Good budget headphones - the rules of choice and an overview of the best models

Is it time to buy headphones again? In the store, you are confused and do not understand why the prices for identical at first glance devices differ several times? How to make the right choice and buy the best budget headphones possible? Of course, you can contact a consultant in the store, but everyone understands that sellers are pursuing their goals.

So now, wasting precious time and studying technical literature? There is a solution! In this article, written in understandable human language, all the main characteristics are considered, and the best models are presented based on your budget. Fantasy? No, see for yourself.

Principle of operation

We will not delve into the technical details, we will only briefly analyze the principle of operation of the devices in question.

Sound has a wave nature, so the main element of headphones is a sound emitter that creates mechanical vibrations transmitted to the membrane and perceived by the eardrum. If the sound is transmitted through one radiator, such headphones will be called single-band, if after 2 or more - multi-band. In the latter case, each emitter is tuned to its own frequency range, resulting in a better sound. The signal for each cup can be transmitted both on one channel, and on two or more, creating a spatial sound.

Key Features

1. Sensitivity - determines the volume of the sound output. Surely everyone came across the fact that with the same volume settings, some headphones produce a louder sound than others. So their sensitivity is higher. It is measured in decibels (dB).
2. Power - the higher this parameter (measured in watts - W, mW), the richer the sound will be. However, a lot of power puts a load on the amplifier of the player, so with more powerful devices the battery will drain faster. This is important to consider if you are going to listen to music outside the home, away from the mains.
3. Resistance or impedance - affects the clarity of the playback. Measured in ohms (ohms). Each amplifier corresponds to an optimal impedance range, for example, most portable devices are designed for resistance in the range from 16 to 32 Ohms, so units of exactly this impedance are more suitable for smartphones. You can use headphones with a higher level, but this will lead to a faster discharge of the battery. Professional headphones, many of which cost a few hundred dollars, have hundreds of ohms of resistance.
4. Frequency range - the larger it is, the better sound quality you get. The unit is hertz (Hz). The average figure is 18 Hz - 20 kHz.
5. Distortion factor - measured as a percentage, the smaller it is, the better. However, manufacturers rarely specify this parameter.

Headphone Design Types

The design determines how the devices will be located in your ear. This is a matter of convenience, habits and even lifestyle. Consider the main types.

1. Overheads are the oldest type, one might say, a classic of the genre.Gadgets of this type are superimposed on the auricle and pressed against it. This creates a major drawback: the device puts pressure on the ears and, when worn for a long time, causes discomfort. You will also have to carefully choose a hat.
2. Full-size - these headphones fit snugly to the head and, as it were, clasp your ears. Full-size units have the highest sound quality, they are comfortable, and high-quality materials are used in the design of the case. Cons - a relatively high price, cumbersomeness and the need to select the appropriate headgear.
3. The earbuds are miniature devices inserted into the auricle. This is the most common type today, and this is understandable: such an item is very comfortable to wear, they are inexpensive, however, the sound quality is not the best, reliable fixation is not provided, the “tablets” can fall out when moving, extraneous noise also comes to you. However, in some situations, the latter is even a plus: you are unlikely to get through the necessary stop with them.
4. Plug-in (“plugs”) - these units also have a miniature size, they are located directly in the auditory canal, the sound quality is higher than that of the earbuds, they are better fixed and protect against external sounds. But they give a large load on the hearing aid, do not allow organs to breathe, which is especially important in the hot season and need regular cleaning.

What else to look for?

1. Acoustic design - is determined by how the emitter is located in the cup: if it is sealed on the outside, then this type is closed. If a cloth or other air-permeable material is located on the outside, it is open. In the latter version, the sound will be more voluminous, but people around will also “enjoy” the sound. The same is true in the opposite direction: the closed type better protects against extraneous signals.
2. The signal transmission method is wired or wireless. In the latter case, the signal travels through radio waves (Bluetooth, etc.) or using infrared radiation. Wireless headphones are more expensive than wired counterparts in sound quality.
3. Plug - note which connector the playback device has, and purchase the appropriate headphones or buy an adapter.
4. The presence of a volume control on the headphones themselves will provide the ability to adjust this parameter without the participation of the main gadget.
5. The material of the ear cushions is the rollers directly adjacent to the ear. Various fabrics are used: both the cheapest materials, and expensive. The comfort when using headphones is directly dependent on the quality of the material.
6. Cable length - depends on the particular use of the device. For example, if you plan to connect your headphones to a TV, the appropriate cable length will provide you with comfort when watching movies and TV shows. Too long a cable when using devices on the street will create discomfort.

Top best headphones up to 300 rubles

Remax RM-515

• Design: plug-in.
• Range: 15-24000 Hz.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.
• Sensitivity: 101 dB.

Smartbuy wow

• Design: loose leaves.
• Range: 20-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 103 dB.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.

Dialog ES-F57

• Design: plug-in.
• Range: 20-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 103 dB.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.

Philips SHE1350

• Design: loose leaves.
• Range: 10-22000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 100dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Note: more suitable for listening to audio books.

Rating of the best headphones up to 500 rubles

Sony MDR-EX15LP

• Design: plug-in.
• Range: 8-22000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 100dB.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.

HARPER HV-303

• Design: plug-in.
• Range: 20-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 98 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Note: designed for sports.

Philips SBCHL145

• Design: laid on, open.
• Range: 18-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 96dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Note: more suitable for home use due to quiet sound.

Panasonic RP-HS46

• Construction: overhead.
• Range: 20-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 108 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Panasonic RP-HJE125

• Design: plug-in, closed.
• Range: 10-24000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 97 dB.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.

Title	Remax RM-515	Smartbuy wow	Dialog ES-F57	Philips SHE1350	Sony MDR-EX15LP	HARPER HV-303	Philips SBCHL145	Panasonic RP-HS46	Panasonic RP-HJE125
Frequency Response Range	15 - 24000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	10 - 22000 Hz	8 - 22000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	18 - 20,000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	10 - 24000 Hz
Sensitivity	103 dB	101 dB	-	100 dB	100 dB	98 dB	96 dB	108 dB	97 dB
Impedance	16 ohm	32 ohm	-	32 ohm	16 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	16 ohm
The weight	13 g	25 g	13 g	15 g	3 g	19 g	100 g	16 g	4 g
Membrane diameter	-	12 mm	9 mm	14.8 mm	9 mm	-	30 mm	30 mm	10 mm
Price	from 290 rub.	from 305 rub.	from 180 rub.	from 165 rub.	from 340 rub.	from 405 rub.	from 395 rub.	from 395 rub.	from 360 rub.

Rating of the best headphones up to 1000 rubles

Philips SHP2500

• Design: full-size, open.
• Range: 15-22000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 106 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Note: the power is higher than that of its analogues - 500 mW, this model has proven itself among gamers.

SVEN AP-940MV

• Construction: full size.
• Range: 18-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 105 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Perfeo PF-BTF

• Construction: overhead.
• Range: 20-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 100dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Note: A2DP, Hands free profiles are supported.

SVEN SEB-26BK

• Design: plug-in.
• Range: 18-22000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 106 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Sony MDR-ZX310

• Design: laid on, closed.
• Range: 10-24000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 98 dB.
• Impedance: 24 ohms.

Note: the material of the ear pads is artificial leather.

Rating of the best headphones up to 2000 rubles

Sony MDR-XB50AP

• Design: plug-in, closed.
• Range: 4-24000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 106 dB.
• Impedance: 40 ohms.

Philips SHL4600

• Design: full-size, closed.
• Range: 9-23500 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 104 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Sennheiser CX 300-II

• Design: plug-in, closed.
• Range: 19-21000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 113 dB.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.

Note: these headphones have an asymmetric wire; some of these wires are inconvenient.

JBL T110BT

• Design: plug-in, closed.
• Range: 20-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 96dB.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.

Note: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles are supported.

Title	Philips SHP2500	SVEN AP-940MV	Perfeo PF-BTF	SVEN SEB-26BK	Sony MDR-ZX310	Sony MDR-XB50AP	Philips SHL4600	Sennheiser CX 300-II	JBL T110BT
Frequency Response Range	15 - 22000 Hz	18 - 20,000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz	18 - 22000 Hz	10 - 24000 Hz	4 - 24000 Hz	9 - 23500 Hz	19 - 21000 Hz	20 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity	106 dB	105 dB	100 dB	106 dB	98 dB	106 dB	104 dB	113 dB	96 dB
Impedance	32 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	32 ohm	24 ohm	40 ohm	32 ohm	16 ohm	16 ohm
The weight	283 g	215 g	-	20 g	125 g	8 g	126 g	12 g	16.2 g
Membrane diameter	40 mm	40 mm	40 mm	10 mm	30 mm	12 mm	32 mm	-	8.6 mm
Price	from 825 rub.	from 670 rub.	from 700 rub.	from 530 rub.	from 940 rub.	from 1400 rub.	from 1150 rub.	from 1200 rub.	from 1300 rub.

Top best headphones up to 3000 rubles

Sony MDR-ZX660AP

• Design: laid on, open.
• Range: 5-25000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 104 dB.
• Impedance: 40 ohms.

Note: maximum power is 1000 mW.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

• Design: full-size, closed.
• Range: 15-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 96dB.
• Impedance: 47 ohms.

Note: maximum power - 700 mW.

Sony MDR-ZX220BT

• Design: laid on, closed.
• Range: 20-20000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 95 dB.
• Impedance: 24 ohms.

Rating of the best headphones up to 5000 rubles

Pioneer SE-MJ553BT

• Design: laid on, closed.
• Range: 10-22000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 103 dB.
• Impedance: 24 ohms.

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

• Design: plug-in, open.
• Range: 20-24000 Hz.
• Sensitivity: 103 dB.
• Impedance: 16 ohms.

Note: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free profiles are supported.

Beats EP On-Ear

• Design: laid on, closed.
• Range: no data.
• Sensitivity: 115 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Plantronics BackBeat FIT

• Design: loose leaves, open.
• Range: 50-20000.
• Sensitivity: 105 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Note: A2DP, AVRCP, Hands free, Headset profiles are supported.

Razer Hammerhead v2

• Design: plug-in, closed.
• Range: 20-20000.
• Sensitivity: 102 dB.
• Impedance: 32 ohms.

Marshall major ii

• Design: laid on, closed.
• Range: 10-20000.
• Sensitivity: 99 dB.
• Impedance: 64 ohms.

Top best headphones up to 6000 rubles

Pioneer hdj-700

• Design: full-size, closed.
• Range: 5-28000.
• Sensitivity: 105 dB.
• Impedance: 45 ohms.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

• Design: full-size, closed.
• Range: 15-24000.
• Sensitivity: 96dB.
• Impedance: 35 ohms.

Sony MDR-XB950AP

• Design: full-size, closed.
• Range: 3-28000.
• Sensitivity: 106 dB.
• Impedance: 40 ohms.

Marshall mode eq

• Design: loose leaves.
• Range: 20-20000.
• Sensitivity: 106 dB.
• Impedance: 33 ohms.

A couple of important tips

An important point: if possible, be sure to measure the headphones, it is advisable to stay in them for a while to understand whether the design suits you, and also conduct a test - listen to music.

If your budget is limited, the right priorities will help you make the right choice. Think about the conditions under which you will most often use headphones and what is most important to you. Maybe you only plan to watch movies at home, in this case you can neglect good sound insulation, but for complete comfort you need a wireless connection. Of course, headphones for 300 or 500 rubles will not have the same quality and feature set as devices in the price range from 1000 to 1500 rubles and above, but there are plenty to choose from.

We wish you a happy shopping, let our review become a reliable assistant and guide in the vast world of technology.

Title

Sony MDR-ZX660AP

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Sony MDR-ZX220BT

Pioneer SE-MJ553BT

Samsung EO-BG950 U Flex

Beats EP On-Ear

Plantronics BackBeat FIT

Razer Hammerhead v2

Marshall major ii

Pioneer hdj-700

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Sony MDR-XB950AP

Marshall mode eq

Frequency Response Range

5 - 25000 Hz

15 - 20,000 Hz

20 - 20,000 Hz

10 - 22000 Hz

-

20 - 20,000 Hz

50 - 20,000 Hz

20 - 20,000 Hz

10 - 20,000 Hz

5 - 28000 Hz

15 - 24000 Hz

3 - 28000 Hz

20 - 20,000 Hz

Sensitivity

104 dB

96 dB

-

-

-

107 dB

105 dB

102 dB

99 db

105 dB

96 dB

106 dB

99 db

Impedance

40 ohm

47 ohm

24 ohm

32 ohm

-

32 ohm

-

32 ohm

64 ohm

45 ohm

35 ohm

40 ohm

39 ohm

The weight

193 g

190 g

130 g

170 g

51 g

-

25 g

12.5 g

375 g

220 g

240 g

245 g

110 g

Membrane diameter

40 mm

40 mm

30 mm

40 mm

11 mm

-

13 mm

10 mm

40 mm

40 mm

40 mm

40 mm

9 mm

Price

from 2350 rub.

from 2950 rub.

from 2600 rub.

from 2550 rub.

from 3450 rub.

from 4800 rub.

from 6000 rub.

from 4000 rub.

from 4250 rub.

from 5950 rub.

from 5950 rub.

from 4250 rub.

from 3750 rub.