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10 Best Affordable Headphones for Music: Top Picks for 2026
Finding the best affordable headphones for music can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available on platforms like Amazon. In 2026, the market is flooded with various brands and technology, catering to music lovers who want quality sound without breaking the bank. With options ranging from over-ear, on-ear, to in-ear designs, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 options available on Amazon that deliver great sound quality and comfort at an affordable price.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Monitor Headphones
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The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a stellar choice for anyone seeking that perfect mix of performance and affordability. These headphones provide exceptional sound quality, making them suitable for both casual listening and professional monitoring. With 40mm drivers, the ATH-M30x delivers a balanced mix of bass, mids, and highs.
Best For
Excellent sound quality and comfort for both casual and professional use.
Product Review
Designed for superior clarity and accuracy, the ATH-M30x features a comfortable headband and ear pads, perfect for long listening sessions. Moreover, the folding design allows for easy storage and portability. The headphones are built with durable materials, ensuring longevity.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Comfortable design
- Foldable for portability
Cons
- Bass may not be strong enough for bass enthusiasts
2. Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends. (USB Type-C Cable included)
- HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App.
- LIGHT & COMFORTABLE: The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
The Sony WH-CH510 is an excellent pair of wireless headphones, ideal for music lovers on the go. With a sleek design and lightweight build, these headphones offer up to 35 hours of battery life, making them perfect for long listening sessions without the need to recharge frequently.
Best For
Long battery life and portability due to wireless design.
Product Review
These headphones come with a 30mm driver, which delivers clear sound with balanced audio frequencies. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, making them convenient for multitasking. With quick charging capability, you can get several hours of playback time with just a 10-minute charge.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Quick charging feature
Cons
- Limited sound customization options
3. JBL Live 300TWS True Wireless Earbud Headphones
- JBL Signature Sound: Nothing beats incredibly clear music and calls from 11mm dynamic drivers powered by JBL Signature Sound.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears.Specific uses for product : Music
- 40 (10 plus30) hours of playback with wireless charging: Never miss a moment with 40 hours of Qi-compatible battery life (including 10 hours in the earbuds plus 30 hours in the case). Need a boost? Just 15 minutes of Speed Charge gives you another four hours of playtime—fast.
- 6 mics for perfect calls with zero noise: Six beamforming microphones reduce wind and noise interference so your words always come through loud and clear. And with VoiceAware, you can choose how much of your own voice to hear by controlling the amount of mic input routed back into your earbuds.
- Oval TubesTM for better comfort, isolation and bass: Better shape, better sound. That's why JBL designed these headphones with Oval TubesTM and oval silicon tips for a perfectly snug fit. The stick closed design with oval tubes ensure better noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality for those who prefer a cleaner aesthetic.
JBL is known for its quality sound equipment, and the Live 300TWS earbuds are no exception. These true wireless earbuds provide a snug fit and rich sound quality, making them ideal for music lovers who prefer a more discreet listening experience.
Best For
Compact design and superior sound quality in a wireless format.
Product Review
The earbuds come with an IPX5 rating, making them resistant to water and sweat, which is perfect for workouts. The intuitive touch controls allow for easy management of calls and music playback. With up to 20 hours of battery life (including the charging case), these earbuds are designed for all-day listening.
Pros
- Water and sweat-resistant
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Long battery life with charging case
Cons
- Touch controls may take time to get used to
4. Anker Soundcore Life Q10 Headphones
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in airplanes, trains or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
If you’re looking for an over-ear option that doesn’t compromise on sound quality, the Anker Soundcore Life Q10 should be at the top of your list. They feature advanced audio technology, offering high-fidelity sound, making them an excellent choice for diverse music genres.
Best For
High-fidelity sound performance at an affordable price.
Product Review
Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, these headphones provide powerful bass and well-balanced mids and treble. The battery life extends up to 60 hours, which is quite remarkable. Additionally, the soft ear cushions ensure comfort, allowing for extensive usage without discomfort.
Pros
- Amazing battery life
- High-fidelity sound
- Comfortable ear cushions
Cons
- Slightly bulky for travel
5. Skullcandy Riff Wireless Headphones
- UP TO 34 HOURS BATTERY + RAPID CHARGE. Listen to your music for days with up to 34 hours of battery life. With Rapid Charge, just 10 minutes of charging gives you 4 hours of listening
- CALL, TRACK AND VOLUME CONTROLS. Answer or reject calls, adjust volume, skip forward or repeat tracks with convenient button controls
- BUILT-IN TILE FINDING TECHNOLOGY. Find your headphones near and far when you register your product in the Tile App
- MULTIPOINT PAIRING. Connect to two devices at once with seamless transitions
- TRAVEL-READY. Flat-folding and collapsible design for enhanced headphone portability and convenience without sacrificing durability. Plus, an included 3.5mm AUX cable means you can plug in anytime, anywhere
The Skullcandy Riff wireless headphones cater to music fans who enjoy a stylish design as much as sound quality. They offer bold bass and a comfortable fit, ideal for prolonged use during casual listening sessions.
Best For
Stylish design with emphasis on bass performance.
Product Review
The Riff headphones feature a lightweight design and a flexible headband, making them easy to wear for extended periods. With up to 12 hours of battery life and a built-in microphone for calls, they’re both functional and fashionable. Quick pairing with devices ensures seamless connectivity.
Pros
- Bold bass response
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Quick connectivity
Cons
- Battery life could be better compared to competitors
6. Sennheiser HD 206 Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 206 is a great affordable option for those who appreciate top-notch sound quality without any frills. With a simplistic design that emphasizes sound clarity, these headphones have become a staple for many music lovers.
Best For
Superior sound quality in a budget-friendly package.
Product Review
These wired headphones feature powerful bass and clear treble, making them perfect for various music genres. Comfort is also a priority, with padded ear cushions that fit snugly over the ears. The adjustable headband ensures a proper fit for different users.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable design
- Durable build
Cons
- Wired design may not appeal to everyone
7. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 TWS Earbuds
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The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 earbuds offer a great combination of sound quality and features at an affordable price, making them a strong contender for anyone searching for the **best affordable headphones for music**.
Best For
Budget-friendly true wireless earbuds with great features.
Product Review
These earbuds provide up to 25 hours of playback time, with a robust charging case. They come equipped with touch controls and have an impressive IPX8 water resistance. The standout feature is their noise-canceling capability, which enhances the listening experience in noisy environments.
Pros
- Impressive water resistance
- Good battery life
- Noise-canceling capabilities
Cons
- Volume level might be lower compared to some competitors
8. Oppo Enco X True Wireless Earbuds
- 【LHDC 5.0 Hi-Res Audio & Master-Tuned Dynaudio Sound Quality】Certified Hi-Res Audio with LHDC 5.0 , co-engineered with Nordic audio pioneer Dynaudio to craft the exclusive "Dynaudio Featured" sound profile. Experience silky-smooth, true-to-life audio with pristine clarity and natural tonality, transforming your earbuds into a private concert hall.
- 【Dual Dynamic Drivers with Dual DACs】Features 11mm dynamic bass + 6mm planar tweeter drivers, paired with dual high-resolution DACs for lossless audio reproduction, delivering deep bass, crisp highs, and studio-grade sound quality.
- 【55dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation】Eliminates up to 55dB of ambient noise across a 5500Hz ultra-wide frequency range, including street sounds, airplane engine rumble, and office chatter, for immersive focus in any environment.
- 【45-Hour Ultra-Long Battery Life】Enjoy 11 hours of playback on a single charge (9 hours with LHDC), extended to 45 hours with the wireless charging case, ensuring uninterrupted music during long trips or heavy usage.
- 【IP55 Dust & Water Resistance – Unfazed by Wind or Rain】With industry-leading IP55 certification, these earbuds resist dust, sweat, and heavy rain, ensuring uninterrupted playback and crystal-clear calls in any weather. Durable enough to keep up with your active lifestyle.
The Oppo Enco X earbuds come with a premium build and high-quality sound output, making them a fantastic value for money. They are designed in collaboration with Danish audio company Dynaudio for exceptional listening experience.
Best For
Premium audio experience in a compact design.
Product Review
With Adaptive Noise Cancellation and transparent mode, these earbuds are perfect for both immersive listening and awareness of your surroundings. Their battery can last up to 25 hours with the charging case, and the sound stage is expansive, making them a joy to use.
Pros
- Premium sound quality
- Adaptive noise cancellation
- Good battery performance
Cons
- Slightly higher price point within the budget category
9. Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless Earbuds
- Compact new shape, tested for secure fit.
- 4-mic call technology for superior call quality wherever you are, even in noisy and windy environments.
- More power, more freedom, with more than 7.5 hours of battery and a total of 28 with charging case.
- Make your music sound exactly the way you want it to, with a customizable equalizer, available in the Jabra Sound+ App.
- Proven reliable true wireless connection, with no audio dropouts.
The Jabra Elite 3 earbuds offer a true wireless experience with great sound quality. Known for their secure fit and functionality, these earbuds are perfect for everyday use.
Best For
Everyday use with a reliable brand reputation.
Product Review
These earbuds feature 6mm speakers that deliver clear sound with a punchy bass. They also come equipped with a HearThrough feature, allowing you to hear your environment while listening to music. With up to 28 hours of battery life, they’re designed for long-term comfort and usability.
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit
- HearThrough feature
- Long battery life
Cons
- May not fit all ear shapes comfortably
10. AKG K92 Closed-Back Headphones
- Precisely Balanced Response Provides Reference-Monitor Accuracy
- Professional 40Mm Drivers For Extended 16Hz - 20Khz Frequency Response
- Over-Ear Design And Lightweight Construction For Exceptional Comfort
- Closed-Back Design Maximizes Isolation
- MANUFACTURERS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY For AKG products applies only when the purchase is made from AKG Authorized North American Dealers.
The AKG K92 headphones are a great entry-level audio monitoring solution that combines affordability with professional sound quality. Known for their clarity, these headphones are perfect for music enthusiasts and budding producers alike.
Best For
Professional sound quality at an affordable price point.
Product Review
With 40mm drivers, the K92 delivers a detailed sound with great bass response. The closed-back design ensures minimal sound leakage, making them perfect for focusing on recordings or casual listening. They are also very comfortable for extended use, with soft ear pads and an adjustable headband.
Pros
- Professional sound quality
- Closed-back design minimizes sound leakage
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Not suitable for on-the-go use due to their size
This selection captures a variety of best affordable headphones for music that suit different needs and preferences. From wireless options to wired ones, each product offers unique features designed to enhance your listening experience without burning a hole in your wallet. Whether you are a casual listener or a serious audiophile, you’ll find something in this list that meets your demands.
Buying Guide: Best Affordable Headphones for Music
Finding the right pair of headphones can significantly enhance your music listening experience, especially when you don’t want to break the bank. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best affordable headphones that deliver excellent sound quality without costing a fortune.
1. Set Your Budget
- Affordable Range: Define what “affordable” means for you, typically in the range of $30 to $150.
- Consider Value: Look for options that offer the best quality for your money.
2. Types of Headphones
- Over-Ear: Great for sound isolation and comfort, ideal for long listening sessions.
- On-Ear: More portable than over-ear but might be less comfortable for extended use.
- In-Ear: Highly portable and good for active use, but can vary widely in sound quality.
3. Sound Quality
- Drivers: Larger drivers usually deliver better sound. Look for at least 40mm speakers for over-ear and on-ear headphones.
- Frequency Response: A range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz is standard for good audio quality. Check reviews for sound clarity and balance.
- Bass Response: If you enjoy bass-heavy music, look for headphones known for strong low-end performance.
4. Comfort and Fit
- Earpads: Look for soft, breathable materials for longer wear without discomfort.
- Adjustability: Ensure they have adjustable headbands to fit your head.
- Weight: Lightweight headphones can be more comfortable for extended periods.
5. Connectivity
- Wired vs. Wireless:
- Wired: Generally more affordable, no battery required, and can provide better sound quality.
- Wireless: Offers freedom of movement. Look for Bluetooth headphones with good battery life (8+ hours).
- Cable Length: If opting for wired, ensure the cable length suits your needs.
6. Features
- Noise Isolation: Look for headphones with good passive isolation or consider active noise-cancelling models if within budget.
- Microphone: If you plan to take calls or use voice assistants, check for built-in mics.
- Controls: In-line controls for volume and playback can enhance convenience.
7. Durability and Build Quality
- Materials: Look for headphones made of sturdy materials, as they will last longer.
- Warranty: A warranty can indicate manufacturer confidence in the product’s durability.
8. Brand Reputation and Reviews
- Research Brands: Well-known brands often offer reliable quality at lower prices (e.g., Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, Sony).
- Customer Reviews: Look for recent customer feedback to gauge performance and satisfaction.
9. Portability
- Folding Design: Headphones that fold up are easier to carry.
- Carrying Case: Some models come with a case, which is useful for protection during travel.
10. Where to Buy
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and manufacturer websites often offer competitive prices and user reviews.
- Physical Stores: If possible, try headphones in-store to assess comfort and sound quality before buying.
Recommended Affordable Headphones
Here are a few models to consider:
-
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
- Wireless with noise cancellation
- Great battery life and sound quality
-
Sony WH-CH510
- Lightweight and wireless
- Excellent battery and sound performance
-
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
- Over-ear, wired
- Exceptional sound quality and durability
-
JBL Tune 500BT
- Wireless and foldable
- Good sound quality and comfort
-
Koss Porta Pro
- On-ear, wired
- Lightweight, classic design with great sound.
Conclusion
Choosing the right affordable headphones for music involves balancing sound quality, comfort, and features within your budget. Use this guide to narrow down options and find headphones that best meet your listening needs and preferences. Enjoy your music!
