10 Best Cheap Over Ear Headphones [ 2023 ] - MusicCritic (2024)

Cheap Over-Ear Headphones Buyers Guide

Everyone wants to purchase the very best product for their money. That's no different when it comes to headphones. To make sure that you spend your money on the best headphones, then consider this buyer's guide. We'll explain the key features to look out for, as well as answer the most important questions you might ask before purchasing a new headphone set.

Wired or Wireless

It's a simple choice. You can go for a wired version or a wireless version.

If you go for wired, then you'll save money, as you won't need to charge them. You'll also find that they're cheaper upfront too, as they're not loaded with lots of fancy technology. There's the chance that your wire will get snagged as you're walking around or listening to music. Many cables these days are tangle-free, as well as being at least 1m long - and usually much longer - so you shouldn't have too many issues with it.

But wireless is definitely a more liberating option. Without any cables, your arms and neck can be completely free. Of course, you'll need to consider battery life, as all wireless models need to be charged. But it's possible these days to pick up a wireless headphone set that will offer you more than 40 hours of battery life from a single charge.

Quality of Sound

This is the most important feature for most people. You want them to sound good, above all else. The most important element to consider is the drivers that are fitted inside the ear cups. The larger the drivers, the more powerful the sound will be.

You also want to consider how they have been tuned. Some will have been tuned to enhance the low end. This is fine if you're a fan of bassy music, but if you're into classical music or you want to use them for watching movies or even mixing tracks, then it's better to choose a pair that has a natural tuning.

Comfort

Comfort is, of course, extremely important. You just need to ensure that they have soft earpads made from a memory protein, wrapped in a material like leatherette. The headband should also be padded. The lighter they are, the better, as this will allow you to wear them for longer. You also want them to have a high build quality, as then they'll be durable. If they're flimsy, they'll break, and then they won't be comfortable to wear.

Noise Isolation and Cancelation Technology

Noise isolation is created through design. It means that the earpads form a seal with your ears, and then this will block out external noises. ANC is the best way to block out external noise, but because it's the best, then it costs you a lot more. It's possible to find cheap headphones with ANC technology, though.

Are True Wireless Earbuds Better Than Wireless Over-Ear Headphones?

It's difficult to say which is the best as they're completely different in many ways. True wireless earbuds sit inside the canal of your ears, which is very different from headphones that go over your ears. True wireless earbuds are lightweight, and because they're true wireless, they don't have a cable.

But true wireless earbuds need to be charged. The best for you is entirely up to what you do while wearing them. If you like to relax and listen to music, then headphones are the better choice. You'll get better sound quality from them because they have larger drivers. If you want to exercise, then true wireless earbuds are a better option.

Expert Tip

While it might seem like a good idea to choose wireless headphones, you need to remember that they will require charging, which will also cost you money in electricity. If you want to keep things as cheap as possible, then go for wired over-ear headphones. As long as the wire is a decent length, then you shouldn't find it an issue.

Did you know?

The very first headphones that were ever created were made in 1910 by a man named Nathanial Baldwin. He worked very closely with the US Navy when making them.

Conclusion

These days, it's easy to find an excellent set of headphones for an affordable price, but you need to be careful that you don't spend your money on a sub-par product. It's best to focus on sound quality above all else, as you'll be using them to listen to audio, so you want it to sound good.

Next, you should consider comfort, making sure that the cushions are soft, and that the headband is padded. If you go for a wireless option, then you should also check how long the battery will last for a single charge. If you go for wired, then check its length and try to get a tangle-free one. Focus on all these things, and you'll grab yourself a bargain.

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