If you're willing to spend top dollar, it’s easy to find headphones packed with features and high-end audio quality. But what about cheaper models? Are lower-end headphones still worthwhile? I've been reviewing audio gear for over a decade, and I've tested plenty of affordable headphones and earbuds. Though you need to be more selective with entry-level options, the best budget headphones can still deliver good quality, and you might be surprised by just how well certain models perform.
For those who want solid over-ear headphones on a budget, I recommend the Soundcore Space 2. They retail for $130, but it isn’t rare to find them for less, and they deliver surprisingly powerful active noise cancellation (ANC). On the wireless earbuds side, I like the Nothing Ear (3a), which also offer capable ANC, along with a cool transparent design and big sound for $99. And if you're just after simplicity, don’t forget the Apple EarPods. These wired earbuds never need charging and deliver solid performance for just $19.
Below, you'll find all of my picks for the best budget headphones and earbuds. For this guide, I've included a variety of styles, from on-ear to open-ear models, that all regularly sell for $150 or less.
Our top picks for the best budget headphones
Best overall: Soundcore Space 2 - See at Amazon
Best wired earbuds: Apple EarPods (USB-C) - See at Amazon
Best wireless earbuds: Nothing Ear (3a) - See at Amazon
Best on-ear: Marshall Major V - See at Amazon
Best open ear: CMF Clip Pro - See at Amazon
Best for kids: Skullcandy Grom - See at Amazon
Best overall
Soundcore's Space 2 headphones offer the most powerful noise cancellation we've tested at this price, and come remarkably close to matching flagship models that cost two to three times as much.
What we like
What we don't like
The Soundcore Space 2 are wireless noise-canceling headphones that retail for $130, but can sometimes be found for as little as $110. They combine a comfortable fit, excellent sound quality, and surprisingly robust ANC performance. And though plenty of headphones offer these attributes, few perform so well at this price. All things considered, they're the best budget headphones for most needs.
The headphones' audio quality is big and immersive. They deliver plenty of bass while still offering clarity throughout the mid-range. These are easy headphones to put on and instantly vibe with any type of music. And if you ever find their hefty bass too strong, you can simply adjust it using the headphones' handy EQ settings.
Noise cancellation is also a standout. Pricier flagship over-ear headphones from Bose and Sony do have a clear edge, but the Space 2 do an excellent job of minimizing HVAC noise, fan noise, and airplane drone. Few models in this price range can match the ANC on offer here.
The Space 2 support around 50 hours of battery life with ANC turned on, and an incredible 70 hours with it off. That's notably more than many rivals. They also have a unique Nap Mode with several built-in nature sounds. Though this can be a bit gimmicky, some may find the white-noise selection calming. They can also connect to multiple devices at once with Multi-point pairing and feature onboard buttons rather than touch controls.
However, the controls aren't quite as responsive as I'd like, and I do wish the Space 2 folded more compactly for storage. But those are ultimately small complaints, especially considering everything the Space 2 headphones get right at such an affordable price.
Read our Soundcore Space 2 review.
Best wired earbuds
Apple's EarPods are inexpensive wired earbuds that are perfect for casual listening and simple operation, with no need to worry about running out of battery.
What we like
What we don't like
When I went looking for wired USB-C earbuds on a budget, I discovered there just aren't many unique, viable options on the market. That is, with the exception of Apple's EarPods. They deliver solid performance for just $19, easily cementing them as the best cheap earbuds for iPhone and Android users alike.
Apple first introduced the EarPods way back in 2012, four years before the first-gen wireless AirPods. This latest edition uses a USB-C connection rather than the 3.5mm or Lightning connection used on older models. USB-C has become the standard audio connection for phones across brands, so these will plug into most modern devices without any issue.
Beyond their low price, what makes the EarPods so appealing is their simplicity. There isn't a battery inside, so you never have to worry about running out of juice. They're powered by whatever device you connect them to. And unlike many other sub-$20 earbuds, these have a clear sound with crisp instrumentation and vocals. You won't hear distortion or too much treble in music.
Surprisingly, these EarPods also have a good microphone, or at least sound great for voice calls. There's no delay like Bluetooth buds, and the microphone can be adjusted closer to your mouth if needed. Even if you don't need these as primary earbuds, for $19, they make an excellent backup pair to carry in your travel bag.
Best wireless earbuds
These stylish earbuds feature Nothing's unique transparent design, along with good sound quality and solid noise cancellation for under $100.
What we like
What we don't like
The Nothing Ear (3a) are versatile wireless earbuds with great active noise cancellation and transparency for their $99 price tag. They also feature a fashionable see-through design, which is a staple of Nothing's stylish appeal.
The earbuds' solid ANC effectively blocks many distracting noises. However, because of the price point, you should still temper your expectations. For example, they can't dampen the cabin drone of an airplane as well as pricier earbuds from Bose and Sony. The ANC strength is ideal for household and office use, but falls short in the most demanding environments.
One area in which the Nothing Ear (3a) far exceeded expectations was audio quality. The buds can deliver pleasingly booming music with lots of bass and a full soundstage. But they're also clear and crisp. Pop songs, of course, sound good, but so do rock and folk, among other genres.
If you want more from your earbuds than just listening to music, you can also use them to record calls for up to two hours. The recordings sync to the Nothing app, and then the audio can be transcribed. There's also an Audio Snapshot feature that lets you capture up to 60 seconds of any audio you're listening to. But while the call recording function seems broadly useful, the Audio Snapshot feature comes across as a bit gimmicky, and I haven't found a use for it yet.
Best on-ear
These affordable wireless headphones feature a compact and comfortable on-ear design. Though they lack noise cancellation, they deliver good sound quality and excellent battery life.
What we like
What we don't like
Unlike over-ear headphones, which create a seal around your ears with large, all-encompassing earcups, the Marshall Major V on-ear headphones sit directly on your ears with smaller earpads. Though this headphone style is less common nowadays, it results in a more compact design, which some listeners may prefer.
The Major V technically retail for $159, but you can regularly find them for close to $100 or even under. The best value can be had if you're flexible on the color, since certain options tend to be cheaper than others. For the money, these wireless on-ear headphones offer tremendous value.
Generally speaking, there's nothing obvious to criticize about the audio quality here. The headphones deliver enough thump to make songs sound full. And their overall soundstage is remarkably wide to my ears. Even if you don't care for Marshall's signature sound profile, you can use the mobile app to adjust their EQ to your liking.
On the downside, the Major V lack active noise cancellation, which you can get from the similar-looking but pricier Marshall Milton ANC model. However, the Major V still have the brand's customizable "M" button and four-way rocker for controlling volume and media playback. Even better, they set themselves apart by wirelessly charging when you rest an earcup on a Qi charger — no USB-C cable needed. This is a perk that most over-ear wireless headphones lack.
Best open ear
These budget-friendly open-style buds clip onto your ear without forming a seal, allowing you to hear your surroundings naturally.
What we like
What we don't like
Open-style earbuds continue to grow in popularity, with many types to choose from, including options that simply hang over your ears and models that use a cuff or clip-on design. The CMF Clip Pro use the latter, and I like how they attach to the side of your ears without creating a seal, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings.
Despite their affordable price and open design, the earbuds' audio quality is surprisingly full with audible bass. There's even a leakage-reduction mode, which makes it harder for people around you to hear what you're listening to.
Other perks include physical buttons on each bud for reliable media controls. I also love that the charging case includes a customizable, clickable dial. It can be used for volume adjustment and skipping tracks, among other things. However, be aware that, since the case is compact, getting the buds back in can be a little bit of a puzzle.
When it comes to fit, the buds attach well. They're lightweight and comfortable to wear. Ultimately, the biggest drawback I've encountered is that the top volume can't always combat loud environments. Depending on what you're listening to, fighting busy crowds in Times Square or train rides may drown out your music. Otherwise, these should work well for fitness activities or just everyday wear, especially given their sub-$100 cost.
Best for kids
The Skullcandy Grom are kid-friendly headphones that feature a smaller size, long battery life, and a volume-limiting feature to protect a child's hearing.
What we like
What we don't like
The Skullcandy Grom targets kids with appropriately sized headphones. The sub-$40 retail price is a nice selling point, but the Grom also address real pain points that parents are likely looking to solve.
Importantly, a volume-limiting feature is included, allowing a maximum listening volume to be set on the headphones. This allows parents to protect their kids from high sound levels that could damage their hearing.
The Skullcandy Grom can be used wirelessly for around 45 hours on a single charge. They also support a handy quick-charge function that provides four hours of use with only 10 minutes plugged in.
Of course, some parents will prefer avoiding Bluetooth when dealing with their child's headphones. Trying to pair headphones, re-pair them, or just make sure they're always connected to the right device can be a chore. With that in mind, the Grom can also be used with the included wired cable for simpler connectivity. There's also a cable sharing feature, so two kids can listen to the same thing together. (If you don't want wireless at all, then you can get a wired-only version for even less.)
I'm not the target audience, so the fit isn't made with an adult in mind. But even with that in mind, I've found them very solid to use for listening to music, and they're a great value for the money.
How we test budget headphones
To identify the best budget headphones, I evaluate each model based on sound quality, durability, overall value, and useful features such as active noise cancellation when they're available. I've spent more than a decade reviewing headphones and other audio gear, and that experience helps shape how I test and compare today's affordable models.
Sound quality is assessed using a broad mix of music, genres, and playback sources, including popular streaming services. For headphones that support both connection types, I also compare wireless and wired playback.
When a pair of budget headphones includes active noise cancellation, I evaluate how effectively it reduces unwanted sound in everyday situations. Testing takes place in real-world environments such as commutes, workouts, flights, and other noisy settings. I also use test sounds to simulate common distractions, such as vacuums and busy restaurants.
Value is especially important when evaluating the best budget headphones. In addition to similarly priced models, I compare our top picks against the best headphones at higher price points to determine which affordable options deliver performance, build quality, and features that come closest to those on flagship models.
Budget headphones FAQs
How much should you spend on budget headphones?
Generally speaking, $25 to $150 will get you a pair of reliable budget wireless headphones. All of our picks for the best budget headphones fall around that price range, with a few exceptions, most notably the Marshall Major V. But that model goes on sale regularly, and sometimes dips below $100. If you want to step up to premium headphones, you can expect to pay at least $200 for the best earbuds or at least $300 for the best over-ear headphones.
What should you expect from budget headphones?
You can get surprisingly good performance from the best budget headphones, but there are tradeoffs. Most cheap models today offer solid sound quality for casual listening, decent comfort, and, if they're wireless, good battery life. That said, you'll usually miss out on premium features like top-tier noise cancellation and high-end materials. Likewise, features geared toward audiophiles, such as an open-back design and high-end planar magnetic or electrostatic drivers, are typically reserved for more expensive models.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@bjinnox.com.
