The world is better with music, and music is best enjoyed with a pair of earbuds on. However, if you are tight on cash right now, the last thing you probably want to think about right now is a new pair of earbuds. Good thing this is not always the case. You can get yourself a shiny new pair of earbuds without breaking the bank.
Believe it or not, you can score the best cheap earbuds right now if you know where to look. There are a few gems out there waiting to be found. So, if you have an extra couple of bucks right now, we have listed the best earbuds under $30 that you can get to upgrade your music experience. Let me get into it!
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Before Anything Else, You Must Know What You Are Buying
Most consumers nowadays think that brand, price, and design are the only determining factors when shopping through hundreds or thousands of earbuds. While it may look reasonable, it actually isn’t.
You see, earbuds in the sub 30$ category tend to focus only on one thing and cut corners on the rest of the specifications to make up for the lack thereof. That is why you should know the following to have a better understanding of what really matters to you.
- Drivers – these are what’s responsible for the sound you’re hearing from within the device. If you want to maximize your investment in having a pair of earbuds with a better, louder overall sound, then you should opt for earbuds with larger drivers.
- Sensitivity – drivers are responsible for converting sound waves into actual sound whereas sensitivity is what tells you how loud the earbuds can go. It is often measured in sound pressure level and ideally, you must pick earbuds with a mid-range level of sensitivity. Anywhere between 90 dB SPL/mW and 105 dB SPL/mW is considered average especially in the sub 30$ range.
- Frequency Response – Sensitivity is measured in SPL (sound pressure level) while frequency response is measured in Hz. On average, anywhere between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz is perfect for most users. Most people don’t look into an earbud’s frequency response but if picked correctly, it actually helps make one’s listening experience a lot better. For example, if you listen to music with lots of basses, then go for earbuds with low bass frequency.
- Impedance – Should you get earbuds with lower or higher impedance? In the sub 30$ range, it’s better to get earbuds with lower impedance. Lower-impedance headphones have fewer windings with a thicker wire as opposed to higher-impedance earbuds. This means it requires less power to deliver the audio levels due to the lesser resistance, which also results in lower power consumption and longer usage.
Contents of this Page
The Best Earbuds Under $30: Our Top Picks
TOZO T10 True Wireless Earbuds
The best true wireless earbuds priced under $30.
Technical Specifications:
Audio Driver: 8mm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 KHz
Battery Life 3.5 hours (4 charges on the case)
Size: 1.04 x 0.99 x 0.66 inches
Weight: 0.071 ounces
Ratings:
Volume Levels: 4 / 5
Audio Quality: 4 / 5
Comfort: 4 / 5
If you want to own a pair of true wireless earbuds but lack the budget, then I have good news for you. The TOZO T10 is an affordable pick for users who want to get in the true wireless action but is on a limited budget. This pair of earbuds are a bit bass-heavy, perfect for playlists consisting of EDMs and hip-hop songs.
Design-wise, the TOZO T10 is pretty stylish and does not look cheap at all. They are made using solid matte plastic, with a few glossy accents on the back. The case is oval and made with the same material as the earbuds. This pair also comes in five different color variants, black, blue, white, gray, and khaki.
Whatever your style preference is, you are sure to find the best color for you. These earbuds are also comfortable to wear, and they come with four different sized tips so you can pick the one with the best fit. This pair of earbuds is thoroughly designed except for the controls. The control scheme is subpar, and the buttons are hard to press.
When it comes to audio performance, the TOZO T10 is a bit bass heavy. Its sound profile is warm, but you can notice that the bass is overemphasized. This pair packs a punch with its low, rumbling bass, which is perfect for bass-heavy music genres like EDM or hip-hop. Unfortunately, they are a bit muddy when you are listening to jazz and classical music.
For mid-range accuracy, this pair of true wireless earbuds is pretty good for its price. The mid-range is well-balanced, so vocals and lead instruments are pretty distinct. The treble accuracy, however, is not that great. It is decent for casual listening but lacking if you are critical with your audio.
Battery life, on the other hand, is not that great at just 3.5-hours. But on the bright side, their charging case carries four additional charges, and it only takes an hour for them to fully charge. So, if you ran out of battery on the road, simply out them back on their case for a quick charge. The case also supports wireless charging so you can easily use your wireless charger to power it back up.
Overall, the TOZO T10 is an affordable pair of true wireless headphones that are great for budget-conscious music lovers. They are comfortable to wear and are relatively durable thanks to their IPX8 rating. It is also impressive that TOZO T10’s case supports wireless charging, which is uncommon at this price range.
You may be wondering how the TOZO T10 differs from the T6 and the T12. To make it short, the T6 and the T12 are way better in every way– which makes them more expensive than the T10, too. So, unless you are willing to shell out a few more dollars, you are better off getting the TOZO T10 hands down.
Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbuds
The best earbuds under $30 with great, booming bass.
Technical Specifications:
Audio Driver: 12 mm
Frequency Response: 4Hz to 24KHz
Battery Life: None
Size: 2.63 x 1.5 x 6.75 inches
Weight: 0.282 ounces
Ratings:
Volume Levels: 5 / 5
Audio Quality: 5 / 5
Comfort: 5 / 5
If you are a legitimate bass-head, you will surely love the Sony MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass Earbuds. This pair puts extra emphasis on bass, so you can expect solid thumps and excellent kick drum reproduction. They are also portable and can be easily stashed away in your jeans pocket. Since they are built well, you can rest assured that they will stay in one piece even when unceremoniously tucked inside your jeans’ pocket.
The MDR-XB50AP is not stylish, but they are not ugly looking either. This pair of earbuds look simple and are pretty straightforward in design. The cable is quite sturdy and rubberized, so they have this premium look that is consistent among Sony’s earbud line. This pair of earbuds also come in 3 color variations, red, blue, and black.
Comfort-wise the Sony XB50AP has an excellent in-ear fit. They are slightly angled, so they don’t go too deep into your ear canal. Although they are just barely on your ears, there are stable enough not to fall off, and they provide an excellent seal to prevent any audio leaks.
When it comes to audio performance, the Sony MDR-XB50AP has a powerful bass response. This earbud is perfect for playlists with a bunch of EDM and hip-hop songs. The Sony MDR-XB50AP is also great when watching action-packed movies since the bass-heavy audio profile is handy on scenes with tons of explosions.
However, the bass’s overemphasis might not sit well with all users, so if you are not a fan of bass-heavy music, then this pair is not for you. Mid-range performance, on the other hand, is quite good. The low-mid is a bit bumpy, which is expected considering how overemphasized the bass is. You will notice thick vocals but not enough to sound cluttered or muddy.
When it comes to audio performance, the Sony MDR-XB50AP has a powerful bass response. But if you’re really a bass head, then you will surely love the Sony MDR-XB55AP. Just as good as the MDR-XB50AP with a lot better bass sound output– and a slightly higher price tag.
If you want to know more about the Sony MDR-XB50AP, you can check out our comprehensive review here.
Otium Bluetooth Headphones
The best earbuds under $30 for working out.
Technical Specifications:
Audio Driver: 11mm Dynamic Driver
Frequency Response: N/A
Battery Life: Up To 9 Hours
Size: 1.4 x 0.57 x 0.58 inches
Weight: 0.635 ounces
Ratings:
Volume Levels: 4 / 5
Audio Quality: 4 / 5
Comfort: 5 / 5
The Otium Bluetooth Headphones are wireless earbuds that are great for working out. The form (including its band) is designed to be worn while running, jogging, hiking, or doing regular exercises.
It has an IPx7 waterproof rating, which means it can withstand your sweat while working out. Sound quality is excellent, so you can get pumped up while working out. It also has a microphone for calls, however, the quality of the mic is not quite good.
The Otium Bluetooth Earbuds have great battery life of up to nine hours when fully charged. The headset offers superior bass sound and stereo sound, so you can listen to great music while using it.
Charging time is quick as well. A light will indicate if the earbuds are fully charged already, so you can avoid overcharging or overheating. In addition, the battery status will be displayed on your Android or iOS phone.
Buttons are strategically placed, so you can control the music you’re listening to while working out. You can skip, play, or pause your music without having to reach your phone. The Bluetooth range is up to 30 feet when obstacles are not in place. The presence of walls will decrease this range to 10 feet.
Overall, the Otium Bluetooth Headphones are one of the best earbuds under $30 that are great for working out. If you want something that’s sweatproof, has controls, and offers a built-in mic for quick calls, then this is your best bet.
Turtle Beach Battle Buds
The best gaming earbuds under $30.
Technical Specifications:
Audio Driver: 10mm
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz
Battery Life: None
Size: 4.72 x 2.36 x 4.72 inches
Weight: 3.84 ounces
Ratings:
Volume Levels: 5 / 5
Audio Quality: 5 / 5
Comfort: 4 / 5
If you are a gamer and can’t be bothered by huge gaming headsets, then the next best thing is gaming earbuds. Turtle Beach is already a household name when it comes to making excellent gaming peripherals. So leave it to them to make affordable gaming earbuds.
The Turtle Beach Battle Buds is a unique pair of earbuds since it has a detachable boom mic on the side, which closely resembles a gaming headset. This pair is one of the best gaming earbuds out there because it is comfortable enough for extended gaming sessions, and its sound profile is suitable for gaming.
Design-wise, the Turtle Beach Battle Buds is well-built, considering that they are mostly plastic. The earbud casing looks premium, and the cable is pretty thick. On the other hand, the tips are quite soft, so they are gentle on the ears, so even if you game for hours, you won’t feel any discomfort or strain. The overall build is pretty decent, considering its price.
When it comes to audio performance, the Turtle Beach Battle Buds is a bit bass heavy. Not surprising since this is an earbud for gaming, and games are known to have bass-heavy music scores. The bass range is somewhat overpowering, so it is not recommended for country songs and ballads.
However, it is pretty good for playlists with tons of EDM and hip-hop; the mid accuracy, on the other hand, is subpar. It is noticeable how low-mid and mid-mid ranges are underemphasized, good thing that the high-mid range is pretty accurate, which is its saving grace. The treble accuracy of the Turtle Beach Battle Buds is pretty decent. Some tones may sound a bit harsh or piercing, but bearable.
Overall, the Turtle Beach Battle Buds is a great pair of wired gaming earbuds. The detachable boom microphone is pretty handy for in-game comms, and since it is removable, you can simply remove it and use it for casual listening. They are also comfortable enough for extended gaming sessions, and they are not too deep into your ear canal, so they are fairly breathable.
The Best Earbuds Under $30: Notable Mentions
Kurdene K-S8 True Wireless Earbuds
The best earbuds under $30 for small ears.
Technical Specifications:
Audio Driver: 8mm
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz
Battery Life: 6 Hours (4 charges on the case)
Size: 2.36 x 1.77 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 1.59 ounces
Ratings:
Volume Levels: 4 / 5
Audio Quality: 4 / 5
Comfort: 5 / 5
The Kurdene K-S8 is another true wireless earbud on this list. It is affordable and has a pretty decent audio quality. Plus, this pick is perfect if you have small ears and if normal earbuds just keep falling off your ears. To get a better fit, the Kurdene K-S8 is packed with six tips to ensure that you end up with the size that suits you best. This pair is really one of the best earbuds for small ears.
Design-wise, Kurdene K-S8 looks pretty high-end for its price. They are simple yet stylish enough to grab a few stares. The materials used are not cheap-looking, and they look pretty durable. This pair also has an IPX8 rating, meaning that they are waterproof and can survive getting submerged into 1-meter deep water for 30 minutes. The case also has an IPX6 waterproof rating, so even if it suffers a few mishaps, it will walk away unscathed.
Sound-wise, Kurdene K-S8 is decent. Not for critical listening, yes, but more than enough for casual music binges. The 8mm driver is not just for show as it is capable of producing satisfying thumps and rumbles.
Bass accuracy is not the best out there, but it is pretty good. If you love listening to EDM and hip-hop, then this pair will give your Spotify playlist justice. Overall, the Kurdene K-S8 is an excellent pick for those who are looking for an affordable pair of true wireless earbuds.
JLab Audio Metal Bluetooth Wireless Rugged Earbuds
The best sturdy and durable earbuds under $30.
Technical Specifications:
Audio Driver: 8mm
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Battery Life: 6 Hours
Size: 5.91 x 1.06 x 3.54 inches
Weight: 1.58 ounces
Ratings:
Volume Levels: 5 / 5
Audio Quality: 4 / 5
Comfort: 5 / 5
JLab Audio has been in the industry for quite some time now, and they are known to make affordable and high-quality audio products. Good thing that the JLab Audio Metal Bluetooth Wireless Rugged Earbuds is not the one to break tradition, as this pair is budget-friendly and performs well. JLab also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied, so you can be sure to get what you pay for.
Build wise the JLab Audio Metal is enclosed in an aluminum housing to ensure durability. The wires are also thick enough to survive accidental pulls. This pair of earbuds also have an IP55 rating, which means that it is water-resistant and can withstand sweats and light rain drizzles. Perfect for outdoor escapades as these earbuds are built to last. They are sturdy and robust, a great companion for outdoorsy people.
When it comes to audio performance, the JLab Audio Metal is pretty decent. Audio accuracy is not all over the place, and you can expect satisfying music binges. The Bass response is a bit lacking since the audio driver is not that big. However, bass accuracy is pretty decent. It does not sound muffled or muddy at all. Mid, on the other hand, is clear and relatively balanced; vocals and lead instruments are heard distinctly. Treble response is poor, so expect some harsh notes. But if you are just a casual listener, you will not really pick on these sound cues.
Battery life, on the other hand, is pretty mediocre at just 6 hours. However, this is more than enough for a quick trip to the gym or during your morning run. Bluetooth connectivity is also amazing; it can stay connected even at 30ft away. Overall, the JLab Audio Metal is an excellent pick for earbuds under $30. They are affordable and have a decent sound quality that is perfect for outdoor lovers.
[BONUS VIDEO] How To Choose The Right Earbuds
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Earbuds Under $30
So, how do you choose the best earbuds under $30? Below are some of the features you should consider:
Connectivity
There are basically two types of connection options when purchasing earbuds, wired and wireless. Both options have their pros and cons so picking one out of the top of your head may not be the best choice for this matter.
Preference is really the key in making this decision. Some folks prefer to be wired. They hate having to charge earbuds often. Other folks would rather not be bothered by a wire that tangles easily.
Audio Quality
Audio quality varies tremendously from one pair of earbuds to another. Some cover a wider range of frequencies while others do not. Earbuds are built with drivers and these range in size as well.
It’s quite common to find 10mm drivers in earbuds and these do alright. However, some are made with just 6mm drivers that aren’t the best in terms of audio quality. If you’re an audiophile, you wouldn’t want to get earbuds with less than 10mm drivers.
If you’re using the earbuds for casual purposes such as listening while on a commute, you just need a healthy balance of bass and treble. If you’re someone who wants to block off all noises coming from your environment, then you should go for earbuds with great audio quality and noise-cancelling capabilities.
Comfort
This factor is important as well/ Think of it this way, if they’re not comfortable, will you even wear them?
Earbuds come in many shapes and sizes. Some have different material from others. These all matter when you’re talking about putting them inside your ears. Thankfully, earbud retailers sell products with various silicone ear tips of different sizes. These are often in small, medium, and large. But, some also have extra-small tips. There are packages that come with up to five different ear tips to help consumers wear exactly what fits them best.
Earbuds also have various weights. So, if you are looking for a pair that you’ll wear for an hour or less daily if they’re heavy or light. But if you plan on being in them all day long, you’ll probably want a pair that’s lighter and has the best silicone ear tips.
Noise Cancellation
Again, it seems that this is a no-brainer, but you will be surprised. I used to think that once noise-cancelling earbuds were invented, there’s no need to ever use earbuds without this feature. But, I was wrong.
You see, as great as noise-cancelling earbuds are, some people still need to hear their environment. A common example of this would be for people who are at airport terminals waiting to board their flights. They need to make sure they hear the announcements. People who wear earbuds on the streets should also hear ambient noises, particularly when crossing.
But on the flipside, noise-cancelling earbuds are works of wonder too! Blocking out all the ambient noises at the gym helps you focus on your routine. At other times, it’s best to be in noise-cancelling earbuds when on a long flight so you won’t be distracted by outside noise.
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are cheap wireless earbuds safe?
Yes. Wireless earbuds are definitely safe, even the least expensive ones. Exposure to low amounts of non-ionizing radiation emitted by Bluetooth is totally safe. It is not harmful to humans, so even cheap wireless earbuds are safe to use.
2. What are the best earbuds to buy for the money?
The best earbuds to buy for the money will have great audio quality, improved sound levels, and great mic quality as well. Of course, you have to make sure it’s comfortable to wear and durable enough to last for years.
More expensive earbuds don’t necessarily mean better quality. It’s best to know the purpose of the earbuds. Is it for gaming, calling, or working out? In this way, you’ll know the right characteristics to look out for in the earbuds you’re going to purchase. Check out our buying guide to learn more about the best earbuds to buy for the money.
Recap: The Best Earbuds Under $30
Our Top Picks:
1. TOZO T10 True Wireless Earbuds – The Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $30
2. Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbuds – The Best Earbuds Under $30 With Amazing, Booming Bass
3. Otium Bluetooth Headphones – The Best Earbuds Under $30 For Working Out
4. Turtle Beach Battle Buds – The Best Gaming Earbuds Under $30
Notable Mentions:
5. Kurdene K-S8 True Wireless Earbuds – The Best Earbuds Under $30 For Small Ears
6. JLab Audio Metal Bluetooth Wireless Rugged Earbuds – Best Sturdy And Durable Earbuds Under $30
