The Best Alexa Headphones
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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A growing list of headphones and earbuds have Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built in, especially since Amazon made its Alexa Mobile Accessory (AMA) Kit available in 2018.
“The Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit enables device makers to build Alexa into new form factors with minimum investment in hardware or integration effort,” said Priya Abani, director, Amazon Alexa.” As a result, Alexa headphones are here to stay and they will only get cheaper. In theory, this is good news.
Alexa headphones respond to verbal commands like “Alexa, play David Bowie,” and they can control compatible smart locks, Wi-Fi thermostats and smart lights. However, many of these Alexa-integrated headphones have been rushed to market and suffer from shortcomings like:
- Confusing instructions;
- Voice recognition issues;
- Difficulty making phone calls; and
- Troublesome firmware updates.
In other words, just because a pair of headphones is “Amazon certified” does not mean it is a good product.
How Much Do Good Alexa Headphones Cost?
A good pair of headphones with Alexa voice-control (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $145, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same Alexa headphones cost around $107 while on sale: an average discount of 26%.
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find Alexa headphones with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any headphones with a price above the mid-point.
To find Alexa-enabled headphones with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Models with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than half of the analyzed products remain.
Cowin SE7 Alexa Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Good Value: $130 | Great Deal: $90
Cowin’s budget Alexa headphones have excellent sound quality, decent noise cancellation and a travel-friendly design, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that these headphones are tight fitting and the controls are hard to manipulate; others say the Bluetooth radio and microphone are spotty.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Jabra Elite 65t Earbuds
Good Value: $88 | Great Deal: $70
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These Alexa sport earbuds have excellent sound quality and a long battery life, according to several online customers. Some reviewers have trouble keeping these earbuds in their ears; others were disappointed that they couldn’t initiate hands-free calls with Alexa. Many reviewers say their earbuds survived the washing machine.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
JBL LIVE 400BT On-Ear Wireless Headphones
Good Value: $84 | Great Deal: $70
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JBL’s afforable Bluetooth headphones sound great and have long battery life, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say these headphones run tight and hurt the ears during extended wear.
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-CH700N
Good Value: $128 | Great Deal: $88
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Sony’s inexpensive Bluetooth headphones are handsome, comfortable and good for music and calls, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say that the noise-cancellation is not very effective; others were disappointed that using Alexa requires pushing a button (i.e. voice control is not hands free). Note: The newer Sony WH-CH710N uses smaller, 30mm drivers (instead of 40mm drivers).
JBL LIVE 500BT Around-Ear Wireless Headphones
Good Value: $120 | Great Deal: $100
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These over-ear JBL headphones are comfortable and their battery life is excellent, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that headphones aren’t a good choice for bass lovers or loud volume.
Sony WF-1000XM3 Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds
Good Value: $213 | Great Value: $168
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Sony’s flagship wireless earbuds have top-notch sound quality and noise cancellation, according to several customers. Many reviewers dislike the Sony companion app; others say that the microphone is low quality.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Good Value: $250 | Great Deal: $150
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Jabra’s Bluetooth headphones pair easily and have excellent battery life, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the noise-cancellation is just OK; others warn that it is easy to turn these headphones off by accident. Some customers were disappointed that Alexa will not play music from Spotify.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Sony WHXB900N Noise Cancelling Headphones
Good Value: $217 | Great Deal: $118
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These Sony headphones are lightweight, comfortable and have great sound quality that is accentuated by deep, rich bass, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say that the noise cancellation is disappointing; others warn that the touch controls are finicky and the default EQ settings are bass-heavy.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
JBL LIVE 650BTNC Noise-Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
Good Value: $166 | Great Deal: $100
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JBL’s noise-cancelling headphones are a great value for the money, according to several online customers. Reviewers have mixed feelings about the comfort and fit; some complained of Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
About the Author: John DeFeo is an avid audiophile, a former A/V salesman and he previously worked as the head of editorial insights for Tom’s Guide.
