7 Best Clip-on Headphones

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Are you in the market for the best clip-on headphones, but have no idea where to find them or what model to select? In this buyer’s guide we will present you 7 clip-on headphones that all offer their own unique features. We have also rated each headphone on a scale of 1 to 5 so you can get an idea of what quality to expect.

In addition, if you’ve never bought clip-on headphones before then don’t worry because we’ve created a buying considerations section. There you will find information on how to select a decent headphone that suits you most, so make sure to read the entire section.

Moreover, we have categorized the headphones into 2 groups: budget and premium. This means all customers will have a selection to choose from no matter their price range. Even if you don’t buy from us at least you would have learned the necessary information when it comes to clip-on headphones, which you can apply to other online stores. We hope you have as much fun reading this guide as we did making writing.

Budget
best-budget-clip-on-headphones
Philips SHS3800
4.8/5.0
Weight: 2.4 Ounces
Frequency response: 12 Hz – 22k Hz
Has a 1.2 meter cable cord and gold plated 3.5mm jack.
Check Amazon
Best Value
best-value-clip-on-headphones
Koss KSC21
4.6/5.0
Weight: 1.6 Ounces
Frequency response: 50 Hz – 18k Hz
Has a 1.2 meter cable cord and comfortable to wear.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-clip-on-headphones
Sony Clip-on Stereo Headphones
4.9/5.0
Weight: 1.44 Ounces
Frequency response: 14 Hz – 24k Hz
Has a well-tuned drivers and a secure design.
Check Amazon

Buying considerations






Items by price:

Clip-on Headphones Comparison Table

Make and ModelWeightFrequency responsePrice
Philips SHS3800 Clip-on Headphones2.4 Ounces12 Hz – 22k HzCheck Price
Panasonic RPHS46EW Clip-on Headphones0.64 Ounces20 Hz – 20k HzCheck Price
Panasonic RP-HZ47-S clip-on headphones0.64 Ounces14 Hz – 24k HzCheck Price
Koss KSC21 Clip-On Headphones1.6 Ounces50 Hz – 18k HzCheck Price
Maxell EC-150 Clip-on Headphones0.8 Ounces20 Hz – 22k HzCheck Price
Sony Clip-on Stereo Headphones1.44 Ounces14 Hz – 24k HzCheck Price
Sony MDR-Q55SL Clip-on Headphone3.68 Ounces16 Hz – 24k HzCheck Price

Best Clip-on Headphones Under $20

The under $20 price category has some of the best budget options the marketplace has to offer. These options have decent audio that sounds great and doesn’t block you out from the outside world since they are not noise isolating. The earpads are made to be comfortable for long periods of time and the cable cords are long lasting.

However, have in mind that these are budget options so the quality won’t be as good as the more expensive options. So if you require the best audio then consider saving up and checking out our premium priced category.

1. Best Budget: Philips SHS3800 Clip-on Headphones

Philips SHS3800 Clip-on HeadphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The Philips SHS3800 Clip-on Headphones can produce excellent sounding lows as it has bass beat vents, which allows air to freely flow through and results in a clearer audio reproduction. The neodymium drivers can also create brilliantly sounding vocals as they have been tuned properly to work with all genres of music.

Moreover, wearing the headphone is super comfortable as it uses earhooks that stay behind your ears to provide a secure fit. The soft foam material used to create the earmuffs feels phenomenal when wearing and doesn’t apply too much pressure. Also, you can remove them for cleaning or you want to replace them with another pair of earmuffs.

In addition, connections are always stable as the headphone uses a 3.5mm gold plated jack that allows audio to transmit smoothly. The cable cord is 1.2 meters long so you can easily tether it under a shirt so it doesn’t get in the way. Also, you get 3 sets of interchangeable caps that are different colors, so you can switch up your style every once in a while.

The foam earmuffs may not be comfortable for all people and you may prefer leather ones more. Also, the cable cord isn’t that durable so over extending it one too many times can damage the wires.

To summarize, the Philips SHS3800 Clip-on Headphones is one of the best budget options available, which offers maximum comfort and stability when wearing. The audio quality is excellent as it allows air to flow freely so no distortion can be heard. Also, you get 3 sets of interchangeable caps so you can change your style every once in a while.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 2.4 Ounces
Frequency response: 12 Hz – 22k Hz
Brand: Philips
Warranty: N/A
The Pros
1.2 meter cable cord
Gold plated 3.5mm jack
3 sets of interchangeable caps
The Cons
Uses foam earmuffs not leather
Cable cord isn’t durable

2. Panasonic RPHS46EW Clip-on Headphones

Panasonic RPHS46EW Clip-on HeadphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Panasonic RPHS46EW Clip-on Headphones use 30mm driver units that produce ultra-loud music distortion free. They have been tuned well to work with all genres of music, so if you love bass then these headphones are ideal for you. Plus, with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20k Hz the bass and vocals sound pinpoint accurate.

The deluxe gloss finish on the earhooks makes the headphone standout and provide a secure fit. You get a selection of 2 colors to choose from so you get more personalization. Also, the connectivity method used is wired so you don’t have to worry about the headphone running out of batteries.

In addition, the earmuffs are made from premium materials so they feel comfortable to wear for long durations. Also, the muffs don’t block out ambient noises and lets music leak out, which makes the device safe to use in public.

With these clip-on headphones you don’t get wireless freedom as there is no built-in Bluetooth. Furthermore, the frequency response is quite average at only 20 Hz – 20k Hz. Other options on this list have more depth in their audio.

To conclude, the Panasonic RPHS46EW Clip-on Headphones is a great option as it features secure earhooks that doesn’t let the device fall off during fast movements. The gloss black finish makes the headphone have a unique look and you can choose between 2 color designs. Also, these headphones are safe to use as it features an open design that allows air to flow through.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.64 Ounces
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20k Hz
Brand: Panasonic
Warranty: N/A
The Pros
Air freely flows through
2 color designs to choose from
Secure earhooks
The Cons
Frequency response could be wider
No Bluetooth built-in

3. Panasonic RP-HZ47-S clip-on headphones

Panasonic RP-HZ47-S clip-on headphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Panasonic RP-HZ47-S clip-on headphones use an ultra-slim design that feels weightless when wearing. The earmuffs are made to be super soft when wearing and they are skin friendly so no strain can be felt. Also, you can remove the earpads to replace them if they wear out and to wash when needed.

Moreover, the audio sounds great as it uses powerful 30mm driver units that can produce music loudly. Also, the connection method used is a 3.5mm AUX cable so the audio quality is always stable since the transmitted waves can’t get distorted.

In addition, the overall design of the headphone is ultra-durable even though this is a budget option. The shell is made out of aluminum and the cable cord is long lasting so you can bend it without much harm. Also, the earhooks feel comfortable when wearing and they are flexible so that they don’t inflict any strain.

Compared to some of the other options on this list the audio quality isn’t perfect, but for a budget option they are great. Also, the open design means air can flow through so you can hear annoying ambient noises.

In conclusion, the Panasonic RP-HZ47-S clip-on headphone is a decent budget option that features big speaker drivers. The audio can get extremely loud and no distortion can be heard thanks to the well-tuned drivers. Furthermore, the earhooks hold the headphone in place during fast movements, and the earpads are super soft so they feel comfortable at all times.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.64 Ounces
Frequency response: 14 Hz – 24k Hz
Brand: Panasonic
Warranty: N/A
The Pros
Air freely flows through
Ultra-wide frequency response
102 dB sensitivity
The Cons
Audio not as great compared to other options
Can hear background noises easily

4. Best Value: Koss KSC21 Clip-On Headphones

Koss KSC21 Clip-On HeadphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Koss KSC21 Clip-On Headphones utilizes a wide frequency response to bring better sounding audio that’s almost lifelike. The drivers have been tuned perfectly so the bass and treble sound excellent no matter what song you are playing. Also, the music can get extremely loud as the sensitivity is quite high and no distortion can be heard.

In addition, wearing the headphone is super comfortable because it uses softly padded earmuffs, which allows you to wear them for long durations strain-free. The headphone features an open design so air can freely flow through, thus you will be able to hear background noises. This means they are safe to use in public as you can hear cars and other potential dangers around you.

Moreover, the build quality feels nice in hand even though it’s a budget headphone. The shell is made from durable aluminum that can take a few hits before getting dented. The cable cord features a rubbery silicone material that is highly flexible and long lasting.

The open design is great, but if you want to immerse yourself into the audio then it’ll be hard as you can easily hear background noises. Also, the design of the headphone is durable, however the earclips feel like they are made from cheap plastic.

In summary, the Koss KSC21 Clip-On Headphones is a great option because of the perfectly tuned drivers that can produce vibrant beats. The earmuffs feel lovely and they don’t apply too much pressure so you can wear them for long durations without fear of ear strain. In addition, the build quality is durable as it features an aluminum metal shell.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 1.6 Ounces
Frequency response: 50 Hz – 18k Hz
Brand: Koss
Warranty: N/A
The Pros
No distortion can be heard
1.2 meter cable cord
Comfortable to wear
The Cons
Easy to hear background noises
Earclips feel cheap

5. Maxell EC-150 Clip-on Headphones

Maxell EC-150 Clip-on HeadphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Maxell EC-150 Clip-on Headphones are connected via wire so the audio is always stable as there is nothing that can interfere with the transmitted waves. The 3.5mm jack is made from premium materials that ensure a secure fit between the headphone and the connected device. Also, the cable is highly durable as it is made from flexible material that is long lasting.

In addition, wearing the headphone is super comfortable thanks to the firm earpads. To keep the headphone securely in place there are strong earhooks, which are made from soft silicone so it’s also flexible.

Moreover, the audio sounds great since it uses 30mm neodymium drivers that have been tuned by professional sound engineers. The music can get super loud as the sensitivity goes all the way to 96 dB and the audio doesn’t dip in quality no matter the volume.

Have in mind that this is a budget option so the audio quality may not be as good as other headphones. There are no built-in buttons so you can’t customize the audio without touching the connected device.

In conclusion, the Maxell EC-150 Clip-on Headphones are great for buyers on a budget. The 30mm driver units can produce ultra-loud music as the sensitivity goes up to 96 dB. In addition, the design of the headphone is highly durable and comfortable as it uses a combination of silicone and rubber. Lastly, connections are always stable as it uses a 3.5mm jack and durable rubber wire.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 0.8 Ounces
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22k Hz
Brand: Maxell
Warranty: N/A
The Pros
96 dB sensitivity
Silicone earhooks
30mm drivers produce high quality audio
The Cons
Audio quality could be better
No built-in buttons

Best Clip-on Headphones Under $70

The under $70 price category features the best clip-on headphones the marketplace has to offer. Here you will find great options that offer excellent audio quality and comfort. The ear padding has been made to be super soft and comfortable to wear for long durations and no strain can be felt. Also, the connectivity method used is wired so the audio sound great as there are no objects to get in the way of the transmitted waves.

6. Top Pick: Sony Clip-on Stereo Headphones

Sony Clip-on Stereo HeadphonesView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Sony Clip-on Stereo Headphones comes in 6 colors so you can pick the one that matches your personality most. The overall look of the headphone is quite nice and the build quality is long lasting. Purchasing these headphones is reliable as they are made by a well-known brand, which is known to deliver premium products.

In addition, wearing the headphone is super comfortable as it uses soft ear padding that doesn’t apply too much pressure. There is no headband so you don’t have to worry about adjusting it or it being too tight. Instead the headphone uses a clip on design, which secures the device in place and doesn’t let it fall off.

Moreover, the audio quality is great because it uses big speaker drivers that have been tuned perfectly. The open-air design allows air to flow through so you don’t sweat and you can hear your surroundings, which makes it safe to use in crowded areas. Also, the connectivity method is wired so audio is always clear as there are no external forces that can interrupt the transmitted waves.

The headphone features a durable design, but it doesn’t have resistance against water so accidental splashes can damage the drivers. Also, the cable cord is only 1 meter long so it may be too short for some activities.

In summary, the Sony Clip-on Stereo Headphones is an excellent choice because of the easy to use clip on design. Connections are stable throughout the listening period as the cable cord provides no resistance to the transmitted waves. Furthermore, the soft ear padding makes the headphone a delight to wear for long durations.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 1.44 Ounces
Frequency response: 14 Hz – 24k Hz
Brand: Sony
Warranty: N/A
The Pros
Well-tuned drivers
Secure design
6 colors styles to choose from
The Cons
Cable cord is only 1 meter
Not water resistant

7. Sony MDR-Q55SL Clip-on Headphone

Sony MDR-Q55SL Clip-on HeadphoneView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The open air design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, which makes it safe to use in public areas such as train stations or bus stops. The earpads are made to feel soft on the skin and provide maximum comfort throughout the listening period. Also, you can to choose from 4 colors so you can get a personalized look.

The neodymium magnet drivers used produce amazing acoustics that sound pin point accurate thanks to the wide frequency response. The music can get really loud as it has a sensitivity of 104 dB and a maximum power handling of 1,000 mW. Also, you can adjust the way you wear the headphone to block out as much noise as possible so you can immerse yourself into the music.

Furthermore, the gold plated 3.5mm jack provides stable connections that transmit waves efficiently. The overall build quality of the headphone is durable as it has a metal shell, which protects the drivers inside. Also, the cable cord is long lasting as it uses flexible material that can be over extended.

Using this headphone in terrible weather is not ideal as it doesn’t feature a waterproof coating. Plus, water will get in between the headphone and your ears as it features an open design. Also, there are no built-in buttons on the cable cord so you can’t control the music wirelessly.

In conclusion, the Sony MDR-Q55SL Clip-on Headphone features an open air design that allows you to hear background noises, which makes it safe to use in public areas. The earpads are made to be soft and not apply too much pressure. In addition, the audio sounds clear and can get loud as the sensitivity is 106 dB.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 3.68 Ounces
Frequency response: 16 Hz – 24k Hz
Brand: Sony
Warranty: N/A
The Pros
106 dB sensitivity
Comfortable to wear for long durations
3.5mm gold plated jack
The Cons
No built-in buttons on the cable cord
No water resistant coating
5/51 rating