The Best Cheap Earbuds
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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Good earbuds have never been cheaper. That’s because there are three types of in-ear-headphones that are fighting for your dollar: true-wireless earbuds like Apple’s AirPods, Bluetooth earphones with a tether, and traditional (3.5mm) wired earbuds. Wired earbuds are the most affordable option.
How Much Do Good Earbuds Cost?
A pair of earbuds (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $16, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same earphones cost around $12 while on sale: an average discount of 25%.
At those prices, it’s reasonable to stow a pair of cheap earbuds in carry-on luggage, or use them as a “beater” pair of headphones during a sweaty workout.
Are Premium Earbuds Worth It? My Two Cents
I’ve purchased two pairs of premium sweatproof earbuds: Sennheiser’s Sport Series and Bose’s SoundSport; both models shorted-out after two years. (The Bose earbuds were replaced under warranty.) In an ironic twist, my $6 Panasonic earbuds have lasted five years.
In my experience, name-brand sport headphones sound- and fit-better, but they are not more durable. A pair of high-end earbuds costs around the same as 10–20 pairs of budget earbuds. It’s a large premium that isn’t worth it unless the earphones are supported by a warranty.
If you have large or small ears, look for earbuds that include a fit adjustment kit. Properly-sized silicone eartips help earphones stay in the ear while running (and make them more comfortable in general).
Removable tips also make it easier to clean earbuds. This is especially important for those who suffer from chronic ear infections (extended headphone use can reactivate middle ear infections).
Here are the best cheap wired earbuds for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find wired earbuds with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any earphone with a price above the mid-point.
To find 3.5mm earbuds with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Models with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 5% of the analyzed products remain.
Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones
Good Value: $7 | Great Deal: $5
Microphone: No
Volume Control: No
Panasonic’s inexpensive wired earbuds fit well and have exceptional sound at a bargain price, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish these earbuds had a microphone and a tangle free cord.
JBL Tune 110 In-Ear Headphone with One-Button Remote
Good Value: $13 | Great Deal: $10
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Microphone: Yes
Volume Control: No
JBL’s budget earbuds have crisp sound and deep bass, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the fit is too deep within the ear canal; others like the noise-isolating aspect of a tight fit.
JVC Marshmallow Memory Foam Earbud with Mic
Good Value: $12 | Great Deal: $9
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Microphone: Yes
Volume Control: No
Many online customers say that JVC’s “Marshmallow” earbuds are the only ones that stay in their ears. Some reviewers say that the memory foam stiffens and breaks over time; others wish the cord was longer.
Edifier H180 Hi-Fi Stereo Earbuds
Good Value: $13 | Great Deal: $11
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Microphone: No
Volume Control: No
Edifier’s earbuds are lightweight, comfortable and have amazing sound quality, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish these earphones had an L-shaped connector and a more durable build.
Pioneer In-Ear Earbuds (SE-CL502)
Good Value: $8 | Great Deal: $7
Microphone: No
Volume Control: No
Pioneer’s budget earbuds are comfortable, stylish and they sound good for the price, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish that these earphones had a microphone and a louder max volume.
Insignia Wired Earbud Headphones
Good Value: $15 | Great Deal: $13
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Microphone: Yes
Volume Control: Yes
Insignia’s in-ear headphones are a good value and a cheaper alternative to Apple earphones, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say these earbuds run large and are not built to last.
TCL SOCL300 Earbuds With Built-in Mic
Good Value: $15 | Great Deal: $10
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Microphone: Yes
Volume Control: No
TCL’s earbuds are lightweight and comfortable, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish these earbuds had inline volume control; others say that the sound quality is nothing extraordinary.
Vogek Tangle-Free Earbuds
Good Value: $7 | Great Deal: $6
Microphone: No
Volume Control: No
Vogek’s afforable earbuds have excellent sound for their price, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say these earbuds are uncomfortable, despite their supposed ergonomic shape.
Avantree E171 Sport Earbuds With Microphone
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $14
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Microphone: Yes
Volume Control: Yes
These inexpensive sport earbuds are extremely comfortable and stay in place while running, according several online customers. Many reviewers say the sound (and microphone) quality is good, but not great. Some customers had trouble sizing these earbuds using the included earhooks and tips.
BYGZB Wired Earphones With Mic
Good Value: $21 | Great Deal: $15
Microphone: Yes
Volume Control: Yes
These budget earbuds include convenient ear-hooks and an excellent integrated microphone, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that these earbuds are not “noise cancelling” like the manufacturer claims; others say these earphones are not comfortable after extended wear.
Betron YSM1000 High-Definition Earbuds
Good Value: $23 | Great Deal: $10
Microphone: Yes
Volume Control: Yes
These earbuds sound good and the thick cord doesn’t tangle easily, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say these earbuds fall out of the ear during intense activities at the gym.
Betron DC950 Tangle Free Earbuds
Good Value: $12 | Great Deal: $9
Microphone: No
Volume Control: No
These Betron earbuds have good bass and a durable cord, according to several online customers. Some reviewers had trouble getting these earbuds to stay in their ears (especially while jogging).
About the Author: John DeFeo is an avid audiophile, a one-time A/V salesman, and more recently, he was the head of insights for Tom’s Guide. He analyzes online reviews and publishes a list of Amazon deals on Reddit.
