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10 Best Cheap Earbuds 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring - Jet Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,189
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
3195 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
Chosen by1,189
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
3195 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.
#2

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds - Bluetooth Open Ear Earbuds with OpenAudio for Awareness, Clip-On Design for Comfort, Water Resistant, Up to 48 Hrs of Playtime, Black

Rating
9.1
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
4890 reviews

Sound Quality
The open-ear format delivers an immersive, wide soundstage with impressive bass response that rivals or surpasses competitors in this category.
Comfort and Fit
The secure ear clip design makes these earbuds extremely comfortable and stable, even during intense workouts or heavy movement.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
Connection reliability improved after firmware updates, though some users initially experienced occasional dropouts between the left and right earbuds.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life is solid, lasting around 5 to 7 hours on immersive mode, with a charging case that extends total playtime significantly.
Control Features
Physical buttons on the earbuds offer intuitive control and a preferred alternative to touch-sensitive controls found in other models.
Microphone Quality
Call quality is adequate but not outstanding, especially in noisy environments, which aligns with expectations for open-ear designs.

The Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds offer a unique open-ear design, which means you can stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music. This is great if you often walk or run outside and want to stay safe. Their sound quality is good, featuring immersive spatial audio that makes your music feel more engaging, though they do not have noise cancellation since they aren’t fully sealed in your ear. Comfort is a strong point thanks to their clip-on design that gently hooks behind your ear, making them light and secure for long wear.

These earbuds are wireless with Bluetooth 5.3, and the connection is reliable, even allowing you to switch easily between devices like your phone and laptop. Battery life is solid, offering about 7 hours of playtime, and the charging case can recharge them multiple times to bring the total up to 48 hours, which is excellent for the price range. Controls are simple with physical buttons, making it easy to manage music and calls without confusion. They are water-resistant (IPX4), so they can handle sweat and light rain, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming or heavy exposure.

The built-in microphone works well for calls, providing clear voice quality. However, since these are open-ear earbuds, the sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, which can affect listening in very noisy places. While they aren’t the cheapest earbuds on the market, their unique design and long battery life make them a good choice for users who want comfort, awareness, and decent sound without isolating themselves. If you prioritize total noise blocking or deep bass, you might want to consider other models.

Rating
9.1
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
4890 reviews

Sound Quality
The open-ear format delivers an immersive, wide soundstage with impressive bass response that rivals or surpasses competitors in this category.
Comfort and Fit
The secure ear clip design makes these earbuds extremely comfortable and stable, even during intense workouts or heavy movement.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
Connection reliability improved after firmware updates, though some users initially experienced occasional dropouts between the left and right earbuds.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life is solid, lasting around 5 to 7 hours on immersive mode, with a charging case that extends total playtime significantly.
Control Features
Physical buttons on the earbuds offer intuitive control and a preferred alternative to touch-sensitive controls found in other models.
Microphone Quality
Call quality is adequate but not outstanding, especially in noisy environments, which aligns with expectations for open-ear designs.
#3

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds - True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation and Mic, USB-C Charging, IPX4 Rating, Up to 8.5 Hours of Playtime, Black

Rating
8.8
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
5784 reviews

Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver an elite noise cancellation experience that effortlessly blocks out gym noise, street sounds, and background chatter for total focus.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is exceptional, staying locked in securely during intense workouts, runs, and even sparring, with no slipping or need for adjustment.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
Bluetooth connectivity is stable with minimal dropouts, and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously is handy for switching between phone and laptop.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life reliably lasts through long training sessions, with fast charging in the case ensuring you’re never left without power.
Control Features
Customizable touch controls via the Bose app make managing playback and features intuitive and personalized.
Durability and Water Resistance
IPX4 water resistance adds peace of mind during workouts or light rain, enhancing their versatility for active lifestyles.
Microphone Quality
The built-in microphone performs better than expected, delivering clear voice calls even in windy or noisy settings.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbuds deliver impressive sound quality with deep bass and active noise cancellation, making listening more immersive by effectively reducing outside noise. They offer a comfortable, secure fit thanks to multiple ear tip and stability band sizes, helping them stay in place during activities. Connectivity is wireless via Bluetooth 5.3, allowing stable connections up to about 30 feet, and the earbuds can connect to multiple devices at once, which is handy if you switch between phone and laptop often.

Battery life lasts up to 8.5 hours on a single charge, plus a quick 20-minute boost from the charging case adds a couple more hours, so they can easily get through a workday or workout. Controls are touch-based and customizable through the Bose app, which also lets you adjust sound settings like bass and treble to your liking. The earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain, but they're not fully waterproof. The microphone quality is likely average for calls.

These earbuds are feature-rich and comfortable, making them suitable for users who want better sound and noise cancellation rather than just a budget option, as their price is higher compared to typical inexpensive earbuds.

Rating
8.8
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)

Most important from
5784 reviews

Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver an elite noise cancellation experience that effortlessly blocks out gym noise, street sounds, and background chatter for total focus.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is exceptional, staying locked in securely during intense workouts, runs, and even sparring, with no slipping or need for adjustment.
Connectivity (Wired or Wireless)
Bluetooth connectivity is stable with minimal dropouts, and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously is handy for switching between phone and laptop.
Battery Life (for Wireless Models)
Battery life reliably lasts through long training sessions, with fast charging in the case ensuring you’re never left without power.
Control Features
Customizable touch controls via the Bose app make managing playback and features intuitive and personalized.
Durability and Water Resistance
IPX4 water resistance adds peace of mind during workouts or light rain, enhancing their versatility for active lifestyles.
Microphone Quality
The built-in microphone performs better than expected, delivering clear voice calls even in windy or noisy settings.

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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