The 7 Best Headphones Under $50 - Summer 2022 Reviews

The best truly wireless headphones under $50 that we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless. What makes them stand out from the crowd is their under 100 hours of total battery life, thanks to the 12.5 additional charges in their carrying case. They also have roughly 7.3 hours of continuous playback time, and they're even equipped with a standby mode to help conserve battery life when not in use.

These headphones have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that adds extra thump, body, and boom to your mixes, which fans of EDM and hip-hop can enjoy. While they don't have noise cancelling like the TOZO NC7 Truly Wireless, they can still passively isolate you from a good amount of ambient noise like office chatter. They have a decently comfortable fit, are well-built, and have an IPX5 rating for water resistance, making them a solid choice for use at the gym.

Unfortunately, they don't have a companion app and lack an EQ to help you adjust their sound. Their integrated mic also struggles to separate your voice from moderate ambient noise around you, so you may not want to take calls if you're out on a busy street. Still, these in-ears offer versatile overall performance and a very long total battery life.

If you're looking for even cheaper truly wireless in-ears, look at the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless. They have a shorter total battery life than the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 Truly Wireless since their case holds fewer charges, but otherwise, they offer a similarly solid performance. They're well-built, decently comfortable, and have a stable fit as well as an IPX4 rating for water resistance. Their roughly nine-hour continuous battery life can last you through a long workday, and their case holds about three additional charges. They have a bass-rich default sound profile that makes them well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop, and you can also cycle between two other EQ presets using the onboard controls. They also have a decent passive noise isolation performance, although they don't block out as much mid-range ambient sound like conversations as the Anker. 

Try the Anker if you want a better overall battery performance, but consider the JLab instead if you're looking for cheaper wireless earbuds and don't need a very long total battery life.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless are the best over-ear headphones under $50 that we've tested. These headphones are the predecessors to the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, but they're still available and come at a lower price. They offer a comfortable fit and over 32 hours of continuous battery life to get you through long days on the go. 

They're equipped with an ANC feature, and while it doesn't deliver the same noise isolation performance as our top ANC headphones on this list, they can still block out a good amount of office-type noise like conversations. Their v-shaped sound profile pack extra thump, rumble, and boom, while vocals and lead instruments are detailed and bright, making them particularly well-suited for genres like EDM and hip-hop as well as pop and rock.

Unfortunately, they don't do a very good job of isolating you from noise like rumbling bus and plane engines. Their app also lacks sound customization features like an EQ or presets. That said, if you're looking for over-ear headphones for under $50, they offer a versatile sound and a long continuous battery life.

If you're looking for budget-friendly over-ear headphones and want a neutral sound, you may prefer the Superlux HD 681. They lack a mic and don't have ANC, so they're a little less versatile than the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless, but they have a much more flat, neutral sound profile. Their bass and mid-range responses are very neutral, so your music isn't overwhelmed by extra thump and boom, and vocals and lead instruments sound preset, detailed, and clear. They also have a semi-open design, which helps them create an open and natural-seeming passive soundstage. They're comfortable and lightweight, making them suitable for long listening sessions. That said, they aren't the best choice for your commute or the office since they don't block out very much ambient noise. Their build quality also feels plasticky and a bit cheap. 

Take a look at the Anker if you want more versatile over-ears with a mic and ANC. However, get the Superlux if you value a more neutral sound profile and immersive audio experience.

The best noise cancelling headphones under $50 that we've tested are the TOZO NC7 Truly Wireless. These headphones have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system that can block out a great amount of background noise. When you're on the go or on your daily commute, they can cut down bass-range noise like the low rumble of bus engines. They can also reduce ambient chatter at the office.

These buds have a good build quality certified IPX6 for resistance against direct water contact. They also have a stable and decently comfortable fit. Out of the box, they have an excited sound profile with a bit of extra thump and rumble, while sibilants like cymbals are bright. Their over eight hours of continuous battery life should last through long days at the office, but their carrying case holds an additional two charges if you need it.

While their integrated mic has a decent recording quality, it struggles to separate your voice from moderate ambient noise. As a result, it may be difficult for the person on the other end of the line to hear you clearly if you're calling from a busy street. If blocking out background noise is highly important to you, these wallet-friendly noise cancelling buds are worth checking out.

The best wired earbuds under $50 that we've tested are the KZ ZSN. Unlike the TIN Audio T2, which are similarly designed in-ear monitors (IEMs), you can purchase the KZ with or without a mic, making them a bit more versatile for day-to-day life. They also have a sleek look that comes in a few different colors to match your style.

These IEMs have a great design that feels durable and well-built. There are metal-finish backplates on the buds, and the braided audio cable is detachable, so it's easily replaceable should it get damaged. Their excited, v-shaped sound profile is well-suited for genres like pop and rock as they deliver extra boom and warmth while vocals and lead instruments sparkle. Depending on your tastes, you may find their sound muddy and harsh.

If you have small ears, their somewhat bulky design can be uncomfortable. They also struggle to block out background noise, so if you're wearing them during your commute, you'll hear the rumbles of bus engines. They do a better job cutting down ambient chatter at the office or in a cafe.

If you're looking for wired headphones with a USB-C connector, try the Samsung AKG Type-C. Although they're not as well-built or durable as the KZ ZSN, they connect to your device via USB-C, which is great if you have a newer smartphone without an AUX port. These wired in-ears have a comfortable and lightweight design. Their slightly bass-heavy sound profile also delivers extra thump, rumble, and boom to audio, making them a solid choice if you like to listen to genres like EDM and hip-hop. Thanks to their in-line mic, it's easy to take calls on the go. It has a good recording quality, so your voice sounds clear and intelligible to the person on the other end of the line. Unfortunately, it has some trouble separating your voice from moderate ambient noise, and you could be drowned out if you're taking a call from a busy street.

Check out the KZ if you're looking for wired earbuds with a more traditional 1/8" TRS/TRRS connector. However, if your device only has a USB-C connector and you value more comfortable earbuds, consider the Samsung instead.