If you think choosing affordable headphones means having to compromise on good sound quality, smart, efficient design and cool features, think again. Headphones have come a long way since they first came into being. Chances are when you hear the term “affordable headphones,” you think of those flimsy, plastic headphones with the scratchy foam earpads that get handed out on airplanes. However, these days, headphone options come in a staggering array of styles and capabilities. Even those that are referred to as “disposable headphones” are light-years ahead of where they were just a decade ago. Here are some of the top trends among headphone manufacturers that you just might want to check out.

Wireless headphones

Wireless headphones are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the many advantages they offer over wired headphones, including greater freedom of movement and the ability to connect to multiple devices. Best of all, wireless headphones are just as simple to pair with a Bluetooth-enabled device as they are to use. Wireless headphones are perhaps best utilized for individual or small-group connecting versus large-group or classroom connections that require simultaneous sync and available bandwidth.

Noise-canceling headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to block out ambient noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments. This can be especially helpful for students who need to focus on their studies or for people who want to relax and enjoy their music without being disturbed by outside noise. More and more headphone manufacturers are incorporating noise-canceling technology into their designs to meet the public demand for a distraction-free listening experience in classrooms, gyms, museums and more.

Waterproof headphones

For people who don’t enjoy the idea of potentially ruining their expensive headphones or earbuds while enjoying music poolside or at the beach, waterproof headphones are a must-have. Waterproof headphones are ideal for use in wet environments, such as the gym or the pool. This can be especially helpful for students who participate in sports or for people who want to listen to music while they’re at the pool or beach. A pair of affordable waterproof or water-resistant headphones can be an essential addition to any gym bag or pool tote.

Overall, finding a reliable, high-quality pair of headphones that doesn’t break the bank has gotten a lot easier in just a few short years. Thanks to new advances in technology, headphones are more affordable and stylish than ever, and they offer a number of features that can make them a valuable investment. If you’re looking into purchasing headphones or headsets for school classrooms, or even if you wish to bulk-buy disposable headphones or earbuds, you’ll be surprised by the increased quality and comfort you can find at virtually every price point!