The Best Affordable Headphones In 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Best Affordable Headphones
Best Affordable Headphones

The Rundown

1. Best Of The Best: HyperX Cloud II Headphones

Whether you're a gamer, a music lover, or just an audiophile in general, the HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset is your perfect companion. Experience ultra-comfortable memory foam ear cushions with Supreme Sound Quality and a Rugged, durable aluminum frame that enhances the gaming experience. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Headphones

Balanced with an active noise reduction up to 90%, these high-quality headphones are designed for music enthusiasts who want the best possible experience. With a bass boost and balanced sound, you'll hear music in its purest form, whether you're listening to your favorite song or watching a movie on your smartphone. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: Srhythm NC25 Headphones

The Srhythm NC25 headphones feature digital active noise canceling (ANC) technology, which eliminates outside sounds and allows you to enjoy high-quality audio in silence. Along with ANC capabilities, these headphones can deliver up to high-resolution audio without sacrificing the quality of sound. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: Sennheiser Professional HD 280 Headphones

Sennheiser's HD-280 professional headphones provide accurate sound reproduction and a comfortable fit. The earcups fold and rotate for space-saving storage. The earpads are soft, breathable and offer a high degree of noise attenuation in order to reduce ambient noise while offering superior wearing comfort. Read Review

5. Budget Pick: Sony Wireless Headphones WH-CH510

With up to 35 hours of playback time, these Sony headphones are perfect for marathon listening sessions. The rotating design of the ear cups makes these headphones perfect for travel. They are also compatible with voice assistants, so you can easily access your smartphone or other device through voice commands. Read Review

When it comes to listening to music, most of us want to get the best sound quality possible without spending a fortune. If you’re like most people and love listening to tunes while doing other things like working or running errands, an affordable set of headphones is your perfect solution.

With so many great headphone models on the market right now, it can be hard to sift through them all. That’s why we created this guide – so that you don’t have to spend hours researching what headphones are worth your money. After reading through these recommendations, you will know everything there is to know about the best affordable headphones for any budget.

After nearly 16 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands. Among them, We think the best affordable headphones is HyperX Cloud II Headphones. This product is designed with supreme sound quality, virtual 7.1 surround sound, and an all-new memory foam ear cushion for ultimate comfort. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for another option, you may go with Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Headphones.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 HyperX Cloud II Headphones
Our Score:
9.7
HyperX

Designed for comfort: Exceptionally comfortable memory foam ear cushions and padded leatherette headband help keep you focused on gaming

7.1 virtual surround sound: Truly immerse yourself in your games with hardware-driven virtual 7.1 surround sound for precisely located audio

Supreme audio quality: Large 53 millimeter drivers provide high-quality audio. Hear in-game details better and get the in-game advantage on your opponents

Built to last: The solid, durable aluminum frame is built to withstand the blows of daily use

15-25kKhz Frequency Response.Headphones fit type:Over-Ear

Compatibility: 7.1 virtual surround sound on PC & Mac. Stereo on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices

Passive noise cancellation: The closed ear cup design blocks out outside distractions to keep you in the game

Detachable, noise-cancelling microphone: TeamSpeak and Discord certified so you can chat with your friends and your callouts will be heard loud and clear

TOP Choice #2 Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Headphones
Our Score:
9.6
Soundcore

100% Stronger Bass: Our exclusive BassUp technology conducts real-time analysis of the low frequencies to instantly strengthen the bass output. Double press the play button when listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop for an amplified listening experience.

Hi-Res Audio: Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound. Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones reproduce music with extended high frequencies that reach up to 40 kHz for extraordinary clarity and detail.

Reduce Ambient Noises By Up to 90%: Our team of engineers conducted more than 100,000 tests in real-life scenarios to fine-tune Life Q20’s 4 built-in ANC microphones and digital active noise cancellation algorithm. As a result, the hybrid active noise cancellation can detect and cancel out a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises such as cars and airplane engines.

40-Hour Playtime*: Up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise cancellation mode (at 60% volume) is extended to an enormous 60 hours in standard music mode. A single charge gives you enough juice to listen to over 600 songs or soundtrack multiple long haul flights. And when you’re in a rush, charge Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones for 5 minutes and get 4 hours of listening.

Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People

TOP Choice #3 Srhythm NC25  Headphones
Our Score:
9.4
Srhythm

Low lantency gaming mode: Only press the Multi-function button three times, enter the low latency gaming mode. Enable you to experience the immersive gaming environment with seamless music

Digital Active Noise Cancelling Technology(ANC): Professional advanced noise cancellation silences up to 90% of machine noise. Cancels noise from aircraft, subways, cars and crowds,so you can focus on what are you doing. (Kindly Note:it’s NOT 100% noise cancelllation,Human talking CAN NOT be elimated and ANC is less effective in quiet environments).ANC Works well both wired and wireless

50+ Hours Music Enjoyment: A built-in 1000mAh battery won't allow your headphones power off, you can enjoy your world without noise for 50 hours' long time with a single charge.or plug in 3.5mm stereo audio cable to prolong using time when battery is low

Provides High-Res Audio in Silence: Features a dual 40 mm HD high-resolution audio driver, along with 360° omnidirectional noise-cancelling ANC technology, a high-response diaphragm, lightweight voice coil. Delivers peerless sound with no interruptions.Sometimes quality just needs to be heard.Find the rhythm of your soul

Unique Foldable Lightweight & Ergonomic Design: The professional-grade protein ear-pads,100° inward rotation and 120° inward folding ear-cups with superb LIGHTWEIGHT only 0.4 lb for maximum comfort, even during long periods of use. Folds away compactly for easy storage when travelling. Ergomonic headsets' structure and multi-level adjustable headband to get the best suitable size for you

4 Sennheiser Professional HD 280 Headphones
Our Score:
9.3
Sennheiser Pro Audio

Folding and rotating earcups for space-saving transport

Soft earpads for a comfortable fit

Tough, single-sided cable

Accurate, linear sound reproduction

High ambient noise attenuation

Swivel design for easy travel

30mm driver unit for dynamic sound

Next-generation USB Type C charging.

Voice assistant-compatible for easy access to your smartphone

Easy hands-free calling and voice assistant commands with microphone

Listen all day long with up to 35 hours of playback time

Listen to your favorite tracks wirelessly with a Bluetooth wireless technology by pairing your smartphone or tablet

In the box: USB Type-C cable

6 Srhythm NC35 Headphones
Our Score:
9.0
Srhythm

Fast Charge&50+Hours Enjoyment: USB-C Charging 10 minutes to use 2 hours. High efficiency and energy-saving Bluetooth 5.0 to prolong playtime up to 50 hours after 1-2 hours’ full charge.Built-in sensitive microphones for easy communication under Bluetooth mode.Support voice control.3.5mm stereo audio cable as back-up when in low battery.Extra Charging protection especially for high-end cars

World-Leading Digital Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Advanced noise cancellation technology effectively quells 90% stable low frequency background noise when in noisy environment airplane/subway/car/office/factory/crowd etc.(not 100% sound canceling.).ANC works well in both wired and wireless mode.ANC ON,World OFF.To be better and better noise reducing is our goal

Ultimate Sound: Clear mega bass from unique designed sound chamber and 40mm HD premium speakers.Professionally stereo drivers’ and other frequency bands’ improvements make music grace to find the rhythm of your soul.Sometimes quality just needs to be heard

Elegant Appearance & Tiny Lightweight Folding: Light for head relaxing and portable for traveling storage. Durable headset 0.4 lb ONLY! 100°-120°ear-cups’ multi-angle flexible rotation with adjustable headband of 8 levels’ size stretch. Ergonomic international standard size

Superior Comfort: Extremely comfortable memory protein leather with skin-friendly breathable feel.Exclusive Designs of Air Pressure Balance to reduce sound wave pressure of active noise reduction. Wearing much more comfortable than all other brands. Designed in Japan

7 ZIHNIC Headphones
Our Score:
8.9
ZIHNIC

1.Active Noise Cancelling Technology: Zihnic wireless headphones can effectively reduces the ambient noise in low and mid-range frequency, such as city traffic, airplane cabin. You can enjoy the immersive music experience in a quiet and peaceful environment for on the subway, the bus, or the plane.

3.Superior Built-in Microphone with Bluetooth 5.0 and CSR tech : Zihnic headphone comes with a built-in microphone, which ensures better sound quality for hands-free calls. It has wider Bluetooth compatibility, most of Bluetooth devices could be connected fast, and it offers stable connection within 33 feets(10m) distance. All these help you get rid of wire hassle while listening music or calling.

4.Memory Foam Earpads & Adjustable Design: The earcups are made from durable and skin-friendly protein leather and memory foam cushions. It wraps tenderly and firmly over your ear which makes you feel no pressure. The headphone is lightweight, adjustable, and the earcups can be swiveled 90° so as to find the best angle.

2.Immersive Sound & Deep Bass: equipped with 40mm large-aperture drivers, the ANC headphones can deliver Hi-Res audio sound and cultivating deep bass for you. More subtle detail of sounds would be noticed, the wireless headsets try to bring out the best sound performance.

5.40 Hours Playtime with Quick Charging: The ANC headphone supports you to enjoy music for all day long with 500mAh large battery capacity. Don't need to worry the power running out problem, it is absolutely the best partner for your long travel. The charging is pretty fast, the headphone gets fully charged with only 1.5 hours. Tips: 12-month warranty, 24 hours after-sale customer services and quick response. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

8 Skullcandy Hesh ANC Headphones
Our Score:
8.7
Skullcandy

True wireless freedom

Ambient mode

Rapid charge

22 hours battery life

Active noise canceling

Up to 24 hours battery life – Enjoy 24 hours of battery life from a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge offers 3 hours when you’re on the go, or plug in the included audio cable to listen for even longer in wired mode.

Personalize your audio. Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset options.

Personalize your audio. Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset options.

Noise cancelling wireless headphones – The perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny mics to measure, compare, and react to outside noise, cancelling it with opposite signals. Bluetooth range-up to 9 m (30 feet). Compatible App-Bose Music app

Quiet and Aware Modes – Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside into the around ear headphones and hear your environment and your music at the same time.

High-fidelity audio – The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness. Volume-optimized Active EQ maintains balanced performance at any volume, so bass stays consistent when turned down and the music remains clear when turned up.

10 SENNHEISER HD 599 Headphone
Our Score:
8.1
Sennheiser Consumer Audio

Connectivity technology: Wired

Power source type: Battery

Timeless design cues: Ivory color, matte finish together with the brown headband stitching and matte metallic detail convey quality at first glance

Padded headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads perfect for long listening sessions with no pressure on the ears

Premium, around-ear, open back headphones: Audiophile sound combined with premium design and materials

Multiple connectivity options: Robust 3 meter detachable cable and 6.3 millimeter jack and additional 1.2 meter detachable cable with 3.5 millimeter Jack

Premium Components: Sennheiser engineered transducers use aluminum voice coils delivering high efficiency, excellent dynamics and extremely low distortion

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our buying guide to pick best affordable headphones for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best affordable headphones? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

Special Features

A lot of earbuds or headphones have bonus features like Dolby Atmos support, spatial audio and adaptive EQ. You can also participate in calls and video calls when they are paired with your phone.
Many of these earbuds can be used with either your phone's native app or a separate app that allows you to locate an errant earbud quickly. Most headphones, however, aren't waterproof or water-resistant.
Consider the audio type and the place you will be listening. Then, pick the headphones that have the most common features and functions.

Durability

A headphone shouldn't be considered disposable technology. This year's headphones will not be outdated six months from now, unlike almost all other consumer electronics. A pair of good headphones should last at least ten years.
Make sure you check the quality of headphones before purchasing. For example, some earbuds or portable devices can be quite fragile. Are the hinges strong enough to hold the headphones together for storage? Or will they break in just a few months? Remember that headphones' earpads, earbuds, and headphone cables will experience a lot of wear over their lifetime.

Design

The design is often more important than everything. Do you want in-ear or on-ear headphones, as well as over-ear and under-ear models? Wireless or wired? Sporty or luxury? These headphones can be worn for many occasions so you need something that fits your needs. No matter what type of headphones you decide to get, ensure that they are sturdy, lightweight, comfortable, and easy to transport.

Accessories

Accessories are equally important for wired models. The manufacturer should include an aux cable. It is a good idea to get headphones with an carrying case, charger cable, user manual, extra tips, or ear cups.

Mobile App

Most popular headphones and earbuds have an app that allows you to control your audio experience.
Some apps allow you to pair the device and control the settings, while others let you manually adjust the volume and bass levels of the headphones or earbuds.

Audio Quality

The second option is sound. There are many models that offer different sound quality. You want to choose headphones that suit your taste. With the companion app, some models can be customized to produce a sound that suits their needs.

Headphone Type

Do you prefer a pair of headphones that are sealed or in-ear? Is active noise cancellation technology available in a headphone?
It is important to consider comfort. You might be using your headphone at least 4-5 hours per days. Would you choose a product that is strong but also isolates you well? Would you choose a larger can, which is lighter but still portable, or a smaller can?

FAQs

What Is The Difference Between Headsets, Headphones, And Earphones?

- A headset is an amalgamation of headphones and microphones. Gaming headsets are most popular.
- Headphones can be worn on the ears or over-ear.
- Earphones can be described as small, earbud-shaped earbuds that are worn inside the ears.

How Do Wireless Headphones Work?

The wireless headphones can be powered by batteries and pair with an infrared or radio signal. Bluetooth technology is available on many devices, which makes it easy to connect and provides high-quality audio.

Does A Higher Price Tag Mean The Headphones Will Sound Better?

Not necessarily. It's surprising that so many people spend hundreds on smartphones but don't want to buy quality headphones. However, you shouldn't assume that all cheap headphones are equal.

How Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work?

Two types of noise-canceling exist: active and passive. Passive noise cancellation is where noise is blocked by headphones. Earbuds that are too close to your ears, such as over-the-ear or earbuds, can block the sound.
The active noise cancelling headphones feature a microphone to pick up noise and produce an opposing sound wave that blocks it.

Do I Need A Headphone Amplifier?

The quality of portable MP3/CD players' amplifiers can be affected by the headphones you use. They aren't responsible for this. The little guys must power both their electronic devices and internal amplifiers using very few volts. The sound quality of some home AV receivers with headphone jacks can be very variable.

Are Wired Headphones Better Than Wireless?

Wireless headphones generally have better sound quality than wired headphones. However, there has been so much advancement in audio technology in the last few years that you won't notice any difference with most of the top wireless headphones.
We recommend that audiophiles keep choosing wired headphones. It's up to you, the individual. Wireless headphones are a good choice if you prefer wireless headphones and they offer more convenience. You won't regret buying a high-quality pair if you want to enjoy the best sound quality.

If I Lose The Eartips That Came With My Headphones, Do I Need To Purchase A New Pair?

Absolutely, unless you are just trying something different. If you don't have the funds, you can contact the manufacturer to get a replacement pair. It can be frustrating to lose an earbud because they only have one size. Comply has a range of aftermarket tips to suit your brand if you are in an adventurous mood.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best affordable headphones for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider Beats Solo3 Headphones as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.