10 Best Cheap In-Ear Headphones in 2023

For the listener who wants a powerful, balanced sound and noise-canceling features - these wired earbuds might be just what you are looking for! Thanks to the flat design, the cable does not tangle, and they stay on if you go for a run or head out exercising. It is a pair of earbuds with excellent dynamic drivers that step in to give you that enhanced, yet affordable, audio quality with strong bass.

You won't have to worry about battery life, as you would with a wireless product. You get impressive value for your money with these budget earbuds. It comes with a microphone for phone calls and audio recordings that you can find on the cable. They are compatible with most devices, and they are incredibly comfortable to wear.

Pros:
+ Sound isolation
+ Flat no-tangle cord
+ Comfortable in-ear fit
+ Button controls and mic

Why We Liked It - One of the reasons why these noise-canceling pair of in-ear headphones are so popular is because they deliver excellent sound quality at a cheap and reasonable price.

You have so many choices when getting a pair of cheap earbuds like these! You can purchase them either with or without a microphone. Not to mention, they come in 15 different colors, such as pink, purple, black, green, and orange, and match perfectly with the available colors of the 5th generation iPod Nano.

Panasonic ErgoFit have improved the frequency response (from 5 to 24 000 Hz), and wired connectivity technology, meaning you won't have to worry about charging your earphones. It also high-performance drivers, and is top rating on Amazon with many reviews. It is among the best headphone pair you can find for such an impressively low price.

Pros:
+ Multiple color options available
+ 5 to 24 000 Hz frequency response
+ 16 ohms impedance
+ ErgoFit extra soft earbuds

Why We Liked It - These budget headphones have a volume control button and microphone. You can easily get a pair that go with your style, thanks to the many color options.

The Sony Extra has wired connectivity technology, the flat cord is tangle-free, and there's also a slider to help keep them in place. They are a great alternative to wireless headphones for those who would rather not worry about battery and charging times. You shouldn't have to settle for average sound just because you are hoping to pay less for a pair of earbuds.

This headphone pair is the perfect example of quality headphones within your price range. With a comfortable fit, good performance, built-in microphone, and more, this budget device has a perfectly balanced sound. (Thanks to neodymium drivers). These cheap earbuds are also very lightweight so that you can barely feel you are wearing them!

Pros:
+ Neodymium drivers for balanced sound
+ High rating in terms of sound quality
+ Play, pause and microphone button
+ Soft ear tips that adjust to your ear

Why We Liked It - The best earphones will fit you right and have great sound. The ear tips of these headphones best speak for themselves, thanks to how well they adjust to your ear.

With a gorgeous contrast between black and red, these hi-fi noise isolation headphones have a classy design. They're for users who like to listen to music during sport or while they're exercising, or for people who want impeccable sound quality and a pair of cheap earbuds to talk on the phone.

The tips adjust well to your ears, regardless of shape and size, and the dynamic drivers earn them a high rating in terms of sound experience. It is one of those products designed to look, sound, and feel great! There's good bass - you can feel every beat.

The weight is perfect for you to wear these every day for hours at a time. The highs, mids, and lows are balanced to provide a pleasant listening experience, and the noise isolation keeps most exterior sound out, meaning you can hear your important phonecalls properly.

Pros:
+ Superior sound quality
+ Highly effective noise isolation
+ These include multiple ear tips
+ Gorgeous black and red design

Why We Liked It - Thanks to the dynamic driver and sound, the eye-catching exterior, and the cheap price, these are the best in ear headphone pairs for someone on a budget.

With a high rating in both reviews and by real customers, these noise isolation in-ear headphones make more expensive products look bad! Compatible with both Android and iOS, it is a headset you can use for your computer and phone and when you are out and about.

They are ideal for traveling since they take up very little space, weighing less than many other pro headphones. If you pick these wired earbuds, you'll get a set that has the crystal clear sound quality and durability you deserve, with powerful bass and a black and silver design that makes them look exclusive, despite their low price.

Pros:
+ 1.2-meter quality cable
+ Optimized for all portable media players
+ Differently sized ear adapters
+ Ambient noise attenuation

Why We Liked It - Hi-fi sound meets a great aesthetic and durable cord, and the ear adapters make sure they will fit your ears perfectly. We're giving a top rating to these review favorites.

The Betron Earbuds display crystal clear and enhanced bass together. Their natural sound comes from all-metal housings, an excellent frequency response, build quality and driver features, and an attractive aesthetic - you can choose between a set of white or black earphones, depending on your style and preferences.

The silicone rubber ear tips come in sizes S, M and L, to make sure they fit your inner ear properly. They are made to successfully isolate exterior noise, providing you with the best possible sound quality for a pair of non remote control headphones. These also come with a reliable 1-year warranty, so that you can get your money back if you need to.

Pros:
+ 3.5mm headphone port
+ Compatible with phones, laptop and more
+ Comfortable silicone ear-tips
+ Excellent build quality and driver

Why We Liked It - The beautiful white and black design makes these look a lot pricier than they are. They also happen to be among the best wired earbuds you can find, with an excellent driver, and noise isolation features.

Deep bass and powerful, crisp acoustics come together with the handcrafted wooden exterior, creating a unique studio-quality sound. It is a product, unlike any other on this list. Not only is it one of the best in-ear headphones you can find, but it is also one of the most affordable!

They're available in six different presentations, and all made with natural wood, with a great driver, deep bass, voice control, and other deluxe features. The ear-tips have been improved in design and fit to provide better long-term comfort. The smart in-line microphone and button controls make it so much easier to control both your music and incoming calls, as you don't have to rely on your device to listen.

Pros:
+ Voice control and deluxe features
+ Tangle-free dual-color TPE cable
+ Uniquely designed ear tip options
+ Earn an affiliate commission

Why We Liked It - In terms of style and look, nothing compares to these wooden earbuds! They have a gorgeous design and superior sound quality thanks to the way the wood affects the acoustics.

If you are looking for the best headphones for sport and exercise, then these earbuds are unbeatable. The curved shape allows you to hook them on your ear. They sit tight, whether you are a runner, or if you enjoy working out aggressively at the gym. As with many remote headphones, they are similarly shaped, but there's the added benefit of not having to worry about charging them up before heading out.

There is a simple one-click button for phone calls and other controls, great overall sound, and a round cord that does not tangle easily. All this, as well as comfort that will even make it possible to sleep wearing these without waking up with sore ears. These simple but powerful earphone pairs have great color options to choose from and are compatible with most cellphones, laptops, and other devices.

Pros:
+ Comfort with optimized nozzle angle
+ One-click button controls
+ Reliable audio signal transmission
+ Best fit for athletes and sportsmen

Why We Liked It - If you have decided that you don't need remote control headphones, these in-ear ones are the perfect alternative, and one of the best pairs of earphones for sports and working out.

The design of these colorful yet classy headphones makes them an obvious choice if you want the best! The noise cancellation works flawlessly, to allow you to listen to your incoming calls and music without interruptions from the outside world. They have a steady and strong bass, and the button controls give you the option of using it as a remote control for your listening device.

Performance is further improved with the 24k Gold Plated 3.5mm Jac. The unique cord design will make sure you out as you are walking around listening to music or talking on the phone. Betron figured out that there is no need for the cord to be boring and black, and the result was a product that stands out no matter where you take it.

Pros:
+ In-ear sound isolation
+ 3.5mm 24k Gold Plated Jac
+ Bi-colored round cord
+ Powerful and enhanced bass

Why We Liked It - With these earbuds, people will never be able to guess you got them at a low price, thanks to the stylish design and audio quality. They are so well-made that they will last you for years.

Enjoy the many benefits of a simple pair of earphones with these waterproof and wireless remote control earpieces! They fit just right with ear-tips that mold the shape of your ear canal. There aren't any wires to get tangled or stuck. You get a total of seven to nine hours of uninterrupted battery time, dynamic drivers (11mm), Bluetooth dual-point connection options, and much more!

These little ones prove that you can go wireless on a budget - a product with modern features does not have to cost a fortune, despite being one of the best. They have an attractive black and red design, which is somehow both discrete and eye-catching at once, and they are made to withstand water - perfect for those pesky times when it rains on your morning run.

Pros:
+ Bluetooth dual point connection
+ Dynamic 11mm drivers
+ 7-9 hours of battery time
+ In-line remote controls

Why We Liked It - These are wireless but still fall into the budget category for affordable headphones, and that is all you can ask for if you enjoy sport and working out.

Cheap In-Ear Headphones Buyers Guide

The best in-ear headphones also exist for those who are on a budget or just trying to save money. With a few tips and tricks, finding the best cheap option isn't all that hard. The first step towards a successful purchase is to consider which features are essential and which you can live without. What build quality are you looking for?

Do you want wireless remote control features and different types of drivers? Does the color of the product matter to you? What size of the ear tips do you need? Below are a few things to consider, which will help you find the best cheap earphones with the features you need.

True Wireless vs. Wired Earbuds

There is a lot of talk about wireless earphones, and it is easy to think that all wireless products are automatically better than wired earbuds, but this isn't necessarily the case. It depends on how you plan to use them.

True wireless earbuds are great since you don't have to worry about cords, which can be hugely beneficial when doing sports or working out. However, wireless headphones need to be charged, especially if used frequently. This can be a hassle for those who hike, go camping, or engage in other activities where charging isn't possible.

In those cases, or if you mostly sit still (such as when traveling or at the office), true wireless earbuds might be a little unnecessary, and you could potentially be better off with cheap wired earphones.

The price is also likely to go up for wireless products, as the technology is still new and significantly more advanced than a wired product. If you are looking for a cheap budget option, you might want to question yourself whether wireless and Bluetooth are features you need; otherwise, you might want to avoid them.

Everyone has that little voice in their heads, telling us that the more features a product has, the better - but if you are on a budget, you might not need most of them. The most suitable headphones might be a more basic product instead.

Water-Resistant Headphones

Have a look to see if the product you are considering is water-resistant or waterproof. This can be useful if you do sports and tend to sweat a lot, but also if you get caught in the rain. Some of the best cheap earbuds will be at least water-resistant, but not all. Usually, when looking for the best product for you, you might be advised only to pick water-resistant products.

If the price is more important to you than other aspects, then consider skipping this feature to take down the price. Do consider the risks, though, as it could end up being more expensive in the end if you accidentally get them wet and are forced to buy new ones.

Benefits of In-Ear Headphones

If you are unsure whether over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, or in-ear earbuds are better, this review will try to give a detailed explanation for when in-ear earphones could be a better option.

The type of products you wear over the ear is excellent for activities that do not require too much movement, such as for video games, music while sitting at a desk, for the train commute to work, and more. But, they are generally less practical for physical activities, like running and going to the gym. Why? Because most won't stay on.

Someone who deals with a lot of movement will struggle to keep the headphones on their heads, and this is where in-ear headphones become a much better option! Since you insert these into your ears, they are much more likely to stay in place while you work out.

Another benefit is the discretion these products offer, as others often can't even tell that you are listening to music. They take up very little space in your luggage, pocket, or handbag.

Are there any good cheap headphones?

Definitely! Many budget products offer similar features as a more pricy set of earphones, so it isn't always about the price! Make it a habit to read through the product descriptions to find the features you are interested in, but you should also be ready to consider fewer features for the sake of a better price.

Are cheap headphones as good as expensive headphones?

This is a very relative question, as it depends on whether you are talking about quality or features. If you are on a limited budget, it is better not to compare others with earphones you couldn't afford anyway, and to instead focus on finding a product with excellent sound quality as well as the aesthetic and look you are hoping to find. Perhaps you don't need the best features, such as remote control and Bluetooth, as long as it ticks all the boxes in terms of sound quality.

Conclusion

Finding the best affordable headphones is all about finding a product that is best for you. If a low price is crucial, then you should be prepared to consider some more basic products. If all you need is quality earbuds with excellent sound, then finding a product within your preferred price range won't be too hard.

The price is often a result of how much the earphones have to offer, but it doesn't mean that a cheaper pair is lower in quality, as it could just be an indicator that they come with fewer features. Regardless of what your budget is - you deserve a quality product.

Expert Tip

Aim for a quality product with fewer features and hence a lower price, rather than getting a low-price set of headphones with all the available features, as these may lack in quality.

Did You Know

The saying "you get what you pay for" refers more to features, in this case, and not necessarily to quality! You can get a great pair of in-ear headphones if you are willing to accept a more basic feature selection.

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