14 Best Cheap Budget Headphones

1. Best Budget: Panasonic RP-HT161-K

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Panasonic is a reliable audio brand that has consistently released competitive headphones the marketplace has accepted with welcome arms. The RP-HT161-K is an excellent budget choice for the buyer that wants a wired over-ear design. Continue reading to figure out if the Panasonic RP-HT161-K is a good choice for your specific requirements.

The earcups have extra padding so you can enjoy a comfortable fit that doesn’t put pressure on the ears. They are large enough to fit your entire ear. However, the headband has no soft padding, which is uncommon in the headphone industry. On the bright side you can adjust the headband to the size of your head and it stays in place. Therefore, you can achieve a snug fit that remains in place when moving your head from side to side.

The dual 30mm audio drivers are not big compared to the rest of the marketplace, but they offer strong bass and clear vocals. The frequency range of 10-27KHz allows for a competitive audio experience in the budget marketplace.

The extra-long 6.5 foot cord means you have some freedom, but it’s not ideal for use outdoors since you need to deal with hiding the wire. Also, the cord tends to get tangled, which means you need to spend time untangling before use.

To summarize, the Panasonic RP-HT161- is the right choice for the budget buyer that’s after a good frequency range and comfortable earpads. The premium brand name adds a lot of value to the purchase and you can buy in confidence. However, the lack of headband padding should give you some pause if you’re after a highly comfortable fit.

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2. Sony MDRZX110/BLK ZX Series

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Sony MDRZX110/BLK ZX Series headphones come at a dirt cheap price, but you’re getting good quality from an industry-leading brand. There are no special features here – just competitive performance that allows you to enjoy music on a budget. Read onwards to learn more about what the Sony headphones offer.

The light and comfortable design means you’ll enjoy wearing these headphones for long periods. It’s an on-ear wearing format, which means the earcups press against your ears. It ensures heat and moisture ventilation is excellent. However, noise isolation is relatively poor so these headphones are not the best choice while out in noisy areas.

The 30mm audio drivers provide deep bass that adds immersion to the music. Audio clarity across the frequency response of 12-22KHz is excellent and you’ll be surprised by the quality given the low price.

The headphones have a foldable design that significantly reduces down in size, which means you can store them in your bag. Keep in mind that durability is not excellent so you must be careful while handling them.

Take a few moments to consider the drawbacks before proceeding purchasing. Firstly, the headphones do not have visually appealing features that gives them a cool look. Also, the cable is not convenient when outdoors.

To summarize, the Sony MDRZX110/BLK ZX Series headphones are the right choice for the buyer that wants to buy from a premium brand. The audio quality is great for the price and comfortable fit means you’ll enjoy wearing them daily.

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3. JVC HAS160R

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

JVC is a proven electronics brand and the HAS160R headphones will not let you down. The combination of low weight, ergonomic design, and gold platted jack means you’re getting good value for money. Continue reading to determine if there is enough quality to match your needs.

The minimalist and lightweight design means you’ll quickly forget you’re wearing the headphones. The on-ear design is comfortable since moisture/sweat build-up is not a problem. However, you’ll struggle with a lack of audio clarity in noisy environments due to poor noise isolation.

The 30mm neodymium drivers are one of the smallest in this buyer’s guide, but the rich audio fidelity ensures good music. However, don’t expect very loud audio because the audio drivers are limited in size.

The foldable design means you can reduce the headphones in size for easy storage in a bag. However, you need to be careful when handling them to ensure no damage takes place. The lack of durable materials means they are more prone to damage than most headphones.

To summarize, the JVC HAS160R headphones are a good choice for the user that wants portability from a proven electronics brand. The combination of the low weight, stylish visual design, and choice of earcup colors means you’re getting good value for money.

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4. Elecder i37 Kids Headphones

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The Elecder i37 Kids Headphones is a great low cost options if you’re looking to buy headphones for your child. The mix of the attractive color design, comfortable fit, and durability means you’re getting a lot for the modest asking price. Continue reading to figure out if there is enough on offer here to meet your kid’s expectations.

The choice of colors includes black, blue, green, orange, pink, navy, and teal. Therefore, you can select the color option that matches your child’s favorite one. Also, they are comfortable to hold and transport around. The 4.9 foot cable is durable and doesn’t tangle easily.

The adjustable headband allows for a snug fit, which means the headphones remain stable while your kid is moving around. Also, the on-ear earcups offer plenty of soft padding and they are not bulky.

The excellent Hi-Fi sound offers good bass, but it’s not overpowering, which means your child will not suffer ear damage. However, the vocals are lacking in clarity that can make some songs sound sub-par.

To summarize, the Elecder i37 Kids Headphones are the right choice for the buyer that’s after a good deal. The value for money is off the chart when you consider that these cost just over $10. The blend of features means they are highly suitable for kids.

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5. Best Value: Edifier H650

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Edifier H650 headphones offer excellent value for money that’s hard to beat. The combination of the ergonomic fit, strong one-year warranty deal, long-lasting durability, and portable design means you’ll love using them daily. You also get a choice of colors, which includes blue, grey red, white, black, orange, pink, and purple. With so much choice you are guaranteed to find a color that matches your style. Take a closer peek at the features to determinate if there is enough on offer to match your expectations.

The lightweight on-ear design is comfortable to wear for extended periods, but noise isolation is inferior compared to over-ear headphones. The earcups have a good amount of soft padding that contributes to a comfort bale fit. Furthermore, the headphones are foldable, which means you can easily find a space for them in your travel bag.

The 40mm audio drivers provide good audio reproduction across the 20-20KHz frequency response. The audio quality is competitive in this price bracket, but doesn’t compete with audiophile offerings at a higher price.

It’s a wired designed that comes with a 1.3m cable, but you can also opt for the Bluetooth version for a higher price. The rotatable earcups allow you to wear the headphones conveniently around your neck. It’s ideal when you want to take a break for a few minutes.

There are a few disadvantages to the Edifier H650 headphones that you can’t overlook. Firstly, durability can be an issue if you are heavy handed with them. Also, the headband underside has no soft padding.

To conclude, the Edifier H650 headphones are a good fit for the buyer that likes portability and a choice of colors. You’ll also love the audio drivers that are competitive compared to other headphones at this price.

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6. Riwbox XBT-880

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Riwbox is not a reputable brand name and you may have never heard of it before. However, the XBT-880 is highly rated in the marketplace , which means it’s worthy of your consideration. There are 4 color options to choose from, which include black/gold, black/grey, white/gold, and white/blue. Take a closer peek at the features offered to figure out if there is enough quality here to match your needs.

The impressive audio quality is delivered via the 50mm audio drivers. The mixture of the deep bass and clear vocals is the perfect combination for enjoying most music genres. Also, you can alter the audio via the intuitive earcup controls. You can alter the volume, skip track, and end/accept calls.

Bluetooth 5 is added here, which is the most advanced version yet. It means you can enjoy a consistent audio signal that is distortion-free. Also, you get 13 hours of music playing time, but the charging time is a lengthy 4 hours. Therefore, make sure to charge ahead of time to enjoy a 100% battery. You can also use the headphones in wired mode for when the battery life has run out or you have forgotten to charge.

The use of soft materials at the earcups and headband mean you’ll feel comfortable while wearing. However, there is limited space for your ears, which might be a deal breaker. Large ears will struggle to fit within the confines of the over-ear design.

To summarize, the Riwbox XBT-880 headphones are the right choice for users that want a cool looking visual design, intuitive earcup controls, and the latest Bluetooth version. You’ll also appreciate the large 50mm audio drivers and built-in mic. However, the over-ear design reduces bulk by providing less space for your ears.

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7. AOMAIS Voice

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The AOMAIS Voice is one of the best Bluetooth budget headphones that provide excellent functionality. You’ll love the combination of the active noise cancelation, soft earcups, and ergonomic fit. The headphones are designed to be comfortable and you’ll feel that from the first time you wear them. Continue reading to figure out if these headphones are the right choice for your specific needs.

The 40mm stereo audio drivers provide strong bass and clear vocals. You’ll enjoy all music genres in an immersive way. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the music quality given the affordable price. Also, the ANC feature helps block out unwanted noise to ensure music clarity is maintained. The feature reduces battery life, but it’s worth using when you’re in a noisy area.

The durable stainless steel design means these headphones will stand the test of time. You can drop them a few times before you’ll notice signs of wear and tear. The durable materials give the headphones a premium feel, which is not common at the budget end of the scale.

The battery life is 10 hours per charge and you can enjoy a range of 33 feet. You can make use of the provided 3.5mm cable to enjoy a wired connection for when the battery has run out. Also, the latest CSR technology is included that allows for a reliable connection.

There are a couple of disadvantages that you must take into account before moving forward. Firstly, the headband has limited padding, which means the fit may not be as comfortable as you want. Also, a carrying case could have been included so you can comfortably transfer the headphones from one location to the next.

To conclude, the AOMAIS Voice headphones are a great choice for buyers that want a non-bulky look and reliable battery life. You’ll love the combination of the Bluetooth 4.0, rotatable earcups, and built-in microphone. The value for money is impressive when you consider the features for the price.

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8. Artix CL750

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Artix CL750 headphones offer a nice blend of affordability and features that lead to a practical experience. There is a choice of colors between turquoise/grey and black/red, which gives you some customizability to get the visual look you want. Continue reading to learn more about the features included in the Artix CL750 headphones.

The built-in microphone and in-wire controls allow you to conveniently accept/end calls. Also, you can control the volume on the go without the need to touch your smartphone. It’s great if you want to take calls via a pair of headphones. The mic quality is decent but not great if you have big expectations.

The light and compact design means they are great for use while outdoors. They don’t feel bulky and you’ll love the way they feel in your hands. Unfortunately, the materials are not durable, which means you’ll need to be careful when handling the headphones.

The audio quality is passable if you don’t have unrealistic expectations. The 40mm audio drivers are average for what the marketplace offers at this price. The noise isolation is poor, which means they are not the best choice for use in noisy environments.

There is a 1 year warranty and a USA based customer service that claims to get back to you within 24 hours. Therefore, you can buy in confidence knowing that you’ll have good support after making the purchase.

To summarize, the Artix CL750 headphones are a good choice if you want headphones under $20 with a wired format. They are visually appealing and the non-bulky fit means you’ll enjoying wearing them for extended periods. However, expect that they won’t stand the test of time since the materials used are not very durable.

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9. Top Pick: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Audio-Technica is a reputable headphone brand that consistently releases high quality products. The ATH-M20x is one of the best headphones under $50, which means it’s a no-brainer for the buyer that’s serious about audio quality. Continue reading to learn more about the features and if they are a good match for your needs.

The 40mm rare earth magnet drivers produce lifelike audio that rivals headphones at a higher price. You’ll love the combination of the crisp vocals and deep bass that allows any music track to come to life. These headphones can also be used by DJ’s and professionals that are on a budget but require detailed audio reproduction.

The excellent noise isolation means audio clarity is maintained in noisy environments. You can use these in a busy household without being distracted. However, they are not ideal for use outdoors due to the cable and bulky design.

The durable and robust design means they will stand the test of time. You’ll love the use of premium materials, which makes the headphones feel luxurious when holding them in-hand. The convenient 9.8 foot straight cable design is ideal for professional use since you can be at a distance from the audio emitting device.

The frequency range of 15-20KHz indicates good bass, but the range is nothing special compared to audiophile options. Also, the 15 degree rotatable earcups means they can be comfortably worn around your neck.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones have a lot of upside, but don’t dismiss the negatives. Firstly, there are no audio controls, which means you cannot make changes without reaching for the audio emitting device. Also, the soundstage is average, which means it lacks performance for professionals.

To summarize, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones is a nice balance of comfort and advanced audio performance. You’ll love the premium design and attention to detail that typically isn’t available for headphones of this price bracket.

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10. Tribit XFree

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

These headphones are named “The Best Headphones for 2019” by Cnet. Therefore, you can buy these headphones with confidence knowing that you’re getting one of the best out there. You’ll love the combination of the long battery life, ergonomic fit, and active noise cancelation. Read onwards to learn more about the features and why they are worth the asking price.

The superior Hi-Fi sound delivered by the 40mm audio drivers contributes to immersive audio. The drivers offer super-crisp treble and rock-solid bass that brings life to the beat. Furthermore, the ANC feature enables you to enjoy music without dealing with unwanted background noise. The feature doesn’t eliminate all noise, but it does a good enough job in most environments.

The mixture of the cortical earmuffs and comfortable head beam design leads to an ergonomic fit. Therefore, you can wear the headphones for an extended period before you need to take a break. It’s also portable since it weighs only 10.08 ounces and is manufactured from durable materials.

The advanced Bluetooth 4.1 connection ensures you can enjoy stable audio within 33 feet. The battery life is 40 hours per charge, which means constant battery management is not required. Also, you can use the included cable to switch to wired mode.

Before adding the Tribit XFree headphones to the virtual shopping basket consider a few of the drawbacks. Firstly, more headband padding could be added to provide extra comfort. Also, the earcups could be rotatable so that you can comfortably wear the headphones around your neck.

To conclude, the Tribit XFree headphones are a good choice for the buyer that’s after a well-rounded product. You have access to all the modern features that headphones are expected to have. The value for money here is off the charts and it competes with significantly pricier options.

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11. Avantree

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

These headphones from Avantree show that there is no need to buy from a reputable brand to enjoy industry-leading quality. Every facet of the user experience was considered here to ensure a well-rounded pair of headphones. Read onwards to figure out if there is enough quality here for the asking price.

The 40 hour battery life allows you to enjoy music uninterrupted for days and even weeks. Use the 3.5mm cable when the battery life has run out. However, the mic does not work in wired mode, which is a limitation you need to be aware of before buying. You can also connect the headphones via NFC, which means there is no need to go through a manual connection process every time.

The headphones weight only 6.35 ounces and the materials have a premium feel. The comfortable leather allows you to use the headphones for extended periods without needing to take a break. There is plenty of soft padding at the earcups, but it’s limited around the headband.

The aptX Hi-Fi sound enables you to distinguish between the bass, treble, and mids. You’ll love the balance across the 20-20KHz frequency range that allows you to appreciate the small details of the music.

Do not proceed with the purchase before considering the following drawbacks. Firstly, the lack of extra-soft padding at the headband means they are not the most comfortable. Also, noise isolation could be added to provide better music clarity while in a noisy environment.

Overall, the Avantree headphones are a great choice for the buyer that wants performance on a budget. The combination of the extra-long battery life, comfortable fit, and NFC pairing means you’ll love using these for all your music listening sessions.

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12. Mpow 059

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Mpow is not a luxury brand name in the audio industry, but it’s trusted and the high ratings back this up. The Mpow 059 is one of the best-selling headphones out there, which means you can buy in confidence. The value for money is through the roof since you’re getting a bunch of useful features at a low price. Read onwards to learn more about the features offered.

These Bluetooth 4.1 headphones offer a 20 hour battery life per charge. The reliable wireless transmission means audio quality is not sacrificed when compared to using a cable. Furthermore, a cable is included in the package for when the battery life runs out.

The robust and balanced sound of the 40mm dual aperture drivers is impressive. They rival drivers of headphones that cost twice and even three times the price. Also, there is a passive noise isolation feature that does a good job of eliminating background noise. Therefore, you don’t have to deal with background noise if it isn’t too loud. You are encouraged to take the headphones off every 1-2 hours to get a break from the explosive music experience.

The headphone comfort is decent since there is good soft padding at the headband and earcups. However, the use of solid plastic that feel cheap means they are not the most comfortable type of build. You also get a choice of colors, which includes red, black, green, grey, blue, silver, and pink. Therefore, you have the freedom to choice the color that best matches your wearing style.

Don’t buy the Mpow 059 headphones before considering a few of the drawbacks. Firstly, the earcups are thick, which means they stick out. It may be a visual look that you may not want to rock while outdoors. Also, the use of cheap plastics means they don’t cover up the fact that they are a budget pair of headphones.

To conclude, the Mpow 059 headphones is the ideal choice for buyers that want a choice of colors, trusted brand, long battery life, and up to date Bluetooth. The value for money here means the purchase is a no-brainer. However, you will need to deal with cheap plastics that may also be damage prone.

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13. Edifier H840

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Edifier H840 headphones are a solid choice for buyers that want audiophile performance at a budget price. These are not true audiophile headphones, but the experience is not far off. They are an example of how far budget headphone technology has progressed in recent years. Take a closer look at the features implemented to figure out if they are the right match for your needs.

The choice of colors includes blue, black, and white. You can also choose between a model with and without a microphone. The former costs $5 extra, which may come in handy – even if you don’t take calls via your headphones.

The solid build is one of the standout features. They feel premium when holding in-hand and they can take a beating before wearing out. The reinforced headband means the headphones will stand the test of time.

However, comfort is not sacrificed since there are plenty of lightweight materials and extra padding at the earcups and headband. Also, the earcups will house your entire ear without squashing it against the side of your head.

The large 40mm audio drivers provide balance and good reproduction across the frequency range of 20-20KHz. These audio drivers compete with any at this price, which means you can buy knowing that you’re getting competitive audio. It’s also a closed-back design, which means background noise is greatly reduced.

Take a few moments to consider the negatives before adding the Edifier H840 headphones to the shopping basket. Firstly, the lack of a wireless design means you need to worry about being within range of the audio emitting device. Also, there are no inline controls, so you need to reach for your smartphone to alter the audio.

Overall, the Edifier H840 headphones are one of the best options for buyers on a budget that want an audiophile experience. The combination of the excellent audio drivers, durable design, comfortable ergonomics, and noise isolating design means there is a lot to like here.

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14. OneOdio

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Are you looking for budget headphones that are ideal for DJ’s, mixing, or studio use? Then you’ll be surprised by the quality that’s offered by the OneOdio headphones. They are one of the best affordable headphones for professional use. Set realistic expectations and there is a lot to like here. Delve deeper into the features to figure out if there is enough for your needs.

The large 500mm audio drivers are among the most sophisticated in the budget headphone marketplace. The Hi-Fi level audio allows you to hear the small details of an audio track you might miss with other headphones. The audio quality is good enough for amateur DJ’s that need to achieve the right music for the crowd. However, don’t expect audiophile grade clarity with the OneOdio headphones. You’ll need to take a look at some of the more expensive headphones in the marketplace for such quality.

The long-lasting comfort ensures you’ll love wearing the headphones for extended periods. There is extra padding at the earcups and headband, which contributes to a pleasant feeling at each of the contact points. Also, the earcups are rotatable so you can use them for single-side monitoring. It’s handy when you want to hear the audio and the reaction of the crowd at the same time.

The manufacturer has carefully considered the end user since you get a collapsible design that makes them easy to store in a bag. Also, you get a choice of 3.5mm and 6.3mm cables for added compatibility. The cord can be stretched to 9.8 feet, which means you can stand at a distance from the mixing table if required.

Before pulling the trigger on the OneOdio headphones consider a few of the drawbacks. Firstly, the large 50mm audio drivers add weight and bulk to the headphones. Also, there is no carrying bag, which is expected with foldable headphones. It’s a nice extra touch that doesn’t cost a lot for the manufacturer to include.

To summarize, the OneOdio headphones are a competitive choice for buyers that require accurate audio reproduction at a budget. You’ll love the combination of the single-side monitoring, foldable design, and large 50mm audio drivers. The versatile features mean they can be used to enjoy music casually or use them professionally in the studio.

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