Best budget headphones and earbuds at Joybuy: four picks

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A cheap pair of headphones can be a brilliant buy – until the commute starts and you discover that “noise reduction” only applies to the microphone on calls. Joybuy has several affordable Sony and JBL options, but they don't all do the same job. For most people who want small, capable earbuds with active noise cancellation, start with the Sony WF-C710N. Prefer full-size headphones? The JBL Tune 730BT gives you over-ear cups and a very long claimed battery life, without active noise cancellation.

These are four useful choices from Joybuy's range, rather than a ranking of every headphone on the market. Prices checked on 8 November 2026 are a snapshot, may change, and exclude any delivery charge. Check the colour, current price and delivery for your postcode before buying.

1. Sony WF-C710N: our choice for sound and noise cancellation

Sony's 2025 WF-C710N earbuds are the strongest all-round pick here: they combine active noise cancellation, an ambient mode and Sony's Sound Connect app in a small in-ear design. What Hi-Fi?'s review praised their sound and awarded them a 2026 prize. It found their noise cancellation less effective against some higher-frequency sounds than substantially more expensive pairs. Its first sample also made an occasional springy sound when walking; a second did not.

Sony rates the buds for up to 8.5 hours of playback with noise cancellation on and gives them an IPX4 splash-resistance rating. Neither figure means they are waterproof, and battery life depends on settings and use. Fit matters: the best noise cancellation starts with a good seal.

Ad: Check Sony WF-C710N in pink at Joybuy

SoundGuys' video review is a useful look at this exact pair:

2. JBL Wave Beam 2: a cheaper route to noise cancellation

If the Sony buds stretch the budget, the Wave Beam 2 is the lower-priced in-ear option in this selection. JBL supplies active noise cancellation and an ambient mode, plus its app for adjusting the sound. The stem-shaped design is different from Sony's rounder earpiece, which may matter if one shape sits more comfortably in your ears.

JBL's specifications describe the features; they don't prove that noise cancellation matches Sony's. If sound quality is the priority and the price difference is small, the independently well-reviewed WF-C710N is our first choice.

Ad: Check JBL Wave Beam 2 in black at Joybuy

Does active noise cancellation make everything silent?

No. It uses microphones and processing to reduce some outside sounds; a good physical seal still matters. Voices and sudden sounds can remain audible, and performance varies between models. Ambient mode deliberately lets some outside sound back in.

3. Sony WH-CH520: lightweight headphones for less

If you dislike earbuds, Sony's WH-CH520 rests on the ears rather than surrounding them. It is light, supports sound adjustments in Sony's app and has a built-in microphone for calls. SoundGuys' review found it a useful low-cost option, while noting the limits of its noise isolation.

The crucial detail: the WH-CH520 does not have active noise cancellation for listening. Its microphone can reduce background noise during calls, which is a different feature. Sony has since introduced the WH-CH530 successor; the older CH520 is worth considering when its current price makes sense.

Ad: Check Sony WH-CH520 in white at Joybuy

4. JBL Tune 730BT: over-ear cups and marathon battery life

The Tune 730BT's cups surround the ears, whereas the Sony CH520 sits on them. JBL rates it for up to 76 hours of listening and includes multipoint Bluetooth for switching between devices. Its official specification sheet says the charging cable is not included, so keep a suitable USB-C cable handy. Real battery life depends on use.

Like the CH520, the 730BT has no active noise cancellation. Its microphones reduce background noise on calls, but that is not the same as quietening a train for the listener. If ANC is essential, pick the Sony or JBL earbuds above, or look at an ANC-equipped over-ear model.

Ad: Check JBL Tune 730BT in black at Joybuy

Unbox With Adaora's review is a useful look at the Tune 730BT's fit and design.

Which style should you choose?

Earbuds fit in a pocket and can be a good choice for travel, but a secure seal is personal. On-ear headphones are smaller and lighter but press on the outer ear. Over-ear cups surround it and can feel roomier, although fit still varies. Choose based on how long and where you listen, not just the largest battery number.

See the current Joybuy offers on VouchernautJoybuyJoybuy is the European online retail arm of JD.com, and its UK site brings together a brand-led range spanning technology, appliances, beauty, homeware, groceries and everyday esse11 current offers · View store →; discounts are limited to eligible items and can change. When we checked, the Sony WF-C710N listing was marked Outlet, so check the current product and delivery details before ordering.

For most listeners who want one pair for a noisy commute and everyday music, the WF-C710N is the pick. If your quiet office calls for full-size cups instead, the Tune 730BT is a sensible alternative – just don't buy it expecting ANC.

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