The 7 Best Earbuds under $50 of 2020
If you want quality buds for less money, check the best in-ear headphones under $50 you can get today.
Contents
Compare the 7 Best Earbuds under $50
| Name | Award | Rating | Price | Mic & Remote | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoundMAGIC E10 |  | best overall | 4.2 | under $40 |  | More info |
| Jlab Audio Jbuds Air |  | best wireless | 4.2 | under $50 |  | More info |
| TaoTronics SoundLiberty 77 |  | wireless alternative | 4.3 | under $50 | | More info |
| Linsoul Tin Audio T2 |  | best neutral | 4.2 | under $50 | | More info |
| RHA S500 |  | best bass | 3.8 | under $40 | | More info |
| MEE Audio M6 PRO 2nd gen. |  | most durable & best stage | 4.3 | under $50 | | More info |
| Zero Audio Carbo Tenore |  | best balanced | 4.4 | under $50 | | More info |
Cheap in-ear headphones offer fantastic value for money but what if you want to spend a tiny bit more and still stay below $50? Help yourself with the list of the best earbuds under $50 you can get today.
Contrary to the perception you can get quality earbuds with high-end sound for less than 50 bucks—if you know where to look. It’s always nice to buy yourself expensive earbuds that satisfy your needs, but it’s even better when you find a bargain that does the same for less money.
Check the earbuds below to find what you’re looking for. Whether you want neutral or bass-heavy in-ear monitors—and everything in between—we have you covered.
Not what you’re looking for?
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The best cheap earbuds guide
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The Best Earbuds under $50
Here you can find the best earbuds in the $30 – $50 range that offer the most value regarding sound, build quality, and comfort. Not the cheapest earbuds but still on the lower-end.
1. SoundMAGIC E10 – best overall
The Soundmagic E10 are the overall best earbuds under $50 right now.
If you want to get maximum sound quality (balanced signature) and a reliable product for the price of under $50, this is your top choice.
Type: In-ear
Connection: Wired, 3.5mm
Microphone & Controls: No
Should You Buy These?
The sleek metal casing looks quite good and feels comfortable and lightweight. Additionally, solid craftsmanship promises lengthy usability for all situations.
Add to this high audio quality with a balanced sound signature and impressive noise isolation, and you’ll understand why these have been so popular. Not to mention, they cost under $40 which leaves you some budget to get better foam tips if you want.
The Bad
Bassheads will be disappointed in their lack of bass. If you’re a bass lover, you should look for another model. Also, even though this is an under $50 model, it would be nice if it had a microphone and remote control which you don’t get.
The Sound
Considering the price, Soundmagic E10 have one of the most enjoyable sounds out there. With a pleasant balance of treble, mids, and bass you will enjoy listening to all music genres.
For less than $50 with metal construction, lightweight design, and excellent sound, it makes the E10 a no-brainer.
2. Jlab Audio Jbuds Air – best wireless
Jbuds Air are the best earbuds under $50, if you’re looking for a true wireless option.
For true wireless capability that gives a good user experience at the price range of $50, the Jbuds are the best choice.
Type: In-ear
Connection: True wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
Microphone & Controls: Built-in
Battery: 5.5h +15h in case
Should You Buy These?
You can expect almost all the features of the more expensive true wireless earbuds. A secure fit so that earbuds don’t fall out, and an IPX5 water-resistance rating to save you from worry outside or when working out.
Built-in controls and a microphone make changing music, taking phone calls, and using voice assistants like Siri simple very simple. Plus, the charging case holds 15h more battery life on top of the 5.5h charge in the earbuds themselves.
Bluetooth 5 reliability, while not perfect, is satisfactory as well.
The Bad
If you have smaller ears, you might feel discomfort after a while. Short Bluetooth interruptions at random times.
USB cable is permanently attached to the case.
The Sound
They have a somewhat balanced sound signature with slightly emphasized mid-bass. It’s capable of reproducing all types of music and especially EDM and Hip Hop.
The Jbuds Air offer more than most competitors of true wireless earbuds under $50. For a budget product, they perform well and can easily be recommended.
The full Jlab Audio Jbuds Air review.
3. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 77 – wireless alternative
Lid of the charging case opens all the way up
Great pair of true wireless earbuds alternative for those seeking quality sound.
These pair of earbuds sound great, have good battery life, are comfortable to wear, and waterproof, thanks to the IPX7 water-resistance.
Type: In-ear
Connection: True wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
Microphone & Controls: Built-in
Battery: 5h +15h in case
Should You Buy These?
SoundLiberty 77 true wireless earbuds might look too bulky to ever fit inside your ears. But as soon as you try them, you are impressed with comfortable fit and stability.
Despite the low price tag, you are getting quite responsive touch controls for changing your music, answering calls, and summoning voice assistants.
TaoTronics claims 5 hours of battery life, but in our test, we managed to squeeze at least 6. The charging case houses another 15 hours of juice.
The Bad
You have to align them perfectly in your ear canal if you want to find a proper seal. Otherwise, they can sound a bit off.
Micro-USB instead of USB-C.
The Sound
When the perfect seal is achieved, the sound quality out of these is genuinely remarkable. Bass has a good punch and control and doesn’t overpower the rest of the frequencies. The midrange is slightly forward, which brings out more details in the instruments and vocals. The treble is the least detailed of the bunch, but still good enough to give to sound a bit of air.
If you’re looking for a true wireless solution, the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 77 are one of the best earbuds under $50 in this segment.
4. Linsoul Tin Audio T2 – best neutral
The Linsoul Tin Audio T2 are the best earbuds under $50 with neutral sound.
These offer a sturdy build, replaceable cables, and a sound quality that even audiophiles can appreciate.
Type: In-ear
Connection: Wired, 3.5mm
Microphone & Controls: No
Should You Buy These?
All-metal housing gives a very industrial look to these earbuds. Despite having some sharp edges, comfort is actually quite good.
Since they isolate well and don’t leak that much, you can use them to commute and even sports activities, especially if you wear them with a wire going behind the ear and with foam ear tips for extra fit.
If the wire ever gets damaged, you can easily replace it with a new one. You only need to make sure you get the MMCX compatible cable.
The Bad
People with small ears might still find them too bulky.
The Sound
Considering the low price, these show excellent performance. Bass is on the slightly punchier side of neutral, but the midrange remains nicely balanced, with treble being presented with good sparkle.
When the Tin Audio T2 earbuds came out, the audiophile community started preasing them for their great value. These are not perfect, but if the quality sound is what you want, then T2’s got you covered.
5. RHA S500 – best bass
Source: RHA
Small, but with big bass.
Stylish, inexpensive wired earbuds that come with premium build-quality and extra bass power.
Type: In-ear
Connection: Wired, 3.5mm
Microphone & Controls: Yes
Should You Buy These?
S500’s come packed with 7 pairs of silicone ear tips so that you can choose from different sizes and shapes. There are even double-flanged ones for deeper seal and better sound isolation.
Earbuds themselves are made of aluminum and extremely light, almost feather-like. 3.5mm connector is also made out of metal, while the cable is dressed in fabric. All of this contributes to overall durability.
RHA provides a 3-year warranty on these. Built-in remote control and microphone should work on both Android and iOS devices.
The Bad
Sharp edges might be touching some user’s ears, which can cause discomfort.
The Sound
Even though the S500’s have a small dynamic driver, the bass can be very powerful. It can go very deep, and sometimes it does overpower the mix. With the recessed midrange and quite strong treble presence, these have a distinctive V-shaped sound. Although far from neutral, some might find this kind of disco-like signature quite enjoyable.
Get RHA S500 if you want the best cheap earbuds with fantastic build quality and extra bass.
6. MEE Audio M6 PRO 2nd gen – durable for musicians
The MEE Audio M6 PRO 2nd gen are the best earbuds under $50 for musicians.
If you want reliable, durable, and sweatproof earbuds built for musicians, all for an affordable price of less than $50, you should get these.
Type: In-ear
Connection: Wired, 3.5mm
Microphone & Controls: Yes, in-line
Should You Buy These
The construction and design are superb. Worn over-the-ears have sweatproof chassis and detachable cables (2 types: stereo and mic version) to survive the longest gigs. The sturdy casing is also friendly to the ears with ergonomics that offer a comfortable fit.
Noise from the crowd won’t bother you either because the M6 PRO are very effective at blocking the ambient noise, especially when you combine them with Comply foam ear tips. Finally, the IEMs offer full-range audio engineered for the stage so you can deliver your performance with confidence.
The Bad
Since these are made for musicians, who need natural and clear sound, they don’t have much bass. For a basshead, these might be “bassless” even though that’s not true. Also, you can experience some microphonics or cable noise so you should use a shirt clip.
The Sound
It’s very clear and detailed so you can hear all the nuances but this comes with a price. The natural sound signature lacks strong bass, even though you can change this with equalizing. In the end, for the price range, the balanced sound quality is superb and will make most people happy.
The MEE Audio M6 PRO 2nd gen. are exceptional wired earbuds made for professional use yet with an affordable price of under $50 that can compare to many more expensive headphones.
7. Zero Audio Carbo Tenore – best balanced
You get only the necessities.
The Zero Audio Carbo Tenore offer startling sound quality at a fraction of a price (best earbuds under $50 with balanced, clear sound).
If you want the best-wired earbuds with a balanced signature and punchy bass for less than $50 get the Carbo Tenore. Read the full review.
Type: In-ear
Connection: Wired, 3.5mm
Microphone & Controls: No
Should You Buy These?
Zero Audio is a Japanese company that is well-known in the audiophile world for offering great value headphones. These cheap earbuds are lightweight and comfortable though might stick out of the ears a bit so you can’t sleep with them. Ambient noise is reasonably well blocked and provides enough isolation to enjoy the high-end sound.
The Bad
The one glaring issue is the dangerously thin cable. The wires are fragile and have minimal strain relief so you should take good care of them. You shouldn’t use them for heavy outside use or sports.
The Sound
It’s hard to believe that a sub-$50 wired earbuds can offer such good sound quality. They have the almost perfect balance of audio ranges without sibilance even at higher volumes. There’s nearly no microphonics either, and all the ranges come out clear and detailed. The bass is punchy and controlled which makes them enjoyable for all music genres.
Zero Audio Carbo Tenore are a lesser-known gem (unjustly) among earbuds that offer impressive, balanced sound in under $50. Full review.
Honorable Mentions
Cheap earbuds under $50 with excellent build quality and a deep bass response. RHA MA390 don’t have many extra features but they do come with 3-year warranty.
Another excellent budget pair of earbuds with a wide array of accessories that let you achieve the best results. For the best audio quality you have to first make sure to use a proper source and tips.
Fantastic earbuds under $50 from a brand that people quickly recognize. For sub-$50 you get a decent sound, good background noise isolation, and great microphone quality out of inline remote.
Help! My Phone has No Headphone Jack
Newer iPhones already come without the audio jack.
Nowadays a lot of the newest smartphones come without the audio jack which poses a problem if you don’t have wireless headphones. A question arises; “What do I do with my wired headphones?”
There’s a simple solution to that. It isn’t optimal but is better than throwing away your current cans.
You should get an adapter. It solves this problem by changing the sound signal from digital (Lightning, USB-C, Micro-USB) to analog (3.5 mm) so you can connect your wired headphones to a smartphone without an audio jack.
Which adapter you should get depends on your smartphone brand and type. Here are your options:
For iPhones with the Lightning connector, you can get Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
For the newest Android smartphones that use the USB-C, get this adapter.
It doesn’t come without a price. It generally lowers the sound quality and you’re unable to charge the battery when in use, plus they’re easy to lose.
Nonetheless, you can always get yourself new Bluetooth earbuds that have become quite good in recent years and can compare with wired ones quite well.
My Earbuds have No Bass
The biggest and most common reason you’re not getting any bass is a bad fit.
You need to get an airtight fit otherwise your earbuds won’t sound as good. To get the right fit you have to pick the right ear tips for your ear size. Most earbuds come with at least 3 sizes, many with plenty more, and there are many other types to choose from among the aftermarket ear tips.
The absolute best ones are the memory foam ones that offer superior comfort and passive isolation. However, you can usually only get them as an accessory, and they cost more money.
Try all sizes of ear tips and see which ones fit you best. One type will surely provide you with a solid fit and thus strong bass.
Of course, you have to be sure your earbuds actually have strong bass and aren’t bass-poor by design.
You can find more earphone guides on our website:
The best bass earbuds
The best active noise-cancelling earbuds
The most durable earbuds