Best Cheap Headphones: Top Picks for Amazing Sound

The Secret to Amazing Audio? It’s Not the Price Tag. Forget everything you thought you knew about affordable sound. What if we told you that some of the most impressive audio experiences won't even scratch your $100 budget? That's right – the era of truly **great cheap headphones** is here, and you don't need to break the bank for premium sound. Here at WIRED, we live and breathe audio. From audiophile-grade gear costing thousands to the humble everyday earbud, we’ve heard it all. But nothing gets us more excited than unearthing those rare gems: **headphones under $100** that genuinely blow us away. Think of it as a treasure hunt where *you* reap all the rewards – incredible **sound quality**, robust features, and unbeatable value, all without the sticker shock. So, ditch the flimsy earbuds and muddy bass. We’ve done the grueling work, sifting through a stadium-full of options to bring you only the best. Ready to discover the audio upgrade you deserve? Let's dive in. --- Your Guide to Unbeatable Audio: Our Top Picks at a Glance * **Our 1 Pick: The Earbuds That Shattered Expectations** * [Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+](soundpeats-capsule3-pro) * **The Runner-Up: Premium Looks, Budget Price** * [Nothing Ear (a)](nothing-ear-a) * **Silence the World: Best Cheap Noise-Canceling Headphones** * [Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless](anker-soundcore-life-q30-wireless) * **Stay Aware: The Best Cheap Open Earbuds** * [Acefast Acefit Air](acefast-acefit-air) * **Under $50, Overachieving: The Best Wireless Buds** * [JLab Go Pop ANC](jlab-go-pop-anc) * **Studio Heritage, Wireless Freedom: Great Over-Ear Headphones** * [Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT](audio-technica-ath-m20xbt) * **Apple Magic, Budget Price: The Best for iPhone Users** * [Beats Flex](beats-flex) * **The Industry Standard: Best for Content Creators** * [Sony MDR-7506](sony-mdr-7506) * **Hear Every Detail: Best Corded Headphones Under $50** * [Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Monitor Headphones](audio-technica-ath-m20x-monitor-headphones) * **Don't Judge a Book: Best Corded Earbuds Under $50** * [Shure SE-112GR](shure-se-112gr) * **Tiny Buds, Mighty Fit: Best for Small Ears** * [JLab JBuds Mini](jlab-jbuds-mini) * **Retro Cool, Timeless Sound: The Best for Style Points** * [Koss Porta Pros](koss-porta-pros) * **Beyond the Game: The Best Gaming Headset** * [Logitech G Pro X](logitech-g-pro-x) * **Durability & Safety: The Best for Kids** * [Belkin Kids Headphones](belkin-kids-headphones) --- How WIRED Hunts for Audio Gold (So You Don't Have To) Here at WIRED, listening to music isn't just a perk – it's part of the job. We spend our days immersed in sound, often on outrageously expensive, top-tier models. We have meticulously curated playlists for testing earth-shaking bass, for dissecting intricate vocal details, and yes, even for impromptu office dance parties. We get *way* into it. But here’s a secret: hunting for **budget headphones** is often *more* exciting. It’s a true treasure hunt to find that perfect balance of affordability and performance. And believe it or not, these wallet-friendly wonders are getting better every single year! That doesn't mean our work is done. Retailers are still overflowing with earbuds and headsets that sound, well, *cheap*. That’s why we keep listening, constantly updating our picks every few months. Your perfect pair is out there, and we're dedicated to helping you find it. **Update (July 2025):** We’ve just added the innovative Acefast Acefit Air **open earbuds** to our curated list. You won’t want to miss them! --- The Headphones That Blew Us Away: Our Detailed Reviews Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ (The Best Cheap Buds) **(Photograph: Amazon)** Prepare to have your expectations shattered. These earbuds from **Soundpeats** feature a groundbreaking pairing of dynamic and solid-state xMEMS drivers. The result? Truly astonishing sound that you simply won't believe comes from a sub-$100 pair. Deep, resonant bass meets some of the crispest, most detailed sound in the middle and treble registers we've heard from *any* earbuds, regardless of price. They are, quite simply, an utter joy to listen to. Plus, with **Sony’s LDAC high-resolution audio codec**, Android phone users can unlock even richer soundscapes. While the **Capsule3 Pro+** might lean into an AirPods Pro-inspired aesthetic, their performance is anything but derivative. The **active noise canceling (ANC)** is surprisingly robust, the **battery life** is fantastic, and the app-based functionality rivals Apple's best. Need to take them to the gym or brave a sudden downpour? Their **IPX4 rating** means you won't have to worry. These buds aren't just good for the money; they’re just plain *good*. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth * **Water/dust resistance:** IPX4 * **Battery life (ANC):** 6 hours, 43 hours with case --- Nothing Ear (a) (The Second Best) **(Photograph: Parker Hall)** **Nothing** might often claim to be "more," but where the rubber meets the road, they deliver on an essential promise: marrying sleek design with affordable, well-made tech. And when it comes to their **earbuds**, that’s something to cheer about! The **Nothing Ear (a)** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are a particular standout, showcasing a premium look and feel that easily rivals Apple products, but at about half the cost. You won't find the same xMEMS driver combination as our top Soundpeats pick, but the **build quality** and charging case are arguably even nicer. We’re especially fond of the lighter look and feel compared to the pricier Nothing Ear, especially that eye-catching cool yellow colorway. Their impressive **45 dB of noise cancellation** is more than enough for most tasks, the mics sound fantastic on calls, and yes, you can even enjoy **hi-res audio** if you have an **LDAC-equipped cell phone**. These are a true statement piece that performs. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth * **Water/dust resistance:** IP54 * **Battery life (ANC on):** 5.5 hours, 24.5 with case --- Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless (The Best Cheap Noise-Canceling Headphones) **(Photograph: Amazon)** **Anker** is a name synonymous with reliable tech, and their **Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless** headphones are a prime example. These over-ear gems are a standout thanks to their surprisingly decent hybrid **active noise-canceling (ANC) tech** and a class-leading **40-hour playtime**. Seriously, if you want to buck the roar of planes, trains, and automobiles without emptying your wallet, these are among the **best budget headphones** you can buy. A pair of **40mm silk diaphragm drivers** also ensures pretty good **sound quality** for the money, delivering a satisfying audio experience that punches above its weight, even if they can't quite compete with high-end options from Sony or Bose. Just a small heads-up: as the price might suggest, they're a bit delicate. The plastic headband can crack if mishandled, so treat them with care. A small price to pay for such impressive silence! * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth, headphone jack * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life (ANC on):** 40 hours --- Acefast Acefit Air (The Best Cheap Open Earbuds) **(Photograph: Amazon)** Want to enjoy your music or podcasts without completely losing touch with the world around you? **Open earbuds** are your answer, and the **Acefast Acefit Air** shines brightest in this category. Their innovative design keeps your ear canals open, making them perfect for dog walks, e-bike rides, or even subtly sneaking in some football on your phone while you're with the family. The **Acefit Air** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) utterly delighted us with their incredibly comfortable fit, excellent sound profile, slick compact case, and responsive touch controls. While you won't find a lot of fancy bells and whistles here, and there's a slight learning curve to get them perfectly locked in place, if you’re looking for a deal on truly use-case-specific buds, Acefast delivers heaps of value. You won't regret staying connected and entertained! —*Ryan Waniata* * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth * **Water/dust resistance:** IP54 * **Battery life:** 6 hours, 25 with case --- JLab Go Pop ANC (The Best Wireless Buds Under $50) **(Photograph: Ryan Waniata)** The **JLab Go Pop ANC** should be in one of those "too good to be true" commercials, because there's just an incredible amount of value packed into such a low price point. At well under $50, JLab managed to squeeze in balanced sound, a light and compact design, solid **battery life**, and surprisingly useful **noise canceling** *and* transparency modes. Whether you need to escape or stay aware of your environment, these buds have you covered. And JLab isn’t done showing off! You also get **IP55 water resistance**, an app for adjusting **EQ** and controls, and even **multipoint pairing**. We did notice a few connection hiccups in one small area, and the case’s tiny USB-C cable isn't our favorite, but considering their aggressively low price, the **JLab Go Pop ANC** is an undeniable budget home run. —*Ryan Waniata* * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth * **Water/dust resistance:** IP55 * **Battery life (ANC on):** 7 hours, 24 with case --- Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT (Great Over-Ears) **(Photograph: Audio-Technica)** As long-time fans of **Audio-Technica's** workhorse studio headphones, we were thrilled to see a new, affordable wireless pair from the legendary brand. The **ATH-M20xBT** (9/10, WIRED Recommends) deliver a staggering **60 hours** (!) of **battery life**, ergonomic ear cups with plush, comfortable pads, and excellent **sound quality** for the money. Plus, they come with a cable for easy wired listening, making them perfect for plugging in on planes or into portable consoles. Talk about versatile! * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth, 3.5 mm headphone jack * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** 60 hours --- Beats Flex (The Best for Apple Lovers) **(Photograph: Beats)** Want that seamless Apple ecosystem experience without the hefty price tag? The **Beats Flex** are your ticket. Thanks to Apple's W1 chip powering them, these neckband earbuds offer all the familiar conveniences of more expensive Apple earbuds: quick pairing, easy access to Siri, and smooth Apple Music integration. This chip also helps maintain a rock-solid wireless connection to iOS devices and boasts smart power management for extended **battery life**. WIRED reviewer Adrienne So found the band between the two earbuds a bit long for her, but she loved the crisp sound and wide soundstage – all without the muddy bass that **Beats** was notorious for in its early days. With **12-hour-plus battery life**, they'll easily power you through a few workdays of tunes between charges, conveniently via **USB-C**. Apple magic, truly within reach! * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** 12 hours --- Sony MDR-7506 (The Best for Content Creators) **(Photograph: Sony)** If you're a music producer, podcaster, or streamer, you know the crucial role a good pair of over-ear headphones plays in monitoring your creative output. Enter the classic **Sony MDR-7506**. These headphones are exactly what you need. They boast great-sounding **40mm dynamic drivers**, and their cozy earpads are specifically designed to help eliminate sound bleed into any nearby microphones. Want to know the secret weapon of countless studios? Pros everywhere trust these cans; you'll find **7506s** in media studios and radio stations around the globe. While they might not be the sleekest on the market, their iconic status and unwavering performance speak volumes. (For sleeker options, consider brands like AKG and Sennheiser – as a general rule, you can trust any company that makes studio microphones to know what it's doing with studio-style headphones!). * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** 3.5 mm headphone jack, ¼ inch adapter * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** N/A --- Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Monitor Headphones (The Best Corded Headphones Under $50) **(Photograph: Audio Technica)** Yes, they're a bit plasticky and might not feel ultra-durable, but if you're not notoriously hard on your gear, the wired **Audio-Technica ATH-M20X closed-back headphones** are a revelation. These headphones easily compete with their larger, more robust M50X cousins for sheer **sound quality**. While the M50X litters music and podcasting studios worldwide, this cheaper variant is a fantastic option for home creators on a budget or anyone who simply wants a pair of over-ear headphones that faithfully recreate their favorite tunes. Here’s a crucial detail: they’re lighter in the bass department than many **headphones in this price range**. Why is that a good thing? Because manufacturers often boost the lows in cheaper headphones to impress untrained ears. This lack of exaggerated bass means you’ll actually be able to hear *more* of the intricate detail in your favorite shreddy guitar solos, without that extra low-end stomping all over them. Pure, unadulterated audio. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** 3.5 mm headphone jack * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** N/A --- Shure SE-112GR (The Best Corded Earbuds Under $50) **(Photograph: Shure)** Okay, yes. They might look like the same ugly in-ear buds that came with your first portable MP3 player. But what the **Shure SE-112GR** lacks in trendy looks, they spectacularly make up for in **sound quality**. We’ve been recommending various iterations of the **SE-112** to friends and family since the iPod era, and for good reason. They’re small, incredibly comfy, and pack surprisingly robust bass for **earbuds** this tiny and cheap. But there’s more! They even come with foam ear tips that can block out up to **37 decibels of outside noise**, making them absolutely fantastic for folks who desperately want to tune out that 15th play-through of "Baby Shark" or simply find peace in a noisy commute. Don't let their appearance fool you – these are sonic powerhouses. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** 3.5 mm headphone jack * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** N/A --- JLab JBuds Mini (The Best for Small Ears) **(Photograph: JLab Audio)** Searching for earbuds that actually *fit* smaller ears comfortably? Look no further. These teeny-tiny wireless **JLab JBuds Mini** are designed to fit on a keychain, making them small enough to take anywhere. More importantly, they’ve become our go-to recommendation for anyone who struggles to find **earbuds** they like because of smaller ears. They boast an **IP55 dust- and water-resistance rating**, making them perfect companions for workouts or a rainy sprint to the coffee shop. You’ll get a solid five and a half hours of power for your listening needs, which, while not the longest **battery life** out there, is certainly ample for buds this small. They even have a built-in mic for calls, though we’ve tried better. Still, for a comfortable, discreet fit, these are unbeatable. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth * **Water/dust resistance:** IP55 * **Battery life:** 5.5 hours, 20 with case --- Koss Porta Pros (The Best for Style Points) **(Photograph: Koss)** The **Koss Porta Pros** aren't just headphones; they're a statement. These iconic on-ear headphones have cultivated a fervent cult following in audiophile communities for their incredibly comfortable, lightweight design and an "oddly fantastic" sound profile that defies their retro appearance. They look like they're fresh out of a 1980s workout ad, but don't be fooled – they're solidly built, and their timeless design is surprisingly versatile. Want to personalize them? There’s a thriving aftermarket for earpads and other accessories, allowing you to increase their comfort or perfectly match your unique style. Plus, they smartly fold up, making them incredibly easy to tuck into a backpack or laptop bag. A true classic that blends unique style with seriously good sound. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** 3.5 mm headphone jack * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** N/A --- Logitech G Pro X (The Best Gaming Headset) **(Photograph: Logitech)** For serious gamers, a great headset is non-negotiable. The **Logitech G Pro X** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) stands out as one of our all-time favorite **gaming headsets**, and for many compelling reasons. It delivers an expansive **7.1-channel soundstage** that pulls you deep into the action, but it's the microphone quality that truly sets it apart. With software that gives you tons of control over your voice and mics designed with help from Logitech-owned Blue Mics, these headsets brilliantly represent the human voice on streams, podcasts, and crucial Zoom calls. And here’s a bonus: when you're not gaming, they look far more normal than the flashier, light-up headsets from other gaming brands. Performance and style, without the fanfare. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** USB-C DAC dongle (wired model); 2.4 GHz USB dongle (wireless model) * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** 20 hours (wireless model) --- Belkin Kids Headphones (The Best for Kids) **(Photograph: Belkin)** Kids' headphones are destined for a tough life, enduring everything from sticky fingers to accidental drops. That’s why these **Belkin kids headphones** are so impressive: they’ve held up to senior editor Adrienne So's spirited 9-year-old, which is a truly remarkable feat! Beyond their impressive durability, these **Bluetooth headphones** offer a generous **30 hours of battery life** and come in kid-friendly colors like pink (which, as we’re told, is very important for younger folks!). They sound pretty good, even if they can feel a bit stiff on larger heads (they *are* designed for kids, after all). Most importantly, the volume is safely limited to **OSHA-approved 85 decibels**, protecting your kiddos’ precious ears – at least until they head to their first rave. Safety and fun, perfectly balanced. * **Specs:** * **Connectivity:** Bluetooth, 3.5 mm headphone jack * **Water/dust resistance:** N/A * **Battery life:** 30 hours --- A Crucial Warning: Wired Headphones Don't Use Bluetooth! Here's a sneaky trick you need to know about. We've seen troubling reports of some supposedly "cheap" wired headphones that mysteriously don't work unless you have Bluetooth toggled on. How does this happen? Since true Apple Lightning connectors are expensive to manufacture, unscrupulous manufacturers make headphones that *receive audio via Bluetooth*, but *still* need to be plugged in with a fake Lightning connector that merely powers the Bluetooth chip from your iPhone battery. This is deceptive and unnecessary. You should **never** have to toggle on Bluetooth to receive audio via a traditional wired headphone. Happily, you can rest assured: you don't have to worry about this issue with *any* of the high-quality, genuine **wired headphones** we've recommended here. Still love a good old-fashioned headphone jack? Many of us do! You can still buy phones with a port that allows you to plug in headphones without a dongle or proprietary accessory. If you want to explore this option, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the **Best Phones With a Headphone Jack**. --- **Power up with unlimited access to WIRED.** Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. [Subscribe Today.](https://www.wired.com/subscribe/join/?sourcecode=AGL_SUBSCRIBER_GENERIC_EDITORIAL&utm_brand=wired&utm_campaign=audience_general&utm_content=freewalled_article&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=wired.com) *Parker Hall is a senior editor of product reviews at WIRED. He focuses on audiovisual and entertainment products. Hall is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied jazz percussion. After hours, he remains a professional musician in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. ... [Read More](https://www.wired.com/author/parker-hall/)* *Ryan Waniata is a staff writer, editor, video host, and product reviewer for WIRED with over 10 years of experience in A/V. He has previously published at sites including Digital Trends, Reviewed, Business Insider, Review Geek, and others. He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ... [Read More](https://www.wired.com/author/ryan-waniata/)*