ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

 Skip to content   Skip to footer navigation 

Best cheap headphones from our tests

The best standard and noise-cancelling headphones in our test that cost less than $250.

illustration of three cheap headphones and ear buds with ticks
Peter Zaluzny
Last updated: 05 September 2024
Fact-checked

Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

When it comes to headphones, you tend to get what you pay for – to a point.

Factors like sound quality, ease of use and battery life typically reflect the cost of the product when you're looking at entry-level and mid-range models.

But that doesn't mean good quality audio is reserved for consumers with deep pockets. There are plenty of affordable options that earned very good results in our tests, and you can even score a good deal on mid-range and high-end headphones with a little research.

You don't need to break the bank when shopping for a pair of standard or noise-cancelling headphones. Here are our best cheap picks.

On this page:

Are expensive headphones better?

Expensive headphones don't always deliver the high performance results you'd expect in our expert tests.

In fact, most of the top rated models are priced in the mid-range, alongside plenty of more expensive options. In other words, why pay $1000 when $500 can get you something in a very similar ballpark?

All that said, the key differentiator between headphones is sound quality and that is a subjective preference. Each manufacturer brings different sound profiles to the table – the way they fine tune the headphones means your favourite song may sound slightly different across various brands.

So, if a $1000 pair sounds better to your ears then that's the pair for you (if you can afford it).

So what sets expensive headphones apart?

Expensive headphones tend to have more bells and whistles than you would find in cheaper models. For example, you may be more likely to get active noise-cancellation (ANC), which isn't as common on less expensive models. Build quality and feel of the materials may also be better for expensive models.

How to improve sound quality with apps

Almost all Bluetooth headphones have an associated app for smartphones and tablets. These are used to adjust a range of settings and usually include an equaliser (EQ) of some kind. This essentially lets you adjust the volume of various audio frequencies to suit your ears.

You may want to increase the mid-levels, for example, which can help amplify vocals. Or maybe the bass is too heavy and you want to pull it down a touch. Most apps have a range of pre-sets suited to various genres and one or two free slots to set your own EQ.

It's worth installing the official app and playing with the EQ as your headphones will more than likely sound better

We test headphones on the default EQ out of the box in order to maintain a level playing field. But it's worth installing the official app and playing with the EQ as your headphones will more than likely sound better if you tweak the settings to your liking. You can find all of the information in the instruction manual.

Don't expect miracles, of course. This won't turn a poor performing pair of headphones around, but it can help you fine tune things with just a little bit of work.

App screenshots 2025

Adjustable and pre-set equalisers can help you tweak sound quality to suit your listening preferences.

Manufacturer apps

While these apps are mostly available in the iOS App Store or Android Play Store, some manufacturers bake these settings into their operating systems and devices. This occurs when, say, a smartphone manufacturer also makes headphones.

For example, when you connect a pair of Google Pixel Buds to a Pixel smartphone, the equalizer and other options are in the Bluetooth settings rather than a separate app. Apple does something similar when you connect AirPods to an iOS device.

Passive vs active noise-cancelling headphones

There are two types of noise-cancelling headphones: passive and active. Passive noise-cancellation blocks noise from getting in by forming a snug fit in or around your ear which doesn't require battery power.

Active noise-cancellation (ANC) captures noise from your surroundings using built-in microphones, then cancels it out on the fly. The results are usually much better than passive models but the hardware and software need power to operate. That's why ANC increases battery use when active.

Models without ANC are typically called 'standard headphones'. Most standard headphones have some degree of passive noise-cancellation but some are specifically designed to enhance this feature, such as different-sized silicon tips included with earbuds.

How to get a good deal on headphones

Our round-up is based on RRP, but it's not too hard to get a good deal on some higher-quality headphones. Sales occur pretty regularly across almost all retailers and some, such as JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman, may even be open to haggling.

Also, older models often receive heavy discounts when new ones are released. Turnover can be as often as 12–18 months and sound quality is often more of less unchanged. Battery life tends to be the main difference so check our test results to see if an older, cheaper pair still provides enough charge for your needs.

What do we mean by 'best' headphones

When people ask about the 'best headphones' they're usually talking about the headphones with the best sound quality. This is the most important part of our test but we also look at other aspects including comfort, battery life and durability.

Our selection of best cheap headphones is based on our ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating, which factors in various performance tests. Some models with a lower sound quality score may have a higher Expert Rating for other reasons, for example, they could have performed better in the battery life or durability tests.

Bear in mind, we only recommend headphones with an Expert Rating of 75% or more. That said, cheaper headphones that scored 70-74% are still worth considering, especially if their sound quality results are 70% or higher.

So, when you're looking through this list, remember to look at all of the included scores, no just the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating. That way you can find a pair of headphones that truly suits your needs.

The best cheap headphones

Our detailed headphone testing data is available exclusively for ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳members. 

If you're not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to data on headphones, as well as access to all of our expert, independent reviews, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which cheap headphones are rated the best by our experts.

Below are the best headphones from our test that cost $250 or less. These are broken down into four categories.

  1. Active noise-cancelling headphones: In-ear
  2. Active noise-cancelling headphones: On-ear/over-ear
  3. Standard headphones: In-ear
  4. Standard headphones: On-ear/over ear
locked content

Unlock this article and more

  • Information you can trust
  • See the best brands
  • Avoid the worst performers
Join CHOICE
or Log in

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Your exclusive access:

Welcome! This section of the article is accessible only to our valued members.

Best cheap noise-cancelling headphones (in-ear)

These are the best in-ear, active noise-cancellation (ANC) headphones that cost $250 or less.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

  • Cost: $199
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 74%
  • Sound quality score: 82%
  • Comfort score: 85%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 73%
  • Battery life: 6hr 29min

As far as we can tell from our tests, you're not going to get better sound quality in a pair of earbuds that cost less than $200. That said, the battery life could be better as plenty of similar in-ear, true wireless buds deliver seven hours or more, compared to six-and-a-half hours offered here.

The app is also optimised for Android, and given that these are a first-party product there's no guarantees that non-Samsung users will have access to the same features and functions, which includes other Android devices.

Read the full Samsung Galaxy Buds FE review.

JBL Live Buds 3

JBL Live Buds 3

  • Cost: $250
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 72%
  • Sound quality score: 76%
  • Comfort score: 74%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 58%
  • Battery life: 8hr 31min

Another solid pair of generally performers, these earbuds are a great option if you can grab them during a sale. The only real letdown is the active noise cancellation performance in default mode, but you can adjust ANC settings in the JBL Headphones app, which may improve things.

They're also worth considering if you're the kind of person that always forgets to charge things up. It takes just 15 minutes for the Live Buds 3 to almost reach 50% charge (4hr 12min) from a depleted battery, which is impressive.

But even then, the case can hold three additional charges, which means you can use these buds for over 35-hours before they (and the case) need some juice.

Read the full JBL Live Buds 3 review.

soundcore-liberty-4-nc_1_large

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

  • Cost: $165
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 72%
  • Sound quality score: 71%
  • Comfort score: 73%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 70%
  • Battery life: 9hr 23min

These are among the cheapest noise-cancelling earbuds to earn an expert rating of 70% or more. The battery, in particular, is worth noting – not only does it last almost nine-and-a-half hours, the case comes with four additional charges. 

They also have excellent durability, good comfort and impressive active noise-cancellation. You don't get digital assistant support and the microphone isn't very impressive either but these feel like suitable compromises for the price.

Read the full Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review.

skullcandy-rail-anc_1_large

Skullcandy Rail ANC

  • Cost: $150
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 71%
  • Sound quality score: 71%
  • Comfort score: 78%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 74%
  • Battery life: 8hr 17min

Skullcandy's earbuds are quite similar to the Soundcore headphones above in most areas of our test - and they're $50 less. Noise-cancellation is good, the built-in microphone is better and there's onboard support for voice assistants.

So what does the lower price tag cost you? Battery life. It loses juice an hour earlier and the case only has two additional charges, compared to four in the Liberty 4 NC case.

Otherwise the only major differentiator is the design which may be more appealing to some than other earbuds.

Read the full Skullcandy Rail ANC review.

technics-eah-az40m2_2

Technics EAH-AZ40M2

  • Cost: $249
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 71%
  • Sound quality score: 79%
  • Comfort score: 81%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 67%
  • Battery life: 5hr 42min

These are a solid alternative if prefer the Technics ecosystem. Sound quality for these earbuds is at the upper end of good and they come with added LDAC Bluetooth support which does a much better job of preserving audio quality compared to standard Bluetooth.

Thewater resistance rating (IPX4) means they can handle some splashes, so you won't need to worry if you get caught in the rain. Battery life, however, is pretty average though Technics does include enough power in the case for two additional charges.

Read the full Technics EAH-AZ40M2 review.

Best cheap noise-cancelling headphones (on-ear or over-ear)

These are the best on-ear/over-ear, active noise-cancellation (ANC) headphones that cost $250 or less.

JBL Live 770NC

JBL Live 770NC

  • Cost: $250
  • Type: Over-ear, wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 73%
  • Sound quality score: 69%
  • Comfort score: 66%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 76%
  • Battery life: 57hr 31min

These cans score similarly to the 660NC headphones below, with both earning good results in many areas of our assessment. But there are a few key differences that will determine which pair you want to purchase.

The main difference is battery life, with the 770NCs delivering an extra 18 hours of listening time on a single charge. They also have much better active-noise cancellation, but they're not quite as comfortable, and far less durable, than the 660NCs.

Read the full JBL Live 770NC review.

jbl-tune-770nc

JBL Tune 770NC

  • Cost: $200
  • Type: Over-ear, wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 73%
  • Sound quality score: 73%
  • Comfort score: 63%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 63%
  • Battery life: 48hr 25min

The Tune 770NC headphones look very similar to JBL's Live 770NCs on the surface, but there are a few key differences. Price is the most obvious, of course, but the compromises may not be so bad when you consider the $50 saving.

Let's start with the good. The Tune headphones have better sound quality, durability and they're much easier to clean. However, they're slightly less comfortable and active noise-cancellation is noticeably less effective. Battery life, while still substantial at over 48 hours, is shorter than the Live's duration.

Controls are the other key point of difference. The Tune 700NC headphones use buttons instead of touch controls. You may actually prefer this, as there's a limited chance of accidentally skipping a song or pausing when you bump the side of the cans. But it's really a matter of personal preference.

Read the full JBL Tune 770NC review.

JBL Live 660NC

JBL Live 660NC

  • Cost: $250
  • Type: Over-ear, wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 72%
  • Sound quality score: 70%
  • Comfort score: 70%
  • Active noise-cancellation score: 59%
  • Battery life: 41hr 48min

These headphones are consistently good across most aspects of our test, including sound quality. Active noise-cancellation and microphone quality are only OK, however.

They did earn an excellent rating in our durability test, whereas the 770NCs are almost fragile with a score of 54%, so these headphones should last a while as long as you take care of them.

The only other key differences compared to the 770NC headphones (which also cost $249) are a shorter battery life, slightly better comfort and much worse active noise-cancellation results.

Read the full JBL Live 660NC review.

Best cheap standard headphones (in-ear)

These are the best in-ear, standard headphones that cost $250 or less.

Beats Solo Buds

Beats Solo Buds

  • Cost: $130
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 74%
  • Sound quality score: 70%
  • Comfort score: 81%
  • Battery life: 18hr 24min

You need battery life? Because Beats has battery life. Nearly 18 and a half hours off battery off the back of a single charge is almost unheard of in the world of earbuds – provided you can live without active noise-cancellation.

While sound quality isn't the best in this category, audio still sounds good. The Beats mobile app includes some basic equaliser adjustments as well so you can hone in – and likely improve –,sound quality to suit your ears.

So, what's the catch? If you're out and about and batteries are running low, you're out of luck, because the case doesn't have a built-in battery and can't recharge on the go. This is worth keeping in mind, despite the wildly long battery life.

Read the full Beats Solo Buds review.

skullcandy-push-play-active_2

Skullcandy Push Play Active

  • Cost: $100
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 72%
  • Sound quality score: 72%
  • Comfort score: 72%
  • Battery life: 11hr 20min

These are about the best pair of earbuds that you're going to get for $100. Sound quality, comfort and durability are good and battery life is longer than most other headphones in this price range, with two additional charges in the case. They even have some water and dust resistance (IP55).

Ease of use and microphone quality are only OK, but these may be acceptable compromises when you consider the low price and very good battery. Skullcandy has also released an app for iOS and Android which includes an equaliser so you can tweak the mix to your liking.

Read the full Skullcandy Push Play Active review.

jbl-soundgear-sense_2_large

JBL Soundgear Sense

  • Cost: $199
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 71%
  • Sound quality score: 76%
  • Comfort score: 75%
  • Battery life: 7hr 20min

The Soundgear Sense earbuds from JBL hit the mark in all the right places. They're comfortable, very durable and sound quality is good. Though the microphone leaves a bit to be deserved, it's not too bad and only really matters if you're regularly taking calls with your earbuds.

While ease of use is only OK, you shouldn't have too much trouble learning their ins and outs with a bit of practice. Battery life is good, but you only get around a quarter charge in 15 minutes, which is less than similar models from other brands. They also have light splash resistance.

Read the full JBL Soundgear Sense review.

Yamaha TW-E3C

Yamaha TW-E3C

  • Cost: $129
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 71%
  • Sound quality score: 74%
  • Comfort score: 66%
  • Battery life: 8hr 27min

While the Skullcandy or Beats buds above are arguably a better buy on a budget, these Yamahas can hold their own. You may want to look into them if you like how other Yamaha products sound - motorbikes notwithstanding.

They've got good sound quality and excellent durability which means these buds will last, even at their low price point. Microphone quality is very good as well, so these could be a good, low cost option if you take a lot of calls on the go.

Battery life is impressive too but like the JBLs in this category, fast charge is so-so, as they can only refill between a fifth and a quarter charge in 15 minutes. Comfort and ease of use are also only OK, so bear this in mind while shopping around.

Read the full Yamaha TW-E3C review.

Sennheiser Sport True Wireless

Sennheiser Sport True Wireless

  • Cost: $199
  • Type: In-ear, true wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 76%
  • Sound quality score: 81%
  • Comfort score: 75%
  • Battery life: 7hr 15min

These are a pair of all-round good performers, save for the microphone quality which is borderline at best. Battery life isn't bad in the broader context of true wireless earbuds and the case comes with two additional charges which is handy.

They're also splash resistant and dustproof (IP54) and include six cushions for your ear canal so you can find the ideal fit.

Read the full Sennheiser Sport True Wireless review.

Best cheap standard headphones (on-ear or over-ear)

These are the best in-ear, standard headphones that cost $250 or less.

jbl-tune-720bt_2

JBL Tune 720BT

  • Cost: $130
  • Type: Over-ear, wireless
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert rating: 72%
  • Sound quality score: 68%
  • Comfort score: 57%
  • Battery life: 94hr 34min

These headphones did not earn a recommendation from our experts, but we still think they're a good option if you're on a budget.

Decent enough sound quality, OK durability and close to 95-hours of battery life may justify the otherwise middling test results such as comfort (57%), and microphone quality (49%), especially if you're prone to misplacing things and don't want to invest in anything too flashy as a result.

You can even find them for under $100 during the usual sales periods if you're happy to shop around, which is a good deal no matter how you slice it.

Read the full JBL Tune 720BT review.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Join the conversation

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Community Icon

To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Community forum.