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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.
Enlarge ImageThe 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.
Enlarge ImageThe $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.
Enlarge ImageThe 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.
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Enlarge ImageThe 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.
Enlarge ImageDepending 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.
Enlarge ImagePlantronic’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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