Finding a pair of headphones to buy can be easy, and so can finding a quality pair if you know what you are looking for without having to put a dent in your wallet. To help you, we put together this buying guide that you can use to find the best headphones under 50 dollars, and we have also included some of these headphones and narrowed down which is the best one.
Buying Guide
How to choose the best headphones under 50.
Type
There are two main types of headphones: over the ear and on the ear. Over the ear is typically more popular because they are easy to find and tend to have better noise cancellation, making it easier to hear your music.
However, if you have sensitive or your ears are typically smaller or larger than most, you may want to try out an on the ear set since many find it less constraining and noticeable.
The Frequency
The frequency of a pair of headphones is measured in Hertz (Hz), and if your hearing is average, you probably can hear anywhere from 50 to 20,000+ Hz. Most headphones usually have this range, but if the range is wider, from 10 to 40,000 Hz, then the sound can be more controlled and clear whether it is the low frequencies, bass, or the high ones, treble.
Open-back or closed-back
Most headphones are closed-back to make them more noise canceling, but you may prefer open-back headphones if you prefer a more even and clear sound.
Keep in mind, though, that open-back headphones cancel little to no noise around you, and they can be heard by the people around you better, meaning you will probably be asked to take them off if you were in a quiet place like a library.
The mic
A lot of the more affordable headsets can come with a mic, but it can be a little more difficult to find one that is either sensitive and can pick up your voice easily or captures your voice clearly.
Unfortunately, this is a feature you will probably have to look up reviews on since many headphones do not list the specs on their mics.
Surround sound vs soundstage
Nearly all of the affordable models are surround sound, meaning the sound is evenly heard to make you think you are completely surrounded by it. Although, if you like a more specialized and targeted sound, like at a live performance, you may prefer a headphone set that has soundstage instead.
Soundstage is when you can hear certain sounds or instruments in only one direction or focused more in a single direction as if you were standing at a stage for a live concert.
What are the advantages of headphones?
Headphones are less likely to cause ear infections or worsen ear conditions when compared to earbuds. They also can be more useful in certain jobs, especially if you work in the music industry, run a radio station, record audio, or any other job where you need to listen carefully to the sounds and/or music.
Things to look for that differentiate them.
Other than the features above, the design is one of the more obvious features that sets them apart. Some can be big and bulky while others can be more slim and lightweight. The material is also a different feature between them; they can be made of a variety of plastics, metal, and even wood.
What is the best way to use a pair of headphones?
When you are not using them, try keeping them in a dry and safe place. If they are a wired pair, you should try avoiding getting them tangled and roll the wire up neatly after you are done using them.
Wired vs Bluetooth
There is a bit of a popular debate on which kind of headphones are better, wireless or wired, but the simple answer would be it depends on what you need the headphones for.
Nearly every professional will say that wired headphones are better because they have a direct connection to the computer or other devices you need, and they tend to be more comfortable to wear for hours at a time; a necessity when it comes to that type of work.
If you ask anyone else who uses them for everyday music-listening, they will probably say that wireless headsets are better because they are more convenient, get in the way less, and are becoming easier to find since they are growing in popularity. The one downside, however, is that they need to be charged on a regular basis, and when many of us have an occasional or daily moment of forgetfulness, we have to go without music until we remember to charge them.
Prerequisites for using this type of product.
If you have health conditions involving your head or hearing, you should ask your doctor which types of headphones you are able to use and for how long.
Top 10 affordable headphones
#1
The first on the list, these headphones are an over the ear pair and can come in 8 different colors: black and black with red, green, grey, blue, silver, pink, and rose gold. They are also one of the most popular models on and off this list because they are wireless, using Bluetooth 4.1, but they also can be wired and come with a standard-sized wire, 3.5mm.
They can last up to 20 hours on a single charge, which is better than most of the others on this list, and it can be used to make phone calls. The mic is pretty average quality, too, but the connection can lag if you are using the headphones wirelessly while making the call.
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#2
These are one of the few headphones on this list that are meant for professional use, and they are one of the more affordable options with decent sound quality. The wire that they come with is a little shorter than other models, but it can be easily replaced. They are also available in all black or black with bright green.
Whether they are being used professionally, for gaming, or just listening to music, the frame and foam are one of the most comfortable, and you can wear them for several hours at a time. Every now and then, there can be a slight buzzing or static sound, but unplugging them can make it stop; if not, it might be from the bass levels.
4.3 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#3
These are one of the few models with a slim design, and they can come in 9 different colors: black, blue, green, pink, red, white/gold, claret, gold, and navy blue. They are a bit smaller than most of the other models because they are an on the ear model, which may be a bit uncomfortable for you.
The mic with this one is possibly one of the best, being sensitive and capturing good-quality sound. These are also a wired model, but the wire seems to tangle less than some of the other models on and off this list.
4.5 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#4
This pair is a little bigger than some of the other models, but that is because they are an over the ear model. Unlike some of the other Bluetooth models, these are exclusively wireless; uses Bluetooth 5.0.
If you listen to your music at low volumes, then a full charge could last as long as 100 hours. The sound quality is pretty good, too, especially with the distinct and clear bass.
The only major downsides are the volume controls, that can click and stick, and the actual connection which can suddenly break up and disconnect from your device. Still, with how well-built it is, these are possibly one of the best pairs to use for traveling.
4.5 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
#5
This wired pair is possibly one of the most comfortable between the ear padding and the headband padding, but also because of the foldable, flippable, and rotatable earpieces.
This is also one of the best pairs for recording since they have 2 different audio ports; a regular one for common devices (phones, mp3s, computers) and a larger one for amps. The cables are a little bit short, but they can be replaced easily.
The bass is a little below average, but the rest of the sound is clear enough for recording or regular use. This pair also comes in 4 colors: grey with gold, pink, black with red, and silver with brown.
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
#6
This over the ear model is available in 4 colors: black, black with red, platinum grey, and rose gold with white. It is also one of the few models that are wireless, using Bluetooth 5.0, and wired.
The battery can last up to 40 hours, depending on what you are using it for and the volume level. It might not be the best for phone calls since the mic can make you sound like a robot, but the audio quality is better than most other models, making it great for regular music listening.
If you are using them with your phone, you may want to use the wire for watching videos and/or playing games; the Bluetooth connection can make the audio lag.
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
#7
This is another model that is both wireless and wired, but the battery life is a little shorter than most of the other models, lasting only up to 30 hours or so. However, unlike some other models, this has one of the more quick and reliable connections which is something you may value more if you hate having to reconnect to your phone or other devices.
The sound is pretty clear, and the bass seems clearer than other models, but you may need to play the music at higher volumes since they are not the best when it comes to noise cancellation.
4.6 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
#8
This pair is only available in 2 colors, black with red and black with mint, but they are one of the more affordable models with possibly the highest sound quality available.
They are a wired model, which has a built-in mic that captures sound easily and pretty clearly, making them great for music, phone calls, and games alike. They are also pretty good for traveling since they can be folded up for storage.
The only real downside is that the earpieces are a little smaller than some of the other on the ear models, making them a little uncomfortable for people with sensitive or larger ears.
4.7 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
#9
This is one of the larger, bulkier, over the ear models out there, but it can come with or without a mic. The padding can be a little thin and firm compared to some of the other models, but the sound quality is good enough for an hour or so of listening to music and/or watching videos.
The mic is pretty average when it comes to the quality of sound it captures. It is a little less sensitive than most of the mother models and it is shaped like a regular microphone, which can be great for recording, but a little awkward for video or phone calls.
This is also one of the only models that are not available in different colors; it only comes in a standard matte black.
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
#5
#10
The last on the list, this model is another wired and wireless model that uses Bluetooth 4.1 connection, which can connect pretty quickly to your phone or other devices.
However, it is a little less powerful than some of the other headphones since the battery can only last for about 18 hours on a full charge, and the bass is less powerful and noticeable, too.
On the bright side, this is one of the more strongly-made and affordable models, making them great for teens or children who are accident-prone and drop their headphones often.
These are available in black, blue, grey, and pink, and unlike the others on this list, they are not part black but completely the color they come in, foam and all.
4.4 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
When it comes to sound quality (bass and treble), the mic quality, noise cancellation, and overall possible uses, the winner out of these 10 models would have to be number 8, the PeohZarr wired on-ear headphones. They have one of the highest-quality sound and mics, has decent noise cancellation, and can be used for practically any use out there.
However, if you prefer over the ear headphones as opposed to on the ear ones like this pair, then you would probably prefer the fifth model, the OneOdio headphones. They do have a lower quality bass, shorter cable, and no mic, but they can be one of the more comfortable choices to consider.
