Heyday Noise Cancelling Headphones

Discover the Budget-Friendly Audio Experience That Surprised Even This Audiophile

Ever found yourself desperately searching for a moment of peace amid the chaos of daily life? That was me six months ago—an overworked writer attempting to concentrate in a coffee shop that suddenly felt more like a concert venue. The loudness of espresso machines, chatty patrons, and background music had become my daily soundtrack of distraction. My aging earbuds just weren’t cutting it anymore, and I desperately needed a solution that wouldn’t empty my wallet.

Enter Heyday Noise Cancelling Headphones—a brand I’d occasionally spotted while wandering through Target but had never seriously considered. Like many, I was skeptical: could these affordable headphones actually deliver quality sound and effective noise cancellation without the premium price tag? The audiophile in me had doubts, but my curiosity (and limited budget) won out.

Six months later, I’m ready to share my complete experience with these surprising headphones. If you’re considering a purchase or just curious about what Heyday has to offer in the noise-cancelling arena, this comprehensive guide covers everything from sound performance to comfort, battery life, connectivity, and how they stack up against the competition. Let’s dive in!

My First Impression: Unboxing the Heyday Experience

I still remember the day my Heyday headphones arrived. The packaging was surprisingly sleek for a budget-friendly option—minimalist yet protective, with the headphones nestled securely inside. Right out of the box, I was struck by their aesthetic appeal. The design doesn’t scream “budget option,” which I appreciate.

The unboxing experience included:

• The Heyday Noise Cancelling Headphones
• A standard USB-C charging cable
• An auxiliary cable for wired listening
• A compact carrying pouch
• A quick start guide and warranty information

While nothing extravagant, it contained everything needed to get started. The headphones themselves felt substantial in my hands—not as premium as my friend’s Bose or Sony models, but certainly not flimsy. The ear cups featured soft padding that looked promising for extended wear, and the headband had a similar cushioning that suggested comfort was a priority in the design process.

I was particularly drawn to the color options. My pair came in a matte black finish that looks professional and sleek, but Heyday offers several other options depending on your style preferences. The navy blue and rose gold variants I’ve seen in stores look equally appealing for those wanting something less conventional.

Sound Quality: The Pleasant Surprise

Let’s address the elephant in the room—sound quality. As someone who has spent years testing various audio equipment (albeit mostly out of my price range), I approached my first listening session with tempered expectations. I queued up my testing playlist, featuring everything from orchestral arrangements to bass-heavy electronic music, and slipped the headphones over my ears.

The first notes of Ludovico Einaudi’s “Experience” filled my ears with surprising clarity. The piano notes were crisp and distinct, with the string section coming through with unexpected warmth. When I switched to Daft Punk’s “Giorgio by Moroder,” I was genuinely impressed by how the headphones handled the bass—punchy without being overwhelming, allowing the mid-range details to shine through.

Are they audiophile quality? No. But for everyday listening, they deliver an audio experience that punches well above their price point. The sound signature leans slightly warm, with a satisfying bass response that doesn’t muddy the mids or highs. Vocals come through clearly, making podcasts and audiobooks a pleasure to listen to.

The most impressive aspect is the balanced sound profile. Unlike many budget headphones that try to compensate with excessive bass, Heyday seems to have aimed for a more natural sound signature that works across various genres. Classical music sounds spacious, rock maintains its energy, and hip-hop delivers satisfying bass without distortion at reasonable volumes.

Noise Cancellation: How Effective Is It Really?

Now for the crucial question that likely brought you to this article: how effective is the noise cancellation? In a market dominated by Sony and Bose with their exceptional (and exceptionally priced) ANC technology, can Heyday compete?

The honest answer: it’s surprisingly effective for everyday use, though with clear limitations. During my daily coffee shop writing sessions, the Heyday headphones significantly reduced the background chatter, espresso machine hissing, and general ambient noise. They won’t completely eliminate all external sounds—especially sudden, sharp noises—but they create what I’d describe as a comfortable “bubble” of relative quiet.

The ANC performance excels at handling consistent, low-frequency noises. On my recent cross-country flight, they did an admirable job minimizing the airplane’s engine drone, though not quite at the level of premium brands. In an office environment, they effectively reduce keyboard clicking, air conditioning hums, and distant conversations.

What impressed me most was the absence of that uncomfortable “pressure” sensation that some noise-cancelling headphones create. I can wear these for hours without the ear fatigue that my previous ANC headphones caused.

There’s also an ambient mode that allows external sounds to pass through—perfect for quick conversations or situational awareness when walking near traffic. Switching between ANC and ambient modes is simple with a dedicated button on the ear cup, which I’ve found incredibly convenient.

Battery Life: Will They Last Through Your Day?

Battery anxiety is real, especially for wireless headphones. After six months of regular use, I can confidently report that Heyday’s battery life claims are actually conservative. The official rating is approximately 20 hours with ANC activated, but I’ve consistently gotten closer to 22-23 hours in real-world use.

A full workday plus commute? No problem. A long-haul international flight? These will keep you entertained from takeoff to landing. I’ve developed a habit of charging them once every three days with my typical 6-7 hours of daily use.

Charging time from empty to full is approximately 2.5 hours, which isn’t the fastest in the market but perfectly reasonable. A nice feature is the quick-charge capability—a 10-minute charge provides about 1.5 hours of playback time, which has saved me on several occasions when I’ve forgotten to charge them overnight.

The headphones give clear audio prompts about battery status when powered on, and if you’re paired with a smartphone, you’ll typically see the battery percentage displayed there as well. This eliminates the guesswork that comes with some wireless headphones.

Comfort: Can You Wear Them All Day?

Comfort is subjective, but as someone who wears headphones for extended periods while writing, I consider myself a harsh critic in this department. After numerous 8+ hour sessions wearing the Heyday headphones, I can report they’re surprisingly comfortable for long-term use.

The ear cups feature memory foam padding covered in a soft synthetic leather that creates a good seal without excessive pressure. The headband distributes weight evenly across the top of my head, preventing the “hot spot” discomfort that develops with poorly designed headphones.

At approximately 250 grams, they’re lightweight enough for extended sessions but substantial enough to feel durable. The clamping force strikes a good balance—secure enough to stay in place during movement but not so tight as to cause discomfort.

My only minor complaint is that ear warmth becomes noticeable after about 3-4 hours of continuous use, which is common with over-ear designs. Taking a short break every few hours resolves this issue quickly.

The adjustable headband accommodates various head sizes effectively. I have a larger-than-average head (hat shopping is always a challenge), and I still have room to spare on the largest setting.

Connectivity: Pairing, Range, and Reliability

Bluetooth connectivity is an area where even premium headphones sometimes falter, so I was curious how the Heyday would perform. The headphones use Bluetooth 5.0, which provides solid connection stability and decent range.

Pairing is straightforward:

1. Press and hold the power button until the LED indicator flashes blue/red
2. Select “Heyday ANC Headphones” from your device’s Bluetooth menu
3. Once connected, a voice prompt confirms the pairing

After the initial setup, the headphones connect automatically to known devices when powered on. They support multi-point connection, allowing you to pair with two devices simultaneously—a feature I use daily between my laptop and smartphone.

The wireless range is impressive for the price point. I can leave my phone on my desk and walk approximately 30-35 feet (with walls in between) before experiencing any connection issues. In open spaces, the range extends even further.

Call quality is adequate but not exceptional. The built-in microphone works well in quiet environments, but struggles somewhat with noise isolation in busier settings. For casual calls, it’s perfectly serviceable, though I wouldn’t rely on these for important business calls from noisy locations.

Compatibility: Works With Everything (Almost)

One significant advantage of Heyday headphones is their broad compatibility. Whether you’re an iPhone user, Android enthusiast, or laptop warrior, these headphones play nice with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device.

I’ve successfully paired them with:

• iPhone 13 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Tab
• MacBook Pro
• Windows PC
• Nintendo Switch (via wired connection)

The included 3.5mm audio cable ensures compatibility even with non-Bluetooth devices, which came in handy when connecting to the in-flight entertainment system during travel. The headphones function in passive mode through the wired connection even when powered off—a thoughtful feature if the battery runs out mid-use.

Voice assistant integration works seamlessly with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa through your connected device. A double-tap on the multi-function button activates your device’s default assistant, though the implementation is basic compared to headphones with dedicated assistant optimization.

Troubleshooting: When Things Go Wrong

No piece of technology is perfect, and over six months of use, I’ve encountered a few minor issues. Fortunately, most common problems have simple solutions.

If you experience connectivity issues, the standard reset procedure usually resolves them:

1. Power off the headphones
2. Press and hold the power button and ANC button simultaneously for 10 seconds
3. The LED will flash purple briefly, indicating a successful reset
4. Pair again with your device

On one occasion, I experienced an imbalance where one ear cup was louder than the other. A reset fixed this issue immediately. Similarly, when the noise cancellation seemed less effective than usual, powering the headphones off and on restored normal performance.

Battery performance can degrade if the headphones are stored at extreme temperatures. I accidentally left mine in a hot car during summer, and noticed slightly reduced battery life afterward. Normal performance returned after a few regular charge cycles.

The companion app (available for both iOS and Android) occasionally loses connection but can be fixed by closing and reopening the app. While not essential for basic operation, the app provides firmware updates and customizable EQ settings that enhance the overall experience.

Portability: Taking Your Sound on the Go

While not the most compact headphones on the market, Heyday has made reasonable efforts to ensure portability. The ear cups rotate to lay flat, and the included carrying pouch provides basic protection during transport.

The headphones don’t fold inward like some ultra-portable models, which means they take up more space in a bag. However, at their price point, this compromise seems reasonable. The build quality feels sturdy enough that I’ve never worried about tossing them in my backpack for daily commutes.

The carrying pouch is soft rather than a hard case, offering protection against scratches but limited impact resistance. For frequent travelers, investing in a third-party hard case might be worthwhile, though I’ve managed fine with the included pouch for six months of regular commuting.

At approximately 250 grams, they’re light enough not to add significant weight to your everyday carry. The overall dimensions when laid flat are roughly 7 × 6 × 3 inches—compact enough for most bags without being truly pocketable.

Style and Design: Aesthetic Appeal Without Breaking the Bank

Heyday has clearly put thought into creating headphones that look more premium than their price suggests. The clean lines and minimalist branding give them a sophisticated appearance that wouldn’t look out of place in a professional setting.

Color options include:

• Matte Black (my choice)
• Navy Blue
• Silver
• Rose Gold
• White

The materials blend plastic, synthetic leather, and metal accents in a way that balances durability with visual appeal. After six months of daily use, my black pair shows minimal signs of wear—just slight creasing in the headband padding, which is to be expected.

The physical buttons are tactile and well-positioned, making it easy to adjust volume, change tracks, or toggle noise cancellation without looking. This thoughtful design extends to the subtle LED indicator that confirms power status without being distractingly bright.

While fashion-forward audiophiles might prefer more distinctive designs from brands like Beats or Skullcandy, the Heyday aesthetic prioritizes timeless design over trendy flourishes—a choice I’ve come to appreciate as other more stylized headphones start to look dated.

Price and Value: The Budget-Friendly Champion

Now for the factor that ultimately convinced me to try these headphones: the price. Heyday noise cancelling headphones typically retail between $60-$80, depending on sales and promotions—a fraction of what you’d pay for comparable features from mainstream audio brands.

At this price point, the value proposition is exceptional. While they don’t match the absolute noise cancellation prowess of $300+ models from Sony or Bose, they deliver approximately 70-80% of the performance at roughly 25% of the cost.

The value becomes even more apparent when considering the complete package: decent ANC, good sound quality, comfortable design, reliable connectivity, and respectable battery life. For anyone seeking an entry point into noise cancelling headphones without committing to premium pricing, Heyday offers perhaps the best performance-to-price ratio I’ve encountered.

Target frequently offers these headphones on sale, sometimes dropping as low as $50 during major shopping events. At that price, they’re practically a no-brainer for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts.

How Do They Compare to Premium Brands?

The elephant in the room: how do these compare to the established noise cancelling heavyweights? Having borrowed my friend’s Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort headphones for comparison, I can offer some perspective.

Sound Quality: Premium headphones deliver more detailed audio with better instrument separation and a wider soundstage. The difference is noticeable but not dramatic for casual listening. Audiophiles will prefer premium options, but average listeners may struggle to justify the price difference based on sound alone.

Noise Cancellation: This is where the biggest gap exists. Premium headphones simply cancel more noise, especially in challenging environments like airplane cabins or busy streets. Heyday provides good ambient noise reduction but doesn’t create the almost eerie silence that top-tier ANC can achieve.

Build Quality: Premium materials and construction are evident in high-end models, with more metal components, plushier ear pads, and finer detail work. Heyday feels good but not luxury-grade.

Features: Premium headphones offer more advanced features like adaptive noise cancellation, wear detection (auto-pause when removed), spatial audio, and more sophisticated companion apps. Heyday sticks to the essentials.

Battery Life: Surprisingly, Heyday competes well here, offering comparable (sometimes better) battery life than some premium models.

The verdict? If noise cancellation is your absolute top priority and you have the budget, premium brands still reign supreme. But if you’re seeking good all-around performance at a fraction of the cost, Heyday presents a compelling alternative that doesn’t feel like a major compromise.

Where to Buy: Finding Your Perfect Pair

Heyday is Target’s exclusive audio brand, which means the primary (and most reliable) place to purchase these headphones is through Target—either in physical stores or online. This exclusivity has pros and cons.

The advantage is consistent pricing and authentic products without worry about counterfeits. The disadvantage is limited availability if you don’t live near a Target store and occasionally limited stock during popular shopping seasons.

Target’s return policy (generally 90 days for electronics) provides a reasonable window to test the headphones and return them if they don’t meet your expectations. I’ve found Target’s customer service to be accommodating when addressing product concerns.

While you might occasionally find these headphones on third-party marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, I’d recommend purchasing directly from Target to ensure warranty coverage and product authenticity.

Maintenance and Care: Extending Their Lifespan

With proper care, these headphones should provide years of reliable service. Based on my experience, here are some maintenance tips:

Cleaning: I wipe down the ear cups and headband with a slightly damp microfiber cloth every couple of weeks. For the ear pads, a gentle alcohol wipe removes oils and prevents deterioration of the material. Avoid getting moisture in the speaker grilles or button areas.

Storage: When not in use, I store them in the provided pouch to prevent dust accumulation and scratches. Avoid extreme temperatures—don’t leave them in hot cars or cold environments for extended periods.

Battery Health: To maximize battery lifespan, I avoid completely draining the battery before recharging. Maintaining between 20% and 80% charge generally promotes better long-term battery health.

Ear Pad Care: The ear pads will eventually show wear with regular use. Gently stretching and massaging them occasionally helps maintain their shape and seal quality.

Cable Management: When using the included cables, I avoid sharp bends or tension that could damage the internal wiring or connection points.

Following these simple practices has kept my pair looking and performing almost like new despite daily use for six months.

The Warranty: What’s Covered and What’s Not

Heyday offers a standard one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures under normal use. Based on my research and conversations with other owners, Target generally honors this warranty without excessive hassle.

The warranty typically covers:

• Electronic failures not caused by accidental damage
• Battery defects affecting performance
• Material defects in construction
• Non-functioning buttons or controls

It doesn’t cover:

• Physical damage from drops or accidents
• Water damage
• Normal wear and tear on cushions and cosmetic elements
• Damage from unauthorized repairs

I haven’t needed to use the warranty personally, but reports from other users suggest keeping your receipt (physical or digital) makes the process significantly smoother. Target’s customer service can usually process warranty claims in-store with proof of purchase.

Final Verdict: Are Heyday Noise Cancelling Headphones Worth It?

After six months of daily use across various environments, my verdict is a resounding yes—with appropriate expectations. These headphones occupy a sweet spot in the market: significantly better than ultra-budget options but much more affordable than premium brands.

For everyday commuters, students, work-from-home professionals, and casual music listeners, Heyday offers an excellent introduction to noise cancelling technology without the intimidating price tag of flagship models. The combination of decent sound quality, effective (if not class-leading) noise cancellation, comfortable design, and reliable performance makes them an easy recommendation for budget-conscious consumers.

Are they perfect? No. The noise cancellation won’t match premium models, the build quality is good rather than exceptional, and power users might miss advanced features like customizable EQ profiles or adaptive ANC. But at roughly one-quarter the price of top-tier alternatives, these compromises feel reasonable rather than restrictive.

If you’re seeking affordable headphones that perform admirably across all major categories without excelling in any single area, Heyday’s noise cancelling headphones deserve serious consideration. They’ve exceeded my expectations on nearly every front and have become my daily companions for work, travel, and entertainment.

In a market often divided between disposable cheap options and prohibitively expensive premium products, Heyday has carved out a valuable middle ground that deserves more attention than it currently receives. Whether as your introduction to noise cancellation technology or as a practical alternative to pricier brands, these headphones deliver surprising value that has genuinely enhanced my daily audio experience.

As I wrap up this article in my favorite coffee shop—the espresso machine hissing in the background but barely audible through my Heyday headphones—I’m reminded why I’ve kept using these despite having tested more expensive alternatives. Sometimes, “good enough” at the right price is actually perfect.