Buying headphones can be an extremely tricky business, with the marketplace filled with a plethora of different of makes and models.
If you have a limited budget to play with the decision can be even tougher, particularly when it comes to finding something that is fit for purpose.
The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true for most technology products and it is fair to say that headphones are generally no different in that respect.
However, it is certainly possible to find items that are not only affordable but offer levels of performance that belie their price tag. Read on as we look at the best budget headphones of 2019.
Skullcandy Grind Headphones
With a bold design, comfortable fit and great sound quality, the Skullcandy Grind are a truly excellent set of headphones.
They come in a variety of colours, have soft earcups and adjustable metal sliders that allow for a perfect fit every time.
Powered by REX40TM drivers, the headphones deliver a balanced sound that doesn’t distort even if you pump up the volume.
The Grind also features a built-in microphone that has been cleverly repositioned to make it easier to take calls.
The headphones are extremely well-made for a budget unit, while a one-button control system makes it easy to manage the different functions.
While the funky design might put off more conservative users, the Skullcandy Grind are undoubtedly one of the best budget headphones on the market.
OneOdio DJ Studio Wireless Headphones
If you’re looking for great sound quality without breaking the bank, you would be well-advised to check out the OneOdio DJ Studio wireless headphones.
Buttons on the right earcup allow you to adjust the volume and control your music, making for an extremely pleasurable listening experience.
Sound quality is very well-balanced, delivering on-point musical output across the entire volume spectrum.
The headphones feature an adjustable headband, while soft synthetic leather ear cushions offer users superb levels of comfort.
Battery life is more than 25 hours, while a solid build quality ensures that they will withstand the rigours of daily life.
With an external, extended microphone for calling and gaming purposes, the OneOdio DJ Studio wireless headphones are a bargain.
Taotronics TT-BH040 Headphones
The Taotronics TT-BH040 headphones are designed to look like the Beats Studio 3 or Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, but they are available for a fraction of the price.
While the sound quality is not on a par with those loftier brands, you’d have to be something of a snob not to enjoy the great performance delivered by the TT-BH040.
Aluminium around each earcup gives the headphones a touch of quality, while the plastics used in the rest of unit are pretty sturdy.
The headband and earpads are extremely well-padded, meaning you can wear them comfortably throughout the day.
You can adjust the volume and play/pause tracks via a button on the left earcup, while a slider on the right one controls the active noise cancellation.
With Bluetooth, an integrated microphone and great battery life, the TT-BH040 are well worth a second look.
AKG Y50 Headphones
For fans of music who like a bit of oomph to their sounds, the AKG Y50 headphones are a solid choice.
They feature a stronger bass than many models in the budget range, but AKG’s acoustics boffins have ensured this doesn’t detract from the overall listening experience.
The Y50’s feel similar to the Beats Solo 2 in terms of the sound they produce and that’s no bad thing considering the price you pay for each model.
These on-ear headphones have a bold design that makes them stand out from the crowd, with some of the colour choices certainly on the loud side.
The headband has been redesigned to improve comfort levels, while the earpads are comfortable enough to wear for hours on end.
With folding cups making the Y50’s ultra-portable, this award-winning set of headphones hits all the right notes.
Lindy BNX-60 Headphones
With active noise-cancelling technology, Bluetooth technology and a wireless design, the Lindy BNX-60 headphones pack a lot into a very affordable package.
Featuring an adjustable headband and comfortable earpads, the BNX-60 are perfect for long music listening sessions.
The headphones are charged via USB, with a full charge giving you around 15 hours of wireless music or slightly less if you have the noise-cancelling feature switched on.
Noise-cancellation is effective, offering an excellent alternative to the far more expensive Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones.
The BNX-60 headphones deliver a balanced sound, with neither the bass nor treble dominating the other. There is a little drop-off in performance in wireless mode, but this doesn’t detract too greatly from the listening experience.
Handy buttons on each earcup make the unit very easy to control, meaning the BNX-60 put many of the more expensive headphones on the market to shame.
