When it comes to buying headphones, we all want to strike a balance between great sound quality and affordability. Over ear headphones are known for their comfort and impressive sound experience, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available that deliver fantastic audio without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore some of the best budget over ear headphones, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy excellent sound.
Why Choose Over-Ear Headphones?
Before diving into the list of affordable over ear headphones, it’s important to understand why over ear headphones are a top choice for many. Unlike in-ear or on-ear headphones, over ear headphones cover your entire ear. This design helps to block out external noise, providing a more immersive listening experience. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy their music, podcasts, or movies without distractions.
Additionally, over ear headphones are often more comfortable for long listening sessions. The larger ear cups are padded and provide a snug, but comfortable fit around the ears. They’re also better for sound quality, as the larger drivers inside these headphones can produce richer, more detailed sound.
Now, let’s look at some of the best budget-friendly over ear headphones available in the market that provide high-quality sound without burning a hole in your pocket.
1. Anker Soundcore Life Q20
If you’re looking for great sound at an affordable price, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 over ear headphones are a solid choice. These headphones are perfect for anyone who wants the luxury of noise cancellation without spending too much. The Q20 offers hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), which helps to reduce unwanted noise during commutes, flights, or busy environments.
The sound quality is impressive for the price. The bass is deep, and the mids and highs are clear, making these over ear headphones great for a wide variety of music genres. The battery life is also worth mentioning, offering up to 40 hours of playtime in noise-canceling mode and up to 60 hours in standard mode. This makes the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 a great option for those who need reliable over ear headphones for long periods of use.
2. Sony WH-CH510
Sony is a trusted name in audio equipment, and their WH-CH510 over ear headphones are a perfect example of how you can get great sound on a budget. These headphones are lightweight and compact, making them an excellent option for those who want portability without sacrificing sound quality.
The WH-CH510 delivers clear audio with a well-balanced sound profile. While they don’t have the deep bass of some higher-end models, the overall sound is impressive for the price. The headphones also offer up to 35 hours of battery life, making them ideal for long trips or daily use.
Additionally, the Sony WH-CH510 has a built-in microphone, making it a great option for hands-free calls or video chats. The ear cups are comfortable, and the headphones have a sleek, modern design that’s both stylish and functional.
3. TaoTronics SoundSurge 60
TaoTronics is another brand known for offering quality over ear headphones at affordable prices. The SoundSurge 60 over ear headphones come with active noise cancellation, making them a great option for people who want to enjoy music without distractions. The ANC feature is effective at reducing low-frequency noise, such as the hum of an airplane engine or background chatter in a coffee shop.
The sound quality is clear and rich, with a balanced sound profile. The bass is punchy, and the mids and highs are crisp, making these over ear headphones great for a variety of audio content. Battery life is impressive as well, with up to 30 hours of playback time with ANC enabled.
Comfort is another highlight of the TaoTronics SoundSurge 60. The ear cups are soft and padded, and the adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. These over ear headphones also fold up for easy storage and portability.
4. Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless
Skullcandy is known for creating stylish headphones that deliver decent sound at an affordable price, and the Hesh 2 Wireless is a great example of this. These over ear headphones offer powerful sound with deep bass, making them ideal for people who enjoy genres like hip-hop, electronic music, or rock.
The Hesh 2 Wireless over ear headphones have Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can enjoy music without the hassle of wires. The battery life is solid, offering up to 15 hours of playtime on a full charge. The sound quality is solid across a variety of genres, with clear vocals and a good balance of bass and treble.
Comfort is key with the Skullcandy Hesh 2 Wireless. The ear cups are cushioned, and the headband is padded for a snug but comfortable fit. These over ear headphones are lightweight, making them perfect for long listening sessions or for taking them on the go.
5. JBL Tune 500BT
JBL is another well-known brand that offers great sound quality at affordable prices. The JBL Tune 500BT over ear headphones are a fantastic option for anyone who wants reliable sound without breaking the bank. These headphones feature JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound, which delivers deep, punchy bass without overwhelming the mids and highs.
The over ear headphones are lightweight and comfortable, with soft ear cups that provide a good seal to block out external noise. The battery life is solid, with up to 16 hours of playtime on a single charge. The JBL Tune 500BT also offers quick charging, providing up to 2 hours of playtime with just a 5-minute charge.
These over ear headphones are Bluetooth-enabled, so you can enjoy music wirelessly. The sound quality is clear, and the bass is deep without being overwhelming. They’re a great option for those looking for a simple, no-fuss pair of headphones for everyday use.
6. AKG Y50BT
For those who appreciate a more balanced sound profile, the AKG Y50BT over ear headphones are an excellent choice. AKG is known for delivering high-quality audio, and the Y50BT model is no exception. The sound is clear and precise, with well-defined highs and mids, and a decent amount of bass without being too overwhelming.
The over ear headphones are Bluetooth-enabled, which means you can connect them wirelessly to your devices. The battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours of playback time. The design is sleek and stylish, and the ear cups are comfortable enough for long listening sessions.
The AKG Y50BT over ear headphones are also foldable, making them easy to store and carry around. Whether you’re using them for casual listening or more serious audio enjoyment, these headphones provide great sound quality for the price.
7. Plantronics BackBeat 500
Plantronics may not be as well-known as some other headphone brands, but their BackBeat 500 over ear headphones are a hidden gem. These headphones offer fantastic sound quality with a smooth, balanced sound profile. The bass is deep without being overpowering, and the mids and highs are clear and crisp.
The Plantronics BackBeat 500 over ear headphones are also lightweight and comfortable, with soft ear cups that provide a snug fit. They offer up to 18 hours of battery life, which should be enough for most people to get through a full day of use. The headphones also feature Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening, and the controls are easy to use, making them a great choice for everyday listening.
8. Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2
If you’re looking for a super-budget-friendly option, the Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2 might just be the pair of over ear headphones you’re after. Despite the low price tag, these headphones offer a surprisingly good sound experience. The sound is clear and detailed, with decent bass for the price.
The Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2 is incredibly lightweight and comfortable, which makes them great for on-the-go listening. The battery life is decent, with up to 22 hours of playtime on a full charge. Plus, the over ear headphones come with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can enjoy wireless music without any hassle.
While they may not have the deep bass or premium features of more expensive models, the Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2 is a solid choice for anyone who just wants a good pair of budget-friendly over ear headphones for casual listening.
Final Thoughts
Finding great over ear headphones on a budget is entirely possible. The options listed above offer excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability without the hefty price tag. Whether you need headphones for commuting, working out, or simply relaxing at home, these budget over ear headphones will give you the experience you’re looking for.
When choosing a pair, consider what’s most important to you—whether it’s battery life, noise cancellation, or comfort—and pick the over ear headphones that best suit your needs. With the right pair of affordable over ear headphones, you can enjoy high-quality sound wherever you go.
