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We all have our music listening preferences whether it’s through over-ear headphones or Bluetooth earbuds. Regardless of the type of headphones, the device has become an essential tech accessory, allowing us to answer calls, listen to music and more, hands-free.
AirPods are perhaps the most-coveted wireless earbuds to own, but not all of us have more than $100 to shell out. Fortunately, there are various wireless earbuds under $50 on the market that perform just as well as luxury earbuds — but for a fraction of the price.
When choosing the best earbuds under $50, it’s important to take into account what you plan to use the tech for. From travel-friendly designs to buds for sweaty workouts, particular features like battery life and waterproofness will end up being must-have characteristics based on usage case.
What Are the Best Earbuds Under $50?
There might have been a time when you would’ve had to drop hundreds of dollars on a solid pair of wireless earbuds, but thankfully, there exists a wide range of earbuds under $50.
To help you determine the best pair for you and your lifestyle, Billboard Shopping did the research and dug through the reviews to roundup the most affordable and highly-rated earbuds under $50. Keep reading to shop our picks.
EDITOR’S PICK
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless Headphones
The JBL Vibe Wireless Earbuds have been labeled as an Amazon Choice for earbuds and in-ear headphones with more than 10,000 units purchased in the past month, according to the retailer. Some of the key features include up to 32 hours of battery life, wire-free listening and hands-free calls — which is especially nice if you consider yourself a multitasker. Reviewers have noted that the “sound quality sounds just as good as Apple AirPods Pro” and praise the ability to “change the functions and what they control.”
We have tested the JBL Vibe Earbuds in the past and were super impressed with how detailed and powerful the audio ones, especially for the price point.
TRAVEL PICK
Blackview Wireless Earbuds
Blackview’s cheap wireless earbuds boast up to 56 hours of continuous playback with the charging case, or up to six hours without the case. You can also choose from three modes, including noise cancelling, transparency or normal mode to customize your listening experience. Reviewers love how they “charge very quickly and stay charged even with extended use,” so you can use them on the plane or at work without worrying about the battery dying partway through.
SWEAT-PROOF PICK
Zingbird Wireless Earbuds
Zingbird wasn’t messing around when it designed these wireless earbuds — and they’re currently 50% off (as of this writing). The sleek black buds boast a 4.8-star rating and come with a high-tech charging case with a digital display that will tell you when both earbuds are fully charged. You’ll also be able to enjoy up to 10 hours of listening on a full charge and a sweat-proof and waterproof material.
ECO-FRIENDLY PICK
Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds
Soundcore’s wireless earbuds boast climate-pledge friendly materials that make them one of the most sustainable picks on the list. Reviewers have given the affordable earbuds a 4.5-star rating, praising aspects including its comfort, quality and controls. Included are three different-sized ear tips that you can customize to your liking (and fit) as well as up to 30 hours of battery life with the charging case.
What we especially like: a “Find My Earbuds” feature that emits noise to help you — yes — find your earbuds when you’re accidentally misplaced them.
TOUCH-CONTROLS
Kurdene Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds
More than 36,000 verified Amazon reviewers have given the Kurdene Bluetooth Wireless Earubuds five stars — and we can see why. The battery can last up to 38 hours with the charging case and you can enjoy buttonless touch for skipping, pausing and playing music. Shoppers describe the touch controls as “intuitive” and praise its ability to easily answer and end calls.
DUAL-MIC PICK
Tozo T20 Wireless Earbuds
If you’re always on the phone, then you’ll want a pair of wireless earbuds with a dual-mic. Tozo’s earbuds are just $26 and feature double the mics to help pick up your voice and make sure your friends and family hear you loud and clear. Reviewers also rave about the sound quality on these cheap earbuds, with one noting that “these mics make me sound like a superstar during calls.”
At around $30, we’ve purchased these earbuds in the past and used them for travel and commuting (when we don’t want to take our pricey earbuds out). These make a great stocking stuffer too, and we’ve gifted them to friends and family of all ages.
WORKOUT PICK
Skullcandy Mod True Wireless Earbuds
Skullcandy’s wireless earbuds were built with a waterproof, sweat-proof and dust-proof design to help with longevity. Even during your hardest workouts, these earbuds will aim to stay in your ears using a cushioned tip for added comfort and hold. One reviewer even noted that the earbuds are “easy to clean after a workout and never sounded muffled.”
We’ve been personally using Skullcandy earbuds for years and they remain a go-to for consistent, wide-ranging sound.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best celebrity headphones, Bob Marley-inspired headphones and wired headphones.
