Trying to find the best cheap headphones is already a tough task with the number of options out there, and it gets more difficult when trying to find the best earbuds under $20. A headset — earphones or earbuds (or even a single earbud) with a microphone and controls — is a different beast than a set of earbuds or headphones without a mic. For starters, not every set will work with Android when you need to answer calls and adjust the volume. Plus, when products are cheap, there are thousands of choices to wade through. So we chose the best ones.
Best Earbuds Under $20 in 2021
1. KLIM Fusion Earbuds
They handle calls just fine, fit better than average, and aren’t terrible to wear. Best of all, they sound awesome. The Fusion Earbuds also include memory foam ear-tips so that you’ll get the best fit possible, without having to worry about ear fatigue. Plus, KLIM offers a 5-year warranty if anything goes awry with your amazing earbuds.
2. HTC USonic Adaptive Audio Earphones
Seeing a pair of USB-C earbuds with a mic and a price under $20 is a surprise, but seeing a couple as nifty and versatile as the HTC Usonic is even more of a surprise. These headphones offer a high-resolution DAC to convert standard audio to lossless in a lightweight package. Plus, the audio coming in will be optimized for your ears and outside noise levels.
3. LETSCOM U8I Bluetooth Earbuds
These Bluetooth sports headphones check the right boxes if you need earbuds under $20 with a microphone. Boasting eight-hour battery life and an IPX7 water-resistance rating, these headphones are perfect for someone frugal that needs to be wire-free and likes a good workout.
4. Sony MDR-EX155AP
The Sony MDR-EX155AP are a fantastic choice thanks to the 45-degree angled design, which allows the earbuds to sit better in your ear canal. The in-line mic makes it easy to chat on the phone without much background noise and includes playback controls if you’re listening to some tunes. Plus, there are a few different colors to choose from so that you can get some headphones that match your style.
5. JBL Endurance RUN
JBL’s Endurance RUN earbuds have a universal mic and music controls, an IPX5 sweat rating, and can be worn “traditionally” with the cable hanging down or looped behind your ear. JBL also included magnets in the earbuds themselves to provide better cable management when you’re finished with your workout.
6. Panasonic ErgoFit
Want cheap earbuds that you can wear all day? The Panasonic ErgoFit earbuds are great! The sound is decent for music or phone calls, and they aren’t the prettiest things to look at. Luckily, whatever the tips are made of is awesome because they fit inside your ear without bugging you along the way.
7. Samsung Type-C Earphones
Samsung’s Type-C are included with certain Samsung smartphones, but now you can get them alone. The headphones come with four different interchangeable ear tips so that you get the best sound out of these AKG-tuned headphones. Additionally, the in-line microphone has three buttons, allows you to control phone calls, and you won’t have to worry about dongles with the USB-C connector.
8. Mpow M12 Wireless Earbuds
If you’re looking for some durability at a price you can afford, the Mpow M12 fit the bill. They’re made with IPX8 protection to handle all kinds of activity, and you’ll be able to use each earbud independently, which is something that even some of the best headphones won’t allow.
9. Skullcandy Ink’d Plus
Although these don’t sport a 45-degree angle, the Skullcandy Ink’d Plus promise a noise-isolating fit in part due to the earbud tips themselves. These come in seven different colors to choose from, and you get two extra sets of earbud tips to find your best fit. Skullcandy also offers a two-year warranty if something goes awry.
10. Skullcandy Jib Plus Wireless
Skullcandy’s Jib Plus Wireless earbuds remove the need for any additional wires, along with six hours of battery life and a splash-resistant coating. The headphones also have gel tips that fit into your ear to help keep the earbuds in place and come in three different colors.
