Best cheap headphones 2024: budget wired and Bluetooth headphones

Sony WF-C700N wireless earbuds in the hand over a red table
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)

Headphones come in almost as many price brackets as styles – you can spend hundreds, or even thousands on a pair, should you have the means and the inclination. But most of us don't have either. Thankfully, there are plenty of options at the cheaper end of the market, some of which are very good indeed.

They include earbuds (both wired and wireless), on-ear and over-ear models. All of the below are What Hi-Fi? recommended products which have earned a minimum of four out of five in our reviews. Plenty of them have won Awards too, meaning they're some of the best products available in their respective categories.

See, who needs to spend big with this lot available?

How to choose the best budget headphones for you

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Budget headphones aren't limited to earbuds – they come in all shapes and sizes. You can get some pretty decent over-ear headphones for not much money at all. Some models also boast features usually associated with higher-end models like noise-cancelling, too.

Your next decision is between wired and wireless. The best Bluetooth headphones and wireless earbuds are great for their cable-free convenience, but it's a technology that generally attracts a higher price tag compared to wired counterparts of similar sonic quality. Still, you can find some stellar pairs for not much cash.

Lastly, if you're a fitness fiend who wants to prioritise a secure fit and waterproofing, you're better off going for a pair of sport headphones. Some pairs here offer sweat- and water-resistance – look out for an IP rating of at least IPX4.

SoundMagic E11C on a ridged background

On the hunt for cheap and extremely cheerful in-ear headphones? The E11C fit the bill perfectly. (Image credit: SoundMagic)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winner. A great pair of budget wired headphones, complete with remote and mic.

Specifications

Type: In-ear
Bluetooth version: N/A
Noise-cancelling: No
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Connector: 3.5mm
Waterproofing: No
Battery life: N/A
Weight: 12g

Reasons to buy

+
Entertaining sound
+
Remote and mic
+
Easy to drive

Reasons to avoid

-
Timing isn't perfect

When it comes to excellent cheap headphones, the SoundMagic E11C are the granddaddy. They launched back in 2018, and now, nearly six years on, they're still winning Awards – they won Best wired in-ear headphones under £100 at the 2023 What Hi-Fi? Awards. Think of Anthony Hopkins winning an Oscar at 83, and you get the idea.

So why are they (still) worth buying? Firstly, they have an excellent pedigree. The E10 before them were previous leaders in terms of cheap, wired earbuds, and their follow-up – the E10C in-line mic and remote control upgrade – similarly so. The E11C build on this strong foundation with better drivers, and an improved cable that's now silver-plated.

All this means better sound, but without reinventing the wheel. It retains SoundMagic's distinctive warmth, but the bass delves deeper than before, and without sacrificing the treble. Sandwiched between them is a clear, lively midrange that always remains composed.

The one downside is that they're still sticking around their launch price – six years on, you'd expect a hefty discount. But considering the price tag was eminently reasonable to begin with, maybe we're asking too much. Other budget earbuds should respect their elders.

Read the full SoundMagic E11C review

Sony WF-C500 on a patterned rug

The WF-C500 don't cut many corners to offer Sony style and substance in a more affordable package. (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winner. Genuine contenders that don't cut too many corners.

Specifications

Type: In-ear
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Noise-cancelling: No
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Connector: N/A
Waterproofing: IPX4
Battery life: 20hrs (buds: 10hrs; case: 10hrs)
Weight: 5.4g each

Reasons to buy

+
Compact and comfortable design
+
Spirited, well-balanced sound
+
Fine control app

Reasons to avoid

-
Ordinary battery life
-
Slightly small-scale sound
-
Numerous serious rivals

Sony is probably still grinning from its clean sweep at the recent What Hi-Fi? Awards. But while most of its victors were first-timers, the C500 have been here before – they won in 2022 as well. When you see them for yourself, it's hardly surprising. 

They're Sony's cheapest wireless earbuds, and tick all the boxes, with Bluetooth 5.0, and compatibility with SBC and AAC codecs. Battery life is a healthy 20 hours (10 from the earbuds, 10 from the charging case).

Like Sony's pricier models, they work with the brand's Headphones Connect app, which gives you more controls as well as extra features like the ability to upscale audio files to hi-res quality, or thereabouts. Don't want to reach for your phone? Just use your voice, as Google Assistant and Siri virtual assistants are onboard. And with a water-resistance rating of IPX4, you need not worry about wearing them in the rain or being splashed by a passing bus.

Sonically, they're not up there with the WF-1000XM5, but at a fraction of the price, we wouldn't expect them to be. And they do offer a lot of the same qualities, like being very well balanced, with ample bass. Put it this way: we wouldn't be surprised if they took the winner's podium for a third year in a row. 

Read the full Sony WF-C500 review

Sony WF-C700N on a red surface

Sony's new midrange wireless earbuds are a great middle ground between its high-end and budget models. (Image credit: Future)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winner. Combine comfort, ANC and sensational sound quality.

Specifications

Type: In-ear
Bluetooth version: 5.2 (AAC, SBC)
Noise-cancelling: Yes
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Connector: N/A
Waterproofing: IPX4
Total battery life: 15hrs (buds: 7.5hrs; case: 7.5hrs)
Weight: 4.6g each

Reasons to buy

+
Very comfortable fit
+
Refined presentation for the money
+
Detailed, dynamic, musical sound

Reasons to avoid

-
No Multipoint Bluetooth (yet)
-
Charging case lacks battery oomph
-
No aptX or LDAC support

If you want something a little higher-end than the WF-C500, but without spending too much more, the WF-C700N will suit you perfectly.

They're small, and so lightweight that they're actually more comfortable to wear than Sony's older – but pricier – WF-1000XM4. They might miss out on aptX HD and LDAC, but they do have noise cancellation, which the C500 lack. Though this does impact battery life – at 15 hours (7.5 hours each from the buds and carry case), it's five hours fewer than the C500.

You also get features you would usually associate with more expensive headphones. Adaptive Sound Control automatically switches listening modes depending on your location, and Sony's DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales low-res digital audio files to higher quality.

The sound quality is superbly balanced too, with deep, detailed bass, expressive mids and engaging highs. They're a very musical listen for the money.

Downsides? The lack of aptX HD and LDAC support is a shame, while Multipoint – which lets you switch seamlessly between devices – still hasn't arrived. And the charging case only provides one extra charge which seems a little mean – that's the price you pay for noise cancellation, we suppose. But the superb sound and great feature set more than make up for these rather minor shortcomings.

Read the full Sony WF-C700N review

JBL Live Pro 2 TWS on a herringbone carpet

JBL has been in the wireless earbud game for years, and this affordable pair is one of its best. (Image credit: Future)
JBL’s entertaining wireless earbuds hit the spot.

Specifications

Type: In-ear
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Noise-cancelling: Yes
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Connector: N/A
Waterproofing: IPX5
Battery life: 8hrs (30hrs with charging case)
Weight: 4.8g each

Reasons to buy

+
Punchy, lively sound
+
Solid, meaty bass
+
User-friendly app and set-up

Reasons to avoid

-
No aptX HD or LDAC
-
Control customisation could be better
-
Only three ear tip choices

JBL might not dominate headlines like Sony or Apple, but it's been making wireless earbuds for years. And mighty fine they are too. Case in point: the JBL Live Pro 2 TWS.

They look decent for the price, with their mirrored finish elevating them above their similarly-priced peers. They're a comfortable fit – if not quite as secure as some pairs – and have extras that are above what we expect at this level. These include wireless charging, IPX5 water-resistance (most pairs are IPX4), and Bluetooth Multipoint which lets you seamlessly switch between devices without having to reconnect to each. And at 30 hours (including the case), the battery life is up there with pricier pairs.

The noise-canceling feature is impressive, automatically adjusting to the optimum level depending on your environment. And the sound? Worthy of the five stars these headphones earned in our review.

Read the full JBL Live Pro 2 TWS review

Austrian Audio Hi-X15 on-ear headphones on a white background

If you thought on-ear headphones cost a bomb, take a look at the Hi-X15. (Image credit: Austrian Audio)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winner. Talented and affordable budget wired headphones for the home.

Specifications

Type: Over-ear
Bluetooth version: N/A
Noise-cancelling: No
Built-in mic and controls: No
Connector: 3.5mm (6.3mm adapter included)
Waterproofing: No
Battery life: N/A
Weight: 255g

Reasons to buy

+
Clear, open presentation
+
Dig out plenty of detail
+
Impressive sense of timing

Reasons to avoid

-
Need plenty of running in
-
Require partnering with suitable electronics

Given everyone’s apparent obsession with wireless headphones, you’d be forgiven for thinking the days of wired headphones were numbered, especially at the more affordable end of the market.

But, we’d be surprised if those thoughts ever surfaced in the corridors of Austrian Audio’s Vienna HQ. The company, born out of ex-AKG employees, has hit the ground running with its first-ever range of wired headphones, Hi-X. And this model won What Hi-Fi? Awards in both 2022 and 2023.

We’d consider the Hi-X15 an analytical pair of headphones, but they still manage to make music entertaining with it – they extract bags of detail but keep the soul of your music intact. Throughout the frequency range, these headphones deliver consistently high detail levels and fantastic dynamics. There isn’t an ounce of fat on any track played through the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones. But at the same time there’s enough weight and substance to low frequencies that you don’t feel as though you’re missing out. 

We wouldn't insist on you partnering them with a suitable DAC/headphone amplifier, but do so and you’ll be rewarded with a mature-sounding pair of headphones that go above and beyond at the money.

Read the full Austrian Audio Hi-X15 review

Sony WH-CH520 held in front of some vinyl sleeves

These Sony over-ears are compromised in the least compromising way. (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
The WH-CH520 sound a lot better than the price suggests.

Specifications

Type: On-ear
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Noise-cancelling: No
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Connector: N/A
Waterproofing: No
Battery life: 50hrs
Weight: 147g

Reasons to buy

+
Balanced and engaging sound
+
Great battery life
+
Useful and extensive control app

Reasons to avoid

-
Dynamically inhibited
-
Could conceivably have greater insight

Sony's WH-1000XM5 are some of the best over-ear headphones around, but they cost a pretty penny. If you want a stripped back version at a fraction of the cost, check out the brand's WH-CH520.

Pretty much every claim from here on it should be proceeded by the phrase 'for the price'. They're feature laden, with Bluetooth Multipoint letting you connect to multiple devices wirelessly and seamlessly switch between them, voice assistants are supported, they have on-earcup controls and you can fine-tune the sound using Sony's excellent Headphones Connect app. 

Speaking of the sound, it's very good indeed. The low end is solid, deep and controlled, though it could be a bit more expressive. The midrange is informative and eloquent, while the top of the frequency range balances brightness with substance well.

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

They might feel a bit plasticky, but they're solidly built and will withstand their share of knocks. Even at this cheap price, that's reassuring.

Read the full Sony WH-CH520 review

Røde NTH-100 on a red background

Be as critical or as casual in your listening as you like – the Røde NTH-100 will put you fully in the picture. (Image credit: Future)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winner. High-end audio kit maker goes budget – and succeeds.

Specifications

Type: Closed-back
Bluetooth version: N/A
Noise-cancelling: No
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Connector: 3.5mm
Waterproofing: No
Battery life: N/A
Weight: 350g

Reasons to buy

+
Eloquent, revealing sound
+
Well made and almost good-looking
+
Comfortable for hours at a time

Reasons to avoid

-
May sound analytical to some ears
-
Wired configuration isn’t fashionable
-
Will heat your ears eventually

Røde is a big name in the world of pro recording gear, but the NTH-100 are the brand's first headphones. And impressive first attempts they are too, picking up a 2023 What Hi-Fi? Award.

Initial impressions are not hugely promising – the NTH-100 are fairly unremarkable to look at and reasonably heavy (350g). However, things improve when we slip them on. The soft headband is incredibly comfortable and locks in place when you've found the perfect position. Genius.

It is with their audio quality that they really shine, though. Dual 40mm full-range drivers deliver a great sense of rhythmic expression and plenty of detail, and the midrange is the real star of the show, picking up even the slightest variations in tone or timbre.

The downsides? The ‘CoolTech’ gel in the memory foam earcups only stays cool up to a point. But all in all, the detail-heavy NTH-100 are a superb debut, especially when you consider the budget price.

Want an even cheaper alternative? Check out the Grado SR80x. They're open-backed, so not suited for using out in public. But for home use on a budget, they're tops.

Read the full Røde NTH-100 review

Lindy BNX-60 Bluetooth headphones being cupped in the hands

The BNX-60 are comfortable enough for all-day wear, and much better value than their pricier siblings. (Image credit: Lindy)
Bluetooth, noise-cancelling, very acceptable sonic performance – all for not much cash

Specifications

Type: On-ear
Bluetooth version: 4.1
Noise-cancelling: Yes
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Connector: 3.5mm, 6.3mm
Waterproofing: No
Battery life: 15hrs
Weight: 600g

Reasons to buy

+
Great value
+
Detailed, solid sound
+
Noise-cancelling and wireless functionality

Reasons to avoid

-
Treble a little muffled in standard mode

Kill two birds with one stone in fine style with these affordable, feature-packed headphones: they're wireless and noise cancelling, all for a very affordable price.

Fit is comfortable and snug, and connecting to a phone or tablet over Bluetooth is simple; press and hold the power button to make the headphones visible and then select the headphones on your device. And that's it.

Noise cancelling can be turned on or off, and with it on these do a solid job of blocking out external noise. At this price we would often expect bright treble or booming bass, but instead the Lindy BNX-60 headphones deliver a balanced sound that’s easy to listen to.

Admittedly the Lindy BNX-60 aren't for the discerning audiophile, but for a pair of budget headphones with noise cancelling and wireless Bluetooth, they're first rate.

Read the full Lindy BNX-60 review

How we test headphones

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door.

Of course, testing headphones don't often require such facilities (though we do often try audiophile headphones in our reference hi-fi system). What is important in our headphones reviewing process is that each pair is compared to the best in its price and style class – whether that's one standout pair or a few we favour the highest among the 100+ pairs we listen to each year for reviews and What Hi-Fi? Awards judging. What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, and we keep class-leading products in our stockrooms so we can always compare new products to ones we know and love.

We are always impartial and do our best to make sure we're hearing every product at their very best, so we'll try plenty of different types of music and give them plenty of listening time (and time to run in), while the wired headphones that might warrant being used with a DAC are tested with a suitable one. It's not just about sound quality, of course. If a pair has active noise cancellation – increasingly the case these days – we'll ensure part of our testing involves using them in different environments. 

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible, too. There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades.

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

  • Socraticd
    Not really budget or cheap list if most are over $100 and the cheapest is $65. Looks like just advertising affiliate links.
    Reply
  • smallfry
    I'd still go Koss Portapro for under 30 (or less of you're lucky)
    Reply