“I bet there aren’t any useful headphones under 30, let alone best!” was what set me on the quest for it. What I found out was completely opposite to that former given statement. There are many amazing earbuds under $30; some of them are even extraordinary. So yes! You can get the best earbuds for less than $30. I have reviewed some of the most amazing earbuds below. You can check them out if you are looking for a pair of reliable earbuds. Along with that is a buying guide that will help you sot the best budget earbuds.
How to Buy the Best Budget Earphones?
Sound Quality
The key factor in judging an earphone is its sound quality. With technological advancements, manufacturers these days have equipped the earphones with new and better sound systems and features. For instance, surround sound, soundstage, advanced driver, etc. They large enhance your sound quality offering you detailed and enjoyable sound effects. Since you can enjoy most of these features even in cheap earphones, you should not settle for the least. Instead, keep searching until you get the desired features.
Comfort
Even if your earphones are free but uncomfortable, leave them. That’s what I recommend because uncomfortable earphones would never let you enjoy the music. They would give you pain instead of pleasure. To ensure comfort, you need to check out a few features like resistance to water and sweat, soft earcups, earcup size, etc.
Resistance to water and sweat reduces maintenance requirements and allows you to use the earphones even during heavy workout with dripping sweat. Mentioning of the size, if you do not get the right fit, the earphones will keep popping out, which is super annoying.
Construction of the Unit
You’d not like to reinvest in earphones, two weeks after you have paid a full price. Therefore, durability is a must. For this purpose, most of the earphones feature a steel or metallic build. It gives them more strength and longevity.
Also, pay attention to the type of cable the earphones have; if they are made up of cheap plastic, then you better skip it right away for a thicker covering.
Microphone
The microphone is the device used to communicate with other players in a game, attend a call, or enable voice command in your earphones. However, finding a good quality mic is one of the toughest parts.
Microphones have a noise cancellation feature. Due to this feature, the microphones pick up the unnecessary sounds in your surrounding and cut them out. This ensures a clear, crisp, and accurate message delivery.
Compatibility
Wired earphones usually feature a 3.5mm jack to connect to the audio source. This type of connection is the most common and easiest, thus, allows you to connect to a large number of devices. Some earphones also feature USB connection, while a few are restricted to it.
In the case of wireless earphones, you’ll have a Bluetooth connection. They vary in terms of versions and devices they can connect to. Therefore, make sure your earphones are compatible with the version of Bluetooth in your device.
**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Five Best Earbuds under 30 Dollars 2021
Amazon.com
Best Earbuds under $30
1. Soundcore ANKER Wireless Earbuds –Best Budget Wireless Earbuds Overall
Bluetooth Headphones, Anker SoundBuds Slim Wireless Headphones, IPX7 Waterproof, 10H Playtime, Bluetooth 5.0, Magnetic Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Earbuds for Workout , Sports, Running, Gym
If you are looking for the best earbuds for the money, then Soundcore has you covered. With an elegant design, superior performance, and comfortable build, ANKER Wireless Earbuds offer the best value for your money. These earbuds are at a real tough competition with their expensive counterparts.
Build
Made to be waterproof and sweat-proof, these headphones work excellently in even rain or heavy workout sessions. Despite their light build, these features make them durable and quite practical; thus, they’ll benefit you longer than any other. Since these aren’t true wireless, they have a small cord joining the two earbuds. It also has an in-ear hook to keep the units in place firmly.
Comfort
I was amazed by their super low-weight. You won’t even feel anything on your ears. Fitting? Not even a question! Soundcore provides four different sizes of ear tips and ear hooks. You can try each of them to find the perfect one according to your size. It will ensure the perfect fit, making these usable even during a heavy workout, jogging, or other energetic physical activities.
It offers a whopping ten hours of playtime with a one-time charge, which means uninterrupted music as you won’t have to worry about recharging them again and again during use.
Performance
Well-engineered drivers reproduce HiFi sound with clarity and accuracy. Balanced bass and trebles let you enjoy almost every audio to its best.
Bluetooth Connectivity
It connects to any audio device with a Bluetooth 5.0. So you can easily connect it to the iPhone or other mobile devices. It offers a connection range of up to 33 ft. However, the quality drops with distance.
- Over a year warranty
- Built-in microphones
- Easy controls
- Highly waterproof and sweat-proof
- Enjoyable sound quality
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Well-tailored fit
- Long playtime
- Battery life drops with use
Verdict
ANKER Wireless Earbuds are the best cheap wireless earbuds. They offer balanced sound, reliable playtime, and an amazingly lasting build.
2. AUKEY EP-T21 –Best Wireless Earbuds Under 30
AUKEY True Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5 Headphones in Ear with Charging Case, Hands-Free Headset with Noise Cancellation Mic, Touch Control, 25 Hours Playback for iPhone and Android
10 used from $19.58
If you are looking for the best cheap AirPod alternatives, you can check out AUKEY EP-T21. They have a similar look, build, and controls as the AirPods.
Build
A glance at these simple, yet best value earbuds would only pronounce quality and sturdiness despite the plastic build. Such a build makes it lightweight and easy to carry. Although they are claimed to be waterproof, you need to keep them away from water and sweat as much as possible. I’d say that I found the charging case isn’t the most durable.
Comfort
Their light body and angled tip fit the ear canal quite fine, but it gets loose if I constantly move my head. So if you decide to use these during a workout, you may have to readjust them several times.
Their silicone-made earcups are quite soft and comfortable but do not completely isolate the user. For a more customized fit, the manufacturer provides three different sizes of ear cups for the user to choose from.
Controls
These best budget earbuds feature quick and easy controls for call and music. A slight drawback is that you cannot adjust the volume without taking off the earbuds. On the brighter side, it lets you enable your voice assistant, making the overall control fairly easy.
Performance
For the money, it offers a satisfactory sound system, nothing much fancy. With an average sound, the signature provides a balanced bass and treble. The one thing it may satisfy the best is the loud sound. I personally do not prefer that, especially for long hours, nobody rational person would, but if that’s what you like, then you have it.
The noise cancellation is not the best but suitable than many others. So be ready to hear the wind on a windy day.
Connectivity
Since these earbuds are wireless, they connect via Bluetooth version 5.0. Thereby, any device with the same connectivity options is compatible with the earphones. It offers a range of 33ft. without obstacles.
- Quality microphones
- Long battery life
- Automatic reconnection
- Lightweight
- Sufficient distance range
- Long battery life
- Efficient sound system
- Noise cancellation
- Obstacles reduce audio quality
- Uneasy volume control
Verdict
For the best cheap AirPods alternatives with good quality sound and valuable overall performance, AUKEY EP-T21 stands the best.
3. Smile Jamaica In-Ear Headphones – Best Cheap Wired Earbuds
House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wired Noise Cancelling Headphones with Microphone
$19.99
1 used from $14.31
If you do not want to deal with crappy corded headphones, consider buying Smile Jamaica EM-JE041. These are the best-wired earbuds for the price.
Build
Marley has given this product a thoughtful build by utilizing recyclable aluminum and organic material to serve not only the customers but also nature. They use of FSC-verified wood makes the unit high-grade and sustainable. However, their durability isn’t the best because the wood can break due to natural factors and require proper care.
A thick woven covering on the cord enables it to withstand regular wear without affecting its quality. So you do not have to worry about bent or broken cord until the headphones last.
Comfort
Despite a woody build, these earbuds aren’t as heavy as I expected them to be, which means no extra pressure on the ear. The silicon earcups are soft and fit perfectly in the ear canal, helping in better noise cancellation than many others. Due to the amazing fit, they remained at their position for hours without popping out or even loosening. So I could even use these for jogging. To further ensure the right earcup size, the manufacturer provides a set of small and medium-sized ear gels for the user to use according to requirements.
Another convenient feature is the tangle-resistant cord, which saves you from spending hours untangling them before use.
Performance
With a 9.2mm driver, you get a slightly boosted bass for the best bass-intensive music. So unless you are looking for the perfect sound balance, you’ll surely love this one.
Connectivity
Featuring a 3.5 mm plug, these earbuds connect to almost every device with an equal-sized audio jack.
- Easy controls
- Noise-canceling
- Built-in microphone
- Boosted bass
- Eco-friendly build
- Suitable earcup sizes
- Tangle-resistant cable
- Less durable
Verdict
Smile Jamaica In-Ear Headphones are the best cheap earbuds with amazing sound quality and tension-free cord.
4. LBell Wireless Neckband Earphones –Best Cheap Earbuds for iPhone
Bluetooth Headset, Bluetooth Headphones-LBell 30 Hrs Playtime Wireless Neckband Design W/Foldable Retractable Headset for Cellphones Samsung Galaxy S9 Note 8 (Black)
In the search for a unique, enjoyable, and cheap earbuds for iPhone? Consider checking out LBell Wireless Neckband Earphones. Not only are they super affordable, but also quite fashionable, which nicely compliments your iPhone.
Build
LBell offers the most ergonomic and attention-grabbing earbuds. They feature a lightweight and sturdy neckband that sits comfortably on the neck. It has all the controls engraved over it along with corded earbuds. The black finish adds class to the band.
Although LBell calls them waterproof, I don’t. For lasting performance, try to keep them away from water and sweat.
Comfort
Looking at the robust band for the first time might give you a headache due to its weight, but it’s lighter than many other earphones that you’ll ever feel anything on your neck. You can easily take out the earbuds from their fitting when needed and put them back, unlike the annoying dangling headphones.
Since the band is foldable, you can easily set its size according to your need. This option also makes it convenient to carry. Moreover, the ear tips are also soft and comfy. To ensure they fit perfectly, LBell offers sets of ear tips with different sizes.
Performance
They offer effective noise cancellation and HiFi audios with amazing clarity and balance for the price. You can enjoy any music or take even the most serious calls without any issues.
Bluetooth Connectivity
These earbuds connect to any device with a Bluetooth version 4.1. They are specifically designed for iPhone as users have serious issues finding the right earphones for them. However, you can also connect them to any other brand or device. Moreover, they offer up to 33 ft. coverage without deteriorating the audio quality.
- One-year warranty
- Long battery life
- Multi-paring
- Virtual assistant
- Built-in microphone
- Longest battery life
- Multi-paring
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Effective noise cancellation
- Great sound quality
- Not completely waterproof
- Unreliable joints
Verdict
LBell Wireless Neckband Earphones are distinct, comfortable, and multi-paring. They are the perfect option to pair up with your iPhone.
5. Otium 3110011 BR Bluetooth Earbuds – Best Bluetooth Earbuds under 30
Otium Bluetooth Headphones, Best Wireless Earbuds IPX7 Waterproof Sports Earphones w/Mic HD Stereo Sweatproof in-Ear Earbuds Gym Running Workout 8 Hour Battery Noise Cancelling Headsets
$20.99
If you do not want to deal with crappy Bluetooth connection, you must check out Otium 3110011 BR.
Build
Despite the low price, these earphones have a super durable build that lasts longer than any other in this range. Since they are IPX7, they are completely waterproof and sweat-proof. So you can use it in rainy or sweaty conditions.
Comfort
Otium 3110011 BR has comfortable earcups that fit nicely in your ear canal to block out the distractions in the surroundings. They are the lightest in weight with less than 0.05 lbs. Moreover, there are different tip sizes for you to choose from according to your ear canal.
Performance
I loved its boosted bass, though the system provides an overall clear and accurate sound reproduction. Along with a good audio performance, it has an amazing microphone for convenient communication.
Bluetooth Connectivity
These headphones can connect to any device with a Bluetooth version 4.1. be it your laptop, PC, or even an Apple device. They work perfectly within 30 ft. of the audio device. However, in case of obstacles, it can only cover 10 ft.
- Sufficient battery life
- Cord clip
- Convenient carry case
- Reliable Bluetooth connection
- Lightweight
- Waterproof and durable
- Clear and accurate sound reproduction
- Battery does not last as long as mentioned
Verdict
Otium 3110011 BR Bluetooth Earbuds offer the best Bluetooth with nice sound quality and build. So if you can cope with recharging your device every 4-5 hours, these are a great choice.
Read Also: Best Gaming Headsets
Final Thought
Soundcore ANKER Wireless Earbuds are the best budget wireless earbuds overall. They offer a durable build with the perfect sound quality for the price. I’d highly recommend these for the price range. However, if you are looking for a set of earbuds to replace your AirPods, then AUKEY EP-T21 is the best option. They offer amazing audios with a classic look.
FAQs
Q1. What to expect from $30 earbuds?
Answer: Although the price range isn’t high, you can get a set of quality headsets due to the reduced manufacturing cost in general. You may not have the best choices of size, color, or other features, but you can get a satisfactory sound and build quality, the two main features of any audio-delivering device.
Even some big brands have introduced budget earphones to cover an extensive section of the buying market and widen their customer base. However, it is usually the unknown or smaller brands that come up with such products.
Q2. Which type of headphones is better under 30, wired, or wireless?
Answer: This requires you to weigh your options, and before that, check the type of headphones jack your device has. If you do not have an audio jack, then a wireless headphone is your only option. With wireless headphones, you’ll have decent sound quality, build, and Bluetooth connectivity. All the other features like microphone, noise cancelation will have to be compromised upon. However, wired headphones at such a cost are slightly more reliable than wireless. They have a better build and sound quality.
Besides these features comes your preference. If you plan on having wireless or advanced technology-based headphones, then wireless seems to be your stop. However, if you are in support of a corded set, you can choose a wired headphone.
