The 7 Best Cheap Earbuds - Winter 2020
Reviews

If you don't like wired headphones like the Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120 and would prefer to spend just a bit more for the convenience of wireless earbuds, then check out the Skullcandy Jib. They're not truly wireless, as they have a cable connecting both earbuds, but the cable does house the in-line remote and the microphone, which is a nice addition for such a small price. The overall sound is good but bass-heavy, with a recessed mid-range that can sound a bit thick. The earbuds are small and comfortable to wear for an extended period, but the battery life is the weak point, averaging 6 hours of playback and taking up to 2 hours for a full charge.

If you want a cheap pair of headphones that you can grab without having to worry about battery life, go with the Panasonic. For the convenience and portability of wireless headphones, the Skullcandy are worth a try.

If you want to save a few bucks and like the no-fuss nature of wired headphones, go with the KZ ZST. They aren't as comfortable as the Anker SoundBuds Curve Wireless and don't have a microphone, but they feel slightly better made and are a bit cheaper. They have deep and powerful bass on top of a good mid-range, but unfortunately their treble is a bit uneven, meaning they may not be the best for more vocal-centric music. Their build quality is good and they even have a detachable cable which means you can swap it out if it gets damaged. They do a slightly better job at isolating background noise than the Anker, though they still aren't great and won't effectively block out engine rumbles from a bus or train.

If you want a comfortable pair of wireless headphones, go with the Anker, but if you're often away from a charging source and don't want to worry about batteries in your headphones, get the KZ.

If you like the extra freedom and portability of truly wireless earbuds but don't want to spend the premium they usually demand, go with the SoundPeats TrueFree. They aren't as comfortable as the Anker SoundBuds Curve Wireless, and their battery isn't as good, but they are even more portable and do a better job at isolating background noise. Like most options on this list, their sound tends to be a bit bass-heavy and they may not be the best choice for vocal-centric genres, but their sound reproduction is decent overall and impressive considering their price. They do a much better job at isolating background noises than the Anker and can even decently block out engine rumble, making them an alright choice for your daily commute.

Get the Anker if you don't mind having a cable connecting your left and right earbuds, but if you want the freedom of truly wireless headphones without spending a ton of money, go for the SoundPeats.

If you're looking for a pair of headphones to take to the gym, take a look at the JBL Endurance Sprint. They're a bit bulkier than the Sony WI-C310, but their ear hook design provides a very stable fit and shouldn't fall off during vigorous exercise. They have a better build quality than the Sonys and they're rated IPX7 for water and sweat resistance. The overall sound signature is well-balanced, but the treble may sound overly bright for some. While their 9-hour battery life isn't as good as the Sony, they charge up quickly and there's also a power saving feature available. Lastly, the most impressive feature of these earbuds is their noise isolation. Even without active noise cancelling, they're able to block out noise across the entire frequency range. Unfortunately, there's no mobile app for customization and their touch-sensitive controls are hard to use.

All in all, for everyday use, the Sony are a better choice, but for those who need a pair that's better suited for exercise, go with the JBL.