Best Budget Headphones in 2026: Top Models for Quality Sound

Explore our expert picks for the best budget headphones in 2026, combining quality sound and affordability.

Navigating the World of Budget Headphones

If you’ve ever scoured the market for budget-friendly headphones, you know how overwhelming the choices can be. But here’s the good news: we've done the heavy lifting. Our team of seasoned experts, equipped with decades of experience testing affordable audio gear, has filtered through countless models to spotlight the best headphones at different price points.

Every pair featured here has undergone rigorous testing through our strict evaluation process. This means our recommendations are grounded not just in specs, but in real-world use across diverse environments.

Of course, budget models come with compromises—a decent, rather than stellar, noise cancellation; solid, not spectacular, sound. For premium picks, there are other guides. But if you’re aiming to spend anywhere from under $40 to under $100, there’s plenty of great gear here that will enhance your everyday listening.

Best Budget Headphones You Can Buy

Best Cheap Headphones Under $40

1. JLab Go Pods ANC

Super affordable wireless earbuds that feel way pricier than they are.

Features:

• Acoustic design: Closed
• Weight: 4.2 g (earbud); 27.6 g (case)
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Drivers: 10 mm dynamic
• Battery life: 7.5 hours (earbuds); 26 hours (case)

Pros:

• Effective noise cancellation for the price
• Lightweight design
• Truly budget-friendly

Cons:

• Ear tips may not fit all ears well
• Transparency mode is a bit aggressive
• Sound quality understandably limited

Who should buy them?

• If you want active noise cancellation (ANC) on a shoestring budget. Usually a feature of pricier models, JLab brings it to the affordable crowd—a huge plus if you crave quiet without breaking the bank.
• If charging from your phone is your thing. The built-in cable lets you top up the case directly from your phone or laptop, handy on the go.

Who should skip?

• If you’re picky about ear tips. The included ones are basic; swapping them out is recommended for better fit and stability.
• If you need all-day battery life. With ANC on, you’re looking at about five hours — great for short commutes, less so for marathon listening sessions.

If your budget screams must be cheap but you still want solid performance, JLab Go Pods ANC are tough to beat. They pack decent ANC, good sound, and featherlight comfort for an official price of just $36.99 — and you can often snag them cheaper during sales.

What’s impressive here is how much you get for so little, especially ANC that actually dampens a surprising amount of outside noise. Plus, the JLab app offers customizable touch controls and EQ settings. Battery life is respectable too: 7.5 hours with ANC active and 26 hours total with the charging case.

Sound-wise, these earbuds punched above their weight. Compared to other cheap buds, they deliver bright, clear highs and mids with a commendably wide soundstage. The volume goes loud without distortion, a rarity in this price zone.

Design-wise, the “stem” style is small and lightweight, matched by a compact case with a built-in USB-C cable. Charging on the fly is convenient, though the cable sometimes felt a bit fiddly in testing. The supplied ear tips offer minimal friction, so a snug fit might require swapping them out — luckily, the standard fit means plenty of aftermarket options.

In short, if you want the best bang for your buck with solid features and ANC, JLab Go Pods ANC should be on your radar.

Best Budget Headphones Under $60

2. EarFun Air Pro 3

The best cheap upgrade if you want a step up in quality.

Features:

• Acoustic design: Closed
• Weight: 52 g (case + earbuds)
• Battery life: ANC off – 9 hrs (earbuds), 36 hrs (case); ANC on – 7 hrs (earbuds), 37 hrs (case)

Pros:

• Solid all-rounder
• Excellent battery life
• Good noise cancellation

Cons:

• No wear sensor for auto-pause
• Sound is energetic but not exceptional
• Design is fairly plain

When to buy:

• You want dependable, versatile earbuds with reliable ANC, comfort, and long battery life—all for under $60.
• You dislike constantly recharging; these deliver on stamina.

When to hold off:

• If you crave ANC that fully blocks out the world, these won’t cocoon you in silence like top-tier models do.
• If sound quality is your obsession, these are good but not audiophile-grade.

The EarFun Air Pro 3 aren’t flashy, but they nail what most listeners want: comfort, solid ANC, and endurance. Nine hours on a charge plus 36 hours with the case means you can confidently go all day without hunting for a charger. Next-gen features like Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support sweeten the deal.

Noise cancellation here is respectable, enough to block low-level distractions and help you focus during busy commutes or office hours. The sound comes through powerful and punchy—think Stevie Nicks’ Edge of Seventeen, with crisp vocals and energy to spare. Bass can get a tad muddy on heavy tracks, but that’s a minor flaw for the price.

At 52 grams total, they’re lightweight and comfy, despite the plastic-y feel of the buds. All told, EarFun Air Pro 3 offer a generous feature set that impresses far beyond their budget tag.

Best Budget Headphones Under $100

3. Nothing Ear (a)

Top budget earbuds if you’re willing to spend a bit more.

Features:

• Acoustic design: Closed
• Weight: 4.8 g per earbud
• Drivers: 11 mm custom
• Battery life: 5.5 hrs with ANC (9.5 hrs without); total 24.5 hrs with case (42.5 hrs without ANC)

Pros:

• Energetic, spacious sound
• Truly effective ANC
• Compact, stylish case

Cons:

• Shorter battery life compared to peers
• No LE Audio, Auracast, or spatial audio
• Not ideal for very small ears

Buy if:

• You want affordable earbuds with some of the best ANC in the budget realm and great sound.
• Style matters—you’ll turn heads with these cool, transparent minimalistic earbuds.

Skip if:

• You need spatial audio features like those in Sony WF-C710N or WF-C510.
• Your ears are on the tiny side; these might not fit perfectly.

Nothing Ear (a) hits a sweet spot between price and performance, officially retailing at $99. Often found at a 30% discount, they become a steal. Features include wear sensors, multi-point connectivity, fit tests, “Find My Earbuds,” and a low-latency gaming mode. LDAC support for high-res audio is a nice touch, though no future-proofing with LE Audio or Auracast here.

Call quality and ANC have made big leaps from previous Nothing models, with ANC impressively blocking noise—explaining the somewhat shorter battery life with it on. Sound-wise, reviewers praised the punchy and lively output, summing it up as “there’s so much to celebrate with the sound here, I can’t complain.”

Design is a standout too—futuristic yet understated, with a pocket-friendly case and comfortable fit for all-day wear.

If you're considering spending beyond the ultra-budget realm for reliable style, comfort, and sound quality, Nothing Ear (a) is a fantastic bet.

Best Open-Back Budget Headphones

4. Huawei FreeArc

Top choice for budget open-back headphones.

Features:

• Acoustic design: Open
• Weight: 8.9 g each earbud; 67 g case
• Frequency range: 20–20,000 Hz
• Drivers: 17 mm x 12 mm
• Battery life: 7 hrs (earbuds), 23 hrs total

Pros:

• Premium sound quality
• Competitive price
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• App installation can be tricky for Android users
• Average battery life
• Could benefit from ANC

Buy if:

• Sound quality is your #1 priority—these open-back buds break the mold by offering stellar audio for an open design.
• You need earbuds that won’t budge whether jogging or chilling at home.

Skip if:

• You’re Android user who dislikes tinkering with APK installs for the app.
• You plan to use headphones in very noisy places—open buds let in ambient sound.

Open-back headphones have surged in popularity, and Huawei FreeArc tops our list as a reliable, affordable option. Priced near $130, they're on the upper edge of budget territory but still a solid deal, especially with potential discounts.

Their soundstage and clarity defy typical open-back compromises, making them one of the best-sounding open buds tested at any price. Their wrap-around-ear design offers secure and comfy wear, while gesture controls and IP57 rating make them great for workouts.

Battery life is decent but not outstanding, and Android users may find the app setup less smooth. Still, without the app, you get clean, spacious sound that’s hard to beat at this price.

Best Clip-Style Budget Headphones

5. Soundpeats Clip1

Best budget clip-style earbuds.

Features:

• Acoustic design: Open
• Weight: 5 g each earbud
• Drivers: 12 mm
• Battery life: 8 hrs earbuds, 32 hrs case

Pros:

• Great listening test results
• Comfortable fit
• Competitive price

Cons:

• Low max volume
• Case feels cheap
• Touch controls can be finicky

Buy if:

• You want personalized sound—Soundpeats offer a simple, effective hearing test for tailored audio.
• You need cheap earbuds for workouts; open design suits running and cycling.

Skip if:

• You need ANC or high volume for noisy environments.
• You prefer ultra-compact cases.

Clip-style open earbuds have exploded in popularity, and Soundpeats Clip1 prove you don’t need to spend big to get into the trend. These “cuff” earbuds clip snugly around your ear for surprising stability during movement, boasting IPX5 water resistance for sweating it out.

The sound is clear and energetic, though bass and power are modest. The hearing test feature stands out for helping dial in your perfect mix. Downsides include low maximum volume and no ANC, so they’re best for quieter spaces.

Best Cheap USB-C Headphones

6. Skullcandy Set USB-C

Best budget wired USB-C headphones.

Features:

• Acoustic design: Closed
• Weight: 15 g
• Frequency range: 20–20,000 Hz
• Drivers: 9 mm dynamic
• Battery life: Unlimited (wired)

Pros:

• Solid sound for the price
• Comfortable for long listening
• Stylish design

Cons:

• No volume buttons on controller
• Cable noise can be distracting
• Sound lacks richness

Buy if:

• Comfort is key; these stay put without fuss and feel great all day.
• You want a fun, colorful look with dependable wired performance.

Skip if:

• You want earbuds for walking—cable noise and no volume control make them less ideal.
• Audio quality is your top priority.

Skullcandy Set USB-C fills the gap for those with devices lacking 3.5mm jacks but still wanting wired reliability. Their sleek design and four color options bring style to a simple package. While volume control is absent and cable noise noticeable, their comfort and solid sound make them a savvy budget choice.

Other Noteworthy Tested Options

Here are a few more contenders worth a glance if the above didn’t quite fit your needs. They stood out in some areas but didn't make our top picks.

• Anker Soundcore C40i: Great bass for clip-style buds, but fit and sound fall short compared to Huawei FreeArc.
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 5: Detail and bass impressed but ANC was unimpressive; solid but beatable.
• Apple AirPods 4: Fun and spatial audio with surprisingly stable fit, but pricier options exist.
• CMF Buds Pro 2: Budget and colorful but sound and features underwhelm.
• Earfun Air 2 NC: Energetic bass and ANC, but sound detail and balance lag behind.
• Earfun Air Pro 4 & Air Pro 4 Plus: Good features and battery but overloaded UI hurts user experience.
• Earfun OpenJump: Affordable open buds with decent battery but average sound.
• Edifier LolliClip: Open with ANC and health features, but app issues drag down experience.
• Final Audio ZE3000 SV: Lightweight with balanced sound but somewhat dull overall.
• Google Pixel Buds 2a: Improved over previous but still only borderline budget, with decent ANC.
• Happy Plugs Clip: Lightweight and super cheap but lacking in sound and design.
• JLab Go Pop ANC: Ultra-cheap with good features but less favored than JLab Go Pods ANC.
• JLab JBuds Open Sport: Affordable open buds with weak midrange and fit issues.
• Meze Audio Alba: Not strictly budget but offers audiophile sound if you have a bit more to spend.
• OnePlus Buds 3 & Pro 3: Great if paired with OnePlus devices, but not strictly budget-friendly.
• Shokz OpenDots One: High-end clip buds that keep ear canals open; pricey but less than Bose.
• Sony WF-C700N & WF-C710N: Once top budget picks with great sound and ANC; still a bargain if found discounted.
• Xiaomi Buds 5: Decent sound but let down by fit, battery, and app frustrations.

How to Choose the Best Budget Wireless Headphones

Buying budget headphones can feel like navigating a minefield. You might find a gem or end up with gear that barely works. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Often sacrificed on cheaper models. If ANC matters, focus on models like EarFun Air Pro 3 or Nothing Ear (a). Otherwise, simpler, cheaper options might suffice.
• Sound Quality: Prioritize models supporting high-res audio codecs like aptX Adaptive or LDAC if your phone supports them, boosting audio performance.
• Battery Life: Don’t just look at “total” time including case recharges; focus on actual earbud playback time especially with ANC on/off.
• Design: Consider if you want fully wireless earbuds or neckbuds with connecting cables.
• Fit & Stability: For workouts, look for earbuds with secure fit features like fins or multiple ear tip sizes.
• Ease of Use: Check if the headphones have companion apps, volume controls, and auto-pause features. These small conveniences matter.

How We Test Budget Wireless Headphones

Our testing is relentless and detailed. We prioritize affordability (under $100) and check sound quality, features, comfort, and battery life. We test earbuds across quiet rooms, noisy planes, and active settings like walks and workouts. Battery claims get verified with real sessions. While budget headphones can’t match high-end models, our independent tests ensure you get the best value for your money.

“Every pair featured here has undergone rigorous testing through our strict evaluation process.” — Expert Review Team

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FAQ

• What should I expect from budget headphones in terms of sound?
  Budget headphones often deliver solid sound but may lack the depth and clarity of premium models. Look for earbuds with high-res audio codecs for the best experience.
• Is active noise cancellation common in budget headphones?
  ANC is rare below $50 but found in select models like JLab Go Pods ANC and EarFun Air Pro 3. It’s usually less effective than in pricier earbuds.
• How important is battery life?
  Very. Especially with ANC on, earbuds may last significantly less. Check actual playback times for earbuds, not just total case capacity.
• Are wired USB-C headphones still relevant?
  Absolutely, especially for devices without headphone jacks. Wired USB-C options like Skullcandy Set USB-C offer dependable sound with no battery worries.
• Can I use budget headphones for workouts?
  Yes, models with secure fit designs and water resistance ratings like Soundpeats Clip1 or Huawei FreeArc are great for exercise.