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A quick trip down any physical or virtual tech store aisle makes something very clear: There's no shortage of headphones or earbuds to choose from. Thankfully, is making it a little bit easier with our tests showing that theAnker Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones are the best cheap headphones you can buy.
Here we dig a little deep to deliver some of the best budget-conscious headphones from fan-favorite brands, offering fantastic quality without the high price tag.
Also: The best headphones of 2023
To see which headphones fit the bill -- and your budget -- I talked to the users and experts about their experience and thoughts, supplementing their experiences with consideration for factors like performance, design, and, of course, price. So, with that in mind, here are our picks for the best cheap headphones on the market right now.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones specs: Type:Over-earWired/Wireless:WirelessBattery:40 hoursDimensions:7.68 x 7.09 x 3.07 inchesWeight:9.6 ounces
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones are not only the best cheap headphones, but they also earned a spot on 's lists for the best over-ear headphones and best headphones for music. And thanks to their powerful performance at a digestible price, it's not hard to see why.
"The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are the best I've ever used, and I must say they exceeded my expectations," says Vikas Kaushik, CEO of TechAhead. "The sound is of impressively high quality, with audio that is crisp and well-defined across a wide range of frequencies."
The 44mm drivers provide incredible clarity and strong bass with treble up to 40 kilohertz for a superior performance. To put it in perspective, Bowers and Wilkins' Px8$699 over-ear model boasts only 40mm drivers. Advanced active noise cancellation filters out 95% of low-frequency ambient sound, giving you an easier listening experience without the distractions of the outside world. Users can choose between three modes, including Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor settings, to better filter out ambient sound. To further customize things, visit the app to easily tweak custom EQ settings.
These headphones are surprisingly lightweight with a comfortable design made from soft protein leather. Rotating ear cups are an added bonus. The battery provides up to 40 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation or 60 hourswithout; either way, charging is a simple matter with just five minutes of charge providing up to four hours of battery.
Also:The best headphones for sleeping
View now at Walmart View now at Amazon more buying choicesAudio-Technica ATH-M20x Headphones specs: Type:Over-earWired/Wireless:WiredBattery:60 hours Dimensions:11.4 x 10 x 4.1 inchesWeight:6.7 ounces
If you prefer a traditional pair of wired headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Headphones are the best wired headphones you can buy at a less than$50 price-point. With their phenomenal sound, they also have my vote for best studio headphones.
These over-ear headphones are made for the professional, excelling when it comes to mixing and tracking. It uses 40mm drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coils, playing back sound at a bandwidth of up to 20 kilohertz. You also have the ability to change the settings based on your content, allowing for enhanced low frequency performance. These headphones also use a closed-back, circumaural design, giving you fantastic sound isolation from active noise cancellation.
The 15-degree swiveling ear cups are stuffed with extra cushioning, giving a comfortable fit that you can enjoy during those long hours in the studio. Connectivity is great, too, offering a 3.5-millimeter mini plug with a quarter-inch snap-on adapter that gives you access to all of your devices, including your soundcard and mixer.
"Despite these being cheap studio headphones they provide excellent sound quality of what the original music is supposed to sound like without enhancement," says Jesse Jack of The Tiny Home Gym. A fitness enthusiast, he regularly uses these headphones during his workouts. "They are comfortable enough to wear a whole work day, and Audio Technica has an exceptional reputation for creating quality products - they still look practically new after a year of daily use."
Also: These studio headphones are recommended by music producers
View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choicesJabra Elite 45h Headphones specs: Type:Over-earWired/Wireless:WirelessBattery:50 hoursDimensions:12.64 x 8.39 x 3.31 inchesWeight:5.6 ounces
These On-ear headphones have 40-millimeter drivers that incorporate passive noise cancellation and signature Wind Noise protection. Use the Jabra Sound+ App, as well as Jabra's exclusive MySound technology, to create a custom hearing profile and tweak sound settings to your liking. These premium features also make them a top choice on our list for the best Bluetooth headphones you can buy.
"What I love most about the Jabra Elite 45h is its capacity to personalize my listening experience," says Michelle Justice, a music and video creator for Nature Sound Retreat with over 25 years of experience in the music and film industry. "The Jabra Sound+ App and MySound technology work together like my personal sound engineer, adjusting to my unique hearing profile."
You can also take advantage of the 2-microphone call technology. This means you can easily make and receive phone calls with concentrated voice amplification. If you hit a snag, you are also never alone with the help of Siri and Google Assistant built-in and available to assist when needed.
The compact design is lightweight for extended wear and incorporates foldable ear cups, adding another level of convenience when you are on the go. Memory foam gives you extra comfort, and they are even rain-resistant if you happen to get caught in one of those summer storms. These headphones boast up to 50 hours of battery life, about 10 hours more than most competitors, including many on this list. Supporting fast-charging, after just 15 minutes connected to an outlet, the the headphones can last up to 10 hours.
View now at AmazonJLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds specs: Type:In-earWired/Wireless: Wireless Battery:32 hoursDimensions:2.48 x 1.26 x 5.51 inchesWeight:2.08 ounces
The JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds take a different approach, ditching the over-ear design and instead serving as the best in-ear cheap headphones. They also happen to win our vote for the best cheap wireless earbuds.
These earbuds proioritize custom control, allowing users to choose from three EQ3 Sound modes, including JLab Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost modes to help you find just the right sound for that favorite track, all without the use of an app. The convenient EQ3 touch controls are joined by extra controls for volume control, play/pause, and phone calls. There is even a button to activate your very own smart assistant. These earbuds offer a Bluetooth 5.1 connection for easy connectivity so you can stream to your heart's content. If you would rather make a phone call, there is a built-in MEMS microphone available in both earbuds for easy, clearer communication.
"I'd highly recommend the JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds for anyone looking for affordable, high-quality earbuds that excel in comfort, sound cancellation, and battery life," says Harry Johns White. As Marketing Manager of NBAblast, he is a frequent traveler who relies upon these headphones to keep him plugged in while on the road. He especially appreciates the built-in noise cancellation. "With them in, I'm able to create my little bubble of peace, even with a cacophony of crying babies or loud conversations around me."
These come with their own charging case, which is good because you only receive eight hours of playtime before requiring a charge. However, the case is powered with an additional 32 hours of battery, so you can easily charge them on the go. With a lightweight IPX4 Sweat Resistance rating, this pocketable pick is perfect to take with you on long runs.
View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy more buying choicesSony MDR-7506 Headphones specs: Type:Over-earWired/Wireless:WiredDimensions:1 x 1 x 1 inchesWeight:8 ounces
The Sony MDR-7506 Headphones are a pick for the best cheap studio headphones, and with their affordable price tag, they are also the best cheap headphones professionals and creators can buy. These headphones take an advanced approach to audio playback, offering a superior performance that professionals need each day.
These dynamic wired headphones combine neodymium magnets with 40-millimeter drivers and gold connectors, operating at up to 20 kilohertz for fantastic audio. They deliver the type of high-quality audio that meets professional standards, whether you are working in the studio or shooting a live broadcast. There is an extra-long cord measuring almost ten feet to give you greater freedom of movement.
"The [Sony MDR-7506] headphones offer great comfort and an honest representation of the audio without hiding flaws," says Michaela Melo, a self-proclaimed music obsessive who runs marketing for Musician Authority.
Closed-ear design to better offer noise cancellation with an extra-comfortable fit. Still, at around eight ounces, they remain lightweight. The foldable design gives added convenience, but overall the cans remain durable and tough with a rugged build meant to withstand daily life.
View now at Walmart View now at B&H Photo-Video View now at Amazon more buying choicesAnker soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds specs: Type:Over-earWired/Wireless:WirelessBattery:32 hoursDimensions:2.52 x 1.18 x 1.61 inchesWeight:1.6 ounces
If you have an active lifestyle, the Soundcore by Anker Sport X10 Earbuds promise a secure fit, great ANC, and heavy bass performance at a sub-$100 price tag. There are six integrated microphones for high-quality calls, plus active noise cancellation and exclusive Wind Noise Reduction to improve the quality of your calls.
The ear hooks are adjustable for a comfortable fit, offering 210 degrees of rotation and they're even water and sweat-proof with an IPX7 rating and built-in Sweat Guard technology. The battery typically lasts 32 hours, with eight hours delivered from the case itself, but it is quick to recharge when the battery finally runs out.
"Cheap headphones can be hit or miss, in my opinion," says user Kurt Uhlir, a marketing officer and public speaker who leads an active lifestyle. "With the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds, though, I've had a good experience. The entire audio is crystal clear and well-balanced, and the bass is robust. During vigorous activity, the earphones stay securely in place and are comfortable to use."
To enhance your experience, download the companion app to gain access to 22 EQ presets and custom controls. There are even breathing exercises to help you unwind after a workout.
View now at Walmart View now at Amazon more buying choicesThe Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones are the best cheap headphones you can buy. The active noise cancellation is a must-have when you live and work in busy environments, and it is a huge convenience to be able to tweak your settings based on your content and location. The battery life is impressive, too.
To see how they stack up against the competition, here is a look at the best cheap headphones.
Best cheap headphones | Cost | Type | Connectivity |
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones | $80 | Over-ear | Wireless |
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Headphones | $49 | Over-ear | Wired |
Jabra Elite 45h Headphones | $100 | Over-ear | Wireless |
JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds | $25 | In-ear | Wireless |
Sony MDR-7506 Headphones | $90 | Over-ear | Wired |
Anker soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds | $70 | Over-ear | Wireless |
Even the best cheap headphones can all start to blend together after a while. To help you find the best headphones for your needs, consider these gentle suggestions.
Choose these best cheap headphones... | If you want... |
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones | Excellent performance and value with built-in noise cancellation. |
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Headphones | The best wired cheap headphones with a generous battery life. |
Jabra Elite 45h Headphones | The best wireless cheap headphones with an on-ear fit. |
JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds | The best cheap in-ear headphones under$25. |
Sony MDR-7506 Headphones | The best cheap headphones for creators and professionals with more exacting standards. |
Anker soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds | Bass-heavy ear hooks with a waterproof construction. |
When searching for the best cheap headphones, consider these suggestions.
Wired vs. wireless:Consider how and where you will use your headphones. If you plan on remaining mostly stationary, a wired pair of headphones may work well for you. However, if you plan on taking your headphones with you when you are on the go, you will likely be better served by a more portable pair of wireless headphones.
Fit:When you shop for cheap headphones, consider where you would like in-ear, on-ear, or over-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones can provide greater noise cancellation, while in-ear headphones are more lightweight. Be sure to test your headphones for comfort, especially if you plan on wearing them for long periods of time.
Sound:Look for headphones that deliver a superior audio experience. It is especially helpful to have a custom EQ equalizer so you can customize sound to your preference and surroundings. After all, what is the point of buying cheap headphones if the sound is terrible?
Battery life: Consider how long the battery will last for each pair of headphones. Many cheap headphones offer a battery life of up to 60 hours, but there are others that are far more limited. There are also some headphones, like the JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds, which come with a charging case so you can grab a quick charge when you are away from home.
"Look for purpose-built models that prioritize sound quality over sheer affordability," advises Melo of Musician Authority. "Consider headphones with well-designed tuning, better materials, larger drivers, and other features that contribute to better audio performance."
When buying cheap headphones, one major concern that shoppers have is whether these headphones are worth the money. Generally, cheap headphones skip some of the bells and whistles that you find with more expensive models, but it is still possible to find some of these advanced features with lower-priced models. For example, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones feature active noise cancellation, which is the standard among pricier models.
There are many, many manufacturers of cheap headphones, but not all of them operate at the highest level of manufacturing, leading to wasted dollars and much disappointment. Instead, stick to a reputable brand that has tried and true products you can count on. Users find that the best cheap headphones come from trusted brands like Anker, Jabra, and Sony.
When shopping for headphones, you will quickly find that they run the gamut in price. The best cheap headphones range in cost from just$25 for the JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds to$100 for the Jabra Elite 45h Headphones. No matter which ones you choose from our list, these are the best cheap headphones under$100 that you can buy.
These are not the only options available for you. These are some of the best cheap headphones that are also worthy of a second look.
Apple users will enjoy top performance, thanks to the Apple W1 headphone chip.
View at AmazonIf you prefer a snug over-ear fit, these comfortable cheap headphones from Sennheiser are a great option and offer top-tier performance.
View at AmazonThe Sony WH-CH520 Headphones are a pair of cheap headphones that are packed with Sony's staple high-quality audio features.
View at Amazon
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