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The best cheap Bluetooth headphones

Looking for a good Bluetooth headphone that's affordable? Here's a look at the best inexpensive Bluetooth headphones we've tested.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
David Carnoy
2 min read
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The collection of decent, affordable Bluetooth headphones is growing.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Used to be that cheap Bluetooth headphones didn't sound so good. And by cheap, I mean anything under $100 or so.

But that has started to change, as we're seeing more inexpensive wireless headphones that we can recommend from a design and performance perspective.

Since we've tested only a fraction of the Bluetooth headphones out there, this isn't a definitive list by any means, and we'll continue to update it as we review new headphones.


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The Sound Blaster Jam can be had online for around $45.

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Creative Sound Blaster Jam

Remember the headphones that used to come with the Walkman back in the days before digital music? Well, the Sound Blaster Jam has just that sort of retro look and in a lightweight on-ear design. It's not for everyone, but the headphones are comfortable and sound quite good and -- at just $50, £40 or AU$70 -- are the most affordable models on our list. Read the full review of the Creative Sound Blaster Jam.


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The $100 Sol Republic Shadow wireless is a new take on the neckband-style Bluetooth headphone.

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Sol Republic Shadow Wireless

LG made the around-the-neck design popular with its line of Tone Bluetooth headphones; now Sol Republic says it's improved the design with its Shadow Wireless, which it calls the first in-ear wireless headphone to feature a NASA-inspired "biomorphic" design. It's a solid Bluetooth headphone for $100. Read the full review of the Sol Republic Shadow Wireless.


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The Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 comes in a version that includes a charging case.

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Plantronics BackBeat Go 2

We liked Plantronics' earbud-style BackBeat Go at around $100 when it first came out. But you can now get it for closer to $70, £60 or AU$130 (with charging case). It's not really designed for running, but it works just fine for lighter workouts at the gym. Read the full review of the Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 + Charging Case.


LG Tone Ultra (HBS-800) Bluetooth Stereo Headset (Black)
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LG Tone Ultra (HBS-800) Bluetooth Stereo Headset (Black)

The LG Tone Ultra has come down in price quite a bit since its launch.

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LG Tone Ultra

I don't like the LG Tone Ultra as much as the step-up Tone Infinim, which features retractable earbuds. But it's a decent-sounding stereo Bluetooth headphone that has come down to around $60 or £60 online. Read the full review of LG Tone Ultra.


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Depending on the color, the LG Tone Infinim can be had for close to $100.

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LG Tone Infinim

The LG Tone, which features retractable earbuds, carries a list price of $150. But like other LG Tone headphones, this one has been creeping down in price with time and we've seen the silver-colored version selling for $100 or £80. Read the full review of LG Tone Infinim.

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Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Plantronic's BackBeat fit comes in a couple of different colors.

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Plantronics BackBeat Fit

The BackBeat Fit is Plantronics sports Bluetooth headphone and competes with the Beats Powerbeats 2 Wireless, which retails for $200. But the Backbeat Fit has come down in price and can sometimes be had for a little over $100, £70 or AU$160 online. It may not quite qualify as "cheap," but it is cheap for a decent Bluetooth sports headphone. Read the full review of the Plantronics BackBeat Fit.

Read more: 4 true wireless earbuds under $40 worth buying

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