Best Cheap Earbuds Under $20, $25, and $30

Audio quality

At the budget price point you might be under the impression that audio quality will need to be sacrificed, but that isn’t the case. You’ll find some options in this buying guide that have excellent audio quality and can compete with products found at significantly higher price points.

When considering the audio quality you need to look for the frequency response, impedance, and the level of bass reproduction. These are the key attributes that will play a role in giving you a clue regarding the type of quality that you can expect.

Additionally, the level of noise isolation can also determine how well the audio listening experience will be. Higher levels of clarity can be heard when the background sounds are blocked out due to good quality noise isolation.

Bluetooth

It is desirable that the implementation of the Bluetooth technology is up to date. So Bluetooth 4.0 or later is best as that leads to higher levels of connection quality. Older versions of Bluetooth connectivity are compatible, but might lead to greater levels of distortion.

All the wireless options presented on this list come with up to date Bluetooth technology so no need to worry about that here. Furthermore, you need to consider the length of the battery time. If you like to travel and require a battery life that will last the majority of the day, then look for extended battery life. Nowadays you can expect upwards of 6 hours and some even go more than 10 hours.

Noise canceling

Are you planning to use the earbuds in a noisy environment? Then look for models that come with noise canceling technology. Due to the in-ear design of most earbuds there is some level of noise cancelation anyway, but manufacturers may boost this feature so that you can cancel out all ambient audio up to a certain level.

You’ll find the noise canceling feature useful when you are traveling on public transport, at work, in a noisy office, or sharing a room with others. Even cheap earbuds come with good quality noise cancelation that adds another dimension to your audio experience.

Accessories

Look for useful accessories when you buy cheap earbuds as they can add value to the purchase. Here are some of the common ones that you’ll find:

• Eartips: Most manufacturers of earbuds provide a number of eartip sizes so that you can select a size that best matches your ears. When the right size is chosen then it also improves the level of noise isolation.
• Soft pouch: When traveling, a soft pouch allows the earbuds to be safely stored away. Otherwise they can get damaged if you simply store them in a backpack. The majority of earbuds come with a soft pouch – even at the budget end of the scale.
• Charging connectivity: Some manufactures include a number of different ways that you can charge your earbuds if they are wireless. This might be using USB or the power outlet.

These are just a few of the basic accessories that you’ll find. There are also more options that could be unique to the manufacturer.

Comfort

For whatever reason, you might find that earbuds that most feel are comfortable just don’t fit nicely for you. Therefore, you should consider the comfort of the design when you buy earbuds. It can be difficult to predict what the comfort will be like. However, in the product description you can pay attention to the ergonomic choices that are made to provide great comfort. This will clue you in regarding what you can expect.

For kids

When buying for kids you might want to save some money and you can do just that with this guide. Kids break stuff and it would be a shame to buy them expensive earbuds that they will break soon anyway. Also they might not be able to appreciate the quality of the audio that comes with expensive earbuds. Therefore, save yourself some money and buy cheap earbuds that will get the job done without putting a big dent in your wallet.

Backup earbuds for traveling

Do you plan to go on a long holiday and want a backup pair of earbuds? Then invest in cheap earbuds that can be used when your primary option breaks or runs out of battery life. Having a back up pair is a great idea as you’ll find a use for it eventually. Even if you will not use it on your next trip there will be a situation where you’ll be glad that you bought them.

Buy as a present

You can buy cheap earbuds as a present for an individual that is currently lacking a pair. They will appreciate the gift and most likely have a use for it as nowadays there are an increasing number of devices that can be combined with earbuds.

Consider the features that the receiver will most likely use when buying earbuds as a present. This adds a personal touch to the present and it shows that you were thoughtful with the purchase.