The 6 Best Earbuds And Headphones Under $20 - Spring 2021 Reviews

The best earbuds under $20 that we've tested are the Sony WI-C310 Wireless. While they're normally a bit more expensive, they can currently be found on sale at this price-point. They offer decent overall performance and have a battery life of over 17 hours, so you can wear them for long days at the office without a problem.

While they have a no-frills design, their stable and comfortable fit makes them well-suited for running or working out. Fans of EDM and hip-hop may especially enjoy their boomy sound profile. That said, their mid-range is still balanced and neutral so vocals and lead instruments sound present and detailed. They don't leak too much audio at high volumes, and they come in a few different colors to better suit your style.

Unfortunately, their in-line mic has a sub-par recording quality, and it struggles to separate speech from moderate ambient noise around you. Their rubberized audio cables also feel thin and as if prone to damage. That said, they're among the best cheap wireless earbuds that we've tested and are a suitable choice if you're looking to save some money on your headphones. 

The best truly wireless headphones under $20 that we've tested are the Skullcandy Spoke. These lightweight in-ears have a good build quality that feels durable and sturdy. They're even rated IPX4 for water resistance, although we don't currently test for this. 

They have an excited, v-shaped sound profile that packs extra bass while making vocals and lead instruments bright and sparkling. If you prefer a different sound, they come with EQ presets that can be accessed via their controls. However, there's no way to know which EQ mode you're using. They leak almost no audio and can cut down some background noise like ambient chatter around you. Their integrated mic also does a decent job of recording your voice, so you sound natural and clear to whoever you're talking to.

Unfortunately, they're a bit bulky and have a deep fit, so it can put pressure on your ears when you're trying to register a command. Their 5.9-hour battery life also may not be enough to get you through your 9-5 workday. Luckily, their carrying case offers around 2.5 additional charges and you can even use one earbud while the other one charges, which is handy in a pinch.

If you're looking for over-ears, the best headphones under $20 that we've tested are the Koss UR20. These lightweight headphones have a comfortable fit that makes them suitable for long listening sessions. Thanks to their wired design, you don't need to charge them to use them, and their low latency makes them suitable for wired gaming.

They have a fairly balanced sound profile, though the overemphasis in the mid-range can make vocals and lead instruments forward and boxy in the mix. However, they should still be suitable for lots of audio content. They can also passively isolate against higher-frequency background noises, like the hum of a nearby AC unit.

Unfortunately, they struggle to block out lower-frequency background noises, so you can still hear the low rumble of bus and plane engines or chatter from people nearby. They also leak a bit of noise, which can be distracting to those around you. However, if you want straightforward over-ears for less than $20, they're a solid choice.

The best headphones under $20 with an on-ear design that we've tested 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 Wireless. They 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.