The 5 Best Earbuds And Headphones Under $20 - Summer 2020
Reviews

The best earbuds under $20 we've tested so far are the Skullcandy Jib. These Bluetooth in-ears have a very compact earbud design which makes them fairly comfortable, even for longer listening sessions. Their simple in-line remote is easy-to-use and they're available in a variety of different color options, though it's worth noting that different colors tend to cost different amounts.

These wireless earbuds have tons of bass, which makes them very well-suited to fans of bass-heavy EDM like dubstep or techno. While they can sound pretty boomy, they still reproduce vocals and instruments remarkably accurately, so they can still be a decent choice for pop or rock music. Their build quality is also pretty mediocre, but for cheap wireless earbuds, it's not bad.

Unfortunately, their battery life is pretty short, at just under 6 hours, and they take around 2 hours to charge. In addition, they only have call/music controls, so you need to adjust the volume directly on your phone. If you can afford just a few dollars more, the Anker SoundBuds Curve Upgraded 2019 are much better earbuds overall. However, if you need to stick under $20, then it's hard to beat these.

The best headphones under $20 with an over-ear design that we've tested so far are the Koss UR20. These wired headphones are very lightweight and comfortable, with large ear cups and soft and plush padding. They have a very long 8.3-foot wire and have a retro headband design that distributes pressure evenly across the top of your head.

The sound profile of these headphones is fairly well-balanced through the bass and mid-ranges, though unfortunately, some higher-frequencies sound dull and lifeless, while others are slightly piercing and harsh. That being said, due to their fairly loose fit, different people may not be able to achieve the same quality of seal, and may experience their sound reproduction differently.

Unfortunately, they look and feel very cheap and plasticky, and their low price point is really reflected in their build quality. They're also quite bulky, lack a microphone, and block almost no background noise, making them less than ideal to use during your daily commute or at the office. Overall, while they aren't the most versatile pair of headphones, these are a decent option for people who want fairly neutral-sounding over-ears without breaking the bank.

The best headphones under $20 with an on-ear design that we've tested so far are the Koss KSC75. They have a unique clip-on design that's very lightweight and ensures a stable, secure fit without putting any pressure across the top of your head. It also makes them very portable and breathable, so they're not bad if you're looking for something affordable to wear while running but don't like earbuds.

These inexpensive on-ears have a similar sound profile to the popular, yet more expensive, Koss Porta Pro KTC. The KSC75 have a bit less bass, but they share the same overall bright, yet still fairly neutral sound. This makes them very well-suited to podcasts or audiobooks. Since they have an open-back design, they also sound quite spacious.

Unfortunately, the ear-clip design isn't the most comfortable. Their ear-hooks stop feeling as intrusive once you've had them on for a while, but if you wear glasses, it doesn't get much better. They also don't isolate any ambient noise at all. While this can actually be a good thing if you're jogging around the neighborhood, they're not suitable for wearing on the bus, especially since they leak a lot of sound.