It would be entirely reasonable to assume that the more you spend on a pair of headphones, the better quality you will get. While that’s largely true, this guide to the best cheap headphones in Australia proves that times are changing, as you can get yourself a talented set of over-ear or in-ear headphones that sound and look great, without breaking the bank.
The pairs of cheap headphones that make this list have all been put through TechRadar’s rigorous testing process to ensure they meet expectations: sound quality, performance, and value for money. After all, even though these pairs of headphones don’t cost a huge amount of money, we still expect them to go above and beyond.
To make things easier, we’ve divided our choice between over-ear and in-ear models and then into clear price brackets. None of the products featured here cost more than AU$170, and you may be surprised to find that all but the most affordable Sony headphones include active noise cancellation. Plus, we based our picks on MSRP, but you’ll likely find that most of the pairs on this list are never far from a discount.
If you want the best possible audio performance currently available, check out our guides to the best headphones and the best headphones. But if you want big sound on a small budget, you’ve come to the right place. These are the best cheap headphones you can buy today.
The best cheap headphones available today
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Learn more about how we test.
Best on ears under 150
Best on ears for less than AU$150
Features
Acoustic design: Farm
Weight: 246g
Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz
Drivers: 40mm
Battery life (onboard): 65 hours of ANC activated; 100 hours ANC discount
Reasons to buy
+
Customizable and satisfying sound
+
Good active noise cancellation
+
Excellent battery life
Reasons to avoid
–
The app can be clunky
–
Button controls feel cheap
–
Construction seems slightly flimsy
BUY THEM IF:
✅ You want effective noise cancellation: Don’t let the price fool you, these over-ears block out more noise than expected and feature a passthrough mode for when you need to stay conscious.
✅ Longevity is a top priority: There’s a lot to like about these headphones, but 65 hours of battery and up to 100 hours without ANC certainly sweeten the deal.
DO NOT BUY THEM IF:
❌ You want the best app experience: The app works well for changing settings, but the Sony app is more accomplished.
❌ You don’t like plastic constructions: They look decent, but feel plasticky. This is common in cheap headphones, but some experience it more than others.
The best cheap headphones you can buy in Australia right now are the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51. These budget-friendly over-ear headphones deliver performance on virtually every front, delivering great sound for the price, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation, all for under AU$150.
Despite the low price, you get a surprising number of features. There’s an ANC and transparency mode, support for high-quality streaming via LDAC (something even some more expensive pairs of headphones don’t support), and an insane 100 hours of battery life (or a still-impressive 65 hours with ANC enabled). During testing, the ANC surprised us with its quality. Granted, we weren’t expecting anything revolutionary, but it really muted the usual distractions like clicking keyboards and street noise, allowing us to fully concentrate on the music.
As for their sound, that’s good news, as we found that they could hold up well against the competition we compared them to. The output is clear with a bass-driven sound signature that will likely appeal most to fans of electronica, hip-hop and pop. What surprised us even more is how well they remain composed at higher volumes: the sound they put out is incredibly dynamic and full of energy and clarity that can often be missing in more affordable headphones. If you want to change the sound profile, the companion app gives you a few EQ options to play with, which work well – just be aware that the app can be a little difficult to use.
We’re also big fans of the Sonoflow Pro HQ51’s appearance, using a sleek, matte, curved design that suggests the complete opposite of “cheap.” They’re also lightweight and comfortable to wear, with generous padding on the earcups and headband. Perhaps as to be expected given the price, the construction feels a little plasticky in places, but we can’t tie too many points here given their low cost.
Overall, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 manages to pack in everything you’d expect from a budget headset, and even just a pair of earbuds, period. It’s the complete package: good looks, great battery life, and powerful sound. If you want the best cheap headphones available in Australia today, these are the ones to beat. If your budget is even stricter, check out the new entries that offer great performance at even lower prices.
Read our full 1More reviews on the Sonoflow Pro HQ51
- ^ Back to top
Best on ears under 120
Best on ears for less than AU$120
Features
Acoustic design: Farm
Weight: 268g
Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz
Drivers: 40mm
Battery life (onboard): 80 hours (55 hours with ANC activated)
Reasons to buy
+
Stellar autonomy
+
Great build quality
+
Decent sound for the price
Reasons to avoid
–
Takes a little too long to turn off
–
Delicate ANC control
–
Only one color option
BUY THEM IF:
✅ You hate constant charging: With more battery life than you’ll know what to do with, even with ANC turned on, these headphones can go the distance.
✅ You have a limited budget: Of course, all the headphones in this guide are cheap. But if you don’t want to skimp on performance, it’s a very good buy for the price.
DO NOT BUY THEM IF:
❌ You want workout-ready headphones: There’s no IP rating here, so it’s not the best choice when it’s sweaty or rainy.
❌ You like different color options: A small downside we admit, but if you want a choice of colors, you won’t find it here.
The Earfun Wave Pro are our top pick for under AU$120, especially since they can often be had for even less, even below AU$100. They pack an impressive list of features, the most notable of which is undoubtedly the battery life, with a whopping 80 hours of battery life – or 55 hours with ANC enabled.
Design-wise, there’s a lot to like: they’re lightweight, comfortable with soft cup padding, and they pack up nicely for travel. They also come with a sturdy case. What we find particularly impressive is that, despite their low price, they do not feel cheap.
It’s in the sound quality that they really shine. In testing, we found the sound surprisingly rich for the price, with punchy bass, crisp highs, and a solid, expansive soundstage. Inside, you’ll find 40mm drivers, Hi-Res audio certification (for both wireless and wired listening), and LDAC support for enhanced Bluetooth streaming.
ANC performance is decent, although you shouldn’t buy it expecting an absolute premium. They will still drown out the noises around you, but don’t be surprised if a few manage to find their way into your ears. There are five different ANC modes, which is a bit confusing at first. You also get multipoint connectivity here, another feature usually found in more expensive models.
Overall, they offer exceptional value for money, combining long battery life, great sound and a robust design. It would be difficult to find better at this price.
Read our full Earfun Wave Pro review
- ^ Back to top
Best supra-80 headphones
The best under AU$80 on the ears
Features
Acoustic design: Farm
Weight: 137g
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
Drivers: 30mm
Battery life (onboard): 50 hours
Reasons to buy
+
Very well balanced sound
+
In-app audio customization works great
+
Bluetooth multipoint pairing
+
Battery life of 50 hours
Reasons to avoid
–
Over-ear design isn’t for everyone
–
Sound insulation is not the best
–
No 3.5mm jack
BUY THEM IF:
✅ You want balanced sound on a limited budget: These may be our least expensive over-ear headphones, but they still deliver when it comes to sound: clear, full sound that suits all types of music.
✅ You forget to recharge your equipment: With an impressive 50 hours of battery life, you’ll rarely need to recharge them. Ideal for long-haul trips or for anyone forgetful.
DO NOT BUY THEM IF:
❌ You need strong noise blocking: There’s no ANC, and the over-ear fit means they don’t seal in sound well either – expect outside noise to seep through.
❌ You can’t hear yourself with your ears: The over-ear design won’t suit everyone: even with padding, it can be uncomfortable for some users.
The Sony WH-CH520 are very cheap over-ear wireless headphones from Sony, costing less than AU$80 these days. These headphones are on-ear aricular rather than in-ear or over-ear, meaning their ability to cancel out external noise is limited. Some users will also likely find them a little uncomfortable after long periods of listening, as they can make the ears feel hot.
And given their low price, there’s no Hi-Res Audio support (but you wouldn’t expect that at this price). They more than make up for it in their ability to deliver quality, well-balanced sound (along with some useful tips), making them fantastic value for money and our favorite pair of cheap on-ears.
Sony is of course no stranger to producing excellent pairs of headphones, and it knows a thing or two about good sound. In the WH-CH520, the bass adds depth but sounds controlled and fun with electronic or dance music. The mids allow vocals to stretch their legs, giving denser instrumental mixes a chance to shine – although you’ll obviously lose more detail here than with higher-end models. The highs tend to rise quite well out of the mids, giving them room to breathe.
The Sony CH520 replaces the Sony CH510 in Sony’s lineup and is a nice upgrade, adding some notable improvements, like more padding, which is essential for a good pair of over-ear headphones where the earcups sit directly on your ears. The only thing missing from these headphones at this great price is a 3.5mm jack – they’re wireless only.
Still, with good app support, multi-point pairing, and an impressive 50-hour battery life, we really can’t complain and they’re our top pick if you want headphones over headphones that won’t break the bank.
Read our full Sony WH-CH520 review
- ^ Back to top
Best headphones under 170
Best headphones under AU$170
Features
Acoustic design: Farm
Weight: 4.8 g per earphone
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Drivers: 11mm
Battery life (onboard): 5.5 hours (9.5 hours without ANC)
Reasons to buy
+
A fun, zealous and expansive sound
+
Significantly improved active noise cancellation
+
Smaller, more convenient case
Reasons to avoid
–
No wireless charging support
–
No sound profile curation
BUY THEM IF:
✅ You want excellent noise cancellation on a budget: Not the best ANC in its class, but probably the best budget noise cancellation we’ve ever experienced.
✅ You want solid sound And style: When we were testing these heads, a lot of people wanted to talk about them. They are stylish and stand out.
DO NOT BUY THEM IF:
❌ You want spatial sound: It’s not here, but you can get spatial audio support from other cheap headphones. We don’t mind that we’re not here ourselves.
❌ Your ears are very small: Our small-eared reviewers tested them, so they should be fine. But you might want to see if you can try before you buy.
If you want a pair of headphones that are still considered budget-friendly but give you excellent noise cancellation, sound, and style, the Nothing Ear(a) are the obvious choice.
The noise cancellation is the real star of the show here and is easily among the best we’ve encountered at this price. On that note, we’ve listed them as “under AU$170” based on their RRP, but we often find them priced much less these days.
There are several ANC profiles and the High setting is particularly impressive. It muted the sound of a hairdryer and even turned off an exhaust fan that we didn’t realize was on. This level of silence comes at the cost of some battery life – from 9.5 hours to 5.5 hours with ANC enabled – but frankly, it’s worth it.
Nothing has done wonders when it comes to sound quality as well, as the Ear(a) headphones deliver a lot of power. They’re dynamic, punchy and fun, with a bold, lively character that makes pop, hip-hop and dance tracks shine. They’re interested in audiophile precision, but that’s not a drawback: it’s just a fun little set of headphones. For those who like to tweak settings, the Nothing X app offers EQ adjustment and test fit.
Design is another big win and an area where Nothing tends to shine. This doesn’t look like budget heads. In fact, they are more stylish and distinctive than many high-end models in our opinion. The semi-transparent aesthetic and bright colors set them apart, and they feel sturdy in the hand despite the price. Comfort is also excellent, especially once you find the right tips (three sizes come in the box). They’re lightweight and easy to carry for hours, and the redesigned case is smaller and more compact than before.
There are some compromises, you won’t get wireless charging or spatial audio, and some high-end features from Nothing’s flagship models are missing. But you get Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC support for high-res audio (if your phone supports it), multi-point connectivity, a low-lag gaming mode, in-ear detection, and a “Find My Headphones” feature.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a sleek design, excellent sound and noise cancellation well above its price point, the Nothing Ear(a)s are hard to beat. They’re affordable, convenient, and packed with features that typically cost a lot more.
Read our full Nothing ear (a) criticism
- ^ Back to top
Best headphones under 100
Best headphones under AU$100
Features
Acoustic design: Farm
Weight: 4.6 g per earphone
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Drivers: 6mm
Battery life (onboard): 11 o’clock (buds) 11 o’clock (cases)
Reasons to buy
+
A punchy and talented sound
+
Support for Sony 360 Reality Audio
+
Long in-ear battery life; small case
Reasons to avoid
–
No ANC
–
Confusing custom EQ mode
–
Limited case battery life
BUY THEM IF:
✅ You like clear and direct sound: They won’t appeal to bass fanatics, but if you like sharp sound and textured vocals in acoustic tracks or classical pieces, here are some of the few affordable options for you.
✅ You have a limited budget: While these are great headphones for all customers, people trying to cut back on gadget spending will find some exceptional options from Sony.
DO NOT BUY THEM IF:
❌ You need ANC: There’s no way around this: the Sonys don’t have ANC. PNC and ambient mode will do the trick if you have background noises that you absolutely have must to drown.
❌ You need a battery that lasts all day: Long trips are fine for the Sony because the earbuds have a very long battery life, but if you go without a charging cable for several days, the total lasting power offered by the case simply won’t be up to par.
This is another one in this guide for Sony, with the WF-C510 headphones being a truly talented set and an immediate reference for anyone looking for superb sound and overall performance on a budget.
By eliminating the audio first, these tiny Sony headphones continue the company’s penchant for clear, detailed sound. It’s a wonderfully balanced presentation, the bass isn’t overdone and the treble isn’t too harsh, it’s just right. They benefit from Sony’s DSEE upscaling technology, which helps make lower-quality audio streams sound as good as possible.
The biggest omission here is the lack of proper ANC. The in-ear fit means that passive noise isolation is good, and so you’ll find that much of the world around you is drowned out, just know that you’ll get better performance with other pairs of headphones. There is an ambient sound control mode, but this is more of a transparency mode, allowing more external sounds to filter into your ears.
Design-wise, the WF-C510 earbuds are compact, which means their charging case is too. This makes it very easy to throw them in a bag or slip them into a pocket. The buds themselves are lightweight (4.6g each), so they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. We also found that they stayed nice and secure. And finally for the design, they come in a range of colors, which is ideal if you don’t want to limit yourself to the usual suspects of black or white.
Battery life could be a deciding factor here though, it has to be said. While the earbuds’ 8 hours with sound control enabled and 11 hours without it are exemplary for earbuds in this price range, the charging case only provides one full charge — many other pairs offer at least two full charges, sometimes more. This means that if you have to walk away from a charging station for a while, these headphones won’t be cheap for you.
Read our full Sony WF-C510 review
- ^ Back to top
Best headphones under 70
Best headphones under AU$70
Features
Acoustic design: Farm
Weight: 4.2 g per earphone
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Drivers: 10mm
Battery life (onboard): 7.5 hours
Reasons to buy
+
Solid ANC
+
Lightweight construction
+
Really low price
Reasons to avoid
–
Improper fitting of tips
–
Reduced battery life
–
Aggressive transparency mode
BUY THEM IF:
✅ You want super cheap ANC: An ANC like this used to be reserved for the more expensive choices. But these JLabs prove that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to block sounds.
✅ Do you like the idea of shell phone charging: There’s a built-in cable here, which is handy if you’re often away from a power outlet.
DO NOT BUY THEM IF:
❌ You are not ready to exchange the s ear tips: Look, the tips included just aren’t great. These only work well if you want to use another pair.
❌ You need a battery that lasts all day: With ANC enabled, expect 5 hours of playback – which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for long listening sessions.
The JLab Go Pods ANC are the cheapest pair of headphones on this list. But don’t be fooled. They may not be perfect, but for an RRP of less than AU$70 – and regularly available for even less – you get solid ANC, lightweight construction. And surprisingly powerful sound.
JLab is no stranger to producing great pairs of low-cost headphones, and we’ve rated previous models highly, like the tiny and incredibly cheap JLab Go Air Pop and JLab Go Pop ANC. But the Go Pods ANC are our top pick for those on a very tight budget.
These are a very lightweight pair of heads with a small shaft that feel much more premium than their price suggests. You can slip them into an equally lightweight charging case, which comes with a handy charging cable to keep them powered from your phone.
Given their name, it’s no surprise to learn that they have ANC – something the Sony headphones above lack – and that’s really great considering the price. Don’t expect them to rival high-end options, of course, but you’ll be happy to know that they do a remarkable job blocking out background noise. The same goes for audio. It punches well above its weight with a pleasant, bassy listen that can reach high volumes.
There are a few caveats to expect. Battery life isn’t amazing at just 5 hours with ANC turned on and you’ll probably find that you’ll need to turn off the tips as the included ones don’t work. However, all things considered, they are still worth it.
What we’re saying is that the JLab Go Pods ANC are basically the cheapest ANC headphones that are actually worth buying. They’re not best in class, especially in terms of audio, ANC, and overall build. But with this feature set and sound, they’re not just good for the price, they’re really good. Which means if you’re looking for the best and cheapest buds you can get today, you’ve found them.
Read our full JLab Go Pods CNA Review
- ^ Back to top
Other Cheap Headphones to Consider
Apple AirPods 4: AirPods 4 sound great and deliver top-notch spatial audio. They are relatively affordable for Apple, but there is strong competition at this level. Only opt for them if you specifically want the classic fit of AirPods – they sit just outside your ear canals, without in-ear tips, while remaining secure and comfortable. If budget is not an issue, you can also consider the ANC version. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 review to learn more.
Huawei FreeArc: If you’re looking for a pair of open-back earbuds, head straight to our Huawei FreeArc review. There’s a lot of competition in this space, but these are the best-sounding open-back headphones we’ve tested so far – and while it’s hard to call them cheap, they’re the best affordable in this style.
Skullcandy USB-C Bundle: A pair of comfortable, affordable USB-C earbuds that offer decent sound quality considering their sub-AU$30 price and sleek design. If you’re looking for a cheap wired in-ear option, you can’t go wrong here. Take a look at our full Skullcandy Set USB-C review to learn more.
Sony MDR-EX15AP: If you’re looking for a second pair of super cheap wired headphones, you’ve found them. There’s not much to say here, they get the job done, covering the bases. But that’s all. Read our full Sony MDR-EX15AP review to find out more.
Sony WF-C710N: Sony’s latest mid-range headphones are very good in every way, but we prefer the Nothing Ear (a). Still, if you know you like Sony’s sound profile, the C710N remains a great alternative, with excellent noise cancellation and impressive sound for the price. Check out our full Sony WF-C710N review for more details.
Sony WH-C720N: These Sony on-ears deliver solid sound and smart features at a great price. They don’t really borrow the magic of Sony’s flagship line, but that’s okay. Because what you get is a comfortable fit, nice sound, and surprisingly decent noise cancellation for the money. A smart choice for everyday listening without the high price tag. Read our full Sony WH-C720N review to find out more.
How to choose the best cheap headphones for you
Choosing the best cheap headphones depends on a few key factors: the design that suits you best, the features you favor, the device you will use as a music source, and the price your budget will allow you to purchase.
Design: You will find cheap in-ear, over-ear, over-ear and wired headphones. Which one you choose will mainly depend on your personal preferences. If you can’t decide, think about what you’ll use it for. For example, if you want the best ANC for traveling, you might get a better in-ear experience. If you want flexible headphones for walking and getting in and out easily, true wireless options might work better.
Features: When choosing budget headphones, it’s important to remember that affordability often involves compromise. If a specific feature – like ANC – is a priority, it’s worth focusing on it and accepting that other aspects may not be as strong. You can find features like ANC, on-ear volume controls, dedicated apps, and wearer detection at lower prices, but you won’t get them all in one package.
Source: What phone do you use? Although most headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices, you can unlock additional features and enjoy a smoother experience if your phone and headphones are part of the same ecosystem. If you’re considering wired headphones, check if your phone has the right connection or be prepared to buy an adapter.
Budget: Finally, what is your budget? Yes, this is a guide to the best cheap headphones, but our definition of “cheap” varies, from the very cheap JLab Go Pods ANC at around AU$50 to the Nothing Ear(a) at AU$170. This should give anyone on a budget several options.
Final Thoughts: But we didn’t just include headphones because they’re cheap. We highly recommend all of the devices in our guide above. Although they don’t all offer sonic sound performance, they all represent excellent value for money.
Overall, there are no issues with the headphones featured in this guide. They’re all affordable, great value, and offer cutting-edge features and decent sound. But it’s worth taking the time to think about what’s important to you: just because headphones are cheap doesn’t mean they’re worth it.
What are the cheapest headphones?
You’ll find plenty of cheap headphones online, especially if you hunt on Amazon. There are true wired and wireless earbuds that are incredibly cheap.
But even if you’re on a tight budget, we urge you to check out our recommended cheapest headphones, rather than the cheapest ones you can find. Even if they don’t cost much, buying a cheap pair that serves no purpose will still be a waste of money.
The cheapest headphones in this guide are the JLab Go Pods ANC at AU$49.95. These aren’t a perfect pair of true wireless earbuds, but they offer good sound and a comfortable design considering their price.
Do cheap headphones sound good?
The cheap headphones in this guide all sound great and contain enough audio technology to deliver your music in a balanced way that’s loud and bassy enough.
Of course, what sounds good and what doesn’t is subjective. For some of the budget prices above, you won’t get the high-end audio you expect from some of the best headphones and headphones you can buy today.
But we’ve tested every pair of the best cheap headphones we’ve included in this guide and while none of them offer a great, premium audio experience, they sound good enough to accompany you through a workout, block out some sounds while you travel, or provide you with a good backup if you need a reliable second pair of headphones.
Why do cheap headphones have so much bass?
When it comes to the best cheap headphones, you’ll often find that there’s a trade-off to make them so cheap. They might have fantastic battery life but a plasticky design, or they might have a comfortable fit but only mediocre sound.
Something you might notice if you try cheap headphones is that they have a little too much bass. This is sometimes intentional and headphone manufacturers are trying to create a product that appeals to the general public. Other times, it may simply be that the headphones aren’t great quality.
Finally, many cheap headphones don’t come with many customization options. By default, they may have a lot of bass but, unlike high-end headphones, you don’t have the option to change their settings.
Are cheap headphones worth it?
We think all the budget headphones featured in this guide are worth considering – but if you’re ever unsure about buying a pair of cheap headphones, be sure to check out their specs.
These days, you don’t have to settle for mediocre sound if you’re on a budget, so look for big speakers that can move a lot of air and give you powerful sound. Support for hi-res audio codecs may not be expected for cheaper models, but the wireless earbuds should have good connectivity and will ideally use the latest Bluetooth 5 standard.
Wireless earbuds should also offer decent battery life – if they’re not best-in-class, budget wireless earbuds should at least be able to get you through a few commutes or workouts.
The build quality probably won’t be as good as more expensive headphones, but they should still be comfortable to wear.
And the extras? Although you can get cheap headphones with extra features like s than noise cancellation, more expensive headphones will likely perform better when it comes to these quality-of-life extras.
What are the best brands of cheap headphones?
You may be surprised to learn that many major brands offer cheaper versions of their flagship headphones. Sony offers several economical models in our guide that are worth a look.
As for lesser-known brands? We don’t recommend taking any chances with a completely unknown brand of headphones on Amazon, but there are a few worth checking out. These include Earfun, 1More, Skullcandy, Jlab, Jabra and more.
How we test the best cheap headphones
WHY YOU CAN TRUST TECHRADAR
☑️ More than 3,000 headphones examined
☑️ 15 years product testing
☑️ Done 16,000 products revised in total
☑️ Almost 200,000 hours testing technology
It’s no surprise that cheap headphones don’t match up to high-end headphones, so we judge budget options against similarly priced competitors. Our testing ensures they deliver clear, detailed sound without the dreaded tinny quality that’s common in lower-end models.
We evaluate wired and wireless options, listening to different genres over several days. When it applies to the headphones we test, we also evaluate features like ANC, battery life, usability, and related apps, taking into account how they perform at this price point.
Comfort, design and ergonomics also count. We note how they feel during extended wear to help you find the right fit. Finally, we compare performance to price, ensuring that each choice offers solid value.
Take a look at our more rigorous explanation of how we test products here at TechRadar and, more specifically, how we test headphones.
- ^ Back to top
