Great headphones don't need to cost the earth. If you're heading back to school and in need of a budget-friendly pair of cans or earbuds to help you block out distractions while you study, I'm here to help. At TechRadar, we review dozens of pairs of headphones every year, and while we've tested some superb premium models, we've also been blown away by a few budget-friendly options. Below, I've rounded up the affordable headphones we rated most highly in our tests, and the ones we'd recommend to any student seeking maximum auditory bang for their buck. If it's over-ears you're after, our top pick is the CMF Headphone Pro, which our tester commented "could easily cost twice as much", after being impressed with their "surprisingly zealous and bass-hungry sound quality" and "outstanding battery life". For in-ears, the Nothing Ear (a) are our #1 recommendation — they earned a perfect five stars in our tests. Read on for more brilliant, budget buys — and hit the 'Read more' button for a rundown of what we thought of each one. Affordable audio Nothing Ear (a) Read our full review ProsFun, zealous, expansive sound Vastly improved active noise cancellationSmaller, more pocketable case ConsNo wireless charging supportNo flagship sound profile curation Sony WH-CH720 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Read our full review ProsGreat sound balanceLots of detail in audioEffective noise cancellationFull of useful featuresConsSound feels constrainedNoise cancellation leaks in low soundsPlastic feels a little cheap OneOdio Focus A6 Read our full review ProsSensational sound qualityExtensive software featuresComfy, quality constructionConsOn-ear controls are a little sensitiveANC is good rather than game-changing JLab Go Pods ANC Read our full review ProsSolid ANCLightweight buildTruly low priceConsPoor eartip fitLean battery lifeAggressive transparency mode Huawei FreeArc Read our full review ProsTop-tier soundCompetitive priceComfortable fitConsApp download painsMiddling battery lifeWould benefit from ANC CMF Headphone Pro Read our full review ProsExcellent hearing tests; unexpected at the levelEmotive, circumaural soundExemplary battery lifeConsANC isn't amazingEnergy slider feels a tad gimmickyNo hard carry case or USB-C charger in the box Soundpeats Clip1 Read our full review ProsFantastic listening testComfortable buildCompetitive valueConsLow max volumeCheap-feeling caseTouch control issues