Best Budget Headphones According to Reviews
Not everyone wants to drop $300 on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones—and the good news is, you don’t have to. Whether you're looking for headphones for music, podcasts, gaming, or work calls, there are high-quality, budget-friendly options that consistently earn rave reviews.
We’ve rounded up the best budget headphones according to real reviews, covering a range of styles, features, and use cases. These picks are all under $100—and many punch far above their price point.
🎧 1. Anker Soundcore Life Q20
Price: ~$60
Type: Over-ear, wireless with ANC (Active Noise Cancelling)
Why People Love It:
Impressive battery life (up to 40 hours)
Surprisingly effective noise cancellation for the price
Comfortable for long listening sessions
Review Highlights:
“Better than some $200 headphones I’ve tried.” “Perfect for Zoom calls and travel.”
🎧 2. Sony MDR-ZX110
Price: ~$20
Type: On-ear, wired
Why People Love It:
Ultra-affordable with decent sound quality
Lightweight and portable
Great for kids, casual use, or backups
Review Highlights:
“Incredible sound for the price.” “They’re not fancy, but they get the job done.”
🎧 3. JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds
Price: ~$25
Type: In-ear, true wireless
Why People Love It:
Compact and reliable with a built-in USB charger
Customizable EQ settings via touch controls
Great for workouts and commuting
Review Highlights:
“Best earbuds I’ve ever had under $30.” “Battery life and sound quality are amazing for the price.”
🎧 4. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Price: ~$60
Type: Over-ear, wired
Why People Love It:
Solid build quality and neutral sound
Great for music production, podcasting, or casual listening
Part of Audio-Technica’s highly respected M-series
Review Highlights:
“Best studio headphones for under $100.” “Crisp, clear, and no distortion.”
🎧 5. SoundPEATS T3 Wireless Earbuds
Price: ~$40
Type: In-ear, true wireless with ANC
Why People Love It:
Active noise cancellation at a budget price
Sleek design with good call quality
Easy Bluetooth pairing and touch controls
Review Highlights:
“ANC on a budget—these are a steal.” “Use them daily for work and workouts.”
🧠You Don’t Have to Break the Bank
Whether you're a student, a commuter, or just someone who doesn’t want to baby a $400 pair of headphones, there are excellent budget-friendly options out there. These picks are all praised for their reliability, sound quality, and value.
Before buying, consider:
Do you need ANC?
Do you prefer wireless or wired?
Will you be using them for work, workouts, or music?
With the right pair, even budget headphones can sound premium.
