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Best wired headphones under $50

Cheap and good.
By
April 27, 2023
Best overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M20
By Audio-Technica
Product shot of Audio-Technica ATH-M20x.
6.7
Positives
Price
Foldable design
Sound quality
Long cable
Negatives
Can't replace cable
Build quality feels cheap
Ear pads aren't very comfortable
The Bottom Line.
If you want a good pair of headphones that you can get away with using on some professional projects, the ATH-M20x is a good pick. Read full review...
Best semi-open
Koss Porta Pro
By Koss
7
Positives
Retro design
Collapsible
Sound quality
Negatives
Sound leakage
The Bottom Line.
The Koss Porta Pro headphones is classic for a reason. If you're okay with the semi-open design this retro-styled headset is a solid choice. Read full review...
Best on-ear headphones
JBL Tune 500
By JBL
The JBL Tune 500 wired headphones in black against a white background.
6.3
Positives
Rotating ear cups
In-line remote and mic
Price
Decent mic quality
Negatives
Plastic build isn't durable
Ear cushions feel cheap
Not the best sound quality
The Bottom Line.
The JBL Tune 500 includes important features like a mic and multi-function remote, so you can control your headset without reaching for your phone.Read full review...
Best gaming
Razer Kraken X
By Razer
Razer Kraken X product image against white background.
7.1
Positives
7.1-channel surround sound
Eyewear channels alleviate temple pain
Cross-platform compatibility
Onboard controls
Negatives
Ear cups dont rotate
Surround sound exclusive to Windows 10
The Bottom Line.
If you need a functional gaming headset that gets the job done without draining your wallet, the Razer Kraken X is a promising option.Read full review...
Best value
Sony MDR-ZX110AP
By Sony
Sony MDRZX110
Positives
Cheap
Comfortable
Decent sound for price
Negatives
Durability is poor
The Bottom Line.
If you're not really an audio enthusiast and just want an affordable pair of cans, check out the Sony MDR-ZX110AP.

If you’re looking for decent sound and some good isolation, you shouldn’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a new pair of headphones. Whether you’re looking for the headphones you can carry around every day without breaking the bank or shopping for a gift, these are the best wired headphones under $50 worth considering.

Editor’s note: this post was updated on April 27, 2023, to add updated images, charts, and information about the JBL Tune 500, to add the Skullcandy Riff 2 to Notable mentions, and to update information about the AKG K72.

Listeners on a budget: no matter what set of headphones you pick from this list, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better product in each category for headphones under $50, and if you do, please share with us. Anyone looking for backup cans, or frequent travelers may just want a cheap pair of headphones they can knock around in their bags. If that’s the case, this list is great for you. Look, we get it, not everyone is as headphone-obsessed as we are: many people would only buy headphones under $50, hence why this list is so important.

Why is the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x the best wired headphones under $50 USD?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a great set of wired headphones under $50 because it has a decent frequency response for editing projects like podcasts and even some music. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the creative industry or want a headset that you can enjoy a wide variety of music genres with the ATH-M20x is a fine headset.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20
Audio-Technica ATH-M20
6.7
A man wear the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x looking left.The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x twisted to show the padding and the amount of flex the headset has.Close up of the headband of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x.The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x stands up on a melodion case.The frequency response of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x mostly under-emphasizes compared to our house chart.Chart shows the isolation performance of the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20
Audio-Technica ATH-M20
See review
See review

Unlike the famed Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, the ATH-M20x only comes in black and the cable is not removable. While it’s understandable that the company had to take cost-saving measures, the inability to easily replace the cable is a bummer and shortens the life of the headset. The frequency response (last image in the gallery above), is very good for this price point though, with bass notes that still allow mids to remain audible.

The over-ear design is nice and the ear pads, while not the most comfortable, should accommodate most ear sizes. For less than $50 USD, you’ll have a hard time finding a better headset for semi-professional and hobbyist work. Once you gain confidence, and perhaps a bit of cash, you can then upgrade to the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x (at $79 at Amazon) or the better, ATH-M40x.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xAudio-Technica ATH-M20x
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Affordable • Simple and efficient • Comfortable headband
A straightforward studio headset
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a great option for those looking for an efficient and straightforward studio headset without breaking the bank.

If you’re always on the go, pick up the Koss Porta Pro

The only thing more classic than the Koss Porta Pro is rock ‘n’ roll. Released in 1984, it epitomizes retro design and appears to be straight out of Back to the Future. The charming bare-bones build features a layered strip of metal connecting hinged ear cups. It also clips at the bottom to maintain a condensed form factor, saving you precious real estate.

Koss Porta Pro
Koss Porta Pro
7
The Koss Porta Pro semi-open headphones dangling from the wires.A woman wears the Koss Porta Pro semi-open headphones worn by a woman.Best on-ear headphones: the headphones peaking out of the included black carrying pouch.
Koss Porta Pro
Koss Porta Pro
See review
See review

Plastic, swiveling ear cups make for a comfortable fit (which can be adjusted via sliders that migrate pressure to the temples), but are also points of weakness. Surprisingly, the headphones play quite nicely with thick-rimmed glasses. Although the design nearly shouts “travel-friendly,” the semi-open style can leak a little sound when commuting. Still, as on-ear headphones go, it’s one of the most universally comfortable options.

Even with what some may consider a list of drawbacks, the Porta Pro is a favorite among audio enthusiasts for its unique sound and funky design. If you want something with a good bit of charm and features, go with the Koss Porta Pro.

Koss Porta Pro Limited EditionKoss Porta Pro Limited Edition
Koss Porta Pro Limited Edition
Decent sound • 3.5mm jack • Comfortable design
Modern features in a classic design
The Koss Porta Pro Limited Edition integrates a microphone and remote control into the original version. Fans of Porta Pro headphones will appreciate the modern functionality inserted in this unique and classic design.

Bass heads should go with the JBL Tune 500

The JBL Tune 500 has few frills, and is about as straight forward as you can find. We find the Tune 500 appealing for its extremely affordable price point and generally useful features like an integrated microphone/control module.

JBL Tune 500
JBL Tune 500
6.3
The outside of the earcups of the JBL Tune 500, prominently showing the JBL logo.The JBL Tune 500 sitting neatly folded on a table with its headphone cable bundled up nicely, with the JBL logo displayed on the outside casing of the ear cups.The inline microphone and voice assisstant button on the JBL Tune 500.The headband of the JBL Tune 500 in closeup, showing the adjustment mechanism and left ear cup.The JBL Tune 500 being held in someone's hands against a wooden backdrop.A chart showing the sound isolation on the JBL Tune 500, with no isolation in the low end, and only some isolation with high end sounds.A chart showing the JBL Tune 500 frequency response, with a lack of sub bass and some deviation from the ideal curve in the mid and high end.
JBL Tune 500

The Tune 500 comes in four colors: black, white, blue, and pink with ear pads to match. While the headset isn’t technically for exercise, some user reviewers have shared that it stays on during activities like basketball. As long as you wipe the ear pads down after each workout, you should be fine to do some light exercises with this headset. It won’t isolate particularly well, which is characteristic of virtually all on-ear headphones (as opposed to over-ear headphones). You can field calls, access your phone’s smart assistant, and control music playback all without the need to reach for your phone.

Each earcup rotates toward the headband, making it easy to slide the Tune 500 into a bag for transport. Be aware, however, that the plastic is a bit creaky, the thin cable is only 1.18m long, and it may not withstand being tossed on the ground in a crowded bag repeatedly. Furthermore, the frequency response isn’t ideal, but it’s serviceable. If you’re looking for an inexpensive set of headphones with a mic that doesn’t sound too shabby at all, the JBL Tune 500 is a great pick, provided you don’t overload it with unrealistic expectations.

JBL Tune 500JBL Tune 500
JBL Tune 500
Price • Lightweight • In-line mic/remote
A cheap pair of wired headphones that's great for daily use.
The Tune 500 delivers good sound in a lightweight, affordable package. You can take calls on the go with the one-button mic module and even access your phone's smart assistant it. The headphones fold up toward the headband making it easy to travel anywhere with the Tune 500.

Gamers on a budget should get the Razer Kraken X

The Razer Kraken X is a functional, attractive gaming headset with looks that punch above its price bracket. The integrated boom mic is forgiving with regards to placement, and the headset works with PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. This is why the Kraken X belongs on our list of best cheap gaming headsets.

Razer Kraken X
Razer Kraken X
7.1
The headphones angled away from the camera resting on a black surface.The Razer Kraken X headphones angled on a computer stand with the microphone bent slightly upward.The Razer Kraken X leaning against a PS4 controller with the headband facing the lens to show the Razer logo.The back of the headset with the buttons and controls on display.The included cables on a black surface.Frequency response chart for the Razer Kraken X gaming headset, depicting amplified bass notes.Isolation chart for the Razer Kraken X gaming headset; it doesn't do a good job of blocking out any low-frequency sounds.
Razer Kraken X
Razer Kraken X
See review
See review

Razer provides a handful of accessories to pair with the Kraken X, among which is an audio splitter. If your desktop has separate audio and mic inputs, you’ll want to use this dedicated cable for the microphone to function properly.

For any vision-impaired gamers, the Kraken X is a miracle: its eyewear channels reduce pressure on the temple and ears. Wearing these with my glasses was actually enjoyable and, at worst, not painful. Of course, there are other useful features for all listeners like the onboard volume dial and mute button, both located on the left ear cup.

Sound quality and isolation are about what you’d expect for a pair of $50 gaming headphones. Bass frequencies receive a strong boost, which is typical for economical gaming headsets. This makes explosions more impactful but can also make it difficult to hear incoming footsteps.

Razer Kraken XRazer Kraken X
Razer Kraken X
7.1 channel surround sound • Eyewear channels alleviate temple pressure • Cross-platform compatibility
Good gaming headsets don't have to cost a small fortune.
When gaming in the comfort of your own living room, you’ll want to feel relaxed so you can game on your console for hours on end. Enter the Razer Kraken X for Console. Ultra-light at just 250g with superior gaming audio. Sit tight and play for hours—your console gaming marathons are about to be a breeze.

If you want to save more, the Razer Kraken X Lite is available for $29.76 at Amazon. It features a lighter build and lacks the onboard controls of the Kraken X. The build is not as sturdy, so take care.

The Sony MDR-ZX110AP will give you the best bang for your buck

For $18.99 at Amazon, this headset has decent audio quality. Its 3omm drivers produce a sound signature that should please the casual listener. The Sony MDR-ZX110AP is very lightweight and has a gentle clamping force, so you can wear it for hours at a time. Even someone with lots of ear piercings shouldn’t find this on-ear headset to be too uncomfortable. You can rotate the ear cups rotate to lay flat on your chest but the headband is not collapsible.

Sony MDR-ZX110AP
Sony MDR-ZX110AP
Sony MDRZX110
Sony MDR-ZX110AP
Sony MDR-ZX110AP

The Sony MDR-ZX110AP has a microphone but it’s otherwise a no-frills design, which is why it so cheap. It would also be nice if the 3.5mm cable was replaceable as it isn’t the most durable and may break after several months of use. But the headset is wallet friendly, so you may as well replace the whole thing if this happens.

Sony MDR-ZX110APSony MDR-ZX110AP
Sony MDR-ZX110AP
Cheap • Lightweight • Foldable

The Samson SR850 has an open back design at a low price

A product shot of the Samson SR850 shown at an angle against a white background.
Samson The Samson SR850 is an affordable open-back option.

Open back headphones have a reputation for being expensive pieces of equipment, but the Samson SR850 bucks that trend for $34.99 at Amazon. Technically, it has a semi-open back design, but you still get that sense of open soundscape people value in this design. You also get a dual headband design that helps take some of the pressure off. Add to that the rather large 50mm drivers, and it’s a pair of cans that boasts many of the features found on far more expensive models. It likely won’t stand up to rough-and-tumble use, but keeping the cans at your desk should be fine.

 

The best wired headphones under $50: Notable mentions

Monoprice 8323 headphone's remote mic held by someone's hand.
The in-line mic and remote unit is well built and useful on the 8323 by Monoprice.
  • AKG K72: It’s always worth checking out AKG headphones, especially, when you find a set cheaply at $35 at Amazon. Lightweight and somewhat comfortable with a 3m cable it has its uses, but it’s not our top pick due to the sound quality.
  • Edifier H650: Edifier is known for its consumer friendly sounds at reasonable prices. This set of on-ear headphones is pocketable, comes in a ton of colors, and has noise canceling for only $24.98 at Amazon.
  • JLab Audio Bombora: JLab has been earning a name for itself with low priced headphones and earbuds that outdo the cost. This set of wallet friendly over-ears includes a universal remote, carry case, and memory foam cushions for $29.25 at Amazon.
  • Monoprice 8323: Monoprice has a reputation for bringing more than expected to affordable audio equipment and this is another great value (for $26.76 at Amazon). Each headphone houses a 50mm dynamic driver, and it’s comfortable to wear for hours at a time.
  • Sennheiser HD 300: This lightweight, around-ear pair of cans delivers a smooth frequency response for casual listening on a low budget, priced at $49.95 at Amazon.
  • Sennheiser HD 559: This one is cheating a little bit, because it pushes the budget, but it’s definitely worth it if you get a deal. Frequently on sale, it goes for $115 at Amazon at the moment. It’s supremely comfortable and the open back design suits home listening.
  • Skullcandy Riff: This budget on-ear headset offers a colorful design, pretty comfortable ear pads, and a sound signature for bass enthusiasts—all for $18.29 at Amazon meaning you have enough leftover to buy a snack.
  • Skullcandy Riff 2: For a bit more money ($35.99 at Amazon), the optionally wired or Bluetooth 5.2 equipped Skullcandy Riff 2 has some incremental updates on the original. It has an equalizer in the companion app as well, which meaning you can tame the bass, or not.
  • Sony MDR-ZX110NC: With basic noise canceling functionality, coupled with a clean sound signature, this pair of headphones is cheap (at $29.99 at Best Buy), capable, and portable.

Hold up! Something’s different:

Some of our picks’ frequency response and isolation charts were measured with our old testing system. We have since purchased a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test fixture (and the appropriate support equipment) to update our testing and data collection. It will take a while to update our backlog of old test results, but we will update this review (and many others!) once we’re able with improved sound quality measurements and ANC performance plots. These will be made obvious with our new chart aesthetic (black background instead of white).

Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you again once we’ve sorted everything out.

What you should know before you buy any of the best wired headphones under $50 USD

While technically portable, wearing the Grado SR60x outside leads to some issues
Like other semi-open headphones, wearing the Grado SR60x outside is alright if you need to hear the world around you, but other people will be able to hear your music.

While we enjoy all of the headphones recommended above, it’s important to remember that they’re still pretty cheap headsets. Corners have been cut with each product since $50 USD can only take you so far. Still, there are some important fundamentals to understand before you spend your hard-earned cash on any of the headphones we recommend.

What is isolation?

The more sound that your headset is able to passively block out, the better your music will sound. Good isolation creates a solid barrier between the outside world and your ear canals, that way, you’re less likely to encounter a phenomenon called auditory masking. When headphones don’t form a good seal over your ears, then you may hear more of your environment and reflexively increase the volume. We don’t recommend you increase the volume too much since prolonged exposure to loud outputs can actually damage your hearing in the long run.

How should cheap headphones sound?

The sound quality of your headphones depends on what you’re shopping around for. Take the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. This headset hardly boosts the bass relative to mids, which makes it a great option for listeners with eclectic tastes. It also happens to be one of the best pairs of super-cheap studio headphones you can buy. Now, if you want something marketed more toward the average consumer, you may find that a headset’s frequency response closely follows our consumer curve, which recommends a boost to bass and treble notes to varying degrees.

Ultimately, it depends on what you want to use your headset for. Fortunately, we live in a time with EQ apps abound and most streaming services have basic EQs integrated into them, so you can adjust the sound of your wired headphones accordingly.

How we pick the best headphones under $50

We’ve reviewed a ton of products here at SoundGuys, but not all of them. Naturally, it’s hard to make lists based solely on the products we’ve reviewed. Aside from products that we test directly, we do tons of research like reading other reviews and visiting forums before including a product on a list. If it made it here, it has to be good.

In short, we put every candidate set of headphones through the wringer, and only models that we’re able to keep up even got a shot at this list. While the list itself may not be a complete cross-section of all good headphones under $50, it represents the best of our knowledge and experience. Be sure to take a look at type-specific lists if you didn’t see a type of headphones you like represented here. For true wireless earphones, be sure to check out our list of best wireless earphones under $100.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

A photo of the JLab GO Air cheap true wireless earbuds being removed from the charging case.
We get our hands on as many earbuds, headsets, speakers, and microphones as we can, so you can spend less time researching and more time listening.

Working at SoundGuys is each of our respective nine-to-fives and this job has allowed each of us to get exclusive hands-on time with a wide array of audio products. When it comes down to it, we can quickly discern the gold from the gimmicks, but we don’t just rely on our ears. No, we have objective testing that we subject review units to.

All we want is for each reader to exit out of the SoundGuys page feeling confident in her future purchase decision, or at least more educated about audio in general. None of our writers benefit from advocating for one product over another, and if you feel so compelled, please read our ethics policy.

Frequently asked questions about headphones under $50

In short, no. Studio headphones are designed to deliver the most accurate frequency response possible, and achieving this while also maintaining the overall quality of the sound costs manufacturers a bit of money. Our pick when pressed about this is the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. Generally, however, the cheapest studio headphones that we’ll recommend are about $100: the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro or the Sony MDR-7506. These cheap studio headphones are actually quite good, too.

Indeed, there are! If you’re someone who wants to really immerse yourself in your content, check out our list of the best noise canceling headphones under $100!

While wireless headphones are the best when it comes to convenience, wired headphones deliver overall better sound quality. This is because at the moment, wireless audio connections are incapable of transmitting large amounts of data, such as lossless FLAC audio files.