Are Cheap Earbuds and Headphones Worth It?
Finding decent wireless earbuds or headphones below $70/£65 used to mean big compromises—but that’s changed. Brands like Nothing, JLab, Sony, and Soundpeats have pushed solid sound, reliable connectivity, and features like active noise cancellation (ANC) into new affordability territory. Not every option is a winner, though, and small differences in sound tuning, fit, and design can make or break your daily experience.
How the Top Sub-$70 Models Compare on Sound and Comfort
- Nothing Ear (a): Fun, lively tuning with good ANC for the price. Battery life is genuinely all-day, and the smaller case is pocket-friendly. You will miss out on wireless charging and more granular sound customization. Best for everyday music and calls if you want something stylish and enjoyable.
- JLab Go Pods ANC: Offers surprisingly robust noise canceling at a price few rivals reach. Sound is decent, but ear tip fit can be fiddly and battery life modest. The aggressive transparency mode might annoy if you regularly switch between music and environmental awareness. This is a low-risk pick for ANC on a shoestring budget.
- Soundpeats Clip1: Open-ear clip design prioritizes all-day comfort and situational awareness, with clear but limited-volume audio. Great for outdoor workouts or office wear, but not for bass lovers or noisy commutes.
- OneOdio Focus A6: Over-ear form brings richer sound and longer comfort for movie-watching or gaming, with ample app controls. ANC is less impressive than expensive flagships, and touch controls are overly sensitive. Ideal if you need full-size headphones without breaking the bank.
- CMF Headphone Pro: Surprising sonic detail and battery endurance that can compete with models above this price bracket. Features like hearing tests and customizable sound profiles set it apart, though the lack of a carry case and basic ANC are notable corners cut.
- Huawei FreeArc: One of the best open-ear bargains for pure sound quality, though battery life is middle-of-the-road and you’ll need to download the companion app for customization. Skip if you need quietness or prefer in-ear designs.
- Sony WH-CH720: Delivers balanced, detailed audio and effective ANC, a minor rarity at this price. Comfort and feature set meet everyday needs, but the build uses noticeably sourced plastics and low-end ANC can struggle on trains and planes.
Who Should Buy Budget Headphones or Earbuds?
If you’re a student, commuter, or anyone who wants an everyday pair without worrying about loss or rough use, these options offer high value. Even for secondary use—gym, backups, or travel—they’re far more comfortable to leave in a bag than a $300 flagship. Enthusiasts looking for audiophile sound or unbeatable ANC should spend more, but most users will find at least one model here that fits both wallet and needs.
Key Trade-offs and Shortcomings in This Price Range
- You rarely get wireless charging, waterproofing, or multipoint connection on ultra-budget models.
- Earbuds under $70 may struggle with call quality in wind or noise, or low-bass playback—test before you rely on them for work.
- Battery life can be overstated by marketing; most real-world usage is 5–6 hours per charge for earbuds and 20–30 for over-ears.
- Build quality is improving, but still expect more plastic and a less premium feel. Open-ear models in this range do not fully seal sound, reducing isolation.
Consider These Rivals If You Want More Options
If you’re open to a slightly higher budget (or don’t mind occasional discounts), consider entry-level models from Anker Soundcore (Life P3 or Q30/Q35) or older generations from JBL and Skullcandy. These often bring incremental improvements in bass, comfort, and battery, so it’s worth checking current deals.
Should You Buy Headphones or Earbuds Under $70?
Today’s budget headphones and true wireless earbuds can serve most users for music, podcasts, and day-to-day calls. The market is finally delivering comfort and sound quality that won’t leave you feeling shortchanged—just be realistic about ANC, premium materials, and support. Carefully match your choice to how, where, and how long you listen each day for the best value. For raw bang for your buck, Nothing Ear (a), Sony WH-CH720, and the CMF Headphone Pro are standout choices.