Headphones are typically considered as superior to earbuds in terms of sound quality and comfort, however due to their typically bulky size and weight, they’re not the most practical accessory to carry around. Audiophile headphones don’t typically support microphones either, so if you get a phone call while on-the-go, chances are you’ll have to remove them before answering your phone.
This is where earbuds come in. They’re lightweight, ultra-portable, and, depending on the drivers the earbuds have, they can provide good to decent sound quality. In recent years, earbuds have started adding onboard microphones for mobile users so that they may make phone calls and access their smartphone’s search functionality without removing their phone from their pockets.
A cursory search for earbuds will usually reveal hundreds of search results, and it’s often hard to decide which pair of earbuds to get, especially when considering the wide price range between different models. The fact of the matter is that you really don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a pair of decent quality headphones, and as a rule of thumb, $30 should be plenty.
Below you’ll find a selection of our favorite earbuds:
JLab has long been known for producing high-quality earbuds that typically feature drivers that are able to produce punchy bass levels and clear highs, making them a favorite among commuters. In this regard, the Jbuds J4 are no different, and you’ll immediately notice the heavy-duty construction and stylish design.
Not one to skimp on goodies, JLab provides a robust carrying case, 7 different sizes of silicone earbuds, and tangle-free kevlar reinforced cables. Although the basic version of the JBuds J4 doesn’t come with a microphone, you can shell out $7 more dollars for the one that does.
There’s a reason why JVC decided to name this pair of earbuds the Xtreme-Xplosivs, and the reason probably has something to do with the larger-than-usual 10mm neodymium drivers powering their sound. The drivers are able to provide deep and satisfying bass levels, which means you’ll be able to rock out to your favorite songs without sacrificing sound quality.
Other features worth mentioning are the contoured shape of the earbuds that helps users find a comfortable and snug fit that minimizes sound loss as well as the on-board 1-button microphone that lets users make and answer phone calls with a simple press of a button.
The first thing you notice about these Symphonized earbuds is their unique golden look and robust build quality—something you don’t typically associate with a pair of budget earbuds. In addition to the unique design, you’ll get a gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack which provides a superior connection to the music player of your choice.
With an original list price of $130, these luxury Symphonized earbuds are a real steal given the features you’re getting. The in-line microphone is great for taking phone calls while on-the-go, and the built-in noise-isolating technology is great if you often find yourself in crowded areas. One of the most unique things about these earbuds is that they’ve managed to cram two drivers into each earbud, which allows them to accurate playback your favorite music without worrying about distortion.
