6 brilliant, budget-friendly headphones for students — including 5-star earbuds, and Sony cans that deliver 'flagship-level features' for an astoundingly low price

Finding quality headphones doesn't have to strain your budget. As a student returning to school, you'll likely need a pair of affordable cans or earbuds to help you focus on your studies. TechRadar has tested numerous headphone models and is excited to share the budget-friendly options that stood out in our reviews.

For over-ear headphones, our top recommendation is the CMF Headphone Pro. Testers found the sound quality to be surprisingly powerful and bass-rich, all while boasting impressive battery life. If you prefer in-ear headphones, the Nothing Ear (a) are our #1 pick. They earned a perfect five-star rating and provide a fun, expansive sound with improved active noise cancellation and a smaller, more pocket-friendly case.

Among the wired options, the Sony WH-CH720 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones offer a great balance of sound, detail, and effective noise cancellation. However, some users noted that the sound profile feels somewhat constrained, and the noise cancellation may not be as effective in very low sounds. The plastic exterior also appears a bit cheap.

OneOdio Focus A6 in-ear headphones deliver sensational sound quality and come packed with useful features. The construction is comfortable, but some users found the on-ear controls to be a bit sensitive. The ANC is decent but not game-changing, and the eartips may not provide the best fit.

JLab Go Pods ANC offer solid noise cancellation and a lightweight build, making them a truly low-cost option. However, the ANC isn't transformative, and the battery life could be better. The truly low price is a plus, but the on-ear controls can be sensitive to touch.

Lastly, the Huawei FreeArc headphones provide top-tier sound and a comfortable fit, making them a competitive option at a reasonable price. However, the battery life may leave something to be desired.