I tested 15 of Amazon’s cheapest headphones — here are the best and worst
I tested 15 of Amazon'southward cheapest headphones — hither are the best and worst
Our picks of the best cheap headphones and the best cheap earbuds showcase the quality you can get on a budget, even a relatively tight one. These days it's fifty-fifty possible to get a fully-featured fix of noise-cancelling headphones for less than $150, similar the Cleer Enduro ANC.
Simply what if you want to become fifty-fifty cheaper? Amazon is stuffed with headphones and earbuds that don't fifty-fifty break $25. And, while a lot of these are inevitably going to disappoint, it's an expanse worth investigating to see if there are any pleasant surprises to exist institute.
- The actual best cheap wireless headphones you can buy
- Check out the all-time cheap wireless earbuds
- Plus: Aught Ear (1) specs show that these $99 ANC earbuds are flagship killers
To that end, I ordered 15 pairs of dirt-cheap headphones from Amazon and got to piece of work testing them. These all ranked highly on Amazon's "Featured" filter at the time of buy, but information technology'southward fourth dimension to notice out which of these low-cost headphones are actually skillful.
Amazon's cheapest headphones: All-time to worst
one. Mpow 059 Lite
Different the on-ear headphones beneath, this is a pair of over-ear headphones that gives your ears some precious animate room. With bigger earcups and more than a modicum of soft padding in the headband, the Mpow 059 Lite is easily the nigh comfy of the bunch. Like the 6S Wireless Headphones and iJoy Logo, this model is wireless with a 3.5mm port on hand for optional cabled use, and unlike the Lorelei X6, at that place are some handy onboard playback controls. These are smartly positioning towards the rear of the right earcup, so they're like shooting fish in a barrel to reach with a thumb.
The packaging's hope of "Hello-Fi" audio is, to put it politely, over-ambitious. Merely more often than not, sound quality is expert even on Bluetooth, with the 059 Calorie-free delivering growling bass and high volume without distortion. Treble lacks a sure sparkle but the higher frequencies can cut through where it counts, similar on Muse'south prog-tinged "Citizen Erased."
Annoyingly, between ordering the Mpow 059 Lite and writing this, it'due south vanished from Amazon. Luckily, you can go it from Walmart for the aforementioned low cost.
2. Sony MDR-ZX110
Initially, the wired, on-ear Sony MDR-ZX110 looks like it could be a case of audio'south big players disappointing: in that location's no padding whatsoever on the headband, and the ear cushions have the aforementioned trash bag texture equally the Panasonic RP-HT161-Yard.
Mercifully, Sony's try is a million miles ahead of Panasonic'due south on sound quality. In fact it's the all-time-sounding pair of over- or on-ear headphones in this list, demonstrating a firm grasp on a multitude of genres. Biffy Clyro's punchy, rocky "Tiny Indoor Fireworks" showed the MDR-ZX110 tin avert the boominess and muddiness of bottom entry-level headphones, while the Billie Holiday classic "Confinement" beautifully showcased her vocals.
There is a flimsiness to the design, and the dinky earcups don't provide much of an effective seal against outside noise. It's non exactly a wired version of the Sony WH-1000XM4, then, but if you lot only care virtually audio quality, the MDR-ZX110 has its dirt-cheap competition trounce.
3. PowerLocus P2
The PowerLocus P2 makes a good first impression, coming in a hard conduct case and unfolding to show a clean-looking matte finish with subtle but handsome patterns around the headband and earcups. This set of wireless headphones besides comes loaded with a commendable assortment of extras: like the 6S Wireless Headphones and iJoy Logo, y'all tin can play MP3s direct from a microSD bill of fare, or heed to FM radio. I found it much easier to get a strong signal than those other two headphones, as well.
The P2 does accept the same problem with uncontrolled bass that a lot of these cheap headphones share, resulting in a somewhat boomy soundstage, merely it's non too off-putting. The P2 is also comfortable by on-ear standards, though I'd still prefer the Mpow 059 Lite for longer listening sessions.
4. 6S Wireless Headphones
Compared to over-ear designs, on-ear headphones are naturally at a comfort disadvantage. The 6S Wireless Headphones doesn't do much to compensate for this, with its barely-there padding, but information technology's calorie-free enough to remain comfier than the like iJoy Logo below.
Otherwise, this is a pretty respectable pair of sub-$xx headphones. There's a choice of Bluetooth and 3.5mm modes, equally well as 6 different EQ profiles to select with the nicely tactile controls on the left earcup. Most of these are too bassy or too recessed, but a couple offering a listenable sonic residue. The 6S fifty-fifty has a microSD card slot, and then y'all can listen without a source device, and a congenital-in FM radio receiver. The latter is quite weak, though. I live in London, which isn't exactly out in the sticks, and couldn't find a station without at least some fuzzy crackling.
5. iJoy Logo
As another pair of cheap on-ear headphones, the iJoy Logo has similar comfort issues to the 6S Wireless Headphones. Except this time it's compounded by a tighter fit and the plastic-like texture of its faux leather ear cushions, which made information technology specially unpleasant to wearable.
The two pairs have a lot more in common, too. The Logo can also swap between Bluetooth and wired connections, play from an inserted microSD card, has six EQ presets to choose from, and is capable of at to the lowest degree decent sound quality if you select the right contour. There's a lot of bass on offering, and nigh presets neglect to go on it nether control.
There'due south even FM radio capability, once again, and the Logo actually could melody me in to a station without any static. Even so, it's merely really practiced for outdoor listening: even when I'd but come inside from my balcony, stations that came through clear outdoors would turn fuzzy.
6. Lorelei X6
Headphones don't come more straightforward than the Lorelei X6. You put it on, you lot plug in the non-detachable 3.5mm cable and you listen. In that location are no surprise features or fifty-fifty any volume controls; in that location's an inline mic module with a tiny pause/play button, simply for volume or skipping, you lot'll demand to employ the source device.
There's an impressive amount of bulk and force to the sound signature, which definitely helps upbeat tracks similar La Roux's "Bulletproof" and Clutch'due south "In Walks Barbarella," though the virtually complex songs could exercise with better particular reproduction. The on-ear blueprint, too, is agreeably secure but non comfortable enough to article of clothing for hours at a time. The sole accessory you lot get is a carrying pouch, to stash the X6 when your ears inevitably get tired of it.
7. PeohZarr On-Ear Headphones (New Version)
The tiny earcups of PeohZarr's generically-named headphones made me worry if I'd accidentally purchased a child'south set, but nope: after some trial and fault with headband placement I did eventually find a way to brand it sit, somewhat comfortably, on my developed-sized head.
This is a wired-just design that's seriously lacking in controls and bonus features, though the braided cable is thankfully resistant to rustling noises, and at that place'southward an inline module with a mic and pause/play button. I also appreciated the fine remainder betwixt rich bass and more delicate detail in the sound signature, which gave a genre-benders similar Jamie Drupe's "Lost in the Rhythm" the dynamism they needed.
Still, I tin't rightly recommend this pair of headphones, for one specific reason: the headband adjustment. Each earcup holds its position merely very loosely, so they're infuriatingly decumbent to sliding upwards and down whenever you'd handling them. Take the whole thing off and you'll virtually definitely need to re-adjust, probably while quietly swearing, before putting it back on.
8. Panasonic RP-HT161-Chiliad
Surely a big brand like Panasonic can put these no-name headphones in their place? Not so fast — the RP-HT161-M is attractively cheap and well-nigh unbelievably lite, but also a convincing statement in favor of more obscure alternatives.
Starting time, at that place's build quality. The RP-HT161-G's lightness is seemingly only achieved past using the flimsiest headband and scratchiest plastic possible, while the thin earcup padding is covered is a material that both looks and feels and scrunched-up garbage numberless. In that location are no controls, either onboard or inline (this is an exclusively wired set of over-ear headphones), and the audio is painfully lacking in low-end punch.
At well over 6 feet long, the 3.5mm cable as well might suit a calculator or stereo arrangement, but is far also long to practically use with a phone when out and most.
Amazon's cheapest earbuds: Best to worst
1. Rienok Truthful Wireless Earbuds
At last, a pair of bonafide true wireless earbuds. And information technology'south a pretty skillful one too, at to the lowest degree for the coin. Other than a relatively narrow soundstage and the occasional spot of unrefined bass, Rienok's buds sound a lot ameliorate than I expected. And, despite defective much in the manner of ergonomic sculpting, the earpieces sit securely and comfortably. Fitting the correct size tips is important, as the bass disappears if they're non fully pushed into you ear canals, though you become three different sizes in the box to help with this.
Even the touch controls piece of work well, something that isn't ever a given on truthful wireless earbuds that cost ten times as much. Unmarried and double taps play, break or skip tracks, while long-pressing either bud adjusts volume: a part non even the AirPods Pro possesses with its fancy Forcefulness Sensors. You tin fifty-fifty summon your phone's digital banana with a triple-tap.
two. Apple tree EarPods
Although the EarPods doesn't utilize snug, fully in-ear tips, limiting its usefulness when exercising, it's a comfy and uncharacteristically inexpensive pair of wired earbuds that you can get in either iii.5.mm or Apple tree Lightning flavors.
For a scant few dollars more, this is more than finely crafted than the Amazon Nuts earbuds — with a much less noisy cable — and sounds vastly superior. Not that you should expect a like-for-like budget version of the AirPods Pro, but at that place's a perfectly listenable balance of firm bass and sharp treble on offer. A quick play of Royal Blood's live striking "Boilermaker" showcased the difference: weak and scratchy on the Amazon Nuts headphones, lively and punchy on the EarPods.
3. Panasonic RP-TCM125-K
Congratulations, Panasonic, you've redeemed yourself for the RP-HT161-One thousand. Non only is the RP-TCM125-K comfy and secure in the ear, with three sets of ear tips on hand for swapping, but it has the well-nigh powerful bass rumble of whatever of the cheap earbuds tested so far.
If anything, the low-terminate of these earbuds might exist as well much for some songs to handle. Energetic tracks like The Stroke's "Reptilia" do good from the extra kick, only in more delicate tracks could use a finer balance. Julien Baker'due south "Souvenir," for instance, lost a footling of its ethereal quality.
Even so, occasional boominess is preferable to the emptiness of the Amazon Basics buds. The RP-TCM125-K has a wider choice of colors, besides, and comes even cheaper if you buy the no-mic version.
4. Mpow Flame
Even if you discount the fact that so few fitness-focused headphones are available at this toll level, the Mpow Flame however makes an impressive start impression. Yous get a generally wireless blueprint — a cable connects the two earpieces, running behind your neck — a beautiful, round behave example and no fewer than five sets of replaceable ear tips.
The fit could stand to exist firmer, fifty-fifty with the ear loops, though an IPX7 rating gives the Flame more than than enough credentials in the sweatproofing section. Sound quality is decent, too: musical instrument separation is make clean, and a broad soundstage farther helps y'all capeesh all of a song'due south components.
The Flame'southward soft-touch cable also avoids a problem I take with this kind of one-half-wired, half-wireless headphones: the cable bouncing on your neck when running. Instead, information technology pretty much stays resting in place.
5. Vogek Earbuds
While I don't treat the Vogek Earbuds' mesomorphic cabling, it'due south a very serviceable pair of in-ear headphones. The dinky earpieces sit comfortably, especially if you lot've taken advantage of the removable tips and option of iii included sizes, and aren't prone to falling out unless you lot pull on them.
The Vogek's sound signature too strikes a spacious yet bass-rich balance, granting the percussion in Charli XCX's "Nail Clap" an appropriately heavy-hitting quality. These buds tin as well go seriously loud without distortion, so tin can suffice on subway trains and in other noisy environments.
The treble lacks sparkle, but by and large this is a very decent alternative to the Apple EarPods if you'd prefer a fully in-ear design.
6. Amazon Nuts In-Ear Wired Headphones
Amazon's very own wired buds are non worth getting excited about. The build quality might merely be the worst I've seen: the cable is noisy, there'southward no stability to the in-ear fit, and the plastic used to make the earbud housing might as well exist cut out from Coke canteen lids.
This pair is rock-bottom cheap, to be fair, but I've bought better-made buds at this price from supermarkets. Information technology's not rescued by audio quality, either: there are glimpses of decent detail reproduction, just the bass is barely there, and then rock songs accept an unsatisfying wiriness to them while popular songs don't…well, popular.
Amazon has at least included an inline mic with a interruption/play button, likewise equally three sizes of ear tips, but performance-wise the Amazon Basic In-Ear Wired Headphones is barely an upgrade on just imagining music in your head.
seven. VPB Heavy Bass Earphone
Despite the singular name, this is actually 4 pairs of wired earbuds for the price of one: you become white, black, pink and yellow models all in the same box. Unfortunately, if you buy the VPB Heavy Bass Earphone, all this means is that you'll have 4 sets of atrocious headphones cluttering up a drawer instead of merely one.
Sound quality is abysmal, exhibiting a lumpen mushiness that robs everything from synths to guitar solos of their sharpness and touch. It'due south especially bad for vocals, with even star-led singles like The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights," lacking any singalong excitement.
The build quality is marginally better than that of the Amazon Basics earbuds, but the fit is insecure and you lot tin can't swap out the tips for more snugness. Only buy if y'all need a souvenir for a family unit of iv that you don't like very much.
Cheap Amazon headphones: Verdict
Aye, you can indeed observe expert-quality headphones and earbuds for under $25 — in that location just aren't very many of them.
Of the over-ear and on-ear models, the Mpow 059 Lite is your best bet overall. It won't crush your ears, tin can connect wirelessly and sounds reasonably adept: a combination that'due south common at higher prices but is far from a given in this deal bucket territory. Alternatively, the Sony MDR-ZX110 will satisfy anyone primarily concerned with pure audio operation, even if it is a little flimsy.
In that location are a few in-ear diamonds in the rough besides. The Apple EarPods, Panasonic RP-TCM125-K and Vogek Earbuds all provide satisfying music playback, but I was most impressed by the Rienok Truthful Wireless Earbuds. The Skullcandy Dime recently proved that enjoyable truthful wireless buds can exist had for nether $30, merely Rienok'southward endeavour is even cheaper, without even making many serious compromises.
- More: The best fake AirPods can besides save you cash
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/i-tested-15-of-amazons-cheapest-headphones-here-are-the-best-and-worst
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