Finding quality headphones under $50 can be a daunting task with so many options available. Headphones in this price range offer a great way to enjoy music, podcasts, or gaming without breaking the bank. While high-end models come with lots of bells and whistles, budget-friendly headphones can still provide good sound quality and comfort.
When looking for headphones in this price range, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Sound quality is paramount—look for models that offer clear audio without distortion. Comfort is also important, especially if you plan to wear them for long periods. Check for features like adjustable headbands and padded ear cups. Durability is another factor to consider; while these headphones might not last as long as higher-end models, you want something that won’t break easily.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various headphones under $50 to identify the best options available.
Best Headphones under $50
We’ve reviewed and tested different headphones to find the top performers in the budget category. Here are our top picks for the best headphones under $50.
Decider TV Top Picks
1. SUMEE Waterproof Over-Ear Headphones
Product Specifications
- Much Better Sound
- Hand-Free Call
- Built in Mic
- Both Modes
- Upgraded Soft Ear Cushions
These headphones offer excellent value for their price with great sound quality and versatility.
We found the SUMEE Waterproof Over-Ear Headphones to be quite impressive. The sound quality is significantly better than expected for the price, providing deep bass and clear vocals. They work great for listening to music or watching movies.
Comfort is another highlight. The upgraded soft ear cushions are comfortable enough for long listening sessions. We could wear them for hours without any discomfort. Keep in mind to take breaks every couple of hours as they suggest.
However, the build quality isn’t perfect of SUMEE Waterproof Over-Ear Headphones. Some parts, like the labels for left and right ears, might fall off. Also, there can be occasional connectivity issues, but these are minor in light of their overall performance. For the price, these headphones offer a solid combination of sound and comfort.
Pros
- Impressive sound quality with deep bass
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours
- Comfortable ear cushions for extended use
Cons
- Build quality could be better
- Occasional connectivity issues
- Labels for left and right ears may fall off
2. Koss KPH7G On-Ear Headphone
Product Specifications
- Adjustable headband
- Comfort and Secure Fit
- 3.5mm plug
- Deep base response
- 80-18,000hz, 91db
These headphones are a solid choice for anyone seeking affordable, lightweight on-ear headphones.
The Koss KPH7G headphones are incredibly lightweight, making them perfect for daily use. We’ve found that the adjustable headband fits comfortably for long listening sessions without causing any discomfort. The bright green color adds a fun touch and makes them easy to locate in a bag.
However, the noise isolation is not the best, so these might not be suitable for very noisy environments. They are also a bit tight, which could be uncomfortable for those with larger heads. We’ve noticed that the wire isn’t the most durable, so you may need to handle them with care to avoid damage.
Overall, the Koss KPH7G headphones are a great budget-friendly option that strikes a good balance between comfort and performance. If you’re looking for a reliable pair of on-ear headphones for under $50, these are definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Affordable price
- Adjustable headband fits well
Cons
- Limited noise isolation
- May be too tight for larger heads
- Wire durability can be an issue
3. Koss KPH7
Product Specifications
- Frequency Response
- 15-25,000 Hz
- Impedance
- 16 ohms
- Comfortable
These are a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, no-frills headphone option.
The Koss KPH7 headphones are impressively lightweight, making them comfortable to wear during extended listening sessions. Whether we’re using them for a workout or just relaxing, they sit well without causing ear fatigue.
Despite their budget-friendly price, the sound quality is surprisingly decent. We found the audio clear and balanced, though not exceptional, providing a satisfactory listening experience for everyday use.
One downside is the stiff headband, which can be a bit uncomfortable for some. Additionally, there is no noise cancellation, so they might not be ideal in noisy environments. The connecting wire is quite thin and might be prone to damage if not handled carefully.
These headphones are a good pick for those looking for a straightforward, affordable option without the need for high-end features.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Stiff headband
- No noise cancellation
- Thin connecting wire
4. KVIDIO Bluetooth Headphones
Product Specifications
- Stereo Sound Headphones
- Comfortable Headphones
- Wide Compatibility
- Seamless Wireless Connection
- Customer Support
For affordable and comfortable over-ear headphones with impressive battery life, KVIDIO Bluetooth Headphones are worth considering.
The KVIDIO Bluetooth Headphones surprised us with their remarkable sound quality for the price. They offer a rich, full-bodied listening experience that’s hard to match under $50. Whether we were listening to music or taking calls, the sound was consistently clear and enjoyable.
Comfort is another highlight. With soft memory-protein earmuffs and an adjustable headband, these headphones are easy to wear for extended periods. Their lightweight, foldable design makes them perfect for carrying around during travel or daily commutes.
However, not everything is perfect. There’s no active noise cancelation, which can be a drawback in noisy environments. Also, the bass is quite pronounced, which might not be to everyone’s taste. Despite these minor issues, the KVIDIO Bluetooth Headphones stand out as a fantastic budget option for anyone in need of reliable, comfortable, and long-lasting wireless headphones.
Pros
- Long battery life (65 hours)
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Wide compatibility with devices
Cons
- No active noise cancelation
- Emphasized bass may not suit everyone
- Buttons can be tricky to find
5. Candy Bila Kids Headphones
Product Specifications
- In-line remote
- 85/94dB Volume Limit
- Stereo Sound
- Microphone Feature
- Excellent Durability
These Candy Bila Kids Headphones are a great choice for parents looking for affordable, durable, and functional headphones for children.
These headphones impressed us with their thoughtful design and kid-friendly features. The adjustable volume limit ensures that our kids’ ears stay safe, which is a huge plus. We noticed that the headphones are very comfortable, even for extended wear, which makes them great for long car rides or study sessions.
The foldable design is a big win for portability. Our kids can easily pack them into their backpacks without any hassle. We also appreciate the in-line remote, making it simple to control the music and calls without having to fiddle with other devices.
On the downside, the cord does seem a bit susceptible to wear and tear, especially with frequent yanking. There were also a few issues with the headband’s durability, as some users reported breakages after a couple of months. Still, the overall value and functionality make these headphones a solid choice for any parent.
These headphones also feature an audio sharing function, which lets two devices connect simultaneously. This makes sharing music and videos with friends a breeze.
Pros
- Adjustable volume limit to protect young ears
- Foldable design for easy portability
- Comfortable fit for long use
Cons
- The cord might be vulnerable to constant yanking
- Volume control can be tricky to adjust perfectly
- Durability issues with the headband reported by some users
6. Glynzak Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Product Specifications
- Excellent Sound
- 6EQ Modes
- The charge lasts a long time
- Comfortable
- Easy Packing Design
Glynzak Wireless Bluetooth Headphones offer good sound quality and long battery life, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The Glynzak Wireless Bluetooth Headphones really impressed us with their extended battery life. We used them for long stretches without needing to recharge, making them great for travel. The sound was clear and crisp, and we liked the different EQ modes.
Comfort is another strong point. The ear cups are made of soft leather-like material that fits snugly over the ears. This makes them pleasant to wear for hours. Plus, they don’t press too hard on the head.
Switching between wired and wireless modes was seamless. However, the headphones do feel a bit plasticky and average in material quality. But given the sound performance and battery life, they are still a commendable buy for under $50.
Pros
- Impressive 65-hour battery life
- Comfortable fit with soft ear cushions
- Easy switching between wired and wireless modes
Cons
- Material quality feels average
- Not the best noise cancellation
- Bulky design may not appeal to everyone
7. PALOVUE iPhone Headphones
Product Specifications
- MFi Certification
- All-in-one Control
- Outstanding Sound Quality
- Noise Isolation
- Quality and Durability
These headphones are a great choice for anyone looking for budget earbuds with solid performance and convenience.
These PALOVUE iPhone headphones offer a reliable option for those who want a wired connection without needing an adapter. The MFi certification means we can just plug them in and go, without worrying about compatibility. The sound quality is impressive for the price, with deep bass and clear mids, making music and calls enjoyable.
The in-ear design definitely helps block out ambient noise. This was particularly noticeable when we used them in noisy environments. It felt like a private listening experience even in bustling areas. The in-line controls are user-friendly, allowing us to easily manage calls, music, and volume without fishing out the phone.
The one downside is that they can feel a bit delicate. We found ourselves handling them with care to avoid potential damage. While they’re great for daily use, the lack of a carrying case is a bummer, as it leaves the earbuds unprotected in our bags or pockets. Despite this, the PALOVUE iPhone headphones deliver good value and quality for the price.
Pros
- MFi certified, no adapter required
- Excellent noise isolation
- In-line controls for easy use
Cons
- Can occasionally feel a bit fragile
- No carrying case included
- Wired, which may be less convenient than wireless
8. OneOdio Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones
Product Specifications
- High-Resolution
- Dual Mode
- Never Power Off
- Maximum Comfort
- Space-Saving Design
These headphones offer great sound quality and comfort for under $50, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious music lovers.
We found the OneOdio Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones to be highly impressive for their price range. The 50mm neodymium drivers deliver powerful bass and clear vocals, which is quite surprising considering the cost. The battery life is quite generous, offering up to 110 hours of playtime on a single charge. This is a huge plus for anyone who dislikes frequent recharging.
Comfort is another strong point. The over-ear design fits snugly, and the memory cotton ear pads make it easy to wear these headphones for extended periods. We also appreciated the foldable design, which makes it convenient to carry them around, though they can still feel a bit bulky.
One downside we noticed is the performance during voice calls. While listening to music is a joy, the sound quality can drop if you are on a call, which can be frustrating. Despite this, for under $50, these headphones offer an excellent combination of sound quality, comfort, and versatility.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Comfortable design
- Versatile connectivity options
Cons
- Bulky when folded
- Sound quality may degrade on calls
- Can be uncomfortable during long voice calls
9. ZIHNIC Bluetooth Headphones
Product Specifications
- Astonishing Sound Production
- Built For Your Comfortability
- Seamless Bluetooth Connection
- Ergonomic Design
- Long Battery Life
These headphones offer good sound quality and comfort at an affordable price.
The ZIHNIC Bluetooth Headphones deliver clear and immersive sound, making it easy to get lost in your music. The artificial leather earmuffs are very comfortable, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort. We found the foldable design to be convenient for travel, and the Bluetooth connection was easy to set up and remained stable.
While the noise cancellation isn’t perfect, it was enough to block out most background sounds. The biggest downside we noticed was the small button controls, which can be hard to use, especially when on the go. There’s also a very slight delay in audio when using Bluetooth, but it didn’t significantly impact our listening experience.
Overall, these headphones are a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides excellent sound quality and comfort. They’re particularly useful for daily use, travel, and working out. For the price, you really can’t go wrong with the ZIHNIC Bluetooth Headphones.
Pros
- Clear sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
Cons
- Noise cancellation could be better
- Button controls are small
- Slight delay in Bluetooth audio
10. JVC Flats On-Ear Headphones
Product Specifications
- Soft On Ear Pads
- Flat Foldable Custom Design
- Powerful Sound
- Gold Platted Headphone Jack
- Lightweight
These JVC Flats are great for anyone looking for affordable, stylish headphones with decent sound quality.
These headphones are lightweight, making them perfect for travel or daily commutes. We really appreciate the soft ear pads, which make wearing them for long periods a breeze. The sound quality is quite impressive for the price range, offering crisp and clear audio.
They fold flat, making them easy to slip into a bag or backpack without taking up much space. The pivoting earpieces also help with storage convenience. Plus, they come in several fun colors, adding a bit of personality to your listening experience.
On the downside, they don’t seem very sturdy. With heavy use, they might not hold up well over time. The short cord can also be a bit restrictive, especially if you need to move around a lot while using them. Noise isolation is limited, so they may not be the best option in very noisy environments.
Pros
- Clear sound quality
- Comfortable ear pads
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Not very durable
- Short 3.94-foot cord
- Limited noise isolation
Buying Guide
When looking for headphones under $50, there are a few key things to consider.
Wired vs. Wireless:
Additional Features:
Technical Specs:
Feature
- Frequency Response
- Impedance
- Driver Size
- Battery Life
- Weight
Details
- 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- 16 – 32 ohms
- 30mm – 40mm
- 8 – 20 hours for wireless
- Under 250 grams
Paying attention to these aspects can help us find the best headphones for our needs without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best features to look for in headphones under $50?
Look for good sound quality, comfortable fit, and solid build. Noise isolation and a decent microphone can also be important features. Battery life can matter for wireless options.
How do wired and wireless headphones under $50 compare?
Wired headphones often provide better sound quality at this price point. Wireless headphones offer the convenience of no tangles but may have shorter battery life and can sometimes lack sound quality.
Which headphones under $50 offer the best mic quality?
Headphones from brands like Mpow and Anker usually have good mic quality. They are ideal for calls and gaming. Look for clear sound and noise-canceling features.
Can you find good headphones for music listening in the under $50 category?
Yes, brands like Sony and Audio-Technica offer great options for music. They provide balanced sound and good bass at a budget price.
What are some of the top-rated headphones available for under $50?
Top-rated options include Sony MDR-ZX110, Anker SoundBuds Slim, and Mpow H7. They get good reviews for their sound quality, comfort, and durability.
How do I choose the most durable headphones within a $50 budget?
Look for headphones with strong materials like metal or reinforced plastic. Brands known for durability include JLab and Skullcandy. Always check user reviews for feedback on build quality.