The 5 Best Headphones Under $50 - Spring 2021 Reviews

The best headphones under $50 with an over-ear fit that we've tested are the Plantronics BackBeat Go 810. These wireless headphones have a comfortable fit and a decently versatile performance that can please many different listeners. Thanks to their over 24-hour continuous battery life, they're ideal for long days on-the-go.

Overall, they have a neutral, well-balanced sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different audio content. The BackBeat companion app even offers a few EQ presets to help you customize their sound to your liking. They don't leak a lot of noise, either, so you crank up the volume on your favorite tunes without bothering people around you.

Unfortunately, while they come with an active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, they still struggle to block out bass-heavy background noises like bus and plane engines, so they may not be ideal for your commute. Their ear cups are also small and shallow, so they may not be comfortable for all listeners. Some users have experienced their unit's headband cracking or breaking over time. However, if you're on a budget, these over-ears are still a solid choice.

The best truly wireless headphones under $50 that we've tested are the FIIL T1X. These sleek in-ears have a comfortable fit and are stable enough for running or working out. They also have a good build quality and are rated IP65 for water resistance, although we don't currently test for this.

They have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that delivers a touch of extra thump and punch. That said, if you want to tweak their sound to your liking, their companion app has 15 EQ presets to choose from. Although they lack an ANC, they can block out a decent amount of noise during your commute, and they don't leak much audio at high volumes. They have a decent battery performance and can last just under seven hours on a single charge.

Unfortunately, their integrated mic has a disappointing recording quality, so your voice sounds distorted and unnatural. They also have high latency on PC, iOS, and Android, although some apps compensate for latency. That said, they have a low-latency mode in their app settings, which helps to reduce audio delay on PCs.

The Beats urBeats3 Earphones are the best wired earbuds under $50 that we've tested. Thanks to their wired design, they have virtually no audio lag, which is nice if you like to stream video. If you own a newer-model iPhone without a headphone jack, they're also available with a Lightning connector instead of a standard 3.5mm connector. However, their price can vary quite a bit depending on the color and connector you choose. 

If you take a lot of calls, their in-line microphone can capture your voice quite clearly. Their slightly bass-heavy sound profile should also please fans of EDM and hip-hop. It shouldn't be too overwhelming for fans of other audio content, though. Thanks to their stability fins, they shouldn't fall out of your ears if you're out on a jog and they can block out a very good amount of ambient noise around you.

Unfortunately, their in-ear fit may not be comfortable for everyone. Their audio cable can also be a snagging hazard if you're working out or on-the-move. If you use them with an Android device, you lose a lot of functionality, including in-line volume control too. That said, if you prefer wired headphones, they offer a decently sturdy, no-frills design that's suitable for a variety of users.