I tested 15 of Amazon’s cheapest headphones — here are the best and worst
I tested 15 of Amazon's cheapest headphones — here are the best and worst
Our picks of the all-time cheap headphones and the all-time cheap earbuds showcase the quality y'all can go on a budget, even a relatively tight one. These days it'due south even possible to get a fully-featured prepare of noise-cancelling headphones for less than $150, like the Cleer Enduro ANC.
Merely what if you desire to go even cheaper? Amazon is stuffed with headphones and earbuds that don't even intermission $25. And, while a lot of these are inevitably going to disappoint, information technology'southward an area worth investigating to see if there are whatever pleasant surprises to exist constitute.
- The bodily best cheap wireless headphones you tin buy
- Bank check out the best cheap wireless earbuds
- Plus: Null Ear (one) 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 work testing them. These all ranked highly on Amazon'due south "Featured" filter at the fourth dimension of buy, but it'southward time to find out which of these low-cost headphones are actually proficient.
Amazon's cheapest headphones: Best to worst
ane. Mpow 059 Calorie-free
Unlike the on-ear headphones below, this is a pair of over-ear headphones that gives your ears some precious breathing room. With bigger earcups and more than than a modicum of soft padding in the headband, the Mpow 059 Low-cal is hands the most comfortable of the bunch. Similar 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, there are some handy onboard playback controls. These are smartly positioning towards the rear of the right earcup, so they're piece of cake to achieve with a pollex.
The packaging'south promise of "Hello-Fi" sound is, to put it politely, over-ambitious. But generally, sound quality is good even on Bluetooth, with the 059 Lite delivering growling bass and high volume without distortion. Treble lacks a sure sparkle but the college frequencies can cut through where it counts, like on Muse'southward prog-tinged "Denizen Erased."
Annoyingly, betwixt ordering the Mpow 059 Lite and writing this, it's vanished from Amazon. Luckily, yous can go it from Walmart for the aforementioned low price.
2. Sony MDR-ZX110
Initially, the wired, on-ear Sony MDR-ZX110 looks like information technology could be a case of audio's big players disappointing: there's no padding whatsoever on the headband, and the ear cushions accept the same trash bag texture as the Panasonic RP-HT161-K.
Mercifully, Sony's try is a million miles ahead of Panasonic'due south on audio quality. In fact it's the best-sounding pair of over- or on-ear headphones in this list, demonstrating a firm grasp on a multitude of genres. Biffy Clyro'southward punchy, rocky "Tiny Indoor Fireworks" showed the MDR-ZX110 can avoid the boominess and muddiness of lesser entry-level headphones, while the Billie Holiday classic "Solitude" beautifully showcased her vocals.
At that place is a flimsiness to the pattern, and the dinky earcups don't provide much of an effective seal confronting outside noise. It's not exactly a wired version of the Sony WH-1000XM4, and so, but if y'all only care near audio quality, the MDR-ZX110 has its dirt-cheap competition beat.
3. PowerLocus P2
The PowerLocus P2 makes a proficient starting time impression, coming in a hard carry instance and unfolding to bear witness a clean-looking matte finish with subtle only handsome patterns around the headband and earcups. This set of wireless headphones also comes loaded with a commendable assortment of extras: similar the 6S Wireless Headphones and iJoy Logo, you can play MP3s directly from a microSD card, or listen to FM radio. I found it much easier to get a potent signal than those other 2 headphones, besides.
The P2 does accept the aforementioned trouble with uncontrolled bass that a lot of these cheap headphones share, resulting in a somewhat boomy soundstage, just information technology'due south non also off-putting. The P2 is as well comfortable by on-ear standards, though I'd all the same adopt the Mpow 059 Low-cal 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-in that location padding, just information technology's low-cal plenty to remain comfier than the similar iJoy Logo below.
Otherwise, this is a pretty respectable pair of sub-$xx headphones. There'south a selection of Bluetooth and 3.5mm modes, also as half dozen dissimilar EQ profiles to select with the nicely tactile controls on the left earcup. Most of these are besides bassy or too recessed, just a couple offer a listenable sonic balance. The 6S even has a microSD card slot, so you can heed without a source device, and a congenital-in FM radio receiver. The latter is quite weak, though. I alive 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
Every bit another pair of cheap on-ear headphones, the iJoy Logo has like condolement issues to the 6S Wireless Headphones. Except this time it'due south compounded by a tighter fit and the plastic-like texture of its simulated leather ear cushions, which made it particularly unpleasant to wear.
The ii 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 cull from, and is capable of at least decent sound quality if you select the right profile. There'due south a lot of bass on offer, and near presets fail to go on it under control.
There's even FM radio capability, again, and the Logo actually could tune me in to a station without whatever static. However, it's just really skilful for outdoor listening: even when I'd simply come inside from my balcony, stations that came through clear outdoors would plough fuzzy.
6. Lorelei X6
Headphones don't come more straightforward than the Lorelei X6. You put it on, y'all plug in the non-detachable 3.5mm cablevision and you listen. There are no surprise features or fifty-fifty any book controls; in that location's an inline mic module with a tiny pause/play button, but for volume or skipping, yous'll need to apply the source device.
There's an impressive corporeality of bulk and force to the audio signature, which definitely helps upbeat tracks like La Roux'south "Bulletproof" and Clutch's "In Walks Barbarella," though the virtually complex songs could do with better detail reproduction. The on-ear blueprint, too, is approvingly secure but non comfortable plenty to wear for hours at a time. The sole accessory you become is a carrying pouch, to stash the X6 when your ears inevitably get tired of it.
seven. PeohZarr On-Ear Headphones (New Version)
The tiny earcups of PeohZarr's generically-named headphones fabricated me worry if I'd accidentally purchased a child's set, just nope: after some trial and error with headband placement I did eventually find a fashion to make information technology sit, somewhat comfortably, on my adult-sized head.
This is a wired-but design that'southward seriously lacking in controls and bonus features, though the braided cable is thankfully resistant to rustling noises, and at that place's an inline module with a mic and pause/play button. I also appreciated the fine balance between rich bass and more than delicate detail in the audio signature, which gave a genre-benders like Jamie Berry's "Lost in the Rhythm" the dynamism they needed.
Still, I can't rightly recommend this pair of headphones, for 1 specific reason: the headband aligning. Each earcup holds its position only very loosely, so they're infuriatingly decumbent to sliding up and down whenever you'd handling them. Have the whole matter off and you'll almost definitely need to re-conform, probably while quietly swearing, earlier putting it back on.
8. Panasonic RP-HT161-K
Surely a big make like Panasonic can put these no-proper noun headphones in their place? Not then fast — the RP-HT161-K is attractively cheap and almost unbelievably calorie-free, only likewise a disarming argument in favor of more obscure alternatives.
First, at that place's build quality. The RP-HT161-Thou'due south lightness is seemingly simply achieved past using the flimsiest headband and scratchiest plastic possible, while the sparse earcup padding is covered is a material that both looks and feels and scrunched-upwardly garbage bags. In that location are no controls, either onboard or inline (this is an exclusively wired prepare of over-ear headphones), and the audio is painfully lacking in depression-finish punch.
At well over 6 feet long, the iii.5mm cable also might suit a reckoner or stereo arrangement, but is far too long to practically use with a phone when out and about.
Amazon's cheapest earbuds: Best to worst
i. Rienok True Wireless Earbuds
At last, a pair of bonafide true wireless earbuds. And it'due south a pretty good one too, at to the lowest degree for the money. Other than a relatively narrow soundstage and the occasional spot of unrefined bass, Rienok's buds sound a lot better than I expected. And, despite lacking much in the way 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 y'all ear canals, though you get three different sizes in the box to help with this.
Even the touch controls work well, something that isn't always a given on true wireless earbuds that price ten times as much. Single and double taps play, pause or skip tracks, while long-pressing either bud adjusts volume: a function not even the AirPods Pro possesses with its fancy Forcefulness Sensors. You tin even summon your phone'due south digital banana with a triple-tap.
two. Apple EarPods
Although the EarPods doesn't use snug, fully in-ear tips, limiting its usefulness when exercising, it's a comfortable and uncharacteristically inexpensive pair of wired earbuds that you can go in either 3.5.mm or Apple Lightning flavors.
For a scant few dollars more, this is more finely crafted than the Amazon Basics earbuds — with a much less noisy cable — and sounds vastly superior. Not that y'all should expect a like-for-like budget version of the AirPods Pro, but in that location's a perfectly listenable balance of firm bass and sharp treble on offering. A quick play of Purple Blood's live hit "Boilermaker" showcased the departure: 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. Not only is the RP-TCM125-Grand comfortable and secure in the ear, with three sets of ear tips on manus for swapping, just information technology has the most powerful bass rumble of whatever of the cheap earbuds tested so far.
If anything, the low-end of these earbuds might be too much for some songs to handle. Energetic tracks like The Stroke's "Reptilia" benefit from the actress kick, merely in more fragile tracks could utilize a finer residuum. Julien Bakery'south "Souvenir," for instance, lost a little 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, too, and comes even cheaper if you buy the no-mic version.
four. Mpow Flame
Even if you discount the fact that and so few fitness-focused headphones are available at this price level, the Mpow Flame still makes an impressive showtime impression. Y'all get a mostly wireless pattern — a cablevision connects the two earpieces, running behind your cervix — a cute, circular carry case and no fewer than five sets of replaceable ear tips.
The fit could stand to exist firmer, even with the ear loops, though an IPX7 rating gives the Flame more than enough credentials in the sweatproofing section. Sound quality is decent, besides: instrument separation is make clean, and a broad soundstage further helps you appreciate all of a song's components.
The Flame's soft-touch cable also avoids a trouble I have with this kind of half-wired, half-wireless headphones: the cable bouncing on your neck when running. Instead, information technology pretty much stays resting in place.
v. Vogek Earbuds
While I don't care for the Vogek Earbuds' chunky cabling, information technology's a very serviceable pair of in-ear headphones. The dinky earpieces sit comfortably, peculiarly if y'all've taken advantage of the removable tips and choice of three included sizes, and aren't prone to falling out unless you pull on them.
The Vogek's sound signature likewise strikes a spacious yet bass-rich balance, granting the percussion in Charli XCX's "Smash Clap" an appropriately heavy-striking quality. These buds tin can also go seriously loud without distortion, so can suffice on subway trains and in other noisy environments.
The treble lacks sparkle, but more often than not this is a very decent alternative to the Apple EarPods if you'd prefer a fully in-ear blueprint.
half dozen. Amazon Nuts In-Ear Wired Headphones
Amazon'due south very own wired buds are not worth getting excited well-nigh. The build quality might only 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 bottle lids.
This pair is rock-bottom inexpensive, to be fair, but I've bought better-made buds at this toll from supermarkets. It'south not rescued by audio quality, either: in that location are glimpses of decent detail reproduction, but the bass is barely there, then rock songs accept an unsatisfying wiriness to them while pop songs don't…well, pop.
Amazon has at least included an inline mic with a pause/play push button, as well as iii sizes of ear tips, but performance-wise the Amazon Bones In-Ear Wired Headphones is barely an upgrade on just imagining music in your head.
7. VPB Heavy Bass Earphone
Despite the singular name, this is really four pairs of wired earbuds for the price of i: you become white, blackness, pink and yellow models all in the same box. Unfortunately, if you buy the VPB Heavy Bass Earphone, all this means is that you lot'll have iv sets of awful headphones cluttering up a drawer instead of just one.
Sound quality is abysmal, exhibiting a lumpen mushiness that robs everything from synths to guitar solos of their sharpness and bear on. It's especially bad for vocals, with even star-led singles like The Weeknd'southward "Blinding Lights," lacking whatsoever singalong excitement.
The build quality is marginally amend than that of the Amazon Basics earbuds, only the fit is insecure and you lot tin can't bandy out the tips for more snugness. Only buy if you need a souvenir for a family of four that y'all don't like very much.
Cheap Amazon headphones: Verdict
Yes, you can indeed find proficient-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 all-time bet overall. It won't crush your ears, can connect wirelessly and sounds reasonably practiced: a combination that'southward common at higher prices but is far from a given in this bargain bucket territory. Alternatively, the Sony MDR-ZX110 will satisfy anyone primarily concerned with pure audio performance, even if it is a piddling flimsy.
At that place are a few in-ear diamonds in the rough likewise. The Apple tree EarPods, Panasonic RP-TCM125-M and Vogek Earbuds all provide satisfying music playback, simply I was nigh impressed past the Rienok True Wireless Earbuds. The Skullcandy Dime recently proved that enjoyable truthful wireless buds can be had for nether $30, but Rienok's endeavor is even cheaper, without even making many serious compromises.
- More: The all-time faux AirPods can also save you greenbacks
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/i-tested-15-of-amazons-cheapest-headphones-here-are-the-best-and-worst
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