Cheap wireless headphones
Cheap wireless headphones don’t necessarily have to sacrifice quality, so long as you know what to look for. Most headphones today can be found in some sort of wireless variety, or in earbud or over-ear fitting configurations.
Before purchasing, consider how you’ll use your headphones. For instance, if you largely listen to music from the comfort of your room, rather than using them for exercise, hiking or other outdoor activities, you may prefer over-ear headphones to earbuds, and you won’t really need to worry about waterproof headphones. However, if you’ll be on the move, you might want to buy wireless earbuds, which are small, portable and often great for working out.
What to look for in wireless headphones
Bluetooth connectivity
To be wireless and still work, headphones still need a way to connect to devices. Since they don’t have a cable in most cases, wireless headphones usually rely on Bluetooth connectivity to retrieve audio from the connected device. Those with longer Bluetooth ranges will, unsurprisingly, let you move further away from your audio device than those with very short ranges — so if you plan to use your wireless headphones at a distance, it’s important to pay attention to the Bluetooth connectivity range in either the product description or in product reviews for a more accurate take.
Over-ear wireless headphones vs. earbuds
While most cheap wireless headphones are going to come in earbud form, you can also find a lot of affordable pairs of over-ear headphones, too. While over-ear headphones aren’t great for exercising or mobile activities due to their size and shape, they are great for anyone who does a lot of listening while sitting down or for those who prefer their fit to earbuds. People who work out with headphones may prefer wireless earbuds, since they’re small, lightweight and will likely stay in your ears better than over-ear wireless headphones as you move.
Best cheap wireless headphones
Best of the best cheap wireless headphones
Soulsens Bluetooth Over-Ear Wireless Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: These Soulsens over-ear wireless headphones offer a fair price, as well as simple Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in microphone and up to 140 hours of playtime.
What we like: These are very affordable, over-ear fitting wireless headphones with up to 140 hours of playtime per charge. They also come with a built-in microphone for phone and voice use, and a headphone jack if you’d rather not use them wirelessly.
What we dislike: The microphone only works when used in wireless mode.
Best bang for your buck cheap wireless headphones
iJoy Rechargeable Over-Ear Wireless Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: This pair of over-ear wireless headphones features convenient force touch buttons, a microphone and a backup headphone jack, all for an extremely low price.
What we like: These are very inexpensive and feature a foldable design for increased portability. Available in seven colors, and include a headphone jack for wired use, micro-SD card plug-in and built-in radio receiver. They come with a six-month exchange warranty and feature force touch buttons.
What we dislike: Some users dislike the low battery indicator, which says “battery is low” every few seconds.
Best cheap wireless earbud headphones
HWCONA Faux Leather Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case: available at Amazon
Our take: These earbud-style headphones are very affordable and include a convenient and stylish faux leather charging case, as well as an IPX8 waterproof rating.
What we like: The IPX8 waterproof rating is great for exercise and outdoor activity, even in inclement weather, allowing users to submerge them into one-meter-deep water for at least 30 minutes. These affordable headphones come in white with either vintage yellow or dark camel brown charging cases.
What we dislike: Other headphones offer a longer Bluetooth connection range.
Best cheap wireless headphones for kids
iClever BTH03 Kids’ Over-Ear Wireless Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: If you’re looking for wireless headphones for kids, this pair may be your best bet, featuring eight different colors and a sweet multicolor LED band around each earpiece.
What we like: These are affordable, and the smaller headphone fit makes them perfect for kids. Available in eight separate colors with a 33-foot Bluetooth range, but they also come with a backup headphone jack. The earpieces are light and comfortable, and there’s a built-in microphone and 25-hour battery. LED lights pulse to the beat of the audio.
What we dislike: Some reported issues with the Bluetooth connection when other devices are nearby.
Best cheap wireless headphones under $30
Zihnic Over-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: Just slightly more expensive than some models on this list, these over-ear wireless headphones offer great bass tones, a microphone and a comfortable, lightweight fit.
What we like: These headphones are affordable and come with a faux leather carrying bag and a backup headphone cable. They have 20 hours of wireless, Bluetooth playtime, and includes physical buttons, a folding design and one-year warranty.
What we dislike: Some users said the plastic broke after just a few months of light use.
Best upgrade pick cheap wireless headphones
Sony WH-CH510 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: Despite being a little bit more expensive, Sony’s brand lives up to its name, and these wireless headphones offer all the bells and whistles with superior audio.
What we like: Excellent audio quality with features like up to 35 hours of battery life and included microphone for hands-free calling and voice commands. The swivel-folding design makes them convenient and portable. These headphones are durable and can be purchased in a bundle with a hard carrying case.
What we dislike: The brand name and impressive audio quality make them more expensive than the other models on this list.
Zachary Visconti is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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