Bluetooth headphones are becoming increasingly popular and affordable, but wired earbuds do have some advantages.

There are no connectivity issues, nor do they run out of battery. Importantly, they are also typically cheaper. And, while cheaper construction may mean components wear out quicker than on premium-priced buds, you can always look into making them good as new with parts like replacement earbud tips.

So long as you have a device with a 3.5mm headphone jack (or an additional adaptor), wired earbuds are still a great, cost-effective option.

Here are some of the best cheap wired earbuds available today.

Premium pick

1. Moondrop Aria

8.80 / 10
Read Reviews

The Aria in-ear monitor headphones from Chinese audio brand Moondrop offer something a little different from your standard wired earbuds. This is because they are monitor headphones, and so they will deliver sound as the artist intended you to hear it, with a flat EQ that doesn’t, for example, over-pronounce the bass.

The headphone build quality is excellent, and the all-metal chassis instills confidence in the user, who will be safe in the knowledge that their headphones are durable and hard-wearing. If that doesn’t set your mind at ease, then they also come with a compact clamshell case, which keeps the headphones and their wires stored away safely.

The 10mm LCP liquid crystal diaphragm nestled inside each earbud affords a rapid response time and delivers bright, crisp treble, clear mids, and warm, well-rounded bottom-end.

If you’re looking for an audiophile-grade set of inexpensive headphones, then the Moondrop Aria deliver on this promise, making them an excellent choice if you have a little more room in your budget. Team up with a mobile DAP for even more audiophile oomph.

Key Features
  • Replaceable silver-plated cable with nylon-braided surface
  • Ergonomic metal cavity
  • 10mm high-performance dynamic drivers
Specifications
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Brand: Moondrop
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Weight: 10.5oz
Pros
  • Excellent build quality
  • Delivers great audio
  • Includes clamshell case
Cons
  • More expensive than competitors
Buy This Product
Editors choice

2. Monster iSport Strive

7.20 / 10
Read Reviews

One of the primary considerations when looking at any set of in-ear headphones is whether they'll fit your ears comfortably. The Monster iSport Strive are some of the best-fitting wired earbuds available today. The earbuds are designed for active lifestyles, with outer rubberized grips designed to sit snugly inside your ears.

Although most earbuds go inside your ear, the iSport Strive sit on top of your ear canal. This makes them more comfortable across long listening sessions and for those who don't enjoy in-ear designs. These earbuds are also sweat-proof, making them ideal for workout sessions.

Thanks to the earpiece's construction, the earbuds can provide noise isolation, too. The cable is flat rather than circular to prevent tangling. Despite this unusual design, the earbuds come with a three-button ControlTalk remote and microphone. This allows you to control music playback, as well as accept or reject calls.

Key Features
  • Design provides passive noise cancellation
  • Flat, tangle-free cord
  • Three-button ControlTalk remote
Specifications
  • Brand: Monster
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes, passive
Pros
  • Sweat-proof design means you can rinse and clean the cable
  • More comfortable than alternatives as they sit on top of your ear canal
Cons
  • The on-ear rubberized grips aren't comfortable for everyone
Buy This Product
Monster iSport Strive
Best value

3. Panasonic ErgoFit

8.60 / 10
Read Reviews

The Panasonic ErgoFit buds are probably the most popular wired headphones of any type on Amazon, with over 50,000 reviews. There's a good reason why. They offer decent sound reproduction, build quality, and comfort, while also being one of the cheapest options available.

The ErgoFit name comes from Panasonic's way of designing the buds, which make them comfortable to have in your ears for extended periods. While they don't offer the best sound reproduction, they're fine for listening to a couple of songs at the office or watching videos on YouTube.

The base model comes without a mic, but the ErgoFit with Microphone costs just an extra few dollars. Both are available in over a dozen colors. If you need a couple of pairs of extra earbuds around the house as backups, these are a great option. They're also a good choice for young kids.

Key Features
  • Comes with three sets of replacement tips
  • Extended 3.6-foot cord
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Available in a wide range of colors
  • Incredible value
Cons
  • No microphone on base model
  • Lacks music playback controls
Buy This Product
Panasonic ErgoFit

The Apple EarPods are a high-quality set of wired earphones from the world's most successful technology company. Unlike many in-ear headphones, the EarPods use a unique design to sit directly in your ear without the use of additional interchangeable tips. The 3.5mm is connected in-line with the cable, preventing unnecessary twists that may damage or break the cord. There is a built-in remote and microphone combination included in the cable that allows you to take calls and adjust music playback without using your phone.

Key Features
  • Iconic Apple design
  • Some level of water resistance
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: No
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Built-in remote and mic for taking calls and music playback
  • Durable cable and connector
Cons
  • No additional tips should the earbuds not sit comfortably in your ear
  • 3.5mm jack not compatible with most of Apple's current device
Buy This Product
Apple EarPods

The KZ ZSN are some of the best-sounding affordable earbuds. Their audio reproduction is so good, you may even be able to use them instead of your studio monitors in a pinch. The company has released many headphones in the past, but this set strikes the right balance between performance and price.

This pair has a bassy sound profile and can get loud enough to drown out the ambient noise around you. They're also very comfortable, as they're shaped in a way that fits snugly inside your ear. The outsides have metal housing while the insides are made of green, purple, or black colored plastic, which gives them a unique look.

Unlike most earbuds in this price range, these have a detachable cable. If your wire ever snaps or breaks, you can easily buy a replacement cable and swap it out in under a minute. You can also purchase a separate, Bluetooth-enabled cable that turns your pair into wireless earbuds.

Key Features
  • Detachable cable for easy replacement in case of damage
  • Bassy sound profile
Specifications
  • Brand: KZ
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Can purchase alternative cord with Bluetooth support
  • Earpiece design ensures snug fit inside your ear
Cons
  • Industrial-style design not to everyone's tastes
Buy This Product

Skullcandy is one of the most established and well-respected headphone brands around. Its products are among the best value earbuds you can find, and the Skullcandy Ink'd Mic'd 2.0 are no exception. The first thing you'll notice is that these earphones are very cheap, even compared to the other entries on this list.

Given the price, you shouldn't buy these expecting the highest-quality audio. That said, this set contains Skullcandy's Supreme Sound technology, allowing for excellent sound reproduction. This same technology provides the company's Attacking Bass experience, giving your audio a powerful low-end.

The Ink'd Mic'd 2.0 come with an in-line microphone and one-button remote. The earbuds come in a range of 10 different colors, so you'll be sure to find something to match your style. The cable is flat, too, minimizing the amount of time you'll spend untangling the headphones.

Key Features
  • Flat, tangle-free cord
  • Available in eight color options
Specifications
  • Brand: Skullcandy
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Skullcandy's Supreme Sound and Attacking Bass experience
  • In-line microphone and remote
Cons
  • Despite the Skullcandy tech, audio reproduction is only decent
Buy This Product
Skullcandy Ink'd Mic'd 2.0

If you're looking for a cheap pair of earbuds with decent noise isolation, the Symphonized NRG 3.0 are a great pick. They're well-built and offer good noise reduction. The casing on the outside of each bud is made of wood, which gives them a warmer sound than most of the other options in this price range.

They're available in six styles that determine the shade and grain of the wood, the color of the wire, and the accent colors on the back of each earbud. Along with an in-line mic, this pair has built-in buttons that allow you to control your music app and adjust your phone's volume in a pinch.

The NRG 3.0 ship with a hard shell carrying case that compliments the look of the earphones. They also come with six pairs of earbuds in varying sizes and styles, so you won't have to worry about losing one or both of the attached tips.

Key Features
  • Wooden outer shell
  • Available in six styles
Specifications
  • Brand: Symphonized
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • In-line mic and remote control buttons
  • Warmer sound than similarly priced sets thanks to wooden outer shell
Cons
  • Long earbuds protrude from your ear more than the alternatives
Buy This Product
Symphonized NRG 3.0

Like other headphones in the Sony Extra Bass lineup, the MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass earbuds are tuned for above-average bass reproduction. The earbuds have a full-range sound, making them well-suited to most types of music and spoken word.

They have a Y-shaped flat cord to reduce tangling, too. In keeping with other Sony products, the earbuds are durable and built to last. The Sony MDR-XB50AP also has an in-built microphone and a smartphone control button that you can use to pause, play, and skip your songs.

In addition to the earbuds itself, you get four additional pairs of tips in varying sizes and a small soft pouch that you can use to carry everything. Keep in mind, though, that these are not water-resistant or splash-proof. If this is an important factor for you, others on this list may be a better choice.

Key Features
  • Extra Bass earbuds for high-performance bass
  • Y-shaped cord for easy storage
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Extra Bass features don't overwhelm other tones
  • Suitable for music and spoken word
Cons
  • Some users report poor treble performance
Buy This Product
Sony MDR-XB50AP Extra Bass

The Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds are perfect for those looking for affordable headphones for everyday use. And thanks to the ergonomic design, and included extra ear pads, you can find the size that suits you, giving you the freedom to listen to music on the move, without worrying about them falling out.

With a whopping choice of 16 designs to choose from, the Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds really stand out from the crowd. Not only can you choose from a wide range of great colors, but there are also gloss, metallic and matte designs to pick from too.

If you don't need a microphone, the Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds come in two versions, one with a microphone, and the other without. This saves you a bit of money if you only really use your headphones for music.

Key Features
  • 3.6ft cord
  • Gloss, metallic, and matte finish options
  • Small, medium and large earbuds
  • 12Hz – 23kHz frequency response
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: 3
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Drivers: 9mm
  • Weight: 0.14oz
  • Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.25 x 6.75 inches
Pros
  • Multiple color and finish options
  • Microphone and non-microphone versions
  • Comfortable fit
  • Perfect headphone cord length
Cons
  • Lacks media and volume controls
Buy This Product
Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds

The Sony MDREX155AP might be a far cry from Sony's top-end headphones, but at such a low price, they prove that Sony still knows how to make great, reliable headphones even at a much lower price.

If you're looking for comfortable headphones that won't break the bank, look no further than the Sony MDREX155AP. With multiple tips to help you find that perfect fit and an ergonomically angled design, they fit comfortably with ease, without falling out.

The Sony MDREX155AP comes with a built-in microphone for taking calls on the go, as well as media controls, making it easier than ever to control your music while you are out and about.

Key Features
  • 5Hz-24,000Hz frequency response
  • 16 ohm impedance
  • 9mm Neodymium drivers
  • Lightweight design
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Drivers: 9mm
  • Weight: 0.11oz
  • Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.63 x 7 inches
Pros
  • Additional ear tips
  • Cord adjuster included
  • Built-in microphone
  • Great value for money
Cons
  • Lack brightness across highs
Buy This Product
Sony MDREX155AP

If you're looking for an affordable pair of cheap wired headphones, with high-quality audio and a superior fit, they don't get much better than the Sennheiser CX 300S. With four ear tips to choose from, it's easy to find a snug fit that works for you, even when you are working out.

Thanks to Sennheiser’s transducer technology, the Sennheiser CX 300S offers crisp detail and enhanced bass, giving you sound that you don't often get to experience on headphones around this price.

The Sennheiser CX 300S comes with a built-in microphone for taking calls and features a smart button for one-click answering.

Key Features
  • Tangle-free cord
  • Built-in microphone
  • Noise isolation
  • Play/pause button
Specifications
  • Brand: Sennheiser
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: 4
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Weight: 0.38oz
  • Dimensions: 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches
Pros
  • Extra ear tips
  • Lightweight design
  • Impressive audio quality
Cons
  • No volume control buttons
Buy This Product
Sennheiser CX 300S

The House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wired is made with two things in mind: quality and sustainability. While these wired earbuds might not have the best sound quality out there, considering their low price, they still sound pretty good.

One of the most annoying things when it comes to wired headphones is dealing with tangled cords. But that's a thing of the past now thanks to The House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wired headphone braided cord design, which completely eliminates tangles, offering a stress-free experience.

As with all House of Marley products, the House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wired Headphones are made from sustainable materials. Not only does this make them eco-friendly but also gives them an ultra-stylish look with their wooden finish.

Key Features
  • Eco-friendly design
  • In-line microphone
  • Noise isolating design
Specifications
  • Brand: House of Marley
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: 3
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Drivers: 9mm
  • Weight: 1.13oz
  • Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.97 x 6.3 inches
Pros
  • Made with sustainable materials
  • Multiple color options
  • Fabric covered cord
Cons
  • Not the best noise isolation
Buy This Product
House of Marley Smile Jamaica Wired

The JBL Endurance RUN is the perfect cheap headphones for those looking for something affordable to take running, or to the gym. With an ergonomic design and multiple tips to find that perfect snug fit, you never need to worry about these headphones coming loose.

The flexible two-way design makes it easy to find the best way to wear them that suits you. It also ensures they never fall out, and you can concentrate on doing what you love, with constant uninterrupted music.

JBL Endurance RUN is also designed to be sweatproof, letting you push yourself further than ever without having to worry about your headphones getting damaged in the process.

Key Features
  • 20Hz–20000kHz frequency response
  • Tangle cable
  • Built-in microphone
Specifications
  • Brand: JBL
  • Battery Life: Not applicable
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: 3
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Drivers: 8.2 mm
  • Weight: 1.92oz
  • Dimensions: 3.75 x 1.37 x 6.3 inches
Pros
  • Multiple color options
  • Two-way design
  • One button remote
  • Magnetic earbuds
Cons
  • No volume controls
Buy This Product
JBL Endurance RUN

FAQ

Q: What Are the Best Wired Earbuds?

Until fairly recently, wired earbuds were the only way to listen to audio on the go. Although Bluetooth has now taken over, removing the need for wires, many people still prefer wired sets.

Generally, the price of wired earbuds has reduced as well, so you can find a high-performance set for relatively little. At this price, each set has a similar audio performance, so the main differences are visual.

The best set of wired headphones will have a tangle-resistant cord, sturdy 3.5mm plug, and (usually) replaceable tips.

Q: Do Wired Earbuds Have a Mic?

Many people use headphones to make and receive hands-free phone calls. So, purchasing a set with a built-in mic is essential.

Fortunately, the vast majority of wired headphones do come with a built-in mic. However, it's important to check the model because you purchase as some do not have that feature.

Likewise, most come with in-line music controls, but not all models do.

Q: Do Apple Wired Earbuds Have a Mic?

Apple's wired earphones, the Apple EarPods, do come with a built-in microphone and in-line music playback controls.