The TOP 12 Best Earbuds Under $30

Small budget for earbuds? No Problem! The audio world has your back. Listed here are the TOP 12 best earbuds under $30, and they won’t disappoint!

We are taught that quality comes with a price tag. But when it comes to earbuds you really can get amazing quality $30 earbuds. You may be looking to add to your collection and need a pair of cheap and cheerful earbuds for casual use. If this is the case, then there will definitely be something on this list to meet your needs. If you’re budget just won’t stretch to some of the more expensive options, then you are in the right place. If you’re wondering what are the best earbuds under $30 will be like just look at big brands like Sennheiser and Panasonic. They have made their great quality audio products available for all. Have you got a pair of earbuds already, but having issues with the audio? We have some great advice if you are struggling with one earbud not working properly (insert internal link here). It could simply be the perfect time to for a new pair. So, without further ado…

Introducing the TOP 12 Best Earbuds under $30!

Tried and tested by users to bring you the best recommendations on the market today.

1. TOZO T10

The TOZO T10 earbuds offer excellent value with style. They offer fun, punchy, natural sound with a noise cancelling feature. The build quality is solid with IPX8 water resistance rating for both the charging case and the earbuds. These earbuds provide a comfortable fit, good battery life and connectivity of up to 40 ft. They have a fast charging and Qi wireless charging features, which is unusual for earbuds at under $30. The size should fit most ears and their design is smooth and sleek.  If you’re looking for the best wireless earbuds for under $30, look no further!

Pros
  • 8mm dynamic drivers
  • Battery life 6 hours + 24 hours in the charging case.
  • Water Resistant
  • Reliable touch controls
Cons
  • Extreme audio delay during videos
  • Mic quality isn’t great

2. Symphonized NRG 3.0

$30 earbuds like the Symphonized NRG are a rarity. Their design features a wooden casing that gives these earbuds high-fidelity, detailed sound with warm tones and great bass quality. These are more akin to open-back over-ear headphones in sound quality than earbuds. The wood design makes the earbuds some of the lightest and although they are wired, the 1.2m cable doesn’t make you feel chained to your device. These earbuds don’t have a noise cancelling feature, but come with 6 different sized ear tips to ensure a good fit and noise cancellation. The in line microphone works well in quiet environments, but won’t provide you with the privacy or noise cancellation you need in noisier environments. The Symphonized NRG wired earbuds come with their own carrying pouch for protection as well. What more could you want from the best wired earbuds for under $30?

Pros
  • Unique wood design
  • Hi-Fi, detailed sound
  • Lightweight
  • 6 different ear tip sizes
  • 8mm drivers
  • Frequency Range of 18-22,000 Hz
Cons
  • Noticeable cable noise
  • Not good in noisy environments

3. KZ ZST


The ZST’s are cheap earbuds with the sound quality of earbuds in a much higher price range. This comes down to the fact hat these earbuds have 2 drivers- one balanced armature and one dynamic. Couped with a good frequency range these earbuds have great sound quality that others in the same price range simply don’t. The design is funky, smooth, sleek and comfortable. You can choose from 4 different colours, including the rainbow style above, giving these earbuds a stylish edge that others don’t have. The best bit about these gorgeous little nuggets apart from the sound quality? They feature a detachable cable so you can enjoy them as the best Bluetooth earbuds under $30. The 3 different sized ear tips provide for a secure fit that rivals earbuds in a much higher price bracket. You really can’t do better than the ZST’s for a budget set of earbuds.

Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Amazing value for money
  • Funky, comfortable design.
  • Detachable cable
  • 3 different sized ear tips
  • 10mm driver size
  • Frequency range of 20-20,000Hz
  • Comfortable fit
Cons
  • All-plastic construction

4. Skullcandy Dime

Having a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to endure rubbish audio quality. Skullcandy have created a great budget option with surprisingly decent audio. The Skullcandy Dime earbuds won’t give the same detail their other models do, but you won’t be disappointed for such an affordable price. The sound is not the only pleasant surprise, the Dime’s are IPX4 rated, give a 10m wireless range and have a simple, comfortable design. They also come in several different colours and with 3 different sized ear tips..Their drivers are a little smaller at 6mm and the battery life is a mere 3.5 hours with an extra 8.5 in the case, but they do the job.

Pros
  • Great sound quality for the price
  • Frequency range 20-20,000Hz
  • Good Bluetooth range
  • Water resistant
Cons
  • Smaller drives give less detailed sound
  • Battery Life
  • Fiddly physical controls
  • Plasticky build

5. Sony MDR-XB50AP

Are you a basshead on a budget? Then you need to try these Sony earbuds. The bass sounds are so dominant they drown out a lot of the low tones. While this may be a downside for some, if you like your tunes bassy, then it’s perfect. These wired headphones have great build quality for the price, making them lightweight and comfortable.  They are a little bit larger than others, allowing for better noise isolation in the absence of a noise cancelling feature. The cherry on top for under $30 has to be the tangle free cord.

Pros
  • Perfect for bass lovers
  • Tangle-free cord
  • Great build quality
  • Comfortable and lightweight
Cons
  • Heavy bass isn’t for everyone
  • Larger earbuds

6. JBL Tune 125BT

The JBL Tune’s offer a simple, decent solution to a smaller budget. The sound profile is balanced and relatively neutral. You won’t be blown away by their sound quality, but you will be pleasantly surprised. The neckband design is super handy for gym goers and commuters. The earbuds are comfortable and lightweight with a solid 16- hours battery life. The JBL Tune’s offer no water protection, but as long as you don’t immerse them in water they should hold up for workouts and sweaty walks.

Pros
  • Balanced sound profile
  • Practical lightweight design
  • Good battery life
Cons
  • No water protection
  • A balanced sound profile won’t match audiophile expectations

7. Aukey EP-T21


Think of these as the Darthvader knock offs to the Airpods. Aukey have set their sights high with these earbuds, and it seems they have been successful. The EP-T21’s offer very loud, neutral sound quality, perfect for casual use. They come in a sleek black charging case that provides an additional 20-hours battery to the 4.5 in the earbuds. They are IPX4 rated, charge in 2 hours and have good Bluetooth range and connectivity. The Aukey earbuds feel smooth to the touch and fit comfortably. Given their quality and design, these are high on the list of best wireless earbuds for under $30.

Pros
  • Good comfortable fit
  • Very loud volume level
  • Neutral sound quality
  • Battery life
Cons
  • Build quality of the charging case is flimsy
  • Sound quality lacks oomph

8. KZ ZSN PRO X

These KZ earbuds are multi-driver earbuds that give strong bass and clear, detailed sound. The highs won’t have you skipping for joy, but you’ll notice them. Unlike the other earbuds on this list so far, the KZ’s feature an ear hook design for a more secure, comfortable fit. This also provides for great noise isolation and a funky look. The unique design will definitely have you standing out from the crowd. And let’s not forget the detachable cable and different sized ear tips included. If you’re looking for the best wireless earbuds under $30, these need to be on your list of contenders.

Pros
  • Bassy, clear, detailed sound.
  • Detachable cable
  • Ear hook design
  • Good noise isolation
  • Funky design
Cons
  • No noise cancelling feature

9. Panasonic ErgoFit HJE120K

These cheap and cheerful earbuds are some of the world’s best-selling and it’s no wonder. The sound quality is good- crisp, clear with strong vocals. Perfect for everyday use. If you’re looking for a cheap pair of earbuds that won’t last, then don’t buy these. They are some of the most durable earbuds around. But this doesn’t mean they are heavy and bulky. For wired earbuds they are extremely lightweight, and they are designed with comfort in mind. They come with 3 different sized ear tips so you can achieve a secure, comfortable fit. The Panasonic ErgoFit aren’t water resistant and you do get some cable noise when listening. But for the price and the longevity these provide, they really are the best earbuds under $30.

Pros
  • Enjoyable sound quality
  • Confortale and lightweight
  • Durable
  • 3 different sized ear tips
Cons
  • Cable noise
  • No water protection

10. Anker Soundbuds Slim Plus

As the name would suggest, these earbuds are some of the most lightweight, secure and comfortable. Designed with an active lifestyle in mind, these earbuds feature one cable that attaches both earbuds and wings to hold them in place. The ear tips are made from soft rubber for ultimate comfort and the earbuds are IPX5 rated. Perfect for an active lifestyle and work outs at the gym. The sound profile is great for the price and could be compared to earbuds in a much higher price bracket. You get good bass, great trebles and the mids aren’t too bad either. They won’t satisfy audiophile levels of sound, but you won’t be disappointed with the sound either. With 7 hours battery life, 3 different sized ear tips, magnets that stick the headphones together securely round your neck, and a semi-hard case with a carabineer hook, these really are some of the best earbuds to buy on a budget. And don’t forget the amazing passive noise isolation delivered by the ear tips or the great wireless range!

Pros
  • Lightweight, secure and comfortable.
  • Good sound profile.
  • 3 different sized ear tips
  • Good noise isolation
  • Semi-hard case with carabiner hook.
Cons
  • Battery life
  • Sound quality is not fit for audiophile standards.

11. Sennheiser CX 100


Sennheiser are known for making top quality audio equipment and these headphones, despite their price, are no exception. For under $30 Sennheiser have created earbuds that deliver exceptional performance for the price. These really are some of the best earbuds under $30 on the market. The precision transducers serve up a sound profile that is clear, detailed and balanced. They also ensure great sound compatibility with smartphones and other devices. The in-ear design is lightweight and comfortable. These earbuds come with 4 different sized silicone ear tips which provide a good level of noise isolation in absence of noise cancelling features. 

Pros
  • Good sound profile
  • Small design for comfort, security and noise isolation
  • 4 different sized ear tips
  • Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
  • Cable gets tangled easily
  • Are not built for longevity

12. Apple Earpods

The Apple Earpods don’t need much introduction. Choose from lightning connector or 3.5mm jack. Enjoy the signature ergonomic earbud design for a comfortable fit and the specially engineered speakers that maximise sound and minimize sound leakage. These speakers offer up rich, bassy, detailed sound suitable for most music genres. The in-line controls are easy to use, and these earbuds offer some protection from sweat and water, although they have no IPX rating. The Apple Earpods reputation precedes them, and if you’re looking for the best earbuds under $30 you can’t go wrong with Apple.

Pros
  • Good sound profile for everyday use.
  • Good noise isolation
  • Great value for money
Cons
  • Signature earbud design may not be for everyone

Small Budget? No Problem…

The earbuds listed are high quality earbuds for under $30. While most won’t satisfy an audiophile’s demanding standards, for the price you will be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully this article has answered your question of what are the best earbuds under $30. If you are looking for the best earbuds for phone calls, we have a great list here Best Earbuds for Phone Calls.

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Paul Goral

I am the founder of North Creek Music and I have a master’s degree in Engineering Acoustics. Sound is my passion. I wanted to start this blog and share my passion with others.

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