Arnaud Gilbert 
Headphones have become an essential item in today’s environment. Not only do they allow you to listen to anything you want whenever and wherever you want, but they can also provide you with a decent sound while cancelling out unwanted sounds. Most importantly, you don’t have to give away hundreds of dollars for a good pair of headphones. Today, it’s possible to find something amazing even on a budget.
If you’re looking for a new device, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll find 6 tips for choosing the best cheap headphones. Wires, IPX rating, sound isolation, frequency range – here’s everything you need to know about how to make the right choice.
Table of Contents
1. Know What You Want
Before you start looking for something, you should take a closer look at your own needs. Do you want a pair of closed-ear headphones or would you rather prefer something that doesn’t cover your ears? What kind of music are you listening to? Are you planning on traveling with your new headphones? Would you like something wireless?
By knowing what you’re looking for from the very beginning, you’ll make the process easier and stress-free.
2. Don’t Sacrifice Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the most important factors when it comes to headphones. Here is why:
If the quality is low, no matter how nice the headphones look or how inexpensive they are, you won’t take pleasure in using them. Sound quality means different things to different people, and it often depends on what you plan to listen to with your headphones. But if you skimp on quality in order to save money, you’ll end up buying something that is of no value to you, which will only mean that you have thrown your money away.
3. Look for Specific Features
There are loads of different headphones available on the market today. While some of them may look similar, you should know that they can vary a lot in terms of features. When choosing headphones, make sure that they have the specific features that you need.
For example, if you’re looking for a good pair of headphones for working out, you should get something with a decent IPX rating. In case you want something for watching movies, you should certainly check the frequency range first.
Wireless
Today, the majority of headphones are wireless. This means that they don’t have a wire which connects to your media player. However, not all wireless headphones are the same. Some are Bluetooth-enabled while others use a radio frequency signal to connect with your smartphone. It’s important to know exactly what type of technology your device uses in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
If you opt for Bluetooth headphones, make sure they have extended battery life (otherwise you’ll be able to listen to music only for several hours). On the other hand, RF headphones are usually cheaper and more portable, although they do require a charging cable.
IPX Rating
If you want to spend a good portion of your time outside or if you’re an active sportsman, it’s important that you select headphones that are water-resistant.
Fortunately, there are many models available today which feature a high IPX rating. IPX stands for ingress protection. The number indicates how resistant a headphone is against water. IPX7 means the device is completely waterproof, while IPX3 provides moderate protection.
If you want to get a pair of headphones that will survive in harsh weather conditions, look for an IPX7 model. Otherwise, you will be able to get by with an IPX3 model.
Sound Isolation
If you work or study in an open space, you probably know how annoying it can be when someone tries to talk to you while you’re listening to music. To avoid situations like this, look for headphones which feature proper sound isolation and noise cancellation technology. These devices will provide you with the highest quality of sound and allow you to concentrate on your task without being distracted by random noises.
Frequency Range
Today’s headphones come with a wide frequency range and can pick up even the lowest noises. While a wider range is obviously better, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money on a model with a wide frequency range. It all depends on what you need.
If you want to use your headphones mostly for talking on the phone, a frequency range of 20-20 kHz should be enough. However, if you want them for listening to music, then choose one with a wider range (around 4-40 kHz).
4. Consider the Price
While some people believe that expensive means better quality, this isn’t always true. There are many great and affordable headphones available on the market today, and they can be just as effective as their more expensive counterparts.
One thing that’s worth noting is that cheaper headphones tend not to last as long as more expensive models. So, if you opt for an inexpensive model, be prepared to replace it after a few months or years of use.
5. Consider Compatibility with Your Device
It’s important to remember that not all headphones will work with all devices, so make sure that your headphones will fit with your preferred device before buying them. For example, if you want to watch TV shows on your laptop using earbuds, then check whether your model supports such a feature or not.
6. Get Recommendations From Friends or Family Members
One of the easiest ways to find a good pair of cheap headphones is to ask others for recommendations. Oftentimes, we know someone who has used a certain product before and we can ask them about it. This way we can learn about what we need to pay attention to and whether or not we should invest in a certain product based on our personal needs and preferences.
Reading reviews can be helpful. But, unfortunately, not all reviews are genuine. Some are posted as advertisements. A review from a trusted source such as a friend or family member is always better than an anonymous review.
Summary: Start by determining how you intend to use your headphones, with what devices, and under what conditions. Make sure you get a model that has the features you need without skimping on sound quality. Ask your friends for recommendations then make your purchase and enjoy your new headphones.
