Many people get a pair of earbuds as a freebie when they get a new phone. However, most of these freebies are low-quality and not durable. But don’t worry. You don’t have to shell out a huge amount of money to get the best budget earbuds.
Anybody who loves listening to music knows that satisfaction is not possible if you don’t have great earbuds.
While many people are paranoid about getting a quality set of earbuds due to hearing loss risk, the chances of experiencing complete satisfaction while listening to music or other audio are very slim.
Whether you want an earbud to listen to music while on your commute or to get a spare set to keep in your gym bag, it is important to consider affordable choices. Earbuds don’t have to put a huge dent in your savings. Just keep in mind to clean it regularly.
Finding the best budget earbuds is easier than you think.
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What Are Earbuds?
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You can’t exactly carry a speaker or headphones with you at all times. To make your music experience better, earbuds are the perfect accessory.
This device is a more portable, practical, lightweight, and affordable alternative to headphones. When you use the best budget earbuds, you will have an improved range of sound.
Earbuds are now becoming more popular around the world. This trend is why there are many types of earbuds available.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Budget Earbuds
With thousands of products on the market that promise the best listening experience, it can be confusing to choose the ideal best budget earbuds for you.
Specifications
When getting the best budget earbuds, you have to measure its quality by researching about its specifications. Here are some technical terms you need to be familiar with.
Drivers
Without the driver, there will be no sound coming from your device. A larger or stronger driver results in better sound. Drivers also play a difference in the mids, treble, and bass, as well as your overall listening experience.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the best budget earbuds signals how loud can they can go. The sensitivity specs refer to how electric signals change into acoustic signals.
Sensitivity is measured in SPL (sound pressure level). To make sure you are picking an earbud that is safe, choose one with a mid-range level of sensitivity.
Frequency response
The frequency response of the best budget earbuds is measured in hertz (Hz). This term refers to the range of audio frequency the device can repeat.
Knowing the Hz capability of your earbuds is essential, especially if you love listening to specific types of music. For example, if you love songs that have lots of bass, go for the best budget earbuds with low bass frequency.
Impedance
Impedance is the measure of opposition the circuit gives to a current when voltage is applied. The lower the impedance, the more current will flow.
To get the maximum power and quality, you must match the impedance of your source to the device’s impedance.
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Comfort
You may have the best budget earbuds when it comes to sound quality, but you surely won’t use them every day if they are not comfortable. Keep this factor in mind when choosing your product because if you can’t stand using them for long listening sessions, what’s the point?
Get a device which is still comfortable to use even after many hours of use. Having overworked ears because of tight earbuds is the worst feeling.
To make sure you are getting comfortable earbuds, consider their fit. The best budget earbuds are just like clothes – there’s no one size fits all.
Since you may have a different ear size and shape than your friend, don’t expect their favorite earbuds to function just as well for you. Get a device that offers an amazing seal without being too tight on your ears.
The material will also play a factor in the fit and comfort of your earbuds. Get a product with rubber, foam, or silicone since these are the most comfortable materials for the ear.
Sound isolation
When you are buying the best budget earbuds, make sure that you know its sound isolation capability. This factor is crucial, especially if you love using your earbuds when you are in noisy places such as public transport or your workplace.
Sound isolation will enable you to enjoy music without worrying about background noise.
Wired vs. wireless
There are many choices of the best earbuds on the market. So whether you choose a wired or wireless option is entirely due to your preferences.
Wired
Wired earbuds are the cheaper choice. However, you have to deal with tangled cables if you don’t store them properly. The wires can also be quite uncomfortable for many users, especially during a workout session.
If you are getting a pair of wired earbuds, make sure that the cable is long enough to use. However, you don’t want a wire that’s too long since it may affect the quality of the sound by lowering the volume and allowing external noise. Longer wires also get tangled easily.
Get an earbud with shielded cables to help with sound isolation. You can always get an extension cable if your wire is too short.
You should also factor in whether you want double-sided or single-sided cables. Keep in mind that double-sided cables get tangled more easily.
Earbuds with the single-sided design are equipped with internal circuity to carry the signal to the right earpiece.
Wireless
Wireless earbuds don’t have cables that can get in your way when you’re running or spending a day at the gym. However, these models are pricier than traditional wired earbuds. You may also have trouble dealing with their battery life.
Specialization
Different types of earbuds are tailored for different purposes. Depending on where you are planning to use your device, you might want to look into additional features. For example, people with an active lifestyle may prefer a device that is sweat resistant.
How to Take Care of the Best Budget Earbuds
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Just because you’re buying affordable earbuds does not mean they can’t last long. To ensure that you’re making the most out of your money, consider some important factors.
Unplug them
If you’re not using your best budget earbuds, unplug them from your phone or music player. Keeping them wrapped around your device will only damage the cable structure and make way for awkward bending.
This problem will also cause the music to get choppy. Make sure that you are using the plug itself to remove it, and not just pulling the cable. It’s also advised to pull the plug firmly and not sharply.
Clean it
You can’t expect your earbuds to be clean all the time. Since they come into contact with your ears, ear debris will inevitably clog your earbuds.
If there are contaminants present that are hard to remove, use a needle gently. You can also wipe them with slightly damp cotton. Of course, make sure to clean your ears as well.
Don’t get your earbuds wet
The best budget earbuds function like all electronic devices. If your earbuds come into contact with water, remove the water as soon as you can. And let them dry thoroughly.
Don’t sleep with your earbuds
It can be tempting to sleep while listening to music with your best budget earbuds. However, your movements may snap or bend your device.
Get a case
If you want your best budget earbud to last for years, invest in a carrying case. That way, you can ball up your device after using it and place it in a safe container.
If you want to take the extra mile, wrap the cable with a binder clip so it will not fray, and can easily get untangled.
How We Reviewed
To ensure that we examine nothing but the best budget earbuds, we scoured countless music websites and compared the results of products side-by-side.
We considered important factors such as sound quality, bass, price, and comfort of the earbuds. That way, you can pick the best one that will suit your needs perfectly.
Best Budget Earbuds
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There are many quality earbuds on the market today. There are important differences across models. So consider these differences carefully when choosing your next pair of budget earbuds.
Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones
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The Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones have a very straightforward design. Although these earbuds don’t have additional features, you’ll be surprised at how well they perform. The bass is punchy and deep, but not too overpowering.
Although it sounds quite boomy, the treble makes up for it. All in all, these best budget earbuds perform well. However, this might not be the ideal product to get if you are a fan of jazz and classical music.
Despite having great sound, you’d have to be careful with its thin cables since they can get damaged easily. These earbuds also don’t provide noise canceling.
The Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones features an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Great selection of color
- Comfortable
- Wide frequency
- Six-foot cord
Sony Extra Bass Earbud Headset
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Sony is not a stranger to the music scene. So it’s no wonder that this company makes one of the best budget earbuds you can find.
If you’re searching for optimum bass performance, the Sony Extra Bass Earbud Headset is an ideal choice. These earbuds pack a lot of punch despite its low price tag.
This product has a 12mm dome driver, which is ideal for people who love to play music with a lot of bass. Although its frequency spectrum isn’t the best, you’ll still love the deep tone that these earbuds produce.
One of their best features is their range-free cord, which has a flat design. The Sony Extra Bass Earbud Headset features a small remote to make answering calls or controlling music easier.
These earbuds have a sleek design thanks to metal accents. This product comes in three colors, including black, red, and blue. Thanks to its tight seal, you can listen to music on your daily commute without any problems. It also comes with a mic.
This product features an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- 12mm dome type driver which delivers powerful bass
- Microphone and playback control
- Silicone earbuds
- High energy neodymium magnets
- Tangle-free
Symphonized NRG 3.0 Earbuds
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With these stylish earbuds, people will think you shelled out a lot of money. The Symphonized NRG 3.0 Earbuds is crafted from wood. The dark design of this product will perfectly complement whatever your outfit is. The best thing is, it also packs power aside from its great look.
This device is designed to reduce ambient noise so you can fully immerse yourself in music. It also offers amazing crystal clear sound quality with great bass.
These wired earbuds come with a microphone and volume control to make calls more convenient. Perhaps one of their most useful features is voice control.
These earbuds feature a long cord so you can easily put your phone in your pocket or backpack as you listen to music.
It has a 4.1 Out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Made from genuine wood
- Powerful acoustics
- Custom silicone ear tips
- No ambient noise
- Great comfort
- Volume control and microphone
- Voice control
Tplyo In-Ear Sport Earbuds
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Perfect for people who love going to the gym or running but still want a wired option, the Skullcandy XTplyo In-Ear Sport Earbuds stands out among the competition.
These affordable earbuds are sweat-proof. The exterior is sealed to keep out external elements such as water, dust, and sweat. That way, the product’s internal components won’t get damaged.
These earbuds also stay firmly in your ear when you are doing rigorous activities. Unless you pull on the wire, the earbuds won’t slip off thanks to its trusty TripleLock technology which features a grip appendage that hooks perfectly on the inside of your ear.
The Skullcandy XTplyo In-Ear Sport Earbuds are also very lightweight and contains ambient ear gels. Using these earbuds, you can still hear external noise — an important feature that lets you be aware of your surrounding while listening to your favorite songs.
This product has a 4.0 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Triple lock technology
- Ambient ear gels
- Reflective cable clip
- Universal mic and remote
- Sweat-resistant
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
LinSoul TIN Audio T2
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A versatile earbud that allows you to appreciate music fully, the LinSoul TIN Audio T2 gives you superb comfort, sound, and durability. These earbuds deliver consistent bass which blends perfectly with its emphasized treble and mids.
Because the bass isn’t overwhelming, this product works perfectly for every music genre.
What makes this product unique is its cable, which resembles a fabric. Unlike other wired earbuds, its cable is detachable to make storing easier.
This product contains metal but still boasts a lightweight. The metal and memory foam ear tips make way for more stability even when you are exercising. These earbuds provide passable noise isolation. Despite many great features, this product has no microphone.
This product has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- High sound quality
- Detachable cable
- Great design
- Comfortable
Soundcore Spirit X
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Any metal-clad earbud will add an amazing oomph to your look.
This sleek product has a sweat-proof build so you won’t have to worry about damage as you work out. These earbuds feature ear tips to give you the perfect fit.
This earbud offers fantastic sound with a setting solely dedicated to improving the bass. These wireless earbuds offer 12 hours of battery life. This product comes in three colors, including blue, red, and black. When not in use, you can simply snap the built-in magnets together.
This product has a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Sweat-proof technology
- High octane sound with 10 mm dynamic drivers
- Exclusive bass up technology
- Precision tuning
- Comfortable
- 12-hour playtime
House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wireless
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A sustainable and cool set of earbuds that you never want to take off, the House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wireless earbuds is the perfect addition to your music arsenal. These earbuds have a wood structure similar to the Symphonized NRG 3.0 Earbuds.
This product is lightweight and very comfortable. You can wear these earbuds for hours without discomfort. The House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wireless earbuds give amazing noise isolation and come with in-line remote control and microphone.
For the sound, these earbuds boast bass-intensive music, similar to other House of Marley products. However, this product needs a little TLC to make it last since wood can break easily.
It has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Superior sound
- nine-mm dynamic drivers
- Noise-isolating design
- Button remote
- Wear-resistant
- Made with FSC certified wood
Easy KZ ZST by Yinyoo
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A fantastic option for people who take music seriously, the Easy KZ ZST boasts an eye-catching closed-back design. This wireless earphone is very comfortable thanks to its silicone tips, which are made to fit the human ear perfectly. The Easy KZ ZST is also lightweight.
This product reproduces audio with an awesome bass which gives you the perfect amount of punch. Although the mid-range noise is quite recessed, the treble and bass frequencies make up for the balance.
Its noise-canceling performance also has great quality.
These best budget earbuds give you undistorted sound. It comes in two choices of with or without a microphone.
This product has a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Ergonomic design
- Memory wire technology
- Noise-canceling
- Patented silicon tips
- Comes with removable cable design
Apple EarPods with 3.5 mm Headphone Plug
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One of the most popular best budget earbuds out there, the Apple earbuds are a classic choice for music lovers. This product works best with iPhones and is very comfortable to use.
It’s also extremely lightweight and portable with a straightforward control scheme.
Its open-back design isn’t as great in canceling ambient noise. But this product still works amazing if you want to distract yourself from the annoying sound of your morning commute.
It also has an incredible sound profile for vocals, which makes it perfect to use for podcasts as audiobooks.
Despite its great features, the Apple EarPods don’t deliver adequate bass. If you love sound with deep rumbles such as dubstep, this product may not be suitable. But if you don’t need heavy bass, these earbuds are worth considering.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Classic design
- Defined to fit the ear’s geometry
- Comes with built-in remote
- Microphone
Betron YSM1000 Headphones
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The Betron YSM1000 Headphones are something to consider if you want to have quiet time on your travels without spending too much money. This wired earbud offers passive isolation that blocks out outside sound.
Despite its low price tag, it’s well built and durable. Its metal material feels dense, and the in-line remote and microphone are also well-designed. If you love house, techno, dubstep, and other bass-heavy music, you’ll appreciate its punchy bass.
However, this product protrudes into the ear canal and can be quite uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
This product has a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Here are some of its most notable features:
- Great bass
- In-ear sound isolating design
- 24k gold plated jack
Ready to Lose Yourself in Music?
Like all things in life, choosing the best budget earbuds can be a walk in the park if you’ve done your research.
If you want earbuds that are inexpensive but still give passable performance, the Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones is a great choice.
But if your budget is not limited, the Symphonized NRG 3.0 Earbuds is a better deal due to its powerful acoustics and notable ambient noise-canceling feature.
For active people, the Soundcore Spirit X Wireless Sports Earbuds is a must-have. With this product, you can work out without having to worry about annoying wires, low battery, and damage caused by sweat.
So which best budget earbuds do you prefer? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.