Wireless headphones are excellent for listening to music on a commute, enjoying content throughout the day, and even some gaming. Unfortunately, a lot of the headliner wireless headphones have a fairly high price tag, which is not reasonable for many people. Luckily, there is still a large number of wireless headphones that offer excellent sound quality, great battery life, and some even have fantastic ANC. So, whether people are looking for wireless over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, or earbuds on a budget, these are some of the best.
Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headsets for 2023
A list of the best budget wireless gaming headsets available to buy right now.Key Factors For Choosing The Best Budget Wireless Headphone
- Form Factor: Headphones come in three main form factors: over-ear, on-ear, and earbuds. Choosing what form factor will cut down a lot of results from the beginning.
- Comfort: A headphone's overall comfort goes hand in hand with the form factor, but it is critical enough to be considered separately. A headphone can be the best sounding in the world, but if it's uncomfortable, it will be a pain to listen to music instead of a pleasure.
- Audio Quality: Even if these are budget headphones, that doesn't mean they shouldn't sound excellent. Excellent-sounding headphones are subjective to a degree, but there are a couple of things that everyone should look for as a baseline: music and content can be heard clearly, and the headphones can produce audio that does not sound harsh.
- ANC: ANC or Active Noise Cancellation helps reduce the background noise to improve the immersive experience of the headphones. While it's difficult to find ANC on cheaper headphones, many headphones come with excellent ANC as users will find in this guide.
Game Rant's Picks for the Best Budget Wireless Headphones
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 is one of the best budget wireless headphones currently available. The 40 mm drivers produce treble up to 40kHz for full-bodied sound with excellent clarity, have effective noise cancelation, and are light enough to wear comfortably all day with little to no strain.
- Battery Life
- 60 Hours (with ANC off, volume 60%) 40 Hours (with ANC on, volume 60%)
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes
- Supported codecs
- SBC, AAC
- Battery charge time
- 2 hours
- Carrying case
- Yes
- Frequency range
- 16Hz - 40kHz
- Driver size
- 40mm
- Comfortable fit
- Exceptional noise isolation at this price point
- Supports multi-device pairing
- Some audio leakage at higher volumes
- Mic quality is not the best
While not perfect, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are easily one of the best budget wireless headphones because of their excellent sound quality, very comfortable design, and incredibly stable wireless connection. This headphones is perfect for anyone who wants a pair of wireless headphones that will easily last all day and have enough ANC to make commuting a breeze.
At this price point, it's not implied that headphones will even have ANC, let alone some of the best noise cancelation comparable to the Sony WH-1000XM5. Soundcore has focused on excellent ANC with a lot of their headphones recently, and it has really paid off. Whether it's their earbuds or over-ear headphones, if it's a Soundcore product, people can expect some of the best noise cancelation available.
The Life Q30 sounds a bit muddy out of the box, but thanks to the excellent EQing options in the Soundcore app, with some fine-tuning, these headphones can sound absolutely fantastic. They won't be able to get to a completely neutral sound profile, but for this price, it's hard to beat how good this headphone sounds.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones offer an enhanced listening experience by utilizing DSEE technology to improve the sound quality of compressed music files. With a lightweight and comfortable design, these headphones are ideal for all-day use, providing a pleasant experience during extended listening sessions. The built-in microphone ensures crystal clear hands-free calling, making communication effortless while on the go.
- Battery Life
- Up to 50 hours
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Microphones
- Yes
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth
- Noise Cancellation
- No
- Driver size
- 30mm
- Supported codecs
- SBC, AAC
- Long battery life
- Comfortable and well-built
- Very little passive noise isolation
- On-ear design is not the most stable for fast-paced movements
Sony is known as the manufacturer of some of the best wireless headphones, like the WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5. While these headphones are some of the best, they are certainly not affordable, so it's nice to see that Sony is still making excellent headphones in their budget category, like the WH-CH520. This budget on-On-ear headphones are perfect for anyone who wants a pair of headphones that get the job done, are comfortable to wear for hours, and is okay with not much else.
The Best Headphones To Buy In 2023
Not all headphones are made equal. Here are some of the best choices that are available today to satisfy buyers' ears.The WH-CH520 is a utilitarian headphone experience. The lightweight plastic is not the most premium material, but it feels nice to wear even for long periods, and even though the on-ear design does nothing for noise isolation, these headphones sound pretty good. They do fall into the trap of over-emphasizing lows and mids, which doesn't make it the clearest listening experience, and can even make some music that has a lot of treble harsh to listen to.
However, with a 50-hour battery life, decent sound quality, and a frustration-free process of setting them up, it is hard to beat the WH-CH520, especially considering it can regularly be picked up for under $50.
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones bring premium quality construction without being too heavy. At just 192g weight, it feels pretty lightweight and can operate 30+ hours on a single charge even with noise cancelation on. The sound quality is comparable even to the flagship Sony wireless headphones and the ANC feature is one of its most noteworthy features.
- Brand
- Sony
- Weight
- 192g
- Battery Life
- 35 hours
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Microphones
- Yes
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Driver size
- 30mm
- Supported codecs
- SBC, AAC
- High quality audio output with clear bass, lows and mids
- Impressive active noise cancellation
- Lightweight and comfortable for long use
- Not the best performance in upper mid level
- Expensive than other listed headphones
This lightweight and ergonomic headphone not only provides a high-quality sound, thanks to the V1 integrated processor but also features dual noise sensor technology for canceling the background noise effectively. Sony's WH-CH720N is perfect for long sessions as the comfortable earcups don't put too much strain on the ears and can work up to 35 hours on a single charge. It not only provides a premium experience on a budget when it comes to sound quality, but also in aesthetics and ease of use.
Compared to some of the flagship Sony models, including the 1000XM4/XM5, it's pretty close to providing similar sound pressure levels in the sub-bass, bass, low mid, and mid zones. However, when it reaches between 3-4kHz, which is the range for upper mid, it can feel a little dull and compact. Still, it is quite satisfactory in most areas, particularly active noise cancelation where it shines the most.
Razer Barracuda X (2022)
With the Razer Barracuda X, the famous gaming peripheral maker set out to create the lightest and most comfortable wireless headset. Weighing just 250 grams, gamers can wear the Barracuda X all day and night thanks to a 50-hour battery life and not feel any discomfort. Flowknit memory foam ear cushions and a heavily padded headband will make listeners forget they have gear on their heads.
Razer's Triforce 40mm drivers on the Barracuda X result in a perfect blend of treble and bass. The included USB dongle is amazingly versatile, allowing the Barracuda X to connect to the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices with Bluetooth.
- Microphone
- Detachable HyperClear Cardioid
- Compatibility
- Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Mobile
- What's Included
- Wireless USB-C Dongle, USB-C Cable (4.92 ft / 1.5 m), USB-A To USB-C Cable (4.92 ft / 1.5M), USB-A TO USB-C Extender (4.92 ft / 1.5M)
- Brand
- Razer
- Weight
- 250 grams
- Battery Life
- 50 hours
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Controls on headset
- Not compatible with Xbox
- Volume wheel adjusts both voice and game volume together
The Razer Barracuda X gaming headset is easily one of the best budget wireless headsets currently on the market. Even though this headset is a year old at this point, the battery life, sound quality, mic quality, and connectivity all make it hard to pass up, especially at this price point. The Barracuda X is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a gaming headset that has a stable wireless connection, as there is no worry about audio delay and fantastic mic quality to clearly communicate with teammates.
In Game Rant's full review of the Barracuda X, we found that the detachable Hyperclear Cardioid mic audio comes through loud and clear on the other end, with no sound issues to report. Plus, there is a good amount of sound cancelation through the mic, so even in noisier environments, this headset allows gamers to effectively communicate.
Using the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, this headset provides a stable low-latency connection that works well even for fast-paced FPS shooters. However, the bass is a bit over-emphasized, making it hard to hear footsteps when gun shots are also happening at the same time.
Anker Soundcore Space One Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Soundcore Space One is a pair of over-ear headphones with 40mm drivers that deliver hi-res audio and, on supported devices, LDAC audio. Paired with unparalleled noise-canceling that blocks out 98% of sound around the user, the Space Ones can make a change for anybody's commute or music listening experience, not to mention that with ANC on, the battery lasts for 40 hours and with ANC off it last up to 55 hours.
- Battery Life
- 40 Hours ANC On 55 Hours ANC Off
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Microphones
- Yes
- Brand
- Anker
- Transducer Size
- 40mm
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth and 3.5mm wired
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes
- Supported codecs
- LDAC & Hi-Res Audio
- Incredible sound quality
- Impressively long battery life
- Excellent ANC
- ANC set to the highest setting creates a lot of inner-ear pressure
- On the high-end of budget headsets
Just like the Soundcore Life Q30, the Space One headphones from Soundcore features best-in-class ANC. People who commute via public transit, are frequent flyers, or need some noise-canceling in their life will not be disappointed with the Soundcore Space One headphones.
In Game Rant's full review of the Space One headphones, we found that Anker's claim of being able to block up to 98% of outside noise is accurate. However, when first trying out the headphones at the highest ANC level, they can create a lot of inner-ear pressure. After a couple of days to get used to it, the pressure is not as noticeable though.
Unlike a lot of ANC-focused headphones, the Space One does narrow down the sound stage too much. Compared to the Koss kph30i, which are open-back headphones known for their wide sound stage, the Space One's have a comparable sound, but they do not sound quite as intimate as the Koss kph30i.
Sennheiser HD 250BT
Inspired by DJs, the Sennheiser HD 250BT delivers a thrilling audio experience with dynamic bass, state-of-the-art Bluetooth connectivity and durable design. Using Sennheiser's famous transducer technology, these on-ear headphones easily punch above their weight class, with a dynamic bass and rock-solid Bluetooth connection.
- Battery Life
- 25 hrs
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Microphones
- Yes
- Transducer Size
- 32 mm
- Frequency Response
- 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz
- Noise Cancellation
- No
- Supported codecs
- aptX, apt X Low Latency, AAC, SBC
- Hi Fidelity sound quality
- Excellent build construction for this price point
- Awkward design will not fit everyone's likes
This funky-looking headphone is probably not what most people think of when they picture a wireless headphone that is perfect for audiophiles, but that is just what the Sennheiser HD 250BT is. These affordable on-ear headphones deliver a solid, reliable mix of accurate lows and detailed highs, plus support for high-fidelity Bluetooth codecs like AptX and AAC.
Despite their on-ear design, the aural earcups are able to make quite a good seal against outside noise, unlike the Sony WH-CH520. The earcups themselves are very comfortable while not super padded; they also don't retain a lot of heat, making them easy to wear while out and about. That being said, the look of this headphone is not for everyone. The odd shape and extra headband sticking through the earcups is not the most streamlined design.
Where the HD-250BT really shines is in its audio performance. The bass is powerful and punchy, while not overwhelming the mids or highs, leading to a very pleasant listening experience. It's not quite to the clinical level of the HD600 from Sennheiser, but is still accurate enough to please most audiophiles.
The Most Expensive Is Not Always The Best
While it can be tempting to always go after the new and fancy headphones that everyone is raving about, the most expensive headphones are not always the best options out there; a good budget wireless headphone can rival the experience that even some of the most premium headphones can provide.
Choosing the best budget wireless headphones starts with selecting the correct form factor. This will not be the same answer for everyone, because one headphone that is perfect for someone will not necessarily be perfect for another. The three main form factors for headphones are over-ear, on-ear, and earbuds. Over-ear headphones typically use the largest drivers, creating a louder sound and usually having better sound isolation. On the other hand, earbuds are way more portable than over-ear headphones and have much smaller driver sizes, but most can still produce excellent sound quality. On-ear headphones are the middle ground between the two.
Going hand in hand with form factor is the comfort of a headphone. Regardless of what form factor works best, they need to be comfortable. Nothing is worse than wearing a headphone that strains the user's ears to the point where listening to music for more than a few hours is painful.
Finally, the audio quality of a headphone is what takes it from being okay to being one of the best budget wireless headphones. Not everyone needs a headset that is studio quality and can produce an accurate profile that can be used to mix and master, but having a muddy and unintelligible headset will not make for an enjoyable listening experience. Finding that perfect middle ground, especially in the budget range, will allow for price-to-performance that will not leave the user wanting more.
FAQ
Q: Are wireless headphones worth it?
Wireless headphones are worth it. The freedom they provide over wired headphones is exceptional, especially for those who like to listen to music while they work or commute.
Q: Is $200 a lot for headphones?
In some circles, $200 might be nothing for a good pair of headphones, but for most people, a $200 headset should have exceptional sound quality, ANC, and comfort. A reasonable budget wireless headset should probably cost within the range of $75 to $150.