Best Headphones under $30

Two things have occurred that have prompted me to buy another pair of headphones, one reason being more of a factor than the other. As of an hour ago, my headphones no longer play in stereo and only plays on the right side.

So, basically, could anyone recommend a good headset for under/around $30?

Another option may be to buy a good pair of headphones and a separate microphone since I would mainly use it when using web-chat.


Also, I recently bought a new laptop, the Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E520. This laptop comes with a combined audio output/input jack. On my old laptop, there was a separate jack for each. So now, I am unsure how I could use both a microphone and headphones at the same time. So how would I go about this problem? If I get a headphone/microphone set with one jack, I would be able to use it with my laptop, but not with laptops that have 2 separate jacks. The other way around would apply. How would I get it to work with both kinds?

Any help will be appreciated !

 

I'm sure there are adapters to split it into two separate jacks.

 

The Plantronics GameCom 377 is top-notch: Amazon.com: Plantronics GameCom Open-Ear Gaming Headset with Full Range Stereo: Electronics

It's a dollar over your budget, but it's worth those hundred extra cents.

 

Thanks!!!! These look great, and well worth the extra 100 cents

Also, what's the difference between that headset, and this one: http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-G...-Headset/dp/B001E45XT4/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_0

 

Would something like this work? Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

 

That's the exact same headset, just sold by a different Amazon seller. I would personally buy from the link I gave you, as that one is fulfilled by Amazon rather than a third party seller.

 

Note that Amazon is offering free shipping whereas the third-party one is almost $7 for shipping. That means that you're really only saving about $1.50 buying from the other guys, so if you want the security of buying from the largest online retailer in the US, go with the one fulfilled by Amazon.

 

There is a pair of headphones called the Koss PortaPros which are widely considered to sound like 50-100$ headphones and are about 30$.

 

Yes, I would probably go with Amazon as the seller for security purposes. Thanks!

 

Thanks, I'll take a look at this pair!

 

FYI, the PortaPros are not a headset, just regular headphones (no microphone).

 

I don't honestly know if a $30 head*set* wouldn't be a total piece of junk. It's hard enough building headphones for that little.

 

Yes, I was just about to say that.

 

Well the title says headphones. Hey here's a compromise; buy the headphones and build a mic onto them.

Who need a high quality mic, right?
Maybe it takes only the type of ingenuity I have to find a way to mount it, but I don't think it would be too difficult. You can run some thick wire like from a clothes hanger.

 

Yes I noticed, so I renamed the title to "headset," which generally refers to headphones with a mic. I am thinking about just buying a separate mic like you said. I would mainly use the mic mainly when using the webcam chat so I don't have to scream for the other person to hear me, but I don't necessarily have to build it into the headphones. I may just buy a mic and a stand, provided it's not too expensive.

 

It's just that pickup is often worse if you buy a desk mic - and trying to adapt one to mount on a headphone can make it worse. The best if you're on a lowest budget - is to do what ViciousXUSMC demonstrated a while back, which is to get a really, really cheap headSET on closeout / other deal, buy a better budget headphone and stick the two together - granted, at this level you're not really giving voice pickup quality a priority but still, it's likely going to be better than even the Zalman ZM-MIC1, a clip-on.

At ~$100 sorts of ranges I think many headsets are competitive with many headphones but at this level I'm just not convinced - every really cheap headset I've had has fallen apart or just had really crappy parts.

I very much doubt that a $30 headSET can beat something like the Sony MDR-XD200 for example ( http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRXD200-MDR-XD200-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B0007N55NW).

But yes - if the placement / equipment is fine then there's no particular reason preventing you from going with headphone + separate microphone. I do it now for example, this combo is my gaming headset - the mic is on a stand which puts it just above and in front of my head:

 

I've decided to just buy headphones, and buy a mic later on. So can anyone recommend to me a good set of headphones between $25 and $35? I would mostly use them to listen to music.

 

at that price nothing beats the koss portapros

 

I haven't tried these yet but they look like the exact same(exterior) design as my Ultrasone HFI-780's which are 150$ headphones. Reading around on the net they get pretty good reviews. I think I may get a set here in a few weeks just to test them.

Cortex CHP-2500 Professional DJ Headphones with Extra Long 13ft Cord (Choice of Black or White)

Edit: I ended up ordering them today, they may show up within a week(delayed due to holidays).

 

>opinions

I can't stand them. They don't even surround the ear.

 

I like the Razer Moray.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001HN6PBM

 

Slickdeals.net has great deals on headphones once in a while. I got my razers for around $30ish.

 

If you can swing $40, there is nearly no other headphone that can beat these:

Samson SR850

These are Samson branded versions of the Superlux HD668b which are regarded on head-fi.org as giant killers, giving the $150 favorite Audio Technica ATH-M50s a run for its money. The are big but they are made to be studio monitors. Excellent highs, tight bass, and a detailed midrange.. an excellent value. Google it for yourself or its identical equivalent the Superlux 668b, there's nothing that comes close.

Here is a link from joker's huge review comparo from head-fi.org:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/433318/shootout-96-portable-headphones-reviewed-v-moda-m-80-added-11-27-11

Do a page search from Superlux HD668b.

 

These Klipsch Image S3's are on sale for $30 (add to cart to see) today.

Amazon.com: Klipsch Image S3 Noise-Isolating Earphones with Patented Oval Ear-Tips: Electronics

The following two IEM's (in-ear headphones) are recommended as some of the best under $30 on Head-Fi.org - Headphone forums and reviews for audiophiles

http://www.amazon.com/Brainwavz-Beta-Noise-Isolating-Headphones/dp/B005IF3CE8

http://www.amazon.com/MEElectronics-M6-CL-Sound-Isolating-Headphones-Players/dp/B0038W0K2U

 

How is the mic on them? Is it noise canceling? I hate background noise coming through my mic. I'm highly considering these.

 

Very clear, and yes, it does cancel background noise.

 

i jsut got the 367-closed ear which is the same as the 377-open ear except for that ..and they've done pretty good so far and im told that the mic sounds good and is very clear with no background noise

 

Awesome I'm going to purchase the closed ear ones too. Thanks guys! Poop the $25 one on Amazon sold out.