When looking for budget on-ear headphones, there are several options available at varying price points. The Sony WH-CH520 comes in at around $55 at Walmart and offers good sound quality, comfort, and long battery life. For those looking for an even more affordable option, the Soundcore by Anker H30i is priced at $32 on Amazon and provides decent sound quality and impressive battery life. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the JBL Live 670NC offers active noise canceling and a more premium design, priced at $100 on Amazon. For under $40, the Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2 provides a balance of comfort and sound quality, making it a solid budget option.
When it comes to on-ear headphones, not everyone prefers the bulkiness of over-ear models, making on-ear headphones a more compact and travel-friendly alternative. While most on-ear headphones do not offer active noise canceling, some models on this list do provide that feature. These headphones are also suitable for individuals with smaller heads, including kids. The Beats Solo 4 offers improvements in sound quality, battery life, and voice-calling over its predecessor, the Solo 3, making it a good option for those looking for a more compact on-ear headphone without the need for active noise canceling.
JBL’s Live 670NC and Tune 670NC models stand out among on-ear headphones for their active noise canceling capabilities. The Live 670NC offers a more premium design with durable ear pads, better sound quality, and longer battery life, priced at $130 but often dropping to $100. Creative’s Sound Blaster Jam V2 has received upgrades, including Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C charging, making it a good option for remote work and children’s use, priced at $30 on Amazon. Sennheiser’s HD 250BT provides a club-like sound with ample bass and sparkle in the treble, offering good energy and dynamics at a budget-friendly price point of $70.
Skullcandy’s Riff Wireless, priced at around $41 on Amazon, offers comfortable cushioned ear cups and open, detailed sound quality with plump bass. While it lacks a padded headband and feels slightly cheap in design, the headphone is lightweight and foldable for easy portability. Edifier’s WH500 on-ear headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and customizable through a companion app, making them a decent option for those looking for a budget-friendly choice. With a battery life of up to 40 hours and three color options, the WH500 offers decent sound quality for the price.
