Best Budget Headphones Reddit Swears By
Great Sound Does Not Require Deep Pockets
The audiophile communities on Reddit — r/headphones, r/BudgetAudiophile, and r/HeadphoneAdvice — are famous for being brutally honest about audio gear. Overpriced products get torn apart. But genuinely good budget options? They become legendary. Here are the headphones and IEMs that Reddit keeps recommending month after month.
Top Picks
1. Sony MDR-7506
A studio monitoring classic that has been in production since 1991. These are the headphones you see in every recording studio on the planet, and Redditors love them for their flat, honest sound signature. At around $80, they punch well above their price.
- Price: ~$80
- Type: Over-ear, closed-back
- Pros: Legendary flat response, durable, foldable
- Cons: Pads wear out (cheap to replace), no detachable cable
2. Koss Porta Pro
The Koss Porta Pro has been manufactured since 1984 and has achieved almost cult status on r/headphones. Their warm, rich sound and retro design have made them a meme — but a meme that sounds genuinely fantastic for the price.
- Price: ~$35-$45
- Type: On-ear, open-back
- Pros: Incredible sound per dollar, lifetime warranty, iconic design
- Cons: Fragile headband, open-back leaks sound, foam pads
3. KZ ZSN Pro
The KZ ZSN Pro is a hybrid driver IEM that costs less than a pizza. Reddit’s r/headphones community considers it one of the best entry points into the world of quality in-ear monitors. The detachable cable is a nice touch at this price.
- Price: ~$15-$20
- Type: In-ear monitor (IEM)
- Pros: Absurdly cheap, detachable cable, fun V-shaped sound
- Cons: V-shaped tuning not for purists, fit can be tricky
4. Moondrop Chu
The Moondrop Chu shocked the audio community when it launched. For under $20, you get a single dynamic driver IEM with tuning that rivals products five times its price. It is now the default recommendation on r/HeadphoneAdvice for anyone asking “what IEM should I start with?”
- Price: ~$20
- Type: In-ear monitor (IEM)
- Pros: Neutral-ish tuning, incredible detail for the price
- Cons: Non-detachable cable, minimal accessories
What Reddit Says
“The Koss Porta Pro sounds better than headphones that cost 10x as much. I am not exaggerating. Put them on, play some jazz, and try not to smile. Also they have a lifetime warranty which is insane.” — r/headphones user
“Moondrop Chu made me rethink everything. I spent $20 and got sound quality that made my $100 wireless earbuds sound like trash.” — r/BudgetAudiophile user
The Verdict
For over-ear use, the Sony MDR-7506 is a studio-proven workhorse. The Koss Porta Pro is the fun, portable option with legendary sound per dollar. For IEMs, the Moondrop Chu offers the most refined tuning under $25, while the KZ ZSN Pro is the cheapest way to experience quality audio.
