Author: IN rating of the best budget headphones of 2021 includes inexpensive models under $ 100 that have the best sound and quality for their price and type of construction. In the article you will find 15 of the best inexpensive headphones of different designs, ideal for listening to music of all styles and trends. The rating is based on reviews from ordinary buyers and experts.
Pros and cons of inexpensive models
If manufacturers of budget headphones do not constantly improve the quality of the product, their product will not be in demand. In the inexpensive segment, a good price-quality ratio is manifested. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of budget headphones.
- Nice value.
- Generally the best value for money.
- If they break, do not mind. New inexpensive earbuds can be bought for less than expensive refurbished ones.
- No need to overpay for the brand.
- If you don't have an ear for music, you probably won't hear the difference between good quality inexpensive headphones and expensive ones.
- To some extent, buying budget headphones is a lottery. May not be lucky. Yes, many of the cheaper models are quite good. Many, but not all. You must remember this when you buy unknown headphones from China, even without reviews.
- There is no repair service.
- Not the best design.
Read also: Best headphones from Aliexpress
What to look for when choosing headphones?
So you've decided to buy headphones: how to choose them? What you should pay attention to:
- Weight... Some people like to feel the headset, some people prefer lighter and weightless devices that are practically not felt by the ear.
- Sensitivity... The higher this parameter, the higher the volume and less load on the phone speaker.
- Connection type... The headset can be either with a standard 3.5 Jack-connector, or with more specific ones, like USB Type C or Lightning from Apple, as well as bluetooth headphones that are gaining popularity.
- For bluetooth headphones - battery life... Everything is simple here. The longer the device works on a single charge, the better.
Best inexpensive headphones under $ 100
| № | Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Plantronics BackBeat Go 600 | Best low-cost headphones under $ 100 in 2021 | 67$ |
| 2. | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | One of the best budget closed-back headphones | 95$ |
| 3. | Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro 2 | Good inexpensive vacuum earbuds for your phone | 23$ |
| 4. | Sennheiser HD 280 PRO | Professional budget headphones for monitoring with linear frequency response | 90$ |
| 5. | Panasonic RP-HJE125 | Great budget earbuds of 2021 | 10$ |
| 6. | Sony WH-CH510 | Best on-ear headphones for people on a budget | 40$ |
| 7. | Shure SE215 | High-quality inexpensive in-ear headphones from the American company Shure | 94$ |
| 8. | 1More Stylish True Wireless | Budget True Wireless In-Ear Headphones | 60$ |
| 9. | JBL C100SI | Best inexpensive earbuds in 2021 | 12$ |
| 10. | Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | Inexpensive on-ear headphones for listening to music | 55$ |
| 11. | Huawei Honor Sport AM61 | Inexpensive in-ear Bluetooth headphones for sports | 32$ |
| 12. | Marshall Major III Bluetooth | Stylish wireless on-ear headphones at a great price | 83$ |
| 13. | QCY T1C | Excellent inexpensive TWS earbuds from Aliexpress | 14$ |
| 14. | Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro | Studio monitor headphones with good sound | 94$ |
| 15. | Sony MDRZX110 Series | Bass headphones from Sony at a good price | 12$ |
Best budget headphones under $ 100
The TOP of inexpensive headphones in 2021 included budget models up to $ 100, which have the best price-quality ratio of sound and materials.
15. Sony MDR-ZX110
Bass headphones from Sony at a good price.
Opens a rating of the best inexpensive headphones under $ 100 takes Sony MDR-ZX110 (12$).
The only time you don't question the workmanship of the headphones and the sound quality is when the brand is present on them. Sony... Take a look at for example MDR-ZX110 ($ 12). These tiny on-ear headphones are not only durable but also deliver quality bass sound. They are like a small subwoofer for your head that reproduces rich, pulsating low frequencies. We felt the headphones were best suited for low-frequency genres like hip-hop, house and EDM.
Read also: TOP headphones with good bass
Main characteristics
- Type: overhead, closed, folding
- Connection: wired
- Frequency range: 12 - 22000 Hz
- Impedance: 24 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 98dB
- Cable length: 1.2m
- Weight: 120 g
- Connector: mini-Jack (3.5 mm)
Video review
- Pure bass sound.
- Reliability and quality of materials.
- Perfect price.
- The cable is not disconnected.
- Convenience. You won't spend much time in them.
14. Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro
Studio monitor headphones under $ 100.
Beyerdynamic manufactures a variety of equipment for both audiophiles and sound professionals, and some of them come with a high price tag. But headphones Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro find a pleasant place, offering professional sound and a high standard of design at a lower price.
The DT 240 Pro headphones are priced at $ 92, making them more affordable than many other studio headphones. monitor headphones... That price puts them in close competition with some Audio-Technica banks, such as the much-praised ATH-M40X or the wireless ATH-SR5BT, which can be found on sale at the same level as the DT 240 Pro.
Main characteristics
- Type: Overhead, Closed, Over-Ear, Swivel Bowls
- Connection: wired
- Frequency range: 5 - 35000 Hz
- Impedance: 34 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 99dB
- Cable length: 1.25m
- Radius: 10 m
- Weight: 196g
- Connector: mini-Jack (3.5 mm), Jack (6.35 mm)
Video review
- Pure balanced sound.
- Robust build.
- Reliability.
- Convenience. Suitable for small ears.
- Poor insulation.
13.QCY T1C
Excellent inexpensive TWS earbuds from Aliexpress.
TOP 13 best budget headphones under $ 100 takes QCY T1C ($ 14) - one of best inexpensive TWS earbuds with Aliexpress.
The QCY T1C is one of the most affordable fully wireless in-ear (TWS) headphones, giving the user true freedom of movement.
Main characteristics
- Type: in-ear
- Technology: dynamic
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Bluetooth: 5.0
- Support for work profiles: Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
- Radius: 10 m
- Battery type: own Li-Ion
- Standby time: 120h
- Talk time: 4 hours
- Charging time: 2 h
- Battery life in case: 20 h
- Case charging connector: micro USB
- Case battery capacity: 380mAh
Video review
- Sound.
- Value for money.
- Convenience. Includes ear pads for any size ears.
- Autonomy.
- Microphone.
- The quality of the materials. Cheap plastic, typical of China.
- Lack of instructions in Russian.
12. Marshall Major III Bluetooth
Stylish wireless on-ear headphones at a great price.
12th place in the rating of the best headphones under $ 100 takes Marshall Major III Bluetooth ($ 83) - wireless model of closed-type on-ear headphones.
These budget headphones have a comfortable soft design. The headphones are quite comfortable, the ear pads feel natural on the ears. The sound, typical for Marshall, is of high quality, there is bass.
Read also: Rating of headphones with good bass
Main characteristics
- Type: overhead
- Technology: dynamic
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 97dB
- Weight: 178g
- Membrane diameter: 40 mm
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
- MicroUSB cable included
- Bluetooth
- AptX codec support
- Support for work profiles: Handsfree, A2DP, Headset, AVRCP
- Radius: 10 m
- Working time: 30 h
- Charging time: 3 h
Video review
- Sound.
- Autonomy.
- Stylish design.
- Foldable design.
- The quality of the materials.
- Very poor quality microphone.
- Soundproofing.
- Convenience. It is worth trying on before buying.
11.Huawei Honor Sport AM61
Inexpensive in-ear Bluetooth headphones for sports
TOP-11 rating of the best inexpensive headphones gets Huawei Honor Sport AM61 - best inexpensive wireless earbuds under $ 35.
Bluetooth earphone from a famous brand from China, it is convenient to use for training due to their wireless operation and the ability to adjust the length of the lace.If you choose the right ear pads and adjust the equalizer, you will achieve great sound. This is the same headphone option when the price and quality are optimal.
Main characteristics
- Type: in-ear, wireless
- Weight: 19.7 gr.
- Working hours: 11 h.
- Charging time: about 2 hours
- Moisture / dustproof IP52
- Control: push-button
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz.
- Connector: microUSB
- Battery capacity - 135 mAh.
- Cost: 35 $
Video review
- Autonomy. The battery lasts exactly a working week (2 hours / travel x 5 days = 10 - 11 hours). The earbuds are fully charged in 2 hours.
- Convenience. Includes ear pads for any size ears. A uniquely chic solution for physically active people.
- Reliability. No stuttering at distances up to 10 meters, even with obstacles.
- IP52 protection. You can not worry about the safety of the model during sports or light rain.
- Design. Vibrant colors and sporty designs help create a workout mood.
- Sound. Sound is not the strong point of these headphones. At high volume, the music turns into a mash of high frequencies. Recommended for training.
- Noise isolation. Sound insulation is "weak", for those who constantly travel by metro or other public transport, most likely, it will not be enough.
- Minor flaws. The power indicator is too bright and may interfere in the dark.
10. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Inexpensive on-ear headphones for listening to music.
TOP 10 best inexpensive headphones Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($ 55) - Inexpensive on-ear headphones for listening to music.
For the price they sound incredibly clean, balanced and powerful, and give you the most bang for your buck. There are other options as well, but the pros will immediately choose the M20x.
Read also: Best on-ear headphones this year
Main characteristics
- Type: monitor, overhead, closed, full-size Over-Ear
- Weight: 190g
- Connection: wired
- Connector: mini-Jack (3.5 mm), Jack (6.35 mm)
- Control: push-button
- Frequency range: 15 - 20,000 Hz.
- Impedance: 47 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 96dB
- Cable length: 3m
Video review
- Excellent crisp sound.
- Convenience.
- Value for money.
- The quality of the materials.
9. JBL C100SI
Best inexpensive earbuds in 2021
9th place in the rating of budget headphones from myheadphone.bigbadmole.com/en/ is taken by "droplets" JBL C100SI for 700 ₽ - an excellent model for a phone. Excellent value for money, headphones meet all the needs of listeners.
For fans of the American brand, we have special ratings with the best headphones and the best speakers from JBL.
Main characteristics
- Type: plug-in, closed
- Frequency Response Range: 20 - 20,000 Hz.
- Connector: 3.5mm Jack
- Connector shape: straight
- Cord: 1.2 meters
- Built-in microphone
Equipment
- 3 pairs of interchangeable ear pads
Video review
- Sound. The sound is bright and spacious, there is no box effect. Acceptable bass, mids and lows sound great. The treble is not as good as the rest, but in general, the sound is good and capable of catching even a music critic.
- Design. Beautiful appearance. There are three colors of headphones: red, black and white.
- Convenience. Small, compact headphones. Comfortable ear shape.
- Price. The cost of the model is from 700 Russian rubles.
- Uneven distribution of loudness across frequencies. You need to adjust the sound on the equalizer yourself.
- The wire. Very part of the wire gets tangled.
- Microphone location. The microphone is very low. You have to pick it up by hand or pull it up from under your clothes.
Read also: TOP of the best manufacturers of headphones
8.1More Stylish True Wireless
Best budget TWS earbuds in 2021
Eighth place in the rating of budget headphones from myheadphone.bigbadmole.com/en/ is taken by "droplets" 1More Stylish True Wireless ($ 60) - Best Fully Wireless Earbuds (TWS) under $ 100. Excellent value for money, headphones meet all the needs of listeners.
1More Stylish True Wireless - compact True Wireless (TWS) in-ear headphones with built-in microphone, excellent battery life and support for the Qualcomm aptX progressive codec for the best audio quality.
Main characteristics
- Type: in-ear
- Technology: dynamic
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Membrane diameter: 7mm
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- Support for work profiles: Handsfree, A2DP, AVRCP
- Radius: 10 m
- Battery capacity: 410mAh
- Talk time: 2.5 h
- Working time: 2.5h
- Charging time: 1.2 h
- Battery life in case: 8 h
Equipment
- 3 pairs of interchangeable ear pads
Video review
- Good quality materials.
- Stylish design.
- Convenience.
- Comfortable mechanical buttons.
- Value for money.
- Case. It can get scratched in the first days.
- They make noise at low volume.
- I would like Type-C. But this is more nitpicking.
7. Shure SE215
High-quality inexpensive in-ear headphones from the American company Shure.
TOP 7 best headphones under $ 100 from myheadphone.bigbadmole.com/en/ Shure SE215 ($ 94) - high-quality in-ear headphones from the famous American company Shure.
These inexpensive wired in-ear headphones have proven themselves so well because they offer great sound quality, a comfortable fit and a solid construction at an affordable price.
Main characteristics
- Device type: wired headphones
- Type: in-ear
- Technology: dynamic
- Frequency range: 22 - 17500 Hz
- Impedance: 20 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 107 dB / mW
- Isolation from external noise: 37 dB
- Design features
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
- Cable length: 1.6m
Video review
- Sound. Incredible audio detail for the price. These are definitely some of the best headphones under $ 100.
- Stylish design.
- Convenience.
- Good equipment.
- Nice design.
- Cable. It becomes hard in the cold. Can also be confused.
- Not the best quality materials.
6. Sony WH-CH510
The best on-ear headphones for people on a budget.
Looking at Sony WH-CH510 ($ 40), it's surprising that wireless on-ear headphones can cost so little, not to mention the benefits of decent sound, a USB-C port, and 35 hours of battery life.
Main characteristics
- Device type: overhead, closed, swivel bowls
- Microphone: built into the case
- Technology: dynamic
- Connection type: wireless
- Bluetooth v 5.0
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Radius: 10 m
- Codec support: AAC
- Charging connector: USB C
- Working time: 30 h
- Charging time: 4.5 h
- Weight: 132g
Video review
- Affordable price.
- Good sound quality.
- Working hours.
- Compactness.
- Lungs.
- Ears may sweat.
5.Panasonic RP-HJE125
The most budgetary headphones in the ranking.
The fifth place in our ranking is occupied by headphones that cost $ 8.
Panasonic RP-HJE125 - great budget headphones from $ 8. Inexpensive vacuum model, has long established itself in the market. Well-made headphones sound better than many models under $ 20. If you are on a tight budget and do not want your ears to bleed, choose the RP-HJE125.
Main characteristics
- Frequency response range: 10 - 24000 Hz.
- Weight: 44 g.
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
- Cable length: 1.1 m.
- Cost: $ 8
Video review
- Sound. The headphones sound far from $ 8, but much better. The sound is obtained without obvious flaws. If you do not have an ear for music and want to save money, then this model is perfect for you.
- Great design. You can choose the color of the headphones for every taste.
- Cost. The best budget headphones for $ 8.
- Short service life. Thin wires and plastic, weak connections - all this speaks of the fragility of this model.
Tip: buy two pairs at once.
Read also: Best Sennheiser headphones
4. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
Professional budget headphones for monitoring with linear frequency response.
TOP-4 ratings of the best inexpensive headphones go to Sennheiser HD 280 PRO ($ 90) - professional monitoring headphones with linear frequency response - deserved third place in our ranking of the best budget headphones under $ 100.
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO are some of the best headphones you can get right now. A great combination of sound quality, comfort and durability - everything you can expect from a headphone, and at a nice price.
Main characteristics
- Device type: wired headphones
- Type: full-size
- Technology: dynamic
- Frequency range: 8 - 25000 Hz
- Impedance: 64 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 102dB
- Maximum power: 500mW
- Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%
- Weight: 220g
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
- Adapter 6.3 mm included
- Cable length: 1m
Video review
- Sound.
- Sits comfortably on the head.
- The quality of the materials.
- Soundproofing.
- Cable. The cable is twisted in a spiral, which is convenient for short distances. But when the length is a meter or more, the cable significantly resists stretching.
3. Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro 2
Good inexpensive vacuum headphones for your phone.
The third place in our TOP of inexpensive headphones is taken by one of the most budgetary models - perhaps the best sound among wired headphones under $ 25.
Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro 2 - a very interesting offer from Xiaomi, with a hybrid sound without any particular drawbacks for $ 25.
Main characteristics
- Type: in-ear
- Weight: 14 g.
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz.
- Cable: 1.25 m.
- Remote control: volume +/- and start / pause
- Price: from 25 $
Video review
- Sound. This model can compete with more expensive competitors in terms of sound quality. The headset has a clean mids and comfortable highs. A powerful bass that does not "obscure" other sound frequencies and, in general, there is no feeling that the sound is dumping "into a monotonous mess" - an excellent indicator.
- Cost. From $ 25 - "modest and tasteful." If we compare this price category, then this is perhaps the best budget headphones for a phone or any other device.
- Comfortable fit. Xiaomi Mi Pro 2 fits comfortably in the ear. It is easy and comfortable to listen to music in these headphones for a long time
- Landing. Thanks to the ergonomic shape and a large selection of ear cushions, the headphones sit comfortably and firmly in your ears.
- Equipment. The set of headphones looks like a typical model from "budget China". The box looks very simple and cheap, there is no bag for carrying headphones.
- Compatibility. On iOS devices, the remote control works very strange (only the "start / pause" button works). There are no data problems on Android devices.
- Modest design. Headphones are very similar to plastic crafts (although they are not).
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
> One of the best budget closed-back headphones.
Silver in the rating of the best headphones under $ 100 - Audio-Technica ATH-M40x ($ 95) - These are professional grade headphones tuned for flat frequency response and designed specifically for monitoring.
The Audio-Technica ATH M40x is a favorite among many audiophiles on a budget. It's almost a classic. If you're looking for a pair of under $ 100 headphones that are great for all music genres, look no further.
Main characteristics
- Device type: wired headphones
- Type: full-size
- Technology: dynamic
- Frequency range: 15 - 24000 Hz
- Impedance: 35 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 98dB / mW
- Maximum power: 1600 mW
- Weight: 240 g
- Membrane diameter: 40 mm
- Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
- Connector shape: straight
- Cable length: 3m
Equipment
- Headphones
- Adapter 6.3 mm
- 2 cables: 3 m (twisted), 3 m (straight)
- Documents
Video review
- Sound.
- The quality of the materials.
- Design.
- Convenient adjustment.
- Excellent sound insulation.
- Price quality.
- Convenience and comfort. Be sure to try it on before buying.
1. Plantronics BackBeat Go 600
Best inexpensive headphones under $ 100 in 2021
The best inexpensive headphones under $ 100 - Plantronics BackBeat Go 600 (67$).
The BackBeat Go 600 is one of those models you will definitely want to buy as it delivers great sound quality, accentuated by powerful bass and crisp treble. These headphones are programmed with a low frequency mode that emphasizes low frequencies, although the default soundstage is good in itself. You get a complete set of controls split between two earbuds that are easy to control as well.
Main characteristics
- Device type: overhead, closed, over-ear, swivel bowls
- Connection type: combined
- Connector: mini-Jack (3.5 mm)
- Bluetooth v 4.1
- Frequency range: 50 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 92 dB / mW
- Weight: 175g
- Membrane diameter: 40 mm
- Connector: microUSB
- Working time: 18 h
Equipment
- Headphones
- Case
- Charging cable
- Documents
Video review
- Excellent ratio of sound quality and price.
- Long battery life.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Detachable cable.
- Build quality. An unreliable and short-lived device.
Interesting article, thanks for the material. From the budget there were already 4 JBL pieces, it's better not to find at this price)) for me these are the best budget headphones, the sound is awesome, the prices are nowhere better, and they do not break as often as they write
Thanks for your feedback) we will prepare an article on JBL soon :)