People will often refer to $50 or even $80 headphones as “Budget options”. But, the reality of the situation is that many of us can’t or aren’t willing to spend that much on such things. So, how about the best earbuds under 20 bucks instead?
We did the research for you and gathered some of the best options that we were able to find in this article. Do keep in mind that they are not ranked in any order.
And with all of that being said, let’s dive right into it!
1:Easy KZ ZST Pro: Best Earbuds Under 20 for Neutral Sound
These earbuds generally sit around the $20 range. So, they are definitely not the cheapest option on this list. But, at the same time, they do quite possibly offer the best value.
As you can see in the image above, they have an in-ear design and that can be a deal-breaker for a few people. Other than that, we’d say that they really don’t have another downside to them.
One thing that makes them stand out compared to the other earbuds at this price range is their sound. Not only it’s extremely good (For $20), but it also has a relatively neutral audio signature to it.
In case you don’t know, most audiophiles are actually after this kind of sound as it offers the most balanced and realistic experience. Now, we are not saying that they are audiophile-worthy headphones that can compete with $120+ options. But, what we are saying is that they sort of try to replicate that sound experience.
The KZ ZST is also suitable as an in-ear monitor – meaning that it’s not a bad choice for musicians on a budget.
The only downside to these earbuds and any other earbuds that are aiming towards delivering this kind of sound is that they don’t have a whole lot of bass to them. Don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying that the bass is non-existent. It’s just that compared to some other options, it definitely feels a bit lacking.
Obviously, both musicians and audiophiles are generally not fond of headphones that are focused on base. But, if you’re just the average joe who likes blasting music at full blast with a ton of bass, you may end up feeling a bit disappointed with this purchase.
One more huge pro to these earbuds is that the cables are removable. That makes transporting rather easier.
Pros:
- Great audio quality
- The neutral sound signature makes them a good choice for live performers and audiophiles
- Superb value
- Built-in microphone
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Neutral sound signature means that you’re losing a bit of base in exchange for balanced audio
2: Letscom: Best Budget Option for Sports
Once you try hitting the gym with a pair of headphones blasting music at your ears, there’s simply no going back. The problem is that lots of options are either wired or too expensive and both of these issues can be quite troublesome.
That being said, if you need something that’s cheap and wireless, do definitely consider Letscom. As far as budget options for sports are concerned, these are the best earbuds under 20 that one can get.
As you can see, they are mainly designed for sports. The hook basically guarantees that they are not going to fall off no matter what you may be doing while wearing them.
Since they are wireless, one thing that we must keep in mind is battery life. The manufacturer has mentioned that we can expect about 8 hours of battery life, but most people have reported about 10.
Obviously, the battery life that you can get out of them will greatly depend on things like volume and EQ settings. We assume that EQ setups that are more base focused will consume more battery. But, take that info with a grain of salt.
Speaking of audio, don’t expect to be blown away by it. It’s decent – and that’s about it. If we were to describe it in one sentence then it’d have to be, “Good enough to get the job done”.
Still, having a set of wireless earbuds with these features at this price point is a miracle by itself.
The IPX7 certification means that the earbuds should be able to handle being used in the rain without an issue. And while most of us are obviously not going to run while it’s raining, sometimes, bad weather just creeps up on you.
Pros:
- Wireless
- Great for sports and working out
- Decent battery life and audio
- Once hooked, they cannot fall off your ears
- Built-in mic
- Since they are wireless, they can also work with devices that don’t offer a 3.5mm jack
Cons:
- May not be the most comfortable option for some (Depends a lot on your ears and personal preferences)
3: Amoner Headphones: Best Earbuds Under 20 for Budget Users
Do you feel like $20 is still too high for a set of earbuds? Do you hate the in-ear design that’s become so popular these days? If you agree with any of these, then do consider this option instead.
Just like with the KZ ZST Pro, these earbuds use a 3.5mm cable for connectivity. That used to be a very good thing. But, nowadays, many of the newer phones don’t have the necessary port to use them.
You may still be able to use an adapter. But, still, do keep that info in mind.
Since they actually cost less than $12, they are the cheapest option on this list. And, sure, $8 of difference isn’t that much of a big deal. But, when you are on a budget, every dollar counts.
Despite the price being so low, we still get to enjoy a few features like the built-in mic and water resistance. The manufacturer claims that they are actually water-proof. But, we honestly wouldn’t try submerging them – even if they only cost about $11.
The sound quality isn’t half bad either. Especially for the price. One good thing about it is that it probably has the strongest base in this list.
Just do keep in mind that more bass isn’t always better. Especially if you’re someone who is concerned about audio accuracy and detail.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Built-in mic
- Water-resistant
- Good audio for the price
Cons:
- Bass may be too strong or muddy for some people
Best Earbuds Under 20: Conclusion
Those were our top picks for now. If you still struggle to pick one, here’s what each one of them does best in a nutshell:
- Easy KZ ZST Pro: Neutral sound which is a good thing for those who want an audiophile experience on the cheap, but they don’t offer the strong bass that cheaper options have
- Letscom: Best option for sports
- Amoner Headphones: Cheapest option with relatively strong bass