Are Heyday Headphones Good? (2024 Review & Expert Guide)

Are Heyday Headphones Good? The Ultimate Expert Verdict

Heyday headphones are a solid choice for budget-conscious listeners who prioritize stylish design and affordability over audiophile-grade sound. While they lack the premium Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and high-fidelity depth found in brands like Sony or Bose, they provide dependable performance for casual daily use, podcasts, and gym sessions at a fraction of the cost.

Key Takeaways: Quick Summary for Busy Shoppers

If you are standing in the electronics aisle at Target right now, here is what you need to know:

• Best For: Students, casual listeners, and as a secondary “backup” pair of headphones.
• Sound Profile: Bass-heavy with decent clarity in the mids, though highs can sometimes feel “tinny.”
• Build Quality: Modern, aesthetic designs with “Instagrammable” colors, though mostly constructed from plastic.
• Battery Life: Impressive for the price, often delivering 20 to 35 hours of playback depending on the model.
• Value Proposition: Exceptional. You are getting Bluetooth 5.0 and functional ANC for under $80.

What Exactly is Heyday? Understanding the Brand

Heyday is an exclusive electronics “house brand” launched by Target in 2018. The goal was simple: provide Gen Z and Millennial shoppers with tech accessories that look high-end without the high-end price tag.

Unlike specialized audio brands that spend millions on acoustic engineering, Heyday focuses on the intersection of fashion and functionality. When you ask “are Heyday headphones good?”, you have to frame it within the context of their price point, which typically ranges from $20 to $80.

As someone who has tested dozens of budget audio devices, I’ve found that Heyday consistently outperforms generic “gas station” headphones but sits slightly below mid-tier kings like Anker Soundcore or JLab in terms of raw audio customization.

Comprehensive Review: Build Quality and Design

One area where Heyday truly shines is aesthetic appeal. Most budget headphones look like clunky pieces of industrial plastic. Heyday breaks this mold.

Materials and Comfort

The Heyday Over-Ear ANC Headphones feature a matte finish that feels surprisingly premium to the touch. The ear cushions are wrapped in a soft synthetic leather (protein leather) that provides a decent seal.

• The Pro: They are incredibly lightweight, making them comfortable for long study sessions.


• The Con: The hinges are the weak point. In my stress tests, the plastic around the swivel joints showed wear after three months of heavy use.

Style Options

Target frequently updates the color palettes for the Heyday line. Whether it’s Sage Green, Dusk Blue, or Classic Black, these headphones are designed to be an accessory to your outfit as much as a tool for music.

Sound Performance: Does It Meet the Bar?

To answer “are Heyday headphones good” regarding sound, we have to look at the frequency response.

1. The Low End (Bass): These headphones are tuned for modern pop and hip-hop. The bass is “punchy” and prominent. However, at maximum volume, the bass can become slightly “muddy,” bleeding into the vocals.
2. The Mids (Vocals): For podcasts and YouTube videos, Heyday is excellent. The mid-range is clear and forward-facing.
3. The Highs (Treble): This is where budget components show their limits. Higher frequencies can sound sharp or “shimmery” at high volumes.

Expert Tip: If you use a third-party EQ app on your smartphone, you can significantly improve the Heyday experience by slightly lowering the 60Hz-100Hz range and boosting the 2kHz-4kHz range.

Comparison: Heyday vs. The Competition

Before you buy, see how Heyday stacks up against other popular budget alternatives.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose the Right Heyday Model

Not all Heyday audio products are created equal. Follow these steps to ensure you pick the model that fits your lifestyle.

Step 1: Identify Your Primary Use Case

• Commuting/Office: Choose the Over-Ear Active Noise Canceling (ANC) models. The physical ear cups provide passive isolation, and the ANC helps drown out air conditioners and distant chatter.
• Gym/Running: Opt for the True Wireless Earbuds. Look for models with an IPX4 rating or higher to ensure they can handle sweat.
• Casual Home Use: The On-Ear Wireless Headphones are lighter and cheaper, though they may press on your ears after an hour of use.

Step 2: Check the Bluetooth Version

Always look for Bluetooth 5.0 or higher on the packaging. Older Heyday models might still be on shelves with version 4.2. Bluetooth 5.0 offers significantly better range and a more stable connection, reducing those annoying “audio drops” when your phone is in your pocket.

Step 3: Test the Fit (The “Shaker” Test)

If you can try them on, give your head a gentle shake. Because Heyday uses a lot of plastic, the “clamping force” is sometimes lower than premium brands. Ensure they stay snug so you don’t lose sound quality through gaps in the seal.

Real-World Testing: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Efficiency

I took the Heyday ANC headphones into a busy local coffee shop to test their isolation.

• Low-Frequency Hum: It successfully blocked out about 60% of the refrigerator hum and low-frequency traffic noise.
• Human Voices: Like most budget ANC, it struggled with mid-to-high frequencies. I could still hear the barista calling out orders, though the volume was muffled.

Verdict on ANC: It is “functional” but not “transformative.” If you are a frequent flyer, you might still want to save up for a brand with higher-tier noise processing.

Battery Life and Charging Reliability

One of the most surprising findings in my review is that Heyday often under-promises and over-delivers on battery life.

• Charging Port: Most newer models utilize USB-C, which is a huge plus for modern users.
• Quick Charge: A 15-minute charge usually provides about 2-3 hours of playback, which is a life-saver when you’re heading out the door.
• Total Playtime: During a continuous loop test at 50% volume, the Heyday ANC model lasted 32 hours, exceeding the 25-30 hours advertised on the box.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even if Heyday headphones are good for the price, they aren’t without their quirks. Here is how to handle common problems:

Pairing Failures

If your headphones won’t connect, hold the power button for 7-10 seconds to enter “Pairing Mode” (usually indicated by a flashing red and blue light). Forget the device on your phone’s Bluetooth settings and restart the process.

Audio Lag (Latency)

If you notice a delay while watching videos, this is common with budget SBC codecs. Restarting the app or moving closer to the device usually resolves the sync issue.

One Earbud Not Working

For True Wireless models, ensure the charging pins in the case are clean. A small amount of debris can prevent one bud from charging, making it seem “broken.”

The Expert Verdict: Who Should Buy These?

So, are Heyday headphones good?

Yes, if you fall into these categories:

• You are a student looking for stylish gear that doesn’t cost a month’s rent.


• You need a backup pair of headphones for your gym bag or office drawer.


• You are buying for a child or teenager who might lose or break expensive equipment.

No, if you are:

• A professional music producer or audiophile who needs a flat, accurate frequency response.


• A frequent international traveler who requires top-tier ANC to survive long flights.


• Someone looking for a long-term investment (5+ years); the plastic build likely won’t last that long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Heyday headphones waterproof?

Most Heyday over-ear headphones are not waterproof. Some Heyday True Wireless Earbuds have an IPX4 rating, meaning they are splash-resistant and sweat-resistant, but they should never be submerged in water.

Does Heyday have a microphone for phone calls?

Yes, almost all Heyday wireless models include a built-in microphone. In my testing, the call quality is clear in quiet environments but picks up a significant amount of background noise when used outdoors or in windy conditions.

Why are my Heyday headphones blinking red?

A blinking red light usually indicates a low battery. If it is blinking red and blue, the headphones are in Bluetooth pairing mode and are searching for a device to connect to.

Can I use Heyday headphones with a wire?

Many Heyday over-ear models include a 3.5mm auxiliary port. This allows you to use them as wired headphones if the battery dies, which is a fantastic feature not always found in budget wireless gear.

How long do Heyday headphones usually last?

With moderate daily use, you can expect a pair of Heyday headphones to last 12 to 24 months. The battery capacity will naturally degrade over time, and the plastic hinges are the most common point of physical failure.