9 Best Headphones under $30 Worth Checking in 2024

We’ve tested 193 headphones in 9 key categories. Here are the best headphones for 30 dollars we’ve found.

These models have solid performance and good audio quality despite their low price.

We evaluate headphones based on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score).  The criteria we looked at to pick the top headphones is their overall performance. See our testing and ranking methodology.

Most $30 headphones suck.

Badly built, below-average sound quality and wireless disruptions are common.

But there are some solid models (if you know them).

And this is where we’ll give you the best headphones under $30 available today. These are the top models at this price and offer a solid performance across the board. Check the list.

Or find more cheap headphones and the top earbuds under $30.

The Best Headphones Under $30

1. Monoprice 8323

Monoprice 8323 are the best over-ear headphones under $30. With amazing value and better audio than most, they’re a top choice.

Surprisingly good sound for under $30. You get good bass, slightly forward mids, and the highs that can get a little sibilant. But all in all, they are great for music listening to a variety of genres, from jazz to hip-hop.

These can easily be worn for a long time because of their fantastic comfort. They also block pretty much all noise around you, which makes them great for private listening.

The foldable design helps take less space and makes them portable as well.

Monoprice 8323 closed-back headphones are not perfect, but you can expect fantastic audio quality for all music genres that won’t leave you disappointed. A great product and a top pick for less than $30.

2. Tascam TH-MX2

Tascam TH-MX2 are the best basshead headphones under $30 with a powerful bass response.

While Tascam TH-MX2 are marketed as mixing headphones, they have a too bass-heavy sound to serve that purpose. Instead, their fuller sound is great for everyday listening with a warm yet well-balanced sound and wide frequency response.

The design is fairly robust, as you usually use them in a studio environment. The over-ear headphones provide good external noise isolation due to relatively thick earpads, making them good for studio monitoring.

They connect via a 9.8-foot-long integrated audio cable with a 3.5mm headphone jack. You also get a screw-on 6.3mm adapter.

The Tascam TH-MX2 are reliable headphones under $30 that should last you a long time. These are perfect for home studio use and daily listening.

You can find more top bass headphones.

3. OneOdio A11

OneOdio A11 are the best Bluetooth headphones under $30 we’ve tested, with good features for the price – OneOdio A11 review.

The sound is nothing spectacular, but for a non-demanding user, the A11 should provide a decent level of satisfaction.

Overall external quality is on par with other dirt-cheap headphones. There are onboard volume controls on the ear cups.

The comfort is quite decent. The oval-shaped earpads provide an over-ear fit, which is good for shorter listening sessions.

Also, the Bluetooth headphones come with a carrying pouch and foldable hinges to make themselves smaller. The mechanism for the adjustable headband is fully plastic, so don’t be too harsh on it.

The long battery life of 23 hours per charge is good enough for a few days of use, or you can use them in wired mode. Plus, the have a solid built-in microphone for phone calls.

OneOdio A11 headphones offer solid wireless connectivity for $30, which is surprising in its own right. Get them if you want a modern pair of over-ear Bluetooth headphones.

4. SoundPEATS Clear

SoundPEATS Clear surprise with great sound and app support, offering many features. These are the top true wireless headphones for $30 we’ve tested –SoundPEATS Clear review.

The wireless earbuds have a pretty balanced frequency response but with a tad of extra sub-bass boost. You can further tune them inside the companion app by making the sound even more balanced.

Clears’ sound and features make them a high-value pick under $30. You get app support, Bluetooth 5.3, Game mode, and a customizable audio equalizer.

Also, earbuds come with a good battery life of almost 6 hours per charge and another 33 hours inside the charging case. Sadly, there’s no official support for fast or Qi wireless charging.

Comfort and stability are excellent and suitable for light workouts. The Clear even survive sweat thanks to an IPX4 rating. And the built-in microphone allows for phone calls on-the-go.

If you prefer portability in a compact size, SoundPEATS Clear are the best to get at the price.

Find more best cheap earbuds.

5. Koss Porta Pro

Koss Porta Pro are on-ear headphones with a design that hasn’t changed since 1984 and superb sound quality that’s better than most in this price range.

The soundstage they produce is open and detailed. They tend to get very loud at a high volume and offer extended frequency response up to 25kHz.

The low-end is strong but not overbearing. Mids and highs are reasonably neutral, with mids being a little punchier. They are suitable for listening to any kind of music, from classical to R’n’B.

Koss Porta Pro’s design is comfortable, extremely lightweight, and therefore cozy to wear for a long time. Lightly padded ear cushions don’t go over the ears but instead rest on them.

The flexible headband extends well, so they are pleasant to wear, regardless of your head size. The cable length is just right to be able to move around.

6. TOZO T10 (Upgraded 2024)

TOZO T10 (Upgraded 2024) are the best waterproof true wireless headphones under $30 we’ve tested. If you need tough earphones, these are our top pick – TOZO T10 (Upgraded 2024) review.

TOZO T10 (2024 Edition) are generally V-shaped with deep bass and sparkly treble. However, the in-app EQ makes a huge difference, allowing you to completely change the sound and make it more natural.

The design is pretty basic but functional. The wireless earbuds are small and easily fit into all ear sizes. They provide a comfortable fit for long periods but aren’t secure enough to endure intense workouts.

On the other hand, the TOZO T10 (Upgraded 2024 version) are incredibly durable. The earbuds are rated for IPX8, meaning full water resistance. Even heavy rain or water submersion can’t hurt them.

Such a high IP protection rating at this price is rare.

Great features don’t end there. You also get a reliable connection, good call quality, customizable touch controls, and USB-C and Qi wireless charging support.

Moreover, there are 10 long hours and 35 minutes of listening time. You can easily charge them by placing them on a Qi wireless charging pad.

For the ultimate tough in-ear headphones at $30, check out the TOZO T10 (Upgraded 2024).

7. Skullcandy Dime True Wireless

If you want sound quality above all else, the Skullcandy Dime are the best we’ve tested for under $30. These are a perfect choice for budget audiophiles – Skullcandy Dime True Wireless review.

Despite being tiny and selling for such a low price, the Dime’s amazing sound quality and fantastic dynamics exceed their price tag.

They’re slightly V-shaped but in a tasteful way. There’s plenty of clarity and detail without sounding too punchy or bloated. They could be one of the best audiophile headphones on an extreme budget.

The wireless earbuds are also quite comfortable if you don’t push them too deep in your ear canal. Otherwise, they can start cutting into your ear lobes. Even though physical control buttons have a volume control, they’re painful to use.

The construction can withstand sweat and can resist rain (rated for an IPX4 rating). They’re overall plasticky, with the charging case feeling particularly fragile.

There’s only one concern: they have a short battery life we tested at 3h 36min per charge.

Nonetheless, Skullcandy Dime are a great choice for cheap wireless earphones with great sound.

Other Models to Consider

8. Symphonized NRG 3.0

9. Sennheiser HD 206

How We Tested

We tested and scored each pair of headphones on 9 key points:

1. Audio quality (measuring frequency response)
2. Comfort & Fit (measuring weight and wearing them personally)
3. Durability (testing water resistance and headband flexibility)
4. Battery life (timing the battery life to an exact minute)
5. Features & Mic (testing app, spatial audio, controls, game mode, microphone quality, etc.)
6. Noise Isolation (measuring passive noise reduction)
7. Active Noise Cancellation (measuring active noise cancellation)
8. Bluetooth Connection (Testing Bluetooth range and connection stability)
9. Value (Expert’s opinion on whether it is a good value for money)

This helps us compare and pick the best-performing headphones that we can confidently recommend. Explore our testing and scoring methodology.

How did we choose the models?

For headphones under $30, we focused on their overall performance. At this price point, you’re lucky if you find solid performance without major deal-breakers. So this was also the target of our research.

We listed some models that excel at a specific thing. These are the best for different use cases. Then, we also listed different types, from wired to true wireless and over-ear to in-ear headphones. All of them fall in the $30 price range.

What to Expect from $30 Headphones?

• Sound quality: You can’t expect audiophile-grade sound, but decent clarity and bass. They’re good enough for casual listening.
• Build quality: You should expect lower build quality with plastic housing and minimal metal parts. They’re often made with cheap materials and might not withstand rough handling and long-term wear as well as more expensive models.
• Comfort depends on the model. Some $30 headphones are super comfortable, and you can wear them for hours without discomfort. An average model has thinner and lower-quality padding. For comparison, here are the most comfortable headphones today..
• Only basic features: Don’t expect features like active noise cancellation or the latest spatial audio support. A companion app is quite rare at this price. Expect on-board or in-line controls and microphones on selected models.

There is a lot of variability at this price point. Some headphones are much better than the average, so check the reviews and tests for details.

Are $30 Headphones Worth It?

In my opinion, $30 headphones are the best for casual use. For 30 bucks, you can still get a decent pair of headphones with enjoyable sound and a comfortable fit. But that’s the low point.

The durability isn’t top-notch, but at least you won’t feel bad if you accidentally ruin them. Also, don’t expect the latest features like ANC. You’ll have to pay more for that.

If you’re looking for over-ear and on-ear headphones, I advise against spending less as the quality won’t be up to par.

Many $30 models offer a good balance of cost and performance. And are worth it if your needs are basic and you’re not overly concerned with longevity or high-end features. Just make sure to read reviews before buying, as there’s a lot of variability at this price point.

How Long Do Headphones under $30 Last?

How long headphones last largely depends on their type and use.

Wireless headphones tend to die out sooner than wired lasting around 3 years. The main reason is battery degradation. Over time battery slowly loses its capacity to the point of reaching obsolesence.

Wired headphones, however, can last decades. They don’t rely on batteries, and their longevity largely depends on how you treat them.

Generally, cheaper materials in inexpensive headphones suggest a shorter lifespan, but careful handling can extend their lifespan, making them as durable as more expensive headphones.

More cheap options:

• Top earbuds under $20
• Headphones under $50
• Headphones under $100

If you don’t mind getting slightly more expensive headphones, see the best Bluetooth headphones under $100.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for checking our guide. Please leave a comment and let us know what you think. If you believe we missed on an amazing pair of headphones in the category, please let us know.