15 Best Cheap Earbuds in 2023 (Inexpensive Budget Champs)

We’ve tested 192 headphones and over 100 earbuds. Here we’ll cover:

• The best cheap earbuds under $50, $30, and $20 that far outperform their price.
• Our hands-on experience with each pair.
• A/B sound comparison tests, so you know exactly how they sound.

Let’s dig in:

All earbuds on our list are evaluated based on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score).  The main criteria we looked at to pick the top recommendations are sound quality and comfort & fit. See our testing and ranking methodology.

It’s true; most cheap earbuds are a piece of junk. But not all, if you know the right models.

We have tested over 100 earbuds to find the best budget buds on the market.

Here is our selection that includes true wireless, wired, in-ear, and non-in-ear earphones.

For more budget options, see the best earbuds under $50, best Bluetooth earbuds under $50, best wireless earbuds under $30.

Best Cheap Earbuds

1. TOZO NC7

TOZO NC7 are the best cheap true wireless earbuds we’ve tested. They completely wipe away the competition at $50, providing high-end performance for commuters and students – TOZO NC7 review.

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Sound: The TOZO NC7 initially presents a bloated and harsh sound, but with EQ adjustments, the audio significantly improves. Despite initial sound issues, with EQ adjustments, the NC7 offer a natural sound with an extra bass and sparkle, making them suitable for a variety of listeners.

Hear the TOZO NC7 A/B sound test:

Their balanced sound signature is suitable for all music genres, and in-app equalization allows you to change the sound to your preference.

Comfort & Fit: These earbuds are lightweight and comfortably fit most ears without requiring deep insertion. They provide a stable fit for regular use but are not suitable for intense workouts. During our head-shaking tests, the earbuds lost their fit after a while.

So, the earbuds stay comfortable for hours for regular use, but if you need sports earbuds, you should get an alternative. Also, the NC7 comes with 6 pairs of silicone ear tips, offering options for different ear sizes.

Durability: The TOZO NC7 have an IPX6 rating, indicating significant water resistance, though not complete waterproofness. You can wash them under a tap but can’t submerge them.

The earbuds are well-built, but the charging case feels less substantial, with a thin and potentially fragile lid.

Battery: One of the NC7’s standout features is its exceptional battery life. We tested it at 9 hours and 10 minutes of playtime per charge with ANC enabled.

This is a best-in-class battery performance that surpasses many competitors in the ANC earbud category. The charging case provides an additional 36 hours of battery life, and the earbuds support Qi wireless charging. You’ll never run out of battery.

Features: The earbuds are feature-rich, with an app offering:

• EQ customization
• Different ANC modes
• Controls customization
• A selection of relaxing sounds

Usually, you find this many options in premium earbuds that cost much more than 50 dollars.

However, the call quality is mediocre, especially in noisy environments. The earbuds also lack a Game mode, resulting in a noticeable audio lag in mobile games.

Noise Isolation & Cancelling: The NC7 provides good passive noise isolation and effective active noise cancellation, particularly in the upper bass and lower treble regions. You can pick between 3 ANC modes that do a great job for the price, removing more noise than many more expensive models.

Also, the ambient sound mode boosts voices, so you can have a conversation without taking the earbuds out of ears.

Bluetooth: The earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection. The indoor Bluetooth range is average at about 40 feet.

However, they lack Bluetooth multipoint support and have noticeable latency in mobile gaming due to the absence of a Game mode.

Who Should Get TOZO NC7? They may not be the best choice for sports enthusiasts due to stability concerns during intense activities.

But at the price point of $50, the TOZO NC7 are the best wireless earbuds on a budget in our opinion. Considering their audio quality (post-EQ), comfort, battery life, and ANC performance. They are particularly suited for commuters, students, and bass enthusiasts.

Their stability isn’t suitable for sports. So, check the best workout headphones if you seek the ultimate stable fit.

Runner-Up Budget Earbuds

2. SoundPEATS Sonic

SoundPEATS Sonic are the runner-up budget wireless earbuds. Of all we’ve tested, these have the longest 14-hour battery per charge. – SoundPEATS Sonic review.

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Sound: The audio is characterized by a significant sub-bass boost. This tuning makes the earbuds very punchy and suitable for bass-heavy music.

The midrange is slightly recessed but pleasant, and the treble has a shimmery quality. The soundstage is decent, with more depth than width, and the imaging is accurate. Overall, the sound is far better than what you’d expect for the price.

Hear the SoundPEATS Sonic A/B sound test:

Comfort & Fit: The SoundPEATS Sonic earbuds offer great comfort and fit well in most ears. They are designed for long listening sessions with minimal pressure.

The earbuds remain secure during everyday activities. But when we tested them, we found exaggerated facial expressions can loosen the fit, requiring readjustment for optimal sound.

Noise Isolation: These earbuds excel in passive noise isolation, effectively blocking external sounds.

Their design and ear tips contribute to this high level of isolation, making them ideal for listeners who prefer to block out their surroundings. However, they might not be suitable for those who need to stay aware of their environment.

Bluetooth: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, the SoundPEATS Sonic ensures a wide connection range and stable pairing. They support aptX Adaptive for improved latency and music quality, though this feature requires compatible devices.

The earbuds also offer a mono mode but lack multipoint connectivity. This means you can’t connect them to 2 devices simultaneously.

Battery: One of the standout features is the battery life. We tested it at 14 hours and 5 min of playback per charge. This impressive duration surpasses many competitors, including premium models. The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life and supports fast charging.

Durability: While the build quality feels cheap, especially the charging case, the earbuds themselves have an IPX5 water resistance rating. This makes them suitable for workouts and exposure to sweat and light rain, but they should not be submerged in water.

Features: The SoundPEATS Sonic earbuds are basic in terms of features. They have physical buttons for control, support USB-C fast charging, and offer aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs. However, they lack an accompanying app for customization.

Microphone Quality: The microphone performance is reliable for phone calls in both quiet and noisy environments, maintaining understandable voice quality.

Should You Buy SoundPEATS Sonic? If you can overlook the cheap build quality and lack of advanced features, the SoundPEATS Sonic earbuds are a top choice for their price, offering amazing battery life, comfortable fit, effective noise isolation, and good audio, especially for bass lovers.

They are a great option for casual listeners and those who prioritize battery life and bass response.

Best Cheap Earbuds for Sports

3. Edifier TWS1 Pro 2

Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are the best cheap wireless earbuds for working out we’ve tested. These stay in the ears when exercising with great sound for the price – Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 review.

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Sound: The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 delivers a bold sound experience. A U-shaped sound has boosted sub-bass and treble which is suitable for modern punchy music. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off and the EQ set to “Classical,” the audio improves to the point of being balanced.

Hear the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 A/B sound test:

Overall, the sound is full and natural with good clarity, making these earbuds a strong contender in their price range.

Comfort & Fit: These earbuds boast a refined ergonomic shape, ensuring a comfortable and stable fit suitable for extended wear and even exercising. When we tested them with our head-shaking test, they didn’t budge at all.

Also, the ear tips provided in the package offer a good seal and stability, contributing to the overall comfort and usability of the earbuds.

Durability: The TWS1 Pro 2 earbuds and charging case are well-built and sturdy, with an IP54 rating indicating dust and sweat resistance. While not waterproof, they can withstand sweating and light rain, making them suitable for outdoor use and workouts.

Battery: The battery life is a bit below average for ANC earbuds, lasting around 4.5 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled. However, the earbuds support fast charging, providing an hour of playtime with just a 10-minute charge.

Features: The earbuds offer a range of features typically found in premium models, including:

• Multiple ANC modes
• Ambient sound mode
• Controls customization
• And a game mode

However, they lack customizable EQ settings. The microphone quality is decent in quiet environments but may struggle in noisy settings. Find more details in our review.

Noise Isolation & Cancelling: The passive noise isolation is average, primarily reducing higher frequencies. The ANC performance is decent for the price, effectively reducing bass notes and ambient noise, though not as effectively as more expensive models.

Bluetooth: The TWS1 Pro 2 uses Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable connection with an indoor range of about 40 feet. They support only the SBC codec and lack multipoint connectivity. Another thing we found is that the earbuds experience visible latency in gaming, even with the game mode activated.

Should You Get Edifier TWS1 Pro 2? Their battery life and gaming latency may be limiting factors.

However, the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 earbuds are a great option for those looking for affordable ANC earbuds with good audio quality, comfort, and a range of features. They are particularly suitable for budget-conscious students, commuters, and gym-goers.

Check similar:

• The best workout headphones
• The most comfortable earbuds

Best Budget Non-In-Ear Earbuds

4. SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS

SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS are the best budget wireless earbuds that don’t go in the ear we’ve tested. These rival Apple AirPods 3 in terms of audio quality – SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS review.

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Sound: The SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS offers a clear and natural sound, especially after EQ tweaks. The bass is impressively controlled for classic earphones, the midrange is uneven but fixable with EQ, and the treble is clear with a decent texture.

The earbuds provide a wider soundstage and accurate imaging, making them a top choice for sonic fidelity among non-inear earphones.

Hear the SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS sound test:

Comfort & Fit: These earbuds are light and comfortable, suitable for long listening sessions. However, they lack stability for intense physical activities.

Their stem design is similar to the non-HS version, with a small and oval shape that adapts well to the ear, making them comfortable for a wide range of users.

Durability: The Air3 Deluxe HS earphones are made of hard, matte plastic and have an IPX4 sweat-resistant rating. We tested it by sprinkling water on them, and they kept working. This means you can use them in a gym without fear of damaging them.

The charging case feels slightly better than the original version, with a matte texture that is more scratch-resistant. The earbuds are lightweight and durable enough for regular use.

Battery: Their battery lasts 6 hours and 8 minutes per charge, more than advertised. The charging case provides an additional 15 hours of playtime. While there is no fast charging or Qi wireless support, the overall battery performance is commendable.

Features: These earbuds offer a wide selection of features for their price, including a companion app with custom EQ, Adaptive EQ, Game mode, and in-ear detection.

However, they lack control customization, so you have to use original controls.

Microphone Quality: The call quality is good in quieter environments but struggles with loud background noise. The microphone picks up voices clearly in calm settings but becomes muffled in noisier surroundings.

Noise Isolation: The passive noise isolation is poor due to the non-in-ear design. It makes the earbuds suitable for indoor use or quiet environments. They do not block much ambient noise and are not recommended for commuting or noisy settings.

But this can be a good thing if you need ambient awareness.

Bluetooth: The Bluetooth range is below average, with an indoor range of only about 35 feet. The earbuds support LDAC high-res audio codec and Game Mode for low-latency signal, but the range limitation is a notable drawback.

Should You Get SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS? If you need great stability or multipoint support, you might want to consider other options.

However, the SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS offer an excellent value at $50, especially compared to AirPods 3. They are ideal for those who prefer classic earphones that don’t go in ears and want high-quality sound.

Best Cheap In-Ear Monitors

5. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red

TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red are the best cheap in-ear monitors we’ve tested with neutral sound and high-end housing – TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red review.

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Sound: The TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red in-ear monitors offer a smooth and neutral tuning that works well with all music genres.

The bass is slightly elevated but never bloated, the midrange is almost spot-on, and the treble is excellent for the price, albeit with some limitations. These IEMs provide a natural sound with a hint of excitement, making them a fantastic value in terms of sonic fidelity under $60.

Hear the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red sound test:

Comfort & Fit: These IEMs are designed for comfort and stability, suitable for long listening sessions. Their standard IEM design with an over-the-ear cable hook and smooth interior ensures a universally compatible fit.

They are comfortable for extended wear, though the earbuds lose the fit during movement.

Durability: The TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red are made from medical-grade resin with a uniform, 3D-printed housing, indicating good durability.

They lack an IPX rating for water resistance, but the build quality suggests they can withstand daily use and accidental drops. The included unbalanced cable is thin and may be the weakest part of the package.

Features: These IEMs come with standard features for an in-ear monitor, including a detachable cable and a Bass+ adapter. However, they do not have a cable with an inline microphone or controls, which might limit their functionality for some users.

Noise Isolation: The TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red offer good overall passive noise isolation, making them suitable for use in various environments. They effectively block out ambient noise, especially in the upper midrange and treble frequencies.

Should You Get TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red? If you’re looking for bass-heavy IEMs or more portable options, you might want to consider other alternatives.

But the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero:Red are an excellent choice for budget audiophiles seeking a neutral sound signature. They are ideal for users who prefer a smooth and relaxing listening experience.

Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds for $30

6. SoundPEATS Clear

For $30, SoundPEATS Clear are the best cheap wireless earbuds we’ve tested. They come with impressive sound and reliable performance – SoundPEATS Clear review.

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Sound: The SoundPEATS Clear TWS earbuds offer a neutral sound signature with natural tonality, especially after EQ adjustments.

They feature a well-controlled bass, a well-tuned but slightly veiled midrange, and a smooth treble that could use more airiness and resolution. While they lack the clarity and transparency of more expensive options, they provide impressive audio quality for their price.

Hear the SoundPEATS Clear A/B sound test:

Comfort & Fit: These earbuds are extremely comfortable and stable, making them suitable for sports activities.

Their slightly oval design contours well to the ear, ensuring comfort during long listening sessions. However, they should not be pushed too deep into the ear canal to avoid discomfort.

Durability: The SoundPEATS Clear are sturdy with an IPX4 rating, indicating they can withstand sweat and light sprays of water.

However, the charging case, made of clear plastic, looks fragile and easily scratchable, which could be a concern for durability.

Battery: The battery life of the SoundPEATS Clear is below average. We tested it at less than 6 hours per charge. The charging case holds an additional 33 hours of battery life, and no fast charging capabilities.

Features: These earbuds come with an impressive set of features for their price, including a companion app with customizable EQ and Game mode.

They also offer good call quality in quieter environments but suffer from wind noise during outdoor use.

Noise Isolation: The SoundPEATS Clear provide good passive noise isolation, effectively blocking a significant amount of outside noise. However, their shape produces audible wind noise, which can be distracting during outdoor activities.

Bluetooth: The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and have an average indoor range of 40 feet. They use standard SBC and AAC codecs and feature a Game mode with minimal latency during gaming. So, these are great for mobile gaming.

Should You Get SoundPEATS Clear? They are not the best option for users seeking the highest audio quality or for outdoor activities due to wind noise.

Nonetheless, the SoundPEATS Clear are an excellent choice for those on a tight budget who want a balanced sound, the ability to play mobile games with low latency, and wireless earbuds suitable for a gym.

Note: Find more earbuds under 30 dollars.

Best Cheap $20 Earbuds

7. Moondrop Chu

Of all the cheap wired earbuds we’ve tested, Moondrop Chu are the top pick for $20. Read why below – Moondrop Chu review.

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Moondrop Chu are easily the best cheap wired earbuds for $20 because the audio is out of this world (surprisingly good audio for the price).

Sound: The Moondrop Chu earbuds offer a well-balanced audio profile, with a natural and tight bass, a balanced and natural midrange, and a treble that is not exceptional but adequate.

They are well-tuned, especially considering their price, with only minor issues like slightly thin-sounding vocals and a splashy treble. The overall sonic fidelity is great for earbuds under $20.

Hear the Moondrop Chu sound test:

Comfort & Fit: Despite their zinc alloy housing, which adds some weight, the Moondrop Chu fit comfortably and securely. They are designed to be worn over the ear, distributing weight evenly and minimizing discomfort.

The included spring ear tips and ear hooks enhance stability, making them suitable for casual use and light activities.

Durability: The Moondrop Chu are impressively built for their price range, featuring a zinc alloy construction and a good quality non-detachable cable.

They lack an IP rating for water resistance, which is typical for wired earbuds in this price range. The main concern is the non-detachable cable, which means the entire earbuds need to be replaced if the cable breaks.

Features: These earbuds are quite basic in terms of features, with the main highlight being the detachable ear hooks that provide additional stability. They do not have an inline remote or microphone unless you opt for a variant that includes these.

Noise Isolation: The Moondrop Chu provide good passive noise isolation, thanks to their in-ear design and the effective seal created by the silicone ear tips. This makes them suitable for environments where passive noise reduction is desired.

Should You Get Moondrop Chu? These may not be as impressive for users who already own higher-end earbuds.

But as $20 earbuds, the Moondrop Chu are an amazing choice for those looking for high-quality sound and durability. They are particularly suitable for audiophiles on a budget or beginners looking to explore high-quality audio without a significant investment.

More options:

• Best budget headphones (over-ear & on-ear)
• Best classic earbuds that don’t go in ear
• Best earbuds under $100
• Bluetooth earbuds under $100

Honorable Mentions Worth Checking

8. Anker Soundcore Life A1

9. KZ ZST

10. Beats Flex

11. Moondrop Chu

12. Treblab WX8

13. TOZO T10

14. CCA LYRA

15. Symphonized NRG 3.0

How We Tested?

Each pair of earbuds in our list is objectively tested by measuring their frequency response (see graphs in full reviews).

Altogether, we tested and scored them on 9 key points:

1. Sound
2. Comfort & Fit
3. Durability
4. Battery
5. Features
6. Noise Isolation
7. Noise Cancelling
8. Bluetooth
9. Value

We do this for all headphones we review. This helps us compare and pick the best models that we can confidently recommend. See our testing and scoring methodology.

How did we choose the models?

We primarily focused on 2 decision points: sound quality and comfort & fit: but also considered overall performance.

Then we ranked them for different user needs, types of headphones, and prices: cheaper towards the bottom.

What to Expect from Cheap Earbuds?

You can typically expect:

• Basic sound quality: While they may not offer the depth and clarity of more expensive models, many budget earbuds provide decent sound for casual listening.
• Great comfort & fit (depending on the model): Smart ergonomic design doesn’t impact price. So cheaper earbuds can also have top-notch comfort.
• Cheaper materials: They are often made with less expensive materials, like plastics. Which impacts their durability and lifespan.
• Limited features: Advanced features like active noise cancellation, touch controls, and high-quality microphones are usually not present in cheaper models. And if there is ANC, it’s often less effective.
• The latest wireless connectivity: Budget earbuds also have the latest Bluetooth capabilities. Bluetooth is so cheap it doesn’t impact prices.
• Competitive battery Life (for wireless models): If they are wireless, the battery life is similar to expensive counterparts. There are models with above-average but also short battery life. It all depends on the model. See the battery tests in our review for details.
• Lower water resistance: They typically offer lower water or sweat resistance (measured in IPX). But there are models with high protection, making them suitable for workouts or use in the rain.
• The same warranty: Because warranty policies are set by government laws, depending on where you live, you get a minimum 1-year (USA) or a 2-year (EU) warranty with any earbuds you buy.

How to Find the Best Inexpensive Earbuds forYou?

You shouldn’t look just at prices. Look for things that you might prefer, like:

• Better sound quality
• Strong, powerful bass
• A long battery life
• High comfort
• Water protection (IPX4 or more)
• Design
• Convenience

It’s wise to spend $10 or $20 more and get a solid pair of earbuds that will last longer with high-quality audio comparable to more expensive models.

Audio quality

You can get an ideal pair of earbuds with quality audio for little money if you pick them right. But you need to know what kind of audio signature you want.

The most common signatures in cheap wireless earbuds:

• Bass emphasized
• Balanced, neutral
• V-shaped (boosted bass and treble)

Battery life

Cheap true wireless earbuds should last at least 5 hours per charge. Some of the models on our list last much longer. And we know because we tested them in real-life scenarios.

Comfort

For comfort, look for memory-foam eartips. They change the shape to fit your ear canal when they warm up and fit all ear sizes.

Quality eartips are cheap but make a big difference in comfort, tight seal, and background noise isolation. Get them if you’re half serious about earbuds.

Durability – Water Protection

Water protection is measured with the IPX rating. The higher the rating, the better. Many durable earbuds come with an IPX6 or higher. You can safely use these for sports, in the rain, and even wash them under a tap. See the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones for more options.

Generally, cheap earphones are not fragile, but you shouldn’t expect them to be as durable as an expensive pair. Cheaper plastic does break sooner.

Active Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancelling (ANC) is rare in budget earphones. And if present, it often doesn’t work that well. If you’re looking for effective active noise reduction, I’d advise you to increase your budget and get one of the best ANC earbuds instead.

The best you can hope for, in my experience, is solid passive noise isolation. Check our reviews for noise isolation test charts to see which earbuds reduce the most noise.

Related alternative: The best budget noise cancelling headphones

Value for money: Are they worth it?

For casual users who don’t need top-performing headphones, cheap wireless earbuds are absolutely worth it.

But demanding users who expect top-of-the-line performance in any category should look at more expensive options instead.

What about brands? Usually, lesser-known brands provide the biggest value. Because smaller companies want to get their brand out, they offer their products for less money to gain market share.

If you want Bluetooth earbuds at a specific price:

• Best wireless earbuds under $50
• Best wireless earbuds under $30

Earbuds We Considered That Didn’t Make The List

• Strauss & Wagner EM205: Decent-sounding in-ear monitors with Sonic9Score of 3.5. Overall, they’re solid, but others on the list are better.
• Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120: Dirt-cheap wired earbuds under $10. Still a good choice, but wired options on the list are much better for a small price increase.
• Aukey EP-T32: Cheap wireless earbuds for working out that are a bit outdated today.
• Aukey EP-T21: True wireless earbuds with a similar design to Apple AirPods Pro for a dirt-cheap price. The alternatives on the list are better.
• Sony MDR-XB50AP: Older bass-heavy wired earphones with an inline remote that are hard to get.
• Tin Audio T2: These are fantastic double-driver cheap wired earbuds, but the wired models on the list are better.
• Jlab Audio Jbuds Air: Solid true wireless earbuds at the time, now surpassed by models on the list.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The best cheap wireless earbuds for most people are the TOZO NC7.

If you pick any earbuds from our list, we’d love to know which ones you picked and why.