Have you ever bought cheap earbuds only to have them sound tinny or break after just a few weeks? It’s frustrating when you want good sound without emptying your wallet! Finding quality earbuds for under $50 feels like searching for treasure. Too many choices flood the market, and knowing which ones actually deliver decent audio and last longer than a month is tough.
We know the struggle. You need reliable earbuds for workouts, study sessions, or just enjoying music on the bus. You do not want to overspend, but you also do not want terrible performance. That is why we dug deep into the budget market. This post cuts through the noise and brings you the absolute best earbuds you can grab for less than fifty dollars.
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which models offer the best features, comfort, and sound quality in this price range. Stop wasting time reading endless reviews. Let us jump straight into the top picks that prove great sound doesn’t need a huge price tag!
Top Earbuds Under 50 Recommendations
- 2-in-1 Charging Case and Phone Stand: Enjoy hands-free viewing without the hassle. Simply open the back panel of the case, place your phone on the stand, and catch up on your favorite shows—watching while traveling has never been easier!
- Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling: Reduce noise by up to 42dB with an advanced active noise cancelling system. With adaptive technology, soundocre P30i detects external sound and automatically selects a level of noise cancelling optimized for your ears.
- Transparency Mode: Let in the world or focus on your audio, the choice is yours. Simply switch to transparency mode to hear the world around you when needed.
- Powerful Bass: Unleash deep, punchy bass with soundcore P30i noise cancelling earbuds' 10mm drivers, amplified by the soundcore exclusive BassUp technology for an immersive, robust audio experience.
- Long-Lasting Convenience: Enjoy up to 10 hours of playtime (6 hours with ANC) on a single charge, and up to 45 hours with the case (25 hours with ANC). A quick 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of use, perfect for your on-the-go lifestyle.
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Up to 32 (8h + 24h) hours of battery life and speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Beam provide all-day audio. When you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others
- Water and dust resistant: From the beach to the bike trail, the IP54-certified earbuds and IPX2 charging case are water and dust resistant for all-day experiences
- JBL Pure Bass sound: JBL Vibe Beam 2 earbuds feature 8mm dynamic drivers that deliver exciting JBL Pure Bass sound.
- Active Noise Cancelling:Listen to your surroundings & filter out distracting noise. Smart Ambient lets you control how much of the outside world you want to hear, so you can talk with others or stay aware of your surroundings while keeping your earbuds in
- 4 mics for crisp, clear calls: Two mics on each earbud pick up and clearly transmit your voice while canceling out ambient noise. So you can make clear, crisp calls even when you're walking through a busy park on a breezy day.
- 40 total hours of playback: Enjoy 10 hours of playtime, plus another three full charges (30Hrs) in the charging case.* Need to recharge even faster? 10 minutes on a USB type-C charging cable will give you another three hours of playtime. (*with ANC off)
- JBL Headphones app: Select the EQ that fits your style or customize your own. Voice Prompts in multiple languages give you useful information (e.g.if battery is running low). Or chill out and recharge in Relax Mode by choosing one of five peaceful sounds.
- ALL DAY COMFORT: Light and compact to give you all-day comfort and designed for the ideal fit, for an exceptional all-round listening experience.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE & QUICK CHARGING: Up to 11 hours of battery life (up to 22hrs with case) with quick charging (5 min charge for up to 1 hour of playback).
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
- STAY CONNECTED: Ambient Sound Mode keeps you aware of your surroundings.
- EASY HANDS- FREE CALLING: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
- Real-Time Adaptive Noise Cancelling: Advanced ANC reduces noise by up to 52 dB. Adaptive technology detects your surroundings and automatically chooses the best noise-cancelling level for you
- Hi-Res Certified Sound with LDAC: Experience stunning, lossless Hi-Fi audio. Powered by LDAC, and Hi-Res Audio, these noise-cancelling earbuds reproduce musical nuances, delivering rich, well-balanced treble and bass.
- Real-Time 100+ AI Translation: Communicate effortlessly in over 100 languages. AI instantly translates speech with high accuracy, keeping conversations smooth and natural.
- 6 AI-Enhanced Mics for Clear Calls: Six microphones work with an AI noise reduction algorithm to separate your voice from background noise. The wind-noise reduction algorithm keeps calls clear even outdoors.
- Ultra-Long Playtime & Fast Charging: Enjoy up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge (50 hours with the case). Even with ANC on, get 8 hours per charge and 40 hours total. A quick 10-minute charge gives 3.5 hours of listening.
- 🎶AUTO ON & CONNECT: The Go Pop+ True Wireless earbuds turn on and connect to each other automatically. Just take them out of their USB charging case for seamless, hassle-free connection. Then just connect the ear buds to your phone. Utilizing Bluetooth 5.3, this is our fastest handsfree connection yet
- 🤏 SMALLER FIT EARBUDS: Smaller than a credit card, the Go Pop+ buds case fits in your pocket and the Bluetooth earbuds are our smallest yet; 15% smaller and 40% lighter with the small case, than the Go Air wireless earphones. Ideal for the gym, sport or to carry while running. Try the three tip sizes to get a snug in ear headphones fit and creating a perfect seal for crystal clear sound
- 📱🔊 CUSTOM SOUND: Download the JLab app to tailor your listening experience further. Control touch functions, adjust Be Aware settings, and personalize sound preferences with EQ presets including JLab Signature, Balanced, or Bass Boost
- 🔋BATTERY LIFE: Listen for the long battery life with your wireless earphones; stay for the comfort. Go Pop+ features 9+ hours of playtime in each earbud and 26+ extra hours from the charging case. That’s 35+ hours of playtime with your bluetooth earphones
- 🗣️ BE AWARE MODE + GOOGLE FAST PAIR: Stay aware of your surroundings and let ambient noise in with Be Aware Mode for safe listening. Plus enjoy effortless pairing with an Android device and locate missing earbuds with Google Fast Pair
- Powerful Bass: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds have oversized 10mm drivers that deliver powerful sound with boosted bass so you can lose yourself in your favorite songs.
- Personalized Listening Experience: Use the soundcore app to customize the controls and choose from 22 EQ presets. With "Find My Earbuds", a lost earbud can emit noise to help you locate it.
- Long Playtime, Fast Charging: Get 10 hours of battery life on a single charge with a case that extends it to 30 hours. If P20i true wireless earbuds are low on power, a quick 10-minute charge will give you 2 hours of playtime.
- Portable On-the-Go Design: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds and the charging case are compact and lightweight with a lanyard attached. It's small enough to slip in your pocket, or clip on your bag or keys–so you never worry about space.
- AI-Enhanced Clear Calls: 2 built-in mics and an AI algorithm work together to pick up your voice so that you never have to shout over the phone.
- 【Clear Sound & Noise Cancelling Mic】Experience crystal-clear sound quality with Bluetooth 5.4 and true wireless stereo technology. The built-in noise-cancelling microphone ensures clear calls, even in noisy environments, making it perfect for music, calls, and voice assistants. Immerse yourself in rich, detailed audio whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls. Designed to deliver premium sound and reliable performance, these earbuds elevate your everyday audio experience
- 【Instant Pairing & Seamless Connectivity】Experience effortless pairing with Bluetooth 5.4 and dual-channel transmission for faster speeds and better stability. Simply take the earbuds out of the charging case, and they will automatically power on and connect to your device. With support for HSP, HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP, these earbuds deliver low-latency audio and work seamlessly with iOS, Android, and Windows, offering a stable connection up to 15m (50ft) without obstacles
- 【IPX7 Waterproof & Comfortable Fit】Our i27 sports headphones feature a soft, ultra-light earhook design for a secure and comfortable fit, weighing just 7g each and including three sizes of silicone earplugs (S/M/L) for personalized comfort. With IPX7 waterproof certification, they resist sweat, rain, and splashes, making them perfect for workouts, running, and outdoor activities. Built for active lifestyles, they’re your ideal adventure companion (Note: Not suitable for submersion in water)
- 【Smart Touch Control for Effortless Convenience】Effortlessly manage your music and calls with intuitive touch controls—play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate Siri or Google Assistant with just a tap. Perfect for hands-free convenience and a premium listening experience. Stay in control without reaching for your phone, whether you're working out, commuting, or relaxing at home. Designed for seamless interaction, these controls make everyday tasks simpler and more enjoyable
- 【10-Minute Quick Charge & Long Playback】Enjoy up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge, extended to 54 hours with the 400mAh charging case. The Type-C quick-charge fully charges the case in 1.5 hours, and a 10-minute quick charge provides 2 hours of playback. Easily monitor power status with the LED percentage display, ensuring all-day use without battery worries. Perfect for travel, workouts, and daily commutes. Stay connected and entertained wherever you go
Your Budget-Friendly Beat Buddy: The Essential Guide to Earbuds Under $50
Finding great sound without emptying your wallet is totally possible! Earbuds under $50 offer fantastic value. This guide helps you pick the best pair for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Even cheap earbuds have important features. Check these first:
1. Connection Type: Wired vs. Wireless (Bluetooth)
- Wireless (Bluetooth): These are the most popular. They connect to your phone without wires. Look for Bluetooth version 5.0 or higher for a stable connection.
- Wired: These use a physical cable and a 3.5mm jack or USB-C. They often have zero lag, which is great for gaming, but the cord can tangle.
2. Battery Life (For Wireless Only)
If you buy wireless buds, check the playtime. Aim for at least 4 to 5 hours on a single charge. The charging case should offer two or three extra full charges.
3. Controls and Microphone
You need simple buttons. Can you play, pause, and skip tracks easily? Does the built-in microphone let you take calls clearly? Test this if you can!
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your earbuds last and how comfortable they feel.
Earbud Tips and Fit
Most budget earbuds come with silicone tips. Soft, well-fitting tips are crucial. They keep the sound in and block outside noise. If a pair comes with multiple tip sizes (Small, Medium, Large), that’s a big plus for comfort.
Durability
For active use, look for some level of water resistance. Usually listed as an IP rating (like IPX4). This rating means they can handle sweat or light rain. Plastic bodies are common in this price range; make sure the hinges on the charging case feel sturdy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a $30 pair sound better than a $15 pair? It usually comes down to the internal parts and the design.
Sound Quality Drivers
Drivers are the tiny speakers inside the bud. Larger drivers (sometimes listed in millimeters, like 10mm) can often move more air, potentially giving you deeper bass. However, software tuning matters more than size alone.
Noise Isolation vs. Noise Cancellation
- Noise Isolation (Good): This is passive. Good silicone tips physically block sound from entering your ear. Nearly all earbuds under $50 offer this.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) (Rare): True ANC electronically cancels noise. It is very rare to find effective ANC in earbuds under $50. Don’t pay extra for a feature that isn’t actually good.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use your new earbuds the most.
Commuting and Exercise
If you walk or run, prioritize a secure fit and an IP rating for sweat protection. Wireless is almost always better here to avoid snagging wires on your jacket.
Work and Study
For long study sessions, comfort is king. Check online reviews for comments on ear fatigue. A good microphone is important if you attend many online classes or meetings.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Earbuds Under $50
Q: Can I get good bass under $50?
A: Yes, many budget earbuds are tuned for strong bass. Look for models specifically mentioned for having “punchy” or “deep” bass in reviews.
Q: Are they usually wireless?
A: Most new models in this price bracket are wireless (True Wireless Stereo or TWS).
Q: How long should the warranty be?
A: Most brands offer a standard 1-year limited warranty. Always check the seller’s policy before buying.
Q: Is the sound quality really that bad?
A: No. The sound quality is usually very good for casual listening, podcasts, and video streaming. They just won’t sound as detailed as $200 pairs.
Q: What does “pairing” mean?
A: Pairing is the one-time process where your earbud connects wirelessly to your phone or tablet for the first time.
Q: Should I worry about latency (audio delay)?
A: If you watch videos or play simple mobile games, latency is usually fine. Serious gamers might notice a slight delay with cheaper Bluetooth models.
Q: What is the charging case for?
A: The case recharges the earbuds when you are not using them, acting as a portable power bank.
Q: Can I connect them to two devices at once?
A: Some newer models support “multipoint connection,” but it is less common in the sub-$50 category. Usually, you must manually switch the connection.
Q: Are they easy to clean?
A: Yes, most plastic earbuds wipe down easily with a dry cloth. Just be careful not to get moisture inside the speaker mesh.
Q: What’s the best way to pick the right size?
A: Start with the medium tips provided. If the bud feels loose or falls out easily, try the larger tips. If it hurts your ear, try the smaller ones.