Best Headphones Under $50

Crisp sound shouldn’t come with a steep price tag — especially when you're juggling classes, commutes, and late-night study sessions. Whether you prefer over-ear comfort, wireless freedom, or noise-canceling focus, we've searched for the best headphones under $100 that deliver without draining your wallet. Perfect for students who need quality sound on the go or at the desk.

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1MORE SonoFlow SE – Wireless ANC Headphones with 70H Battery & Custom EQ

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Current Cost: $39.99

The 1MORE SonoFlow SE wireless headphones are a solid pick for students who need clear, balanced sound and active noise cancellation without spending a fortune. Whether you're tuning in to a Zoom class, commuting with a playlist, or zoning out to study, these over-ear headphones keep distractions out and comfort in.

Equipped with 40mm DLC dynamic drivers, they deliver punchy bass and crisp highs — with a customizable EQ in the 1MORE app to match your personal sound style. The hybrid ANC helps block out background noise like chatter or traffic, making it easier to focus wherever you are.

With up to 70 hours of battery life, they’ll last through long school days and even longer library nights. Plus, they’re lightweight and padded for all-day comfort — no ear fatigue here.

💡 Great for: students who want affordable noise-canceling headphones with long battery life, customizable sound, and reliable Bluetooth performance.

  • Type: Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Audio Quality: Hi-Res Certified (up to 40kHz frequency response)
    Drivers: 40mm custom dynamic drivers
    Noise Cancellation: Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (up to 90% noise reduction)
    Bass Boost: BassUp Technology for enhanced low-end performance
    Playtime:

  • Up to 60 hours (standard mode)

  • Up to 40 hours (ANC mode at 60% volume)

  • 5-minute charge = 4 hours of playtime
    Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
    Charging Port: USB-C

Specs

  • Comfort: Memory foam ear cups & adjustable headband
    Impedance: 16 Ohms
    Weight: Lightweight for extended use (approx. 260g)
    Colors Available: Black, Blue, Pink, Silver
    Ideal For: Commuting, travel, study sessions, Zoom calls
    Extras: Foldable design, travel pouch included
    Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 from 86,000+ reviews)
    Price Range: ~$39.99 (frequent discounts from $59.99 MSRP)

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Sony WH-CH520 – Compact Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Mic (Black)

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The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are a reliable choice for students who want crisp audio, strong battery life, and a lightweight design — all without breaking the bank. Whether you're jumping on a Zoom call, catching up on lectures, or relaxing with your favorite playlist, these on-ear headphones keep things simple, clear, and portable.

With Bluetooth 5.2 and support for multipoint pairing, you can easily switch between your laptop and phone during class or study sessions. The sound is balanced and clean, and you can fine-tune it to your liking using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

They offer up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge — more than enough to last through a full week of campus life. And thanks to their compact, no-frills design, they’re easy to throw in your bag and wear comfortably all day.

💡 Great for: students who want affordable, no-nonsense headphones with long battery life, Bluetooth multitasking, and a slim on-ear build for daily use.

Current Cost: $39.99

Specs

  • Type: On-Ear Wireless Headphones
    Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint pairing
    Battery Life: Up to 50 hours on a full charge
    Quick Charge: 3 minutes = ~1.5 hours of playtime
    Charging Port: USB-C
    Sound Profile: Balanced, customizable via Sony Headphones Connect app
    EQ Settings: Adjustable EQ + presets through app
    Microphone: Built-in mic for calls and

  • Weight: Approx. 147g (lightweight for all-day wear)
    Design: Compact, adjustable headband, swivel ear cups
    Noise Cancellation: ❌ No ANC (passive noise isolation only)
    Colors Available: Black, Blue, White, Beige
    Ideal For: Zoom calls, commuting, studying, everyday listening
    Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5 from 23,000+ reviews)
    Price Range: ~$39.99 (subject to discounts)

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Soundcore Q20i – Wireless ANC Headphones with Hi-Res Audio & 40H Playtime

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Current Cost: $49.99

The Soundcore Q20i by Anker is a powerful pick for students who want premium features—like active noise cancellation and app-controlled EQ—without breaking the $50 mark. Whether you’re zoning in on a paper, walking to class, or relaxing with music, these over-ear headphones give you rich sound and lasting comfort.

Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers and BassUp technology, the Q20i delivers clear highs and deep bass that hits hard. You can customize your sound with the Soundcore app, which includes 22 EQ presets, manual adjustment, and modes for ANC, Transparency, or Normal listening.

With 40 hours of playtime with ANC on (or 60 hours in standard mode), these headphones easily get through the week on a single charge. Plus, quick charge gives you 4 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging.

💡 Great for: students who want wireless noise cancellation, app-based sound control, and long-lasting battery life—all under $50.

Specs

  • Type: Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
    Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio certified (via AUX)
    Drivers: 40mm dynamic drivers with BassUp tech
    Noise Cancellation: Hybrid ANC (reduces up to 90% of ambient noise)
    Modes: ANC / Normal / Transparency
    App Features: 22 EQ presets, custom EQ, white noise mode
    Battery Life:

  • 40 hours with ANC

  • 60 hours standard

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint (dual-device connection)
    Charging Port: USB-C
    Microphone: Built-in mic for clear calls
    Colors Available: Black, Blue, White
    Weight: Approx. 260g
    Impedance: 16 Ohm
    Ideal For: Studying, commuting, casual listening, Zoom calls
    Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5 from 29,600+ reviews)
    Price Range: ~$49.99 (frequent discounts from $69.99 MSRP)

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JBL Vibe Beam – True Wireless Earbuds with Bluetooth 5.2, Deep Bass & 32H Battery

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Current Cost: $39.95

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a compact and durable option for students who want strong sound, all-day battery life, and comfort that lasts through lectures, workouts, or walks to class. With 8mm drivers and JBL’s signature Deep Bass Sound, they deliver punchy, balanced audio that makes music and podcasts come alive.

Designed with a stick-closed in-ear fit, they block out ambient noise naturally and stay secure in your ears without discomfort. Whether you're on a call or a Zoom class, VoiceAware lets you control how much of your own voice you hear, so conversations stay clear.

With up to 32 hours of total battery life (8 hours in the buds + 24 in the case), plus a quick charge that gives you 2 extra hours in just 10 minutes, these earbuds won’t slow you down. And thanks to IP54-rated water and dust resistance, they’re ready for your daily routine—rain or shine.

💡 Great for: Students who need durable, deep-bass earbuds for commuting, studying, and hands-free calls — with enough battery to get through the week.

  • Call Features: VoiceAware for mic self-monitoring during calls
    Fit: Stick-closed ergonomic design for passive noise isolation
    Charging Port: USB-C
    Colors Available: Black, Blue, Mint, White, Beige
    Impedance: 16 Ohms
    Weight: Lightweight & compact design (exact weight not listed)
    Ideal For: Commutes, classes, workouts, hands-free calls
    Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5 from 22,600+ reviews)
    Price Range: ~$39.95 (sale) — ~$49.95 MSRP

  • Type: In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds
    Driver Size: 8mm dynamic drivers
    Sound Profile: JBL Deep Bass Sound
    Battery Life:

  • 8 hours in earbuds

  • 24 hours in charging case

  • 2 hours of playback from 10-minute quick charge
    Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
    Water Resistance:

  • Earbuds: IP54 (dust/splash resistant)

  • Case: IPX2

Specs

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QCY MeloBuds Pro – Wireless Earbuds with Hybrid ANC, LDAC Hi-Res Audio & 34H Battery

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Current Cost: $47.99

The QCY MeloBuds Pro are a powerhouse pick for students who want high-end features like adaptive noise cancellation, Hi-Res audio, and multipoint pairing — all for under $50. Whether you're blocking out dorm noise to study or taking calls between classes, these earbuds adapt to your environment and deliver clarity, power, and comfort.

Featuring 12mm bio-diaphragm drivers with LDAC codec support, the MeloBuds Pro provide three times more audio detail than standard Bluetooth earbuds. The adaptive ANC intelligently adjusts to your surroundings with four noise-canceling modes, while six AI-powered microphones ensure crisp call quality no matter where you are.

With up to 34 hours of battery life (7.5 hours per charge + case recharges), customizable EQ via the QCY app, and Bluetooth 5.3 for low-latency performance, these earbuds are built to handle every part of your student routine — from lecture halls to late-night gaming.

💡 Great for: students who want customizable audio, crystal-clear calls, and elite noise canceling — all without the premium price tag.

  • Type: In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds
    Drivers: 12mm Large Bio-Diaphragm Dynamic Drivers
    Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio certified with LDAC (Android only)
    Noise Cancellation:

  • Adaptive Hybrid ANC (up to 46dB)

  • 4 ANC modes via app (including transparency)
    Microphones: 6 total with AI ENC (environmental noise cancellation)
    Battery Life:

  • 7.5 hours per charge (with ANC)

  • 34 hours total with case
    Charging: USB-C

Specs

  • Connectivity:

  • Bluetooth 5.3

  • Multipoint pairing (connect 2 devices at once)
    Latency: Low-latency mode (approx. 80ms)
    In-Ear Detection: Auto-pause/play when removed
    App Support: QCY app (custom EQ, firmware updates, ANC control)
    Water Resistance: Not specified
    Colors Available: Black, Gold, White
    Weight: Lightweight (exact weight not listed)
    Amazon Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5 from 1,700+ reviews)
    Price Range: ~$47.99 (with coupons often available)

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