10 Best Headphones Under 50 2025 in the United States

The JBL Tune 520BT headphones offer a strong mix of features for those looking for affordable wireless on-ear headphones. Their sound quality stands out with JBL's Pure Bass technology, delivering rich bass that music lovers will appreciate, making them well-suited for casual listening. Comfort is addressed with a lightweight and foldable design, although the fit may feel tight initially; JBL suggests a simple stretching method which can help ease that. These headphones provide passive noise isolation, meaning they block some outside noise but won't fully cancel it, which is typical for this price range and design. Battery life is impressive, boasting up to 57 hours on a single charge and quick charging that adds 3 hours of playtime in just 5 minutes—great for long listening sessions without frequent recharging. The wireless Bluetooth 5.3 connection ensures a stable and easy pairing experience, freeing you from cords. The microphone supports hands-free calls with a feature called Voice Aware, letting you hear your own voice clearly during calls, which improves call comfort.

While the plastic build keeps the headphones lightweight, it might feel less sturdy for rough use over time. These headphones lack a wired option, so they depend fully on Bluetooth, which may be a limitation if battery runs out and no cable is available. The JBL Tune 520BT represents a solid choice for budget-conscious users who want wireless convenience, good bass sound, and long battery life. However, those needing strong noise cancellation or a wired fallback might want to consider alternatives.

The JBL Tune 770NC headphones offer strong features for wireless over-ear headphones, including adaptive noise cancelling that helps block distractions, which is great for focused listening or commuting. The sound quality is supported by JBL’s Pure Bass, known for punchy low tones that suit bass lovers well. Comfort feels good with a lightweight, foldable design, making them easy to wear for long periods and convenient to carry.

Battery life stands out, boasting up to 70 hours on a single charge with quick charging, which is impressive in this price range and means less frequent charging hassle. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection supports stable wireless streaming, and the headphones come with an app to customize sound and switch between audio modes, adding flexibility.

On the downside, while the headphones offer good noise isolation with adaptive cancelling, true silence might not match pricier models. The microphone quality supports hands-free calls and features a VoiceAware mode to hear yourself, but call clarity might not be as crisp in very noisy settings. Durability isn’t heavily highlighted, so they may feel less robust compared to higher-end headphones. Considering their features and price, these headphones suit users who want wireless convenience, long battery life, and decent noise cancelling without overspending, though audiophiles or those needing premium call quality might want to explore higher-tier options.

The Sony ULT WEAR headphones offer impressive features for their price category, especially in sound quality and comfort. They deliver strong bass thanks to a dedicated bass amplifier, and the 40mm dynamic drivers provide clear, immersive audio. Active noise cancelling helps block out background noise, making them a good pick if you want better focus or travel without distractions.

Comfort-wise, the thermo-foaming ear cushions and over-ear design ensure a soft fit for longer listening sessions. Battery life is excellent, providing up to 30 hours on a single charge, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you 90 minutes of playback, which is convenient. These headphones are wireless with Bluetooth 5.2, but also include a detachable cable for wired use, offering flexibility. The built-in Alexa voice assistant adds hands-free control, though microphone quality is average and might not be ideal for frequent calls.

Durability is decent, with an eco-friendly recycled plastic build and a foldable design that fits well in the included carrying case. The impedance listed (314 Ohm) is quite high, which is unusual for wireless headphones and might affect compatibility or volume levels with some devices. These headphones are solid over-ear options under $50 for users looking for active noise cancelling, good battery life, and comfort, but those prioritizing microphone quality or ultra-durable construction may want to consider alternatives.