Best cheap headphones 2025
In 2025, the greatest affordable headphones will deliver big sound at low rates.
Here's our pick of the best inexpensive headphones that give outstanding personal sound for less than $50, whether they're on-ear or earbuds.
The greatest inexpensive headphones are all about obtaining the best sound for the least amount of money. That isn't to suggest that these are just the cheapest working headphones and earbuds we could find; we've put them through their paces to ensure that, despite their low pricing, they can deliver on sound quality, comfort, and functionality.
These aren't the finest headphones in the world, but they're dependable and provide good sound quality for music and podcasts at a low price. Continue reading to learn about our top budget headphone selections that won't break the bank.
We've also kept our top recommendations for the best inexpensive wireless earbuds and the best cheap running headphones, and don't forget to check out our top picks for the best Bluetooth speakers and the best headphones with a mic for voice and video chats.
What are the best cheap headphones?
The JLab Go Air Pop is our top selection for the best affordable headphones. This is a really unusual find: a $20 set of genuine wireless earphones that are also fairly decent. It's also IPX4-rated, so it might be a low-cost option to the finest sports earphones if you're looking for something that can withstand rain and sweat.
The EarFun Air takes the top spot on our list of best fake AirPods thanks to its AirPods-inspired design and bright, clean sound that works with a wide range of content. Its noise-canceling microphones perform an excellent job of reducing the amount of background noise that enters phone and video chats. Then there's the IPX7 waterproofing rating, which all adds up to a fantastic value.
The Beats Flex takes third place in practically every area thanks to its well-balanced performance. The cable connection approach may not work for everyone, but the integrated mic improves call quality and Siri functionality. The Beats Flex continues to be an attractive option at the price, thanks to its long battery life and excellent connection on both iOS and Android.
The best cheap headphones you can buy today
1. JLab Go Air Pop
2. EarFun Air
3. Beats Flex
4. Skullcandy Dime
5. Jabra Move Wireless
How to choose the best cheap headphones for you
Just because you're saving money doesn't mean you're sacrificing quality. When looking for the best inexpensive headphones, you want to get the most bang for your buck, and the only way to do so is to check off a few items from the list.
All other aspects take a back seat to the audio. You want headphones that provide a clear, balanced sound with plenty of bass. Some versions (e.g. JLab) may even include built-in equalization settings to customize the soundstage based on your hearing.
Design comes in second, followed by build quality, comfort, and fit. Look for headphones that are both sturdy and flexible; you want to know that they can withstand whatever everyday damage they are subjected to. When worn for long periods of time, they should feel snug and nice on the head, while also providing a seal around the ears to block out extraneous disturbances.
Keep in mind that inexpensive headphones are frequently connected, however there are plenty of wireless headphones available if you want a cord-free experience. Just make sure they have Bluetooth 4.0 and at least 15 hours of gameplay on a full charge.
How we test the best cheap headphones
We based our ranking of the best inexpensive headphones not just on price, but also on design, sound, and simplicity of use, as we do with most of our headphone roundups. Controls, microphones, and compatibility for digital assistants are all tested as well.
During the testing session, our testers wore each set of headphones for two hours at a time. They next assess how comfortable and securely they fit, as well as how well they isolate sounds.
We assess loudness, clarity, and richness of sound by listening to a variety of songs from various musical genres. Hip hop, rock, jazz, classical, and electronica are only a few examples. When appropriate, movies, podcasts, and video games are considered. Our testers conduct calls to evaluate call quality and microphone performance.
