Best Budget Over-Ear Headphones That Sound Great

Budget over-ear headphones have improved dramatically. Under $60 you can now get decent bass, comfortable pads, and even wireless with ANC, where a few years ago that price bought tinny sound.

What makes budget over-ears good

Driver size matters at this price. Look for 40mm drivers or larger, which produce fuller bass than the smaller drivers in cheap on-ear models. A closed-back design also helps bass and blocks outside noise.

Comfort and build

• Memory foam or plush ear pads for long listening sessions
• An adjustable, padded headband
• A foldable design if you'll carry them

Wireless vs wired at this price

A wired $50 headphone almost always sounds better than a wireless $50 headphone, because the wireless budget goes into the battery and radio instead of the drivers. If sound quality is the priority, go wired. If convenience wins, expect to accept some compromise.

Buy over-ear with 40mm drivers and plush pads, and go wired if sound matters most. That combination is the best audio you can get under $60.