Finding great sound doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. The market for affordable over-ear headphones is brimming with options that deliver impressive audio quality and comfort for a fraction of the price of premium brands. Whether you’re a casual listener, a student, or someone who needs a reliable pair for work, there’s a budget-friendly set of cans waiting for you.
Navigating the vast selection can be challenging, which is why we’ve done the legwork for you. This roundup focuses on the best over-ear headphones available for under $50, highlighting models that excel in sound, build quality, and comfort. From studio monitoring to everyday listening, these picks prove that exceptional audio is accessible to everyone.
Our Top Picks for Affordable Over-Ear Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, Black MDR-ZX110
- Panasonic Headphones, Lightweight Over the Ear Wired Headphones
- JVC HARX700 Precision Sound Full Size Headphones
- Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-the-Ear Pro Headphones
- OneOdio Adapter-Free Closed Back Over-Ear Headphones
- Tascam TH-02 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
- Philips Audio Philips SHL3060WK/28 Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
For those seeking professional-grade sound on a tight budget, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a standout choice. These headphones are engineered for critical listening applications like studio tracking and mixing. They feature advanced build quality that ensures durability, making them a reliable tool for both beginners and seasoned audio enthusiasts.
The heart of the ATH-M20x is its 40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils. This technology is tuned to provide enhanced low-frequency performance, resulting in a rich and accurate bass response. The sound profile is balanced, allowing you to hear your music or audio projects with clarity and precision.
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones
Sony’s ZX Series headphones are a fantastic option for the user on the move. Their lightweight design and swiveling earcups make them incredibly portable and easy to store in a bag when not in use. This feature is particularly useful for commuters and travelers who need a compact audio solution.
Despite their compact form, these headphones don’t compromise on sound. The 1.38-inch neodymium dynamic drivers deliver a punchy and rhythmic response that brings your favorite tracks to life. For added comfort during long listening sessions, they include cushioned earpads and an enfolding closed-back design that helps seal in sound and minimize audio leakage.
Panasonic Lightweight Over the Ear Wired Headphones
Panasonic offers a classic, full-size headphone design that delivers exceptional value. These over-ear headphones provide balanced, high-frequency sound that competes with models priced much higher. They are an excellent all-rounder, suitable for everything from music and movies to gaming.
The dual 30 millimeter neodymium driver units are built to handle significant power, resulting in satisfying bass and clear vocals. Comfort is a key focus, with plush padded earpads that softly surround the entire ear to reduce ambient noise and distractions. A smooth, quick-adjust headband ensures a comfortable and secure fit for various head sizes.
JVC HARX700 Precision Sound Full Size Headphones
The JVC HARX700 headphones are built for those who appreciate deep, powerful bass. With a large 50mm Neodymium driver unit, these headphones are capable of reproducing sound with impressive depth and clarity. The full-size over-ear design is ideal for immersive listening sessions at home.
A key feature of the HARX700 is its unique ring port structure, which is engineered to provide high-quality dynamic sound by improving airflow. This results in a richer audio experience with minimal distortion. Comfort is also considered, with a wide head pad that distributes weight evenly for optimum comfort during extended use.
Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style Headphones
Monoprice has a reputation for delivering high-quality audio gear at accessible prices, and their DJ-style headphones are no exception. These headphones feature a robust, professional design that can withstand the rigors of daily use, making them a great choice for budding DJs or simply for everyday listening.
They offer a well-tuned sound profile that provides clear highs and mids alongside a solid bass presence. The over-ear design with thick padding ensures a comfortable seal, which helps with both sound isolation and overall listening comfort. For the price, the build and audio quality offered by these headphones are difficult to match.
OneOdio Adapter-Free Closed Back Headphones
OneOdio focuses on creating versatile headphones that are ready to use with a wide range of equipment. A significant benefit of these closed-back headphones is their adapter-free design, allowing you to connect directly to professional audio equipment, computers, and mobile devices without any extra dongles or converters.
The closed-back structure provides excellent sound isolation, allowing you to focus on your audio without outside interference. They are built for long sessions, with comfortable earpads and an adjustable headband. Whether you’re mixing audio, gaming, or just enjoying music, these headphones provide a seamless and high-quality listening experience.
Tascam TH-02 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
The Tascam TH-02 brings reliable studio monitoring capabilities to an incredibly affordable price point. These closed-back headphones are ideal for recording and editing, as they provide a flat and accurate frequency response that is essential for making critical mixing decisions.
Despite their studio-focused design, they are also great for general listening. The comfortable fit and good sound isolation make them suitable for long hours of use, whether you’re in the studio or at your desk. Tascam’s expertise in audio equipment is evident in the solid performance and build quality of these budget-friendly headphones.
Philips Audio SHL3060WK Headphones
Philips Audio delivers a comfortable and stylish listening experience with the SHL3060WK model. These headphones are designed with a modern, on-ear fit that is both lightweight and secure, making them a great accessory for daily use and travel.
The sound signature is balanced and clear, capable of handling a wide variety of music genres. The focus is on providing a pleasant and non-fatiguing listening experience. With their straightforward design and reliable performance from a trusted audio brand, these Philips headphones are a solid and safe choice for anyone looking for a simple, effective audio solution.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cheap Over-Ear Headphones Under $50
Finding a solid pair of over-ear headphones for under $50 used to be a real challenge, but I am happy to report that is no longer the case. The market is now packed with options that punch well above their price tag. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one for you? I have tested my fair share, and I can tell you it comes down to a few key factors.
First, let’s talk about sound quality. You are not going to get audiophile-grade perfection at this price, but you can absolutely get a satisfying listen. Look for a balanced sound profile. Some budget headphones try to impress with a massive, boomy bass that drowns out everything else. A good pair should have clear mids for vocals and enough high-end detail without being harsh or sibilant. If you can, read reviews that comment on the sound signature to see if it matches what you like. Are you a bass-head for electronic music, or do you prefer a flatter response for podcasts and acoustic tracks?
Next up is comfort. This is a big one. If your headphones are not comfortable, you will not want to wear them, no matter how good they sound. Pay attention to the padding on the ear cups and the headband. Memory foam is a great sign. Also, consider the clamping force—too tight and you will get a headache, too loose and they will fall off. If you wear glasses, look for models with softer earcups that can accommodate the arms without creating too much pressure. The weight of the headphones also plays a role; lighter models are generally more comfortable for long listening sessions.
Then there is the question of features. Do you need a built-in microphone for taking calls? Is active noise cancellation (ANC) a must-have, or is good passive isolation from the over-ear design enough? Be aware that true, effective ANC is rare in this budget range, but some models are starting to include it. Also, think about connectivity. Wired headphones are simple, reliable, and do not need charging. Wireless Bluetooth models offer freedom from cables but add the task of keeping them charged. Some wireless models even offer the option to use a cable as a backup, which I find incredibly useful. Durability is another consideration. Look for headphones with a flexible or reinforced headband and sturdy construction, especially if you plan on tossing them in a bag.
Ultimately, finding the right pair of the 8 best cheap over-ear headphones under $50 is about balancing these priorities. You might have to compromise on one area to excel in another. Decide what is most important for your daily use: is it marathon-long comfort, specific sound for your music, or the convenience of wireless freedom? Once you know that, you can narrow down the field and find a pair that feels like it cost way more than it actually did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are over-ear headphones under $50 actually any good?
Yes, absolutely. While you will not get the same performance as a $300 pair, the technology has trickled down significantly. Many reputable brands now offer budget-friendly lines that provide excellent value. The sound quality is often very respectable, with decent clarity and bass. The main compromises are usually in the use of more plastic in the build and less premium materials in the earpads. For everyday listening, commuting, or gaming, a good pair under $50 can be more than sufficient.
What is the difference between closed-back and open-back headphones?
This is an important distinction. Closed-back headphones have solid ear cups that seal against your head. This provides passive noise isolation, meaning they block out a fair amount of outside noise and prevent your music from leaking out to bother people around you. They are ideal for use in offices, on public transport, or in any shared space. Open-back headphones have grilles on the outside of the ear cups. They do not isolate noise at all, but they often provide a more spacious and “airier” soundstage, making the audio feel like it is coming from around you rather than inside your head. Open-back designs are almost never found in the under-$50 category and are better suited for quiet, private listening at home.
How important is battery life for wireless models?
Battery life is a key spec for Bluetooth headphones. In the under-$50 range, you can typically expect anywhere from 15 to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. I would consider anything over 20 hours to be very good. Think about your habits. If you only use headphones for a couple of hours a day, a 15-hour battery might only need a weekly charge. If you are a heavy user, prioritizing a model with 25+ hours will save you from constant charging anxiety. Also, check if the model supports quick charging—even 10 minutes of charging for a few hours of playback can be a lifesaver.
Can I use wired headphones with my modern phone that has no headphone jack?
You sure can. The solution is a small, inexpensive adapter called a USB-C to 3.5mm dongle (or a Lightning to 3.5mm dongle for iPhones). These are widely available and allow you to plug any standard wired headphones into your phone’s charging port. The audio quality from these dongles is often very good. So, do not let the lack of a headphone jack stop you from considering a great wired pair from the list of the 8 best cheap over-ear headphones under $50.
Do any budget headphones have active noise cancellation?
This feature is becoming more common in the budget category, but it is still a rarity under $50. When it is present, you should manage your expectations. The noise cancellation will not be as powerful or effective as on premium models from Sony or Bose. It will likely be best at canceling constant, low-frequency hums like an airplane or air conditioner, and less effective on sudden, sharp noises. If ANC is a top priority, you may need to stretch your budget slightly, but it is worth checking the latest reviews as technology is constantly improving and becoming more affordable.