Bluetooth devices have become exceedingly budget friendly in the recent days; and Bluetooth Headphones are no exception. So we reviewed the best Bluetooth Headphones under the $30 for a great, budget friendly audio experience.
Could you imagine that just a few decades ago, we couldn’t take calls without taking our phones out of our pocket? A few decades ago, you could not imagine having phones in your pocket either. Wireless technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, and it’s also become very affordable.
You can take a call with your phone either in your pocket or at a distance using these headphones; but what they’re really used for, is listening to music. You can find them from a range of $15-$300 plus; depending on the brand and the technology. They can be either an expensive pair, or a budget friendly one.
But our focus this time was on affordable technology; so we reviewed the best Bluetooth Headphones under $30. Keep in mind that affordable does not mean it’s going to be low quality.
What is Bluetooth and How Does it Connect Devices?
Let us clear up some common misconceptions first, starting off with this one: Bluetooth is not a form of wireless technology; it is the standard by which you determine the wireless connection. It defines the exchange of data between mobile and stationary devices using radio waves or signals.
These signals usually travel at a frequency wave of 2.402 to 2.480. Basically, it is not a type of connection like Infrared was. It is a standard for wireless technology. And it connects two devices using Ultra High Frequency or UHF radio wave signals.
These days, devices have up to Bluetooth 5.0 wireless, which gives it a much longer range of connections. You can get a solid connection between devices from more than 100 feet away.
What features you should look at when choosing Bluetooth headphones
Appearance
In this day and age, appearance also factors in the overall rating of an item. You might not be someone who is into the looks of things, and is more about the performance; but that might not be the case for everyone. Besides, no one would like to show off an ugly pair of Bluetooth Headphones!
We personally believe that most headphones these days focus on not only quality, but looks as well. Good design sets them apart from one another; but don’t forget about functionality either.
Ergonomics
You should also pair appearance with ergonomics; how long do you think you can wear those headphones without having to take a break? If the headphones are not comfortable, no matter how good they sound, people will not wear them.
You need something soft and cushioned in overhead headphones. In earphones, you want a design that fits in the ear and does not come out easily. If it does not stay in the ears, then they are not a very well designed pair of earbuds.
Build
The material from which the headphones are made of will determine how durable they will be. The material needs to be not only strong, but also flexible. The flexibility determines how much flex can the headphones bear before they break or bend. You should also ask yourself how well the electronics inside handle impacts in case they fall.
A well-built headphone will last for a very long time; regardless of how roughly they have been used, they will last well over a year of regular usage. Usually, companies give their products a warranty if they have faith in them.
Compatibility
Bluetooth Headphones are compatible with most Bluetooth devices. These include, but are not limited to, smartphones and laptops. So whether you want to use them on your phone or your computer, just make sure they have Bluetooth functionality.
Although most smartphones have it, desktop computers might not. For that, you might have to install a Bluetooth adapter. But laptops usually come with Bluetooth, for wireless connectivity though.
Best Bluetooth Headphones under $30
1. Mpow Flame S Bluetooth Headphones
The Powerbeats by Dre has inspired tons of other brands with its design and appearance. The Mpow Flame S Bluetooth Headphones also seem to have a similar design. But they sound really great, and nothing like some cheap knock off. The bass is especially great on these headphones.
These headphones cost just under $30 are ideal for a workout, as these feature a waterproof rating of IPX7, which means sweat will not affect them in any way whatsoever. Not only that, but they also feature on-ear volume control to change the volume without using a phone.
The waterproof rating is good enough to jog during a light rain. But in no way would you survive staying submerged in water for too long. This does not make them ideal for swimming even though they are sports headphones.
The battery life on Mpow Flame S is 12-hours, which is pretty good considering they are earbuds. Also, it comes in 3 different colors giving you an option to choose from.
Pros
- Comfortable Fit
- Waterproof Rating of IPX7
- Noise Cancellation for Calls
- On-ear Volume Controls
- Deep Bass
Cons
- Average Battery Life
- Bound by Cables even though Wireless
2. JLab Audio Studio Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones
The JLab Audio Studio Bluetooth Headphones are some of the best budget headsets available in the market. Featuring a rather unique appearance, these headphones have really good sound quality. You can switch between 3 signature sound modes: JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost modes.
The headphones have a huge battery life of 30+ hours, and they are really comfortable with plush ear pads and headband padding. On-ear controls for receiving calls, changing tracks, and volume control; is always a welcomed feature.
They are lightweight, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort. But the only downside is the use of faux-leather on the ear pads. The leatherette/faux leather tend to get warm pretty fast.
Metal sliders for adjustment also provide the headsets with a durable build. The build quality itself is really great, the company backs it with 30-days money-back guarantee. Not many brands are willing to provide a money-back guarantee. It also comes with a 2-year warranty as well.
Pros
- Amazing Battery Life
- Sturdy but Light Build
- Money-back Guarantee
- On-ear Volume Controls
- Amazing Sound Clarity
Cons
- Faux Leather Ear pads Get Warm
- On-ear Design Gets Uncomfortable After a While
3. Soundcore Spirit X Sports Earphones by Anker
Anker has been rapidly gaining a huge following thanks to its quality products. The Soundcore series of earbuds has been greatly received by many people. The Soundcore Spirit X Sports Bluetooth Headphones by Anker have also gotten a good reception from fans.
The Anker brand is most popular for its power banks and wireless Bluetooth speakers. They are rapidly gaining a strong foothold in the U.S. market. Partially because their products have great quality and they have a strong customer service team.
These earphones, fashioned for sports have a sweat guard mechanism specifically designed to prevent damage from sweat. Sweat can be more corrosive than normal water in some cases after all.
You are getting an above-average battery life, in-line controls for volume and receiving calls, and a great comfortable fit. All Anker products come with a warranty, the Soundcore Spirit X Bluetooth Headphones are no exception.
Pros
- Above Average Battery Life
- In-line Controls
- Ergonomic Fit
- Sweat Guard
- Deep Low Tones and Clear Highs
Cons
- Better Battery Life in 2019 Model
4. Mpow 059 Pro Bluetooth Headphones
The Mpow 059 Pro Bluetooth Headphones are an over the ear fit with powerful battery life. These headphones feature a whopping 60-hour battery life which will last you a week on a single charge. There is also wired mode if the battery runs out and you keep want to hear songs.
The over the ear fit is quite comfortable thanks to the plush ear pads. Although the leatherette on the padding is prone to sweat buildup. The headphones also feature an on-ear control for music and calls.
The design is quite ergonomic and the design is quite nice and has a nice finish. They are also pretty light so it’s easy to forget you are wearing them. If only they used velour instead of leatherette, they could have been perfect.
Pros
- Great Battery Life
- On-ear Controls for Calls and Music
- Durable Build with Metal Slider for Adjustment
- Plush Over-ear Design
- Variety in Color
Cons
- Leatherette on Earfoams
- Noise Leak
5. Altigo Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Altigo is a new name, so not many of you might have heard of this brand. However, they are a pretty decent pair of over the ear wireless headsets. It features a 30-hour battery life, which is great. If we had to pin any huge problems with these headphones, it would be the ANC.
The Active Noise Cancellation or ANC cancels out any noise from the outside. This makes them ideal to use during the commute in public transport. The ANC can be turned on or off with a press of a button.
But many people have complained about constant static and ringing noise while listening to music. This disrupts the deep bass and clear sound of these headsets. Otherwise, they are great budget headsets.
Another huge downside to the headphones has to be its use of Bluetooth 4.2 standard. Most headphones have moved towards Bluetooth 5.0 for better range and quality. The ear cups are pretty plush making them comfortable to wear for a prolonged period.
But these also feature a leather/faux leather surface on the padding; and as we said earlier, velour is better for breathability than leatherette or leather.
Pros
- 3 Different Color Options to Choose From
- Great 30-hour Battery Life and Fast Charging
6. AUKEY True Wireless Earbuds
Aukey True Wireless Earbuds are your ticket to a complete wires-free experience. These Bluetooth headphones, although have a subpar battery life, come with a charging case which give them a total of 35-hours battery life. With Bluetooth 5, the connection is pretty stable and strong.
The touch feature on these earbuds allows you to take calls by tapping them. Sound quality is crisp and amazing, they also fit fine in the ears; but there is nothing holding these on to your ears though, so they are not a secure fit at all.
Also there is no power-off button on these, for powering them off you have to put them back in their charging case.
Pros
- Touch Feature for Receiving Calls
- Crisp Audio Quality
- Bluetooth 5
- IPX5 Waterproof Rating
Cons
- No Power Button
- Subpar Battery Life on Single Charge
Making a decision
There are hundreds of brands and some of them really renowned ones that have Bluetooth Headphones under $30. We know choosing one can become a rather confusing job for anyone not familiar with these. But we did our best to bring you something to cater to all your needs.
This list proves that although premium budget products do have high quality, low budget products do not always have to be flimsy and of bad quality. In fact, all of these headphones have great audio and other features.
