The 5 Best Cheap Earbuds - Spring 2024 Reviews

The JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless are the best cheap earbuds we've tested. These wallet-friendly buds have a versatile performance that can please lots of different listeners, with some extra features to help them stand out from similarly-priced models. Their continuous battery life of about nine hours lasts through a 9-5 workday, and their case holds about three additional charges. Their fit is comfortable, breathable, and stable, making them a solid choice for workouts. They also have a good build quality and an IPX4 rating for resistance against water splashes.

They have three EQ presets built-in, which let you adjust their sound to suit your tastes better. With the 'JLab Signature' EQ preset, their most neutral setting, they have a bass-rich sound profile that delivers extra thump, rumble, and punch to your audio. It's not too overwhelming, so they're still suitable for various genres and types of content. However, like most cheap earbuds, they don't have active noise cancelling and don't do a good job of blocking out ambient sound. The TOZO T6 Truly Wireless are cheap earbuds with good passive noise isolation, and they do a better job of isolating you from sounds like background chit-chat at the office. They also do an okay job of blocking out noise like rumbling engines. They have a bassy sound that can work well for genres like EDM, but these headphones lack sound customization features.

The best-sounding cheap earbuds we've tested are the Skullcandy Dime 3 True Wireless. These small and lightweight buds may not be quite as comfortable as the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless, but their fairly neutral sound profile makes them a very versatile choice for most kinds of audio content. They have a slight touch of bass and flat mids, so vocals and instruments sound clear and natural. Sibilants like cymbals also sound bright and sizzle. While you won't find more robust customization features like a graphic EQ at this price point, these buds still have four EQ presets built in if you want to adjust their sound.

These buds are well-built and are certified IPX4 for resistance against splashes of water. They also have a stable fit, so you can wear them on the go or to the gym with little problem. Their continuous battery life of over eight hours will get you from point A to B, but their carrying case holds an extra two charges if you need it. Unfortunately, their mic's recording quality is pretty disappointing, and your voice lacks body while also sounding distant.

If you're looking for buds you can take to the gym, try the JLab Audio JBuds Air Truly Wireless. Their price fluctuates slightly, but you can sometimes find them under $25. They have an IP55 certification for dust and water resistance and have stability fins to ensure they stay in place for tough workouts. They're also well-built and decently comfortable. However, using the controls can put pressure on your ears and cause discomfort, so you may want to use the controls through your phone instead.

These buds have a very bass-heavy sound that delivers extra thump, rumble, and boom. This can help keep you pumped up during reps, but if you find it overwhelming, you can also take advantage of the three EQ presets built-in to help adjust their sound to suit your liking. Unfortunately, they have a very low playback time of 3.3 hours, so you'll want to recharge them between workouts. Luckily, their carrying case holds an extra ten charges if needed.

If you want an option that doesn't sacrifice build quality, the Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless are the best cheap earphones with a durable design that we've tested. While not quite premium-feeling, these earbuds have sturdy build quality, so they'll survive multiple accidental drops and bumps. They also have an IP55 rating for protection against dust and water exposure, meaning that they're a good choice if you like to do sports outdoors. Passively, they can't block out the loud rumble of a bus or plane engine, but they do a much better job of keeping you isolated from ambient chatter or the high-pitched hum of an AC unit. These earbuds have a very bass-heavy sound profile. It's great if you like a lot of thump and rumble when listening to hip-hop, metal, or EDM, but it can overpower and muddy vocals or lead instruments.

While they can't connect to a companion app, they have three EQ presets integrated into the buds themselves, allowing you to have some control over their sound. Their battery lasts just over 4.5 hours on a single charge, so you'll need to use one of the case's three extra charges if you use them all day.

The best earbuds under $50 we've tested are the JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless. If you don't mind spending a little more, they offer more features than the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless. These buds have an app with a graphic EQ and presets, so you can customize their bass-rich default sound profile to suit you. While they don't have ANC, they do a good job of passively blocking out sounds like voices. They have a couple of ambient sound modes meant to let you hear your surroundings: TalkThru, which lowers the volume on your audio so you can hear conversations, and Ambient Aware, which lets you hear what's going on around you.

They're decently comfortable and have a sturdy build. They're rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, which can help protect them during outdoor workouts in the rain or along a dusty path, but they aren't extremely stable and can slip out of your ears. They last almost nine hours off of a single charge, similar to the JLab, and have an auto-off timer to help save power when you're not using them.

If you're still looking for the right earbuds, try our list of the best earbuds under $50.