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Finding the best cheap headphones can be challenging, as premium features like active noise cancellation, balanced sound, and all-day comfort are often associated with higher costs. However, manufacturers have been improving their budget-friendly options, offering solid performance without breaking the bank. To discover the top contenders, we consulted users and experts, considering factors like performance, design, and price. Here are our top picks for the best cheap headphones currently available in the market.
Just because a headphone is inexpensive does not mean that the brand is skimping on quality. We know, because we spend a lot of time testing all kinds of headphones, so we can help you find the ones that look, sound, and hide gems that cost more than they do. Below, we have mentioned best Cheap Headphones.
Why Look for Best Cheap Headphones?
Investing in the best cheap headphones can be a good idea for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio without overspending. Whether you are a casual listener or an audiophile on a tight budget, these headphones offer a great balance between price and performance. Second, they are great for everyday use and travel because they are easy to use without sacrificing sound quality. So, let’s dive into the factors to consider when choosing the best cheap headphones.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Cheap Headphones
When shopping for the best cheap headphones, it’s crucial to keep some key factors in mind to ensure you get the most value for your money. Here are the essential considerations:
- Sound Quality: Look for headphones with clear and well-balanced sound, suitable for your music preferences.
- Comfort: Opt for headphones with ergonomic designs and padded ear cups for extended listening sessions.
- Connectivity: Choose between wired or wireless headphones, depending on your convenience and device compatibility.
- Battery Life: For wireless headphones, check the battery life to ensure they can last through your daily use.
- Additional Features: Some headphones come with extra features like active noise cancellation or built-in microphones for hands-free calling.
Best Cheap Headphones Comparison Table
The table compares the top 10 best cheap headphones, which have a wide variety of features and specs. It talks about things like the type of headphones, how they connect, how long the battery lasts, how big the drivers are, how heavy they are, and if they can be folded. This thorough overview lets users make an informed choice based on their tastes and needs, making sure they find the best headphones for their audio needs that don’t break the bank.
Headphones | Type | Connectivity | Driver Size | Weight | Foldable | Latest Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony WH-CH520 | On-ear | Wired & Wireless (Bluetooth) | 30mm | Approx. 140g | Yes | Check Price |
JBL Tune 510BT | Over-ear | Wireless (Bluetooth) | 32mm | Approx. 160g | Yes | Check Price |
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 | Over-ear | Wireless (Bluetooth) | 40mm | Approx. 260g | Yes | Check Price |
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | Over-ear | Wired | 40mm | Approx. 190g | No | Check Price |
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 | Over-ear | Wireless (Bluetooth) | 40mm | Approx. 259g | Yes | Check Price |
JBL Tune 750BTNC | Over-ear | Wireless (Bluetooth) | 40mm | Approx. 220g | Yes | Check Price |
Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro | Over-ear | Wired | 34mm | Approx. 196g | No | Check Price |
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Over-ear | Wired | 40mm | Approx. 240g | Yes | Check Price |
Jabra Elite 45H | On-ear | Wireless (Bluetooth) | 40mm | Approx. 160g | No | Check Price |
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 | Over-ear | Wired | Hi-X high-excursion drivers | Approx. 305g | No | Check Price |
Here is the list of Best Cheap Headphones
It can be hard to find the best cheap headphones, but it is definitely possible to get great sound without spending a lot of money. After giving each choice a lot of thought, we think the following headphones are the best:
Sony WH-CH520

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | On-ear |
Connectivity | Wired and Wireless (Bluetooth) |
Battery Life | Up to 35 hours |
Driver Size | 30mm |
Weight | Approx. 140g |
Foldable | Yes |
The Good
- Clear and vibrant sound quality.
- Comfortable design for extended use.
- Built-in microphone for hands-free calls.
The Bad
- Wired option might have better audio quality compared to wireless.
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are a great deal for how well they work and how cheap they are. These on-ear headphones are easy to wear for long periods of time because they are light. The 30mm drivers make sound that is clear and lively, making them perfect for music lovers. The built-in microphone makes it easy to make calls without using your hands, and the battery lasts all day so you can listen to songs all day.
Reasons to buy:
- Comfort. The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are light and fit well, so you can wear them for a long time without getting tired of them.
- Quality of sound. The Sony WH-CH520 headphones sound pretty good for how much they cost. They have a good amount of bass and treble and a smooth sound.
- Life of the battery. The Sony WH-CH520 headphones can last up to 35 hours on a single charge. The battery life is great, so you can easily use them for a full day.
Reasons to skip:
- No active noise reduction (ANC). The Sony WH-CH520 headphones don’t have ANC, so they won’t be as good at blocking out outside noise as headphones that do.
- Make good things. The Sony WH-CH520 headphones aren’t the most durable headphones on the market. They are made of plastic, so rough treatment might not be good for them.
JBL Tune 510BT
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wireless (Bluetooth) |
Battery Life | Up to 33 hours |
Driver Size | 32mm |
Weight | Approx. 160g |
Foldable | Yes |
The Good
- Powerful bass-rich sound quality.
- Comfortable fit for extended listening.
- Long-lasting battery life.
The Bad
- Some users may find the headband less durable.
The Tune 510BT can be carried like other wireless headphones that fold up. If it weren’t for the brass JBL logo on each earpiece, this headset’s design would have been simple and unremarkable, with only the settings you need and thin padding. It may not be the most comfortable design, but it works for quick listening sessions. The low end sounds twice as loud as the mids, and there’s a strange boost between 2 and 8 kHz that’s much higher than our home curve would suggest. This portable headset has Bluetooth 5.0, and you can choose between the SBC codec and the AAC codec.
Reasons to buy:
- The music is good. The JBL Tune 510BT headphones sound pretty good for how much they cost. They have a good amount of bass and a sound that is well-balanced.
- The fit is good. The JBL Tune 510BT headphones are easy to wear for long amounts of time because they are comfortable. The ear cups are soft, and the cap is padded.
- Lasts a long time. The JBL Tune 510BT headphones can last up to 40 hours on a single charge. This means that you can easily use them for a whole day on a single charge.
- Sweatproof. The JBL Tune 510BT headphones don’t get wet when you sweat, which makes them a good choice for people who work out a
Reasons to skip:
- No active noise cancellation. The JBL Tune 510BT headphones don’t have active noise cancellation, which is a trait that some people may want.
- Made out of plastic. The JBL Tune 510BT headphones are made of plastic, which makes them feel a little cheap.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wireless (Bluetooth) |
Battery Life | Up to 40 hours (ANC off) / 60 hours (ANC on) |
Driver Size | 40mm |
Weight | Approx. 260g |
Foldable | Yes |
The Good
- Advanced noise-canceling technology.
- Comfortable memory foam ear cups.
- Long battery life.
The Bad
- May not fold as compactly as some other models.
With its advanced hybrid active noise-canceling technology, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 is a great deal. These headphones create an engaging sound experience that is great for listening to music or blocking out outside noise. The memory foam ear cups make them comfortable to wear, and the 40-hour battery life means you can listen to music for a long time.
Reasons to buy:
- Lasts a long time. When ANC is turned on, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones can be used for up to 27 hours. When ANC is turned off, they can be used for up to 40 hours. The battery life is great, so you can easily use them for a full day.
- Price is reasonable. The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are very cheap, which makes them a good choice for people who are on a tight budget.
- The music is good. The bass, mids, and highs are all well-balanced in the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones.
Reasons to skip:
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 is better. If you want to get rid of noise as well as possible, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are a better choice.
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The touch settings on the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones aren’t always reliable, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wired |
Driver Size | 40mm |
Weight | Approx. 190g |
Foldable | No |
The Good
- Accurate and balanced sound quality.
- Comfortable for extended use.
- Ideal for studio monitoring.
The Bad
- Lack of additional features like wireless or active noise cancellation.
Audio-Technica is one of the best-known brands of headphones for studio use. The company makes a lot of high-end headphones that cost hundreds of dollars, but it also makes a lot of cheaper headphones, like the ATH-M20x over-ear headphones, that are still good. The ATH-M20x is made to be an easy-to-use pair of studio best cheap headphones. It has 40mm drivers and a full-size over-ear design. The ATH-M20x work well with cell phones, but when hooked to a computer or TV, they really shine. They sound great in the high and middle ranges and have enough impedance to keep annoying interference (like buzzing sounds) from happening when connected to electronic devices.
Reasons to buy:
- Style with a closed back. The ATH-M20x headphones have closed backs that block out a lot of outside noise so you can focus on your music.
- The fit is good. The ATH-M20x headphones are light and fit well, so you can wear them for a long time without getting tired of them.
- Price is reasonable. The ATH-M20x headphones are very cheap, which makes them a great choice for people who want to buy something on a budget.
Reasons to skip:
- No noise cancellation. The ATH-M20x headphones don’t have active noise cancellation, so they’re not a good choice if you want headphones to block out noise in a noisy place.
- The ATH-M50x is better. If you don’t mind spending a little more money, the ATH-M50x are better generally. They sound better, block out more noise, and are better made.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wireless (Bluetooth) |
Battery Life | Up to 40 hours |
Driver Size | 40mm |
Weight | Approx. 259g |
Foldable | Yes |
The Good
- Effective hybrid active noise cancellation.
- Comfortable memory foam ear cups.
- Long battery life.
The Bad
- Some users may find the bass response overpowering.
The best cheap headphones we have tried are the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. There aren’t as many cheap over-ear headphones as there are cheap earbuds, but these are a great choice if you like how over-ear headphones fit. They are light, comfy, and made well enough, though the hinges feel a bit like plastic. They also have an active noise cancellation (ANC) system that works well to block out background sounds and the high-pitched hum of the air conditioner.
Reasons to buy:
- The fit is good. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless headphones are light and fit well, so you can wear them for a long time without getting tired of them.
- Lasts a long time. When ANC is turned off, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless headphones can be used for up to 60 hours. When ANC is turned on, they can be used for up to 40 hours. The battery life is great, so you can easily use them for a full day.
- Price is reasonable. The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless headphones are very cheap, which makes them a great choice for people who want to buy something on a budget.
Reasons to skip:
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 is better. If you want to get rid of noise as well as possible, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are a better choice.
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The touch settings on the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless headphones can be a little touchy at times, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
JBL Tune 750BTNC

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wireless (Bluetooth) |
Battery Life | Up to 15 hours (ANC on) / 22 hours (ANC off) |
Driver Size | 40mm |
Weight | Approx. 220g |
Foldable | Yes |
The Good
- Powerful bass and clear sound quality.
- Foldable and portable design.
- Active noise cancellation.
The Bad
- Comparatively shorter battery life with ANC on.
The JBL Tune 750BTNC is a great choice for people who want wireless headphones that block out noise and don’t cost too much. With 15 hours of battery life when ANC is on and powerful JBL Pure Bass sound, these headphones make listening to music fun. The fact that they can be folded up and fit comfortably makes them great for travel and everyday use.
Reasons to buy:
- Active noise reduction (ANC). The active noise cancellation in the JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones does a good job of blocking out outside sounds. This is great for when you’re on an airplane or somewhere with a lot of noise.
- Lasts a long time. When ANC is turned off, the JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones can be used for up to 35 hours. When ANC is turned on, they can be used for up to 28 hours. The battery life is great, so you can easily use them for a full day.
- Bluetooth 5.0 lets you connect. The JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones link via Bluetooth 5.0, which means that the connection is strong and reliable.
Reasons to skip:
- Touch tools can be hard to use. The touch settings on the JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones aren’t always reliable, and they may not always respond to your taps or swipes.
- Some people have complained about the quality of the build. Some people who have used the JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones have said that there were problems with the way they were made, like the headband breaking or the earcups coming loose.
Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wired |
Driver Size | 34mm |
Weight | Approx. 196g |
Foldable | No |
The Good
- Studio-quality sound reproduction.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Ideal for audio professionals.
The Bad
- Lack of additional features like wireless or active noise cancellation.
The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro is a great choice for audio workers and fans who are on a tight budget. These wired headphones have clear sound that sounds like it came from a studio. The closed-back design keeps out noise, which makes them great for recording or listening carefully. The small size and light weight make it easy to carry.
Reasons to buy:
- Open-back style. The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones have an open back that lets the soundstage and images sound more real. This is good for mixing, mastering, and listening to songs.
- The fit is good. The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones are light and fit well, so you can wear them for a long time without getting tired of them.
- Durable build. The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones are built to last and are made of high-quality materials.
Reasons to skip:
- Not as easy to carry as other headphones. The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones aren’t as easy to carry around as some other headphones because their backs are open.
- Some headphones have better bass than these. The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro may not be the best choice if you want headphones with a lot of bass.
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wired |
Driver Size | 40mm |
Weight | Approx. 240g |
Foldable | Yes |
The Good
- Exceptional sound accuracy and clarity.
- Comfortable for extended use.
- Suitable for audio professionals.
The Bad
- Wired connection may limit mobility.
Most people can wear the hat without any problems, but people with bigger heads may need to stretch it by hand first. The band and ear cups are well padded, so you can listen for hours without getting tired. But after an hour or so, they start to get hot, so some people like to take them out at this time. When it comes to sound, the ATH-M40x doesn’t sound as different from the ATH-M50x, which costs more. This shape of sound works well with all kinds of music and mixing.
Reasons to buy:
- The fit is good. The ATH-M40x headphones are light and fit well, so you can wear them for a long time without getting tired of them.
- Durable build. The ATH-M40x headphones are made of strong materials, so they can handle some wear and tear.
- Price is reasonable. The ATH-M40x headphones are very cheap, which makes them a great buy.
Reasons to skip:
- The ATH-M50x is better. If you don’t mind spending a little more money, the ATH-M50x are better. They sound better and fit better than the old ones.
- Some headphones have better bass than these. The ATH-M40x might not be the best choice if you want headphones with a lot of bass.
Jabra Elite 45H
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | On-ear |
Connectivity | Wireless (Bluetooth) |
Battery Life | Up to 50 hours |
Driver Size | 40mm |
Weight | Approx. 160g |
Foldable | No |
The Good
- Customizable sound with equalizer settings.
- Comfortable for extended wear.
- Long-lasting battery life.
The Bad
- Lack of active noise cancellation.
The Jabra Elite 45H is not only the best cheap headphones with clean lines and soft, well-fitting ear cups, but it also has enough battery life to last more than a week between charges, even if you listen for hours every day. At a medium volume, these stylish headphones can play music for up to 50 hours. This makes them a great choice for people who want to be away from a power source or don’t want to look for a charging cord every other day.
Reasons to buy:
- Lasts a long time. The power life of the Jabra Elite 45H headphones is up to 50 hours, so you can easily use them for a full day.
- IP54 is waterproof. The Jabra Elite 45H headphones are IP54 water proof, so you don’t have to worry about them getting wet in the rain or when you sweat.
- Touch screens. The touch buttons on the Jabra Elite 45H headphones make it easy to change the music, answer calls, and turn on the voice assistant.
Reasons to skip:
- No active noise cancellation. The Jabra Elite 45H headphones don’t have active noise canceling, so they won’t be as good as some other headphones at blocking out outside noise.
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Over-ear |
Connectivity | Wired |
Driver Size | Hi-X high-excursion drivers |
Weight | Approx. 305g |
Foldable | No |
The Good
- Exceptional sound accuracy.
- Sturdy build for durability.
- Suitable for studio and critical listening.
The Bad
- Wired connection limits mobility.
With all the talk about wireless best cheap headphones, it would be easy to think that wired headphones are on their way out. But it’s unlikely that anyone in the halls of the Vienna office of Austrian Audio would have such a thought. The company was started by people who used to work at AKG. Its first wired headphones, the Hi-X, put it on a fast track. Award, the Hi-X15 is a headphone that is very critical, but it still makes music enjoyable. The headphones have high amounts of detail and great dynamics across the whole range of frequencies. The Austrian-made AudioHi-X15 headphones don’t play a single big minute of music.
Reasons to buy:
- The music quality is great. The sound signature of the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones is great, with a good mix of bass, mids, and highs. They also have a good amount of clarity, so you can hear all the subtleties in your music.
- The fit is good. The Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones are light and fit well, so you can wear them for a long time without getting tired of them.
- Durable build. The Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones are made of high-quality materials, so they are made to last.
- Price is reasonable. The Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones are very cheap, which makes them a great choice for audiophiles on a tight budget.
Reasons to skip:
- No active noise reduction (ANC). If you want headphones with ANC, you won’t find it in the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones.
- Not as easy to carry as other headphones. The Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones are big and don’t fold up, so they aren’t as easy to carry around as some other headphones.
FAQs
For non-Bluetooth devices, you may need an additional Bluetooth transmitter or use wired headphones with a suitable adapter.
ANC effectiveness varies between models. Higher-end headphones may offer better noise reduction compared to budget-friendly options.
On-ear headphones are generally comfortable, but some users may experience discomfort during prolonged use. Over-ear headphones provide better comfort for extended wear.