Best budget headphones 2022

It is difficult to imagine a modern person who would completely do without headphones. If earlier they were used only for listening to music, now they can be used to listen to audio books, listen to webinars and watch podcasts, as well as talk on the phone if the device has a microphone. You can’t do without them when working remotely, as well as at webinars and video conferences.

If you do not make very high demands on sound quality or listen mainly to speech recordings, there is no point in spending money on buying expensive headphones. You can simply choose the best option from the budget segment, which is not too inferior to expensive models. The editors of Healthy Food Near Me have compiled their own rating of budget wired headphones for those music lovers who do not want to depend on the capacity of the battery and the outlet. The choice is based on the fact that wired in-ear headphones are the cheapest compared to full-size ones, in addition, the comparison of these two types of devices will not be correct. 

Editor’s Choice

Sennheiser CX 175

Headphones are made in a minimalist design, and the basis is high-quality plastic. Thanks to soft overlays, they take the form of an auricle and do not fall out while walking or jogging. Due to the L-shaped plug, there are no creases in the wire. The cable length is 1.2 meters, which is enough to use the headphones comfortably. 

Based on dynamic technology, it allows bass, low, mid and high frequencies to sound high quality, without wheezing and drops. Headphone sensitivity: 121 dB, which ensures high-quality sound reproduction, without distortion 

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Top 10 best budget headphones in 2022 according to KP

1. Creative EP-630

Miniature and lightweight headphones, weighing only 9 grams, do not take up much space in your pocket or bag. Despite their simple and concise design, they have good performance. 

The optimal cord length of 1.2 m ensures comfortable use. The sensitivity of the headphones is enhanced by the use of neodymium magnets (increase the sensitivity of the headphones and provide better sound quality) and is 106 dB at a maximum reproducible frequency: 23000 Hz. Another distinguishing feature is the presence of noise reduction, which makes listening even more comfortable. 

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2. Sony MDR-EX15LP

Bright headphones that will immediately attract attention. In addition to stylish performance, they are no less good sounding for the budget category. Maximum reproducible frequency: 22000 Hz, at a sensitivity of 100 dB. These headphones are one of the smallest and lightest, weighing only 3 grams. Convenient L-shaped plug prevents kinks. 

Neodymium magnets increase sensitivity and make the sound clearer, without extraneous noise and sudden drops. The cable length is standard: 1.2 m, it is enough for comfortable use. The presence of silicone pads provides good sound insulation. 

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3. Koss The Plug

Stylish and bright headphones have an original, slightly elongated shape, thanks to which they sit well in the ears and do not fall out. They have dynamic radiators that provide high-quality sound, including high frequencies that do not interrupt mids and lows. Light weight, only 7 grams, and a fairly long wire of 1.2 meters, ensures comfortable use of the headset.

This model is available in two versions: with a straight and L-shaped plug. High sensitivity: 112 dB and a maximum reproducible frequency of 20000 Hz ensures high sound quality. The speakers are of high quality, playback even at high volume does not allow the appearance of wheezing. High-quality sound insulation does not allow sounds from outside to penetrate.

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4. Panasonic RP-HJE125

In-ear wired headphones are very light, their weight is only 4 grams. The model is presented both in classic (black, white) and bright (pink, light green, purple, orange) colors. Comfortable and soft silicone pads provide good sound isolation and adapt to the shape of the ear without falling out and without creating discomfort. 

Dynamic technology delivers quality sound. Bass does not wheeze, low, medium and high frequencies are in their places and do not interrupt each other. The sensitivity of this model is 97 dB, the maximum reproducible frequency: 24000 Hz. 

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5. Philips SHE1350

Headphones are made in a classic style, have a standard shape. The plastic is durable and of high quality, the length of the cord is 1 meter, this is quite enough for everyday use. L-shaped plug eliminates cable kinks. The manufacturer used dynamic technology that provides high-quality sound. Clear sound of bass and all frequencies without wheezing, sound drops and crackling. 

Good sound insulation prevents outside noise from penetrating. The weight of the headphones is not the smallest – 15 grams. High sensitivity: 100 dB, at a maximum reproducible frequency: 20000 Hz – good performance, given the budget cost of headphones. 

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6. JBL T100

Tiny and stylish headphones from a well-known brand and at an affordable price. Additional convenience is provided by silicone removable ear pads that take the shape of the auricle and do not fall out of the ears. The oblong shape, without unnecessary details, makes these headphones almost invisible. The wire is thick enough, has a length of 1.1 m, which is enough for comfortable use. 

The manufacturer used dynamic technology that provides the highest quality sound, pronounced bass, the perfect combination of low, medium and high frequencies. The maximum reproducible frequency for this model: 22000 Hz, with a sensitivity of 100 dB. 

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7. Edifier H185

Dynamic wired headphones with high-quality sound, which is achieved due to the maximum reproducible frequency: 20000 Hz and sensitivity: 112 dB. Straight plug for lovers of the classics. The extended cord length of 1.3 m is an advantage over other models. Foam pads are soft and comfortable, providing a secure fit in the ears. 

The classic round shape provides high-quality sound insulation, preventing extraneous noise from penetrating. The plastic is strong enough, the cord does not get tangled due to the optimal thickness.

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8. SVEN SEB 10 BK

Stylish and modern headphones. Soft pads take the shape of the auricle well, do not fall out and provide high-quality sound insulation. The L-shaped plug does not break and thus does not degrade the sound quality. It is based on dynamic technology that provides high-quality sound, with decent bass.

Medium length cable 1.1 m, with a headset weight of 25 grams. Decent sensitivity for the budget segment of 109 dB and a maximum reproducible frequency of 20000 Hz allows low, medium and high frequencies to exist in harmony.

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9. Sennheiser MX 170

Headphones are made in a classic design, presented in a laconic black color. The L-shaped plug is convenient to use because it does not break. The cable length of 1.2 meters is enough for comfortable use by people with different heights. The weight of the headphones is not the smallest: 14 grams.

The sound is quite clear, without extraneous sounds and wheezing. Bass, bass, mids and trebles are well transmitted, and in most cases the sound does not require additional EQ adjustment. 

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10. SmartBuy Color Trend

Bright and stylish, they are noticeable from afar. Headphones are very budget, but at the same time they are not inferior in quality to more expensive counterparts. The soft silicone tips are easy to remove and replace if needed. Thanks to such overlays, the headphones are well kept in the ears and do not fall out. The model has a straight plug, and the length of the wire is 1.2 meters, which is quite enough.

The sound is clear and high quality. The absence of wheezing and sound differences allows you to enjoy music. Good sound insulation does not allow extraneous noise to penetrate. The sensitivity of this model: 102 dB, and the maximum reproducible frequency: 20000 Hz.

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How to choose budget headphones

When choosing budget wired headphones, there are not many criteria, since the functionality of such devices is very limited. And yet there are some parameters that are better to consider when buying. 

• Manufacturer. It does not matter in which country the headphones were assembled, as even the most famous manufacturers often open factories where it is more economical. But the name of the manufacturer is still important, it is better that it be at least well known. Then there is at least some guarantee of quality, because well-known manufacturers value their reputation. In addition, well-known companies have better quality control than non-name ones. 
• The weight. For some, this parameter will be unimportant, but for someone fundamental. There are those who are not comfortable with feeling a significant weight in their ears for a long time. In this case, it is better to pay attention to small models with a minimum weight. 
• Ear cushions. Even among budget headphones, you can find models that come with several types of ear cushions. This is a great advantage, because among them there will definitely be those that fit the size of the auricle perfectly and will not pop out with every movement. 
• Sensitivity. It is better to choose models in which this parameter is higher. Then the sound will be louder and better. 
• Connection type. Among wired headphones, there are several options: 3,5 Jack-connector, USB Type-C and Lightning on Apple devices. You need to choose the one that suits your device. Sometimes headphones are sold with adapters, then they are suitable for any connector. 
• Length and type of wire. The comfort of using headphones depends on this. Too long a wire will get in the way and get tangled in outerwear, bags and scarves. And too short may not reach, then the “ears” will pop out all the time. And the wire itself should not be too thin, otherwise, after the first entanglement, internal breaks and failure are possible. The most reliable is a dense twisted wire or lightning wire. 

Immediately after purchase, you need to check the headphones. Is there sound, how good is it, is there hiss and hiss, is the connection loose. If initially there are no problems, and the device is operated carefully, most likely even budget headphones will last a long time. 

Popular questions and answers

For answers to the most popular questions from consumers, KP turned to an expert, to the leading brand manager of Digma Ilya Petrov.