Don’t gift earbuds or headphones ‘til you read this! My job is testing audio – these are 6 best cheap buys for 2025

1. Audio
2. Headphones
3. Earbuds & Airpods

Don’t gift earbuds or headphones ‘til you read this! My job is testing audio – these are 6 best cheap buys for 2025 Features By Becky Scarrott published 18 December 2025

3 headphones; 3 earbuds; all TechRadar approved – and no product over $80

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(Image credit: JLab, Nothing, OneOdio, CMF by Nothing, Sony/edited using Gemini 2.1) Share Share by:

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It's the most wonderful time of the year… until you're tasked with buying headphones or earbuds for a music-lover, at which point it can almost immediately become the most stressful.

But I can help! Every single one of the products in this mini roundup is a) TechRadar tested and approved, b) has a visual flair and is something you'd be happy to give or receive on the big day, and c) doesn't cost more than $80.

Also, every option here comes with active noise cancellation baked right in. So, if your giftee is studying, commuting, or just doesn't like to be bothered while listening (unless dinner's ready), they can toggle it on and let the bubble of silence encase them for the duration.

My top picks? Well, Nothing and its sub-brand CMF by Nothing had a great 2025, so my nod goes to the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds and the CMF Headphone Pro for affordable sound-per-pound value.

That said, JLab comes in a close second, and I love the cozy design, comfort and colorway options of the JLab JBuds Lux ANC (which, perhaps confusingly, are in fact over-ear headphones). Then, there are the cheap and cheerful JLab Go Pods ANC, which are the most affordable item in this list – but they still more than pass muster as a solid listen for the money.

Sony is a trusted name in audio, so if you want them to open a class-leading brand this year, the Sony WF-C710N earbuds won't let you down – and the translucent colorway is just one way in which they'll impress.

Last on my list are the unusual but sonically gifted OneOdio Focus A6, which look and sound the absolute business – which is to say, they look far more expensive than they are.

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Which should you buy? My advice is to do a little research; find out whether they prefer headphones or wireless earbuds as a starting point and then you'll be well on your way. All the best – and make sure you don't forget to treat yourself over the festive season too!

My pick of the 6 best last-minute cheap earbuds and headphones for gifts

46% OFFNothingEar (a) wireless earbuds, 45db hybrid noise cancellation$59$109shop now20% OFFCMF BY NOTHINGHeadphone Pro active noise-cancelling wireless headphones $79$99shop nowJLabJbuds Lux ANC wireless headphones$79.99shop now40% OFFSonyWF-C710N wireless noise-canceling earbuds$78$129.99shop now14% OFFOneOdioFocus A6 hybrid active noise-canceling headphones$59.99$69.99shop now19% OFFJLabGo Pods ANC wireless earbuds$29.97$36.99shop now

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The best wireless earbuds for all budgetsOur top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

➡️ Read our full guide to the best earbuds1. Best overall:Technics EAH-AZ1002. Best mid-range:Cambridge Audio A1003. Best budget:Nothing Ear (a)4. Best for noise-cancelling:Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra 2nd Gen

The best noise cancelling headphones for all budgetsOur top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

➡️ Read our full guide to the best noise cancelling headphones1. Best overall:Sony WH-1000XM62. Best mid-range:Bose QuietComfort Headphones3. Best under $100/£100:1More Sonoflow Pro HQ514. Best under $60/£50:Soundcore Q30

CATEGORIES Wireless Headphones Becky ScarrottSocial Links NavigationAudio Editor

Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.  

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