The 5 Best Earbuds And Headphones Under $20 - Summer 2019
Reviews

Nowadays, you can get a decent pair of headphones on a very tight budget. Cheap headphones are ideal for last-minute purchases or if you need a temporary pair of headphones. However, the choice is limited and build quality tends to be poor.

Below are our recommendations for the best earbuds and headphones under $20 we have reviewed so far. See also our recommendations for the best cheap earbuds, the best budget wireless headphones, and the best wireless earbuds under $50.

1. Best Earbuds Under $20: Skullcandy Jib Wireless

   

   Skullcandy Jib Wireless

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   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   6.6

   Mixed Usage

   6.7

   Critical Listening

   6.8

   Commute/Travel

   7.5

   Sports/Fitness

   6.7

   Office

   5.3

   TV

   4.9

   Gaming
   Type : In-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : Yes

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : Yes

   Transducer : Dynamic

   The best earbuds under $20 that we’ve tested so far are the Skullcandy Jib. They’re among the best cheap wireless earbuds we’ve reviewed and provide pretty good value for the price. Like most Skullcandy products, their price can vary depending on the color you choose, but most options are either under $20 or are just a couple bucks more. They have a fairly comfortable fit and are decent earbuds for small ears.

   These earbuds sound pretty decent for wireless in-ears in this price range, with a bass-heavy sound that fans of EDM and hip-hop are sure to love. They have a good 35-foot wireless range so you won’t need to always keep your Bluetooth source on you. They have a very compact design, so you can easily slip them into your pockets when they’re no longer in use.

   Unfortunately, they feel pretty cheaply made and their battery only lasts for about 6 hours. The JBL E25BT feel better-made and have a nearly 10-hour battery life. Certain color variations are often on sale for less than $20, but they’re generally more expensive. Overall, the Skullcandy Jib provide pretty good value for the price, especially if you’re hunting for wireless in-ears at a great budget price.

   See our review

2. Wired Alternative: KZ ZST

   

   KZ ZST

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   Amazon.com

   Type : In-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : No

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : No

   Transducer : Hybrid

   If you prefer wired earbuds, then consider the KZ ZST. They don’t offer the same wireless freedom of Bluetooth earbuds like the Skullcandy Jib, but their simple wired design ensures you don’t ever have to worry about battery life. These earbuds are very well-built for their price and have a slightly less bulky fit than other KZ headphones we’ve tested.

   They sound alright overall, but their treble is less balanced than the more expensive KZ AS10. They also don’t isolate noise as well. That said, they’re significantly cheaper and are still a solid option if you’re looking for wired in-ear headphones under $20.

   See our review

3. Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $20: Koss UR20

   

   Koss UR20

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   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   5.6

   Mixed Usage

   7.0

   Critical Listening

   4.7

   Commute/Travel

   4.7

   Sports/Fitness

   5.5

   Office

   5.7

   TV

   5.5

   Gaming
   Type : Over-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : No

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : No

   Transducer : Dynamic

   The best over-ear headphones under $20 that we’ve tested so far are the Koss UR20. They’re comfortable, decent-sounding headphones that could be an okay choice for critical listeners on a very tight budget.

   These headphones have large, spacious earcups that are quite comfortable and their headband doesn’t apply too much pressure on the head, which is great for long listening sessions. They have deep, punchy bass which makes them best-suited to bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop.

   Unfortunately, they’re quite plasticky and feel rather cheap. This is to be expected at this price point, but the Tascam TH-02 feel a little better-made. That said, the Koss sound better and are more comfortable, which makes them a slightly better option under $20.

   See our review

4. More Portable Alternative: Tascam TH-02

   

   Tascam TH-02

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   Amazon.com

   Type : Over-ear

   Enclosure : Closed-Back

   Wireless : No

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : No

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you want a slightly more portable and durable alternative to the Koss UR20 for less than $20, then get the Tascam TH-02. They’re not as comfortable as the Koss since they have smaller and shallower ear cups, but they're easier to carry around since they fold.

   These headphones provide a somewhat decent audio reproduction, similar to the Koss, but with slightly worse treble. Like most headphones at this price range, they also don’t have the best build quality. However, they feel a bit more durable than the Koss and are easier to carry around, which could make them a better option for some.

   See our review

5. Best On-Ear Headphones Under $20: Koss KSC75

   

   Koss KSC75

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   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   5.4

   Mixed Usage

   6.7

   Critical Listening

   4.4

   Commute/Travel

   6.3

   Sports/Fitness

   4.7

   Office

   5.5

   TV

   5.4

   Gaming
   Type : On-ear

   Enclosure : Open-Back

   Wireless : No

   Noise-Cancelling : No

   Mic : No

   Transducer : Dynamic

   If you’re looking for headphones with a smaller footprint and you’re a fan of an on-ear fit, get the Koss KSC75. They lack the deep, thumping bass of the Koss UR20, but they’re more portable and are easier to carry around.

   They have a stable ear-hook design that doesn’t wobble around, and they can fold up to fit in your pockets quite easily. They’re well-suited to more vocal-centric music and would be a decent choice for listening to podcasts or audiobooks in a quiet room.

   Unfortunately, their open-back design lets in a lot of sound, so they won’t be a good choice for use in noisier environments. They can also be a bit uncomfortable, especially for those who wear glasses. That said, they’re the most decent-sounding and portable on-ear headphones under $20.

   See our review