The Best Headphones Under $40 for 2023
Headphones are a pair of small loudspeaker drivers. They work by converting electrical energy into sound waves and are usually worn over (or inserted) into…
Headphones are a pair of small loudspeaker drivers. They work by converting electrical energy into sound waves and are usually worn over (or inserted) into the ears. They come in different styles and sizes and are a preferred option to a loudspeaker because they prevent the sound from being heard by other people, and are better at noise cancellation when compared to earphones. Many headsets even come with amplifiers that allow you to set the tone and volume of the sound to your preference.
Headphones also provide a sound pitch of fidelity greater than loudspeakers of similar cost. However, getting a high-quality pair of headphones that is affordable can sometimes be a challenge. As such we’ve found the best noise canceling, wireless, bassy, and wired headphones that can you can buy for under 40 dollars. So, if you’re on the lookout for an amazing headphone that is within the budget, look no further!
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Soundcore Anker Life Q20
2. Runner Up
TUINYO
3. Cost Effective
SoundMAGIC E10 Wired Earphones
4. Almost Made the Cut
Aluratek Bluetooth
1. Best Product
1. Best Product
Soundcore Anker Life Q20
Designed to block out up to 90% of ambient noise, these are excellent for noisy environments.
Specifications
- Dimensions
- 7.67 x 7.08 x 3.07 inches
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Charging Port
- Micro-USB
Pros
Memory Foam Earcups- Hi-Res Audio Certified (With ANC Off)
- 40-Hour Playtime
- Crystal-Clear Calls
Cons
The Headband May Be Overally Snug- ANC Affects Audio Quality
Previous Customer Experience
| Battery life |   | 4.6 |
| Sound quality | | 4.4 |
| Volume control | | 4.4 |
| Bass Quality | | 4.3 |
| Noise cancellation | | 4.2 |
| Comfort | | 3 |
Who It's For
Get this if you are on the lookout for a solid set of portable headphones with high-fidelity sound effects that you can use for enjoying music while running or cycling.
Why It's Great
Enjoy this open-ear headphone that protects your hearing by vibrating to deliver music through your cheekbones. It keeps you safe and secure by allowing you to hear your surroundings.
Potential Flaws
Even though Kuuhsaaez presents this headphone with a very stylish appearance, the open-air feature cannot block outside noise that well. Users of this headphone praise its amazing qualities but don't recommend it for use on the plane, at the office, or even at the gym because they leak sound. But other than this disadvantage, they are amazing all together.
Other Features
Going for as little as $39.99, this open-ear headphone is an ultralight piece of quality. It has a long standby and working time is healthy, safe, and durable with a waterproof feature! We adore the fact that it is very comfortable to wear, and is guaranteed to stay firmly on during a run with very good sound quality. If you enjoy workouts or sports then you need to get this, because, in no time, it will be your favorite running earphone. It is durable and dustproof, compatible with iOS and Android devices, and can be easily connected to smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and PCs
Product Specifications
Brand: Kuuhsaaez
Color: K69-Green1
Form Factor: In Ear
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Special Feature: Wireless, Travel
Package Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3 inches
Item Weight: 3.52 ounces
2. Runner Up
2. Runner Up
TUINYO
You can use these headphones wirelessly or with a wired connection.
Specifications
- Weight
- 11.8 ounces
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology
- Wired
Pros
- Memory-Protein Ear Cushions
- Wired/Wireless Operation
- Foldable Design
Cons
- No Noise Cancellation
Previous Customer Experience
| Value for money | | 5 |
| Comfort | | 4.8 |
| Battery life | | 4.3 |
| Volume control | | 4.1 |
| Sound quality | | 4 |
| Noise cancellation | | 3.9 |
Who It's For
Get this if you want a headphone that provides an immersive audio sound and is ideal for travel, exercise, learning, and gaming.
Why It's Great
This TUINYO headphone is engineered to deliver high-fidelity sounds and can connect to voice-enabled Siri-assisted devices to grant you quick access to information depending on the operating system of your device.
Potential Flaws
Even though many users rave about the adjustable sound feature and long battery life of this product, there were complaints about the mic quality being pretty bad. Reviewers say it was muffled and that they could barely be heard even after trying on different devices. So if the quality of the mic doesn’t matter much this comes highly recommended.
Other Features
From a seamless Bluetooth connectivity feature to memory-protein ear cushions, TUINYO promises lasting wearing comfort that even simulates human skin texture. This Bluetooth headset is adjustable, thanks to the durable quality stainless steel slider and softly padded headband it comes with. It is rechargeable with an 800mAh battery that offers 40 hours of music time and charges to completion within three hours. It is affordable and easy to use, and now you can worry less about power shortage problems in case you plan on taking a long trip. By choosing this headphone, you can expect a 30-days hassle-free return policy and a one-year warranty.
Product Specifications
Brand: TUINYO
Model Name: Bluetooth Headphones
Color: Dark blue
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Product Dimensions: 7.09 x 6.3 x 3.54 inches
Item Weight: 9.1 ounces
3. Cost Effective
3. Cost Effective
SoundMAGIC E10 Wired Earphones
This pair offers incredible bass, given their small size and price point.
Specifications
- Weight
- 0.38 ounces
- Fit Type
- In-Ear
Pros
- Powerful Bass
- Aluminum Construction
- Twisted Pair Hi-Fi Cable
- Comfortable Stay-In-Ear Fit
Cons
- Wired
Previous Customer Experience
| Comfort | | 4.3 |
| Quality of material | | 4.3 |
| Sound quality | | 4.1 |
| Bass Quality | | 4 |
| Noise cancellation | | 3.9 |
| Durability | | 3.8 |
Who It's For
Get this if you are looking for an ultra-lightweight contoured design headphone that will conform to the shape of your ear and give you comfort and stability.
Why It's Great
Excellent wireless headphones with Bluetooth and a charging case that is IP-X7 watertight and sweatproof, to prevent sweat from getting into headphones and damaging their components.
Potential Flaws
Despite this headphone being an all-time favorite, we recommend it for people who do not have a problem with sweaty ears. For someone sensitive about sweat getting over his headphone, this might not be an excellent choice for you since it doesn't come with a neckband and will have to stay in your ears until you take it off completely.
Other Features
Coming with four mics that used CVC8.0 technology, this headphone can strongly eliminate external noise and amplify your vocals even in a crowded space, making your communication clearer. It comes with dual LED displays and a one-hour fast charging feature that lasts up to eight hours of playing time. The single-ear buds wireless BlueTooth earbud is 4g and comes in at an ultra-lightweight that is contoured to conform to the shape of your ear which makes it comfortable and stable. It is built in a capacitive touch sensing technology allowing you to control volume, answer/hang up/reject calls, control music functions, and activate voice assistant with a simple touch. This headphone is also compatible with ios/android system devices, and most Bluetooth-enabled devices so you can expect to have no trouble pairing your phone with them irrespective of the phone model you're using.
Product Specifications
Brand: Drsaec
Model Name: J52
Color: Balck
Form Factor: In Ear
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Product Dimensions: 1.18 x 1.57 x 0.79 inches
Item Weight: 0.353 ounces
4. Almost Made the Cut
4. Almost Made the Cut
Aluratek Bluetooth
These stylish over-ear headphones produce surprisingly high-quality audio, making them a viable alternative to more expensive models.
Specifications
- Fit Type
- Over-Ear
- Dimensions
- 8 x 7 x 2 inches
- Weight
- 3.99 ounces
- Range
- 33 feet
- Battery Runtime
- Up to 8 hours
Pros
- Large Cushioned Ear Cups
- 33 Feet Wireless Range
- On Device Controls
Cons
- Occasional Bluetooth Disconnection
Previous Customer Experience
| Battery life | | 5 |
| Sound quality | | 4.5 |
| Value for money | | 4.4 |
| Comfort | | 4 |
Who It's For
Get this if you are a student, musician, or music lover who puts a lot of wear and tear on their headphones looking for a cheap option.
Why It's Great
This headphone is a long-lasting dependable headphone that is specifically designed as a workhorse with very durable and comfortable materials.
Potential Flaws
Even though these headphones are reported to be very comfortable, some users complain that they did not provide the sound they expected from in-ear headphones. The low bass performance seemed to be a major drawback and for lovers of deep bass, this might 'not be the option for you.
Other Features
Coming in at an extremely lightweight, Aisizon H1 open-ear headphones have a surface that is made of soft skin-friendly material, which perfectly fits the side face. The full-fit memory metal neckband offers long-wearing time without ear pain and is suitable for gym workouts, outdoor running, and road cycling activities. The unique structure offers a high-fidelity sound effect (the treble is loud, the midrange is transparent, and the bass is okay.) Since the sound is directionally transmitted, you can be sure to enjoy extremely high-quality music while exercising and doing housework. It supports voice prompts and hands-free calls so you can operate with voice prompts, easily switch between music and calls, and enjoy wireless music without missing any calls.
Product Specifications
Brand: Aisizon
Model Name: Aisizon H1
Color: Black
Form Factor: On Ear
Connectivity Technology: Wireless
Connection distance: 10M
Waterproof grade: IPX5
Weight: 22g
Battery:150mAh
Size 142*90*50mm
Who This Is For
The products here advertised are for people who want a device for listening to sound from mobile devices, speakers, etc confidentially.
What makes more expensive headphones better?
More expensive headphones often have better sounds, excellent build quality, profound design, and comfort. They are more expensive because they are often not mass-produced and only high-end materials are employed in their production giving them a higher sound fidelity and also ensuring that they are long-lasting.
Is it worth getting cheaper headphones?
Depending on your preference and usage, you can choose to get cheaper headphones that are affordable and offer satisfaction. If you are a gamer, for instance, you will need headphones with immersive bass and sound which might be more expensive but for a casual music listener, getting cheap headphones with good sound quality is very ideal.
Different types of headphones for online gaming or streaming
Gaming or streaming headsets must first be comfortable to wear for a long time. Unlike regular headphones, they have been designed to offer a more immersive experience and often have better sound and background noise canceling quality than other headphones. Every gamer knows that a headset that offers latency and immersive bass performance is non-negotiable. The first type of headphones for gaming/streaming we would consider here would be the wireless headphone. It is an excellent option because it offers mobility, longer battery run time, and equal latency, with an immersive sound than a microphone that does not pick up keypress sounds on the mechanical keyboard and can be used with various devices. They have far outpaced wired headphones and many gamers use this option for the flexibility it offers. Some wireless headphones like the Asus Rog come in highly recommended for gaming/streaming since they are appealing and have a lot to offer, including QUAD DAC technology. Whichever headphones you finally settle for despite the type should provide overall high sound quality.
Why You Should Trust Us
With so many cheap headphones of different styles and designs flooding the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. When selecting our picks, we avoided headphones that are made out of low-quality materials, and that do not have a fairly balanced sound. We evaluated all our top picks to make sure they were the best options that will offer a lot of value for your money currently on the market and that are made out of long-lasting and durable materials, with top noise canceling features, for less than $40.
How We Picked
Based on the quadrants how we picked above, we scoured over thousands of previous users’ experiences with different brands and evaluated their performance based on the cumulative results they got from using different brands.
Among our picks, you will find comfortable headphones that offer premium sounds with noise-isolating features. All our picks won our under $40 headphones of the year 2022 because they come with stylish designs that were made to block out lots of noise with headbands and earpads that are extremely comfortable. Apart from our picks being lightweight and in compact form with designs that are made out of durable materials. We have also included headphones with lovely balanced sounds, and lots of details with crisp clarity and quality that you will barely get from earphones under $40.
If you are a lover of adventures, we have included TUINYO, one of our picks that come with many mods, which can be adjusted to any desired level for your entertainment at an affordable price. Both wired and wireless headphones with Bluetooth connectivity have been included for your selection.
The sounds from our picks are very detailed and all come with a neutral tuning. The materials used are comfortable on the ears, adjustable, have an average battery life of eight hours, and work well with almost every genre offering you a taste of what more expensive headphones sound like. The best thing about them? They are very portable and highly affordable but with just about the same quality that only expensive brands offer.
How We Picked
Adjustability
Some earphones come with adjustable wire controls and can be adjusted to fit your head. They come with a band that goes around the head and ear cups that fit in any direction. This feature is necessary if you want the flexibility of positioning the earphone in variable settings.
Material - Comfort and Breathability
The materials used for making headphones range from PVC to plastic and silicone among others. Selecting a classical material that offers comfort and breathability is necessary which is why we have included headphones with ear-protecting materials that are enjoyable and easy on the ears
Style and Design
Many different styles and designs of headphones exist but fall into over-ear, on-ear, earbuds, and in-ear headphones. So depending on what you desire, it is important to go for one that suits your personality. We have included different styles here for your consideration
Cost-Effectiveness
You don't need to settle on low-quality headphones just because you are on a budget. We have found a variety of headphones at affordable prices that are best sellers and that are durable and safe to use.
Care and Maintenance
As a safety measure, always use headphones that will enable you to pay attention to external sounds when you are outdoors. If you plan to use your headphones daily then, before purchasing them, ensure they are the right size for your ears, are comfortable and they have good sound quality. To connect to the internet via Bluetooth simply put on the Bluetooth function of your mobile device and your headphone and pair. Do not wear if the wires are broken or loose. If a fault develops with audio connectivity or volume issues, check your settings first but if it persists please return to the product store where you purchased the item for fixing. Wipe your headphones after every use and if possible, do not let others use them. To clean it up, simply brush it lightly, taking care to remove the debris and store them neatly (keep the wires untangled) in a dry place.
Further Reading and Similar Topics
March 27, 2025
National Acoustic Soul Day
Get your guitar and headphones ready to celebrate this day full of music.
