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10 Best Cheap Earbuds 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

JBL Vibe Beam - True Wireless JBL Deep Bass Sound Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.2, Water & Dust Resistant, Hands-free call with VoiceAware, Up to 32 hours of battery life (Black)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,195
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
27789 reviews

Sound Quality
With a proper fit, the earbuds deliver rich, balanced sound with deep bass and clear highs, especially when fine-tuned using the JBL app's equalizer.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is generally good, though the hard plastic can cause slight discomfort for some users around the top of the ear canal.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
The earbuds maintain excellent wireless connection stability up to about 60-70 feet, with only rare dropouts even in busy Bluetooth environments.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life impresses with up to 8 hours per charge and rapid charging that provides around 2 hours of playback from just 10 minutes.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is notable as the earbuds survived multiple washes and drops without damage, maintaining sound quality and functionality.

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds offer impressive sound quality for their price, featuring JBL’s Deep Bass Sound that delivers rich and punchy audio, especially if you enjoy bass-heavy music. Their in-ear, stick-closed design fits comfortably and helps block outside noise, making your listening more immersive. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.2, the wireless connection is stable up to about 10 meters from your device, which is standard for earbuds in this range.

Battery life is a strong point here, with up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case. The fast charging feature is convenient, giving you about 2 hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging. Controls are managed via touch, letting you play, pause, skip tracks, or answer calls without reaching for your phone.

Durability is decent with an IP54 rating, meaning the earbuds can handle sweat and dust, which is great if you plan to use them outdoors or during workouts. However, the charging case only has an IPX2 rating, so it’s less resistant to water exposure. The microphone supports hands-free calls and includes VoiceAware technology, which helps balance how much of your own voice you hear, improving call clarity. Some minor drawbacks include a slight audio latency of about 100 milliseconds, which might be noticeable when watching videos, and the earbuds may not offer the most advanced noise cancellation despite their closed design. The plastic build is lightweight but may not feel as premium as more expensive models. These earbuds are well suited for users looking for reliable, budget-friendly wireless earbuds with strong bass, solid battery life, and good comfort.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,195
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
27789 reviews

Sound Quality
With a proper fit, the earbuds deliver rich, balanced sound with deep bass and clear highs, especially when fine-tuned using the JBL app's equalizer.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is generally good, though the hard plastic can cause slight discomfort for some users around the top of the ear canal.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
The earbuds maintain excellent wireless connection stability up to about 60-70 feet, with only rare dropouts even in busy Bluetooth environments.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life impresses with up to 8 hours per charge and rapid charging that provides around 2 hours of playback from just 10 minutes.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability is notable as the earbuds survived multiple washes and drops without damage, maintaining sound quality and functionality.
#2

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - Noise Cancelling, Heart Rate Monitor, IPX4, Up to 45H Battery & Charging Case, Works with Apple & Android - Jet Black

Rating
10.0
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
2411 reviews

Sound Quality
The earbuds deliver impressive sound quality with clear highs, strong mids, and rich bass, matching or even surpassing premium competitors in immersive audio experience.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is exceptional, offering a secure, comfortable hold that stays in place throughout intense activity or long wear periods without discomfort for many users.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
Seamless integration with Apple devices enables instant connectivity, effortless syncing, and compatibility with features like Find My and voice message reading.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life stands out with up to 10 hours of playback per charge and a total of 45 hours with the charging case, far exceeding many competitors.
Control Features
Physical buttons provide intuitive, reliable control over volume and calls, preferred over overly sensitive touch controls.
Durability and Water Resistance
The earbuds’ durability with sweat and water resistance (IPX4) makes them well suited for workouts and outdoor use.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds stand out with excellent sound quality, featuring Active Noise Cancelling and Adaptive EQ that fine-tune music to your ears. Their sound is immersive, delivering clear highs, strong mids, and rich bass, making listening enjoyable for workouts or casual use. Comfort is prioritized with secure earhooks designed after extensive athlete testing, plus five sizes of ear tips to ensure a snug fit that stays put during intense activity.

Connectivity uses the latest Class 1 Bluetooth, offering reliable wireless connection and smooth pairing with both Apple and Android devices. Battery life is impressive for wireless earbuds, lasting up to 45 hours with the charging case and about 10 hours on a single charge, with a quick 5-minute charge providing 1.5 hours of playback. Controls are versatile, combining buttons, touch, voice commands, and app customization, allowing you to adjust volume, calls, and activate voice assistants easily without interrupting your workout.

The earbuds are built tough with sweat and water resistance (IPX4), suitable for various weather and exercise conditions. Microphone quality is strong, with updated mics ensuring clear calls and voice commands even in noisy environments. These earbuds are well suited for active users who want long battery life, great sound, and solid durability, though they come at a higher price than typical budget options. Note that the charging cable (USB-C) is not included, and the earhooks, while secure, might feel bulky for those preferring a minimalist design.

Rating
10.0
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
2411 reviews

Sound Quality
The earbuds deliver impressive sound quality with clear highs, strong mids, and rich bass, matching or even surpassing premium competitors in immersive audio experience.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is exceptional, offering a secure, comfortable hold that stays in place throughout intense activity or long wear periods without discomfort for many users.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
Seamless integration with Apple devices enables instant connectivity, effortless syncing, and compatibility with features like Find My and voice message reading.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life stands out with up to 10 hours of playback per charge and a total of 45 hours with the charging case, far exceeding many competitors.
Control Features
Physical buttons provide intuitive, reliable control over volume and calls, preferred over overly sensitive touch controls.
Durability and Water Resistance
The earbuds’ durability with sweat and water resistance (IPX4) makes them well suited for workouts and outdoor use.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Earbuds

Choosing the right pair of cheap earbuds can be surprisingly important, even on a budget. Earbuds aren’t just about listening to music—they’re about comfort, how you move, and how you connect with your devices. Understanding the main specifications helps you get the best value for your needs and avoid disappointment. Before you buy, think about when and where you’ll use them most—at home, commuting, working out, or just casually. The best pick matches your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how clear, balanced, and pleasant the audio is from the earbuds. While cheap earbuds may not rival high-end options, there are still differences you can notice. Look for earbuds that offer clear mids and highs without sounding tinny or harsh, and adequate bass for your music style. If you like podcasts or audiobooks, clarity in voices is more important; for music with lots of beats, bass response matters. Some earbuds highlight certain sounds more than others, so think about what you listen to and prioritize those aspects. Trying them out or checking user feedback for your listening habits can help you decide.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are about how well the earbuds sit in your ears and whether you can wear them for long periods without discomfort. Different shapes and sizes fit people differently. Some earbuds come with extra ear tips or fins so you can adjust them for a snug fit, which prevents them from falling out during movement. If you plan to wear them for exercise, a secure fit is more important, while casual use might allow for a looser, more relaxed fit. Think about your ear size and the type of activities you'll do, and look for shapes or adjustments that suit those needs.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)Connectivity means how the earbuds connect to your device, either using a wire or over Bluetooth. Wired versions plug directly into your phone or computer, don’t need recharging, and usually have lower delays. Wireless (Bluetooth) earbuds offer more movement freedom but need to be charged and might have a slight delay in audio. If you value freedom from wires or use your phone while moving around, wireless is more convenient. For simple, always-ready listening, wired may be easier. Consider your lifestyle and whether charging or wires would fit better with your routine.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)Battery life tells you how long the earbuds will play audio before needing a recharge. For wireless earbuds, this can be anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day in bursts with a charging case. Short commutes or quick workouts might need only a few hours, while long trips or work use benefit from longer battery life. If you dislike frequent recharging, look for earbuds and cases with longer playtime; if you only use them briefly, battery size matters less.
Control FeaturesControl features refer to how you adjust volume, skip tracks, or pause/play without touching your phone. Some earbuds have buttons or touch surfaces, while others need phone controls. Simple controls make life easier, especially for workouts or commuting. If you often answer calls or change tracks, physical buttons might be easier to use than sensitive touch areas. Consider how much you want to interact directly with your earbuds.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability is about how well the earbuds survive drops, bumps, or exposure to sweat and rain. Water resistance is usually rated with terms like splash-proof or sweatproof. If you plan to use your earbuds during exercise or outdoors, look for some form of water resistance or sturdy build. For desk or light use, this is less critical. Matching your usage conditions with durability helps ensure your earbuds last longer.
Microphone QualityMicrophone quality affects how clearly you’re heard during phone calls or voice chats. Cheaper earbuds may have basic microphones that pick up a lot of background noise, while better ones focus more on your voice. If you plan to take calls or use voice assistants, a decent mic is important. Think about how often you’ll be talking through your earbuds and pick accordingly.

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