10 Best Value Headphones in 2024

The Panasonic ErgoFit in-ear headphones boast exceptional sound, stylish design, and superior comfort. They are designed to fit perfectly in any sized ear, with three different sizes of earpads. They also offer the opportunity for five various color-coded options, which you can use to add a little more style to the ensemble.

They offer reasonable noise isolation with a sealed fit in the ears, and the sound comes out through 9mm drivers with neodymium magnets. They're not wireless, so while you won't need to worry about lost connection, you don't quite have the freedom of wireless headphones.

If you want a really reasonably priced pair of headphones that will be comfortable and offer good sound quality, the ErgoFits are a good choice.

Pros:
+ Great sound quality
+ Comfortable fit
+ In-ear design
+ Various earpad sizes
+ Lightweight

Why We Liked It - If you're looking to save a little money, the ErgoFit in-ear headphones are a great choice. The sound is good and they are pretty comfortable. The color-coding option is an added bonus.

Are you looking for a little more bass in your headphones? The MPOW Flame Bluetooth headphones offer exceptionally bassy sound and durability to go along with it. With 11mm drivers, you get a little more speaker area blasting the sound out.

They have a design that is perfect for active listeners. If you're working out, running, or doing yoga, the ear clips will keep them in place. They also feature an IPX7 waterproof rating that will protect them from sweat on rigorous workouts.

With a 7-9 hour battery life, they will last long enough to get you through your workout. They only take two hours to fully charge them as well. Although they aren't true wireless headphones, they don't connect to your phone using a wire. You can enjoy hands-free calling and crystal clear communication with the noise-canceling microphone. On top of that, they have a great price-point.

Pros:
+ 7-9 hour battery life
+ Clear noise-canceling microphone
+ Ear clips
+ IPX7 waterproof
+ Quick charge

Why We Liked It - Fo workouts, they are an excellent choice. Comfortable, excellent sound with extra bass, and a sturdy waterproof rating. They have a great price and tick all the boxes for active music listeners.

If you're looking for a good pair of over-ear headphones that offer great value, the AILIHEN C8 foldable's are great. They aren't expensive and offer a really comfortable fit. They collapse right down so you can take them practically anywhere with you, adding a touch of convenience compared to some other over-ear headphones.

An adjustable fit makes the C8's suitable for multiple sized people. A comfortable headband and ear cups make sure you won't get too uncomfortable when wearing them for hours on end.

Thanks to the over-ear design, they offer a reasonable level of noise-isolation, allowing you to block out some of the unwanted external sounds that may bleed in. They're a great option for those who are interested in a little higher-quality sound without paying too much.

Pros:
+ Noise-isolation
+ Great sound
+ Reasonable price
+ Foldable
+ Hands-free calling

Why We Liked It - For anyone who wants a simple pair of headphones for everyday use that sounds great, the AILIHEN C8's are excellent. They offer good sound, a comfortable fit, and an acceptable price point.

Panasonic is known for creating some of the most reliable and reputable headphones on the market. With a classic design and over-ear fit, they're not super flashy, and they give anyone a great listening experience without complication. For the price, you get excellent value and awesome sound quality when you compare them to a headphone at the same or higher price point.

They have a well-rounded sound with deep bass, punchy mids, and clear treble because of the dual 30mm neodymium drivers. A perfectly padded set of ear cushions make sure that they're one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones you'll wear. A quick, adjustable headband makes them suitable for anyone.

If you're watching at home and need an extended cord, the RPHT161 headphones are the way to go. They have an extra-long 6.5ft audio cord that'll give you unhindered connection and a crisp clear sound. They're relatively durable and you can take them anywhere. The classic, pleasing design will offer some of the best sounds on this list.

Pros:
+ Classic design
+ Over-ear
+ Comfortable
+ Good sound quality
+ Adjustable headband

Cons:
- Not wireless
- Little bulky

Why We Liked It - The classic look and feel to these over-ear headphones make them one of the best value pairs you will find. They have an excellent price and offer some of the best sounds you can get without spending too much.

With over-ear headphones, half the time they're wireless, and the other half they aren't. The iJoy headphones are wireless over-ears that offer excellent sound quality and comfort as well as maneuverability. Five-button controls allow you to take calls, hang up, skip, repeat, and control the volume, right on the side of the earphone for added convenience.

The earcups, while softly padded and comfortable, also help to isolate unwanted sound and offer great sound fidelity. They are designed to be a little more durable and strong compared to other cheap headphones, so if you tend to be a little rougher on your headphones, then they may be the way to go for you.

They also feature a classic design that resembles high-end headphones which would normally cost more. The adjustability and folding design make them suitable for basically anybody.

Pros:
+ Noise-isolation
+ On-ear headphones
+ Comfortable fit
+ Lightweight
+ Durable

Cons:
- Not waterproof

Why We Liked It - This simple design offers great sound on a pair of on-ear headphones. They are fairly lightweight and comfortable but offer a level of strength and durability that instills confidence.

Sony is another highly reputable sound company that makes high-end products as well as budget headphones to fit any price range. THe MDRZX110s have an excellent frequency response due to their 30mm drivers. Low bass with clear highs allows you to hear everything exactly as intended.

There are a few options. You can choose from the regular version, one with a microphone, and another with noise-canceling technology. It all depends on how you want to enjoy music. For over-ear headphones, they have a lightweight and comfortable design, so you get that great sound with lasting comfort.

These wired headphones mean you don't get the freedom of wireless technology, but you will also experience uninterrupted signals and clear, detailed sound every time you listen. They're an excellent option for one of the best earphones on a budget.

Pros:
+ Uninterrupted signal
+ Lightweight and durable
+ Balanced sound
+ Good bass and treble
+ Great price

Cons:
- Wired
- Slightly bulky

Why We Liked It - Being one of the best audio companies in the world, Sony has created a really pleasing audio experience on a budget with these headphones. They are one of the best pairs of over-ears you will find for this value.

Possibly boasting the best audio quality on the list, the Mpow 059 Bluetooth headphones have features that compare to on-ear headphones at a higher price bracket. Each headphone has a 40mm neodymium driver, giving listeners excellent, high-fidelity audio. Passive noise-isolation will give you a slightly higher level of immersion, but won't block out 100% of outside noise.

Memory protein ear cushions and a metal headband slider make the 059's an excellent budget choice for comfort as well. With both wireless and wired options, you never have to worry about losing power or connection. That means you can use them with Bluetooth technology, or you can stay connected if you're not moving too far away from your receiver.

Compared to many other cheap headphones, they have a reliable and impressive mic that you can use to make calls. Alternatively, you can use them to play games on your PC or other consoles and talk to your comrades. All the controls are on the side of the headphone for easy and convenient access.

Pros:
+ Wired and wireless
+ Excellent audio
+ Comfortable design
+ Reliable battery life
+ Superb value

Cons:
- Not the cheapest option
- A little bulky

Why We Liked It - These are a great pair of cheap wireless earphones. The sound quality is excellent and they're super comfortable and reliable with both wired and wireless options.

The Betron YSM1000 headphones are a great pair of wired in-ear earphones with excellent sound. They have been tuned to adjust to specific songs and emulate the perfect levels of bass, treble, and mids. You don't have to worry about battery life with the wire which has a 24K gold plated input jack. The noise-isolating technology gives you a more immersive experience when listening to whatever floats your boat.

They come with a carrying case, as well as silicone ad memory foam earbuds, depending on what you prefer. There are also plenty of sizes so you can fit them into your specific ear canal.

They're highly compatible and have been designed to work perfectly with whichever interface you're using. The design is a little more flashy and stands out among the rest of the cheap headphones on the list. If you want a high-quality sound with in-ear headphones, then they may be one of the best options.

Pros:
+ Excellent audio quality
+ Wired
+ Noise-isolation
+ Lightweight
+ Comfortable ear cushions

Cons:
- A little more expensive
- Not wireless earphones

Why We Liked It - The sound quality of these headphones is truly great. They're not like other cheap headphones as they're superior in audio fidelity. This pair is super comfortable and has a great looking design if you want a little more style.

As far as value is concerned, the Wanga Original 3.5mm's are some of the best sounding cheap headphones on the list. The in-ears fit well to offer a reasonable level of noise-isolation. They're not Bluetooth headphones, so they'll give you a steady stream of audio, but they are slightly less maneuverable than wireless earbuds.

They come with a convenient carrying case, and the earphones themselves are durable enough to handle a little bit of abuse. They have a heavy bass design, which will give you rich audio with pleasantly resounding low ends. This might give you more motivation if you're using them during a workout.

They have a very attractive price and reliable features that will ensure that you enjoy every piece of music you hear when they're in your ears.

Pros:
+ Carrying case
+ Great audio
+ Excellent price
+ Superior build quality
+ Extra bass

Cons:
- They are more comfortable cheap headphones
- Not wireless earbuds

Why We Liked It - These cheap headphones are excellent value as far as build quality goes. They have one of the lowest prices for the best headphones.

The VOWSVOWS earbuds are very similar to the famous Apple iPod headphones. They are made from hard plastic and have a microphone on the cord from one of the headphone casings. They offer slight noise-isolation and high fidelity audio that will give you a clear and enjoyable listening experience.

They are fairly durable and tough, especially for the price. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, these are the perfect cheap headphones for workouts and an active lifestyle. Although they are not Bluetooth headphones, they're still lightweight and maneuverable.

These may not be the best headphones on our list, but for the price, they are well worth it. They will offer you good sound quality and a lasting level of durability.

Pros:
+ Durable
+ High-quality sound
+ Lightweight
+ Stylish
+ Partial noise-isolation

Cons:
- Not wireless
- Limited features

Why We Liked It - They have a reasonably good sound and are great for active lifestyle listeners. They are not super flashy or wireless, but if you just want a pair of budget headphones, they won't let you down.

Value Headphones Buyers Guide

Features to Consider

You'll want to keep a few things in mind when buying your value headphones. Here are some of the most important factors to consider.

Wireless or Wired?

The way you're using your headphones will determine whether or not you want Bluetooth. Wireless headphones are great for people who want complete mobility with no tether to the phone or device. They're super convenient when in motion for workouts, and they suit a basic active lifestyle.

However, charging can sometimes be more maintenance. Although wireless headphones can lose connection from time to time, even cheap, wireless ones usually have a decent connection.

Sound

Sound quality will sit at the top of the most important features to look out for. The better the sound, the more enjoyable your listening experience will be. If you want a fully immersive experience, then getting budget headphones with additional bass can really pull you into the music or movies you're listening to.

You want to make sure that the high and middle frequencies are clear and concise. The best headphone for the price will have a well-balanced tone, allowing you to fully understand what's happening within the audio.

Comfort

Comfort is probably the second most important feature you'll want in a pair of headphones. If you can't wear them for hours without needing to take them out, then you won't enjoy your listening experience nearly as much.

Whether you're going with over-ear or in-ear headphones, you'll want to get a pair that has soft, memory foam, or silicone earcups that won't rub or cause discomfort. Also, if you have multiple sizes of tips, and an adjustable headband, you can fit your headphones to your specific needs.

Noise-Cancelation

The best option for you will likely have some form of noise-cancelation. Noise-canceling headphones are sometimes a little higher in price, but the sound quality makes all the difference. There are active noise-canceling headphones and passive ones.

Active headphones are the best type when it comes to sound, but they are also a little more expensive and can eat up more battery than you may want. Passive noise-canceling headphones still offer a level of immersion, but without the electronic features that will fully block out sound and drain the battery.

Noise-cancelation can be great if you have roommates, or you find yourself studying or working around noise a lot of the time. It can offer you a way to block out distractions and stay focused on what you want. Just be careful if you're out for a run, in case there is traffic or potential hazards around.

Microphone

One of the best features you can have with a good set of earbuds is a microphone on the outside of the headphone. This will allow you to take calls without putting your phone up to your ear, and continue on with what you're doing. Usually, it will be located on the outside of a headphone where you can also control it using buttons.

Other times, the mic will be on the cord of the headphone. Either way, ensure that the mic quality is good enough if you're going to be using your set for frequent important calls. You don't want to be dropping important conversations due to bad connectivity.

Price

Since this article is focused on value, one of the most important features to you will be the price. Luckily, these days there are generally tons of options that are still very affordable. The best doesn't always mean the most expensive. Keep that in mind if something is cheaper than all of the others, as there is likely a good reason for it. Or, you may be sacrificing other features you may have otherwise gotten with a less budget-friendly option.

Durability

The best headphones will be durable enough to last for use after use. If they're feeble or not strong enough, you won't be getting a lot for your investment. If you want a pair for working out, look for a high waterproof rating like IPX7 or IPX8, as these types of headphones will be best for active lifestyles due to their ability to handle water. If all the other options tick all the boxes, durability may be the distinguishing factor from one headphone to the other.

Compatibility

Make sure that whatever device you're using is compatible with your earbuds. If you get a set that doesn't work with your device, then you're not going to be in the best situation. Most headphones are universally compatible, but with wireless sets, just check that they will work best together.

Conclusion

Now you have all the information you need to choose the best option for you. Keep everything you've read in mind when you're doing your shopping, and you can't go wrong!

If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic, please leave a positive rating: