Top 10 Best Headphones under 50 in 2018
With hundreds of headphone brands and models available in today’s consumer electronics market, finding a pair that gives you outstanding sound for under 50 dollars can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack; it can be difficult, but not impossible. If you look patiently enough, you will find that there are plenty of headphones under 50 out there that can hold their own against the best of them in terms of design and sound quality.
Not all headphones are the same. They come in different shapes and sizes as manufacturers compete with one another in providing consumers like you with high quality products that offer a myriad of features and give you the best value for money. While finding a good product does require market research, in the end, the headphones you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and your budget.
Things to consider if you are looking for the best headphones under 50 dollars
- Sound Quality First and foremost, nobody wants a pair of headphones with mediocre sound quality. Though superior sound may be expected from pairs with larger price tags, this doesn’t automatically mean that those that are priced at 50 and below shouldn’t have decent sound quality too. In fact, many of the best headphones under 50 have such an impressive sound quality that exceeded the expectations of many customers who purchased them.Rich and healthy-sounding bass, transparent highs, clear trebles make a remarkable pair of headphones.
- Comfort - Comfort is essential when choosing your pair of headphones. Most music enthusiasts or those who use headphones for gaming, watching movies and more look for headphones that have padded ear cups and cushioned headband to ensure utmost comfort for long hours of use. The headband should also be adjustable to fit most head sizes. Lastly, the headphones should be made with lightweight materials because you wouldn’t want to wear something heavy on your head for hours.
- Durability - What use is an attractive pair of headphones with okay sound quality if it wouldn’t last for long? Most consumers would expect their headphones to last for at least a couple of years of even longer. Even headphones priced under 50 should be durable enough to last during that period. The durability of the headband and the ear cups as well as the tangle-resistant cables is essential to ensure years of enjoyment with your headphones.
- Additional Features - While some consumers don’t mind purchasing headphones that serves only one purpose which is to listen to music, there are some headphones that pack more features to give more value to your money. Some headphones are wireless and come with Bluetooth connectivity features. There are headphones that come with a microphone attached so that calls can be answered as well. A remote and control buttons attached to the headphones are also great added features. Many consumers also look for noise cancellation headphones especially those who intend to use their pair while in a loud environment.
- Manufacturer- Especially when you are trying to buy a good pair of headphones on a tight budget such as below 50, you might think that finding a good brand is no longer an option. While the more popular brands among music professionals today cost hundreds of dollars, there are still many headphones from trusted manufacturers such as Sennheiser, Behringer, Bluedio, JVC and Audio-Technica among many others that continue to make great headphones at competitive prices.
- User Ratings and Feedback - When finding the best product to buy, headphones included, user ratings and customer feedback are very important points to consider. A product may be advertised to be the best in the market and may have a very attractive price tag; however, advertisements aren’t always a guarantee that the product actually delivers the performance expected from it. When looking for the best headphones under 50, it is essential for you to consider what other customers have experienced while using the product. If it is highly rated, most often than not, that pair of headphones will be a great choice.
Top 10 best headphones under 50 dollars in 2018 - Chart
| Picture | Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture | Name | Price | Rating |
 |
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
2. August EP650 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo NFC Headphones | $$ | 4.4 |
 |
3. Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
4. Photive BTH3 Over-The-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Built-in Mic | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
5. Bluedio T2S Bluetooth Stereo Headphones | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
6. Sentey Phaint Headphones w/ Microphone LS-4230 | $$ | 4.2 |
 |
7. Koss UR-20 Home Headphones | $$ | 4.1 |
 |
8. Sennheiser HD 201 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones | $$ | 4.1 |
| 9. JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones | $$ | 4.1 | |
 |
10. Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones | $$ | 4.1 |
You don’t always have to sacrifice good quality in exchange for affordability. There are a lot of products out there that give you more bang for your buck. Below are some of the best headphones under 50 that you can find today.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones
Audio-Technica is one of the most respected brands when it comes to headphones with their commitment to deliver remarkable sound quality in a pure, professional and high performance product. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones easily takes the top spot on this list as it is capable of living up to the brand’s promise of superior quality in sound and performance. Despite having a price tag of under 50, it is still trusted by many professionals who use these headphones in the studio. Many others use this pair for leisure and for simple daily listening.
When it comes to comfort and durability, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones definitely doesn’t fall short as it is made with a cushioned headband and ear covers. It features a circumaural design that perfectly fits around the ears for maximum comfort and effective noise cancellation. Made with high quality materials, built and engineered to last, this pair of headphones features a modern design that would be appealing to men and women of all ages. Audio-Technica kept it simple with a classy black color which makes these headphones look great in any setup.
From Audio-Technica’s M-series line, the ATH-M20x is far from complicated which makes it ideal for those who simply want professional headphones for their listening pleasure. It is lighter than the ATH-M20 model which is about 320 g while this model is at 190 g. It is good to note that its 40mm drivers are made with rare earth magnets and voice coils are of copper-clad aluminum wire which makes the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones truly practical for its price.
Customers who have already purchased the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones have consistently given praise to its comfort, high-quality build and superior sound quality considering its budget-friendly price. Whether you intend to use it professionally or just for personal leisure, this pair of headphones is definitely a great find.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones<<
2. August EP650 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo NFC Headphones
It’s hard not to take a second look at the August EP650 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo NFC Headphones because it is sleek, classy and simply just a good-looking pair of headphones. However, it made its way to a spot on our list not because of its good looks but because of the impressive features that it can offer. Priced at under 50, you are certainly getting a great deal out of this pair of headphones. Available in black, blue, red, silver, white and gold, it could be challenging to choose just one color because everything looks amazing.
For its price, you know for sure that the August EP650 Headphones bring you something special—you are actually getting more than your money’s worth. The NFC Connection allows you to pair your NFC-enabled device with your headphones. Its Bluetooth connectivity lets you to listen to your music wirelessly and since it also features a built-in microphone, you can receive calls on your paired mobile phone hands-free. The volume button is also a great feature because you no longer have to bring out your music player from your purse or your pocket should you wish to adjust the volume. An earpiece remote control is also featured which allows you to skip tracks as you wish or answer and end calls. Of course, the package already includes a 3.5mm audio-in cable that can connect to most mobile phones, tablets and music players that doesn’t have a Bluetooth feature.
Another great thing about the August EP650 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo NFC Headphones is that it is built with a rechargeable li-ion battery that can play over 10 hours of continuous music. Comfort is, without a question, a feature offered generously by these headphones as the padded headband and ear covers as well as its lightweight build will make you forget that you’re actually wearing the headphones. Customers who already use these raved not only about the comfort, the superior sound quality and the convenience of storage as these are foldable but also how it is such a budget-friendly pair.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of August EP650 Bluetooth Wireless Stereo NFC Headphones<<
3. Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones
Without a doubt, Sennheiser has gained the trust and respect of millions of music enthusiasts from around the world over the years. The Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones is just proof of how the brand lives up to its promise of superior quality sound in a stylish and classy package. These headphones look fairly simple but Sennheiser made sure that all the elements that will make it comfortable for the user are included such as a padded headband and cushioned ear covers that perfectly fit over the ears. It also comes with an attached 10-foot Y-style cable so that it’s long enough for you to use it even as you watch a movie on DVD while in the living room. Sennheiser is kind enough to include a wind-up belt clip so you can keep the excess cable neat when you decide to use it with your music player or computer.
Despite being priced at under $25, the Sennheiser didn’t sacrifice sound quality of the HD 202 II. In fact, it is made for DJ’s and music professionals who will appreciate its Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of <0.5%. Crisp, clear and clean sound with deep and powerful bass response also lets the user hear every tiny detail of the songs they’re listening to. Pros will surely love how the ear cups are detachable as well. Made with leatherette, the ear pads are replaceable as well which is ideal for those who intend to use this pair for many years.
It isn’t even surprising that this pair has already received thousands of positive customer reviews. The younger ones and the professionals appreciate the stylish look of the Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones while some elderly customers praised this pair for being simple and not complicated to use at all. Customers also mentioned that the excellent sound quality of these headphones is also praiseworthy as well. For a cheap price, you’re definitely getting more than what you can expect from these Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones<<
4. Photive BTH3 Over-The-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Built-in Mic
Another wireless pair of headphones that made our list is the Photive BTH3 Over-The-Ear Headphones. Simply black with cushioned headband and ear covers, these headphones pack more features than expensive pairs. Its exterior is soft-touch rubberized which adds to the overall look and comfort of these headphones. The package also comes with a hard travel case which is great so you can bring it inside your bag without worries of it getting squished between your other belongings.
Priced at under $40, you would usually expect just a standard pair of headphones you can use to listen to music. However, Photive sure did a great job to ensure that customers get more than the value of their money by making these headphones wireless and capable to connect via Bluetooth. Not only will you be able to listen to music wirelessly, you can also make and receive calls as it comes with a built-in mic.There are controls on the ear covers so you can navigate in between tracks and answer calls without pulling out your smartphone or music player.
The Photive BTH3 Over-The-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Built-in Mic is built with a lithium-ion battery that charges pretty quickly and will let you enjoy up to 12 hours of continuous playback. This is quite an impressive number of hours considering the superior sound quality these headphones offer. It features 40mm drivers which make clear mid tones, excellent treble and bass which lets you enjoy every beat and hear even the tiniest details of your music. Should you wish to listen from devices without a Bluetooth feature, a 3.5mm audio cable is included in the package that you can use to connect your headphones.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of Photive BTH3 Over-The-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Built-in Mic<<
5. Bluedio T2S Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
Headphones made by Bluedio are always impressive which is the why the brand has gained a lot of fans through the years. Their line of turbine headphones will just make any music enthusiast or even a professional swoon. The Bluedio T2S (Turbine 2 Shooting Brake) is, first and foremost, an amazing looking pair. Comfort isn’t sacrificed either as the cushioned ear cups can be rotated by up to 195°. This allows a user to wear the headphones at his preferred position and storage and carrying is made easier too. The headband is also padded and it is adjustable. The Bluedio T2S is designed ergonomically for maximum comfort and for the headphones to fit all head sizes.
The Bluedio T2S is a pretty loud set of headphones. While noise cancelling is quite effective, user say that there’s a slight chance that what you’re listening to can also be heard by others when the volume is set too high. This is forgivable though since the superior sound quality is just so irresistible. Rich bass and crisp highs will give you the listening pleasure you can usually expect from a more expensive pair of headphones. The Bluetooth feature which uses the latest 4.1 chip is impressive as it transmits data faster than other Bluetooth headphones. A smoother music experience and a breeze to make and receive calls, there’s nothing really that one can complain about with this pair of headphones.
For your non-Bluetooth music players, tablets and other devices, it is great to know that the Bluedio T2S comes with a standard audio cable. This also comes in handy when the battery of your headphones runs out and there’s no power outlet in sight. Yes, the battery of this Bluedio pair is rechargeable. What’s even more impressive though is that despite being a high performance pair of headphones, power usage is quite low so you can enjoy up to 40 hours of continuous playback with one full charge.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of Bluedio T2S Bluetooth Stereo Headphones<<
6. Sentey Phaint Headphones w/ Microphone LS-4230
If you really want to go low on the budget without sacrificing style and quality, then the SenteyPhaint Headphones LS-4230 is your choice. It comes in black, red and blue, Sentey kept it simple on this model. Because the design is so minimalistic, you cannot go wrong with this fashion-wise no matter how you intend to use it. These high definition stereo headphones will give you the superior sound quality you’re looking for from professional headphones with the right base, mids and highs through its 40mm driver. Comfort isn’t sacrificed either as the ear cups are cushioned so you will barely feel the headphones even when you’re listening for hours.
These SenteyPhaint Headphones come with a mic and an inline control. Should you use this while listening to music from your smartphone, laptop or desktop computer, if a call drops in, you will be able to pick up without a problem. The control also allows you to answer and hang up calls with ease.
The deluxe hard carry case that comes with the package makes the SenteyPhaint Headphones ideal for those who are always on-the-go. No more worries about wires getting tangled or your headphones getting broken when inside your bag. It is worth mentioning though that many customers loved how this item, despite its cheap price tag, proved to be durable. With proper handling and care, you can expect these headphones to be of your service for a long time.
The SenteyPhaint Headphones which sells at about $20 serve as proof that low price doesn’t always equate to low quality. With great customer feedback to back up the amazing features packed in a cool pair of headphones, you can’t go wrong with the SenteyPhaint.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of Sentey Phaint Headphones w/ Microphone LS-4230<<
7. Koss UR-20 Home Headphones
Priced at a price substantially below 50, the Koss UR-20 Home Headphones is another budget-friendly pair that rightfully deserved a spot on this list. Far from just a standard pair of headphones, the Koss UR-20 Home Headphones might just be your next favorite item to use while listening to music from your player or smartphone or watching movies on your TV, laptop or desktop computer.
The ear cushions of the Koss UR-20 Home Headphones are made of leatherette material and are large enough to cover the entire ear. It works well in cancelling outside noise which makes it even better for those who do not want to be disturbed while working in a loud environment. Thanks to the 16 micron mylar element and the neodymium rare earth magnet used in the high fidelity stereophone, rich bass and clear treble can be expected for superior sound quality.
The 8-foot cable wire of the Koss UR-20 Home Headphones is long enough to be considered ideal not only for listening to music but also when you want to enjoy a movie straight from your TV. The headband is adjustable and comes with a super durable sling so that the headphones will fit most head sizes. Single sided listening is also possible as the ear cups are movable which makes these headphones also great for DJ’s.
Hundreds of customers who rated the Koss UR-20 Home Headphones with many exceptional customer reviews and ratings, these headphones are definitely not the ordinary “just okay” ones you’ll get for this price. Many customers use their pair of Koss UR-20 Home Headphones while watching their DVD movies as they are impressed with the long cord length. Considering the price tag of these headphones and the amazing sound quality it offers, this is definitely a great catch.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of Koss UR-20 Home Headphones<<
8. Sennheiser HD 201 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones
Another well-deserving Sennheiser makes it to our list of best headphones under 50 not only because it was manufactured by a trusted brand, but also because of its design and the features it offers. The Sennheiser HD 201 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones looks like your regular pair of headphones with the Senngeiser logo on each of the ear cups and the headband. It remains simple with its black and silver body yet looks sleek enough for you to proudly wear it when you’re on the go. Durable and meant to last for years, these rugged headphones are made with high quality materials including leatherette ear pads for maximum comfort.
Made to deliver high performance and to please music enthusiasts, the Sennheiser HD 201 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones is great for use when watching videos or movies straight from your TV—its cord is 3 meters long (9.8 feet) which makes it ideal for that purpose.
Since it is very lightweight, the Sennheiser HD 201 is a great pair of headphones to use when you intend to listen to music for long hours—you can barely feel that it’s on your head. This entry level over-ear headphones might come cheap with a price tag just above $20, but do not underestimate its power. True to the Sennheiser promise of great performance and sound quality, these headphones let you in on a very powerful stereo sound which is beyond satisfactory considering its price range.
Thousands of highly satisfactory customer feedback on the Sennheiser HD 201 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones cannot be wrong. Definitely a pair of bang for the buck headphones, most customers loved how the sound was so clean no matter the kind of music they listen to. While this pair isn’t exactly made for professional use, your expectations will be exceeded as the sound quality is at the level of a professional’s which is by far the most important characteristic you should be looking for in a pair of headphones.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of Sennheiser HD 201 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones<<
9. JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones
There’s no way we’ll go through with this list without a JVC. This Japanese manufacturer of consumer electronics has been founded in the late 1920’s and a decade short of a century later, they remained to be one of the top brands when it comes to audio, visual and media products among many others. Thankfully, they remain within reach of the average consumer and to prove that, the JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones is priced at just over $15. You can practically enjoy the trustworthy brand of JVC with these superior sound quality headphones for just a small fraction of the price of similar quality headphones.
The JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones is kept simple in black with an ear-direct structure which helps in cancelling outside noise. The sturdy headband is adjustable so that it would fit most head sizes. Ear cups are cushioned for utmost comfort in addition to its twist action structure. Sound quality is not sacrificed with its low price tag. Sensitivity is at 100 dB/mW and normal impedance at 32 ohms.
Highly rated by thousands of customers from different parts of the world, users of the JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones understand that for its price, you shouldn’t expect much. However, expectations are exceeded as the durability, comfort and sound quality combined in this pair of headphones is comparable to headphones that are a lot more expensive. Customers also pointed out that though these headphones aren’t exactly designed for noise cancellation, it does a great job in noise isolation and is good enough for use even when you’re in the office or an airplane.
Although the sound quality might be decent enough with clear and crisp sound, and rich bass, these aren’t exactly made for professional use such as those of DJ’s or music producers. However, music enthusiasts and those who are looking for headphones they can use with their music player, smartphone and computer or while watching movies on DVD will definitely appreciate the bargain they can get out of the JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones.
>>Check Prices and Customer Reviews of JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones<<
10. Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
What can you buy for $20 these days? Who would have thought that for under that price, you can already get a decent pair of studio headphones that will be of your service for years? Behringeris one of the most distinguished brands in audio equipment and is in fact one of the more popular makers of budget headphones. The Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones is ideal for those looking for comfort, durability, style and performance combined in just one product. Soft-padded oval-shaped ear cups, cushioned adjustable headband with a cool black and silver design, this pair of headphones will definitely be appreciated by music lovers and professionals alike. For under $20, you can already get a pair of these and enjoy countless hours of music.
The Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones features ultra-wide frequency response and dynamic range, rich bass, clear highs and high-efficiency cobalt capsule. These headphones come with a 1/8-inch connector and a 1/4-inch adapter. Despite its low price, Behringer didn’t take durability for granted. The cables are attached to just one side of the ear cups and are made with tangle-resistant oxygen-free copper. The cord is over 6 feet long so using these headphones when watching DVD’s on your TV or from your computer shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Customers who already purchased the Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones can’t help but rave about its comfort. It fits perfectly over the ears and the durability considering the price is a pleasant surprise. Though some customers say that while the sound quality was very decent, it wasn’t up to par with a professional-level pair of headphones sound-wise; however, the bass was rich and the highs were transparent enough to enjoy just about any kind of music.
This model has been in existence for over a decade now but until today, this remains as the product of choice for many music enthusiasts. This only goes to show that this pair ofBehringerHPS3000 Studio Headphones very much deserves to be the final item on our list of best headphones under 50 dollars.
Whether you go wireless, in-ear, on-ear, or over-ear, headphones under 50 are sure to change your listening habits. If there is anything that these products prove, it’s that good sound and extreme comfort do not have to be expensive. And just because something costs less doesn’t mean that it is of poor quality. There are a slew of other affordable headphones out there, and there is bound to be a pair that’s right for you.
