How much do you really want to spend on a pair of earbuds? 200 bucks? 150? What if you didn’t need to spend more than $100 for a set of earbuds, knowing they’d deliver the audio quality and features you need?
If you want to buy great earbuds without splashing the cash, there are some great reasons to choose cheap earbuds instead of premium.
1. Good Audio for the Price
When it comes to earbuds, the phrase “you get what you pay for” is becoming less relevant, especially when it comes to audio quality. Modern budget-friendly earbuds now incorporate advanced driver technologies and improved materials, offering sound quality that surprises many audiophiles. While they may not match the exquisite resolution and finesse found in high-end earbuds, the gap is rapidly closing.
The secret to improved sound quality in budget earbuds lies in driver design advancements, which are crucial for delivering clear and balanced sound and becoming available to more manufacturers. Budget earbuds often feature dynamic drivers that provide a good range of bass and treble, suitable for a variety of music genres, making them sound more akin to their more expensive counterparts.
Driver size in earbuds can vary, typically ranging from 6mm to 12mm. Larger drivers deliver more robust sound, especially in the lower frequency ranges, contributing to better overall sound quality.
Additionally, manufacturers of budget earbuds are investing in acoustic engineering to enhance the listening experience. This includes optimizing earbud shape for better in-ear acoustics and employing digital sound processing techniques to fine-tune audio output. As a result, you can enjoy rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, which were once a luxury in the earbud market.
2. Great Features
It’s not just the audio-to-price performance. The actual price of budget earbuds is incredible given the range of features you get, many of which were previously only available to premium earbuds.
One of the most sought-after features now common in budget earbuds isactive noise cancellation (ANC)to block out external noise. While budget ANC might not compare entirely to a premium set of earbuds and block less noise, many budget earbud manufacturers can deliver a decent enough experience that they’re worth using. Similarly, transparency or ambient sound modes are increasingly found in budget models, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music, an essential safety feature for outdoor activities.
Wireless charging cases have also become a standard feature in many affordable earbuds. This adds a layer of convenience, eliminating the need for cables and making charging the earbuds on the go easier. The inclusion of onboard controls is another significant advancement, allowing you to play, pause, skip tracks, and even activate voice assistants without needing to reach for your phone.
Additionally, budget earbuds are now often equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, ensuring a stable and quick connection with devices. This is complemented by improved battery life, making these earbuds suitable for extended listening sessions or long calls.
Design-wise, budget earbuds have also evolved. They now offer a range of aesthetic choices, including various colors and ergonomic designs that provide a comfortable fit for extended use. This focus on design not only improves the user experience but also makes budget earbuds a fashionable accessory.
3. Technical Specs
Budget earbuds come with great features, but they also pack in excellent technical specs, too, fromBluetooth codecsto battery life to water and dust resistance and more.
Most budget earbuds now use at least Bluetooth 5.0, with some using the very latest version, Bluetooth 5.3. Using the most up-to-date version of Bluetooth offers significant improvements over its predecessors, including increased range, faster data transfer rates, and more stable connections.
You can even find budget-priced earbuds with Hi-Res Audio certifications. For example, theSoundPEATS Capsule3 ProfeaturesSony’s high-resolution LDAC codecand retails for $79.99. Other budget-focused SoundPEATS earbuds also feature LDAC.
Consider battery life, too. Many budget earbuds now offer 6-8 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing additional charges, resulting in a total battery life that can often exceed 24 hours. This makes them suitable for long commutes, extended listening sessions, or even all-day use without frequent recharging.
Water and dust resistance,indicated by IPX ratings, are increasingly standard in budget earbuds. These ratings, such as IPX4 or IPX7, denote the earbuds' ability to withstand elements like sweat, rain, and dust, making them ideal for outdoor activities and exercise.
4. Less Worry About Damage, Loss, and Theft
No one wants to lose or damage their earbuds. The idea of them being stolen is also awful. But hear me out; if you only spent $50 on your earbuds, it’s less of a hit than if you lose or break your $250 earbuds, right?
One of the most appealing aspects of choosing budget earbuds is the reduced worry about damage, loss, or theft. This factor plays a significant role in how and where you choose to use your earbuds, especially when they might be exposed to higher risk.
The lower cost of budget earbuds means the financial impact of replacing them is much less than with expensive models. This makes them ideal for use in environments where damage or loss is more likely, such as at the gym, during outdoor activities, or in busy commutes. You can enjoy their music or podcasts without the constant anxiety of damaging a costly investment.
Moreover, the improved build quality of modern budget earbuds also contributes to less worry. Many are designed to be durable and robust, with some offering water and sweat resistance, which is particularly important for active users. This durability means you’re not sacrificing quality or longevity, even at a lower price point.
5. Ideal for Exercise
Budget earbuds are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for exercise enthusiasts, offering a blend of functionality, durability, and comfort that is well-suited for physical activity. Their suitability for exercise is rooted in several key features that cater to the needs of active users. I know that when I go for a run in the rain, I don’t always reach for my most expensive pair of earbuds despite them actually having a decent IPX rating.
But budget earbuds have stepped it up in the core areas you need for exercise: fit, comfort, ear tip options, and durability.
Given most earbuds now come with at least a few ear tip size options, you’re guaranteed to find the fit that suits your ears. Once you do, you’re most of the way to a comfortable earbud listening experience and one that also helps keep the earbuds snug in your ears during a workout.
IPX water and dust ratings have also increased across the board. A few years back, having budget earbuds with a high-level IPX rating would have been unthinkable, but now, it’s a telling disappointment if they don’t come with at least IPX4. For example,Sony’s WF-C500retails for under $100 and has an IPX4 rating, while theOnePlus Nord Buds 2have an IPX5 rating and retails for around $60. Another option is theNothing Ear Stick(our Ear Stick review), which features an IP54 rating and costs around $80.
Don’t forget that most budget earbuds are now wireless, too, which is perfect for any workout. No more worries about getting tangled up midway through a set!
Don’t Spend Heaps; Buy Budget Earbuds Instead
You don’t need to spend a great deal of money to pick up some great-sounding earbuds on a budget. No matter your preferences, you’ll find budget earbuds that suit you or whoever you’re buying them for, and you won’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to do so.
