Wireless Headphones: Beyond the Big Names
Wireless headphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, accompanying us on commutes, workouts, and even during moments of quiet contemplation. With seemingly endless options available, choosing the perfect pair can feel daunting. While we often focus on the top-rated and most popular models, a vast world of excellent wireless headphones exists, offering unique features and price points to suit various needs and preferences.
This article delves into “second-tier” wireless headphones, showcasing models that didn’t quite make our top lists but still provide exceptional value and performance for their price. From sleek designs to powerful sound and innovative features, these headphones demonstrate that great audio experiences can be found beyond the most hyped brands.
1. Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2: A Worthy Wireless Transmitter Case Contender
Despite their high price of $280, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 earbuds fall short compared to other high-end options in terms of sound quality and noise cancellation. They do, however, boast a unique feature: a wireless transmitter case. This allows them to connect to non-Bluetooth devices like airplane entertainment systems, making them a valuable option for travelers. "This is Jabra’s last consumer earbuds, so new features are unlikely." However, their lack of innovation and the availability of superior-performing competitors for a lower price may leave discerning listeners wanting more.
2. Sonos Ace: Comfort and Noise Cancellation in One Package
Sonos, known for its impressive home audio systems, makes a bold entrance into the wireless headphone market with the $449 Sonos Ace. These earbuds impress with fantastic noise cancellation, great sound, and a supremely comfortable design. "The Ace is one of the comfiest designs (if not the comfiest) you’ll find in the game." However, early software bugs, particularly with the TV Swap feature, present a hurdle. However, Sonos is expected to address these issues through future firmware updates, making the Ace a promising contender in the long run.
3. Beats Solo 4: Affordable Wireless Comfort
Beats headphones, though often associated with bass-heavy sound profiles, have evolved to offer a more balanced listening experience. The Beats Solo 4, previously priced at $200, has dropped to $150, making them a compelling option for budget-conscious listeners. "We like Beats headphones these days, but this pair was just a bit lacking in features for us at its standard $200 price." While they lack noise cancellation, the Solo 4 deliver comfortable wear and solid sound, making them a great choice for those seeking a no-frills wireless experience.
4. Technics EAH-AZ80: Multipoint Connectivity for the Multitasker
Technics, a name synonymous with audiophile quality, has entered the true wireless earbud arena with the $298 EAH-AZ80. These earbuds stand out with their ability to pair to three devices simultaneously, a boon for users juggling multiple devices. "The AZ80 are great earbuds. Their most noteworthy feature is conveniently pairing to three devices at once…" Coupled with excellent noise cancellation, top-notch sound quality, and a comfortable fit thanks to seven ear tip options, the AZ80 offers a compelling blend of convenience and performance.
5. Beats Studio Pro: Stylish Noise Cancelation with a Price Tag
The Beats Studio Pro, currently available for $350, provides quality performance, surprisingly clear sound, good noise cancellation, and a refreshingly natural transparency mode. "The Studio Pro offer quality performance, including surprisingly clear sound, good noise canceling, and refreshingly natural transparency mode." However, the design feels a bit cheap, and crucial features like auto-pause are missing. Despite these shortcomings, features like Hands-Free Siri and head tracking with spatial audio contribute to their value, particularly when considering their frequent sale prices that can drop them to half their original MSRP.
6. Sony WH-CH720N: Unassuming Sound and Noise Cancellation Value
Despite their humorous name, the Sony WH-CH720N delivers excellent value for $150. These headphones may not offer the flexibility of their higher-priced counterparts, lacking a carrying case and slightly less pliable design. However, they compensate with impressive sound quality and noise-canceling performance. "They’re not as pliable as top options and don’t come with a case, but their sound quality and noise-canceling are excellent for the money." Their long battery life and robust build make them a reliable choice for budget-oriented listeners.
7. Sony WH-1000XM4: A Top-Tier Contender at a Lower Price
Sony’s WH-1000XM4, now available at $267, maintains its position as a top contender in the wireless headphone market despite the release of its successor, the XM5. For a significant price reduction, you gain access to exceptional noise cancellation, great sound, and luxurious comfort in a portable package. "Sony’s XM4 remain a top headphone, even after being supplanted by the fancier XM5." If you’re seeking cutting-edge features like auto-pause, the XM5 is the better option. But for those seeking top-tier performance at a more affordable price, the XM4 remains a compelling choice.
8. Master & Dynamic MH40: Minimalist Luxury for a Premium Price
The second-generation Master & Dynamic MH40, priced at $399, embodies minimalist luxury, delivering gorgeous sound within a stunning design. "M&D’s second-gen MH40 pack gorgeous sound into an equally gorgeous design, with luxurious trappings like lambskin leather and metal parts in place of plastic." Built with premium materials like lambskin leather and metal, these headphones exude style and sophistication. However, their lack of advanced features, including noise cancellation, makes them an expensive proposition for minimalist audiophiles who are willing to forgo cutting-edge technology.
9. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT: Studio-Quality Sound on the Go
Audio-Technica’s ATH-M50X, renowned for its balanced sound and durability, has gained widespread popularity among music and film studios. Now with the ATH-M50xBT ($199), you can enjoy this studio-grade sound wirelessly. "The original ATH-M50X provide balanced sound and great durability, making them ubiquitous in music and film studios… for wireless freedom." While missing features like noise cancellation, these headphones offer a seamless blend of professional sound quality and Bluetooth convenience.
10. Sony Linkbuds: Open-Ear Audio for a Unique Experience
Sony’s Linkbuds ($128) offer a distinct listening experience with their unique open-ear design. "The Linkbuds have a neat trick: speakers with holes in the middle that let in the world around you for environmental awareness." This allows for ambient sound to seamlessly blend with your music, promoting awareness of your surroundings. While not ideal for noisy environments, they excel in quieter settings and provide an innovative alternative to traditional earbuds.
11. JLab Jbuds Mini: Affordable and Tiny
JLab’s Jbuds Mini ($40) are tiny earbuds with a fun and quirky design. Their "adorably teensy design" allows them to fit conveniently on a keychain, making them a portable option for those who need basic wireless earbuds on the go. "These micro-buds from JLab offer so-so sound…" Their sound quality is relatively basic, but for their price and portability, they provide a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy music on the move.
12. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2: A Solid Choice for Galaxy Users
Samsung’s top-of-the-line Galaxy Buds Pro 2 earbuds ($160) remain a compelling choice, particularly for Galaxy phone users. "Samsung’s top Galaxy buds are getting a bit long in the tooth, but they’re still among the best buds for Galaxy phones…" They deliver solid noise cancellation, clear and vibrant sound, and Samsung-specific features. However, their app is incompatible with non-Samsung phones, and their battery life, only lasting five hours, is underwhelming compared to newer competitors.
Moving Beyond the Hype: The Value of Exploration
This exploration of second-tier headphones highlights that great audio experiences can be found beyond the most hyped brands. Whether you prioritize budget, unique features, or simply a different approach to sound, there are countless options waiting to be discovered. The world of wireless headphones is vast and diverse, and exploring beyond the mainstream can lead to hidden gems that perfectly match your individual needs and preferences. It’s time to abandon the herd mentality and embark on your own personal audio journey.
