People often ask me where they can find headphones that aren’t too expensive, which I can totally understand given how bad the economy is right now. The great thing is that you can really enjoy good music without going bankrupt. Over the years, I’ve found a lot of headphones and earbuds that are not only affordable but also sound great and last a long time. When I had to watch how much I spent, these gems were a lifesaver. They are a great choice for anyone trying to stick to a tight budget.
Even though these cheap options may have some drawbacks, they still have good points. Even though most high-end headphones perform and look better overall, cheaper options have their own strengths. Many of them have Bluetooth connectivity and active noise cancellation. They also have great sound quality and are built to last. Below we have mentioned the best cheap headphones.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cheap Headphones
When looking for cheap headphones, it’s important to find a good balance between price and sound and build quality. Here are some things to think about before you decide:
Sound quality: Cheap headphones may not have as good sound as more expensive ones, but they should still sound clear and balanced. Look for headphones with good frequency response and little distortion.
Comfort and Fit: Look for headphones with soft ear cushions and a headband that you can adjust to make sure they fit securely and comfortably. This is very important if you want to use them for a long time.
Durability and build quality: Sometimes, cheap headphones are weak and easy to break. Look for models that are well made and made of materials that won’t break easily.
Wired vs. wireless: Most of the time, wired headphones cost less than wireless ones. Think about whether the extra cost is worth the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Noise Isolation or Noise Cancellation: Some cheap headphones have noise isolation or noise cancellation features that can help you listen better by reducing outside noises.
Best Cheap Headphones Comparison Table
The best cheap headphones on the market are shown in the comparison table below. These headphones were chosen because they have great features and aren’t too expensive. The table gives an in-depth look at each model’s most important features, such as sound quality, comfort, design, durability, and extra features like noise cancellation and wireless connectivity. Users looking for low-cost options can quickly compare the headphones’ features and make a choice based on their own preferences and needs. With this comparison, it’s easy and fun to find the perfect pair of cheap headphones that work well and give you good value for your money.
Headphones Model | Anker SoundCore Life Q35 | JBL Tune 510BT | Sony WH-CH710N | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Sony WH-CH510 | JBL Tune 750BTNC | AKG N60NC | Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Over-Ear | On-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | On-Ear | Over-Ear | On-Ear | Over-Ear |
Noise Cancellation | Hybrid ANC | No | ANC | ANC | No | ANC | ANC | No |
Wireless Connection | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth | Wired |
Sound Quality | High-fidelity | Decent | Balanced | Clear and detailed | Decent | Decent | Rich sound | Studio-quality |
Foldable Design | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Anker SoundCore Life Q35
The best cheap wireless earbuds for audiophiles
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, AUX cable |
Battery Life | Up to 40 hours |
Noise Cancellation | Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) |
Sound Quality | Hi-Res Audio support, 40mm dynamic drivers |
Comfort | Memory foam earcups, adjustable headband |
The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless are the newer version of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. Even though they look and feel a lot like the last generation, they now support the LDAC codec, which is great if you like to listen to high-resolution audio, and the mic has gotten better. Overall, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
But their active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t as good as their predecessor’s and can work better or worse depending on how they fit. On the plus side, they still have a customizable sound profile thanks to their companion app, and they come with a few extra accessories like an audio cable with a built-in mic, a carrying case, and an airplane adapter.
Pros
- Impressive battery life for long listening sessions.
- Advanced hybrid ANC for immersive sound experience.
- Hi-Res Audio support ensures high-quality audio output.
- Comfortable design for extended wear.
Cons
- Some users may find the earcups a bit large for smaller ears.
JBL Tune 510BT
The best cheap on-ear headphones
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, AUX cable |
Battery Life | Up to 40 hours |
Noise Cancellation | Passive Noise Isolation |
Sound Quality | JBL Pure Bass sound, 32mm dynamic drivers |
Foldable Design | Yes |
The JBL Tune 510BT are a good choice for travel and commuting. They don’t do a good job of blocking out background noise, especially the low rumble of bus engines and the chatter of other commuters. They aren’t very comfortable or well-made, either. Their batteries will last for more than 38 hours, which is more than enough for long overnight trips. Thus, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
Pros
- JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound for powerful bass response.
- Long-lasting battery for extended music playback.
- Foldable design for easy portability and storage.
Cons
- Does not have active noise-cancellation.
Sony WH-CH710N
The best cheap over-ear headphones
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, AUX cable |
Battery Life | Up to 35 hours with ANC, Up to 50 hours without ANC |
Noise Cancellation | Dual Noise Sensor Technology, Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation (AINC) |
Sound Quality | 30mm drivers, Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) |
Quick Charging | 10 minutes charge for 60 minutes of playback |
The Sony WH-CH710N Wireless ANC headphones are in the middle of the price range. These over-ear headphones, unlike the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, don’t have a carrying case, a companion app, or the ability to connect to more than one device. But they have an ANC system that helps block out some background noise, though it’s not quite strong enough to make a big difference in noisy places like train stations or planes. For now, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
Pros
- Efficient ANC technology with dual noise sensors.
- Long-lasting battery life, especially without ANC activated.
- Quick charging feature for convenience.
Cons
- The build quality may not be as premium as some other options.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The best cheap headphones for studio recordings
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, AUX cable |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours with ANC |
Noise Cancellation | Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology |
Sound Quality | Volume-optimized EQ, 40mm drivers |
Voice Assistants | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are wireless over-ear headphones that can be used in many ways and fit very well. They have a long battery life of 20 hours, and their noise isolation is so good that they can easily block out a lot of background noise. This makes them perfect for long days on the go. They don’t have any ways to change the sound, but their neutral sound profile is good for listening to a wide range of audio content. Still, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
Pros
- Acclaimed noise-cancellation technology for a tranquil listening experience.
- Balanced sound output with volume-optimized EQ.
Cons
- Comparatively shorter battery life than some competitors.
Sony WH-CH510
Best cheap Headphones
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Driver Type | 30mm driver |
Connection | Bluetooth |
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
Battery Life | Up to 35 hours |
Charging Time | Approximately 4.5 hours |
Weight | 132 grams |
Features | Built-in microphone, swivel design |
The Sony WH-CH510 review in a sentence: they feel, if anything, even cheaper than they actually are – but the WH-CH510 have half-decent sound quality and entirely decent battery life. These wireless headphones from Sony are way more budget than the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM4 that have made it such a famous name for portable audio.
The WHCH510 may be over-ear headphones, but the lack of feature mean they won’t be troubling our list of the best noise-cancelling headphones. These are focused on price and battery life, and they excel at both, though with some limitations as you might expect from lower-priced headphones. Overall, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
Pros
- ClearAudio+ technology ensures enhanced sound quality.
- Compatible with multiple voice assistants.
- Lightweight design for comfortable wear.
Cons
- Does not have active noise-cancellation.
JBL Tune 750BTNC
Best cheap Audiophile Headphones
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Driver Type | 40mm driver |
Connection | Bluetooth |
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
Battery Life | Up to 15 hours |
Charging Time | Approximately 2 hours |
Weight | 220 grams |
Features | Active noise cancellation, |
The JBL TUNE 750BTNC are wireless over-ear headphones with ANC that don’t stand out too much from the crowd. Their ear cups are awkwardly-sized and they fit more like a mix of on-ear and over-ear headphones, causing them to rest on top of your ears, which gets uncomfortable fairly quickly. They look and feel quite cheap due to their all-plastic build, and their ANC doesn’t do much to help block out background noise.
On the upside, they have a very well-balanced sound profile out-of-the-box that has a bit of extra warmth and punch in the bass without it being overpowering, making them versatile enough for most genres and contents, from EDM to podcasts. For now, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
Pros
- Active Noise-Cancellation for an immersive music experience.
- Multi-point connection enables easy switching between devices.
Cons
- The battery life with ANC enabled could be longer.
AKG N60NC
Best cheap On-Ear Headphones
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Driver Type | 40mm driver |
Connection | Wired |
Frequency Response | 10Hz – 22kHz |
Impedance | 32 ohms |
Sensitivity | 123 dB/mW |
Cable Length | 1.2 meters |
Weight | 150 grams |
Features | Active noise cancellation, |
As more and more wireless headphones come equipped with noise cancellation, an update to AKG’s wired N60 NC seems inevitable. The $299.95 AKG N60 NC wireless headphones combine Bluetooth audio with the excellent sound quality and solid noise cancellation of their wired counterpart. If noise cancellation is your top priority, Bose still comes out on top with its QuietComfort series. Overall, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
However, if you want the best Bluetooth audio performance combined with high-quality noise cancellation, the N60 NC Wireless headphones are a great choice. While the noise cancellation isn’t Bose-level, it’s still very high-quality. And for $300, the headphones are exceptionally comfortable and sound fantastic. If you want to save some money and don’t need Bluetooth, AKG’s wired N60 NC model also sound great.
Pros
- Premium AKG sound signature for clear and detailed audio.
- Foldable design for convenient storage and portability.
Cons
- Relatively shorter battery life compared to some competitors.
Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro
Best overall cheap headphones
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Driver Type | Dynamic driver |
Connection | Wired |
Frequency Response | 5Hz – 35kHz |
Impedance | 34 ohms |
Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
Cable Length | 1.25 meters |
Weight | 196 grams |
Features | Closed-back design, |
Beyerdynamic makes a variety of devices for audiophiles and professionals, and some of them come with a high price tag. Beyerdynamic’s DT 240 Pro headphones offer professional sound and a high standard of design at a low price. The DT 240 Pro headphones cost $99 (£89, AU$139), making them more affordable than many other studio monitor headphones.
That price puts it in direct competition with some Audio-Technica headphones, such as the widely praised ATH-M40X or the wireless ATH-SR5BT, which are in the same price range as the DT 240 Pro. They feature a good balance of build quality and sound quality, and are also very versatile as portable headphones for on-the-go or in the studio. Overall, this is one of the best cheap headphones you can buy right now.
Pros
- Superior noise isolation for an undisturbed listening experience.
- Durable build and suitable for extended professional use.
Cons
- Requires a wired connection, limiting mobility compared to wireless options.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Cheap Headphones?
Proper care and maintenance are needed to make your cheap headphones last longer. Even though cheap headphones might not last as long as high-end ones, these tips can help keep them in good shape for longer:
Handle with Care: Be gentle with your headphones and don’t pull or yank on the cords. If you grab the plug instead of the cord when unplugging a device, you can help avoid damage.
How to store: When you’re not using your headphones, put them in a clean, dry place. A headphone case or pouch can keep dust, water, and physical damage from getting into them.
Avoid Tangling: Try not to let the cords get too tangled. Use a twist tie or a cord organizer to keep them neat when putting them away.
Unplug After Use: When you’re done using your headphones, unplug them from the device. Leaving them plugged in when they don’t need to be could put stress on the connectors.
Clean them often: Keeping your headphones clean can help them work better and last longer. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the earpads and headband clean of dirt and oil. The silicone or rubber tips on in-ear headphones can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
FAQs
Bose is a well-known brand that is known for making products that block out noise well and are very comfortable to wear. They make headphones that are well-rounded and flexible, and the sound quality is good.
Cheap headphones can make you think they’re better than expensive ones, but they’re not. Some of the frequencies that pass through the cheap headphones, like the treble and the bass, are amplified. This can make the sound from the cheap headphones seem better than the sound from the expensive headphones.
Bose is a well-known brand that is known for making products that block out noise well and are very comfortable to wear. They make headphones that are well-rounded and versatile and that also sound good.