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10 Best and Cheap Headphones for 2026: Quality Sound on a Budget
In 2026, the search for the best best and cheap headphones continues to thrive, with countless options available on Amazon. If you’re on the lookout for quality headphones without breaking the bank, this guide will walk you through some of the most-reviewed and affordable options that strike a balance between cost and sound quality.
Whether you’re using them for casual listening, gaming, or commuting, you want to ensure you’re equipped with the best without spending a fortune. Below, we present you with a handpicked selection of the top 10 headphones that showcase impressive features, solid build quality, and budget-friendly prices.
1. Mpow 071 USB Headset
Mpow 071 USB Headset
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The Mpow 071 USB Headset is designed for calls, gaming, and music. It features dual 3.5mm jacks that fit most devices, allowing versatility in usage. The headphones come with noise-canceling technology that minimizes background sounds, making them perfect for online calls or gaming sessions.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable ear pads for extended use
- Built-in noise-cancellation feature
Cons:
- Limited battery life
- Sound quality may not suit audiophiles
2. Anker Soundcore Life P2
Anker Soundcore Life P2
- Incredible Sound Loved By 20 Million+ People
- Stunning Sound: Life P2 Mini true wireless earbuds have oversized triple-layer 10mm drivers that deliver sound with boosted bass.
- 3 EQ Modes: Soundcore Signature, the default EQ, delivers well-balanced sound, while Bass Booster enhances bass-heavy music, and Podcast makes voices stand out clearly. To switch to a different mode, quickly press the right earbud 3 times. You will hear a tone for each successful switch.
- Featherweight Fit: The tiny true wireless earbuds weigh just 0.16oz (4.4g), which is 10% lighter than standard earbuds. They’re so small and light that they feel practically weightless in your ears.
- AI-Enhanced Calls: Built-in microphones on Life P2 Mini true wireless earbuds are equipped with an AI algorithm to enhance voice pick up and ensure you’re heard clearly by the other end.
The Anker Soundcore Life P2 is a pair of true wireless earbuds that offer quality sound at an economical price. These headphones provide up to 40 hours of playtime with the charging case and feature IPX7-rated waterproofing, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Good waterproof rating
- Clear audio quality
Cons:
- May experience connectivity issues in crowded areas
- Charging case is bulkier compared to other models
3. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92
TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92
−$43.00
- Reduce Noise By Up to 98.5%: Liberty 4 NC noise cancelling earbuds have a high sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an oversized driver, and an innovative noise isolation chamber that cancels up to 98.5% of noise for peaceful travel.
- Noise Cancelling Adapts to Ears and Environments: Adaptive ANC 2.0 makes real-time calculations and adjusts to your ear canals and external environment for maximum quiet amongst the hustle and bustle.
- Crisp Sound with 3× More Detail: 11mm custom-tuned drivers deliver consistently crisp and detailed sound. Experience Hi-Res wireless audio and LDAC technology that transfers 3× more data than regular Bluetooth—bringing wireless music to life.
- Sculpt Your Sound Profile: Not everyone listens the same, so use HearID 2.0 to find the perfect sound profile for you. If you want to mix it up, the EQ is fully adjustable or choose from 22 presets to match your audio.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: In normal mode, enjoy 10 hours of playback on a single charge or up to 50 hours with the case. With ANC on, get 8 hours between charges, extendable to 40 hours with the case.
The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 offers a comfortable fit with an ergonomic design and customizable touch controls. With up to 30 hours of battery life and rapid charging capabilities, these earbuds are convenient for users on the go.
Pros:
- Long playtime with quick charge
- Comfortable fit for extended wear
- Rich bass and decent sound quality
Cons:
- Limited range in low-end frequencies
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
4. JBL Vibe 100
JBL Vibe 100
−$20.00
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound.
- Comfortable fit (3 sizes of eartips included): The ergonomic, bud design of the JBL Vibe Buds fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The bud design gently seals your ears blocking external noises and enhancing the bass performance. And the three included eartips let you choose the best size for your ears to ensure you get the best, most comfortable fit possible.
- Up to 32 (8h plus 24h) total hours of battery life with speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Buds provide all-day audio. And when you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
- Stay aware of your surrounding: Go anywhere and hear everything with Smart Ambient technology. When you need to pause for a quick chat, TalkThru lets you instantly hear yourself and those around you without taking out your earbuds. Or use Ambient Aware to keep the music playing while remaining aware of your surroundings.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others.
The JBL Vibe 100 is known for its lightweight design and outstanding sound quality. These headphones offer a powerful bass response, making them suitable for bass-heavy music. The 3.5mm jack ensures compatibility with most devices, and they come in vibrant colors.
Pros:
- Vibrant color options
- Excellent sound quality for the price
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Build quality could be sturdier
- May not isolate sound effectively in noisy environments
5. Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones
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 pairs great sound quality with a simple design for everyday listening. With a battery life of up to 35 hours, these headphones are perfect for long commutes or road trips. The lightweight build ensures maximum comfort.
Pros:
- Decent battery life
- Quick charging feature
- Comfortable for long periods
Cons:
- Lacks noise isolation
- Basic sound profile may not satisfy audiophiles
6. JLab Audio JBuds Air
JLab Audio JBuds Air
−$5.00
- 🎶AUTO ON & CONNECT: The Go Pop+ True Wireless earbuds turn on and connect to each other automatically. Just take them out of their USB charging case for seamless, hassle-free connection. Then just connect the ear buds to your phone. Utilizing Bluetooth 5.3, this is our fastest handsfree connection yet
- 🤏 SMALLER FIT EARBUDS: Smaller than a credit card, the Go Pop+ buds case fits in your pocket and the Bluetooth earbuds are our smallest yet; 15% smaller and 40% lighter with the small case, than the Go Air wireless earphones. Ideal for the gym, sport or to carry while running. Try the three tip sizes to get a snug in ear headphones fit and creating a perfect seal for crystal clear sound
- 📱🔊 CUSTOM SOUND: Download the JLab app to tailor your listening experience further. Control touch functions, adjust Be Aware settings, and personalize sound preferences with EQ presets including JLab Signature, Balanced, or Bass Boost
- 🔋BATTERY LIFE: Listen for the long battery life with your wireless earphones; stay for the comfort. Go Pop+ features 9+ hours of playtime in each earbud and 26+ extra hours from the charging case. That’s 35+ hours of playtime with your bluetooth earphones
- 🗣️ BE AWARE MODE + GOOGLE FAST PAIR: Stay aware of your surroundings and let ambient noise in with Be Aware Mode for safe listening. Plus enjoy effortless pairing with an Android device and locate missing earbuds with Google Fast Pair
The JLab Audio JBuds Air combines affordability with features that appeal to both casual listeners and fitness enthusiasts. With three EQ settings, users can tailor the audio output to their preferences, enhancing the listening experience.
Pros:
- Customizable EQ settings
- Secure fit for activities
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Battery life could be better
- Slightly bulky design
7. Soundcore Life Q20
Soundcore Life Q20
−$10.00
- Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People
- Hi-Res Audio: Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound. Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones reproduce music with extended high frequencies that reach up to 40 kHz for extraordinary clarity and detail.
- Reduce Ambient Noises By Up to 90%: Our team of engineers conducted more than 100,000 tests in real-life scenarios to fine-tune Life Q20’s 4 built-in ANC microphones and digital active noise cancellation algorithm. As a result, the hybrid active noise cancellation can detect and cancel out a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises such as cars and airplane engines.
- 100% Stronger Bass: Our exclusive BassUp technology conducts real-time analysis of the low frequencies to instantly strengthen the bass output. Double press the play button when listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop for an amplified listening experience.
- 60-Hour Playtime*: Up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise cancellation mode (at 60% volume) is extended to an enormous 60 hours in standard music mode. A single charge gives you enough juice to listen to over 900 songs or soundtrack multiple long haul flights. And when you’re in a rush, charge Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones for 5 minutes and get 4 hours of listening.
These wireless over-ear headphones deliver high-fidelity audio with active noise cancellation, making them ideal for commuting or working in noisy environments. The 40-hour battery life ensures they can last through long days.
Pros:
- Active noise-canceling feature
- Impressive audio quality
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Heavier than other options
- ANC could be more effective
8. Skullcandy Riff Wireless Headphones
Skullcandy Riff Wireless Headphones
−$5.20
- 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 are designed for style and sound. These budget-friendly headphones feature a collapsible design for easy portability. They are equipped with a built-in microphone and on-ear controls for hands-free calls.
Pros:
- Stylish and portable design
- Easy-to-use controls
- Balanced sound
Cons:
- Plastic build may feel less durable
- Average noise isolation
9. Urbanears Plattan 2
Urbanears Plattan 2
- 🎧Compatible with:Urbanears Plattan ADV Wireless Headphone
- 🎧Breathable Earpads : Prefessional Punched Protein Leather with Breathable Fabric Keep your ear Dry and Bring You a Fantastic Experience.
- 🎧Easy Installation : Designed & Manufactured according to Original Headphone/Headset, NO Glue or special tools needed. Fit for Your Headphone Perfect.
- 🎧High Quality：Manufactured by Professional Earpads factory with Strict Quality Control. It's Time to Replace your old earpads.
- 🎧Worry-free Shopping : Any Issue will be Responsed within 24 Hours with a Satisfactory Solution
The Urbanears Plattan 2 headphones feature a sleek design and offer surprisingly rich sound for their size. They come with a unique ZoundPlug feature that allows you to share your music with others by connecting additional headphones.
Pros:
- Stylish and unique design
- ZoundPlug feature for sharing music
- Comfortable for long use
Cons:
- Sound leakage may occur
- Limited noise isolation
10. Sennheiser HD 559
Sennheiser HD 559
- Open Back and Around Ear Headphones
- Ergonomic acoustic refining (E.A.R. ), which directs the audio signal directly to your ear
- Thanks to the large earmuffs with soft, replaceable ear pads, there is no pressure on your ears, just sound
- Sound Pressure Level: (SPL)106dBSPL (1kHz/1Vrms)
- RCA Plug
The Sennheiser HD 559 is a great choice for audiophiles looking for budget-friendly open-back headphones. They deliver remarkable sound quality, with an emphasis on clarity and detail, suitable for home listening.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound clarity
- Comfortable design for long sessions
- Durable build quality
Cons:
- Open-back design may leak sound
- Not ideal for outdoor use
These best best and cheap headphones cater to a variety of preferences and budgets, proving that high-quality sound doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re looking for the latest features or simply need a reliable set for everyday use, consider these top choices available on Amazon in 2026.
Buying Guide: Best and Cheap Headphones
When it comes to finding the best and affordable headphones, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get good quality without breaking the bank. Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate your options.
1. Types of Headphones
- Over-Ear: These headphones cover your ears completely, providing good sound isolation and comfort but are usually bulkier.
- On-Ear: These sit on top of your ears and are more portable than over-ear headphones, striking a balance between comfort and size.
- In-Ear (Earbuds): Compact and portable, these fit directly into your ear canal and are often less expensive, though they can be less comfortable for long use.
2. Sound Quality
- Drivers: Look for headphones with quality drivers (larger often means better sound). Aim for dynamic drivers for a good balance of bass, mids, and highs.
- Frequency Response: A wider frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz is standard) generally provides better sound quality.
- Impedance: Lower impedance headphones (16-32 ohms) typically work well with portable devices like smartphones.
3. Comfort and Fit
- Earpad Material: Look for soft materials like memory foam for on-ear and over-ear headphones.
- Weight: Lighter headphones can reduce fatigue during long listening sessions.
- Adjustability: Headphones with adjustable headbands offer better comfort for different head sizes.
4. Durability
- Build Quality: Look for headphones made from sturdy materials like metal or high-quality plastic.
- Cable Quality: If choosing wired headphones, consider those with tangle-free cables or reinforced connectors.
5. Battery Life (for Wireless Headphones)
- Playtime: Ensure the headphones offer at least 6-8 hours of battery life on a single charge for practical usability.
- Charging Time: Check how long it takes to recharge the headphones and if fast charging is available.
6. Connectivity
- Wired vs. Wireless: Decide whether you prefer the reliability of wired headphones or the convenience of wireless (Bluetooth) models.
- Bluetooth Version: Look for headphones with at least Bluetooth 4.0 for a better connection range and battery efficiency.
7. Additional Features
- Microphone: If you plan to use headphones for calls or gaming, ensure they have a built-in mic or are compatible with external mics.
- Controls: Headphones with inline controls or touch-sensitive features can enhance user experience.
- Noise Isolation/Cancellation: Consider headphones that offer passive noise isolation or active noise cancellation (ANC) for a better listening experience in noisy environments.
8. Brand Reputation
Choose brands known for offering good warranties and customer support. Reading reviews from trusted sources will help you gauge the reliability of the headphones.
9. Budget
- Set a Price Range: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. Headphones can range from $20 to $200 and more. Aim for quality within your budget.
- Sales and Offers: Keep an eye out for discounts, especially during holidays or sales events.
10. Popular Choices in Affordable Headphones
Here are a few models known for their quality and affordability:
- Sony WH-CH510 (Over-Ear): Great sound quality and battery life.
- Anker Soundcore Life Q20 (Over-Ear): Effective ANC feature and solid sound.
- Mpow 071 (On-Ear): Budget-friendly option with decent sound and comfort.
- JBL Tune 125TWS (In-Ear): Good sound quality with a reliable wireless connection.
Conclusion
Finding the best cheap headphones involves balancing sound quality, comfort, durability, and price. By considering these factors and doing some research, you can find a model that suits your needs without overspending. Happy listening!
