The 5 Best Headphones Under $50 - Fall 2024

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless are the best headphones under $50 we've tested. They're the previous generation of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, which are among the best wireless Bluetooth headphones under $100 we've tested. Although the Q20's price point fluctuates, they're often on sale around the $50 mark. These headphones offer high value as they're equipped with an active noise cancelling (ANC) system to help block out background noise.

They can reduce sounds like ambient chatter very well, which is handy if you work in a noisy office, but they have trouble cutting down the rumble of bus engines. They also last over 32 hours continuously with the ANC on; you can use them wired when you run out of battery life. Their V-shaped sound profile packs extra thump, rumble, and boom, while vocals and lead instruments are detailed and bright, which makes them particularly well-suited for genres like EDM, hip-hop, pop, and rock.

Even though they don't have a companion app, they have a bass-effect feature built into their controls so you can adjust their thump and boom. They have a decent build quality and are comfortable enough for long listening sessions, but they feel a bit plasticky and lack a sturdy carrying case to help protect them when you're on the go.

On-ear headphones can be a good option if you don't like the feeling of your ears being closed off from the world when wearing over-ear headphones. If this sounds up your alley, you'll want to try the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless, one of our picks for the best Bluetooth headphones under $50. These comfortable cans are plush and padded, making them ideal for longer listening sessions. Their price fluctuates a bit, so they can sometimes be priced above $50, but they still represent a good option for around that price. Unlike the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless, these don't have any ANC, which is a consideration if you plan to use them in noisy places.

These headphones boast some cool features, like multi-device pairing and a battery life of well over 52 hours. Given the price, their build quality isn't the most impressive, but they're still suitable enough for most uses. Out of the box, these headphones have a slightly warm sound profile. If you want a different sound, you can always use the graphic EQ and presets in their companion app to switch it up. The app is also where you'll find Sony's 360 Reality Audio feature, which analyzes your ear shape to integrate a virtual soundstage through compatible services like TIDAL. If you love on-ears, these feature-packed headphones are a solid pick that won't break the bank.

Looking for a cheaper option? The Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED Wireless are the best wireless headphones under $50 for gaming we've tested in this price range. While these headphones are designed for teens and tweens and have a volume limiter, don't let this dissuade you from considering them, as they'll still fit most adult heads and may even save your ears if you're a recovering tune-cranker.

They support Bluetooth and have a wireless USB dongle for lower latency connectivity while gaming or watching a video on your PC. Their sound profile is slightly warm, with extra high-bass complementing genres like folk or rock. Vocals and instruments are clear and present but a bit bright. Unfortunately, they don't have a companion app or customization features.

Their build quality reflects their price, with a flimsy plastic construction and padded fabric that could easily get damaged over repeated use. The mic is also just fair. Your voice sounds clear but thin, unnatural, and easily lost amid moderate and loud background noise. Fortunately, their battery lasts nearly 20 hours, so you can use them all day without worrying about losing power.

If you're looking for budget-friendly over-ear headphones and want a neutral sound, the Superlux HD 681 are the best audiophile headphones we've tested for under $50. These headphones aren't for casual use; they lack a mic and don't have ANC, so they're less versatile than the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. However, they have a much flatter, neutral sound profile. Their bass and mid-range responses are very neutral, so your music isn't overwhelmed by extra thump and boom, and vocals and lead instruments sound preset, detailed, and clear.

They also have a semi-open design, which helps them create an open and natural-seeming passive soundstage. They're comfortable and lightweight, making them suitable for long listening sessions. They aren't the best choice for your commute or the office since they don't block out very much ambient noise. Their build quality also feels plasticky and a bit cheap.

However, if you're looking for better-built audiophile headphones, it's worth considering the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x instead. These over-ears feel sturdier, and their closed-back design means they leak less audio at high volumes. However, they're less comfortable and have a much more closed-off passive soundstage.

The best earbuds under $50 we've tested are the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless. These small and lightweight buds are a great option if you're looking to bring your tunes around with you on the go. They have a balanced sound profile out of the box, with plenty of low-end boom and rumble to add excitement to your music. They also have extra features compared to similarly priced models, including a 10-band graphic EQ and presets in their companion app. They have a comfortable and stable in-ear fit and boast over eight hours of continuous battery life, so you won't need to recharge in the middle of your workday.

These headphones are certified IP54, which is a nice touch for listening on the go since it protects against exposure to water splashes and dust. At this price point, it's also worth considering the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless, which have a better mic performance, making those headphones a solid choice for taking phone calls. They're not as comfortable as the Vibe Buds, though, and their fit isn't as stable.

If you're looking for more budget in-ear picks, check out our recommendations for the best earbuds under $50.