Can you get good earbuds for a low price? Yes, after trying out many earbuds this year, I found some amazing choices that give you great performance without costing too much.
In the constantly changing world of audio technology, people on a budget no longer have to settle for low quality.
From big-name brands to lesser-known companies, there are now many affordable earbud options that sound fantastic, have lots of useful features, and are of great value.
In this detailed guide, we’ll look at the top 10 most affordable earbuds of 2024 that exceed expectations, providing an incredibly immersive listening experience without requiring you to spend a lot of money.
Get ready to take your audio game to the next level while sticking to your budget.
How I chose these top affordable earbuds:
When selecting these top affordable earbuds, there were several key factors I considered:
Sound Quality: Despite being budget-friendly, I made sure each pair of earbuds delivered excellent sound quality. I looked for clear audio, good bass, and minimal distortion even at high volumes.
Battery Life: Long battery life is crucial for earbuds, so I prioritized options that could provide at least 6-8 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge. Many also have charging cases for extended usage.
Connectivity: Reliable Bluetooth connectivity makes using earbuds hassle-free. I chose models with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for a stable wireless connection.
Noise Cancellation: While not every affordable option had active noise cancellation, I included some top picks with decent noise canceling to block ambient sounds.
Durability: Budget earbuds shouldn’t feel cheap. I selected well-built options with durable materials to ensure they can withstand regular use.
Extra Features: To provide great value, I looked for affordable earbuds packed with useful extras like touch controls, customizable EQ settings, water resistance, and more.
By carefully evaluating sound, battery, connectivity, noise cancellation, build quality and extra features, I curated this list of top affordable earbuds that punch above their price tag.
List of Best Cheap Value for Money Earbuds 2024
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 5 | View on AliExpress |
| QCY T13 ANC | View on AliExpress |
| QCY HT07 | View on AliExpress |
| JBL Wave Buds | View on Amazon |
| QCY HT05 | View on AliExpress |
| Baseus Bowie M2s | View on AliExpress |
| Baseus Bowie MA10 | View on AliExpress |
| Anker P20i | View on AliExpress |
| Anker A20i | View on AliExpress |
| QCY T27 | View on AliExpress |
Review of these selected earbuds
Redmi Buds 5
Xiaomi has established itself as a leader in the budget-friendly audio segment, and the Redmi Buds 5 is a testament to its commitment to quality.
These earbuds boast impressive features, including an auto-pause sensor that stops the music when you remove them from your ears, up to 10 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) disabled, and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity.
Additionally, the Redmi Buds 5 deliver rich sound quality with customizable audio effects through the companion app and effective ANC at 46dB. Priced at around $35 USD, these earbuds are an absolute steal.
Pros:
- Auto-pause sensor
- Up to 10 hours battery with ANC off
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Good sound quality with bass
- Effective 46dB ANC
Cons:
- No custom EQ
- No Low-latency gaming mode
QCY T13 ANC
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option with active noise cancellation, the QCY T13 ANC is an excellent choice.
While the ANC performance is slightly lower at 28dB compared to the Redmi Buds 5, the QCY T13 ANC is even more affordable, priced at approximately $25 USD.
These earbuds feature a durable case design, Bluetooth 5.3 for quick pairing, and up to 7 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled.
The sound quality is impressive for the price, and you can customize the audio settings through the QCY app.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- 28dB ANC
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Up to 7 hours battery with ANC off
- Customizable sound via app
Cons:
- Lower ANC
QCY HT07
Stepping up in quality and price, the QCY HT07 is a standout option for those willing to spend a bit more.
Priced at around $45 USD, these earbuds deliver exceptional sound quality, considered one of the best in the QCY lineup.
With Bluetooth 5.2, compatibility with the QCY app, and up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled, the QCY HT07 offers a well-rounded experience.
Additionally, they feature 40dB active noise cancellation and a transparency mode for situational awareness.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Up to 8 hours battery with ANC off
- 40dB ANC
- Transparency mode
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
JBL Wave Buds
JBL, a renowned audio brand, has introduced an affordable option in the Wave Buds.
Priced at around $40 USD, these earbuds are lightweight, water-resistant (IP54), and offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback (or up to 32 hours with the charging case).
While they lack active noise cancellation, the JBL Wave Buds deliver a balanced sound signature that doesn’t distort at maximum volume.
Additionally, you can customize the audio settings through the JBL Headphones app, making these earbuds a great value-for-money option.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Quality build
- Auto-pause sensor
- 48dB ANC
- Transparency mode
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Up to 7 hours battery
- Customizable sound
Cons:
- Lacks deep bass
QCY HT05
If you’re looking for a top-tier option from QCY, the HT05 is a serious contender. While slightly more expensive at around USD 35, these earbuds boast a premium build quality, Bluetooth 5.2, and up to 7.5 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled.
The sound quality is comparable to the QCY HT07, but with a slightly different tuning.
Like its sibling, the HT05 offers 40dB active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, and a gaming mode for an immersive audio experience.
The secure fit and sleek design add to the overall appeal of these earbuds.
Pros:
- Premium build quality
- Bluetooth 5.2
- Up to 7.5 hours battery with ANC off
- 40dB ANC
- Transparency mode
- Gaming mode
- Secure fit
Cons:
- Lacks deep bass
Baseus Bowie M2s
Baseus, known for its premium audio products, has also catered to budget-conscious consumers with the Bowie M2s.
These earbuds feature a sleek design, high-quality materials, and an auto-pause sensor when removed from your ears.
With 48dB active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, and compatibility with the Baseus app for audio customization, the Bowie M2s offer a well-rounded experience.
They also boast Bluetooth 5.3 for quick connectivity and up to 7 hours of continuous playback. Priced at around $55 USD, these earbuds deliver excellent value for their features.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Quality build
- Auto-pause sensor
- 48dB ANC
- Transparency mode
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Up to 7 hours battery
- Customizable sound
Cons:
- Lacks deep bass
Baseus Bowie MA10
If you’re looking for exceptional battery life, the Baseus Bowie MA10 is a top contender.
While slightly more expensive at around $50 USD, these earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous playback (at 70% volume), and the charging case provides an impressive 130-140 hours of additional playtime.
With Bluetooth 5.3, IPX6 water resistance, 48dB active noise cancellation, and a transparency mode, the Bowie MA10 is a feature-packed option.
Additionally, the sound quality is slightly better than the M2s, with a touch more bass presence.
Anker P20i and A20i
Anker, a trusted brand in the audio market, has introduced two affordable earbud options: the P20i and A20i.
The P20i, priced at around $30 USD, and the A20i, at around $25 USD, both feature Bluetooth 5.3, IPX5 water resistance, and compatibility with the SoundCore app for audio customization.
The P20i offers slightly better battery life at up to 10 hours of continuous playback, while the A20i provides up to 9 hours.
Both earbuds deliver impressive sound quality for their price points, with the P20i offering a touch more bass presence.
QCY T27
For those seeking an ultra-affordable option, the QCY T27 is a compelling choice.
Priced at around $20 USD, these earbuds boast Bluetooth 5.3 for reliable connectivity and up to 8 hours of continuous playback. While the case build quality is not the best, the earbud design is sleek and stylish.
The T27 lacks active noise cancellation but makes up for it with impressive sound quality for its price range.
Additionally, it features touch controls for music and call management, making it a great value-for-money option.
Conclusion
I hope you can find a pair from my list of the top 10 most affordable earbuds that provide excellent value in 2024.
In today’s market, you no longer have to compromise on audio quality or features just because you’re on a tight budget.
The options I’ve highlighted strike the perfect balance between performance and affordability, making immersive listening experiences accessible to everyone.
You may also like to see:
Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds Under $80
Best Cheap Neckband Earbuds on AliExpress
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.
