Being on a budget doesn't mean you should deny yourself good quality audio.

But with the tons of affordable options out there, how do you know which ones are worth spending your hard-earned money on and which ones aren't worth a second look?

Luckily, there are several options out there that will give you an excellent bang for your buck.

Here are the best affordable headphones available today.

Professional grade headphones need not be expensive. One such device, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, offers the highest quality professionals expect without breaking the bank. These wired headphones sport a detachable cable and come with two options: a straight design best for casual listening and a coiled wire best for studio use.

The earcups also swivel by 90 degrees, allowing for easy one-ear use. It also has a comfortable design, allowing you to use it all day with little to no fatigue. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x features 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets, allowing you to enjoy your music clearly. It also has an accurate sound profile, so you're going to hear the audio as it was recorded.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x boasts equalizer settings you set on your device, meaning they will be accurately transmitted to your ears with this pair of headphones.

Key Features
  • Features 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets
  • Tuned to provide the most accurate sound possible
  • Comfortable design allows all-day use with no fatigue
Specifications
  • Brand: Audio-Technica
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Material: Faux Leather and Plastic Frame
  • Bluetooth: N/A
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Collapsible design for easy portability
  • Includes coiled and straight cables
  • Earcups swivel by 90 degrees for one-ear use
Cons
  • Flat sound profile may require custom EQ settings for some listeners
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Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Headphones

Sony is known for making one of the best and most expensive wireless headphones on the market. But even if you're on a budget, you can still enjoy Sony's high audio quality, albeit with fewer features. And that's what the WH-CH510 offers—a high-quality audio experience at an affordable price.

You can get up to 35 hours of continuous playback on this device, allowing you to listen all day. And if you forget to charge, it only takes as little as ten minutes to get an additional 90 minutes of listening. It's also compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, making it awfully useful for interacting with your digital assistants.

Best of all, this device sports the latest technology, like USB-C for charging and Bluetooth 5.0 for a reliable wireless connection. It also has intuitive physical buttons, allowing you to control your music and volume without thinking about it.

Key Features
  • Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 for a reliable audio connection
  • Lasts up to 35 hours of continuous playback on a single charge
  • Uses physical buttons for intuitive audio control
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Battery Life: Up to 35 hours
  • Material: Synthetic leather and plastic
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.29lbs
  • Colors: Black
Pros
  • Comes in three different colors
  • Compatible with Siri and Google Assistant
  • 10-minute quick charge provides 90 minutes of listening
Cons
  • Doesn't include noise canceling technology
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Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones

If you're on a tight budget but still require a good pair of headphones, you can opt for Panasonic's entry-level offering. This wired pair gives you high-quality audio through its dual 30mm neodymium drivers. It has a frequency response range between 10Hz and 27,000Hz and can handle a maximum power input of 1000mW. These ensure crisp audio clarity no matter what audio you're playing.

Aside from listening to audio, you can also use this device with calls and voice assistants due to its built-in mic along its cord. You won't feel constrained when using it, as it has a 6.5-foot long cable, ensuring you have freedom even as you're using it.

If you purchase the Panasonic RP-HT161M Over-Ear Headphones, you won't have to worry that your headphones will look cheap. It comes in a stylish and premium matte black finish. It also has plush padded earpads, which effectively block ambient noise. You definitely will get the best bang for your buck with these headphones.

Key Features
  • Uses dual 30mm neodymium drivers with 10Hz to 27,000Hz frequency response
  • Maximum 1000mW power input ensures audio clarity
  • Includes built-in mic for use with calls and voice assistants
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Material: Soft, plush-padded earpads
  • Bluetooth: N/A
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Has a 6.5-foot cord for easy movement
  • Comes in a stylish matte black finish
  • Plush padded earpads effectively blocks ambient noise
Cons
  • Uses a non-detachable cable
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Panasonic RP-HT161M Over-Ear Headphones

Premium headphones with all the latest features usually cost a pretty penny. But if you're willing to overlook brand name products, you're bound to encounter some hidden gems in your search for the perfect headset. Enter the Anker Life Q30. This pair of wireless headphones offer almost all the bells and whistles you can find on premium devices but without the premium price. You get advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancelation technology, multi-device connection via Bluetooth 5.0, three ANC modes with Transparency Mode, and quick charge capability. It's also equipped with 40mm drivers that can reach up to 40,000Hz for excellent clarity. And if you need to listen to music all day long, it has protein leather ear cups with memory foam for long-term comfort. It also has 40 hours of battery life and can quick charge four hours of power in less than five minutes.

Key Features
  • Features advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancelation technology
  • 40mm drivers deliver crisp audio up to 40,000Hz for better clarity
  • Lasts up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge
Specifications
  • Brand: Anker
  • Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
  • Material: Protein leather earcups with memory foam
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Noise Cancellation: Digital Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: 2
  • Weight: 263g
  • Colors: Black, Blue, Pink
  • Audio codecs: SBC, AAC
Pros
  • A 5-minute charge gives 4 hours of audio
  • Seamlessly switches between two Bluetooth devices
  • Equipped with three ANC modes to tailor performance based on your location
Cons
  • No IP ingress protection rating
Buy This Product
Anker Life Q30 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Both professional musicians and audio enthusiasts like the Behringer HPS3000. This pair of studio headphones provide HiFi sound through its high-efficiency cobalt capsules, allowing you to get clear sound throughout its audio range. It also has a rugged construction, ensuring that you can use this pair through the years.

Even its oxygen-free cable, mounted on a single earcup, adds more durability to the wire, avoiding any internal breaks. This single-sided design also helps avoid tangles, making it more convenient to use and preventing accidental damage. For greater compatibility, the headphones also come with a quarter-inch TRS adapter. So you can use it with both your amplifier and smartphone.

Its oval-shaped ear cups are also optimized for long-listening sessions, so no matter what head shape you have, you'll feel comfortable using these studio headphones.

Key Features
  • Uses a high-efficiency cobalt capsule that delivers high fidelity sound across a wide range
  • Oval-shaped ear cups are optimized for long listening sessions
  • Single-sided oxygen-free cable helps you avoid tangling while adding more durability
Specifications
  • Brand: Behringer
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Material: Soft leather cushion and plastic
  • Bluetooth: N/A
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Provides clear bass and crisp treble
  • Comes with a quarter-inch TRS adapter for maximum compatibility
  • Rugged construction ensures it will last you through the years
Cons
  • Not designed for noise isolation
Buy This Product
Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones

Many top-end premium headphones offer an open-back design to deliver the best sound quality. But if you want to get the same experience without spending a premium, you should take a look at the Philips SHP9500. This headphone uses 50mm neodymium drivers, allowing you to enjoy your audio with unprecedented crispness and clarity.

The drivers themselves are angled optimally, allowing them to deliver music directly into your ears. It's also comfortable to use, with its breathable air cushions ensuring airflow to your ears as you use it.

The earphones have a 4.9-foot removable cable that lets you move freely as you use them. And you don't have to worry about it breaking, as its headband has a steel plate for added durability.

Key Features
  • Open-back design delivers the purest sound quality
  • Features 50mm neodymium drivers
  • Optimally designed with angled drivers delivering music directly into your ears
Specifications
  • Brand: Philips
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Material: Breathable cushions and steel headband
  • Bluetooth: N/A
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Steel headband construction for durability
  • Comes with a 4.9-foot removable cable for freedom of movement
  • Breathable air cushions make it comfortable for extended use
Cons
  • No microphone included
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Philips SHP9500 HiFi Stereo Headphones

Even if you're a gamer, you still need excellent sound quality. Competitive players need to have the best, most accurate sound stage so they can use auditory clues to locate their opponents. And you can get this kind of performance on a budget with the JBL Quantum 100 Gaming Headphones.

This device features the JBL QuantumSOUND Signature technology, which enhances every sound you hear. It's also compatible with the Windows 10 native surround sound system, further increasing the aural accuracy of this headphone. It uses memory foam cushions for the ear cups, allowing you to stay comfortable despite hours of gaming.

And to further enhance your communication with your teammates, you also get a detachable boom microphone in the box. You can clinch the win through excellent awareness and teamwork with the Quantum 100.

Key Features
  • Features JBL QuantumSOUND Signature technology
  • Wide compatibility, including PC, Mac, Mobile, and different gaming consoles
  • Compatible with the Windows 10 native surround sound system
Specifications
  • Brand: JBL
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Material: Soft PU leather
  • Bluetooth: N/A
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Comes in either black, white, or blue
  • Memory foam ear cushions provide all-day comfort
  • Comes with a detachable boom microphone for enhanced communication
Cons
  • Not designed for heavy-duty use
Buy This Product
JBL Quantum 100 Gaming Headphones

While not as stylish as other comparable designs from competing brands, the JVC HA-RX500 excels where it matters most—audio quality. This headphone is powered by two large 40mm neodymium drivers tuned to deliver sound faithful to its source. It also has a maximum input capacity of 1,200mW, ensuring you can enjoy the total output power of your device.

The JVC HA-RX500 uses an Ear Direct Structure design so that the soundwaves enter directly into your ears. The comfortable headband design lets you use it all day without fatigue.

And if you're using different devices, it also comes with a 6.3mm adapter for better compatibility. Its plugs are also gold-plated, ensuring maximum conductivity for excellent audio signal transmission.

Key Features
  • Large 40mm neodymium drivers
  • Maximum input capacity of 1,200mW for loudness and clarity
  • Ear Direct Structure design ensures direct sound entry into your ears
Specifications
  • Brand: JVC
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Material: Faux leather and plastic
  • Bluetooth: N/A
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Comfortable headband design for all day use
  • Includes a 6.3mm adapter for greater compatibility
  • Gold-plated plug ensures good signal conductivity
Cons
  • Not very stylish
Buy This Product
JVC HA-RX500 Headphones

When you prefer wireless headphones, the Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 lets you enjoy high-quality sound without the burden of being wired to your player. It also has two adjustable EQ settings, allowing you to set the audio quality to your taste—bass boost or balanced.

The noise-isolating ear cups fit comfortably around your head, allowing you to enjoy extended listening sessions. They also do an excellent job of blocking external sounds, letting you focus on the audio.

For navigating through your playlist, the GO 600 uses intuitive on-ear controls, letting you press it without needing to memorize its button placements. You also get 18 hours of continuous use and a wireless range of up to 33 feet—giving you the freedom to enjoy your music as much as you please.

Key Features
  • Plantronics signature sound lets you enjoy rich and crisp audio
  • With adjustable EQ settings so you can set the audio quality to your taste
  • Noise-isolating earcups fit comfortably for extended listening sessions
Specifications
  • Brand: Plantronics
  • Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
  • Material: Synthetic leather
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Lasts up to 18 hours of continuous use
  • Wireless range of up to 33 feet
  • Comes with intuitive on-ear controls
Cons
  • Only uses Bluetooth 4.1
Buy This Product
Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 Bluetooth Headphones

Listeners who prefer heavy bass will definitely appreciate the signature sound of the Philips SHB3175 BASS+ Wireless Headphones. It uses two 40mm speaker drivers especially tuned to give you deep bass you'll feel through your body. It also features excellent sound isolation, letting you focus on your music as it plays.

Its comfortable design will let you enjoy listening all day. It has 12 hours of battery power, letting you enjoy your music continuously. And once you're done listening, you easily fold it up for compact storage.

Using the headphones is also a breeze. It sports convenient and easy-to-use on-ear controls, allowing you to browse your music and accept calls easily. And when you need to charge it, you can use the included USB cable with your phone's charging brick.

Key Features
  • Uses 40mm speaker drivers
  • Excellent sound isolation lets you focus solely on your music
  • Convenient and intuitive on ear buttons for easy sound and call control
Specifications
  • Brand: Philips
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
  • Material: N/A
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.1
  • Noise Cancellation: N/A
  • Waterproof: N/A
Pros
  • Easily folds for compact storage
  • Lasts up to 12 hours of continuous listening
  • Exceptionally comfortable earcups and headband
Cons
  • No included 3.5mm audio cable in the box
Buy This Product
Philips SHB3175 BASS+ Wireless Headphones

FAQ

Q: Is Over-Ear Better Than On-Ear Headphones?

Not necessarily. While over-ear headphones typically offer marginally better audio quality, more significant sound isolation, and a heavier build, this comes at the price of bulkier form. On the other hand, on-ear headphones provide better portability and battery life.

If you're primarily using your headphones for travel, then an on-ear design might be better for you. But if you're using it for work and concentration, then the over-ear headphone might be preferable. The better option between the two will still depend on your preferences and use cases.

Q: How Many Hours Per Day Should You Use Headphones?

According to the American Osteopathic Association, you should limit your headphone use to 60 minutes per day. You should also keep volume levels at a maximum of 60 percent to avoid long-term hearing loss.

Q: What Are Open-Back Headphones?

Open-back headphones have open earcups that allow air to pass through. This feature avoids unwanted resonances and reduces low-frequency build-up. Because of this, these devices have a more natural and clear sound, making them preferable for most audiophiles.

The main drawback to this design is that it cannot isolate you from your environment and doesn't have active noise canceling technology. They're also typically pretty expensive.