The Best Lightweight Headphones
Everyone likes taking their music with them while they’re on the go.
It’s a way to relax, even during your morning jog or on a long car ride.
And powerful headphones can really help you to enjoy the experience even more!
But who wants to lug around a huge, heavy pair?
That’s where these lightweight headphones come in!
Highest Rated Lightweight Headphones (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Panasonic On-Ear Stereo Headphones RP-HT21
- 2JVC HAS160B FLATS
- 3PLAY X STORE Stereo Wireless Bluetooth Headsets
- 4AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Black
- 5Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphones
- 6Sennheiser HD 206 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones
- 7SONXTRONIC Xdr-8000 Headphones
- 8Sony MDR-ZX310-BLACK Wired Headphones
- 9Philips Ultra Super Lighweight Headband Headphones SHL1602/28
- 10AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Blue
1
Panasonic On-Ear Stereo Headphones RP-HT21
If you’re hoping to get some bang for your buck, then Panasonic On-Ear Stereo Headphones RP-HT21 are a great bargain choice for those looking to purchase lightweight headphones.
These headphones weigh in at just 1.2 ounces (sans their cable), making them very light.
But the lightest thing about them is definitely their price: At $5.20, these are a definite bargain!
They have powerful bass and natural treble, making listening to them a joy.
There are issues, of course; you get what you pay for.
These headphones can be a bit uncomfortable to wear.
Some customers complain about roughness in the crown of the band, or around the ears.
They’re also a bit flimsy, and not the most powerful headphones on the market.
You may or may not be able to exercise with them, as experiences on that front vary wildly.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Has great bass and treble, for your listening pleasure.
- Weights only 1.2 ounces.
- At only $5.20 per pair, a very cheap option.
- Has a 4.5 foot long cord, so that you can work out unrestricted, or just get some space between you and your device.
Cons
- These headphones are a bit flimsy, so you’ll need to go easy on them to avoid any damage.
- Can be uncomfortable to wear, with roughness reported in both the crown of the headband and around the ears.
- Not particularly powerful, but fine for everyday use.
Jake's TakePanasonic On-Ear Stereo Headphones RP-HT21 are both very cheap and a good choice in everyday use.
These lightweight headphones aren’t the best on the market, true, but they function well enough to be a great bargain.
If you’re looking for very high-powered headphones, this isn’t for you.
But just headphones to use on a regular basis? These are perfect.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
JVC HAS160B FLATS
One of the most common reasons to buy lightweight headphones is because they travel so well.
And JVC HAS160B FLATS are some of the easiest to travel with.
As their name implies, these headphones can fold flat, for easy carrying while you’re on the go.
When you’re not using them, just fold them up and tuck them inside your bag, backpack, or suitcase, then pull them out when you need them again!
The sound quality is excellent for the price range, and the leather-feel covering of the ear cups makes it a very comfortable pair of headphones.
The major drawback of these headphones is that, like many lightweight headphones, they’re not very sturdy.
Be careful, or you’ll end up with a broken set!
Still, at between $13.00 and $16.00 per pair, they’re easy to replace and are certainly worth the money.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- A great bargain at just $13.00-$16.00 per pair.
- Leather-feel padded ear cups make it more comfortable and durable than standard headphones.
- Headphone cord is 3.94 feet long, to prevent any uncomfortable cord snagging, or just to give extra freedom.
- Folds flat for easy storage and transport.
- The plug is iPhone compatible.
- The sensitivity is 105dB/1mW.
- The max imput is 200mW.
Cons
- These headphones are delicate, so you should take care with their use. Otherwise, you might break them.
- Some customers complain that they don’t fit well on their head or are uncomfortable.
Jake's TakeJVC HAS160B FLATS are a great, cheap, and convenient choice in lightweight headphones.
Folding flat for storage and transport really make these headphones stand out from the crowd, while the low price really seals the deal.
There are downsides to these headphones, such as the delicate nature of them and the chance of discomfort, but they’re still worth a shot.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
PLAY X STORE Stereo Wireless Bluetooth Headsets
Finding decent headphones to wear while exercising can be a hassle.
They can fall out, or the cord can snag, or they can just be uncomfortable in general.
Thankfully, PLAY X STORE Stereo Wireless Bluetooth Headsets experience none of these things!
This lightweight headset is a definite must if you’re going to be wearing headphones while you’re at the gym, jogging, or just anywhere you might break a sweat.
They’re completely wireless, so that you don’t have to worry about snagging cords.
And there’s no need to worry about them falling out: They fit well in your ears, and have a soft rubber ear hook for even more security.
They’re long-lasting and durable – sweat won’t ruin them!
However, they do need to be charged to be used, meaning you have to remember to charge not just your phone or mp3 player, but your headphones as well.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable for use while exercising.
- No cords needed, so you won’t snag or get tangled.
- Buttons are easy to use, and aren’t difficult to access.
- Fits well in the ear, with a soft rubber hook to help keep it in place.
- Has great audio, making it perfect for a noisy gym or just a commute to work.
- Connects via Blutooth to your device.
- Very moderately priced at just $29.00 per set.
Cons
- These headphones have to be charged to be used, and will stop working once they run out of charge.
Jake's TakeAs far as lightweight headphones for exercise go, PLAY X STORE Stereo Wireless Bluetooth Headsets are some of the best ones on the market.
They connect without wires and cords, freeing up your movement, and won’t be damaged by sweat.
The fit is comfortable and secure, and the price is moderate.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Black
In the case of AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Black, one thing can be said: The quality speaks for itself.
These headphones are some of the highest quality for their price range; you’ll be spending in the triple digits if you want something that is comparable.
These headphones are excellent for everyday use, and for getting the most out of music and videos.
They’re also very comfortable, making them even more of a joy to use.
With an on-ear fit, they help to minimize outside noise leaking in, and the padded ear cups only add to that.
They can reach up to 101 dB, making them loud and proud!
Taking them on the road? Not a problem!
The earpieces swivel in, so that the headphones can fold flat for easy storage and travel.
The only downside is that they might be too tight for some.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Headphones fold flat, for easy and convenient storage and portability.
- Ear cups are padded with a leather-feel lining, to help cut out outside noise while maintaining your comfort.
- The cord measures at 47 ¼ inches (or 1.2 meters).
- Reaches up to 101dB, to provide the best sound possible.
- Offers a very clear sound, comparable to headphones more than five times its value.
- Comes with a one year warranty, as well as a carrying bag.
Cons
- The fit might be a bit tight, especially if you have thick hair, a larger head, or wear glasses.
Jake's TakeIf you want the clear, quality sound of a high-priced set of headphones for a smaller budget, then AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Black are likely to be the perfect choice for you.
They perform as well as much more expensive sets, and only cost a fraction as much.
They’re easily transportable, comfortable, and high-quality.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphones
The first thing that will likely catch your attention with Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphones is the price.
At a starting price of less than $3, you’re likely not going to find a more budget-friendly option when it comes to headphones.
This price is comparative to what you would spend at a discount store for a pair of cheap ear buds.
However, the price is about where the good qualities come to an end.
Sure, the sound isn’t always bad (a lot of the time, it’s good, considering the price), but some find that it doesn’t hold up to their expectations.
Likewise, some don’t find them comfortable, and report them cutting into their ears.
They’re also a bit flimsy, so you’ll need to be delicate with your usage.
But, if you need something cheap to listen to audio with, then these are a decent choice.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Their starting price is just under $3, making them the best for your budget that you’re likely to find.
- The cords is four feet long, for more and better reach when in use.
Cons
- The sound quality isn’t as high as others on this list; likely to be average, at best.
- These headphones aren’t very comfortable, with some users reporting that they cut into their ears or fit too tightly.
- These headphones are very delicate, meaning that you can’t handle them roughly; avoid snagging the cord, or you might find them partially or completely broken.
Jake's TakeIf price is the main concern that you have when shopping, Koss KPH7 Lightweight Portable Headphones are an amazing choice.
However, be aware that you may be trading usability, comfort, and high quality for that low price.
Before you decide where or not to buy these headphones, take its faults into account.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Sennheiser HD 206 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones
If you’re looking for high quality sound, then look no further! Sennheiser HD 206 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones have some of the best audio quality on this list.
Their sound is bass-driven, to provide real theater-quality sound.
There is a catch, however.
If you don’t know how to optimize your devices for this, then you likely won’t see any of the good qualities that it boasts.
These headphones are also great for blocking out outside noises: The ear cups are padded, and have a leatherette covering for comfort.
You’ll definitely notice the improved quality.
Be warned, however: Your ears might be sore after prolonged use.
Also, if you have a large head, you may find that they’re uncomfortably tight.
The price is on the upper end, as well, but may be worth it if you meet the above criteria.
These are good headphones, but come with caveats.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Has great sound quality, with powerful bass for rhythmic music.
- Cord is just over 9 feet long (3 meters), for the most reach possible.
- Leatherette covered, padded ear cups for comfort and to cut back on outside noise interference.
Cons
- At $54.95, these are quite the splurge.
- You need to be able to adjust your devices for use with these headphones.
- Ear cups may be uncomfortable for prolonged wear.
- May be too tight for those with a large head.
- The cord is unprotected and rather cumbersome in its length.
Jake's TakeWhen it comes to high quality, Sennheiser HD 206 Lightweight Over Ear Headphones are the best on this entire list.
You have to be willing to put in a bit of effort in their use, though, and they aren’t the most comfortable.
If you’re okay with the price and work, though, you’ll likely enjoy these headphones.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
SONXTRONIC Xdr-8000 Headphones
When you go for a jog, or listen to music while out and about, it’s crucial that you have the right headphones.
SONXTRONIC Xdr-8000 Headphones might just be the ones that you’re looking for!
They’re quite like other sports headphones in some ways, unique in others.
They’re very lightweight, so that they won’t weigh you down when you work out.
The fit is good, so that you don’t have to worry about it jostling out of your ears as you go.
What makes them stand out is that it allows air and a bit of outside noise to enter.
This makes it ideal for outdoor use, because it lets your ears “breathe” a bit, and lets you listen to music while also keeping an ear on your surroundings (such as traffic noises).
The only real issue is that the sound quality isn’t the best.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- The ultra-lightweight design of these headphones means that they won’t weigh you down.
- The vertical headband helps to keep these headphones in your ears; you won’t lose them by moving too much, such as by jogging.
- Lets in a bit of air and sound for safety and comfort when exercising or using outdoors.
- Very comfortable to wear, even if you use it for a prolonged time.
Cons
- The sound quality isn’t quite up to par with the rest of the headphones on this list.
- The cord might be a bit of a burden.
Jake's TakeSONXTRONIC Xdr-8000 Headphones are great headphones if you intend to use it when jogging or navigating somewhere where listening to your surroundings is a safety requirement.
They’re great as sports headphones, though the sound isn’t the most high-quality.
They’re worth the trade off for sound versus safety for some; if that describes you, then you’ll likely enjoy them.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Sony MDR-ZX310-BLACK Wired Headphones
Sony has long been considered to be a trusted brand when it came to audio of all kinds.
And, with Sony MDR-ZX310-BLACK Wired Headphones, they’ve brought that prestige to lightweight headphones, as well!
These are excellent headphones for everyday use, whether you’re using them to listen to music, watch movies, or answer video calls, making them great for home or office use.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take the show on the road!
The ear cups swivel, and the band collapses, making it easy to store or transport.
The sound quality is definitely top notch.
It comes through clear, with great bass.
There is a downside, though: You might find them uncomfortable to wear, especially if you have a larger head.
This isn’t universal, but something you might find yourself dealing with.
You’ll also be paying in the upper-mid range if you purchase.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Made by Sony, a well-respected brand.
- The ear cups swivel and the band collapses, making transport and storage easy.
- Crystal clear sound, with a powerful bass, makes these great for home, office, or anywhere.
- Lightweight enough that it won’t weigh you down when in use.
- Short cable won’t get in the way and is considered to be “tangle free”.
- Works fine for kids.
Cons
- Some people find that the headphones are uncomfortable to wear, particularly for long periods or on people that have larger heads.
- Price is in the upper moderate range.
Jake's TakeFor great take-anywhere headphones, you should definitely consider Sony MDR-ZX310-BLACK Wired Headphones.
They provide excellent sound quality, and they are simple for anyone to use.
If your head is a bit large, then they might be uncomfortable, and the ear cups might be snug, but most people find they’re worth the sound quality.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Philips Ultra Super Lighweight Headband Headphones SHL1602/28
For the ultimate in lightweight headphones, look no further than Philips Ultra Super Lighweight Headband Headphones SHL1602/28.
These headphones are described as “ultra super lightweight”, and they fit that bill perfectly: Some people who wear these can even forget that they’re on!
They’re great for almost any use, whether at home, in the office, or at the gym.
They travel well, too, folding flat so that you can store them in a bag, backpack, or purse.
The sound quality is great, especially for something so small; they come with a 30mm speaker.
If you’re into the sleek, futuristic look, these fit the bill quite nicely.
They’re almost as stylish as they are useful!
The only issue seems to be that, if you have a small head, they might be too loose.
Buy these quickly; the manufacturer has discontinued this product!
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- These headphones are very lightweight, probably the lightest on this list.
- With a 30mm speaker, the sound is absolutely incredible for something so small.
- They stay on your head, even when jogging or engaging in other vigorous activities.
- They’re comfortable to wear, and won’t leave your ears or head sore after use.
Cons
- If your head is small, then you might find that these headphones don’t fit you properly.
- These products have been discontinued, so there is a very limited supply. You should buy quickly if you like them.
Jake's TakePhilips Ultra Super Lighweight Headband Headphones SHL1602/28 are some of the lightest and best all around headphones on this entire list.
There are very few things that are cause for concern, though the fact that they have been discontinued is one of them.
Snatch these up quickly, because they’re worth every penny!
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Blue
Yes, we’re doing a remix.
These are AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones again, but this time, in an eye-catching electric blue!
AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Blue are much the same as the ones mentioned above (AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Black), and offer the same great qualities.
The sound that you’ll get with these headphones is phenomenal, and is one of the best that you’ll find on this list.
These are great for work or for play!
Want something that’s easy to transport? These have it covered!
The ear cups swivel in, while the headband collapses, leaving them folded flat for storage in a bag, purse, or backpack.
The electric blue color that these come in is quite stylish, and will make you stick out of a crowd.
The one flaw that you might experience is that, if your head is large, these may fit a bit too tightly.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- The ear cups on these headphones are padded, and the lining is leather-like, improving the comfort.
- You can swivel the ear cups and collapse the headband to fold these headphones flat for storage.
- Has excellent sound, and reaches decibels of up to 101.
- The cord measures at 47 ¼ inches (or 1.2 meters).
- The sound is very clear, and is directly comparable to headphones that are far more expensive and cumbersome.
- Comes in a vivid blue color.
Cons
- If your head is on the larger side, then you may find that the fit is too snug to be comfortable.
Jake's TakeAmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones – Blue are, like their predecessors, great headphones and great bargains to boot.
The sound is incredible, they’re easily transportable, and now they come in a great new color!
If your head isn’t too large for them, you’ll likely enjoy every minute of their use, making them excellent lightweight headphones.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Lightweight Headphones Buying Guide
Lightweight headphones are a comfortable and excellent choice for people who cannot imagine a day without music.
For most people, headphones are much more than an accessory.
Rather, headphones are the necessary gadget that helps users cope with stress on the way to work and school.
So, why keep those heavy, old fashioned models?
This guide will help you pick the best, lightweight headphones on the market for your specific needs and budget.
Want to know how?
Keep reading.
Types of Headphones
In the past larger models were equal to heavy models.
Nowadays, some over-the-head models are still lightweight.
The choice depends on a few factors.
Let’s break down everything about different headphone types.
In-ear headphone
This first category includes the smallest and wireless models.
These are the lightest headphones on the market.
Often called earbuds, these headphones probably came to you with your phone.
There are wired and wireless earbuds.
The in-ear headphones are portable, small, lightweight, easy to store and some models provide excellent sound.
Because they go directly into your ear, they have great noise isolation.
No one can hear that music you are listening to while driving to work!
However, cheap earbuds aren’t the best as far as the sound goes.
For the money you will be paying, you can get some other type of headphones that offers better sound quality.
If you can put more money, you can find great headphones.
Another drawback is that wired headphones get tangled easily.
Whether you put them in your pocket or bag, they will always find a way to tangle.
It means spending a few minutes to detangle them every time you want to use them.
Wireless models don’t have that drawback, obviously.
Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones are easy to use, hassle-free, and stored in a special storage box, where they recharge as well.
They are compact and portable.
Wireless headphones are a great choice for sport.
They won’t be affected by sweating or will get in your way when doing complex workout sessions.
Also, they look cool.
Drawback includes battery life, which isn’t that much longer.
Batteries are small and you have to recharge them quite often.
And, because these are so compact, they are easy to lose.
On-ear Wireless Headphones
On this size scale, the next ones are on-ear headphones.
Similar to previous models, these are easily portable.
They don’t go exactly in your ear.
Instead, they sit on the outer part and are connected with a band across your head.
They have bigger batteries, therefore you charge them less often.
The sound quality is in most cases great.
However, the noise isolation isn’t.
They can be a bit bulkier.
Even though there are no wires, you still can put them in the pocket.
Over-ear Headphones
The next model is the largest and heavier.
You will hardly find the lightweight over-ear headphones.
If you do, keep them because they offer exceptional sound and noise isolation.
These are comfortable and the battery life is much better than with the previous two models.
However, these are bulky, not that stylish, and pricier.
Things to Understand before Buying Headphones
Now, I will run through some technical data, to help you get the best value for your money.
Headphones are tech gadgets, and you should know a bit of technical information.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is the value that tells you how much sound your headphones may produce.
The numbers go from 20Hz to 20,000Hz which fits what the human ear can detect.
However, if you notice a frequency range for the headphones from 15 Hz, it means that you won’t be able to detect the lowest frequency sound but you might notice the differences in your music.
It is a pretty individual, but not necessarily an important feature.
Noise Isolation
There are two ways for noise to be isolated.
One is physical because the headphones will block the noise from your ear.
The other is Active noise isolation, which features a physical principle in action.
The headphones with Active noise isolation have tiny microphones that will detect the noise and use opposite wave sound to cancel them out.
Active noise isolation has better performance, but a higher price tag.
So, when headphones claim they cancel noise, check which one of these two principles they use.
Soundstage
The soundstage is an exciting feature that mimics the music in the room.
For example, you will be able to detect from which bud does the music come, left, or right.
However, the music is coming from both buds equally, but it is the technology that can trick you and completely change your experience.
It makes sense with some sounds, while it is completely useless with others.
What is Flat/Neutral Sound
When headphones have neutral or flat sound, they transfer the sound with no deviation at all.
You might think that it is something you should look for in headphones.
It depends on your preferences.
Some manufacturers boost the sounds a bit to make a better user experience.
That way, your music sounds better.
Features
Let’s make a shortlist of significant features you should look for in your next pair of headphones.
Noise Cancelation
As mentioned before, go with those with Active noise isolation for the best experience.
Battery Life
Great features can drain the battery quicker, what the manufacturer says about the product.
To get the glance of the battery performance, check user reviews, and see how many of them complain about battery.
Folding
If you opt to over-the-ear lightweight headphones, make sure you can fold them in a way.
It will make storing much easier, and they could even be placed in pockets.
Water Resistance
Not everyone needs water-resistant headphones.
If you plan to use them while working out, it could be useful to get a pair of water-resistant headphones.
Otherwise, you can buy the standard ones.
Built-in Microphone
The majority of headphones nowadays have a built-in microphone and it is something you shouldn’t miss.
Unless you love to carry a microphone in your pocket.
However, check the mic quality to make sure the headphones will work in every situation.
Conclusion
Lightweight headphones are a must for many different activities, or just for everyday use when you don’t want to be burdened with heavy headphones.
This list encompasses varieties that should fit whatever needs and budget that you might have.
Find the right set of headphones, and you’ll never want another pair!
What's your take on Lightweight Headphones? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
