features  Price
Bose SoundLink Wireless Headphones Bose SoundLink Wireless
Headphones
– HD voice prompts
– Bluetooth
– Dual microphone system
– Wireless
Check Price
COWIN E7 Noise Cancelling Headphones COWIN E7 Noise
Cancelling Headphones
– Bluetooth 
– Microphone deep bass
– Wireless
– Plays up to 30 hours
Check Price
Beats solo 3 wireless Beats Solo3
Wireless On-Ear Headphones
– Wireless
– Siri enabled
– Excellent battery life
– Passive noise canceling
– Award-winning design & sound
– Foldable with carrying case
Check Price

Best Headphones Under $300 Review 

Now that you’ve got an idea of what exactly you’re looking for, let’s look at the top headphones, their reviews, and why we’d choose them.

1. Bose SoundLink Wireless Headphones Review 

Bose SoundLink Wireless Headphones

Overall Best Headphone Under 300

Just the name Bose conjures the thought of only the clearest of sounds and top-quality products, and these headphones are no different. The brand is renowned for producing top-of-the-range technology, and the best thing about these headphones is their functionality and price. 

With their wireless, lightweight design and foldable body, the SoundLink headsets are the ideal travel companions. Moreover, you can easily hook up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and switch between them at a click of a button. 

The only disadvantage to these headphones is that the battery isn’t removable, and Google Assistant isn’t very compatible with iOS devices.

Pros
  • Wireless
  • Voice prompts
  • Switch between Bluetooth connections simultaneously
  • Microphone system
  • Up to 15 hours of playtime
Cons
  • Takes up to 3 hours to fully charge
  • Not noise canceling
  • Relatively expensive

Why This One? From its incredible sound quality to having a top microphone and excellent battery life, this lightweight headset for under $300 is ideal for daily commutes, travel, and entertainment.

2. COWIN E7 Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

COWIN E7 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Best Affordable Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone

If you’re looking for an affordable pair of headphones that provide both comfort and quality sound, the Cowin E7 headphones may just tickle your fancy. Like many of its counterparts and other high-end headphones on the market today, the E7s provide active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. 

The Bluetooth mode presents users with 30 hours of play from a single charge. With 45mm aperture drivers and around-ear headphones, you’ll receive a powerful and authentic bass response.

The active noise canceling technology works well in wired- and wireless modes and can significantly reduce noise during travels, work, or anywhere far and in-between. The lightweight, protein earpad and swiveling earcups provide support and durability for users to enjoy quality sound in comfort.

Pros
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life
  • Active noise-canceling technology 
  • Includes a hardshell case
  • A lightweight, comfortable fit around the ear
  • 45mm speaker drivers for powerful sound
Cons
  • Finishes aren’t very appealing
  • Not very comfortable as other over-ear headphones
  • Can be a bit bulky

Why This One? If you’re in a rather noisy environment, these active noise-canceling headphones are the absolute bomb, and for the price you would pay for them makes these headphones worth it

3. Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones Review 

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Best Wireless Headphones Under 300  

Everyone has heard of Apple’s Beats by now. And the award-winning Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones boasts a sleek design, excellent connectivity, super good battery life, and more. The stylish headphones come in a wide range of colors, including the Beats color collection, satin gold, and rose gold. 

Beats headphones are designed to feature premium-quality sound. The wireless headphones can play up to 40 hours from a single charge. Moreover, these headphones feature the Beat’s Fast Fuel innovation, providing users with 3 hours of playtime every 5 minutes of charging. 

Enjoy hassle-free setups and switching between different Apple devices. These headphones also appeal to bass lovers and provide incredibly crisp sounds. 

Although there are plenty of advantages to these stunning on-earphones, there are some downfalls. They are considered not as comfortable compared to other headphones – especially if you wear glasses. They are also not recommended to audiophiles, as the bass provides less detailed highs than lows. 

Pros
  • Wireless
  • Siri enabled
  • Excellent battery life
  • Passive noise canceling
  • Award-winning design & sound
  • Foldable with carrying case
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Not for audiophiles
  • Not comfortable compared to other products

Why This One? Beats Solo3 is one of our top picks for its premium quality sound that will allow users to hear every element of their favorite track.

4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones Review

 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones

Best Closed-Back Headphones Under 300

If you’re on a tight budget, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Bluetooth headphones are affordable and boast a mind-blowing long-lasting battery life. In addition, the material is comfortable, with a padded headband, and the ear cushions are covered in memory foam. 

The affordable headphones have a foldable design, with removable cables, which enables users to pack them in and take them wherever they go. The 90° swiveling ear cups are ideal for one-ear monitoring – a top feature for professional DJs. Furthermore, the headband and ear cups provide comfort for those long hours mixing up beats and DJing. 

These headphones boast impressive sound detail and clarity, and the bass isn’t too overpowering. That being said, the closed-back design covers the ear in a way that is likely to sweat. So, you may need to give your ears a little break every now and then to allow them to breathe between sessions. 

Pros
  • Excellent sound clarity
  • 90° swiveling ear cups
  • Foldable with carrying case
  • Sound isolation
Cons
  • Relatively pricey
  • Padding makes your ears sweat
  • Not the most comfortable

Why This One? The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are critically acclaimed for their top sonic performance. With noise-isolating ear cups and robust construction, they provide users with an unmatched experience when it comes to sound.

5. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Bluetooth Review

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Bluetooth

Best Budget Wired Headphones  

If you’re on a tight budget, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Bluetooth headphones are affordable and boast a mind-blowing long-lasting battery life. The material is comfortable, with a padded headband and the ear cushions are covered in memory foam. 

If you’re an avid traveler or daily commuter, the headphones are easily portable with 90° swiveling ear cups and come with a hardshell travel case. 

The battery life on these headphones are most impressive, with up to 40 hours of playtime in active noise canceling mode and 60 hours in standard mode. Besides this, for 5 minutes of charging time, users can get up to 4 hours of playtime. In addition, the headphones provide excellent sound quality, along with exclusive BassUp technology. 

The disadvantage of these headphones is that they are not long-lasting and are not recommended for long-term use.

Pros
  • 90° swiveling ear cups
  • Hardshell travel case
  • Excellent battery life
  • Active noise-canceling technology 
  • Up to 40 hours of playtime
Cons
  • Not the most comfortable 
  • Not durable

Why This One? There’s nothing better than having a long-lasting battery life, and these headphones boast an impressive 40-hour playtime in ANC mode and a whopping 60 hours in standard mode. Making them the ideal headphones for extended trips or long hours in the office

6. Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds Review

Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds

Best In-Ear Headphones Under 300

If you’re an avid gym bunny or sports fanatic,  and you’re on the hunt for the best headphones under 300 dollars that can be used for exercise, then the Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds wireless earphones may suit you down to the ground. 

These earphones are both sweat and moisture resistant, providing you with a suitable piece of equipment that can be worn outdoors or for a workout. In addition, they have an accurate heart sensor built into them, allowing users to monitor their heart rate during exercise – nifty, right? 

They also have StayHear+ pieces that form a seal while inside your ear so that they won’t pop out during vigorous movement. 

Pros
  • 6 Hour battery life
  • NFC pairing
  • Stay Hear+
  • Built-in heart sensor
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Wireless
Cons
  • Not suitable audiophiles
  • Directed primarily for exercise
  • Not comfortable to wear for a long time

Why this one? These headphones were designed for exercise, providing users with ultimate comfort, security, and top-quality sound performance. But that’s what you can expect from a Bose product, right?

7. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Review

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Best Bluetooth Headphones Under 300

As with most Bose products, these Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are top-of-the-range when it comes to active noise canceling. 

In addition, users have access to Alexa-enabled voice control to access their music, information, and more – handsfree. Through the app, users are able to adjust the level of noise cancellation, manage Bluetooth connections, access updates for software, and enable music sharing.   

The downside to these headphones is that the battery isn’t replaceable and that Google Assistant doesn’t work very well with iOS devices.  

Pros
  • Alexa voice control
  • Wireless 
  • Bluetooth
  • Excellent ANC
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Sound quality is not the best
  • Not the longest battery life compared to others

Why this one? Noise cancellation technology is what Bose does well, making these headphones one of the best headphones under $300.

8. V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Headphone Review

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Headphone

Best Headphones Under 300 Over-Ear

The lightweight, metalV-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Headphones are very much the epitope of good quality noise-isolating headphones – and a favorite amongst DJs. The headphones provide super-soft foam cushions that naturally mold the user’s ear, giving support and comfort. 

Enjoy a patented 500mm dual-diaphragm that can separate the bass from mids and highs with ease. In addition, the headphone has immersive 3D soundstage technology, providing you with smooth, deep bass, crystal clear cymbals, and lifelike vocals. 

Users receive minimal sound leakage and can enjoy their music without any surrounding noise. The headphones are wired, with artificial processing. The ergonomic design with the headband and hexagon shape minimizes gaps and hugs your natural lines. They easily fold up for on-the-go users or for studio use. 

Pros
  • Patented 50mm, dual-diaphragm drivers 
  • Customizable & durable shields 
  • Quality sound
  • Bass orientated
Cons
  • The headband feels a little uncomfortable
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
  • Requires a cable plug-in

Why this one? Anyone interested in sports, music, or entertainment should consider the V-MODA Crossfade M-100. These headphones are a great option for musicians, or music lovers, and DJs.

9. Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under 300 

A jack of all trades, the over-ears Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones are among the best wireless headphones under 300 dollars. These headphones are particularly popular for their supreme digital noise-canceling technology, providing users with a virtually soundproof experience. 

The headphones contain a built-in microphone that allows users to make calls without having to take them out of their ears. Moreover, Alexa is enabled by a simple touch for voice access to information, music, services, and more. It also provides personal noise canceling and touch controls. 

Users can enjoy a long-lasting battery life of up to 30 hours of playtime. And a mere 10 minutes of charge time can provide users with an impressive 5 hours of playback.

Pros
  • Outstanding  ANC & sound quality
  • Bluetooth 
  • USB-C charge port
  • 30-hour battery life
  • Supremely comfortable
Cons
  • Relatively expensive
  • Your ears can get a little warm in the ear cups
  • The earpiece could feel a little bulky

Why this one?  The Sony noise-canceling headphones are known for their digital HD noise-canceling technology and incredible, long-lasting battery life. They are particularly handy for users who want extended use between charges, including air travelers, casual listeners, and daily commuters.

10. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Over-Ear-Headphones Review 

Beyerdynamic-459038-DT-990-PRO-open-Studio-Headphone

Best Audiophile Headphones Under 300 Dollars

If you’re an audiophile, we know you have high standards when it comes to an authentic listening experience. However, if you are on a budget but are still on the hunt for an impressive headset on the cheap, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Over-Ear-Headphones may just tickle your fancy. 

The hand-crafted German headphones are solid and well built. They come with a heavily padded headband, and the ear cups are flexible and super smooth, providing you with long, comfortable listening sessions. Moreover, the open-back design provides three-dimensional acoustics and quality sound. The Hi-Fi headphones are ideal for sound engineering and studio monitoring. 

Like everything, these headphones do have their flaws. And similar to many of their counterparts and other over-the-ear headphones, your ears will sweat after long sessions. Furthermore, they aren’t the loudest. 

Pros
  • Comfortable in-ear
  • Open-back design
  • Smooth bass
Cons
  • Ear cup padding can make you sweat
  • Not the loudest of headphones
  • Relatively pricey

Why this one?  With three-dimensional acoustics, sonic performance, and exceptional clarity in sound, these headphones have excellent sound isolation in loud environments. Ideal for those who love to hear sound or music like it was intended.

Buyers Guide to Best Headphones for Under 300 Dollars 

Deciding on what could be the best headphones under $300 for you can prove to be quite a challenge. Although, it doesn’t have to be. It’s possible to buy top-of-the-range headphones in this price range. However, to ensure you choose the best that’s available and what suits your needs, take a look at some essential features to help you make the right investment. 

Noise Cancellation Technology 

When you’re on the hunt for top-quality headphones, Noise cancellation technology is one of the first things you should look for. This feature allows headphones to decrease or eliminate background noises, resulting in a clean, sharp sound.

Girl-wearing-Noise-Cancellation-Headphonesw

The two most common types of noise-canceling technologies include, namely: 

  • Active noise canceling: These headphones are a result of artificial intelligence. It uses microphones and speakers to reduce any unwanted background noise. Leaders like Bose have their own exclusive technology for this type of noise cancellation technology. 
  • Passive noise canceling: Noise isolation, or passive noise cancellation, blocks out any noise from around the headphones. It’s created through the seal of the actual ear cups and the choice of materials used. It is used for both over-and in-ear earphones. 

Battery Life

If you’re looking into getting yourself a pair of wireless headphones or if they have any type of active noise canceling, they will additionally come with a rechargeable battery. Of course, your headset’s battery life will differ; for example, some last for around five hours, and others can perform up to 30 hours. 

If you’re planning to use your headphones for long periods of time without the opportunity to recharge them, then battery life and length will be something to consider. So, ensure you check the battery life before purchasing your headset. 

Comfort

For any gamers, teachers, audiophiles, DJs, or anyone looking for good headphones, choosing a comfortable headset to have in or around your ears is crucial to your listening experience. While on the hunt, you should ensure the cushions around your ear are properly ventilated and are made of an ‘anti-sweat material. 

Earpads should also deem soft. Again, a memory protein material would be most preferable here as it provides padding and soft cushioning around the earcups. 

Summary of the Best Headphones Under 300 Dollars

After looking at the best headphones for under $300, it’s evident there are some incredibly good headsets on the market that offer listeners sensational sound, Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation technology, and long battery life. 

In this article, we’ve dived deep into the top headphones under 300 dollars and what would be of the best value and quality to suit your needs. So, now that we’ve covered our favorites, what’s yours? Please share; we’d love to know. 

Written by Panashe

I'm Panashe Hwata - a computer science student with an unabashed love for technology and captivating audio. As the owner of this blog, I'm thrilled to share my passion for exploring the world of premium sound and cutting-edge tech with all of you. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we dive into the captivating world of audio excellence