When it comes to budget headphones, finding that sweet spot between price and quality can be tricky. But don't worry, we've done the legwork for you. Whether you're commuting daily, hitting the books, or just love jamming out without spending a fortune, we've got some top picks that won't empty your wallet. Ready to dive in? Let's check out some great value options.
First up, meet the Soundcore Space One. This wallet-friendly wireless headphone from Anker is all about giving you decent sound and noise isolation without the hefty price tag. Our experts love it because it packs a punch with features and performance, all for under $100. The Soundcore Space One shines in noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life, making it a standout in the budget category. If comfort and noise canceling are your top priorities, this one's for you.
Who should snag this? If you need affordable headphones mainly for noise canceling and comfort during flights or long commutes, this is a solid pick. Perfect for students, daily commuters, or anyone who wears headphones for hours on end.
Highlight: Best for noise cancellation and comfort under $100.
Pros:
- Effective active noise canceling.
- Long battery life (55 hours standard, 40 hours with ANC).
- Comfortable for extended wear.
Cons:
- Sound quality isn't the best.
- Bass-heavy with recessed mid-range.
- Plastic build might not be everyone's cup of tea.
The Soundcore Space One comes with plush, breathable ear cushions, perfect for long listening sessions. The adjustable headband clicks into various sizes for a comfy fit. Its V-shaped sound profile emphasizes bass and treble, making vocals and instruments pop. The Soundcore app offers an adaptive EQ based on your hearing, a graphic EQ for sound customization, and 22 EQ presets. The BassUp feature boosts bass response, activated through the app. With upgraded noise-canceling tech that's twice as strong as previous models, you get Hi-Res Audio. It supports five modes, including noise canceling, transparency, and normal, all adjustable via the app. With over 34 hours of battery life, these headphones are great for long trips. Plus, features like automatic play/pause (Wear Detection) and multipoint connection let you connect to two devices at once.
Next, let's chat about the Sennheiser HD 450 BT. This model offers a compact, secure design with balanced sound and decent noise cancellation. Our experts picked it for its balanced sound profile with a subtle bass boost, making it versatile for various genres. If you need a compact, secure fit with decent noise cancellation and balanced sound, this one's for you.
Who should buy this? If you need a compact design with secure noise-canceling for different environments, this is a great choice.
Highlight: Best for balanced sound profile and compact design.
Pros:
- Balanced sound with a subtle bass boost.
- Versatile for various genres.
- Compact and secure design.
Cons:
- Tight fit can be uncomfortable over time.
- Faux leather deteriorates.
- Replacement ear cups are tricky to attach.
The Sennheiser HD 450 BT is a wireless headphone with active noise cancellation (ANC) and high-quality wireless codec support, including Bluetooth 5.0. Designed for superior sound with deep dynamic bass, it offers up to 30 hours of playtime. Features include intuitive controls, a folding design, and selectable sound modes via the Sennheiser Smart Control App. Suitable for home or on-the-go use, it's compatible with the Smart Control App for tailored sound experiences. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the noise canceling and sound quality, while others mention comfort and quality control issues.
Now, let's look at the JBL Tune 770 NC. This model boasts a sleek, modern design with comfy padding and long battery life. Our experts love it for its bass-heavy sound profile and good battery life, making it great for extended use. If you prioritize a sleek design, comfort, and long battery life with a bass-heavy sound, this one's for you.
Who should buy this? If you want boosted bass on a budget and a sleek design, this is a fantastic option.
Highlight: Best for sleek design and bass-heavy sound.
Pros:
- Sleek, modern design.
- Comfortable padding.
- Long battery life (up to 70 hours).
Cons:
- Small ear cup cutout may be uncomfortable for larger ears.
- Inconsistent noise cancellation.
- Cable design may not suit everyone.
The JBL Tune 770 NC are wireless over-ear headphones with adaptive noise cancellation. They feature 40mm drivers delivering JBL Pure Bass Sound and a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. Compatible with Bluetooth 5.3, they support AAC and SBC codecs. They offer multipoint pairing with up to two devices and Google Fast Pair. The right earcup houses all physical controls, including volume and track navigation buttons, a central multifunction button, and dedicated power and ANC/Ambient Aware mode buttons. Available in black, blue, lavender, or white, they have large earcups with generous cushioning and a padded headband for comfort. With up to 70 hours of battery life (44 hours with ANC on), they're ideal for those who want boosted bass on a budget, though their noise cancellation is just okay.
Lastly, let's talk about the Sony WH-CH710N. This model offers excellent noise cancellation and a bass-heavy sound profile with a sleek design and comfy padding. Our experts chose it for its balance of noise-canceling capabilities, battery life, and comfort at a competitive price. If you need excellent noise cancellation and a bass-heavy sound profile, this one's for you.
Who should buy this? If you need top-notch noise cancellation and a bass-heavy sound profile, this is a great pick.
Highlight: Best for noise cancellation and bass-heavy sound.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation.
- Bass-heavy sound profile.
- Sleek design with comfortable padding.
Cons:
- Plasticky feel.
- Doesn't fold for storage.
- Vocals and instruments may sound muffled.
The Sony WH-CH710N is a wireless noise-canceling headphone designed for distraction-free listening. With Dual Noise Sensor Technology and Automatic Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancelling (AINC), these headphones block out ambient sounds effectively. They offer up to 35 hours of wireless playback on a single charge, with quick charging providing 60 minutes of playback from just 10 minutes of charging. The sleek, rounded design features adjustable metal sliders and soft, oval-shaped earpads for comfort during long listening sessions. Supporting Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC and AAC codecs, and NFC for quick pairing, they also include a 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening. Compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, these headphones offer hands-free calling and music playback control. The WH-CH710N provides good sound quality but lacks the high-quality wireless sound expected from Sony due to the absence of the LDAC codec. The battery life is impressive, with a measured 41 hours of playback. The design is comfortable, but the build quality is criticized for being too plastic.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Finding the perfect budget headphones doesn't mean you have to skimp on quality. From the Soundcore Space One's stellar noise cancellation and comfort to the Sennheiser HD 450 BT's balanced sound profile, there's something for everyone. The JBL Tune 770 NC offers a sleek design and bass-heavy sound, while the Sony WH-CH710N provides excellent noise cancellation and a comfy fit. Each model has its unique strengths, catering to different needs and preferences.
Whether you're a daily commuter, a student, or just someone who loves to dive into their music, there's a budget headphone out there for you. By considering factors like noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and design, you can find a pair that fits your lifestyle and enhances your listening experience. So go ahead, explore these options, and find the perfect budget headphones that meet your needs without breaking the bank. Happy listening!