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Finding headphones on a budget can be tricky, but you don't need to break the bank to get a decent listening experience. The headphones on this list generally aren't as comfortable or neutral-sounding as some of the more premium options, but you can find quality offerings at a reasonable price.
We've tested over 760headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best headphones and earbuds that you can find for under $50.Also, check out our picks for thebest earbuds under $50, thebest wireless earbuds under $50, and thebest gaming headsets under $50.
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BestHeadphones Under $50
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless 2
Neutral Sound
6.8
Commute/Travel
7.4
Sports/Fitness
7.1
Office
7.2
Wireless Gaming
5.3
Wired Gaming
7.0
Phone Calls
6.9
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling Yes
Mic Yes
See all our test results
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless are the best headphones under $50 that we've tested. They're the previous generation of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, which are among thebest wireless Bluetooth headphones under $100we've tested. Although their price point fluctuates just above the $50 mark, these headphones still offer high value as they're equipped with an active noise cancelling system to help block out background noise.
Although they have trouble cutting down the rumble of bus engines, they can reduce sounds like ambient chatter very well, which is handy if you work in a noisy office. They also last over 32 hours continuously with the ANC on; you can use them wired when you run out of battery life. Their V-shaped sound profile packs extra thump, rumble, and boom, while vocals and lead instruments are detailed and bright, particularly well-suited for genres like EDM, hip-hop, pop, and rock.
Even though they don't have a companion app, they have a bass-effect feature built into their controls so that you can adjust their thump and boom. They have a decent build quality and are comfortable enough for long listening sessions, but they feel a bit plasticky and lack a sturdy carrying case to help protect them when you're on the go.
See our review
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Best On-Ear Headphones Under $50
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless 5
Neutral Sound
7.4
Commute/Travel
6.3
Sports/Fitness
7.0
Office
6.6
Wireless Gaming
5.7
Wired Gaming
5.5
Phone Calls
6.7
Type On-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
On-ear headphones can be a good option if you don't like the feeling of your ears being closed off from the world when wearing over-ear headphones. The best Bluetooth headphones under $50 with an on-ear design that we've tested are the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless. These comfortable cans have a plush and padded design, making them ideal for longer listening sessions. Their price fluctuates a bit, so they can sometimes be priced above $50, but they still represent a good option for around that price.
The Sony headphones boast some cool features, like multi-device pairing and a battery life of well over 52 hours. Given the price, their build quality isn't the most impressive, but they're still suitable enough for most uses. Out-of-the-box, these headphones have a slightly warm sound profile. The bass and mid-ranges are flat and balanced, producing a clear and full-bodied sound. Dips in the low-bass and treble slightly dull higher-pitched sounds like cymbals, though.
If you want a different sound, you can always use the graphic EQ and presets in their companion app to switch it up. The app is also where you find Sony's 360 Reality Audio feature, which analyzes your ear shape to integrate a virtual soundstage through compatible services like Tidal. If you love on-ears, these feature-packed headphones are a solid pick that won't break the bank.
See our review
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Best Cheap Headphones Under $50
Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless 6
Neutral Sound
7.8
Commute/Travel
6.3
Sports/Fitness
6.9
Office
6.5
Wireless Gaming
7.0
Wired Gaming
5.5
Phone Calls
6.1
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Yes
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
Looking for a cheaper option? The Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless are the best headphones we've tested in this price range. While these headphones are designed for teens and tweens and have a volume limiter, don't let this dissuade you from considering them, as they'll still fit most adult heads and may even save your ears if you're a recovering tune-cranker.
They support Bluetooth and have a wireless USB dongle for lower latency connectivity while gaming or watching a video on your PC. Their sound profile is slightly warm, with extra high-bass to compliment genres like folk or rock. Vocals and instruments are clear and present but a bit bright. Unfortunately, they don't have a companion app or customization features.
Their build quality reflects their price, with a flimsy plastic construction and padding fabric that could easily get damaged over repeated use. The mic is also just fair. Your voice sounds clear but thin, unnatural, and easily lost amid moderate and loud background noise. Fortunately, their battery lasts nearly 20 hours, so you can use them all day without worrying about losing power.
See our review
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Best Audiophile Headphones Under $50
Superlux HD 681 1
Neutral Sound
8.3
Commute/Travel
4.0
Sports/Fitness
5.1
Office
4.8
Wireless Gaming
4.5
Wired Gaming
6.5
Phone Calls
1.7
Type Over-ear
Enclosure Semi-Open
Wireless No
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic No
See all our test results
If you're looking for budget-friendly over-ear headphones and want a neutral sound, the Superlux HD 681 are the best audiophile headphones we've tested for under $50. They lack a mic and don't have ANC, so they're less versatile than the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless but have a much more flat, neutral sound profile. Their bass and mid-range responses are very neutral, so your music isn't overwhelmed by extra thump and boom, and vocals and lead instruments sound preset, detailed, and clear.
They also have a semi-open design, which helps them create an open and natural-seeming passive soundstage. They're comfortable and lightweight, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They aren't the best choice for your commute or the office since they don't block out very much ambient noise. Their build quality also feels plasticky and a bit cheap.
However, if you're looking for better-built audiophile headphones, then it's worth considering the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x instead. These over-ears feel sturdier, and their closed-back design means they leak less audio at high volumes. However, they're less comfortable and have a more recessed treble, which veils vocals and instruments and dull sibilants like cymbals.
See our review
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Best Earbuds Under $50
JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless 5
Neutral Sound
7.2
Commute/Travel
7.7
Sports/Fitness
8.1
Office
7.1
Wireless Gaming
5.8
Wired Gaming
5.6
Phone Calls
6.6
Type In-ear
Enclosure Closed-Back
Wireless Truly Wireless
Transducer Dynamic
Noise Cancelling No
Mic Yes
See all our test results
The best earbuds under $50 we've tested are the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless. These small and lightweight buds are a great option if you're looking to bring your tunes around with you on the go. Out-of-the-box, they have a balanced sound profile, with plenty of low-end boom and rumble to add excitement to your music.They also have extra features compared to similarly-priced models, including a 10-band graphic EQ and presets in their companion app. They have a comfortable and stable in-ear fit and boast over eight hours of continuous battery life, so you won't need to recharge in the middle of your workday.
These headphones are certified IP54, which is a nice touch for listening on the go since it protects against exposure to water splashes and dust. At this price point, it's also worth considering the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless, which have a better mic performance, making those headphones asolid choice for taking phone calls. They're not as comfortable as the Vibe Buds, though, and their fit isn't as stable.
If you're looking for more budget in-ear picks, check out our recommendations for the best earbuds under $50.
See our review
Recent Updates
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Jan 22, 2024: We've replaced the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless with the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless as our pick for the 'Best Earbuds Under $50'. We also replaced the Sony WI-C310 Wireless with the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless in the Notable Mentions.
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Nov 24, 2023: We've updated this article to ensure our picks are still up-to-date and accurate. We added the TOZO T6 Truly Wireless as an in-text alternative for the 'Best Earbuds Under $50' pick.
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Sep 28, 2023: Made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock.
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Aug 01, 2023: Replaced the Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 with the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless as 'Best On-Ears' and replaced the TOZO NC7 Truly Wireless with the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless as 'Best Earbuds'.
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May 30, 2023: We've overhauled the article to better suit user needs. As such, we've replaced some of our categories and changed picks due to stock issues.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best wireless headphones under $50 for most people. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to findor almostout of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here is the list of all our reviews forheadphones under $50. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.
