I recently tested many clip-style earbuds, and I have selected the top 5 that stand out for their performance and value for money.
If you’re looking for top-notch earbuds that won’t break the bank, these picks offer a great balance of sound quality, comfort, and features.
So let’s dive into the details.
At a glance
| Earbud Model | Best Deal | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| QCY C30C | View on AliExpress | Overall performance, sound quality, and app features |
| Haylou AirFree | View on AliExpress | Balanced features and affordability |
| Lenovo LP25 | View on AliExpress | Tight budgets and basic use |
| Baseus Bass 15 Clip | View on AliExpress | Long battery life |
| Tozo OpenEarRing | View on AliExpress | Customization and water resistance |
1. QCY C30C
Price: Around $32
Key Features:
- Bluetooth: 6.0 for superior connectivity
- Battery Life: ~6 hours per charge, ~30 hours with case
- App Support: QCY app with customizable sound effects, touch controls, gaming mode, spatial audio, and high-quality audio (not compatible with iOS)
- Design & Comfort: Premium build quality, comfortable clip-on design, secure fit
- Sound Quality: Balanced sound with potent bass, high volume without distortion
- Microphone: Clear audio for calls
- Additional Features: Sleep mode, scheduled shutdown, notification volume control
The QCY C30C is my top pick due to its exceptional sound quality, robust feature set, and premium build.
The charging case feels high-quality, and the earbuds themselves have a polished, comfortable design that stays secure during movement.
The sound is well-balanced with strong bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, making it versatile for various music genres.
QCY app enhances the experience with customizable touch controls and sound settings, though the high-quality audio mode is limited to Android.
The microphone performs well for calls, and Bluetooth 6.0 ensures a stable connection.
For its price, the QCY C30C offers unmatched value, making it the reviewer’s top choice.
2. Haylou AirFree
Price: Around $20
Key Features:
- Bluetooth: 5.4
- Battery Life: ~5 hours per charge, ~28 hours with case
- App Support: Haylou Sound app with customizable controls, gaming mode, and anti-leakage sound option
- Design & Comfort: Shiny case with battery percentage display, comfortable fit
- Sound Quality: High volume, good treble, improved bass compared to Lenovo and Baseus
- Microphone: Decent call quality
I really like the Haylour Airfree, which offers a great balance of features and affordability.
Its charging case is practical, with a battery percentage display, and the earbuds are comfortable for extended wear.
The sound quality is impressive for the price, with strong treble and better bass than the Lenovo LP25 and Baseus Bass 15 Clip.
Haylou Sound app allows for customization, including touch controls and sound effects, making it a versatile choice.
While not as feature-rich as the QCY C30C, it’s a solid option for budget-conscious buyers seeking quality audio and comfort.
3. Lenovo LP25
Price: Around $9
Key Features:
- Bluetooth: 5.4
- Battery Life: ~6 hours per charge, ~16 hours with case
- App Support: None
- Design & Comfort: Decent build quality for the price, slightly more comfortable than Baseus
- Sound Quality: Higher volume than Baseus, good treble, limited bass
- Microphone: Acceptable call quality
The Lenovo LP25 is the most affordable option on my list, offers surprising value for its low price.
The charging case and earbuds are well-built for the cost, and the clip-on design provides a secure, relatively comfortable fit.
Sound quality is decent, with good treble and higher volume than the Baseus Bass 15 Clip, though bass is lacking.
The absence of a companion app limits customization, which is a drawback.
However, for those prioritizing cost over features, the LP25 delivers reliable performance for casual use.
4. Baseus Bass 15 Clip
Price: Around $25
Key Features:
- Bluetooth: 5.4
- Battery Life: ~7 hours per charge, ~30 hours with case
- App Support: Not compatible with Baseus app (as of testing)
- Design & Comfort: Similar to Lenovo LP25, slightly less comfortable
- Sound Quality: Good treble and mids, limited bass, lower volume
- Microphone: Adequate call quality
The Baseus Bass 15 Clip offers a solid battery life, matching the QCY C30C’s total case capacity.
Its design is comparable to the Lenovo LP25, though slightly less comfortable. Sound quality is decent, with clear treble and mids, but it lacks deep bass and has lower volume compared to competitors.
The lack of app support is a significant downside, as it limits customization and connectivity options.
Despite this, its long battery life and fast Bluetooth pairing make it a reasonable choice for budget buyers who prioritize endurance.
View on AliExpress
5. Tozo OpenEarRing
Price: Around $25
- Bluetooth: 5.4
- Battery Life: ~9 hours per charge, ~30 hours with case
- App Support: Tozo app with EQ customization and touch control settings
- Design & Comfort: Compact charging case with battery percentage display, comfortable fit with slight pressure from clip
- Sound Quality: Decent audio with clear mids and highs, moderate bass
- Microphone: Good call quality with noise reduction
- Additional Features: IPX5 water resistance, touch controls on back panel
I like the design and sound quality of Tozo Openring.
The compact charging case features a battery percentage display, and the earbuds consist of a small speaker in front of the ear with a clip that secures it comfortably, though some may feel slight pressure.
The sound quality is decent, with clear mids and highs but moderate bass, suitable for casual listening.
The Tozo app offers EQ customization and touch control settings, adding versatility.
With IPX5 water resistance and up to 9 hours of battery life, these earbuds are great for active users seeking affordability and reliability.
Comparison and Recommendations
- Best Overall: The QCY C30C is the clear winner for its superior sound quality, robust app features, and comfortable design. It’s ideal for those seeking a premium clip-style experience on a budget.
- Best Value: The Haylou AirFree offers a great mix of sound quality, app support, and affordability, making it perfect for users who want a balance of features and cost.
- Best Budget: The Lenovo LP25 is the go-to for those on a tight budget, delivering decent sound and comfort for an unbeatable price.
- Best Battery Life: The Baseus Bass 15 Clip shines with its 7-hour single-charge battery life, though it falls short in sound quality and app support.
- Best for Customization: The Tozo OpenEarRing stands out for its app support and solid all-around performance at a low price.
Final Take
That’s it for this article. I hope you have a clear idea of which suits you best.
If sound quality and features are key, the QCY C30C is the top choice.
For a budget-friendly option with solid performance, the Haylou AirFree is excellent.
The Lenovo LP25 is perfect for those seeking the cheapest option, while the Baseus Bass 15 Clip is great for long-lasting battery life.
You might like:
- 7 Best Budget-Friendly Wireless Earbuds in 2025
- 13 Best Wireless Earbuds from $15 to $100 in 2025
- 5 Best Budget Earbuds With Bass in 2025
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
