The Best Budget Headphones: Top Of The Cheapest Models With Good Sound, Earbuds And Others. How Do Expensive Ones Differ From Cheap Ones? How To Choose Quality Headphones?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-09 13:15

An inexpensive speaker can be a good choice. The best budget headphones can be considered a good confirmation of this . Nevertheless, it is useful to find out their features, to familiarize yourself with the list of optimal options and the rules for choosing.

How do they differ from expensive ones?

There is an opinion (supported, by the way, by the conclusions of experts) that there is not much difference between expensive and cheap headphones . This may sound counterintuitive, but this is exactly how things are in the early 2020s. For a very modest amount, you can get a decent, well-functioning device. And someone for a lot of money will buy himself an eternal source of problems.

It is impossible to single out any unambiguous features - in any price segment there are now products that are very different in technical performance, design and practicality.

How to choose?

But you still need to choose headphones, even a budget option. If only because there are a lot of models of such equipment on the market. Here are some criteria:

• appearance;
• perfect assembly;
• sound quality;
• reproduction of frequencies;
• connection methods;
• sound insulation level;
• additional functionality.

Let's consider these positions in more detail . Of course, all owners of budget headphones would like this device to look “cool” and amaze at first sight. But the problem is that sophisticated design is most often typical for devices of not very high quality … The services of professional designers are expensive. And most likely, the manufacturers saved either on materials, or on technologies, or on the functionality of the headphones.

This may not apply to some models. You should not try to take what looks as bright and catchy as possible ., you must first study all the nuances. And the first of them, which is quite natural, is the sound being emitted . Models with low-quality acoustics most often give themselves out in the bass range. When they are played, hissing, quacking begins, other extraneous sounds may also appear.

But an experienced consumer will definitely check all other frequencies . Testing them is not too difficult - you just need to prepare compositions with the appropriate sound ranges on your device. It is equally important to evaluate sound insulation. To do this, set the maximum volume for a few seconds.

If it does not interfere with quietly listening to music, then there are definitely problems with isolation.

Attention: every sound you make must be perfectly clean and well worked out. Everything should be played clearly, even if we are talking about the quietest, barely perceptible signals.

Concerning complete set , then for budget models this is the weakest point. But if you choose not the cheapest, but still slightly more decent devices, you can count on at least replaceable ear pads. Must be evaluated quality of materials and how the main parts are docked together. This allows us to judge the professionalism and conscientiousness of the manufacturer.

Connection methods - this is first of all wired option and bluetooth … Despite the promise of a wireless connection, there is no need to say unequivocally that it is always better. For those who use headphones at the computer or simply do not want to waste battery power on their smartphone unnecessarily, "old-fashioned" wired headphones are ideal. If, nevertheless, a choice is made in favor of Bluetooth, it is not out of place to clarify the range of stable reception and battery life. In this case, the built-in memory will also be a useful option.

Top models

It is appropriate to conduct a conversation about budget headphones using an example Red square bomber … This is a great gaming model with good sound. Inexpensive plastic is used for the construction. This step is not accidental - it made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of the product. The engineers were able to equip their product with an excellent built-in microphone.

Sound cannot be considered an absolute benchmark of quality, but whatever the player needs to hear will be reproduced clearly . The ear cushions are made of leather, which is beautiful in itself. In addition, the leather surface does not overheat the ears, as many other materials do. But to consider this model one of the best in the world, it is a purely wired performance that interferes. The product turned out to be not mobile enough, it will not always be possible to take it with you. In addition, the wire breaks very easily.

But you can also buy high-quality headphones with leatherette ear cushions. For example, the model Sven AP-G888MV . Users report a consistently excellent fit to the head. Connection is made using a cable with a reliable fabric braid. The control panel is made according to all the rules of comfort, and what is important, a very decent sound is obtained.

It is also worth noting that some consumers are trying to choose headphones with noise cancellation. In this case, cheap Lenovo Y Stereo . They sound simply incomparable and are distinguished by virtuoso noise isolation. The microphone does not need to be raised and lowered to speak. This solution is quite convenient.

When choosing earbuds, you should take a closer look at JBL C100SI . The fact that they were released by such a well-known manufacturer cannot but rejoice. The designers were able to provide acceptable bass and decent sounding in the midrange. Unfortunately, the "top" of the acoustics is cut off. But in such an inexpensive product, one has to make a compromise.

The consolation is that the shortcomings can be compensated for by adjusting the equalizer.

It falls into the same price category and Panasonic RP-HJE125 . The depth of the bass depends on how well the user chooses the ear pads. The device is assembled quite soundly and fits into the ear without any problems. The manufacturer claims that the speaker emits sounds from 10 to 24000 Hz. It is useful, however, to consider other models in the available price range.

When choosing headphones with a microphone, that is, a headset, deserves attention TTEC J10 Black . A standard 3.5 mm jack is used to connect to various gadgets. The optimum volume level is ensured due to the high sensitivity (at 97 dB). Resistance 32 Ohm eliminates the appearance of noise, wheezing and other extraneous sounds. Since the number of parts is relatively small, the design is quite reliable and stable even during long pedestrian crossings.

A pleasant choice can be TFN MC-505 Pink . This headphone model also uses the stock minijack jack. To maintain the proper sound quality, speakers with a diameter of 10 mm are used. To ensure that extraneous sounds are excluded, silicone ear pads are used. A microphone is provided, thanks to which it is possible to receive calls or send voice messages.

If you are interested in products under a reputable brand, you should take a look at Philips SHP2000 / 10 . The large bowls are covered with soft material that allows you to enjoy even long listening sessions. There is a standard minijack connector. The delivery set also includes an adapter for switching to 6, 3 mm inputs. Main technical parameters:

• full-size closed version;
• wired connection;
• sensitivity level 100 dB;
• power level 500 mW;
• cable 2 m long;
• classic black color.

Definitely worth the attention of consumers and headphones Defender Warhead G-160 Black . The device is made according to a closed method. The sensitivity is only 54 dB. The ear cushions are made of excellent artificial leather. The manufacturer claims that these gaming headphones provide full stereo sound.

Technical properties:

• signal with a frequency of 20 to 20,000 Hz;
• speakers with a diameter of 40 mm;
• wired connection;
• total electrical resistance 32 Ohm;
• directional microphone on a flexible stem with a sensitivity of 54 dB;
• cable 2.5 m long;
• green or black color (depending on the user's choice).

Headphones are also equipped with a good microphone. Harper HV-805 Gray . This device provides sound output with a frequency of 0.02 to 20 kHz. The manufacturer claims that its product delivers surround sound with the finest acoustic detail. The headphones are compatible with most modern gadgets, no special settings or additional software is required. The high vibration amplitude significantly improves the listening comfort.

But among budget headphones, there are also decent wireless models. For example, a sports device Honor AM61 . The design provides for the connection of the headphones around the neck using magnets. The claimed battery life is 10-11 hours. The battery is recharged using a standard microUSB connector, but the wire could be longer, and sometimes the device "loses" the phone.

Headphones are slightly worse suited for sports Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex … Still, the earplugs hold relatively well in the ears. The developers were able to provide full support for Multipoint. The connection with the smartphone is stable, and the excellent microphone is also worth noting. The voice assistant S-Voice, developed by the manufacturer, is also pleasing.

A true classic is the modification Sennheiser IE 4 . It has been in use for several years and has been consistently produced. This is a simple wired product with a 1.2 m cable and no unnecessary bells and whistles. The nice thing is that the cable does not tan at negative temperatures.

Important: this model is faked quite often, and it should be chosen with caution.

Of the wireless novelties, it is important to name Xiaomi AirDots Pro. These headphones are characterized by:

• in-channel performance and excellent noise suppression;
• moisture protection at the IPX4 level;
• duration of work from one charge - 3 hours;
• 10 hours of work from a charged case;
• connection to gadgets via Bluetooth 4.2;
• USB-C charging connector.

There is something to recommend for BTE connoisseurs as well. The budget is suitable for them. model Shure SE215 . The device is equipped with a detachable cable. Thanks to its low resistance and increased sensitivity, excellent contact with mobile devices is ensured. Users note that the fit in the ears is good enough even for sports training.