Best Earbuds Under 300 – If you’re about to spend $300 on earbuds, chances are you know what you’re looking for and you know how to find it. You don’t need us to tell you that there are trade offs in terms of audio quality even at the top end of the in-ear market, but it’s important to keep this in mind nonetheless.
OVERVIEW
Other than that, take your time before committing to your final choice. Remember that audio is a deeply personal experience, and try to get your hands (or ears) on a pair before buying. One person’s rich bass response is another person’s poorly defined mids.
ROUND UP
back to menu ↑1.Bose QuietComfort
Features
- Noise cancelling earbuds – Engineered with the world’s most effective noise cancelling. Bose controllable noise cancellation and full Transparency Mode allow you to eliminate distractions, let your surroundings in, or a little bit of each.
- High-fidelity audio – An exclusive acoustic architecture brings your music, podcasts, and videos to life, while Volume-optimized Active EQ keeps the sound crisp and balanced at any level.
- Comfortable wireless earbuds – Three sizes of StayHear Max eartips are included for a secure fit. Crafted from soft silicone, they provide passive noise blocking with total comfort.
- Simple touch controls – It’s as easy as tap, swipe, or press. Control your noise cancellation settings, pause, play, and volume right from the side of the earbud itself. Enable it all in the Bose Music app.
- Noise-rejecting microphones – Tiny microphones work together to focus on your voice, filtering out surrounding noises for fewer distractions during phone calls.
- Long battery life — Listen for up to 6 hours on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional 12 hours and charges via the included USB-C cable or wirelessly with any Qi-certified charging mat (not included).
- Weather & sweat resistant – These IPX4-rated wireless earbuds can withstand sweat, water, and some inclement weather.
- Bluetooth earbuds with microphone – Bluetooth 5.1 provides a strong, consistent connection to your device within 30 feet.
- Compatible with iOS and Android – Simple setup & custom settings available through the Bose Music app.
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2.Shure SE425-CL
Features
- Shure CBL-M-+K Music Phone Cable with Remote + Mic for iPone, iPod and iPad available as an additional accessory..Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Accurate and Balanced Sound and frequency range is 20 Hertz – 19 Kilo Hertz
- Speaker Type: Dual High-Definition MicroDrivers
- Available in clear or metallic silver;lmpedance :22 Ω
- Formable wire ensures secure placement over the ear
- Convert Shure SE425 Earphones to wireless with the new Bluetooth-Enabled Cable (RMCE-BT1). Sold separately.
- Shure CBL-M-+K Music Phone Cable with Remote + Mic for iPone, iPod and iPad works with Shure's SE425 earphones.
- Accurate and Balanced Sound
- Speaker Type: Dual High-Definition MicroDrivers
- Available in clear or metallic silver
- Formable wire ensures secure placement over the ear
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3.Grado GT220
Features
- Whats in the Box - GT220 in-ear headphones - Charging case - USB cable (USB-C to USB-A) - Multiple silicon tips - Owner's guide
- True wireless Touch sensitive commands - Built in microphone - Twist to lock
- Wireless charging - 6 hour battery life - 30 hours battery life from case (5 x full charge)
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4.Beats
Features
- TAKE YOUR WORKOUT ANYWHERE: Beats powerbeats2 bluetooth wireless headphones can connect upto 30 feet range to your bluetooth enabled devices. Its adjustable long wrap around cable lets you to move freely, take hand free calls and adjust music with no-slip grip remote talk controls.
- SWEAT RESISTANT & COMPACT DESIGN: Beats Powerbeats2 Wireless Earphone is IPX4 sweat and water-resistant from the earbud to the tangle-free cable wrap around cable. It's designed with a flexible ear hook, providing a comfortable and secure fit.
- DESIGNED TO PERFORM: With powerful Bass response, these noise cancelling headphones delivers unrivalled clarity, depth and balance. It does not distort even at top volumes. Perfect for rigorous indoor and outdoor workout conditions.
- FULL OF ENERGY: Sturdy in-built rechargeable battery provides upto 6 hours of playback. A 15-minute quick charge delivers an extra hour of non-stop playback. Wireless headphones for iphone, compatibile to all Bluetooth Devices (IOS,Mac,Ipad & Andriod)
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Beats Powerbeats 2 Wireless | Micro USB Cable | Three pair of ear tip fittings | Cable Management Clip (NOTE: The device comes packaged in a brown box from the manufacturer)
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5.Jabra Elite
Features
- SECURE ACTIVE FIT – We scanned thousands of ears to create the best-fitting earbuds for a sport that we’ve ever created, with a special grip coating to make sure they stay in while you move; Plus, they’re sweat proof and waterproof with IP57-rated protection
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: With these noise cancelling earbuds, you can filter out the world and focus on your music; Use the Jabra Sound plus App to activate ANC the first time you use it and enable toggling between ANC and Hear Through via your Earbud button
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR CALLS – 4 microphones, the latest digital signal processing and pioneering beam form technology mean these Jabra earbuds offer great call quality wherever you are; Plus, they’re compatible with Siri, Google, and Alexa
- LONG BATTERY LIFE – With Jabra Elite Active 75t wireless Bluetooth earbuds, you get up to 24 hours of battery time (ANC on) with the pocket-friendly charging case, the Elite 75t earphones let you take calls and play music while staying connected
- MY SOUND IS YOUR SOUND – Our latest pioneering technology tests your hearing in the Jabra Sound plus app, and tailors your music to suit your individual hearing profile; My Sound makes the music you love even better
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6.Samsung Galaxy
Features
- SOUND THAT ROCKS: The AKG-tuned 12mm speaker and enhanced bass tone play everything in studio-quality sound. An open design creates a live listening environment, suiting those who prefer a natural, spacious sound
- NEW STYLE. NEW SOUND: Equal parts earbuds and ear bling, Galaxy Buds Live come in 3 colors you’ll want to rock all day. If the earbuds don't fit right, you can simply swap the earbud tips and wingtips. If you wear your buds correctly, it will help ensure they remain comfortable while providing the best sound and call quality possible
- TURN DOWN DISTRACTIONS: Turn on Active Noise Cancellation to block out background noise on an airplane, train or bus. Tap again to let in surrounding live sounds— colleagues’ voices, flight announcements, street traffic—while still enjoying your favorite playlist or podcast
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Long-lasting battery life with a case that doubles as a wireless charger
- ALWAYS-ON ASSISTANCE: Use your always-on voice assistant to order coffee, send a message or search music hands free
- Features including Active Noise Canceling are enabled through Bluetooth connection or the Galaxy Wearable app on Android, available through Google Play Store, and the Galaxy Buds app on IOS devices, available through the App Store
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7.EarFun Air
Features
- 【CES 2020 Innovation Award & iF Design Award】 EarFun Air is the only wireless earbuds that received the "2020 iF Design Award" and "CES 2020 Innovation Award" together. Great features and great design have been globally recognized. Each earbud is equipped with 2 microphones, together the 4 enhanced microphones provide noise-cancelling call technology to effectively block out 80% of background noise and make your voice 3 times clearer, to ensure you’re heard on the other side.
- HI-FI SUPERIOR SOUND: EarFun Air Bluetooth earbuds feature dual 6mm composite drivers that produce rich, immersive sound. PEEK + PU high fidelity dynamic drivers deliver deep, resonant bass with authentic treble to match.
- UP to 35 HOURS PLAYTIME: The Bluetooth earbuds offers up to 35H play time. A single charge using the provided USB-C charging cable gives you 2 hours of playtime after just 10 minutes of charging. The charging case can also be wirelessly charged by simply placing it on a wireless charger, providing a cable-free charging option.
- INTUITIVE TOUCH CONTROL: With intuitive touchpad technology built into both wireless earbuds, you can effortlessly control your music, calls, and volume with a single finger press, freeing your hands from your smartphone. In-ear detection makes your music pauses when you remove either earbud, then starts again the second you put them back in.
- SINGLE EARBUD OPTION: Either earbud can be automatically paired to your device for independent use, giving you the flexibility to accommodate the task. Powered by latest Bluetooth 5.0 which dramatically enhances the stability and connection of the earbuds. When opening the carrying case lid, EarFun Air wireless earbuds will power on automatically and pair to your Bluetooth-compatible device.
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8.SENNHEISER
Features
- Enjoy unrivaled high-end stereo sound created by Sennheiser's unique 7 millimeter dynamic Earbud audio drivers
- Switch off your surroundings and focus on the deep bass, the natural mids and the clear treble thanks to Active Noise Cancellation providing you with high-fidelity sound even in noisy environments
- Experience uninterrupted play time with the new 7-hour battery life that can be extended up to 28 hours with the charging case for your wireless headphones
- In the mood for a movie marathon? With its ergonomic and lightweight design, you can experience unbeatable sound in unbelievable comfort when lounging in front of the TV or while strolling through the city
- Control your exceptional sound with customizable touchpad technology built into both earbuds hands free via voice control or with your smart devices
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9.Sony WF-1000XM3
Features
- Digital noise canceling: Industry leading anc lends a personalized, virtually soundproof experience. Phone call: A built-in mic enables you to take hands-free calls
- 24bit Audio signal processing delivers dramatically improved sound quality
- Battery life up to 24 hours with carrying case (with 10min quick charge for 90min of play time)
- Easy and clear hands free calling; Leave your phone where it is, just speak with a double tap to the earbud
- Truly wireless design with uninterrupted L/R simultaneous Bluetooth transmission
- Alexa enabled for voice access to music, information, and more. Activate with a simple touch
- Smart listening by adaptive sound control automatically switches to ambient sound mode based on your activity
- Quick attention mode and wearing detection make conversations effortless
- Sony, headphones connect app for Android/iOS to use smart listening technology to control your ambient sound settings
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10.Klipsch XR8i
Features
- Frequency response - 10Hz-20kHz and Impedance - 50 ohms
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Best Earbuds Under 300 – BUYER’S GUIDE
back to menu ↑Advanced Features
One thing worth mentioning is that most of these come with a some pretty advanced features. For the most part we are talking about high end driver designs, the majority of which are proprietary. Because of that, even two seemingly comparable models aren’t really comparable at all. Each brand has their own set of hardware which performs differently. Aside from drivers, one of the most interesting features you will run into is noise cancellation. Specifically, these earbuds will either have active or passive noise cancellation. Lets discuss each in detail.
back to menu ↑Active Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation is easily the more efficient of the two. The levels of noise reduction some of these earbuds offer can easily silence a room full of people talking among each other. Naturally, even the best active noise canceling system has its limits. However, chances are that you won’t find those limits anytime soon. The main drawback of active noise cancellation are the batteries. Having to constantly rely on batteries can be a nuisance if you want full independence. On the other hand, being able to enjoy your favorite music with additional detail is definitely worth the extra hassle.
back to menu ↑Passive Noise Cancellation
Passive noise cancellation is simpler and less effective, but effective enough in most cases. With this approach you are using the chassis of the earbud to drown out most of the noise. As such it tends to have limited success depending on where you are and how noisy your environment is at the moment. Some of the earbuds that feature passive noise cancellation work extremely well while others not so much. The benefit of going with this setup is the fact that you don’t have to carry batteries around with you. On top of that, the earbuds themselves are going to be a fair bit lighter compared to an active set. Additionally, passive noise canceling tech tends to reduce the price of a given set of earbuds making them more affordable.
back to menu ↑The Good
Look, if you’re paying for the best, you’re probably going to get the best. It’s as simple as that. Mostly. Obviously, not everything that’s priced this highly is worthy of the price tag, but you should be sure to read as many reviews as possible to ensure that your eventual choice doesn’t disappoint.
At this price range, you’re going to be able to do one of two things. Each has its use, and there’s no strictly better choice. It’s a personal thing. Either you can find a truly jack of all trades affair which delivers a solid amount of features, a good design, and decent audio quality, or you can choose which of those three aspects matters the most to you and specialize.
There are, for example, a whole host of sports eardbuds, wireless offerings, or just your standard ‘general use’ earphones to choose from at the $300 price point. The world is your audio oyster, whatever that means.
back to menu ↑The Bad
There are only two potential negatives worth discussing here and the main one is this: there is, no matter what brands would like you to believe, an absolute cap on the quality of an in-ear listening experience relative to other form factors.
Now, this needn’t be a bad thing. Earbuds have a lot going for them: they’re highly portable, they usually come with a ton of useful features, and they tend towards a kind of plug and play, ‘it just works’ user experience that a lot of equipment designed for audio purists does not. But it’s absolutely worth considering before you drop $300 on in-ear headphones if you specifically want an in-ear rather than over-ear experience.
The second negative, then, is aimed at audiophiles who, for whatever reason, have their hearts set on earbuds. At this price point, you’re going to be paying a lot of money for a form factor which can’t deliver the optimal listening experience. If audio is, above all else, your primary concern, you may want to look elsewhere.
back to menu ↑What to Look For
Decide which of the two archetypes you wish to pursue and run with it. Are you someone who appreciates a robust feature set, an attractive design, and a good listening experience? Then pick a pair of earphones which cover all those bases. But if you’re looking to prioritize one of the three, there’s plenty on offer for you to choose from as well.
back to menu ↑Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand has the best earbuds? That totally depends on what you’re looking for – but we’re careful with our lists. That means all of the earbud and in-ear headphones below come from brands we trust. Still, if you’re not sure where to start looking, respected brands like Sony, Apple, Cambridge Audio, JBL, and Optoma are good places to start.
What are the best cheap earbuds? At least half of the buds in this list are below the $80 / $80 mark, which makes them ideal for those who need a new set of headphones but can’t justify a splurge. We recommend the 1More Triple Drive In-Ear Headphones – but if they’re still too pricey for your current budget, then check out our guides to the best cheap headphones of 2021 and the best budget wireless earbuds.
Which is better, earbuds or headphones? It’s up to you. Some people love the feel and immersive sound experience of over-ear headphones, others prefer the freedom and compact size of in-ear headphones and earbuds. It all depends on what your priorities are.
How do I keep my earbuds from falling out? Although most of the high-end in-ear buds and headphones are designed to stay put, everyone’s ears are different. Which means there’s still a chance they’ll fall out – especially if you’re running or moving. If this keeps happening, we recommend opting for a pair built with sports in mind, these tend to have better support and even a different design that anchors them into your ear better.
back to menu ↑WRAP UP
As far as earbuds go, it looks like you are probably trying to hit the uppermost end of what’s on offer if you’re planning to buy at this price point.The premium in-ear headphones market began as something of a contradiction in terms with many brands opting to compete instead with the stock, pre-packaged models that consumers find alongside purchases of new devices.
But in the last few years, a real need has emerged for high quality, versatile devices which deliver an ‘as good as it gets’ audio experience while maintaining the portability, ease of use, and all round practicality of the earbud form factor. And companies, across the board, have delivered.
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