Top Affordable Headphones of 2025: Best Budget Models with Excellent Sound

Explore the best affordable headphones of 2025 that deliver outstanding sound quality at budget-friendly prices.

Overview of Affordable Headphones for 2025

We firmly believe in the saying "you get what you pay for." However, there are definitely some great deals out there, especially when it comes to headphones. In this guide, we present the best models in their class at various price points, with a focus on high-quality options suitable for a modest budget.

Sony is a leading player in this market segment, but they are not the only ones. Whether you prefer wireless earbuds, wired over-ear headphones, or models with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), you'll find a worthy pair (or two) at a reasonable price. Even Apple has made our list.

Of course, all the models featured below boast excellent sound quality (for the price). You’ll be surprised to learn just how many features they offer, like the aforementioned noise cancellation mode, Ambient Aware modes, app control, and much more—all for less than $150.

We provide a brief overview of each pair, along with links to our reviews for more detailed analysis. With over 100 years of experience in testing, we know what good headphones sound like, regardless of their price. We always compare models to their closest competitors and come to a verdict as a team, rather than as individual reviewers, to eliminate bias.

Best Affordable Headphones of 2025: Quick List

Best Wired Headphones

SoundMAGIC E11C

Seven years after their release, the E11Cs still sound magical and have won a What Hi-Fi? award for sound quality, build, and price.

Best Wireless Headphones

Sony WF-C510

With longer battery life and a new ambient sound mode, plus an attractively low price, Sony's latest wireless headphones are a significant upgrade over their predecessors and have also won awards.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Sony WF-C700N

The C700Ns combine the best features of affordable wireless headphones from Sony, equipped with active noise cancellation to block out unwanted sounds.

Best Over-Ear Wired Headphones

Austrian Audio Hi-X15

Clear, open presentation and a wealth of detail helped these headphones win a What Hi-Fi? Award. You’d have to pay much more to get a significant upgrade from these headphones.

Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-CH520

The CH520 headphones offer a lot for very little money. App control, very long battery life, and balanced, appealing sound—all for less than $50. Amazing.

Best AirPods

Apple AirPods (2019)

The older Apple AirPods still have many of the qualities that make AirPods great, but now at a lower price. Apple no longer sells them, but you can find them elsewhere.

Detailed Overview of the Best Affordable Headphones of 2025

Wired Headphones

SoundMAGIC E11C

A great pair of budget wired headphones with a remote and microphone.

Specifications

• Type: In-ear
• Bluetooth Version: N/A
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Built-in Microphone and Controls: Yes
• Connector: 3.5 mm
• Water Resistance: No
• Battery Life: N/A
• Weight: 12 g

Pros:

• Engaging sound
• Remote control and microphone
• Easy to manage

Cons:

• Timing is not perfect

When it comes to affordable headphones, the SoundMagic E11C is a classic. Released in 2018, they still receive accolades—winning the award for "Best Wired In-Ear Headphones Under $150" at the What Hi-Fi? Awards in 2024. Imagine Anthony Hopkins winning an Oscar at 83, and you’ll understand what I mean.

Why are they still worth buying? First of all, they have an excellent pedigree. The E10 headphones before them were leaders among budget wired headphones, and their successor, the E10C, also made waves with its built-in microphone and remote control. The E11C is built on this solid foundation with improved drivers and an upgraded cable that is now silver-coated.

This all means better sound quality without reinventing the wheel. They maintain SoundMagic's signature warmth, but the bass sounds deeper than before, without sacrificing the highs. Between them is a clear, lively midrange that remains balanced.

“Listen to Drake's God’s Plan, and you'll hear deep bass as it should be, with decent depth and warmth, while the hi-hats shine clearly in the high frequencies,” we stated in our review. “Drake’s processed vocals comfortably sit in the mid-range, and again, we see that these headphones are all about clarity.”

The only downside is that they haven’t significantly dropped in price compared to their initial cost—after seven years, one would expect a substantial discount. But considering the original price was quite reasonable, maybe we’re asking for too much. Other budget headphones should respect their older siblings.

Wireless Headphones

Sony WF-C510

Even better than their award-winning predecessors.

Specifications

• Type: In-ear
• Bluetooth Version: 5.3
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Built-in Microphone and Controls: Yes
• Connector: N/A
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Battery Life: 22 hours (earbuds: 11 hours; case: 11 hours)
• Weight: 4.6 g each

Pros:

• Compact and comfortable design
• Energetic, well-balanced sound
• App for precise controls

Cons:

• Average battery life
• Slightly small soundstage
• Numerous serious competitors

When it comes to wireless headphones, Sony has been on a roll lately. Despite not clinching a complete victory in 2023, they still dominated this category at the What Hi-Fi? Awards in 2024, winning five awards out of seven possible. One of those awards went to the WF-C510, which succeeded the award-winning C500.

These headphones are a suitable replacement. For one, they cost much less than the C500 (even though the C500 has dropped in price over time). They may appear a bit budget, but they fit snugly in your ears and come packed with features: they have a longer battery life than the C500, plus a new ambient sound mode that lets you hear outside sounds (this feature is usually found only in headphones with noise cancellation).

Add multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, IPX4 protection, and the ability to use the earbuds separately, and you'll understand why they should be taken seriously.

And that’s before we even talk about performance. Fun, engaging, and musical—that’s what you want from a pair that costs this much. But they keep the signature Sony sound profile: “You can say that the WF-C510 belongs to the Sony family, given how musical and rhythmic they are— even complex music doesn’t get lost, and their sense of rhythm and ability to just flow with the song works with any music you play through them,” we remarked in our review.

They are somewhat richer and fuller than their predecessors, which is another plus in their favor. If you’re looking for budget wireless headphones, you’ve just found them.

Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Sony WF-C700N

Combine comfort, noise cancellation, and amazing sound quality.

Specifications

• Type: In-ear
• Bluetooth Version: 5.2 (AAC, SBC)
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Built-in Microphone and Controls: Yes
• Connector: N/A
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Total Battery Life: 15 hours (earbuds: 7.5 hours; case: 7.5 hours)
• Weight: 4.6 g each

Pros:

• Very comfortable fit
• Impressive presentation for the money
• Detailed, dynamic, musical sound

Cons:

• No multipoint Bluetooth (yet)
• Charging case lacks battery
• No support for aptX or LDAC

If you need something higher quality than the WF-C510 but not too pricey, the WF-C700N is an excellent choice.

They are small and light, even more comfortable to wear than some more expensive headphones. While they don’t support aptX HD and LDAC, they do feature noise cancellation, which the C510 lacks. Although this affects battery life—15 hours (7.5 hours for the earbuds and the case)—that's seven hours less than the C510.

You also get features typically associated with more expensive headphones. The Adaptive Sound Control feature automatically switches listening modes based on your location, and Sony's DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) enhances the quality of low-resolution digital audio files.

The sound quality is also excellently balanced: deep, detailed bass, expressive mids, and engaging highs. We noted about the low frequencies in our review: “Not only is the weight, depth, and solidity of the notes impressive, but also the detailing that Sony reveals, as well as their ability to convey notes with realistic texture.” For the money, these are very musical earbuds.

What are the downsides? The lack of support for aptX HD and LDAC is unfortunate. And the charging case only provides one additional charge, which seems a bit skimpy—but I guess that's the price of noise cancellation. However, the excellent sound and great features more than compensate for these minor drawbacks.

Best Over-Ear Wired Headphones

Austrian Audio Hi-X15

Talented and affordable wired headphones for home.

Specifications

• Type: Over-ear
• Bluetooth Version: N/A
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Built-in Microphone and Controls: No
• Connector: 3.5 mm (6.3 mm adapter included)
• Water Resistance: No
• Battery Life: N/A
• Weight: 255 g

Pros:

• Clear, open presentation
• Unearth lots of detail
• Impressive sense of timing

Cons:

• Requires a lot of burning-in
• Needs pairing with appropriate electronics

Given the obvious obsession with wireless headphones, one might forgive themselves for thinking that the days of wired headphones are numbered, especially in the more affordable price range.

Yet, we would be surprised if these thoughts ever crossed the halls of Austrian Audio's Vienna headquarters. Founded by former AKG employees, the company quickly released its first line of wired headphones, the Hi-X. And this model has won What Hi-Fi? awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024. A hat-trick.

We would call the Hi-X15 analytical headphones, but they still make music enjoyable—they extract a lot of detail while keeping the soul of your music intact. Across the frequency spectrum, these headphones offer consistently high levels of detail and fantastic dynamics. “Put on The End by Kings Of Leon and the Hi-X15 will easily reproduce the funky bass guitar riff at the start, the drum kit, and the lead guitar solo,” we stated in our review. “You can almost feel the texture of each instrument during the performance, the headphones immerse you in the experience.”

No track reproduced feels even a hint of fat. But at the same time, the low frequencies are rich and dense enough that you don’t feel shortchanged.

We wouldn’t insist that you use them with a suitable DAC/headphone amplifier, but if you do, you’ll be rewarded with sound quality from headphones that are worth their price.

Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-CH520

The WH-CH520 headphones sound much better than you’d expect for the price.

Specifications

• Type: Over-ear
• Bluetooth Version: 5.2
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Built-in Microphone and Controls: Yes
• Connector: N/A
• Water Resistance: No
• Battery Life: 50 hours
• Weight: 147 g

Pros:

• Balanced and appealing sound
• Excellent battery life
• Useful and extensive app for management

Cons:

• Dynamically muted
• Presumably could provide more insight

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is one of the best full-sized headphones on the market, but they come with a hefty price tag. If you need a simplified version at a lower price, check out the WH-CH520 from Sony. (Want active noise cancellation? Look at the model WH-CH720N).

Practically every claim about features from this point forward should come with the phrase “for the price.” They come packed with features, including Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing you to connect to multiple devices wirelessly and easily switch between them. Voice assistants are supported, there are controls on the ear cups, and you can customize the sound using the excellent Sony Headphones Connect app.

When it comes to sound, it is indeed very good. The low frequencies are dense, deep, and controlled, although they’re slightly restrained for our taste. “These aren’t the most expressive headphones you’ve ever heard in terms of low frequencies, it’s true,” we stated in our review. “But the low frequencies they produce are dense, deep, and properly controlled at the front edges, so the WH-CH520 confidently delivers the rhythm.” They sound loud enough and keep the bass in its zone, where it can’t interfere with the mids.

The mids are informative and expressive, and the upper part of the frequency range nicely balances brightness with richness.

Oh, and did we mention the phenomenal battery life of 50 hours?

They may feel a bit flimsy, but they are well-constructed and can take a beating. Even at this low price, that’s reassuring.

Best AirPods

Apple AirPods (2019)

Second-generation AirPods are the best affordable headphones for Apple users.

Specifications

• Type: In-ear
• Bluetooth Version: 5.0 (AAC, SBC)
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Built-in Microphone and Controls: Yes
• Connector: N/A
• Water Resistance: No
• Battery Life: 24 hours
• Weight: 4 g each

Pros:

• Tonally balanced
• Enhanced sonic refinement
• Flawless wireless technology

Cons:

• May not suit everyone
• No buttons
• Sound is sharp under pressure

You won’t often see “Apple” and “cheap” in the same sentence, but these older AirPods are now priced about the same as when they first hit the market. These are second-generation AirPods released in 2019, and while Apple no longer sells them, they can easily be found in other stores. There are often discounts, so their price frequently drops below $150.

If you use an iOS device, they connect easily and provide a reliable connection. The sound quality is decent (although not as good as other pairs on this list), and they maintain Apple's signature neutral sound profile. “There’s no artificial boosting of bass or treble,” we stated in our review. “You feel like you are listening to music practically unprocessed, and we always appreciate that.”

If you’re willing to spend a little more on AirPods 4, you’ll get better sound quality, longer battery life, shorter stems, and a more comfortable fit. But many will find these compromises worth it to save some cash.

These are AirPods stripped down and devoid of a significant price tag. Apple users looking for affordable headphones could do much worse.

Consider Also

Best Affordable Alternatives to Headphones We Tested:

• Soundmagic E80D: If you like the look of the Soundmagic E11C from our main list but plan to use your next wired headphones only with USB-C devices, the E80D with a USB-C connector is a great five-star alternative, with capabilities that justify their price.
• Earfun Air: Voice control, wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.0, and pretty decent sound—all for about $70 (though on sale, the price can drop significantly). These headphones made Earfun famous.
• JBL Live Pro 2 TWS: These wireless earbuds under $150 deliver quality sound, come with numerous useful features, and are easy to use. They are definitely worth considering.
• Røde NTH-100: This brand is best known for producing professional studio equipment, like microphones, but their first pair of headphones is an absolute hit. They sold for $200 but can now be found for half that price. A great deal.
• Sony WF-C500: The older budget pair of Sony headphones is nearing the end of its lifecycle, but they’re still available. They have a shorter battery life than the C510, no ambient sound mode, and the sound is a bit quieter. But for the money, they’re an excellent buy.

How to Choose the Best Cheap Headphones for You

Headphones vs. Earbuds

Budget headphones aren’t just about earbuds. You can find some pretty decent full-sized headphones for a low price. Unsure which type suits you best? Check out our guide “Headphones vs. Earbuds” to learn about the pros and cons of each type.

Wired or Wireless?

Your next choice is between wired and wireless headphones. Again, for a limited budget, you can find both wired and wireless earbuds and full-sized headphones. The best wireless headphones and wireless earbuds are convenient as they don’t require cords, but this technology typically costs more compared to wired counterparts with similar sound quality. One advantage of wired headphones is higher sound quality, but if you’re unsure, you can take a look at our comparison of wired and wireless headphones.

With Noise Cancellation?

If you need Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for more isolated listening, you’ll want a wireless pair. ANC is rarely found in wired models these days, regardless of your budget. ANC was once a prerogative of premium headphones, but it has also made its way into the more affordable market recently— as evidenced by the Sony WF-C700N on this list and the Sony WH-CH720N earbuds. Keep in mind that earbuds tend to have ANC more frequently than full-sized headphones, often at a lower price. Additionally, the noise cancelation effect may not be as effective as in more expensive models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5.

Consider Other Modern Features

There aren’t many features to look for in cheap wired headphones, except perhaps a built-in remote for answering calls/playing music, but there are several features to consider in affordable wireless models. One of them is multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect your headphones to multiple devices simultaneously and easily switch between them.

Another important factor is waterproofing. If you’re a fitness enthusiast and want your fit to be snug and waterproof, it’s better to opt for models with sweat and water protection—look for an IP rating of at least IPX4.

Comfort

In affordable headphones, you shouldn’t expect luxurious materials, but as we point out in our article “How to Choose the Right Headphones,” comfort is crucial—and it’s definitely achievable on a budget. It’s helpful to read headphone reviews, although you can somewhat gauge comfort based on characteristics like weight and size.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I connect cheap headphones? If they use Bluetooth (like most wireless headphones), you connect your cheap headphones just like any other pair. Put them in pairing mode, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your source device (like your smartphone), and select pairing when prompted. AirPods pair slightly differently—open the charging case, bring it close to your iPhone, and hit “Connect” on the screen.
• Are cheap headphones better? In general, the more you spend, the better sound quality, features, and build you’ll get. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money to get a great pair of headphones. Those featured in this list will suit most average listeners. Even more demanding users might be surprised at how good they are.

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