The Best Google Assistant Headphones
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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There are two kinds of “Google Assistant headphones” on the market, and while they are similar in many ways, there are key differences:
- Google Assistant Compatible — Most Bluetooth earbuds and headphones support Google Assistant as long as they have a microphone and are connected to an Android phone. Long-pressing the play button or saying “OK, Google” activates the Assistant. Then, spoken commands are relayed to a smartphone; the phone sends a response back to the headset that it is paired with.
- Integrated or Built-In Google Assistant — Earbuds or headphones with a full Google Assistant integration don’t rely on a smartphone to execute voice commands because they run Google Assistant natively, allowing special features like live notifications and realtime foreign language translation.
How Much Do Google Assistant Headphones Cost?
A good pair of earbuds that are compatible with Google Assistant are relatively inexpensive (see these guides to cheap AirPod alternatives and Bluetooth earbuds). With them, you can make calls, send texts, set reminders and control smart home devices like a Wi-Fi thermostat or smart LED bulb.
However, headphones and earbuds with Google Assistant integrated are generally more expensive. A good pair of headphones with integrated Google Assistant (and verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $134, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same earphones cost around $102 while on sale: an average discount of 24%. Here are the best affordable Google Assistant headphones:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find Google Assistant 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 headphone with a price above the mid-point.
To find Google 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 15% of the analyzed products remain.
What Is Bluetooth Multipoint?
Bluetooth multipoint is a convenient feature for those who plan to use their Google Assistant headphones with multiple devices (for example, an Android phone and a Wear OS smartwatch). Multipoint allows a pair of headphones to connect to two Bluetooth sources simultaneously and to hand off the connection as needed.
Marshall Major III Voice Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Good Value: $170 | Great Deal: $140
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Bluetooth Multipoint: No
Marshall’s Major III voice-assistant headphones have a solid build, classic design and great battery life, according to several customers. Some reviewers say these on-ear headphones are tight fitting (and grow uncomfortable during extended wear); others were disappointed with the quality of the onboard microphone.
Sony WF-1000XM3 Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds
Good Value: $213 | Great Value: $168
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Bluetooth Multipoint: No
These earbuds have excellent battery life, sound quality and noise cancellation, according to several online customers. Some reviewers warn that Sony’s software is buggy and non-intuitive; others were disappointed by the earbuds’ controls and connectivity. Many customers say the oboard microphone is bad for phone calls.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Google Pixel Buds 2
Good Value: $179 | Great Deal: $159
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Bluetooth Multipoint: No
Google’s second-generation Pixel Buds fit well and have balanced sound, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say these earbuds have weak bass; others wish that battery life was longer.
JBL LIVE 400BT On-Ear Wireless Headphones
Good Value: $84 | Great Deal: $70
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Bluetooth Multipoint: Yes
These inexpensive JBL headphones have great sound quality and long battery life, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say these headphones are tight and feel uncomfortable after extended use.
Google Pixel USB-C Wired Earbuds
Good Value: $30 | Great Deal: $20
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Bluetooth Multipoint: N/A
Google’s USB-C Pixel earbuds have good sound quality for the price, according to several online customers. Some reviewers were disappointed by the non-adjustable fit; others complain that noise bleeds through.
JBL LIVE 500BT Around-Ear Wireless Headphones
Good Value: $120 | Great Deal: $100
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Bluetooth Multipoint: Yes
JBL’s affordable over ear headphones are comfortable and have excellent battery life, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish these headphones had more bass and a louder volume.
LG Tone Flex HBS-XL7 Bluetooth Neckband Earbuds
Good Value: $123 | Great Deal: $103
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Bluetooth Multipoint: Yes
LG’s neckband-style earbuds are light and flexible, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that this headset picks up too much background noise during calls; others say these earbuds are best suited for sedentary indoor activities. A few customers had trouble configuring the Google Assistant button.
Jabra Elite 65t Earbuds
Good Value: $124 | Great Deal: $70
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Bluetooth Multipoint: Yes
Jabra’s sport earbuds have excellent Google Assistant integration, great sound and long battery life, according to several online customers. Some say these earbuds are uncomfortable and bad for calls.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH-CH700N
Good Value: $128 | Great Deal: $88
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Bluetooth Multipoint: Yes
These Sony headphones have long battery life and sound great for the money, according to several online customers. Many reviewers were disappointed with these headphones’ noise cancellation and plastic build.
Note: Sony’s newer WH-CH710N headphones use smaller, 30mm drivers (instead of 40mm drivers).
Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Good Value: $250 | Great Deal: $150
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Bluetooth Multipoint: Yes
Jabra’s noise-cancelling headphones are good all-around performers, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say these headphones glitch when connected to multiple Bluetooth sources; others complain of intermittent static or crackling. A few customers wish that the Google Assistant spoke more loudly.
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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Bluetooth Multipoint: Yes
JBL’s noise-cancelling headphones have crisp sound and phenomenal battery life, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish these headphones had more bass and less sensitive touch controls.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
About the Author: John DeFeo is an avid audiophile, a one-time A/V salesman, and more recently, he was the head of insights for Tom’s Guide.
