It would absolutely be a fair assumption that the more you spend on a pair of headphones, the better quality you’re going to get. While that is largely true, this guide to the best cheap headphones in Australia proves that the times they are a changin’, because you can pick up a talented set of over-ear or in-ear headphones that sound and look great, without breaking the bank.
The pairs of cheap headphones that have made it onto this list have all undergone TechRadar’s rigorous testing process to ensure they deliver where it matters — sound quality, performance and value for money. After all, while these pairs of headphones might not cost a huge amount of money, we still expect them to go above and beyond.
To make things easy, we’ve divided our picks between over-ear and in-ear models, and then into clear price brackets. None of the products featured here cost more than AU$170, and you might be surprised to find that all but the most affordable Sony on-ears include active noise cancellation. What’s more, we’ve based our picks on RRPs, but you’ll likely find that most of the pairs on this list are never far from a discount.
If you do want the best possible audio performance currently available, then check out our guides to the best headphones and best earbuds. But if you want big sound on a small budget, you’re in the right place. These are the best cheap headphones you can buy today.
The best cheap headphones available today
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Best over ears under 150
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BUY THEM IF:
You want effective noise cancellation: Don’t let their price fool you, these over-ears block out more noise than you’d expect, and come with a passthrough mode when you need to stay aware.
Longevity is a top priority: There’s a lot to love about these headphones, but 65 hours of battery and up to 100 hours without ANC on certainly sweetens the deal.
DON’T BUY THEM IF:
You want the best app experience: The app works fine to tweak settings, but the Sony app is more accomplished.
You don’t like a plasticky build: They look decent, but do feel plasticky. That’s common in cheap headphones, but some feel it more than others.
The best cheap headphones you can buy right now in Australia are the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51. These budget-friendly over-ears deliver on virtually all fronts, serving up excellent sound for the price, having plenty of battery life and employing effective noise cancelling — all for under AU$150.
Despite the low price, you get a surprising number of features. There’s ANC and transparency mode, support for high-quality streaming via LDAC (something that even some pairs of more expensive headphones don’t support) and an insane 100 hours of battery life (or a still-impressive 65 hours with ANC switched on). During testing, the ANC surprised us with how good it was. Admittedly, we weren’t expecting anything groundbreaking, but it really muted the usual distractions such as keyboard clatter and street noise, letting us fully focus on the music.
As for how they sound, it’s more good news, as we found they could hold up well against the competition we compared them to. The delivery is clear with a bass-forward sound signature that’ll likely appeal most to fans of electronic, hip-hop and pop. What surprised us even more was how composed they remain at higher volumes — the sound they serve up is impressively dynamic and packed with energy and clarity that can often be missing from more affordable headphones. If you want to tweak the sound profile, the companion app gives you a few EQ options to play with, which do work well — just be aware that the app can be a little clunky to use.
We’re also big fans of how the Sonoflow Pro HQ51 look, employing a sleek matte and stylish curved design that suggest the complete opposite of “cheap”. They’re lightweight and comfy to wear too, with generous padding on the earcups and headband. Perhaps expectedly given the price, the build does feel a bit plasticky in places, but we can’t dock too many points here given their low cost.
All in all, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 manage to squeeze in everything you’d want from budget headphones, and even just a pair of headphones full stop. They’re a complete package — good looks, great battery life and strong sound. If you want the best cheap headphones available today in Australia, these are the ones to beat. If you’re on an even stricter budget, check out the new few entries that offer great performance at even lower prices.
Read our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review
Best over ears under 120
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BUY THEM IF:
You hate constant charging: With more battery life than you’ll know what to do with, even with ANC on, these headphones can go the distance.
You’re on a budget: Sure, all of the headphones in this guide are cheap. But if you don’t want to scrimp on performance, these are a really good buy for the price.
DON’T BUY THEM IF:
You want workout-ready headphones: There’s no IP rating here, so they’re not the best choice for sweat or rain.
You like different colour options: A nitpick we admit, but if you want a choice of colours, you won’t find it here.
The Earfun Wave Pro are our top pick for under AU$120 — especially as they can often be picked up for even less, even below AU$100. They pack in an impressive list of features, with the standout undoubtedly being battery life, with a huge 80 hours of playtime on offer — or 55 hours with ANC on.
Design-wise there’s plenty to appreciate — they’re lightweight, comfortable with soft cup padding and they fold neatly away for travel. They also come with a sturdy case. What we find particularly impressive is that, despite their low price, they don’t feel cheap.
Sound quality is where they really shine. During testing, we found the audio surprisingly rich for the price point, with punchy bass, crisp treble and a solid, expansive soundstage. Inside, you’ll find 40mm drivers, a High-Res Audio certification (both for wireless and wired listening) and LDAC support for improved Bluetooth streaming.
ANC performance is decent, although you shouldn’t buy these expecting absolute top-tier. They will still drown out noises around you, just don’t be surprised if a few manage to find their way into your ears. There are five different ANC modes, which is a little confusing at first. You also get multipoint connectivity here, another feature usually found in pricier models.
Overall, they offer outstanding value for money, combining long battery life, great sound, and a robust design. You’d be hard pressed to find better at this price.
Read our full Earfun Wave Pro review
Best sub-80 on-ears
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BUY THEM IF:
You want balanced sound on a budget: They might be our cheapest on-ears, but they still deliver where sound is concerned — just clean, well-rounded audio that suits all kinds of music.
You forget to charge your gear: With an impressive 50 hours of battery life, you’ll rarely need to top them up. Ideal for long haul travel or anyone who’s forgetful.
DON’T BUY THEM IF:
You need strong noise blocking: There’s no ANC, and the on-ear fit means they don’t seal sound well either — expect outside noise to creep in.
You don’t get on with on-ears: The on-ear design won’t be for everyone — even with padding, they can feel uncomfortable for some users.
The Sony WH-CH520 are super cheap, on-ear wireless headphones from Sony, coming in at less than AU$80 these days. These headphones are on-ear rather than in-ear or over-ear, which means their ability to cancel out external noise is limited. Some users will also likely find them a little uncomfortable after longer listening periods, as they can make the ears feel hot.
And factoring in their low price, there’s no Hi-Res Audio support (but you wouldn’t expect to at this price). They more than make up for it with their ability to deliver quality, well-balanced sound (as well as a few useful tricks), making them fantastic value and our favourite pair of cheap on-ears.
Sony is of course no stranger to producing great pairs of headphones, and it knows a thing or two about good audio. In the WH-CH520, the bass adds depth but sounds controlled and fun with electronic or dance music. Mids let vocals stretch their legs, which gives denser instrumental mixes a chance to shine — although you’ll obviously lose more detail here than you would with higher-end models. Trebles tend to elevate out of the mid-range well enough, giving them space to breathe.
The Sony CH520 replace the Sony CH510 in Sony’s line-up and they’re a worthy upgrade, adding in some notable improvements, like more cushioning, which is essential for a good pair of on-ear headphones where the earpads sit directly on your ears. The only thing these headphones are missing at this great value price is a 3.5mm jack — they’re wireless only.
Still, with good app support, multi-point pairing and an impressive 50 hours of battery we really can’t complain and they’re our top pick if you want headphones rather than earbuds that won’t break the bank.
Read our full Sony WH-CH520 review
Best earbuds under 170
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BUY THEM IF:
You want great noise cancellation on a budget: Not best-in-class ANC, but probably the best budget noise-cancelling we’ve ever experienced.
You want solid sound and style: When we were testing these buds a lot of people wanted to talk about them. They’re stylish and they stand out.
DON’T BUY THEM IF:
You want spatial audio: It’s not here, but you can get some spatial audio support from other cheap earbuds. We don’t mind it not being here ourselves, though.
Your ears are very small: Our small-eared reviewers tested these, so you should be fine. But you may want to see if you can try before you buy.
If you want a pair of buds that are still considered budget but bring you excellent noise cancelling, sound and style, the Nothing Ear (a) are the clear choice.
Noise cancellation is the real star of the show here, and is easily among the best we’ve come across at this price. On that note, we’ve listed them as being ‘under AU$170’ based on their RRP, but we often find them going for a lot less these days.
There are multiple ANC profiles, and the High setting is especially impressive. It knocked out the sound of a hairdryer and even muted an extractor fan we didn’t realize was on. This level of silence comes at the cost of some battery life – down from 9.5 hours to 5.5 with ANC on – but frankly, it’s worth it.
Nothing has worked wonders where sound quality is concerned too, as the Ear (a) buds serve up plenty of energy. They’re dynamic, punchy and fun, with a bold, lively character that makes pop, hip-hop and dance tracks shine. They lean into excitement over audiophile precision, but that’s not a drawback — they’re simply a fun little set of earbuds. For those who like to tweak settings, the Nothing X app offers EQ adjustment and a fit test.
Design is another big win, and an area where Nothing tends to shine. These don’t look like budget buds. In fact, they’re more stylish and distinctive than many premium models in our opinion. The semi-transparent aesthetic and bold colours make them stand out, and they feel solid in the hand despite the price. Comfort is also excellent, especially once you’ve found the right tips (three sizes come in the box). They’re lightweight and easy to wear for hours, and the redesigned case is smaller and more pocketable than before.
There are a few trade-offs, you won’t get wireless charging or spatial audio, and some premium features from Nothing’s flagship models are missing. But you do get Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC support for high-res audio (if your phone supports it), multipoint connectivity, low-lag gaming mode, in-ear detection and a “Find My Earbuds” feature.
Ultimately, if you’re after slick design, excellent sound and noise cancellation that punches way above its price tag, the Nothing Ear (a) are hard to beat. They’re affordable, practical and packed with features that usually cost a lot more.
Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review
Best earbuds under 100
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BUY THEM IF:
You like clear, forward audio: They won’t appeal to bass fanatics, but if you like treble-first sound and textured vocals in acoustic tracks or classical pieces, these are some of the few great affordable options for you.
You’re on a budget: While these are great earbuds for any customers, people who are trying to keep their gadget expenses low will find the Sonys some stellar options.
DON’T BUY THEM IF:
You need ANC: There’s no getting around it — the Sonys don’t have ANC. The PNC and ambient mode will have to do if you’ve got some background noises you absolutely must drown out.
You need all-day battery: Long trips are fine with the Sonys because the earbuds have such a long battery, but if you’re going to be without a charging cable for several days, the total lasting power offered by the case just won’t be up to snuff.
It’s another in this guide for Sony, with the WF-C510 earbuds being a truly talented set, and an immediate go-to for anyone looking for superb audio and overall performance on a limited budget.
Getting audio out of the way first, these dinky Sony buds continue the company’s penchant for clear, detailed sound. It’s a wonderfully balanced presentation, bass isn’t overblown and highs aren’t too harsh, it’s just right. They benefit from Sony’s DSEE upscaling technology, which helps to make lower quality audio streams sound as good as possible.
The biggest omission here is the lack of proper ANC. The in-ear fit does mean that passive noise isolation is good, and so you’ll find that much of the world around you does get drowned out, just know you’ll get better performance from other pairs of headphones. There is an Ambient Sound Control mode, but this is more akin to a transparency mode, allowing more external sounds to filter into your ears.
Design-wise, the WF-C510 earbuds are compact, which means their charging case is too. This makes it super simple to throw them into a bag or slip into a pocket. The buds themselves are lightweight at 4.6g each, so they’re comfortable to wear over longer periods. We also found they remained snug and secure in place. And finally for design, they’re available in a range of colours, which is great if you don’t want to be confined to the usual suspects of black or white.
Battery life could be a dealbreaker here though, it must be said. While the buds’ 8 hours with sound control on and 11 hours with it off is exemplary for headphones in this price bracket, the charging case only provides one full charge — many other pairs offer at least two full charges, sometimes more. That means if you’re going to be away from a charging point for some time, these won’t be the cheap headphones for you.
Read our full Sony WF-C510 review
Best earbuds under 70
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BUY THEM IF:
You want super cheap ANC: ANC like this used to be reserved for pricier picks. But these JLabs prove you don’t need to spend big to block out sounds.
You like the idea of phone-to-case charging: There’s a built-in cable here, which is handy if you’re often away from a plug socket.
DON’T BUY THEM IF:
You’re not up for swapping out ear tips: Look, the included tips just aren’t great. These only work well if you want to use some from another pair.
You need all-day battery: With ANC on, expect 5 hours of playback – not ideal if you’re after long listening sessions.
The JLab Go Pods ANC are the cheapest pair of earbuds in this list. But don’t be fooled. They may not be perfect, but for under AU$70 RRP — and regularly available for even less — you’re getting solid ANC, a lightweight build and a surprisingly capable sound.
JLab is no stranger to producing excellent pairs of headphones at low prices, and we’ve rated previous models highly, like the teeny tiny and incredibly cheap JLab Go Air Pop and JLab Go Pop ANC. But the Go Pods ANC are our top pick for those on a really tight budget.
They’re a very lightweight pair of buds with a small stem design that looks far more premium than their price would suggest. You can slip them into an equally light charging case, which comes with a handy charging cable to keep them powered up from your phone.
Given their name, it should come as no surprise to learn they have ANC — which the Sony earbuds above miss out on — and it really is very good considering the price. Don’t expect them to compete with higher-end options, of course, but you’ll be pleased to learn they do a remarkable job of blocking out background noises. The same goes for the audio. It punches well above its weight with an enjoyable, bassy listen that can reach high volumes.
There are some caveats, which should be expected. The battery life isn’t amazing at only 5 hours with ANC on and you’ll likely find you need to switch out the tips as the included ones don’t perform. However, all things considered, they’re still well worth it.
What we’re saying is, the JLab Go Pods ANC are basically the cheapest ANC buds that are actually worth buying. They’re not best-in-class, especially in terms of audio, ANC and overall build. But with this feature set and sound, they’re not just good for the price, they’re genuinely good. Which means if you’re looking for the best and cheapest buds you can get today, you’ve found them.
Read our full JLab Go Pods ANC review
Other cheap headphones to consider
Apple AirPods 4: The AirPods 4 sound great and offer top-notch spatial audio. They’re relatively affordable for Apple, but there’s plenty of strong competition at this level. Only go for them if you specifically want the classic AirPods fit – they rest just outside your ear canals, with no in-ear tips, yet still feel secure and comfortable. If budget isn’t a concern, you might also want to consider the ANC version. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 review for more.
Huawei FreeArc: If it’s an open pair of earbuds you’re after, head straight to our Huawei FreeArc review. There’s plenty of competition in this space, but these are the best-sounding open-ear headphones we’ve tested so far – and while it’s hard to call them cheap, they’re the best affordable in this style.
Skullcandy Set USB-C: A comfortable and affordable pair of USB-C buds which offer decent sound quality considering their sub-AU$30 price and a sleek design. If you’re looking for a cheap, wired, in-ear option, you can’t go wrong here. Take a look at our full Skullcandy Set USB-C review to find out more.
Sony MDR-EX15AP: If you’re looking for a super cheap second pair of wired earbuds, you’ve found them. There’s not much to say here, they get the job done, covering the basics. But that’s about it. Read our full Sony MDR-EX15AP review for more.
Sony WF-C710N: Sony’s latest mid-range earbuds are very good in basically every way, but we prefer the Nothing Ear (a). Still, if you know you like Sony’s sound profile, the C710N remain a great alternative, with excellent noise cancellation and impressive sound for the price. Check out our full Sony WF-C710N review for the details.
Sony WH-C720N: These Sony over-ears offer solid sound and smart features at a great price. They don’t quite borrow the magic from Sony’s flagship range, but that’s okay. Because what you get is a comfortable fit, enjoyable audio and surprisingly decent noise cancellation for the money. A strong pick for everyday listening without the premium price tag. Read our full Sony WH-C720N review to find out more.
How to choose the best cheap headphones for you
Choosing the best cheap headphones comes down to a few key factors: the design that suits you best, the features you prioritize, the device you’ll use as your music source, and just how cheap your budget will allow you to go.
Design: You’ll find cheap headphones that are in-ear, over-ear, on-ear and wired. The one you choose will mostly come down to your personal preference. If you can’t decide, consider what you’ll be using them for. For example, if you want the best ANC for travel, you might get a better experience with over-ears. If you want flexible buds for walking and popping in and out easily, true wireless options might work better.
Features: When choosing budget headphones, it’s important to remember that affordability often comes with trade-offs. If a specific feature – like ANC – is a priority, it’s worth focusing on that and accepting that other aspects may not be as strong. You can find features like ANC, on-ear volume controls, dedicated apps, and wearer detection at lower prices, but you won’t get them all in one package.
Source: What phone do you use? While most headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices, you may unlock extra features and enjoy a more seamless experience if your phone and headphones are part of the same ecosystem. If you’re considering wired earbuds, check whether your phone has the right connection—or be prepared to buy an adapter.
Budget: Finally, how small is your budget? Yes, this is a guide to the best cheap headphones, but our definition of ‘cheap’ varies, from the super-cheap JLab Go Pods ANC at around AU$50 through to the Nothing Ear (a) at AU$170. This should give everyone with a smaller budget several options.
Final thoughts: But we haven’t just included headphones because they’re cheap. We highly recommend all of the devices in our guide above. Even if they don’t all offer sonic sound performance, they all represent excellent value for money.
Overall, there’s no going wrong with any of the headphones in this guide. They’re all affordable, great value and offer some top features and decent sound. But it is worth taking the time to consider what’s important to you – just because headphones are cheap doesn’t always mean they’re worth it.
Which are the cheapest headphones?
You’ll find lots of cheap headphones online, especially if you hunt on Amazon. There are some true wireless and wired earbuds there that are incredibly cheap.
But even if you’re on a tight budget, we’d urge you to look at our top recommended cheapest headphones, rather than just the cheapest you can find. Even if they don’t cost much, buying a cheap pair that aren’t any good will still feel like a waste of cash.
The cheapest headphones in this guide are the JLab Go Pods ANC at AU$49.95. They’re not a perfect pair of true wireless earbuds, but deliver good audio and a comfy design considering their price.
Do cheap headphones sound good?
The cheap headphones in this guide all sound good and pack in enough audio tech to deliver your music in a way that’s balanced, loud enough and bassy.
Of course, what sounds good and what doesn’t is subjective. For some of the budget prices above, you won’t be getting the high-end audio that you’d expect from some of the best headphones and best earbuds you can buy today.
But we’ve tested each pair of the best cheap headphones we’ve included in this guide and although none of them provide a stellar, premium audio experience, they sound good enough for accompanying you on a workout, blocking out some sounds as you travel or providing you with a good backup if you need a reliable second pair of buds.
Why do cheap headphones have so much bass?
When it comes to the best cheap headphones you’ll often find there’s a trade off to make them so cheap. They might have fantastic battery life but a plasticky design or they might have a comfy fit but the sound is only mediocre.
Something that you might notice if you try cheap headphones is that they have a bit too much bass. This is sometimes intentional and headphone makers are trying to create a product with mass appeal. Other times it could simply be that the headphones aren’t great quality.
Finally, many cheap headphones don’t come with many customisation options, so by default they might have a lot of bass but, unlike premium headphones, you don’t have an option to tweak their settings.
Are cheap headphones worth it?
We think all the budget headphones in this guide are worth considering – but if you’re ever unsure about buying a pair of cheap headphones, be sure to look into their specs.
These days, you don’t need to settle for poor sound if you’re on a budget, so look for large drivers that can displace lots of air and give you a powerful sound. Support for hi-res audio codecs might not be on the cards for cheaper models, but wireless headphones should have good connectivity and will ideally use the latest Bluetooth 5 standard.
Wireless headphones should also offer a decent battery life – if not class-leading, budget wireless headphones should at least be able to get you through a few commutes or workouts.
Build quality probably won’t be as good as more expensive headphones, but they should still be comfortable to wear.
What about extras? While you can get cheap headphones with extra features like noise cancellation, pricier headphones will probably perform better when it comes to these quality-of-life extras.
What are the best cheap headphones brands?
It may surprise you to know that lots of big brands offer cheaper versions of their flagships headphones. Sony have several budget-friendly models in our guide that are worth checking out.
As for less well-known brands? We wouldn’t recommend taking a risk on a totally unknown headphones brand on Amazon, but there are a few out there that are worth checking out. These include Earfun, 1More, Skullcandy, Jlab, Jabra, and more.
How we test the best cheap headphones
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It’s no surprise that cheap earbuds won’t match high-end ones, so we judge budget options against similarly priced competition. Our testing ensures they offer clear, detailed sound without the dreaded tinny quality that’s common in lower-end models.
We assess both wired and wireless options, listening across various genres for several days. Where it applies to the headphones we’re testing, we also evaluate features like ANC, battery life, usability, and companion apps, considering how well they perform at this price point.
Comfort, design, and ergonomics matter too. We note how they feel during extended wear to help you find the right fit. Finally, we compare performance to price, ensuring every pick offers solid value.
Take a look at our more rigorous explanation about how we test products here at TechRadar and, more specifically, how we test earbuds.
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