The best cheap headphones

Over-ear headphones are a great way to enjoy tunes, calls or media playback without bothering those around you. But a top-tier pair of over-ear headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 can cost $500+. For Apple AirPods Max, you’re looking at closer to $1,000. That’s not necessarily a sound investment.

For those who want over-ear headphones without having to invest that kind of money, there are, thankfully, a lot of choices. Our winners and contenders below are capped at $200. The cheapest over-headphones on this page are under $50, but there are some with premium features that get closer to that $200 cap. Scroll on for the full list of the best cheap over-ear headphones in Australia.

If you don’t mind wires, the Sennheiser HD 400S is a great starting point for quality cheap over-ear headphones. Despite not being wireless, the HD 400S headphones tick all the right boxes. Most importantly, there’s quality audio. The closed design keeps outside noise out and headphones noise in. Plus, there’s no need for batteries, so these comfy cans are ready to go whenever you need them. We also like that they’re foldable headphones, and the removable cable has a subtle single smart button for playback controls and call interaction. Just make sure the devices you want to use the HD 400S with have a 3.5mm audio port.

Alternatively, consider the Audio-Technica ATH-M40X for a wired contender or the Skullcandy Hesh Evo for a wireless alternative.

If you want under $50, you shouldn’t expect many premium features. But the inelegantly named XCD XCD23009BK over-ear headphones do have Bluetooth, plus a push-to-talk assistant. And for around $30 RRP, the price is definitely right. There are four choices of colours if you’re looking to personalise, plus the XCDs have a foldable design to make them easier to slot into a bag. User reviews suggest these headphones are comfortable and have good battery life (XCD reports up to 50 hours). If you’re looking for a cheap pair of headphones for younger listeners, a backup pair or something for casual use, the XCDs are a cost-effective starting point for comparisons.

Alternatively, consider the equally affordable Muarron B39 or Awei A780BL wireless headsets.

The JBL Tune 770 headphones may push our $200 budget cap to the extreme, but we reckon they’re worth the investment. On the noise-cancelling front, the Tune 770s feature adaptive technology so you can drown out the world or let sound and voices in via simple JBL Headphones app controls. There’s also the VoiceAware feature for hands-free calls. In terms of wireless, these headphones boast Bluetooth 5.3 for lower-latency, higher-quality audio. JBL has a reputation for great bass, and the Tune 770s are no exception. These wireless headphones also have up to 70 hours of charge (or 44 hours with noise-cancelling off).

Alternatively, consider the similarly priced Sony WH-CH720 or the Marley Positive Vibration XL headphones.

Anker Soundcore has made a name for itself with affordable audio products. Just check out my Soundcore VR P10 wireless earbuds review for proof of that. And the company’s Life Q30 over-ear headphones are seriously impressive. On the wireless front, you get Bluetooth 5.0 headphones with up to 40 hours of battery life per charge with noise cancelling enabled or up to 60 with ANC disabled. If you’re caught with a flat battery, exchange five minutes of charging for four hours of playback. The Q30s also boast multi-mode noise cancelling to help keep you focused on the Hi-Res audio pumping out of the 40mm audio drivers.

For wireless alternatives, consider the pricier JBL Tune 770 above, or the similarly priced Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT and Moki Navigator headphones.

If you want headphones for gaming, you’re likely after a headset, which includes a microphone. Unfortunately, wireless versions are typically platform-limited unless you’re willing to up your budget. That’s why we’re recommending the wired HyperX Cloud Stinger 2. These gaming headphones are a bit on the bulky side but are great for all-day comfort. There are basic controls on the earcups and a flip-to-mute microphone with a pop filter. While there are different versions for specific platforms, the PlayStation version worked fine with PC and Xbox platforms in my tests. As long as you aren’t craving wireless, the Cloud Stinger 2 headphones offer big sound at a budget price.

For a wired contender, have a look at the Turtle Beach Recon 70, and for wireless alternatives, consider the Logitech G435 Lightspeed or Xbox Wireless Headset.