There are many various possibilities in the high-end segment of the audio industry, regardless of whether money is no object or you simply believe that investing a lot of money on headphones will pay off. Yes, many of them will be excellent, but not all Bluetooth headphones priced under $400 are made equally. For particular needs, some of these choices will perform better than others.
Table of Contents
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones with Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer
- The best noise cancellation-two processors control 8 microphones for...
- Magnificent Sound, engineered to perfection with the new Integrated...
- Crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones, precise...
The WH-1000XM5 is the successor to the WH-1000XM4 and offers superior aesthetics, sound, and noteworthy active noise cancellation (ANC). These wireless headphones are pricey, yes, but they also offer additional high-end features like LDAC support, excellent microphone quality in every setting, and a ton of software options, all encased in a cozy design. Compared to the previous model, the upgraded WH-1000XM4 offers better ANC and sound quality. When compared to the WH-1000XM4, which has an even bassier sound than the XM5, the frequency response is a little more pleasant. You may modify the noise cancellation and the in-app EQ to fine-tune your sound profile using the Sony Headphones Connect app.
With noise cancellation on, the headphones have a 31-hour, 53-minute battery life, which is sufficient for any commute or travel. Even though finding the touch controls can be a little challenging, they do a good job managing volume and playback. The WH-1000XM5 has multipoint connectivity, automated ear detection, and Speak-to-Chat while you’re speaking, just like the WH-1000XM4. Don’t take it out in the rain, though; anything this pricey should provide an excellent experience in practically every situation. Air conditioner hums and jet engine rumbles will be less distracting during your listening sessions thanks to improved ANC. In the WH-1000XM5 ANC test and simulation video up top, you can hear the distinction. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a wonderful companion for people who work from home or take calls when they’re out and about. The headset performs remarkably well in less-than-ideal circumstances, such as wind, and the differences between the two samples below are barely audible. This is the Best Wireless Headphones under $400.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
- NOISE CANCELLING WIRELESS HEADPHONES: The perfect balance of quiet,...
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO: The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and...
- QUIET AND AWARE MODES: Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or...
For those who want the highest ANC and comfort available, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is a fantastic noise-canceling headset. This contrasts favorably with the earlier QuietComfort 35 II and has an almost same appearance. The Bose Music app equalization and the USB-C input on the QC 45 make the largest differences. The QC 45 has outstanding noise cancellation, which successfully reduces sub-bass sounds to up to 25% of their original perceived loudness. With the headphones on, mids are only one-eighth as loud as they would be without them, while passive isolation handles sounds over 2kHz.
Although the overall ANC impact is just slightly superior to the QC 35 II, Bose regularly delivers very helpful firmware updates over the lives of its products. Be prepared for Bose to make changes to the QC 45’s performance after a few years of use. The bass and midrange frequencies sound terrific, however this isn’t perfectly tuned in terms of audio quality. Most folks don’t like how loud the treble response is. For a more enticing sound, we advise listeners to equalize the treble down by roughly 5dB. We really enjoy the QC 45’s button controls since they make using the headset much simpler if you spend half the year wearing gloves. The QC 45’s major drawback is that you can’t turn off ANC without also turning on transparency audio automatically. Many people find this to be inconvenient, and because of it, some customers could opt for the QC 35 II or the more svelte Bose NCH 700 instead. Although the noise suppression on the microphone in this location is passable, callers on the other end will still be able to tell when you are not in a peaceful environment. This is the Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones under $400.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones
- Maximum audio resolution with Sennheiser Signature Sound: Enjoy premium...
- Personalized sound via the Sennheiser Smart Control App: Adjust the sound...
- Stay immersed in your music: Thanks to the headphone's Adaptive Noise...
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless has a lot going for it, but it can’t quite compete with some of the Sony and Bose products on our list. These Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones offer a bassy sound, a fresh, fashionable look, and several practical features. Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connectivity options, a handy Smart Control software, and USB-C charging are all included with the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless.
Active noise cancelling is a significant improvement over the MOMENTUM 3 Wireless. High-quality codecs like AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive are supported by the headphones. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is a terrific option for daily commuters and those wishing to complement their outfit thanks to its elegant design and plush leather ear cushions.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- POWERFUL NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: 11 levels of active noise cancelling...
- ASTONISHING SOUND: Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless...
- UNRIVALED VOICE PICKUP: A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy...
For a reasonable price, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 nevertheless deliver excellent noise cancellation and audio quality. The Bose NCH 700 is ideal for you if you don’t want to fiddle with in-app equalizers and also has a fantastic frequency response. However, you can EQ the sound to your preferences with the Bose Music app for iOS or Android. The Bose QC35 II seems dated next to these brand-new Bose headphones. Additionally, the new design is not just for show. A touch-sensitive gesture pad on the right ear cup has taken the place of the playback control buttons to allow you to control your music.
The ear cups may still be rotated to lay flat even though there are no longer any folding hinges, and the new metal headband is significantly more robust. Intriguingly, the headset has an IPX4 rating, allowing you to use it when working out, despite the fact that there are much better Bluetooth workout headphones available. NCH 700 is our top pick if you want excellent ANC and sound quality from a product that frequently goes on sale. In ideal circumstances, the microphone here performs a good job picking up voices, but in our simulations of less-than-perfect environments, background noise may be heard a little bit.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
- Wireless, on-the-go design delivers the same critically acclaimed sonic...
- Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers and dedicated amplifier deliver...
- Low latency mode improves synchronicity between audio and video for smooth...
Professionals and casual listeners alike adore this pair of closed-back cans for its superior sound quality and convenient design. The Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 incorporates Bluetooth for a cable-free listening experience when you’re not busy creating the next summer smash. It uses the same technologies as the original Audio Technica ATH-M50x.
SBC, AAC, and LDAC codec options are available with the second-generation Bluetooth M50x headset from Audio-Technica. You can somehow listen to high-quality digital or analog audio, despite the fact that we discovered that LDAC doesn’t always function as it should. Aside from codec support, the ATH-M50xBT2 simply sounds good. Its frequency response quite closely resembles our studio’s curve, with tolerable under-emphasis in the treble response and from 125 to 600 Hz. However, the ATH-M50xBT2 responds well to equalization, so you may use the mobile app to completely alter the sound. Although this headset doesn’t have an IP rating, you can still rely on its durability. We have transported the ATH-M50x and its Bluetooth variants from one event to another, demonstrating that its construction can withstand numerous flights, hotel stays, and exhibit floors. Get this headset if you want one for studio and everyday use.