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Prepping for a big trip is rarely relaxing—even with the promise of a beachside Piña Colada waiting for you on the other side. Howevs, there is one foolproof way to make the whole process a lot less stressful (and no, I’m not talking about a pre-flight glass of lounge Savi B…though that helps, too). The ultimate hack to a seamless vacay and travel experience is the ✨ shopping spree✨ before you hop in that airport-bound Uber.

Let me explain: The e-comm giant has so many clever packing tools (shoutout to the luggage scale that saves me every time) and viral travel gadgets (a footrest for the plane?? I’m sat) that will make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination—or at least as close as it can get.

Below, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of the Amazon essentials to help you achieve bliss at 20,000 feet. From compression packing cubes to help organize your luggage easier to the game-changing airplane accessories that’ll instantly cozy up your on-flight seating sitch, you won’t be able to travel without these goodies from here on out, I promise you that!

Keep on scrolling down for 38 travel must-haves that are so cheap, your flight’s basically free. Now, if you need me, I’ll be “working remotely” from Tulum.

As we’ve already discussed, the general consensus among experts is that an environmental noise level of 85 dBA is considered reasonably safe for an hour of listening, and many kids headphones claim to limit the maximum volume to 85 dB. To verify these claims, we embarked on a quest to measure the volume-limiting function on all the kids headphones we test.

The source of our noise

The hearing experts we consulted suggested using pink noise, a common test signal with an equal amount of energy per octave that more or less mimics the content of music. To the ear, pink noise sounds a lot like the white noise you hear between stations with an old analog-tuner FM radio but less hissy. We used pink noise with A-weighting (dBA), which basically removes frequencies below about 500 Hz (about an octave above middle C on a piano). According to Brian Fligor, ScD, one of the experts we interviewed and consulted, low frequencies have a negligible effect on hearing loss. (The pink noise we used for these tests has an average level of -10 dBFS, or decibels relative to full scale, which is what audio manufacturers often use to measure the maximum volume of their devices.)

Although pink noise loosely simulates the content of music, it’s still just a simulation, one that serves to make measurements easier and more repeatable. We also wanted to add a more real-world evaluation of how loud these headphones could get. To do that, we played “Cold Water” by Major Lazer (video) through all the headphones and measured the A-weighted L eq (equivalent continuous sound level). L eq is a commonly used gauge of sound exposure over time; to oversimplify a bit, it’s sort of like the average volume. As Brent put it, “The reason for the L eq test is to add a real-world check. Audio researchers use pink noise because they need repeatable testing protocols for manufacturers and other researchers to easily replicate. But while these testing protocols are intended to be at least somewhat analogous to real-world conditions, they don’t always reflect the demands of actual day-to-day use.” So it’s a good idea to add other tests with conditions more like what you’d experience while actually using the audio device, even if those methods don’t fit within standard lab-testing protocols.

We used the first chorus of “Cold Water” (from 0:45 to 1:06), which is one of the louder parts and roughly analogous to loud dance music. This was something of a worst-case test because our L eq measurement of the entire tune was typically 1.3 decibels lower than our specific test section, although we could have listened at an even louder level for this test because the second chorus typically measured 1.5 decibels louder than the first. We also ran test measurements using another tune, ZZ Top’s “Chartreuse” (video). This track is a very loud recording that’s heavily dynamically compressed, which means the average sound level is pretty close to the maximum sound level possible, resulting in a track that to the ear sounds louder overall. The results were similar to what we measured from the first chorus of “Cold Water.”

Our testing equipment

For all of these measurements, we attached the headphones to the same GRAS 43AG ear and cheek simulator we use for our active-noise-cancellation testing and frequency response measurements. At the suggestions of the hearing experts we consulted, we used what’s referred to as a “diffuse-field calibration curve.” We did so because hearing researchers originally determined the theoretically safer environmental sound levels (the 85 dBA amount) using a sound pressure level meter held in free air without much around it. Sound that reaches the eardrum — and sound that reaches the measurement microphone built into the GRAS 43AG — is altered by the earlobe and ear canal (or in the case of the 43AG, by the simulated rubber earlobe and metal ear canal). So to make sure our measurements were comparable to that 85 dBA free-air measurement, we had to create a method to electronically reverse the way the 43AG’s simulated earlobe and ear canal changed the sound. We created this correction curve (think of this as similar to an EQ adjustment) by playing pink noise through a speaker, measuring that noise with an Audiomatica MIC-01 measurement microphone and CLIO 10 FW analyzer, and then comparing that measurement with one taken using the GRAS 43AG in the same location. Thus, with our using this correction curve, the levels we measured through the ear and cheek simulator would be directly comparable with environmental-noise measurements.

We calibrated the 43AG’s level using a Reed SC-05 calibrator. For the A-weighted pink noise and L eq measurements, we connected the 43AG to an M-Audio Mobile Pre USB interface and a laptop computer running Room EQ Wizard, a free but powerful audio-measurement application. (By the way, we employed roughly $8,000 worth of test gear in this effort.)

Interpreting the results

The multiple objective tests gave us a lot of useful data to work with. Our goal, as you might expect, was to find headphones that limited the volume to our specified “safer” range. Although we were looking at 85 dBA as our standard, we wouldn’t say that a pair of headphones moderately exceeding 85 dBA constituted a failure. Headphone measurements have some inherent inconsistency. Small differences in the fit of headphones on the ear and cheek simulator can affect the result, just as moving headphones around slightly on your ears changes the sound. We did everything possible to ensure a good fit for each pair of headphones on the simulator, including using light pressure from the 43AG’s clamping mechanism to help seat the headphones on the simulated rubber earlobe and listening to the signal coming from the 43AG’s internal microphone to confirm that the sound from each tested model was coming through properly.

Still, we needed to allow for possible measurement inaccuracy, so we decided to make 88 dBA our pass/fail point on the pink noise tests and 90 dBA the cutoff on the music L eq tests. We considered any set of headphones that didn’t exceed those levels to be reasonably safe. Any set of headphones that exceeded this threshold by a few decibels isn’t necessarily dangerous but is less safe than models that passed the test.

Brian Fligor agreed with this approach: “It is reasonable to go by the pink noise measurement as the standard, but I would set the cutoff at 88 dBA (3 decibels above the 85 dBA threshold for the safer listening level for one hour of exposure per day). The reason for the 3 dB wiggle room is specifically for measurement error, and the fact that audio content is never constant — that is, there’s lots of pauses in music and in dialogue (movies, audio books), so the total energy being sent into the ear (energy being the level-over-time dose) is not just a function of the level you’d measure by pink noise, but also the “duty cycle” (for instance, a 50% duty cycle means that there’s sound coming through 50% of the time and the other 50% is quieter). So, 3 dB is actually double the energy and is a reasonable trade-off for measurement error and the amount of time sound actually comes through.” In other words, because music volumes vary and thus measurements can vary, it’s fair to have a small window above the recommended 85 dBA before you start considering a headphone’s measurement representative of “failure.”

We input all testing results into our continually updated spreadsheet and divided the tested headphones into ranges, rather than simply dismissing anything that exceeded 85 dB. In the spreadsheet, you’ll see color coding that indicates relative safety levels. Anything marked in blue or green can be said to be on the safer side. But anything that measured 88 dB or above on our pink noise test — indicated by the yellow and red ranges in our chart — could in our opinion produce levels significantly loud enough to warrant caution. Be sure to also compare the pink noise and L eq numbers, however; headphones that measured 90 dBA or above in our music Leq “real-world” test warrant caution.

In our original 2016 tests, we found that up to one-third of the kids headphones exceeded 85 dBA when we measured them with pink noise. That is, they allowed higher volumes — sometimes much higher. Even more of them — nearly half — could go past the recommended 85 dB when we measured them with actual music. (You can see some examples in the chart below.) In fact, we found a 32-decibel range between the lowest and loudest max volumes on these headphones. That’s massive. Even considering the margin of error in headphone measurements, a 32-decibel difference? Clearly, some of these manufacturers were doing something wrong.

The maximum volume of some of the headphones we tested in 2016 compared with real-world sounds. We obtained these headphone measurements using pink noise at an average level of -10 dBFS, played at the maximum output level of an iPhone 6s. *Approximate dBA according to the World Health Organization.

The discrepancy between wired and wireless headphones

Many kids headphones don’t really limit volume but merely reduce it. Passive headphones (that is, non-powered headphones that connect via a cable to a headphone jack) reduce volume using resistors, inexpensive electrical components that reduce electrical flow. The technique is similar to splicing a narrow piece of water pipe onto the end of a fatter pipe, which reduces the amount of water coming through the pipe; however, you can get the overall flow of water back up to the original level by increasing the pressure going through the pipe. In the case of headphones, you apply the extra “pressure” by turning up the volume on the source device. Sure, the headphones are reducing the volume as if you had the dial on 5 instead of 8, but if you turn the volume to 11, it’ll still sound like it’s on 8. And the problem is that some sources can get louder than others.

We recommend using Bluetooth kids headphones whenever possible: You simply can’t make headphones used via Bluetooth any louder than their internal circuitry allows.

Most kids headphones are designed to handle the output level of a mobile device, so we chose to use iOS devices as our source. In our original tests, we used an iPod touch (sixth-generation model), which was able to play slightly louder (+0.38 decibels) than our iPhone 6s and substantially louder (+4.4 decibels) than our Samsung Galaxy S6. However, home theater receivers, PCs, and gaming systems with more power can often go much louder than an iPhone. So although some of the corded headphones we tested stayed within the 85 dB range in use with an iPhone, every single corded headphone model in this guide could be pushed into dangerous ranges if used with a more powerful device.

The output level of different audio devices compared with our reference device, an iPhone 6s. *Theoretical limit measured with a voltmeter. The voice coil or resistor in the tested headphones would almost certainly burn out before this output level could be reached.

However, wireless Bluetooth headphones don’t work the same way. Because the power comes from the amplifier within the headphones themselves, you can’t override the maximum volume setting when using these headphones wirelessly: Once you get to the top volume on the headphones, you hit a wall.

It’s for this reason we recommend using Bluetooth kids headphones whenever possible: You simply can’t make headphones used via Bluetooth any louder than their internal circuitry allows. The volume limits are set by the manufacturer. That’s why we were baffled whenever we encountered Bluetooth headphones that excessively exceeded their stated volume limits. But we did, as you can see in our testing-results spreadsheet.

ZDNET’s key takeaways The JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds offer clear and strong sound, powerful noise cancellation, and a battery life that will last you your entire work week.

The earbuds come with many improvements, like a Smart-Charging Case compatibility that plugs into in-flight entertainment or laptops for instant Bluetooth connectivity, as well as spatial audio.

The build quality of the Tour Pro 3 buds feels cheaper than their predecessors, and I had trouble connecting the earbuds at times. $329.95 at Amazon $329.95 at Walmart $329.95 at Best Buy more buying choices

Most music listeners have simple demands for their earbuds: they want a battery life that lasts for days and audio that sounds clear and strong. JBL has always known about this winning combination, and the audio brand develops its products accordingly.

Also: Why I recommend these wireless earbuds to most people – even though they’re for gaming

So when JBL sent me its Tour Pro 3 earbuds, I already knew the sort of product I was working with before I put them in my ears. I’ve also had the chance to test the Tour Pro 2 earbuds and compare certain specs from one generation to the next. Here’s what stands out the most about JBL’s Tour Pro 3 and whether or not you should go for the new generation or stick to the earlier-gen earbuds that are $80 cheaper.

The JBL Tour Pro 3 are marketed as earbuds you can take everywhere — from a run around the park to a long-haul flight. This broad applicability is enabled by the earbuds’ upgraded Smart-Charging Case, which connects to in-flight entertainment systems or your laptop for instant audio connection and clear-call capability. You really can listen to anything, anywhere, with these earbuds — as long as you don’t mind the case’s chunky build.

Also: I replaced my AirPods with these Nothing earbuds, and it was a sound decision

Set side by side, the Tour Pro 2 and Tour Pro 3 look nearly identical. JBL says it’s increased the size of the smart display case and made some small improvements, but not much has changed appearance-wise from the second generation to the third.

What has changed, however, is sound. The sound of the Tour Pro 3 earbuds is substantial and clear, in general, compared to the Tour Pro 2. The earbuds deliver strong and loud sound that captures the full range of music. I listened to the same song at the same volume on both devices and found that the Tour Pro 3 buds stepped up their game with crisp and lucid music delivery.

The earbuds are a boon for desk-side workers who rely on noise cancellation for deep focus and strong microphones for video and audio calls. I didn’t have a problem taking meetings with these earbuds and used the Smart-Charging Case’s clear call functionality to connect the buds to my video calls.

Also: The best noise-canceling earbuds: I’ve tested the pairs that quiet it all down

At mid volumes, the sound is still immersive and strong, something I look for as a surefire sign of quality earbuds. JBL adds spatial audio to the third-generation buds, which boosts immersion as you listen to music or play a video game. JBL’s spatial audio is not as immersive as what I’ve heard from competing earbuds, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds, which cost nearly the same. So, if the feature is high on your priority list, the Bose will serve you better.

Nina Raemont/ZDNET

The Tour Pro 3 earbuds offer three listening environment features: noise cancellation, ambient awareness, and Talk Thru. The noise cancellation is strong and eliminates most ambient distractions, while some voices or harsher noises tend to slip through. I’m not a fan of the ambient aware feature on the Tour Pro 2 earbuds because of how inorganic it makes your music feel. This feature on the Tour Pro 3 is improved but it’s still not my favorite.

Also: I replaced my bulky headphones with these Pixel earbuds for traveling – and can’t go back

The one area where the Tour Pro 2 earbuds supersede the Tour Pro 3 is in build quality. The Tour Pro 2 earbuds have a substantial weight, which helps anchor them in your ears and makes them feel like a $300 pair of buds. Holding both earbuds in my hand, the weight of the Tour Pro 3 buds is far lighter — and more plasticky — than the Tour Pro 2. This lighter build also makes them prone to falling out of my ears.

As is the case for a JBL device, these earbuds have substantial battery life, with a maximum playtime of 44 hours with ANC off. I did not have to worry about charging these buds until the end of my testing period — when the case’s battery was fully depleted, but the earbuds still maintained an 80% charge.

ZDNET’s buying advice

While I was generally impressed with the Tour Pro 3’s new features, including clearer, stronger sound, spatial audio, and the Smart-Charging Case’s functionalities, the lighter, plasticky build of the earbuds made me not want to grab and wear them as often as I would other buds. The Tour Pro 3 earbuds would fall out of my ears as I moved because they failed to be anchored by the weight. A $330 pair of earbuds should feel like a weighty purchase in the hand, and that’s not the case with the Tour Pro 3 buds.

If you want earbuds with amazing sound, great noise cancellation, and a long, enduring battery life that will last you the entire work week and then some, these are the buds for you. If the lighter and cheaper build of the Tour Pro 3 earbuds is giving you pause, I’d recommend the Tour Pro 2 buds instead, which offer just as strong noise cancellation and a sturdier feel in your ears.

We could see some of the biggest wireless headphones of the year launch soon. The Sony WF-1000XM6 are rumoured to be landing before the year is out – they’re basically like the WH-1000XM6 but in wireless earbud form.

But those are both premium pairs. What we’re concerned with here is the opposite end of the market. But just because these pairs are cheap, it doesn’t mean they’re lacking in features.

Active noise cancellation (ANC), ambient mode, equaliser presets, app controls and more all come on some surprisingly affordable headphones.

These all sound great too, for the price. All of the below have earned five stars in our reviews, despite costing less than £100. Some have even won Awards.

As part of our testing, we run in each pair to make sure we’re hearing them at their best, and use them in a variety of situations with all different genres of music. We try all their features too, in order to make sure we’re seeing everything they can do.

For more information about our testing process, check out our how we test section further down the page.

Joe Svetlik Contributor I’ve been testing wireless headphones since the AirPods were just a glint in Tim Cook’s eye. In my 20 years in the business, I’ve seen cheap wireless headphones come on leaps and bounds. Sony currently dominates this area, thanks to its sophisticated features and great sound, but check out our Also consider section to see other pairs worth a listen. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of options to give you great sound on the go…

The quick list

The best cheap wireless headphones we recommend in 2025

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Best overall

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If it’s cheap wireless headphones you’re after, Sony should be your first port of call.

True, the market has responded since Sony’s clean sweep in the wireless headphones category at the 2023 What Hi-Fi? Awards, but Sony still dominated the most recent Awards, especially in terms of budget pairs.

The jewel in its pound-shop crown? The WF-C510.

They replace the Award-winning WF-C500 in fitting style – the improvements are numerous, and significant. Crucially, they have a longer battery life, which is often one of the main compromises when a brand decides to slum it and launch a budget pair.

They also offer a new ambient mode, which allows in some outside sound to make you more aware of your surroundings. Which makes them unique, as that feature is usually only for pairs with active noise cancellation.

As you would expect, they do feel like their price would suggest. But then when that launch price is significantly lower than their predecessors, we can forgive it.

And they provide a snug, comfortable fit – combined with their PX4 protection, they’re ideal for sports use.

Bluetooth Multipoint lets them pair with two devices at once and switch seamlessly between them, so you can go from listening to music on your phone to a Zoom call on your laptop without faffing about with any re-pairing.

You can use each earbud independently of the other, too.

Thankfully Sony didn’t just beef up the spec sheet and think ‘That’ll do’. It’s improved the sound quality too.

You wouldn’t expect an overly analytical performance from a pair costing this much, and that’s not what you get. Rather, the C510 are fun, engaging and musical, but without sacrificing Sony’s signature sound profile.

“You can tell the WF-C510 are part of the Sony family, such is their musicality and rhythmic ability – even complex pieces of music don’t unravel and their sense of timing and ability to just get into the groove of a song works with any music you play through them,” we wrote in our review.

Compared to the C500, they’re a little richer and fuller-bodied, which is why they won a What Hi-Fi? Award. Sony’s storming run continues.

Read the full Sony WF-C510 review

Best budget

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All of the headphones on this list are quite cheap, but the Earfun Air are cheapest even by these standards. They’re the most affordable headphones of any style that we can heartily recommend.

Before the Earfun Air, we had never awarded five stars to a set of proper budget wireless headphones – despite testing models from well-known and highly respected audio brands.

In the Air, this little-known company has produced a comfortable, nicely built set of headphones that also boast excellent battery life, wireless charging support and a should-cost-more presentation.

“Fans of a grippy, energetic listen to get you through a workout will find much to enjoy here,” we wrote in our review.

“While similar budget-friendly headphones can come off somewhat congested, here the design of the driver and earpiece (which doesn’t sit too far into the ear canal) allows for a pleasant and spacious presentation.”

The Earfun Air buds have a waterproof IPX7 rating, so they can be submerged in up to a metre of water for up to 30 minutes, and an impressively long battery life of 35 hours.

There are also touch controls and in-ear detection tech to pause playback when you remove them.

If you’re after dirt-cheap wireless headphones for casual listening, the Earfun Air could just be the ideal proposition.

Read the full Earfun Air review

Best ANC earbuds

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3. Sony WF-C710N The successors to the C700N offer even better noise cancellation at a still very reasonable price. Our expert review: Specifications Type: In-ear Bluetooth version: 5.3 Noise-cancelling: Yes Built-in mic and controls: Yes Waterproofing: IPX4 Battery life: 8.5hrs (+21.5hrs from charging case) Weight: 5.4g each Today’s Best Deals £99 at Sevenoaks Sound and Vision £99.99 at Currys Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Fulsome, controlled bass + Great sense of musicality + Clear, detailed and dynamic with it + Improved ANC compared to the previous model Reasons to avoid – Case and earbuds are bulkier than before – No aptX or LDAC support – Controls could be more customisable

The WF-C710N follow the WF-C700N (a previous entrant on this list), and they’re another five-star performance from Sony.

Like their predecessors, they sit between the non-ANC WF-C510 and premium WF-1000XM5 in Sony’s wireless earbud lineup. They add a cool transparent blue finish that lets you see the inner workings of both the earbuds and case. It’s a really nice touch, and unlike anything we’ve previously seen from Sony.

They are chunkier than their predecessors, and incorporate touch controls for the first time. The feature set is largely unchanged, but you get a slightly newer version of Bluetooth (5.3) and Multipoint at launch (it came via a later software update for the C700N).

Wear detection and auto pause are also new for this model.

One of the biggest improvements is battery life. You get 8.5 hours from the buds (an hour more than their predecessors), and 30 hours including the case – that’s twice as long as the C700N.

The ANC now has Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor filters, which make a real difference. You can hear the earbuds increase the intensity of the ANC and extract an extra layer or two of noise, especially in the lower mid and bass frequencies. It’s a definite step up from the C700N.

As is the sound quality. Bass has plenty of weight and solidity, and there’s immense detail to be heard across the frequency range.

Thanks to their spot-on timing, they can handle even tricky tracks with aplomb. Playing Radiohead’s 15 Step, the C710N “remain fleet-footed at all times and don’t get bogged down in the music or lost in what feels like a million other elements going on in the track,” we wrote in our review.

At this price, that’s nothing short of miraculous.

Read the full Sony WF-C710N review

Best ANC over-ears

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4. Sony WH-CH720N What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Anyone seeking cheap over-ears with solid sound and great ANC should look no further. Our expert review: Specifications Type: Over-ears Bluetooth version : 5.2 Noise cancelling : Yes Built-in mic and controls : Yes Waterproofing : None Battery life : Up to 50 hours (ANC and BT off), 35 hours (ANC / BT on) Weight : 192g Today’s Best Deals £67.99 at Amazon £75 at Sevenoaks Sound and Vision £79 at Smart Home Sounds Reasons to buy + Lively sound presentation + Decent ANC for the price + Solid build quality Reasons to avoid – A little over-enthusiastic in the bass – No case or foldability

The WH-CH720N were designed to be an affordable pair of over-ears with a heavy feature set and a particular focus on budget noise cancelling.

In this sense, they’ve delivered exactly what Sony intended, and for a very reasonable price, they’re a dependably made, enthusiastic-sounding pair of headphones that, while occasionally straying into the realm of excessive bass, deliver strong ANC and a large feature set to the market’s mid-to-low price bracket.

A big part of the CH720N’s appeal is to provide noise cancelling without a huge expenditure, and the novice cans don’t let themselves down.

While more premium models such as the WH-1000XM6 over-ears or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones will block out external noises more effectively, we find these affordable Sonys do a pleasing job of dampening, if not silencing completely, outside noises and distractions.

Further features, including Bluetooth multipoint, voice calls, a hefty battery life and Sony DSEE sound upscaling, only sweeten the deal.

Sonically, the CH720N are great for the price, and while you’ll certainly receive more refinement and balance the higher up the price ladder you go, the affordable cans feel like they’re spoiling you for £100.

“No shrinking violets, they imbue their musical cargo with heft and conviction, operating on the front foot in delivering an immediate, assertive sound with an emphasis on forceful, burly bass,” we wrote in our review.

Their energetic, lively style works best with the rock, pop and hip-hop genres,

Sony might have focused on features, but the sound these over-ears provide is detailed, robust and exciting, with decent texture and feeling across the board. Job done.

Read the full Sony WH-CH720N review

Best over-ears without ANC

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The Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones are without a doubt one of the less glamorous products in Sony’s seemingly endless catalogue of headphones.

But it doesn’t automatically follow that they’re not worthy of attention.

You can’t really expect the Earth when you’re paying £49 / $59 / AU$79 for a pair of headphones, so keep your expectations realistic. If you do, there’s every chance you’ll be quite impressed with the feature set of the WH-CH520.

Wireless connection is via Bluetooth 5.2 (with ‘Fast Pair’ for Android devices). The Sonys have multipoint connectivity, and there’s compatibility with SBC and AAC codecs.

And they can run for as much as 50 hours between charges, which certainly exceeds our expectations at this price point.

The Sony WH-CH520 don’t take long to establish themselves as a nicely balanced, informative and enjoyable listen.

They’re not the most expressive headphones you’ll have ever heard, but they do well to dig up detail across the frequencies and present it clearly, even if we would like a little more dynamic variation.

Their low end is “solid, deep and properly controlled at the leading edges,” we wrote in our review.

“They hit reasonably hard, and keep bass firmly in its lane where it can’t interfere with the midrange activity above.”

Speaking of the midrange, it’s informative, eloquent and projects well, which is a lot from headphones at this price.

Ultimately, what’s remarkable about these Sonys is how little compromise they demand of you, both in terms of audio performance and ergonomics. They’re a terrific bargain.

Read our full Sony WH-CH520 review

Also consider

The best cheap wireless headphones alternatives we’ve tested:

Panasonic RZ-S500W: The former Award-winning RZ-S500W were Panasonic’s first foray into wireless noise-cancelling earbuds and they’re sensational performers for the money. Sound quality and noise cancellation are both first-rate.

Sony WF-C700N: These previously had a place on this list, until they were bumped off by their successors, the WF-C710N. Sound and ANC aren’t quite as good as the C710N, and they’re lacking a couple of features. But at a reduced price to clear stock, they are superb value. Get them while they’re still around.

JBL Live Pro 2 TWS: If you prefer a ‘stem’ design to the more rounded look, these are for you. They have all the features you could want, and perform brilliantly too.

Sony WF-C500: Sony’s end-of-life wireless earbuds won’t be around much longer, but if you can pick them up cheap they’re an absolute bargain. True, they are outgunned by the C510 in pretty much every respect, but for the money they are reliable, comfortable and sound very good indeed.

Sony LinkBuds Open (WF-L910): It’s another Sony pair, but these offer something genuinely different – an open design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings. They’re very comfortable and packed with features, plus they regularly drop below £100.

How to choose the best cheap wireless headphones for you

The best cheap wireless headphones come in all shapes and sizes. You can get some pretty decent wireless over-ears and in-ears for not much money at all.

Wondering which is best for you? Check out our guide to headphones vs earbuds.

Healthy battery life should be a priority for any of the best budget wireless headphones – anything around 20 hours and above for over-ear headphones and over six hours for earbuds (plus charging case battery life) is good.

If you’re a fitness fiend who wants a secure fit and waterproofing, you’re better off going for a pair of sport headphones with sweat/water resistance. Look out for an IP rating of at least IPX4, meaning they’ll survive basic splashing but not a dunk in the drink.

You also might want to consider which version of Bluetooth they’re running.

We’re currently on Bluetooth 5 (5.4 to be precise, though Bluetooth 6 is imminent). Newer versions can offer improvements in performance over older versions when it comes to things like wireless range, so it could pay to do a bit of extra digging through the specs of any pairs you’re considering.

Bluetooth Multipoint is another one to look out for – it lets you pair with multiple devices at once, and then switch between them seamlessly as and when you need.

Some cheap models offer active noise cancellation (ANC), while some might have an ambient mode which allows in some outside sounds to make you more aware of your surroundings.

The ANC on budget pairs will be more basic than found on pricier headphones – if you want more advanced features, you have to pay for them.

You’ll also want to consider comfort, especially if they’re going to be sat in or on your ears for any length of time.

Finally, you definitely want decent sound quality for the money. As the best cheap wireless headphones around, all of the above have come out of our testing labs with flying colours.

How we test cheap wireless headphones

In order to put these headphones through their paces, we use them in real-world conditions.

That means we run them down from full to empty to gauge battery life (multiple times) and use them outdoors in both built-up areas and open spaces to test how stable the wireless connection remains to the music source.

Using them outdoors also lets us check their noise-isolating properties, and active noise-cancellation (ANC) if they have it.

We try them with both smartphones and computers to see how well they stand up in different use cases. And if they’re a sporty pair, we’ll take them out for a jog or to the gym to check how well they stay in our ears while exercising.

Each pair is compared to the best in its price and style class – whether that’s one standout pair or a few that we favour the highest among the 100+ pairs we listen to each year.

What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, and we keep class-leading products in our stockrooms so we can always compare new products to ones we know and love.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we’re being as thorough as possible, too.

There’s no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades.

For more information, check out our dedicated how we test headphones page.

MORE:

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Wi-fi for headphones is great news for sound quality, so is it the death knell for Bluetooth?

F.A.Q.

What are cheap good quality headphones? It depends what you’re looking for, but you can’t go far wrong with any pairs on this list. The best overall are the Sony WF-C510, but if you want noise cancellation and/or an over-ear pair, there are options for you above.

Are wireless headphones worth buying? We think so. The sound quality – especially at this end of the market – isn’t much different from a wired pair, and the added convenience is a godsend (no more cable tangle).

Why do people still use wired headphones? Some prefer a wired connection as it’s more reliable (though all of the pairs on this list have rock-solid wireless connections). At the high end, a wired pair will give you better sound quality. Or maybe they just haven’t upgraded from their old pair of wired headphones.

21st July 2025: Added references to the recently launched Sony WH-1000XM6 and the rumoured Sony WF-1000XM6. Added links to the recent Bluetooth 6 feature.

Added references to the recently launched Sony WH-1000XM6 and the rumoured Sony WF-1000XM6. Added links to the recent Bluetooth 6 feature. 19th May 2025: Replaced Sony WF-C700N with WF-C710N. Moved WF-C700N to ‘Also consider’. Changed references to Sony WH-1000XM5 to WH-1000XM6.

Replaced Sony WF-C700N with WF-C710N. Moved WF-C700N to ‘Also consider’. Changed references to Sony WH-1000XM5 to WH-1000XM6. 20th March 2025: Added Sony LinkBuds Open (WF-L910) to ‘Also consider’. Changed references from Sony WF-C500 to the newer WF-C510.

Added Sony LinkBuds Open (WF-L910) to ‘Also consider’. Changed references from Sony WF-C500 to the newer WF-C510. 11th November 2024: Swapped Sony WF-C510 for C500 in main list, moved C500 to ‘Also consider’. Expanded ‘How to choose’ section with more details and links. Added review quotes for each entry in the main list. Rewrote intro to link to our Sony WF-C510 review.

Swapped Sony WF-C510 for C500 in main list, moved C500 to ‘Also consider’. Expanded ‘How to choose’ section with more details and links. Added review quotes for each entry in the main list. Rewrote intro to link to our Sony WF-C510 review. 9th September 2024: Rewrote intro. Deleted headings from entries in ‘The quick list’.

Rewrote intro. Deleted headings from entries in ‘The quick list’. 8th July 2024: Deleted Jump Menu and Test Results tables. Rewrote intro. Bolded advisory text in the How to Choose section.

Deleted Jump Menu and Test Results tables. Rewrote intro. Bolded advisory text in the How to Choose section. 30th April 2024: Changed to new Best Buy format. Removed Panasonic RZ-S500W and JBL Live Pro 2 TWS from main list. Added new ‘Also consider’ and F.A.Q. sections.

Changed to new Best Buy format. Removed Panasonic RZ-S500W and JBL Live Pro 2 TWS from main list. Added new ‘Also consider’ and F.A.Q. sections. 6th February 2024: Removed JBL Flow Pro.

Removed JBL Flow Pro. 11th May 2023: Removed Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus, added Sony WF-C700N and JBL Live Pro 2 TWS.

The best cheap headphones deliver impressive sound, reliable performance, and of course excellent value. But with so many budget-friendly options available, how do you find the bargains?

Easy – you come to us. Our expert team has tested and reviewed countless cheap headphones and earbuds, putting them through rigorous evaluations to uncover the best. Every pair of inexpensive headphones or earbuds in this guide has been through our stringent testing process and emerged with an approving nod from us – we know audio, and we know a great deal.

These days, you don’t need to spend a fortune for great sound and durability. While budget headphones may come with some compromises, even high-end features like active noise cancellation are becoming more accessible at lower prices, as long as you know what to look for.

If budget earbuds or low-cost headphones aren’t your main focus, check out our best headphones and best earbuds guides for top-tier audio tech. But if you’re looking for great sound at an unbeatable price, you’re in the right place. Here are the best cheap headphones you can buy today.

The Quick List

If you want to get right to it with our easy-to-browse list of the best cheap headphones for different needs, take a look at this quick guide. You can then click to instantly jump to more of a full write-up of each model.

Recent updates

The best cheap headphones available today

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best cheap headphones overall

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BUY THEM IF: ✅ You want surprisingly good noise cancellation: These over-ears block out more noise than you’d expect at this price, with a handy passthrough mode when you need to stay aware.

✅ Longevity is a top priority: There’s a lot to love about these headphones, but 65 hours of battery and up to 100 hours without ANC on certainly sweetens the deal.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You want the best app experience: The app works fine to customize things, but the Sony app is neater overall.

❌ You don’t like a plasticky build: They look decent, but do feel plasticky. That’s common in cheap headphones, but some feel it more than others.

The best cheap headphones you can buy right now are the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51. These budget-friendly over-ears absolutely deliver, with excellent sound for the price, standout battery life, and effective noise cancelling – all for well under $100/£100.

You get a lot of features for the price here. There’s ANC and transparency mode, support for high-quality streaming via LDAC, and a jaw-dropping 100 hours of battery life (or 65 hours with ANC switched on). During testing, the ANC surprised us with how good it was – it really muted the usual distractions such as keyboard clatter and street noise, letting us fully focus on the music.

Sound-wise, they hold up well against the competition we compared them to. The audio is clear with a bass-forward sound signature that’ll appeal to fans of electronic, hip-hop and pop. Even at higher volumes, the sound stays clean and full – and it’s impressively dynamic, giving it energy and clarity that’s often missing from more affordable headphones. If you want to tweak the sound profile, the companion app gives you EQ options to play with, which work well – though we found the app itself to be a little clunky.

They also look great for a budget set of cans. With a sleek matte finish and stylish curved design, the Sonoflow Pro HQ51 don’t scream “cheap.” They’re lightweight and comfy to wear too, with generous padding on the earcups and headband. The build does feel a bit plasticky in places, but that’s par for the course at this price point, and not a criticism – just an observation from comparing them to more premium models.

All in all, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 manage to squeeze in everything you’d want from budget headphones – good looks, great battery life, and strong sound – without cutting too many corners. If you want the best cheap headphones available today, these are the ones to beat.

Read our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review

The best cheap on-ear cans

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BUY THEM IF: ✅ You want balanced sound on a budget: They might be cheap but there’s no overblown bass here – just clean, well-rounded audio that suits all kinds of music.

✅ You forget to charge your gear: With 50 hours of battery life, you’ll rarely need to top them up. Ideal for long haul travel or anyone who’s forgetful.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You need strong noise blocking: There’s no ANC here, and the on-ear fit means they don’t seal sound well either – expect outside noise to creep in.

❌ You don’t get on with on-ears: Even with padding they still rest on your ears – some people love this design, others should stick to over-ears.

The Sony WH-CH520 are super cheap, on-ear wireless headphones from Sony, coming in at only $60 / £60 / AU$99. These headphones are on-ear rather than in-ear or over-ear, which means you won’t get active noise cancellation or Hi-Res Audio support (but you wouldn’t expect to at this price), but they deliver quality, well-balanced sound (as well as a few useful tricks), making them fantastic value and our favorite pair of cheap on-ears.

The bass adds depth but sounds controlled and fun with electronic or dance music. Mids let vocals stretch their legs, which gives denser instrumental mixes a chance to shine – although you’ll obviously lose more detail here than you would with higher-end models. Trebles tend to elevate out of the mid-range well enough, giving them space to breathe.

The Sony CH520 replace the Sony CH510 in Sony’s line-up and they’re a worthy upgrade, adding in some notable improvements, like more cushioning, which is essential for a good pair of on-ear headphones where the earpads sit directly on your ears. The only thing these headphones are missing at this great value price is a 3.5mm jack, but with good app support, multi-point pairing and an impressive 50 hours of battery we really can’t complain and they’re our top pick if you want over-ears that won’t break the bank.

Read our full Sony WH-CH520 review

The best cheap earbuds

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3. Sony WF-C510 The best cheap earbuds if you’re happy without noise cancelling Our expert review: Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 31g Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz Drivers: 6mm Battery life (on-board): 11 hours Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (Black) View at Electricshop (Black) View at very.co.uk (Black) Reasons to buy + Punchy, talented audio + Sony 360 Reality Audio support + Great in-bud battery life; small case Reasons to avoid – A few missing features – Confusing custom equalizer mode – Limited case battery life

BUY THEM IF: ✅ You like clear, vocal-led sound: If you prefer crisp treble and detailed mids over booming bass, these are a rare budget gem – especially for acoustic or classical tracks.

✅ You want a lightweight design: The buds are pretty light at 4.6g each, but so is the case too. Ideal for carrying in smaller pockets.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You need proper noise cancellation: There’s no ANC here, just passive isolation and ambient mode. Not ideal if you need to block out serious background noise.

❌ You’ll be off-grid for days: The buds last well, but the case doesn’t hold much extra charge. For multi-day trips without power, you’ll need more backup.

The Sony WF-C510 earbuds are some of the best low-cost buds we’ve reviewed – and that’s really saying something considering how many we’ve tested over the years. They tick all of the boxes for such an affordable pair of buds, with good sound, on-board battery life and a snug fit.

Don’t expect high-end features from buds at this price. You won’t find wear detection or a low-latency mode, for example. But expect a solid 11 hours of battery life, which should see you through a long work day or most trips. Unfortunately, the case battery life is a little disappointing, bringing you only one more full charge – rivals pack in multiple.

There’s no active noise cancellation here, but Sony has added its ‘sound control’ tech, which allows you to better hear what’s going on around you when wearing them. There’s also decent noise isolation thanks to the secure fit. And that fit really does hold up: in our review, we commented “they always felt rigid in my testing, never once falling out or even feeling loose”. They have a minimal design with a choice of colors (black, white, blue and yellow) and there’s a physical button, which is sensitive enough to use as the main control.

Sony’s DSEE (digital sound enhancement engine) is here, which can restore extra range to compressed audio tracks from streaming services – great for Spotify users. You’ll need to turn this on from the app, but once you do, expect clear and high-quality audio. Treble and vocals are particularly pronounced from these buds, with powerful bass lacking a little. But for everyday listening at this price, it’s hard to fault them.

These Sony WF-C510 buds sit between the pricier Sony WF-C700N, which bring you ANC (although we’ve since replaced these in this guide with the Nothing Ear (a) buds), and the super-cheap JLab buds that we’d recommend if you’re on the tightest of budgets. Or split the difference and get JLab’s Go Pop ANC, which combine ANC and a budget price. But if you’re looking for an affordable pick, you can do without ANC and can make your money stretch to the Sony WF-C510 buds, you won’t be disappointed.

Read our full Sony WF-C510 review

The best super cheap ANC earbuds

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BUY THEM IF: ✅ You want noise cancellation on a tight budget: Sure, everything in this guide is cheap. But $29.99 / £29.99 for ANC this decent is rare. For the price, it’s a total bargain.

✅ You like your earbuds tiny and light: These are featherweight and super compact – perfect for comfy, all-day listening without ear fatigue.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You’re after audiophile sound: Audio is good for the price, but the soundstage is narrow. The other earbuds in this guide sound obviously better.

❌ Style matters more than specs: They’re fine when it comes to practical design, but aren’t the best-looking buds around.

If you want ANC and you want it as cheap as possible without sacrificing on sound, build or other features, then you literally cannot do better than the JLab Go Pop ANC. These earbuds from JLab are fantastic value and although the ANC is not best-in-class, it is surprisingly competent for the price.

Normally you have to sacrifice something for a budget pair of buds, but expect all of the essentials here. That includes some surprising features you don’t usually find in all budget buds, like a companion app that allows you to customize touch controls and tweak EQ settings, as well as 7 hours of battery life – although expect up to 24 hours with the case. Comfort levels here are also great. The buds themselves feel a little cheap, but that’s to be expected. And who cares when they’re fairly robust, with a highly unusual IP55 waterproof rating?

Sound here is energetic and fun to listen to. We rated the “impressive bass and treble” in our review, even if the soundstage seemed a little too narrow at times. ANC is the star of the show at this price. Of course, it’s never going to compete with high-end brands, like Bose, but we think most people will be happy with the level of silencing on offer here. In our review, we wrote: “It’s certainly enough to keep conversations muted and loud noises dulled when you’re out in public.”

Overall, these buds are very impressive considering you can snap them up for under $30/£30. Having said that, if you can take a step up, do check out the Nothing Ear (a) buds literally one place below. They’re pricier than these from JLab, but are still incredibly affordable for a pair of ANC buds and tick all the boxes in terms of features, design and comfort, too.

Read our full JLab Go Pop ANC review

The best still-affordable ANC earbuds

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BUY THEM IF: ✅ You want great noise cancellation on a budget: Not best-in-class ANC, but probably the best budget noise-cancelling we’ve ever experienced.

✅ You want solid sound and style: When we were testing these buds a lot of people wanted to talk about them. They’re stylish and they stand out, e.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You want spatial audio: It’s not here, but you can get some spatial audio support from other cheap earbuds. We don’t mind it not being here ourselves, though.

❌ Your ears are very small: Our small-eared reviewers tested these, so you should be fine. But you may want to see if you can try before you buy.

If you want a pair of buds that are still considered budget but bring you excellent noise cancelling, sound and style, the Nothing Ear (a) are the clear choice.

Let’s start with the star of the show: noise cancellation. It’s superb at this level, easily some of the best we’ve tested under £100/$100. There are multiple ANC profiles, and the High setting is especially impressive. It knocked out the sound of a hairdryer and even muted an extractor fan we didn’t realize was on. This level of silence comes at the cost of some battery life – down from 9.5 hours to 5.5 with ANC on – but frankly, it’s worth it.

Sound-wise, the Ear (a) buds bring a lot of energy. They’re dynamic, punchy and fun, with a bold, zealous character that makes pop, hip-hop and dance tracks shine. They lean into excitement over audiophile precision, but that’s not a drawback – they’re engaging and full of life, without feeling harsh. For those who like to tweak, the Nothing X app offers EQ adjustment and a fit test, though you won’t get the full personalized sound profile or ceramic driver from the more expensive Nothing Ear. But again, that’s fair given the lower price point.

Design is another big win. These don’t look like budget buds. In fact, they’re more stylish and distinctive than many premium models. The semi-transparent aesthetic and bold colors make them stand out, and they feel solid in the hand despite the price. Comfort is also excellent, especially once you’ve found the right tips (three sizes come in the box). They’re lightweight and easy to wear for hours, and the redesigned case is smaller and more pocketable than before.

There are a few trade-offs, you won’t get wireless charging or spatial audio, and some premium features from Nothing’s flagship models are missing. But you do get Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC support for high-res audio (if your phone supports it), multipoint connectivity, low-lag gaming mode, in-ear detection, and a “Find My Earbuds” feature.

Ultimately, if you’re after slick design, excellent sound and noise cancellation that punches way above its price tag, the Nothing Ear (a) are hard to beat. They’re affordable, practical, and packed with features that usually cost a lot more.

Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review

The best super-cheap buds

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BUY THEM IF: ✅ You want ultra-portability: These might be the tiniest earbuds we’ve tested and the case is seriously pocket-friendly.

✅ You’re into cute tech: Not just small, they’re also stylish and Instagram-friendly. What we’re saying is, they score high on the aesthetic front.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You’re after booming bass: The sound’s clear, but if you love deep, punchy lows, these simply don’t have the power to hit hard enough.

❌ You need proper noise cancelling: Passive isolation is fine for most settings, but not enough for noisy commutes.

The JLab JBuds Mini are mini in size, and mini in price. This is why they’re our top pick if you’re looking for a super budget pair of buds and we’d also highly recommend them if you have smaller ears, too.

Features are a little light given how cheap these buds are. But we were happy to find there’s multi-point pairing – this isn’t always common with budget buds. There’s also a Be Aware mode, which lets you better here what’s going on around you and you can listen to just one bud at once, if you prefer. There’s 5.5 hours of battery onboard and 20 once you add the case into the mix, which is pretty standard.

There’s no noise cancellation here, but we were pleasantly surprised by the noise isolation during our testing. In our review, we wrote: “While you’ll still hear traffic as you walk past, it isn’t as all encompassing as with other weaker earbuds.” We think that the bass could be stronger – but that’s often the case with budget buds. Still, they deliver good sound quality, which in our review we described as “pretty lively with a wider soundstage than anyone could have seen coming here.” The good news is you can also tweak the sound a little thanks to the app’s EQ.

These are incredibly small buds that even come with a keyring attachment on the case so you can attach them to your keys – a good idea if you tend to lose small things. Even though the buds are small, they’ll fit well – they didn’t budge when we took them for a run during testing.

Read our full JLab JBuds Mini review

The best super-cheap USB-C buds

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7. Skullcandy Set USB-C The best super-cheap USB-C buds Our expert review: Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 15g Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz Drivers: 9mm dynamic Battery life (on-board): N/A Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (Black) Reasons to buy + Decent sound quality for the price + Comfortable listening for long sessions + Sleek design Reasons to avoid – No volume buttons on controller – Cable noise a tad disruptive – Doesn’t deliver the most full-sounding audio

BUY THEM IF: ✅ You want something stylish: These wired buds blend classic form with a modern look – great if you’re chasing a cool, minimalist vibe.

✅ You listen for hours: They’re comfy enough for all-day use with a secure fit that stays put during long work or study sessions.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You like easy volume control: There’s no volume button on the inline remote, which is annoying if your phone’s in your pocket or you’re walking.

❌ You’re chasing premium sound: The audio’s decent, but lacks the depth and detail of pricier options. Bass lovers, look elsewhere.

If you want a cheap pair of wired buds with a USB-C connection, the Skullcandy Set USB-C are our top choice. They’re a stylish and affordable pair of headphones that stack up well against some of the best wired headphones when it comes to value.

As you might expect for a cheap pair of wired earbuds, you won’t get best-in-class sound here. In our review we wrote that they lacked depth and bass sounded a bit feeble at times. But considering the $31.99 / £29.99 (about AU$50) price tag, these earbuds sound decently. There’s certainly none of the tinny audio we’ve experienced from other budget buds. Instead, the Skullcandy Set offer good all-round sound. As we wrote in our review: “it’s just a bit thin on detail and dynamism.”

The earbuds come with a few different sizes of in-ear gels, these provide some noise-isolation, which won’t cancel out all ambient sounds but do keep them in place and ensure you’re tuned into your music. They also look good. During tested we wrote that we like their sleek, curved design and come in several different colorways.

Read our full Skullcandy Set USB-C review

The best super-cheap wired buds

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8. Final VR500 The best super-cheap wired buds Our expert review: Specifications Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 15g Frequency response: Not specified Drivers: 6.4mm dynamic Battery life (on-board): N/A Today’s Best Deals Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Built and specified like more expensive earbuds + Enjoyable sonic performance + Very affordable Reasons to avoid – Could conceivably sound punchier

BUY THEM IF: ✅ You game on your phone: Getting both clarity and precision at this level is rare, which is why we think they’re perfect for mobile gamers.

✅ You’re rough on your tech gear: They’re sturdy and cheap enough that accidents aren’t a big deal.

DON’T BUY THEM IF: ❌ You want strong bass: These aren’t built for deep, thumping lows. Bass is definitely lacking and you’ll need to look elsewhere if that’s a dealbreaker.

❌ You need extra cable length: The 1.2m cable you get here is fine for phones, but too short for console or TV gaming.

The Final Audio VR500 are among the most affordable headphones from Japanese tech company Final Audio, and a great choice if you’re looking for a pair of wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack that are cheap and sound great.

As we commented in our review, just because they’re cheap “doesn’t mean they’ve missed out on the customary Final Audio attention to detail.” They’re a fantastic option for gamers and music-lovers with good specs, a solid build quality that weighs only 12g for maximum comfort, and a 1.2m cable that’s tangle-resistant and should be long enough for most situations.

There are better-sounding buds and in our review we said that some listeners might crave more punch. But in terms of spaciousness, detail retrieval, fidelity and precision, the Final Audio outperform their budget asking price. We wrote: “By the standards of profoundly affordable wired in-ear headphones, the VR500 are basically as good as it currently gets.”

Read our full Final VR500 review

Other cheap headphones to consider

Apple AirPods 4: The AirPods 4 sound great and offer top-notch spatial audio. They’re relatively affordable for Apple, but there’s plenty of strong competition at this level. Only go for them if you specifically want the classic AirPods fit – they rest just outside your ear canals, with no in-ear tips, yet still feel secure and comfortable. If budget isn’t a concern, you might also want to consider the ANC version. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 review for more.

Earfun Air 2 NC: We were disappointed by theater mode here (that’s Earfun’s spatial audio setting) and the design isn’t going to suit everyone because the ear stems are long. But for solid ANC on a budget, we’d still recommend you take a look at our full Earfun Air 2 NC review.

Earfun Wave Pro: These very capable over-ears were once our top pick for most people, but were replaced by the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51. But that doesn’t mean these Earfun cans aren’t still well worth your time with good sound, solid ANC, impressive battery life and a comfortable fit all for an affordable price. Take a look at our Earfun Wave Pro review for more.

Huawei FreeArc: If it’s an open pair of earbuds you’re after, head straight to our Huawei FreeArc review. There’s plenty of competition in this space, but these are the best-sounding open-ear headphones we’ve tested so far – and while it’s hard to call them cheap, they’re the best affordable in this style.

Master & Dynamic ME05: These wired earbuds were a joy to test with stunning audio and solid design and build quality. However, they’re just a bit too pricey to be considered ‘cheap’ for this guide. If you can make your budget stretch, do take a look at our Master & Dynamic ME05 review.

Panasonic RB-M600: Panasonic has done a decent job with these over-ears, which are less than $80/£80 with a great battery life. However, the ambient mode didn’t impress us during testing and the design absolutely reflects the cheaper price. Find out more in our Panasonic RB-M600 review.

Sony MDR-EX15AP: If you’re looking for a super cheap second pair of wired earbuds, you’ve found them. There’s not much to say here, they get the job done, covering the basics. But that’s about it. Read our full Sony MDR-EX15AP review for more.

Sony WF-C700N: When we first tested these buds in our Sony WF-C700N review, we said that they’re among the best cheap ANC buds you can buy. We stand buy that. The audio is detailed and immersive, and they’re extremely comfortable. They’re getting on a bit now, but if you spot them at a big discount while they’re still available, snap them up.

Sony WF-C710N: Sony’s latest mid-range earbuds are very good in basically every way, but we prefer the Nothing Ear (a). Still, if you know you like Sony’s sound profile, the C710N remain a great alternative, with excellent noise cancellation and impressive sound for the price. Check out our full Sony WF-C710N review for the details.

Sony WH-C720N: These Sony over-ears offer solid sound and smart features at a great price. They don’t quite borrow the magic from Sony’s flagship range, but that’s okay. Because what you get is a comfortable fit, enjoyable audio and surprisingly decent noise cancellation for the money. A strong pick for everyday listening without the premium price tag. Read our full Sony WH-C720N review to find out more.

How to choose the best cheap headphones for you

Choosing the best cheap headphones comes down to a few key factors: the design that suits you best, the features you prioritize, the device you’ll use as your music source, and just how cheap your budget will allow you to go.

Design: You’ll find cheap headphones that are in-ear, over-ear, on-ear and wired. The one you choose will mostly come down to your personal preference. If you can’t decide, consider what you’ll be using them for. For example, if you want the best ANC for travel, you might get a better experience with over-ears. If you want flexible buds for walking and popping in and out easily, true wireless options might work better.

Features: When choosing budget headphones, it’s important to remember that affordability often comes with trade-offs. If a specific feature – like ANC – is a priority, it’s worth focusing on that and accepting that other aspects may not be as strong. You can find features like ANC, on-ear volume controls, dedicated apps, and wearer detection at lower prices, but you won’t get them all in one package.

Source: What phone do you use? While most headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices, you may unlock extra features and enjoy a more seamless experience if your phone and headphones are part of the same ecosystem. If you’re considering wired earbuds, check whether your phone has the right connection—or be prepared to buy an adapter.

Budget: Finally, how small is your budget? Yes, this is a guide to the best cheap headphones, but our definition of ‘cheap’ varies, from the super-cheap JLab JBuds Mini at $39.99/£39.99 through to the Sony WF-C700N at $119 / £99 / AU$199. This should give everyone with a smaller budget several options.

Final thoughts: But we haven’t just included headphones because they’re cheap. We highly recommend all of the devices in our guide above. Even if they don’t all offer sonic sound performance, they all represent excellent value for money.

Overall, there’s no going wrong with any of the headphones in this guide. They’re all affordable, great value and offer some top features and decent sound. But it is worth taking the time to consider what’s important to you – just because headphones are cheap doesn’t always mean they’re worth it.

Which are the cheapest headphones? You’ll find lots of cheap headphones online, especially if you hunt on Amazon. There are some true wireless and wired earbuds there that are incredibly cheap. But even if you’re on a tight budget, we’d urge you to look at our top recommended cheapest headphones, rather than just the cheapest you can find. Even if they don’t cost much, buying a cheap pair that aren’t any good will still feel like a waste of cash. The cheapest headphones in this guide are the JLab Go Air Pop, which retail for $20 / £20 / AU$49.95. They’re not a perfect pair of true wireless earbuds, but deliver good audio and a comfy design considering their price.

Do cheap headphones sound good? The cheap headphones in this guide all sound good and pack in enough audio tech to deliver your music in a way that’s balanced, loud enough and bassy. Of course, what sounds good and what doesn’t is subjective. For some of the budget prices above, you won’t be getting the high-end audio that you’d expect from some of the best headphones and best earbuds you can buy today. But we’ve tested each pair of the best cheap headphones we’ve included in this guide and although none of them provide a stellar, premium audio experience, they sound good enough for accompanying you on a workout, blocking out some sounds as you travel or providing you with a good backup if you need a reliable second pair of buds.

Why do cheap headphones have so much bass? When it comes to the best cheap headphones you’ll often find there’s a trade off to make them so cheap. They might have fantastic battery life but a plasticky design or they might have a comfy fit but the sound is only mediocre. Something that you might notice if you try cheap headphones is that they have a bit too much bass. This is sometimes intentional and headphone makers are trying to create a product with mass appeal. Other times it could simply be that the headphones aren’t great quality. Finally, many cheap headphones don’t come with many customization options, so by default they might have a lot of bass but, unlike premium headphones, you don’t have an option to tweak their settings.

Are cheap headphones worth it? We think all the budget headphones in this guide are worth considering – but if you’re ever unsure about buying a pair of cheap headphones, be sure to look into their specs. These days, you don’t need to settle for poor sound if you’re on a budget, so look for large drivers that can displace lots of air and give you a powerful sound. Support for hi-res audio codecs might not be on the cards for cheaper models, but wireless headphones should have good connectivity and will ideally use the latest Bluetooth 5 standard. Wireless headphones should also offer a decent battery life – if not class-leading, budget wireless headphones should at least be able to get you through a few commutes or workouts. Build quality probably won’t be as good as more expensive headphones, but they should still be comfortable to wear. What about extras? While you can get cheap headphones with extra features like noise cancellation, pricier headphones will probably perform better when it comes to these quality-of-life extras.

What are the best cheap headphones brands? It may surprise you to know that lots of big brands offer cheaper versions of their flagships headphones. Sony have several budget-friendly models in our guide that are worth checking out. As for less well-known brands? We wouldn’t recommend taking a risk on a totally unknown headphones brand on Amazon, but there are a few out there that are worth checking out. These include Earfun, 1More, Skullcandy, Jlab, Jabra, and more.

How we test the best cheap headphones

WHY YOU CAN TRUST TECHRADAR ☑️ More than 3,000 headphones reviewed

☑️ 15 years of product testing

☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total

☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech

It’s no surprise that cheap earbuds won’t match high-end ones, so we judge budget options against similarly priced competition. Our testing ensures they offer clear, detailed sound without the dreaded tinny quality that’s common in lower-end models.

We assess both wired and wireless options, listening across various genres for several days. Where it applies to the headphones we’re testing, we also evaluate features like ANC, battery life, usability, and companion apps, considering how well they perform at this price point.

Comfort, design, and ergonomics matter too. We note how they feel during extended wear to help you find the right fit. Finally, we compare performance to price, ensuring every pick offers solid value.

Take a look at our more rigorous explanation about how we test products here at TechRadar and, more specifically, how we test earbuds.

July 21, 2025

Swapped the Sony WF-C700N for the Nothing Ear (a) as our ‘Best still-affordable ANC earbuds’ because they’re cheap and well worth buying, but not quite as cheap as the JLab Pop ANC. Added more details to each entry to make it easier to choose the ideal earbuds for you. Added several new entries to the ‘Also consider’ section, including the Apple AirPods 4 and Sony WH-C720N, based on recent testing.

April 7, 2025

Swapped the Earfun Wave Pro for the 1More HQ51 as our ‘best overall’ pick based on our recent testing. Added the Earfuns to our ‘also consider’ section, as they’re still well worth your time for the right price.

March 14, 2025

Refreshed the introduction and added a mention that the Sony WF-C710N have now leaked. Created an ‘other cheap headphones to consider’ section and included several models we’ve reviewed recently. Made our ‘how to choose’ advice easier to scan with headings and condensed sections.

January 31, 2025

Rewrote the introduction. Added a gallery of images to each recommendation, so readers can get a better look at the products we suggest. Edited our ‘how we test’ section to make it more useful to understand what made us select each of these products, and how we review them to ensure you can trust what we say.

December 5, 2024

Refreshed the introduction. Added the JLab Go Pop ANC as our ‘best super-cheap ANC’ pick based on our testing. Gave the Sony WF-C700N buds a ‘best still-affordable ANC’ label and changed the copy to explain we recommend them, but the JLabs are even cheaper.

October 4, 2024

Added the Sony WF-C510 as our best cheap earbuds pick, based on our recent testing.

August 9, 2024

Added the JLab JBuds Mini as our best super-cheap earbuds, based on current availability and our review.

June 12, 2024

Reordered and added new products in a conversion of this guide. Added Earfun Wave Pro, Sony WH-CH520, Sony WF-C700N, JLab Go Air Pop, Skullcandy Set USB-C and Final VR500.