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Best and worst cheap headphones

20 February 2026
Nick gelling

By Nick Gelling

Product Test Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakamātautau Hautaonga

We’ve reviewed more than 140 sets of headphones – 20 of them cost under $150. While there are some real duds in that price range, there are also some excellent cheap headphones.

If you don’t want to spend hundreds on your next set of headphones, here are the pairs to avoid and the ones to seek out.

Dog wearing headphones.

On this page

  • Worst cheap headphones
  • Best cheap headphones

Worst cheap headphones

Worst cheap true-wireless earbuds

Worst cheap connected earbuds

Worst cheap on-ear headphones

Best cheap headphones

Best cheap true-wireless earbuds

Best cheap connected earbuds

Best cheap on-ear headphones

Best cheap open-ear headphones

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