Best Cheap Headphones in 2021

Finding headphones on a spending budget could be tricky; nevertheless, you don’t have to break your account to obtain a decent hearing encounter. The headphones upon this list usually aren’t as comfy or neutral-sounding as a number of the even more premium options on the market. Still, you will get high-quality offerings at an acceptable price.

We’ve tested almost 500 earphones, and here are our tips for the very best cheap headsets you can purchase.

Best Cheap Headphones in 2021

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are good over-ear headphones. They will have an above-typical audio reproduction and a moderately comfortable and stable style. Unfortunately, They don’t block much sound, which might affect your hearing expertise in loud conditions or while commuting. The ATH-M20x is moderately comfy. They don’t apply an excessive amount of stress to the top, and the large ear cups fit around most listener’s ears. Nevertheless, the hearing cups usually do not swivel just like the ATH-M40x

2. Mpow H10 Wireless

The best headphones under $50 we’ve tested so far are the Mpow H10. These noise-cancelling over-ears are quite versatile, with a simple, straightforward design well-suited for casual use. Their active noise cancelling (ANC) feature blocks out lots of noise, they have a reasonably well-balanced sound, and their battery life is fantastic too.

While these headsets don’t have a very neutral sound profile, they still audio quite balanced. They have a lot of extra basses, but they also emphasize the treble range for an excited, yet versatile sound signature that doesn’t drown out vocals or instruments. Their ANC is especially impressive, as they do a great job at reducing the intensity of disruptive ambient noise, even the low thump, and rumble of bus or plane engines. They also have a 23-hour battery life, which is excellent for long days of travel.

Unfortunately, they feel like fairly cheaply-made headphones. The less expensive Mpow H5 Wireless feels better-built, but their ANC isn’t as good, and they sound less well-balanced. There’s an upgraded version of the H10 available that might feel more durable, but we haven’t tested it to confirm. That said, they still provide excellent value for the price thanks to their solid combination of features.

3. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 Truly Wireless

The best headphones under $50 with a wireless design we’ve tested up to now are the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79. These super-compact earbuds are amazingly well-rounded, especially for the price. They’re reasonably comfortable, well-built, and have a decent charging case, which means you don’t shed power on-the-go.

These genuinely wireless in-ears have an impressively well-balanced sound profile. They deliver an extra kick of thump and rumble that enthusiasts of more bass-heavy music crave, without overpowering vocals or instruments. Their battery performance isn’t bad, either – they last nearly 6 hours on a charge, and you will recharge them up to 4 more periods in their carrying case.

On the downside, their touch-sensitive controls are rather mediocre. While it’s good that they let you modify your music’s volume without having to take out your telephone, they’re not the easiest to use. That said, their price-to-overall performance ratio is still quite impressive, and they’re easy to recommend overall.

4. SoundPeats True Wireless

If you prefer a decent couple of truly wireless earbuds that price even less, get the SoundPeats TrueFree. They don’t sound very as well-balanced because the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 Truly Cellular, but they’re a lot more inexpensive. They still perform alright general, with plenty of bass for supporters of EDM or hip-hop. Nevertheless, they only final about 3 hrs at a cost, and their case does not have a lid. You nonetheless get yourself a few additional charges out of the situation, though, and, although we haven’t examined it, there is an edition with a lid you can find for a couple bucks more.

If you pay attention to even more vocal-centric genres and want a better-balanced sound user profile, opt for the TaoTronics, but if you’d like something still cheaper, obtain the SoundPeats.

5. Anker SoundBuds Curve Upgraded 2019 Review (2020)

The best headphones under $50 with an earbud design that we’ve tested so far are the Anker SoundBuds Curve Upgraded 2019. These wireless earbuds have a thin wire that connects both earbuds collectively and are available for considerably less than $50. They sense quite comfortable, and their ear-hook design is stable more than enough for actually moderately strenuous exercises.

Their sound profile is fairly bass-heavy, though it shouldn’t be too overpowering. While they’ll give a bit of extra thump for genres like EDM or hip-hop, they’ll still be well-balanced sufficiently for most genres. They last almost 18.5 hours off a single charge, which is excellent and should quickly get you through a couple of full days before needing a recharge.

Unfortunately, their thin cable feels relatively cheap, though this is often somewhat expected for his or her low price point. On the bright side, they’re rated IPX7 for the water level of resistance, though this isn’t something we currently test for. Overall, they offer excellent value and are among the best earphones we’ve tested to date.

6. Beats URBEATS3 In-Ear Headphones

Unless you want to have to worry about maintaining your headphones’ electric battery charged, and would like a wired choice, go with the Beats urBeats3 Earphones. They aren’t as comfy because the Anker SoundBuds Curve Improved 2019, plus they aren’t as steady in the hearing, but they possess a better-balanced sound user profile and a far more constant wired link. Their sound profile will be versatile enough for a wide variety of genres and articles, and the headsets can be found with a typical 1/8″ TRRS connector, or perhaps a Lightning connector if you use an iPhone without a headphone jack.

If you like the freedom of wireless earphones, opt for the Anker, but if you are using your headsets for long outings or simply don’t want to be worried about a radio connection, obtain the Beats.

7. Sony WI-C310 Wireless

The Sony WI-C310 are decent mixed-usage in-ear headphones. They are very lightweight, their neckband style is versatile and transportable, and they’ll be stable sufficient for running. They will have a decent audio profile but maybe better-appropriate for bass-heavy genres. The bud wires have become long, creating big loops when putting on the headphones, which might be a little bit cumbersome. On the upside, they will have an excellent 17-hour electric battery living and isolate well against workplace sounds, but won’t function as an ideal choice for community transit. They’re decent all-around headphones and provide good worth, but don’t always stick out from other comparable in-ears.

8. Audio-Technica ATH-S200BT

Audio Technica offers produced successfully in its cost range with the ATH-S200BT. They could not be feature-laden or sports activity premium materials. Nevertheless, the impressive electric battery life spanning an exceptional 40 hrs and the compelling audio quality, especially as of this price stage, makes it an excellent buy for customers seeking to own a good pair of cellular Bluetooth headphones. There are some build and functionality issues occasionally, but they can be disregarded generally, is that they are minor hiccups in what is an excellent couple of headphones.

9. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 Headphones Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint are great-sounding in-ear headphones. They have balanced audio reproduction that works well with most music genres but a very ordinary in-ear design that may not be comfortable for some. The low active noise cancellation is also not ideal for blocking sound is moderately loud environments. The ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint offers nothing out of the ordinary for a more comfy or stable fit. The comfort level is, therefore, about the same as that of any other in-ear design, which means it varies from listener to listener, depending on the fit.

10. Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC33iS QuietPoint has typical in-ear design and above-average audio reproduction. Unfortunately, they may not be comfortable for everyone, and their low isolation means ambient noise could potentially ruin your listening experience. Average for neutral hearing. These earphones have a decent audio reproduction, but the closed-back in-ear style lacks a little openness for neutral listening. The ATH-ANC33iS are as comfortable as you would expect for an in-ear design. They offer a variety of tip sizes and an additional memory foam tip that provides slightly better stability once in the ear. They still, however, apply pressure within the hearing canal, which may be uncomfortable for some, especially during long listening sessions.

11. Skullcandy Hesh 3 Wireless

The Skullcandy Hesh 3 are decent blended usage headphones with an exciting but bass-heavy sound that won’t be for everyone. They have a lightweight design, they’re easy-to-use, and they’re decently comfortable, but a bit restricted on the head. This makes them stable enough to take to the gym, although they won’t be the most breathable headsets for sports. They also do not isolate properly in noisy environments and are a little bit leaky at high volumes, which may be distracting to those around you. The Skullcandy Hesh 3 are average mixed-usage headphones. They will have a good battery lifestyle and an excellent wireless range. They also have a bass-heavy sound, which will be exciting for some. Unfortunately, they have a plasticky and cheap build quality that doesn’t experience as durable as other earphones in their price range, they’re quite tight on larger heads. They usually do not block enough noise for boisterous environments. Overall, they are decently versatile headsets but do not excel at any particular use case.

12. Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 are mediocre-at-best headphones with an unhealthy audio reproduction. Their all-plastic design doesn’t feel durable, and they are a bit cumbersome. Besides, they don’t block plenty of ambient sounds, and the odd ear canal cup dimension gets unpleasant. On the upside, they’re wireless, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive. The Skullcandy Hesh 2 are usually average-at-best mixed-use headphones. They’re cellular and also have good audio, but they’re not meant for acute hearing. Their overall isolation performance doesn’t make sure they are versatile enough for loud conditions. Also, their style feels a little bit inexpensive. On the upside, they’re pretty easy-to-use, lightweight, plus they are a little more breathable than some other closed-back again over-ears.

13. Soundcore Life 2 Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

The Anker SoundCore Life 2 are decent combined usage wireless over-ears. They are noise cancelling, but their ANC feature is disappointing, especially for commuting. On the upside, they have a decent audio reproduction and are better suited for bass-heavy genres. They also have a bass boost effect that is simple to use but won’t let you know on which setting you are. Their battery life is fantastic and will last you around 28 hours. However, like most Bluetooth headphones, their latency might be slightly high for watching video clips, but you can use the integrated audio cable to get rid of it, which is convenient. These earphones are reasonably versatile, offer good value, and will be suitable for most users. These earphones have a good sound quality that’s better fitted to bass-heavy genres. They’re comfortable enough for long listening classes, and their ANC feature does an okay job at isolating ambient sound while commuting and at the office. They have a fantastic battery lifetime and wireless range. However, like the majority of Bluetooth headsets, their latency may be slightly too high for gaming and watching video content. This is often eliminated by using the included audio cable.

14. HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset: Best Gaming Headphone Under 50$

The HyperX Cloud Stinger is wired entry-level gaming headphones. Although their plastic frame is bulky, they’re relatively lightweight for over-ears and should be comfortable enough for long gaming sessions. The boom microphone also picks up speech clearly, whether you’re video gaming at home or a tournament. Thanks to their wired design, lag is negligible. However, they’re optimized for gaming. They aren’t as flashy as other gaming headphones, their boom microphone isn’t detachable, and they don’t isolate enough noise to be enjoyable while commuting. Still, if you’re looking for affordable video gaming earphones, they’re a reliable option. The HyperX Cloud Stinger is decent for wired gaming. They’re relatively comfy for long periods, and their negligible amount of lag is excellent. The mic is impressive too, and your teammates will be able to hear you obviously, even in louder environments like video gaming tournaments. On the downside, as they don’t have a tight fit, they can produce sound inconsistently, particularly in the bass and treble, and even on the same person.

15. Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT Wireless

The Sennheiser HD 4.40 is okay mixed usage over-ear headphones that can be used for a variety of use cases. They don’t excel in any usage but can be very versatile. Their sound is decent, and you also have a great EQ that lets you customize it to your liking. Unfortunately, they lack an ANC feature to be a good option for commuting, unlike the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC. On the upside, they have low latency for Bluetooth headphones, so most people might not notice the delay when watching video content. They’re the right choice if you’re looking for headphones that can do a bit of everything without breaking the bank. They have decent sound and you can EQ them to your liking as well. However, they don’t have an ANC function like the HD 4.50 or PCX 550, which makes them a bit less versatile for commuting and to use at the office. While they are stable, they won’t be the best option for sports due to their bulky design. Their latency also might be too high for watching videos, and some will notice a delay. Their microphone is mediocre at best for online gaming, and latency issues will be noticeable with video games.

16. Sony MDR-7506 Headphones Review

The Sony MDR-7506 is comfortable, closed-back critical listening headphones with a good sound. They’re a little cheaply built, but they don’t leak much, which makes them a good option for recording. However, they’re not the most versatile headsets, sot they won’t stay on your head if you run with them and poorly isolate you from the ambient noise of your environment. The Sony MDR-7506 has a well-balanced sound with a punchy bass that doesn’t drown the excellent mid-range. Instruments and vocals sounded good if a little lacking in detail and clarity compared to some other neutral hearing models like the DT 770 and the ATH-M50x. Nevertheless, they have a decent soundstage for closed-back headphones, and their sound quality is good sufficiently to please almost all listeners.

17. Grado SR80e

The Grado SR80e are decent open-back critical listening headphones, but a below-average choice for everything else. They’re decently comfortable and have a well-balanced mid-range and a good bass for an open-back design. Unfortunately, they have a mediocre-at-best build quality that doesn’t feel very durable, and they sound a bit too piercing on already bright tracks. They also leak a lot and poorly isolate in noisy environments, but it’s by design since they are openly critical listening earphones. The Grado SR80e are above-average, budget-neutral hearing headphones. They have a wide, open up the soundstage and outstanding reproduction of instruments and vocals. They lack a little bass and sound slightly sharp at times, but they reproduce the sufficient detail in high-res audio with above-average accuracy.

18. Creative Outlier Gold

The Creative Outlier Air are good sounding genuinely wireless headphones that have a too bulky design. They’re quite comfy, but people who have smaller sized ears might feel too much stress being put inside the ear. The entire construction of the headphones and situation is good and feels durable. These headphones give about 8 hrs of constant playback time, which is relatively higher for a truly wireless design. However, they don’t filter much ambient sound in the low-end frequencies, just like the audio of a bus motor, and won’t function as the most suitable choice for commuting. Even so, they provide great overall worth if you don’t mind pressing the buds deeper into your ear when working with their controls. Like the majority of truly wireless earphones, the Innovative Outlier Air has become transportable. It won’t cause you to sweat a lot more than usual when training while putting on them. Also, their heavy design feels secure in the ear, and you will be ideal for running without a problem. Also, they are ranked IPX5 for drinking water resistance, but we don’t try this internally.

19. Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review

The Jaybird Tarah are excellent wireless sports in-ears which are versatile plenty of for everyday casual use. They’re nearly the same as the Jaybird X4 but are somewhat cheaper. They isolate a respectable amount of sound and have an identical sound signature to the X4, with a little less bass. They are comfortable and stable for some sports which time, Jaybird decided to create the suggestions and the fins into one item (called ear-gels) rather than two different models, that is disappointing because you get fewer options to locate a good suit. On the upside, the Tarah may also be appropriate for the MySound app for audio customization. They’re very steady, and you also shouldn’t possess any issue while training using them, plus they won’t cause you to sweat more because of the in-ear design. The settings scheme didn’t modify much from the initial X4 design, so it’s still simple to use. Their wireless style furthermore reduces the chance of getting a cable stuck or addicted to something, pulling the earphones from your ears. Regrettably, they only include three ear-gels choices for you to discover a perfect fit, which is much less versatile for several users as various other Jaybird models.20.

20. JLab Audio JBuds Air Truly Wireless

The JLab Audio JBuds Air are truly wireless earbuds that are fairly comfortable and stable. They’re bass-heavy general, and the treble is uneven. While they don’t have a companion app to customize their audio profile, they perform include three preset EQs. Their battery existence can be very short when compared to the time needed to charge them. Nevertheless, their case includes ten additional charges and an integrated USB wire to cost on the run. The JLab Sound JBuds Surroundings Truly Cellular are excellent for sports activities and fitness. They’re transportable and stable, particularly if you’re utilizing the included balance sleeves. They’re furthermore fairly comfortable you need to include three pieces of differently sized ear guidelines so that you can discover your best fit. Their in-ear match can be very breathable, so you shouldn’t sweat a lot more than usual because they don’t trap high temperatures in your hearing very much.

21. Behringer BH 470 Studio Monitoring Headphones

A handsome design combined with great comfort and some of the best sound arrangements we’ve heard about a pair of inexpensive wired cans, the Behringer BH 470 stands out as the best cheap headphones in its price class. Behringer somehow managed to construct these from solid metal materials, actually including a matte finish and brownish faux leather into the blend for a more upscale look. Small details like the 9-notch variable headband track and screwed parts display the Swiss audio engineer values build quality.

The only thing it values more is audio performance, which the BH 470 excels at. Bass dominates the soundstage without compromising the mids or highs. Stereo imaging is even more impressive, making Jazz songs and live recordings more immersive to hear instruments distinctly. What’s cool about these earphones is that they can become modified at the user’s discretion. If you need to swap out the cables or mess around with the sound output by toying with the circuitry inside, go ahead.

22. JBL Tune 500 BT On-Ear Headphones

JBL is responsible for some of the best cheap headphones below the $100 mark, and the Tune 500 is one of its finest options. Hidden underneath the flexible, sturdy plastic frame are JBL’s patented Pure Bass drivers that pump out serious lows; the bass response is thunderous at high volume. JBL’s profile leans towards the warm end, which is good news for music lovers who want more thump in their sound. The soft-padded ear cushions and headband add comfort to the equation, allowing users to enjoy music for long stretches.

Sadly, the headphones (like many wired models) don’t come with volume controls, so you’ll have to do so manually on your smartphone or MP3 player. Thankfully, the sound doesn’t distort or become unbearable when listening to high volumes, though others around you will notice sound bleeding from the cans.

23. Plantronics BackBeat 500

The Plantronics BackBeat 500 is a great pickup for the purchase price. Battery life is its greatest feature, generating 18 hrs of playtime about the same charge and featuring a Heavy Sleep setting that can keep the headsets carefully on standby for half a year. You’re also benefiting from surprisingly good audio out of the on-ears that rivals versions in the sub-luxury range ($150 or more). Bass will be emphasized to provide listeners with a warm and energetic existence on hip-hop and rock tracks.

The athletic-inspired design is lighting and durable. However, the headphones don’t supply the greatest comfort after 60 moments of wear. Besides, it lacks the sweatproof aesthetics of the BackBeat 500 Suit, which isn’t an enormous deal if you don’t plan on training with these on your head. They might also reap the benefits of much better isolation, as exterior noises make their method into the ear canal.

24. Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones

The Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones deftly deliver lighting, airy vocals with sparkling strings, crisp percussion, and booming lows, concerning the song. This can make them an excellent option for supervising bass when mixing in the home or the studio. We discovered that on very-bass-heavy tracks, the reduced end could easily get a little bit muddy when hearing at max quantity. It’s also wonderful to note that they include extra accessories as a 1/4-inch jack and 1/8-in. connector so that you can plug them into other devices like an audio system, mixing console, or guitar amp.

Little could be made concerning the unattractive, bulky style since it doesn’t produce sporting these headphones fashionable or even convenient. The HSP3000 wasn’t designed for sound isolation either, as ambient noises creep into the soundstage and have an effect on clearness when hearing songs in rowdy conditions.

25. Asus ROG Strix Fusion 300 Virtual 7.1 LED Gaming Headphone: Best Asus Gaming Headphone Under 60$

ROG Strix Fusion 300 gaming headset features a special airtight chamber design and 50mm ASUS Essence motorists, delivering pure video gaming audio with serious bass. Immerse yourself in rich audio with onboard 7.1-channel virtual surround-sound wherever you move – zero dongles or more software are essential! Strix Fusion 300 is lightweight and comfy and has broad compatibility with PC, Mac, and game consoles. Expertise impeccable, fully-immersive gaming audio with Strix Fusion 300. Moreover, the Strix Fusion 300 offers incredibly solid bass through its extra-large 50 mm custom-tuned ASUS Essence drivers, where we adopted a metal cover rather than a plastic someone to make certain the audio is natural and non-distorted. ROG audio engineers possess enlarged the region around the motorists in the sound chambers to supply a true-to-life good for immersive video gaming encounters. Strix Fusion 300 also offers a particular airtight chamber style to guarantee the air will be properly sealed in the chambers, providing richer and purer audio.