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The best cheap wireless headphones in 2022
By Lee Dunkley Contributions from Alex Bracetti published 10 October 2022 From over-ear cans that cut the cord to true wireless earbuds, here are the best cheap wireless headphones we've tested Included in this guide:1CleerEnduro ANCCheck Price (opens in new tab)21MOREPistonBuds ProCheck Price (opens in new tab)3OnePlusNord BudsCheck Price (opens in new tab)4EdifierW240TNCheck Price (opens in new tab)5OnePlusBuds Z2Check Price (opens in new tab)6Master and DynamicMW07Check Price (opens in new tab)7AmazonEcho Buds (2nd Gen)Check Price (opens in new tab)8JLabGo Air Pop True Wireless EarbudsCheck Price (opens in new tab)9PlantronicsBackBeat Go 810Check Price (opens in new tab)10JabraElite 65tCheck Price (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Future) The best cheap wireless headphones bring together the convenience of wireless Bluetooth connectivity at an affordable price tag. Whether you're working from home or commuting to the office, these budget headphones are ideal if you're not too bothered about the fully featured designs of the absolute best models that come at a premium. That being said, just because you're paying less doesn't mean you have to skimp on quality. The headphones you'll find below have all passed our stringent performance testing criteria, so you can be sure they sound great and some may even include handy features like active noise cancellation or extended battery life. Simply read on to find out more about the best cheap wireless headphones. Top 3 best cheap wireless headphones
(opens in new tab)Best with ANC: 1More PistonBuds Pro
At $69, these are the best value wireless earbuds with ANC. Even better news for buyers is that they're discounted to $59 on the 1More website (opens in new tab) as well as through online retailer Newegg (opens in new tab). ANC is effective at the price, and the 'buds are a win for consumers looking for great performance in a stylish and affordable package.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Best over-ear cheap wireless: Cleer Enduro ANC
The Cleer Enduro ANC over-ear headphones are still by far the best pair of cheap ANC headphones we've tested, especially when it comes to battery life. ANC and especially the transparent ambient mode work well, fit is decent, and Bluetooth supports aptX Adaptive.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Best value cheap wireless: OnePlus Nord Buds
At $39, the Nord Buds are too good to pass up, especially for OnePlus conformists and commuters who desire quality true wireless performance for less. Sound is dynamic and bass heavy at times, but the EQ customization helps balance things out. The controls work without a hitch and Fast Charging is a bonus.View Deal (opens in new tab) Best cheap wireless headphones deals
Black Friday 2022 is right around the corner so it's time to start thinking about what to look out for in this year's deals. The best cheap wireless headphones are always in high demand, so it pays to start shopping as early as possible if you're looking for top performance that echos the iconic style of the real thing but without the big price tag. Many of our favorite picks will be on sale making this period an ideal time to buy one of the best cheap wireless headphones. Be sure to follow our Black Friday deals page for all of your shopping needs this season and get ready for a second Amazon Prime Day in October with the rumored Prime Early Access Sale, which is essentially Amazon's Black Friday 2022 preview. (They held a similar retail event last October). The best cheap wireless headphones you can buy right now
(Image credit: Future) 1 Cleer Enduro ANC
The best cheap ANC headphones for battery life Specifications
Size and weight: 7 x 6.6 x 3 inches; 10.6 ouncesBattery life (rated): Up to 60 hoursBluetooth range: 33 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: On-ear headphonesANC : YesCodec support: SBC, AAC, aptX AdaptiveToday's Best DealsView at Crutchfield (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Incredible battery life+ANC and transparency modes+High sound quality Reasons to avoid
-Wind noise in ANC mode-Comfort isn't long-lasting The Cleer Enduro ANC is more "cheap for a pair of ANC over-ear headphones" than cheap in general, though there's no arguing against this being a fantastic bargain. ANC and especially the transparent ambient mode work well, and there are some handy bonus features like the built-in NFC tag for fast pairing. The fit is decent, though you might want relief after a couple hours, and while the Bluetooth connection support aptX Adaptive you could alternatively use the included 3.5mm cable for full Hi-Res Audio support. Best of all is the battery life: we got over 50 hours of ANC-enabled playback, something no other pair of the best noise-cancelling headphones can currently match. Read our full Cleer Enduro ANC review. (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) 2 1More PistonBuds Pro
These entry-level ANC earbuds surpass expectations Specifications
Size and weight : 0.6 x 0.7 x 0.8 inches; 0.15 ounces (per bud)Battery life (rated): Up to 7.5 hoursBluetooth range: 60 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: In-earsANC: YesCodec support: SBC, AACToday's Best DealsView at Newegg (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Great ANC for the price+Energetic sound+Sleek, compact design+Responsive touch controls Reasons to avoid
-Bass heavy on some tracks-Sub-standard battery life-Weak call quality The PistonBuds Pro are a win for budget-conscious consumers who desire outstanding ANC and sound in a stylish, affordable package. Are they going to replace your AirPods Pro? No, but they are easily one of the best AirPods alternatives that can be had for a third of the price. Okay, battery life isn't anything to write home about, nor is call quality. But these shortcomings are forgivable when factoring in the audio and noise cancellation these buds deliver, and are enough to satisfy (especially at the $69 price) and give the Piston Buds Pro mass appeal. Read our full 1More PistonBuds Pro review. (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) 3 OnePlus Nord Buds
Cheap buds that deliver big on sound Specifications
Size & weight: 1.9 x 0.8 x 0.92 inches; 0.17 ounces (per bud)Battery life (rated): 7 hours; 30 hours (charging case)Bluetooth: Not specifiedDigital assistant: NoType: In-earANC: NoCodec support: SBC, AACToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Rich, customizable sound+Useful battery life with powerful quick charging+Dependable call quality and connectivity+Reliable touch controls Reasons to avoid
-Poor wind noise reduction on calls-Bass heavy on some music tracks The Edifier W240TN are a fine-looking and sounding pair of wireless earbuds. They're pretty well featured, although not everything works quite as well as we'd like. For an ANC model at the price, though, performance is strong and you get detailed sonics thanks to the dual dynamic drivers that deliver a wide and compelling sound, and effective noise cancellation. We weren't sold on call quality or wind resistance when on the move, but these sorts of compromises are to be expected for wireless earbuds this affordable. Battery life is very respectable as is connectivity, and the overall comfort and craftsmanship make them well worth their asking price. Read our full Edifier W240TN review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 4 Edifier W240TN
Great sound and ANC at a great price Specifications
Size & weight: 0.9 x 0.6 x 0.9 inches (per bud); 2.3 x 1.08 x 1.6 inches (charging case); 1.8 ounces (earbuds + charging case)Battery life (rated): Up to 8.5 hours; 25.5 hoursBluetooth range: 100 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: In-earANC: YesCodec support: SBCToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Detailed, dynamic soundstage+Effective ANC +Attractive, durable design+Reliable battery life Reasons to avoid
-Limited touch control customization-Weak call quality-No wireless charging At $39, the Nord Buds are too good to pass up, especially for OnePlus conformists and commuters who desire quality true wireless performance for less. These buds have a 4-mic array with AI noise reduction, 12.4mm titanium drivers, mobile app compatibility with personalization tools, and proprietary Flash Charge technology. OnePlus mobile users may receive special software perks, but the solid controls, strong audio performance, and sufficient battery life remain consistent across all platforms. Sound is dynamic and bass heavy at times, but the ability to customize frequencies helps balance things out. The controls work without a hitch, comfort is pleasant, and Fast Charging is clutch for recharging in short time spans. The noise reduction on calls could be better, but the Nord Buds pros outweigh any cons to make it a must-own for budget-conscious earbud users everywhere. Read our full OnePlus Nord Buds review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) 5 OnePlus Buds Z2
Well-rounded wireless earbuds for under $100 Specifications
Size and weight: 1.2 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches; 0.15 ounces (per bud)Battery life (rated): 5 hours (ANC on), 7 hours (ANC off), 27 hours (with charging case and ANC on), 38 hours (with charging case and ANC off)Bluetooth range: 32 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: In-earsANC: YesCodec support: SBC, AACToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Punchy sound+Great build quality+Powerful charging+Instant connectivity Reasons to avoid
-Slow controls-Some features unavailable on most phones The Buds Z2 aren't as high-powered as the premium sibling, the OnePlus Buds Pro, but don't think for one second that it is any less valuable. All three levels of active noise cancellation are effective for taming different frequencies, while the bass-forward sound profile gives music and movies a lively sonic presence. Those with a newer OnePlus device gain exclusive perks like Dolby Atmos support and Pro Gaming mode for lower latency when gaming. Where the Buds Z2 really flexes its muscle is charging. Features like Warp Charge technology gain you 5 hours of playtime in just 10 minutes. We're also fond of the simple, sturdy design. If you're someone who constantly switches tracks or activates the digital assistant, be mindful that the controls can act finicky at times, which results in delays when trying to execute commands. Read our full OnePlus Buds Z2 review. (Image credit: Master & Dynamic) 6 Master & Dynamic MW07
Luxury sound for under $100 Specifications
Size and weight: Not specified; 0.32 ounces (per bud)Battery life (rated): 3.5 hours; 14 hours (with charging case)Bluetooth range: 30 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: EarbudsCodec support: SBC, AAC, aptX Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Musician's Friend (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Balanced, well-defined sound+Eye-catching design+Impressive noise isolation+Intelligent controls Reasons to avoid
-Short battery life-Charging case is prone to fingerprints and scuffs Marked down from $300, the Master & Dynamic MW07 can be found for less than $99, and well worth the pickup if you value sound and style. The well-judged sound signature fills your ears with clean, immersive audio that complements all music genres. These buds create a tight and secure seal that prevents ambient noises from creeping into the soundscape, while keeping the buds locked in for a stable fit. Just as impressive is the premium design, highlighted by the acetate and stainless-steel construction. The combination of physical buttons, on-ear detection, and digital assistance form a sweet trifecta of functionality. Our only legitimate complaint about the MW07 is its very short battery life, which is capped at 3.5 hours and much shorter than the average industry time set by the AirPods (5 hours). Read our full Master & Dynamic MW07 review. (Image credit: Amazon) 7 Amazon Echo Buds 2
Cheap wireless headphones with excellent voice controls Specifications
Size and weight: 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches; 0.2 ounces (per bud)Battery life (rated): Up to 19.5 hoursBluetooth range: 35 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: EarbudsANC: NoCodec support: SBC, AACToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Alexa works brilliantly+Good ANC and ambient modes+Sleek case with wireless charging Reasons to avoid
-Middling battery life-Vocals could be crisper The Amazon Echo Buds 2 is already affordable by ANC earbuds standards, and is even cheaper if you don't opt for the wireless charging case model. And while there are cheap wireless headphones on this list that don't even come close to breaking 3 figures, Amazon's earbuds sport an enviable feature list that includes ANC and IPX4 water resistance. It's also got one of the best digital assistant implementations we've seen on any pair of wireless headphones. All you need to do to summon Alexa is say its name; the microphones will pick you up and ready Alexa for further voice commands, so you don't even need to press a button or activate a touch sensor. Read our full Amazon Echo Buds 2 review. (Image credit: Regan Coule/Future) 8 JLab Go Air Pop
The best cheap wireless earbuds value Specifications
Size and weight: 1.8 x 3 x 1.6 inches; 0.13 ounces (per bud)Battery life (rated): Up to 14 hours (with charging case)Bluetooth range: 30 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: EarbudsANC: NoCodec support: SBC, AACToday's Best DealsView at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Versatile audio+Good battery life+Sweat and water-resistant Reasons to avoid
-Unimpressive call quality-No companion app or extra features To see a pair of $20 wireless earbuds show up on any "best of" list is an accomplishment. The JLab Go Air Pop isn't just one of the best cheap wireless headphones available – these are some of best wireless earbuds in general. We're impressed by the level of sound these tiny, water-resistant buds reproduce, programmed with three EQs that enhance audio in different ways. You can enable Balance for a neutral listening experience, increase the low end with Bass Boost or get a bit of both with JLab Signature, which is our recommendation. Being able to use the buds for up to 8 hours on a single charge might be the Go Air Pop's greatest strength, alongside its 32-hour charging case that's super compact and comes with a built-in USB cable for charging on the go. Had the buds worked well for phone calls or been compatible with the JLab app, this product would easily rank higher, but a 4-star rating suits it well. Read our full JLab Go Air Pop review. (Image credit: Plantronics) 9 Plantronics BackBeat Go 810
Cheap wireless headphones with dependable ANC and battery life Specifications
Size and weight: 8.10 x 2.20 x 1.60 inches; 7.0 ouncesBattery life (rated): Up to 28 hoursBluetooth range: 30 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: On-ear headphonesANC: YesCodec support: SBC, aptXToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Loud, warm sound+Dependable noise cancellation+Long playtimes Reasons to avoid
-Buggy performance-No motion or touch controls Plantronics is no stranger to making high-quality wireless headphones, and while the drastic price drop on the BackBeat Go 810 might seem alarming, rest assured that these are premium cans worth adding to your Amazon cart. You're getting signature Plantronics sound, which falls on the warm end of the audio spectrum and has a heavy bass presence. That just means contemporary songs and anything with upbeat tempos will sound lively. The Plantronics app is definitely worth downloading to extend functionality, granting access to special features such as an EQ, HD voice support for calls, a Find MyHeadset setting, and ANC adjustment. Speaking of which, noise cancellation is decent enough to block out nearby rumblings On occasion, you might stumble upon some bugs in the app or notice the controls acting finicky, though we're told updating the app with the latest software update should fix these issues. Read our full Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 review. (Image credit: Future) 10 Jabra Elite Active 65t
Excellent wireless earbuds for the price Specifications
Size and weight: 1.2. x 1.1 x 0.9 x inches; 0.2 ounces (per bud)Battery life (rated): Up to 15 hoursBluetooth range: 33 feetDigital assistant support: YesType: EarbudsANC: NoCodec support: SBC, AAC, aptXToday's Best DealsView at The Home Depot (opens in new tab)View at Jabra (opens in new tab)Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy
+Great comfort and fit+Sound customization via companion app+Doubles as a fitness tracker Reasons to avoid
-Charging case is tough to open-Inconvenient controls If you're looking for a pair of inexpensive truly wireless earbuds that offer the right balance of personalized comfort and sound, place the Jabra Elite Active 65t at the top of your list. These buds made it on our best cheap wireless headphones list because they are sleek and unassuming, deliver impressive sound, and last up to 5 hours on a charge. The Active 65t consumes less power so that you get longer battery life, can pair with two separate devices simultaneously, and have a signal range of up to 800 feet. While the Elite Active 65t is designed for fitness use, it's also a great everyday pair for enjoying music and taking calls on the go. The same can be said about its non-fitness sibling, the standard Elite 65t, which offers solid audio performance and call quality See our full Jabra Elite Active 65t review. How to choose the best cheap wireless headphones for you
The market for cheap wireless headphones is massive, so to help narrow down the search, you'll want to take several things into consideration. Let's start with fit. Since there are several different types, including in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear, base your decision on what will feel comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Going wireless means restricted playtimes, as Bluetooth products consume a lot of power and require recharging every few days. Get a pair of wireless headphones with at least 12 hours of battery life. If you're going with truly wireless earbuds, 5 hours should be the minimum. Build quality is also huge, especially when investing in sports headphones. Those who are big on fitness will want a pair that offers sweat- or water-resistant protection. Otherwise, look for models with durable aesthetics (e.g. strong plastic, stainless steel). Keep in mind that modern wireless headphones and earbuds are taking on more advanced features. Look around and you'll find some that have active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and even sound customization via mobile apps. How we test the best wireless cheap headphones
Tom's Guide tests all headphones on the following criteria: design, comfort, features, performance, and value. Our reviewers employ a rigorous testing process that compares products with similar fit, features, and price to determine the best option for you. Every pair of cheap wireless headphones we test is worn over the course of a week for 2 hours at a time. Comfort, ease of use, and sound quality are three main categories we assess. In terms of audio performance, we test each model across a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while also evaluating volume, clarity, and fullness. Find out how we test and try out demo tracks for yourself in our guide to getting the best headphone sound for you. When it comes to features, we test the effectiveness of active noise cancelling, Bluetooth range and battery life. For sports headphones, we put them through intense workouts to determine how securely they fit during exercises and how well they handle ambient noise. We test every feature for app-enabled headphones too. Once testing is completed, Tom's Guide rates headphones on a five-star system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product is truly exemplary, it is awarded an Editor's Choice. Now that streaming music services are offering hi-res resolution audio, we advise reading our audio codecs FAQ for everything you need to know about every kind of file format and which are capable of delivering the highest quality audio for your setup. Next: You may also want to take a look at our guides to the best wireless headphones overall, the best cheap running headphones and the best cheap wireless earbuds.Round up of today's best deals (opens in new tab)Cleer Enduro ANC (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$139.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)1MORE PistonBuds Pro (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$59.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)OnePlus Nord Buds (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$39.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Edifier W240TN (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)$63.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesExpiredReduced Price (opens in new tab)OnePlus Buds Z2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$99.99 (opens in new tab)$69.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Master and Dynamic MW07 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$58.79 (opens in new tab)$49.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$119.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$24.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$179.51 (opens in new tab)$132.45 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Jabra Elite 65t (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$39.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by Be In the Know
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Lee DunkleyAudio EditorAs a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.With contributions fromAlex Bracetti More about audio Beats Studio Earbuds just crashed to $89 in early Black Friday deal AirPods Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Which noise-cancelling earbuds win?Latest It's possible to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a Tesla - here's howSee more latest ► Topics Audio See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1It's possible to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a Tesla - here's how2The best organic mattress in 2022: Natural mattresses for healthy sleep3MLB Playoffs live stream 2022: How to watch World Series baseball online4OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beat5House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season1It's possible to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a Tesla - here's how2The best organic mattress in 2022: Natural mattresses for healthy sleep3MLB Playoffs live stream 2022: How to watch World Series baseball online4OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beat5House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season