The Best Budget Headphones In 2023

If you’re looking for a pair of affordable headphones that put a strain on your pocket, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available. How do you choose the best budget headphones of 2023? In this article, we’ll share with you some of the features and factors that you should consider when shopping for headphones, and we’ll also recommend some of the best models that we’ve tested and reviewed.

First of all, you need to decide what kind of headphones you want. There are three main types: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. 

Over-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your entire ears and offer the best sound quality and noise isolation, but they are also the most bulky and heavy. With the likes of Anker Soundcore Life Q20, these over-ear headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, long battery life, and rich sound quality for a very affordable price. They have 40mm drivers that deliver deep bass and crisp highs, a frequency response of 16Hz-40kHz, an impedance of 16 ohms, and a sensitivity of 105dB. They also have a Bluetooth 5.0 connection with AAC codec support, a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, and a battery life of up to 40 hours with noise cancellation on. They are comfortable to wear thanks to their soft ear cushions and adjustable headband, and they come with a travel case for easy storage.

On-ear headphones

On-ear headphones rest on your ears and are more compact and lightweight, but they can also leak sound and press on your ears.  For instance, the Sony MDR-ZX110. These on-ear headphones are a classic choice for anyone who wants a simple and reliable pair of wired headphones. They have 30mm drivers that deliver clear and powerful sound, a frequency response of 12Hz-22kHz, an impedance of 24 ohms, and a sensitivity of 98dB. They have a 3.5mm jack that works with most devices, a foldable design for easy portability, and a lightweight construction for comfortable wearing.

In-ear headphones

In-ear headphones are the smallest and most portable, but they can also be uncomfortable and fall out easily. With the JLab Audio JBuds Air, these in-ear headphones are one of the best true wireless options for budget-conscious buyers. They have 8mm drivers that produce balanced and detailed sound, a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, an impedance of 32 ohms, and a sensitivity of 103dB. They also have a Bluetooth 5.0 connection with SBC codec support, a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, and a battery life of up to 6 hours per charge plus an additional 18 hours from the charging case. They are comfortable to wear thanks to their ergonomic design and three sizes of ear tips, and they are IP55 rated for water and dust resistance.

Also: How to Connect Two Sets of AirPods to the Same iPhone

Next, you need to consider the sound quality and performance of the headphones. Of course, you can’t expect audiophile-level sound from budget headphones, but you can still find some decent ones that deliver clear, balanced, and detailed sound. Some of the things that affect the sound quality are the drivers (the speakers inside the headphones), the frequency response (the range of sounds that the headphones can produce), the impedance (the resistance to the electric current), and the sensitivity (the loudness of the headphones).

Another factor that you should look at is the battery life and wireless connectivity of the headphones. If you want to go wireless, you need to make sure that the headphones have a long-lasting battery that can support your listening sessions. You also need to check the Bluetooth version and codec support of the headphones, which determine how well they can transmit and receive audio signals from your devices. The higher the Bluetooth version and codec quality, the better the sound quality and stability.

Finally, you need to think about the comfort and durability of the headphones. You want to find a pair of headphones that fit well on your head and ears, and that don’t cause any fatigue or discomfort after prolonged use. You also want to make sure that the headphones are sturdy and resistant to wear and tear, especially if you plan to use them outdoors or in rough conditions.

Now that you know what to look for in budget headphones, let me introduce you to some of the best ones that we’ve tried out. Here are our top picks for the best budget headphones of 2023:

1. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless is our number 1 choice as the best budget headphones for good reason. They have active noise cancellation that works well in blocking out background noises, and they deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile that can be customized with a bass boost button. They also have a long battery life of up to 40 hours, and they come with a carrying case and an audio cable for wired use.

2. Philips SHP9600

When it comes to the open-back headphones we’ve tested so far, Philips SHP9600 headphones would be a part of our list. They have a spacious and natural soundstage that makes your music sound more immersive and realistic. They also have a comfortable and sturdy design with a steel-reinforced headband and plush ear pads. They’re ideal for listening at home, as they don’t isolate any noise and leak a lot of sound.

3. Monoprice Modern Retro

These are the best budget headphones under $75 we’ve tested so far. They have a retro-inspired design with large ear cups that fit well over most ears. They have a surprisingly wide and spacious soundstage for closed-back headphones, and they deliver a powerful and punchy bass that can be tamed with some third-party ear pads. They’re also very durable and come with a detachable cable.

4. Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless

Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless headphones are the best budget noise cancelling headphones on the market. They have a sleek and foldable design with touch-sensitive controls and a companion app that lets you adjust the sound to your liking. They have decent noise cancellation that reduces ambient sounds like bus engines and office chatter, and they have a clear and neutral sound profile that works well for most genres.

5. Jabra Elite 45h Wireless

If you are looking for budget wireless headphones with good battery life, Jabra Elite 45h Wireless will be your pick. They have an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours, and they support fast charging that gives you 10 hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charging. They also have a lightweight and comfortable design with memory foam ear pads and an adjustable headband. They have a warm and balanced sound profile that can be personalized with the Jabra MySound app.

6. Razer Kraken

Razer Kraken headphones are a good set to get you that gaming experience. This is the best budget gaming headphones on our list. They have a cool and colorful design with RGB lighting and a retractable boom mic that has good noise rejection. They also have large ear cups with thick cushions that provide a snug and comfortable fit. They have excellent positional audio that helps you locate enemies and teammates in your games, and they have a punchy and exciting sound profile that enhances explosions and gunshots.

7. Sony MDR7506

Sony would be our pick when it comes to best budget studio headphones and for its durability. The Sony MDR7506 have a classic and professional look with a coiled cable and gold-plated plugs. They have a mostly flat and accurate frequency response that reproduces your music faithfully, and they have good isolation from sound leakage that makes them suitable for recording or mixing. They’re also very durable and come with a soft pouch for storage.

These are just some of the best budget headphones of 2023 that we’ve found so far. Of course, there are many more options out there that might suit your needs and preferences better. The important thing is to do your research and compare different models before making your purchase. I hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find your perfect pair of budget headphones.