Top Budget Headphones in 2025: Trusted Picks for Every Wallet

Explore the best budget headphones of 2025 with top models that balance quality sound, comfort, and features without breaking the bank.

Why Budget Headphones Still Rock in 2025

Budget headphones are among the best-selling tech gadgets worldwide, and with decades of testing experience, we've seen the evolution from wired buds and neckbands to fully wireless earbuds. We’ve tried countless pairs and know exactly which budget headphones give you the most bang for your buck—and which to skip.

Every pair featured here has been rigorously tested through our comprehensive headphone review process. From smaller brands like JLab and Nothing to industry giants like Sony, our recommendations come from real-world use and expert insight.

While budget headphones often require compromises—such as less effective active noise cancellation (ANC), fewer high-res audio features, or sound that’s not quite premium—they still provide excellent listening experiences without costing an arm and a leg. With many great options under $100, solid sound is achievable on a budget.

Quick Picks: Best Budget Headphones at a Glance

If you’re eager to jump straight to the best budget headphones, here’s a snapshot of our top choices. Scroll down for detailed reviews and use our price comparison tools to snag the best deals.

Best Overall Budget Wireless Headphones

1. Nothing Ear (a)

Best overall budget wireless earbuds

Nothing’s Ear (a) earbuds offer unbeatable value. Stylish, comfy, with lively sound and impressive ANC, they’re a no-brainer for anyone who wants affordable earbuds that tick all the boxes.

Best Super-Budget Wireless Headphones

2. JLab Go Pop ANC

Best ultra-budget wireless earbuds

These incredibly cheap earbuds pack a punch with energetic sound, comfortable fit, and surprisingly effective ANC—rare for such a low price point.

Best Mid-Range Budget Wireless Headphones

3. EarFun Air Pro 3

Best mid-range budget wireless earbuds

They might look plain, but these EarFun headphones boast premium features like ANC and multipoint pairing, with great battery life and solid sound.

Best Budget Open-Back Headphones

4. Huawei FreeArc

Best budget open-back earbuds

Among the most affordable open-back headphones we’ve tested, these offer surprisingly rich sound and keep you aware of your environment without sacrificing comfort.

Best Wired USB-C Headphones

5. Skullcandy Set USB-C

Best wired headphones with USB-C

If you prefer wired USB-C headphones, these deliver reliable, stylish earbuds with decent sound, all at a very low price.

Best Wired 3.5mm Headphones

6. SoundMagic E11C

Best wired 3.5mm headphones

A dependable, affordable choice for classic 3.5mm connections, boasting a snug fit, good passive noise isolation, premium looks, and solid sound.

Best Budget Headphones for Battery Life

7. Creative Zen Air SXFI

Best budget headphones for battery life

Featuring IPX5 water resistance and an impressive 35 to 40 hours playback time with the charging case, these are perfect low-cost earbuds built to last for workouts and long days.

Best Budget Neckband Headphones

8. SoundMAGIC E11BT

Best cheap neckband headphones

For those not ready to go fully wireless, these comfy neckband-style earbuds deliver great sound and solid value.

Best Cheap Wireless Headphones Without ANC

9. Sony WF-C510

Best cheap wireless earbuds without ANC

Although missing ANC, these earbuds shine with bright, energetic sound, 360 Reality Audio support, and strong battery life.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Budget Wireless Headphones

1. Nothing Ear (a) - Best Budget Wireless for Most

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	4.8 g per earbud
Frequency response	Not specified (except 5000 Hz range)
Drivers	11mm custom driver
Battery life	5.5h (9.5h without ANC) earbuds, 24.5h (42.5h without ANC) with case

Pros:

• Fun, lively, immersive sound
• Really good active noise cancellation
• Compact, pocket-friendly case

Cons:

• No wireless charging
• No spatial audio or personalized sound support

Buy if:

• You want affordable ANC with solid sound quality.
• You care about style and comfort.

Skip if:

• You need spatial audio features.
• You have very small ears (small tips available but may not fit the tiniest ears).

Priced at $99, the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds blend style, comfort, and features like multipoint connectivity, ear detection, and LDAC support for high-res audio. Their ANC is surprisingly effective, making them a standout value.

"There's so much to enjoy about the sound here, I just couldn't find any fault." — Reviewer

2. JLab Go Pop ANC - Best Super-Budget Wireless Buds

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	4.1 g each earbud
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Drivers	10mm dynamic
Battery life	7h earbuds (with ANC), 24+h total with case

Pros:

• Extremely low price
• Decent ANC for the price
• Impressive bass and highs

Cons:

• Slightly cheap-looking
• Mids not very rich
• Limited color options

Buy if:

• You want tiny, ultra-light earbuds.
• You need ANC on a tight budget.

Skip if:

• You demand audiophile-grade sound.
• Style is a top priority.

At just $29.99, these earbuds deliver surprising features such as ANC adjustable via the JLab app, customizable EQ presets, and a lightweight design with IP55 water resistance.

3. EarFun Air Pro 3 - Best Mid-Range Budget Wireless Earbuds

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	52 g
Battery life	9h earbuds (ANC off), 7h (ANC on); 36-37h with case

Pros:

• Great all-rounder
• Excellent battery life
• Reliable noise cancellation

Cons:

• No wear sensor
• Fun but not outstanding sound
• Unconventional stem design

Buy if:

• You want versatile, reliable earbuds under $100.
• Long battery life is important.

Skip if:

• You want ANC that creates a cocoon of silence.
• You need class-leading sound fidelity.

4. Huawei FreeArc - Best Budget Open-Back Earbuds

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Open
Weight	8.9 g per earbud / Case: 67 g
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Drivers	17mm x 12mm
Battery life	7h earbuds, 23h total

Pros:

• High-quality sound
• Competitive price
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• App loading issues
• Average battery life
• Would benefit from ANC

Buy if:

• Sound quality is your top priority.
• You want secure, comfortable wear for active use.

Skip if:

• You rely on Android and prefer hassle-free apps.
• You need noise isolation in loud environments.

5. Skullcandy Set USB-C - Best Wired USB-C Headphones

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	15 g
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Drivers	9mm dynamic

Pros:

• Decent sound for price
• Comfortable for long sessions
• Sleek design

Cons:

• No volume buttons on controller
• Cable noise can interfere
• Not the fullest sound

Buy if:

• Comfort is a priority.
• You like sharp-looking earbuds.

Skip if:

• You want earbuds for walks or active use.
• Sound quality is your top priority.

6. SoundMagic E11C - Best Wired 3.5mm Headphones

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	5.2 g per earbud
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Drivers	5.8 mm dynamic
Battery life	6.5h earbuds, 13.5h case, 20h total

Pros:

• Elegant design
• Good volume levels
• Noise isolation

Cons:

• Bass can be muddy
• Adapter needed for most phones

Buy if:

• You appreciate stylish, premium-feeling gear.
• You need a 3.5mm connection.

Skip if:

• You want high-end sound.
• You prefer bass-heavy listening.

7. Creative Zen Air SXFI - Best Battery Life Budget Wireless

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	40 g
Drivers	10 mm
Battery life	Up to 39h (12h charging)

Pros:

• Good sound quality
• IPX5 water resistance
• Impressive battery life

Cons:

• Ambient mode issues
• Ineffective ANC
• Super X-Fi tech feels incomplete

Buy if:

• You want endurance and outdoor-ready earbuds.
• IPX5 rating is important.

Skip if:

• You need effective noise blocking.
• You’re a heavy phone user with earbuds.

8. SoundMAGIC E11BT - Best Budget Neckband Wireless

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	24.7 g
Drivers	10mm dynamic neodymium
Battery life	20h

Pros:

• Elegant design
• Very comfortable
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Treble can sound sharp

Buy if:

• You want a neckband, not fully wireless.
• You want cheap workout earbuds.

Skip if:

• You want fully wireless earbuds.
• You want ANC.

9. Sony WF-C510 - Best Cheap Wireless Without ANC

Feature	Value
Acoustic design	Closed
Weight	31 g
Drivers	6 mm
Battery life	11h earbuds, 11h case

Pros:

• Lively, skilled audio
• 360 Reality Audio support
• Great battery life onboard, small case

Cons:

• Some missing features
• Confusing EQ mode
• Limited case battery life

Buy if:

• You like bright, vocal-forward sound.
• You want affordable Sony earbuds.

Skip if:

• You need ANC.
• You want earbuds for long trips without power.

Other Budget Headphone Options to Consider

If none of the above fit your needs, here are some other budget-friendly headphones worth a look:

• Anker Soundcore C40i – Open-back clip-style earbuds with good bass but less secure fit.
• Apple AirPods 4 – Fun sound and spatial audio, stable fit but pricier.
• CMF Buds Pro 2 – Cheap and colorful but only average sound.
• Earfun Air 2 NC – Energetic bass and customizable ANC but weaker detail.
• Earfun Air Pro 4 – Good earbuds but cluttered user experience.
• Earfun OpenJump – Decent open-back with good battery but average sound.
• Edifier LolliClip – Open-back with ANC and health tracking but app issues.
• Happy Plugs Clip – Lightweight and cheap but lacking sound and design quality.
• JLab JBuds Open Sport – Affordable open-back with fit and sound compromises.
• OnePlus Buds 3 & Pro 3 – Good spatial audio and ANC but higher price.
• Sony WF-C700N & WF-C710N – Older but capable budget ANC earbuds.
• Xiaomi Buds 5 – Good sound but fit, battery, and app issues.

How to Choose the Best Budget Wireless Headphones

Buying budget headphones can be tricky. You want great sound without surprises. Here’s what to consider:

• Active Noise Cancellation: Usually limited in budget gear. Look for models like EarFun Air Pro 3 or Nothing Ear (a) for decent ANC.
• Sound Quality: Seek headphones supporting Hi-Res Audio codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive if your device supports it.
• Battery Life: Check headphone-only battery life, especially with ANC on/off, not just combined case life.
• Design: Decide between neckband or fully wireless earbuds based on your lifestyle.
• Stability: For workouts, find earbuds with secure fit tips or fins.
• Ease of Use: Assess app availability, control options, and features like auto-pause or volume controls.

How We Test Budget Wireless Headphones

We rigorously test headphones for price, sound quality, features, and comfort. Our testing spans various environments—from quiet rooms to noisy planes—and includes long listening sessions and workouts to assess ANC, fit, and battery life. Our tests ensure you get honest recommendations for the best sound at your price.

"This vintage-inspired vinyl player offers balanced design, rich features, gorgeous sound, and the best price-to-performance ratio in the market."

Conclusion

Finding the perfect budget headphones in 2025 means balancing sound quality, features, and comfort without overspending. Whether you want powerful ANC, long-lasting battery life, or classic wired options, there’s a reliable pair waiting for you. What’s your top priority when picking budget headphones?

FAQs

• Which budget headphones have the best active noise cancellation?
  Nothing Ear (a) and EarFun Air Pro 3 offer some of the best ANC in budget earbuds.
• Are wired headphones still worth buying in 2025?
  Absolutely! Wired options like SoundMagic E11C and Skullcandy Set USB-C provide excellent sound and reliability, especially if you prefer classic connections.
• What battery life can I expect from budget earbuds?
  Battery life varies, but models like Creative Zen Air SXFI can last up to 39 hours with the case, while others offer around 7-11 hours per charge.
• Are open-back budget earbuds good for noisy places?
  Open-back designs like Huawei FreeArc allow ambient sound in, so they’re better for quiet environments or when you want awareness, not noise isolation.
• Can budget earbuds support high-resolution audio?
  Some, like Nothing Ear (a), support LDAC, enabling better sound quality if your device also supports it.

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