While it is true that some of the greatest headphones are fairly expensive, you can still discover affordable headphones that are cozy and deliver excellent sound. Children, people who abuse their devices a lot, people who require numerous pairs, and anyone on a restricted budget should all choose for less expensive headphones.
For less than $50, you can get wired and wireless solutions. While some wireless headphones can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge, others only last for around half that amount of time before you need to find a charger.
The Audio Technica ATH-M20x are our choice for the best pair of headphones under $50 after examining dozens of less expensive models. They offer excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. We have also included our selections for the best headphones under $50 in other categories if you’re searching for a wired option, something portable, or a lightweight pair of headphones.
List of The Best Headphones under 50$ in 2023 on Amazon.com
#1 Electronic Arts ATH-M20x
What We Enjoy
- clear, thorough audio
- excellent sound isolation
- good construction quality
Things We Dislike
- active noise cancellation is absent
Within this price range, the ATH-M20x headphones let you enjoy your music at its highest level. They have 40mm drivers with rare magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils, as well as a frequency response of 15Hz to 20KHz. These wired headphones lack Bluetooth functionality but do offer a single-side 3.0mm cable and a 1/4-inch adaptor for greater adaptability.
Even in the absence of active noise suppression, the around-the-ear design creates a tight seal for effective sound isolation. Because they aren’t very adaptable, the ATH-M20x do not receive full points for comfort. Though the headband may be adjusted in size and the earcups can rotate 15 degrees, some users complain that they are too tight.
It appears that Audio-Technica skimped on some of the changes in order to create headphones that would still sound excellent at this price point. Great sound quality is worth the sacrifice if you listen to a lot of music, especially if you intend to do any studio monitoring or mixing.
#2 SRH145m+ by Shure
What We Enjoy
- dynamism in performance
- Comfortable
- attractive appearance
Things We Dislike
- There could be more bass.
The SRH145m+ from Shure boasts improved functionality (an inline remote and microphone) and superior sound quality compared to its predecessor. Shure has made significant waves with its line of reasonably priced headphones. On a track with a lot of sub-bass, test the SRK145m+ headphones, and you’ll hear a sound that is quite powerful without any distortion. The mid- and high-tones avoid the current trend of over-intensity and are pleasingly precise.
The earcups may slide up and down the inside instead of having an adjustable headband, and hinges allow them to be folded for simple storage. The dual-sided 5-foot chord of the headphones, which weigh less than 6 ounces, allows you greater freedom. To connect to some mobile devices, however, you might need to utilize an adaptor because the wire has a 3.5mm port on the end.
The SRH145m+ headphones are a wonderful option for a low cost even if no further accessories are included in the low price. Although the manufacturer has stopped making these headphones, you can still buy them from select merchants.
#3 Uproar from Skullcandy
What We Enjoy
- strong bass
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Things We Dislike
- not a 3.5mm audio cord
One of the greatest sets of Uproar headphones for under $50 is offered by Skullcandy, a company well recognized for their affordable headphones. They are lightweight, weighing slightly more than 4 ounces, and the battery lasts for 10 hours. You can choose a design that goes with your other gadgets or your personality because the headphones come in a variety of colorful colors. The Bluetooth headphones have a microphone for taking calls and are compatible with your phone, laptop, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Even at the greatest volume levels, there is a little bit of distortion in the sound quality, especially if you are far from your device. If you’re seeking for reference sound, look elsewhere because the bass has been amplified. The classical music genre may be where this is most audible. The highs are also evenly distributed, and the bass doesn’t completely overpower the mids. The Uproars might be for you if you frequently feel that other headphones don’t have enough bass in the mix.
#4 Magicbuds Hussar
What We Enjoy
- outstanding sound quality
- built-in microphone
- a good fit
Things We Dislike
- Better noise reduction is possible.
The wireless nature of Hussar’s Magicbuds makes them far more practical for exercise and unrestricted movement. You’ll receive a snug fit with silicone ear hooks and various-sized ear tips (including a memory foam alternative). Even when you engage in vigorous exercise such as jogging, they will remain in your ears.
These headphones are IPX7 rated, which means they can survive even the wettest workouts and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Up to nine hours of battery life are possible on a full charge, which is respectable for a pair of wireless earbuds.
Hussar claims that the earphones’ rich bass and crisp treble will please the majority of bass enthusiasts. The earbuds offer Qualcomm’s CVC 6.0 noise reduction as an extra bonus, but they lack active noise cancellation like other higher-end headphones do. They have a wireless range of up to 33 feet, which is fairly good. The Hussar Magicbuds give you the essentials on a budget for the improved IPX7 rating, sound quality, and noise suppression.
#5 Edwards H840
What We Enjoy
- Low cost
- Lightweight
- strong bass
Things We Dislike
- Feel somewhat cheap
- Not cozy for extended periods of time
These Edifier wired over-ear headphones provide a timeless design and high-fidelity sound. The headphones are designed to provide lifelike audio quality at a budget-friendly price, and they succeed in this endeavor fairly well.
They have a frequency response of 20Hz to 20Khz, a 32Ohm impedance, and a potent 40mm driver. The sound is supported by a reasonable amount of noise isolation offered by the cozy over-ear style. Even at lesser settings, the range and bass produce a remarkable sound; nevertheless, the volume might stand to be a little louder. Choose the P841 model to receive an in-line microphone.
#6 Stereo headphones from the Sony MDRZX110 ZX Series
What We Enjoy
- Lay flat
- Comfortable and light
- very reasonable
Things We Dislike
- A fair audio recording
Even though the Sony MDRZX110 headphones have relatively simple capabilities, they excel at a few tasks. The headphones have an amazing price, are comfy, and fold almost completely flat.
Earbuds may be uncomfortable for you, you may not want to wear pricey headphones to work every day, or you may simply need a portable device that won’t make you feel heavy. The Sony MDRZX110 checks all the right boxes, providing respectable sound in a small, comfortable housing. It boasts a remarkably wide response range for a pair of headphones under $10, making it ideal for casual listening or watching videos.
#7 Gamer headset Razer Kraken X USB (RZ04-02960100-R3U1)
What We Enjoy
- a large range of systems
- Comfortable
- Surround sound in 7.1 (PC only)
Things We Dislike
- mediocre audio output
Gaming headsets must provide immersive audio, have a respectable microphone, be comfortable to wear, and be compatible with your gaming system. This is a difficult task to complete in the sub-$50 pricing range. The Razer Kraken X largely meets all expectations. Even though it is on a tight budget, this headset offers a lot for the money.
Its 7.1 surround sound is one of its primary selling factors. This software-enabled function, which can only be used for PC gaming, requires activation. However, the headset provides positional, immersive audio that gives you the impression that you are actually playing the game. The Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch are all compatible with the Kraken X thanks to its 3.5mm connector.
The all-plastic construction gives the headset a rather flimsy appearance, but it is generally neutral and makes the headset incredibly light and easy to use all day. The cardioid microphone may be adjusted and is “noise-canceling,” which means it reduces background noise so your teammates can plainly hear you speak. The audio quality of the Kraken X falls short; without the surround sound capability, it sounds more like a cheap pair of headphones.
#8 Koss Porta Pro is the most lightweight.
What We Enjoy
- mobile and foldable
- unique style
- comprises a carrying case
Things We Dislike
- utilizes a 3.5mm plug to connect
Although the Koss Porta Pro headphones are inexpensive, they share several characteristics with more expensive models. They feature oxygen-free copper voice coils, stiff mylar drivers, and NdFeB magnet architectures to assist provide clearer sound and higher volume levels. The headphones’ frequency response of 15Hz to 25KHz and sensitivity of 101db are very outstanding.
But what really sets these headphones apart is the style. An adjustable headband that fastens to comfort zone pads that ease pressure on the ears is provided. The foam ear pads lay on the ears without pressing too firmly, and the pressure may be adjusted between firm and light to make the headphones as comfortable as possible for you.
If you wish to use these headphones with your mobile device, you might require an adapter because the Porta Pro connects to your device using a 4-foot long 3.5mm audio jack. However, you may totally flatten the headphones and store them in the provided carrying case when not in use.
