Audio Best-of guide
Best budget headphones and IEMs
Open-back planars for home, and a cheap wired IEM — chosen from brand specs in our audio aisle.
Updated 2026-11-06
We earn a commission when you buy through our links to partner stores. It doesn't change your price. SAR prices are approximate (1 USD = 3.75 SAR). The final price is the one on the seller's page. How this works
Budget audio splits into two jobs: open-back headphones for quiet rooms at home, and small in-ear monitors you can wear out. We compared the HIFIMAN planar models and the KZ EDXPRO in our catalog using impedance, sensitivity, driver type and weight from each brand. We do not listen-test products.
Top pickBest for most people
Popular · HIFIMAN
HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones
An affordable entry into planar magnetic headphones, for quiet rooms.
- Type Over-ear, open-back, cabled
- Drivers Planar magnetic
- Impedance 32Ω
Open-back planar magnetic, 32Ω, 91dB, 385g, with Stealth Magnets. The usual entry into planars for quiet rooms — needs a quiet space and is not for commuting.
Budget pickMost of the job for less
Popular · KZ
KZ EDXPRO In-Ear Monitors
Cheap corded earphones from KZ with a big following among budget audio fans.
- Drivers 10mm dynamic
- Type In-ear, with cable
- Seller feedback 95.8% positive
10mm dual-magnet dynamic IEM, 24Ω, detachable 0.75mm 2-pin cable. A few dollars for a wired in-ear when you do not need open-back planars or ANC earbuds.
Premium pickWorth paying more if…
Popular · HIFIMAN
HIFIMAN Edition XS Planar Magnetic Headphones
Open-back planar headphones that are a common step up for home listening.
- Type Over-ear, open-back
- Drivers Planar magnetic
- Seller feedback 96.1% positive
Open-back planar with a wider stated frequency range (8Hz–50kHz), 18Ω, 92dB and NEO Supernano diaphragm. A step up from the HE400se for home listening if you are ready to spend more.
How we chose
We compared driver type, impedance, sensitivity, weight and open vs closed design from HIFIMAN and KZ official pages. For wireless ANC earbuds instead, see Soundcore P30i and MOONDROP Pudding in the same audio section; for open-ear clips, Baseus BC1.
Questions
- Can I use open-back headphones outside?
- Open-back designs leak sound and let outside noise in. HIFIMAN lists both HE400se and Edition XS as open-back — they are for quiet rooms, not the street or office.
- Do I need an amp?
- HE400se is 32Ω / 91dB and Edition XS is 18Ω / 92dB per HIFIMAN. Many phones and laptops can drive them; a dedicated amp is optional. Check your source device if the volume feels low.