Maxell Maxell 199845 6 ft. Cord Adjustable Headband Wired Review

The Maxell 199845 are ultra-basic, $9 wired on-ear headphones. They deliver sound and not much else, with mediocre audio quality and comfort. They're a last-resort option only if your budget is literally ten dollars.

If you're looking for a pair of headphones and your budget is about ten bucks, the Maxell 199845 is probably on your radar. These are simple, wired, on-ear headphones with a 6-foot cord and an adjustable headband. There's no Bluetooth, no noise cancellation, and no fancy features—just a basic plug-and-play audio solution for when you need sound and don't want to spend much. They're the kind of thing you might grab for a spare pair at the office, for a kid's computer, or just to have around as a backup.

Performance-wise, you get what you pay for. In our database, the sound quality scores in the 40th percentile, which means it's fine for podcasts, YouTube videos, or casual music listening, but don't expect rich bass or crystal-clear highs. The microphone quality is even lower, sitting in the 37th percentile, so calls will sound a bit thin and distant. The comfort score is in the 43rd percentile, so they're okay for short sessions, but you might feel some pressure on your ears after a while. For a $9 product, these numbers are about what you'd expect.

At $9, the value proposition is straightforward: these are arguably the cheapest functional headphones you can find. You're not paying for performance, you're paying for 'audio in a pinch.' If your budget is truly zero and you need sound, these work. But if you can stretch to even $20-$30, you'll find vastly better options from brands like JBL or iClever that offer Bluetooth, better comfort, and much improved sound.

Let's be real, comparing these to giants like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Apple AirPods Max isn't fair—they're in different galaxies. A more relevant budget competitor is the iClever BTH12 kids' headphones, which are around $20 but add Bluetooth and likely better durability. The JBL Tune 770NC, often on sale for under $50, completely outclasses the Maxell with active noise cancellation, wireless freedom, and far superior sound. Even basic wired earbuds from a phone box will often sound better. The Maxell 199845 exists for one reason only: its price tag.

Skip the Maxell 199845 if you care about audio quality, plan to use them for calls, need wireless freedom, or want comfort for long sessions. Students, remote workers, commuters, and music fans should look elsewhere. If you need a cheap spare, consider basic earbuds. If you need a proper budget headphone, the iClever BTH12 or similar Bluetooth options are a much better starting point.

Should you buy the Maxell 199845? Only under one very specific condition: you need the absolute cheapest possible headphones that still technically work, and you don't care at all about sound quality, comfort, or features. For everyone else—students, remote workers, commuters, music listeners, gamers—skip these. Spending just a little more opens up a world of better, more reliable audio gear that won't leave you frustrated. Consider these a disposable audio tool, not a product you buy for enjoyment.