These Vintage-Inspired Headphones Are Way More Affordable Than You Think

They are inspired by the iconic mini on-ear headphones from the 1980s.

Red portable CD player with a clear top, orange foam headphones, and a yellow Silverette typewriter on a brown surface.

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Published January 23, 2026

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Earlier this month, Fiio introduced the DM15 R2R, a gorgeous portable CD player with modern features, such as built-in Bluetooth and USB-C charging, and serious vintage vibes. It’s priced at $270.

Now, the fast-growing hi-fi brand has introduced new wireless headphones, the Fiio EH11, with a matching retro aesthetic. Best of all, they’re quite affordable.

Two pairs of on-ear headphones, one with a clear frame and orange foam ear pads, the other with a black frame and black foam ear pads, both with wooden ear cup covers. — These two color options are available now on Amazon.

Straight out of the ’80s

The Fiio EH11 is a pair of wireless on-ear headphones made to look like headphones from decades past — the company claims that they’re “inspired by iconic 1980s mini on-ear headphones.”

Each pair has a transparent headband and earcups, so you can see the internal elements within, and comes with two sets of colorful foam earpads, so you can replace them (or switch up to the look) over time.

Black portable CD player with a silver disc inside, stacked on CDs next to black on-ear headphones and magazines on a brown surface. — Fiio claims that they are inspired by the mini on-ear headphones from the 1980s.

One neat detail that each set of EH11 headphones has is wooden earcups. Not only does this give them an elevated appearance, but they’re also functional — they work as tactile control knobs for adjusting volume and skipping tracks.

Person wearing a gray knit beanie and transparent headphones with orange foam ear pads. — The headphones weigh just 92 grams, making them ideal for long listening sessions.

Near lossless audio

As far as the actual audio, the Fiio EH11 promises to sound good for their price (which is quite low). They have 40mm long-throw dynamic drivers that, according to the brand, deliver energetic low frequencies as well as natural mids and highs.

The headphones do support LDAC, the highest-resolution Bluetooth codec, supporting audio up to 990 kbps, though only when paired with a compatible device. Sadly, iPhones don’t support LDAC.

And the EH11 headphones are compatible with Fiio’s companion app, so you can tweak EQ settings or choose between specific sound profiles.

Four pairs of on-ear headphones with wooden ear cups and foam ear pads in orange, blue, red, and orange colors, each with a translucent plastic headband. — A couple of the color options that are available.

The Fiio EH11 headphones come in five different color options with matching foam ear pads. All finishes are transparent, but colors include clear, off-white, burgundy, cyan and black.

However, it appears that Amazon only sells the transparent and transparent black options. If you want one of the other colors, it appears you’ll have to go through FiiO directly.

Person wearing orange and beige headphones and an orange scarf, holding a black cassette tape player. — The Fiio EH11 headphones charge via USB-C and promise up to 30 hours of playtime.

Just $30

And now, best for last. The Fiio EH11 headphones cost only $30 and — at least the transparent and transparent black options — are available now on Amazon.

Transparent over-ear headphones with orange foam ear pads and wooden circular accents.

Fiio EH11

$30 at Amazon

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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