Top Budget Headphones in 2025: Best Affordable Models Reviewed

Looking for the best budget headphones? Explore our top affordable picks for wired and wireless models that deliver great sound without breaking the bank.

Introduction: Quality Sound on a Budget

Sure, Sony WH-1000XM6 might be the cream of the crop in wireless headphones. But let’s be honest— not everyone wants to splurge on high-end gear. Whether your budget’s tight or you simply have other priorities, there are fantastic budget headphones available in 2025.

Sony still leads the pack in the budget segment (think headphones priced under about $130), but you’ve got plenty of great alternatives too. Whether you want wired or wireless, in-ear or over-ear, there’s something here for everyone—even a pair of AirPods for those who love a good deal.

With over a century of combined experience testing headphones, we can spot a great pair from a mile away, no matter the price. We always compare contenders to their closest rivals, and our verdicts come from the full team, not just one reviewer—to keep bias out of the picture.

Quick Picks: Best Budget Headphones Overview

Best Wired In-Ear Headphones

SoundMagic E11C
Released seven years ago, these still sound magical, earning top marks for sound quality, build, and price.

Best Wireless In-Ear Headphones

Sony WF-C510
With improved battery life, a new ambient sound mode, and a sweet low starting price, Sony’s cheapest wireless buds are a big step up from their predecessors.

Best Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones

Sony WF-C710N
Tough to follow a “Product of the Year,” but Sony nailed it. These buds take everything we loved about the C700N and raise the bar.

Best Wired Over-Ear Headphones

Austrian Audio Hi-X15
Clean, open sound with tons of detail earned this pair an award. You’d pay a lot more to beat these.

Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Sony WH-CH520
Loads of features, great battery life, and balanced, engaging sound—all for under $50.

Best AirPods for Budget Buyers

Apple AirPods (2019)
The older AirPods still deliver what makes the brand special, but at a lower price point. No longer sold by Apple but easily found elsewhere.

1. SoundMagic E11C: Best Wired In-Ear Earbuds

Price: $45.99

Pros:

• Engaging sound
• Remote and microphone included
• Easy to drive

Cons:

• Timing isn't perfect

When it comes to great cheap headphones, SoundMagic E11C is the granddaddy of them all. Released in 2018, it still wins awards today as the best wired in-ear headphones under $130 (What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024). Imagine Anthony Hopkins winning an Oscar at 83 to get the idea.

Why still worth buying? They have a great pedigree. The E10 and E10C were previous leaders, and the E11C builds on that with better drivers and an upgraded silver-plated cable. The sound keeps the SoundMagic warmth but with deeper bass and clear highs, plus a clean and lively midrange.

“Listen to Drake’s ‘God’s Plan’ and the deep sub-bass thumps with warmth and depth, while hi-hats tick crisply atop the highs. Drake’s processed vocals comfortably sit in the midrange with clarity being a strong point.”

Only downside: price hasn’t dropped much over the years, but given its initial affordability, that’s understandable.

2. Sony WF-C510: Best Wireless In-Ear Earbuds for Budget

Price: $34.99

Pros:

• Compact and comfortable design
• Energetic, well-balanced sound
• Excellent management app

Cons:

• Average battery life
• Slightly small-scale sound
• Many serious competitors

Sony’s WF-C510 earbuds are a worthy replacement for the award-winning C500. Launching cheaper, packed with features like longer battery life, ambient sound mode, Bluetooth multipoint, and IPX4 water resistance, these are a great budget wireless option.

They deliver fun and musical sound with Sony’s signature rhythmic and musical abilities that keep any track tight and engaging.

3. Sony WF-C710N: Best Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones

Price: About $130

Pros:

• Rich, controlled bass
• Excellent musicality
• Clear, detailed, dynamic sound
• Improved ANC vs previous model

Cons:

• Bulkier case and earbuds
• No aptX or LDAC support
• Controls could be more customizable

This is a great step up from the WF-C510 without breaking the bank. Larger and heavier than the C700N predecessors, with new touch controls, double the battery life, and better noise cancellation thanks to Sony’s dual noise sensors.

Sonically, they offer more bass weight, better detail retrieval, and natural vocal warmth, making them the best budget ANC earbuds under $130.

4. Austrian Audio Hi-X15: Best Wired Over-Ear Headphones

Price: $99

Pros:

• Clean, open sound
• Extracts plenty of detail
• Impressive rhythm sense

Cons:

• Requires lengthy break-in
• Needs matching audio gear

Despite the wireless craze, wired headphones like these from Austrian Audio, founded by former AKG engineers, still deliver outstanding sound quality. The Hi-X15s offer analytical detail with musical soul intact, revealing textures and dynamics across the frequency spectrum.

“Play ‘The End’ by Kings of Leon, and the Hi-X15 effortlessly separates the funky bass guitar riff, the drum kit, and the guitar solo. You can almost feel the texture of each instrument.”

They provide enough weight in the lows without losing subtlety, and pairing with a good DAC or amp will reward you with mature, refined sound well above their price.

5. Sony WH-CH520: Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Price: $39.99

Pros:

• Balanced and engaging sound
• Excellent battery life
• Helpful and extensive management app

Cons:

• Dynamically reserved
• Could be more insightful

If you want a stripped-down version of Sony’s premium WH-1000XM6 headphones for a fraction of the price, the WH-CH520 is a solid pick. It offers Bluetooth multipoint, voice assistant support, on-cup controls, and great sound customization through Sony’s app.

Sound quality is very good with solid, controlled bass and a balanced frequency response. Plus, the whopping 50-hour battery life is phenomenal for this price.

6. Apple AirPods (2019): Best Budget AirPods for Apple Fans

Price: $79

Pros:

• Tonal balance
• Improved sonic refinement
• Flawless wireless tech

Cons:

• Not for everyone
• No buttons
• Slightly sharp at high volume

These second-generation Apple AirPods are no longer sold by Apple but widely available elsewhere at budget prices. They pair flawlessly with iOS devices, with a stable connection and neutral, unprocessed sound quality.

For better sound and more features, AirPods 4 is the upgraded option, but many will find these a worthy bargain.

Other Budget Headphone Alternatives to Consider

Here are some more budget picks we tested:

• Soundmagic E80D: USB-C wired earbuds for modern devices, highly rated for value and sound.
• Earfun Air: Wireless buds with voice assistant, wireless charging, and decent sound for under $70.
• JBL Live Pro 2 TWS: Wireless earbuds packed with features and engaging sound under $130.
• Røde NTH-100: Studio-quality wired headphones now available at half price.
• Sony WF-C500: Older wireless buds with less battery and fewer features but still a good buy.
• Sony WF-C700N: Former “Product of the Year” noise-cancelling buds, now priced lower after WF-C710N release.

How to Choose the Best Budget Headphones

Wired vs. Wireless

Budget headphones include wired and wireless options, in-ear and over-ear. Wireless is convenient but often pricier. Choose based on your needs and preferences.

Noise Cancelling?

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is mostly found in wireless models in this price range. Wired models rarely offer it. Budget ANC won’t match premium models but is still useful.

Modern Features to Look For

• Bluetooth Multipoint: Connect to multiple devices and switch smoothly.
• Water Resistance: IPX4 or higher if you exercise or sweat a lot.
• Comfort: Weight and fit matter; read reviews carefully.

Our Testing Approach

We test headphones in real-world settings—on buses, trains, noisy cafes—to see how they perform for you. We compare each model with top competitors, allow break-in time, listen to diverse music, test all features, and reach team consensus to avoid bias.

FAQs

• How do you connect budget headphones?
  For Bluetooth models, put them in pairing mode, enable Bluetooth on your device, and select the headphones from the list. AirPods pair automatically by opening the case near an iPhone and tapping connect.
• Are budget headphones actually good?
  Spending more usually improves sound and features, but many budget headphones sound excellent for most listeners—even audiophiles can be surprised.
• Can wired headphones have noise cancellation?
  Rarely, especially in budget models. ANC is mostly found in wireless headphones now.
• How important is waterproofing in budget headphones?
  If you are active or sweat a lot, look for at least IPX4 water resistance to improve durability and comfort.
• What’s the best headphone type for comfort on a budget?
  Over-ear headphones generally offer more comfort for longer sessions, while in-ear buds are more portable. Weight and materials also affect comfort.

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