Best wired earbuds under $50

AKG Y20UBLK Lightweight In-Ear Headphone

With a smooth sound, comfy fit, and a single-button universal remote and mic, the AKG Y20U earbuds have all the basics for the most affordable price.

AKG Y20UBLK Lightweight In-Ear Headphone

Who this is for: If you need a backup pair of headphones that handles the essentials, or earbuds you won’t cry over if you lose them, budget wired earbuds get the job done for as little cash as possible.

Why we like it: The AKG Y20U earbuds sound better than Apple EarPods, fit a broad range of ear shapes and cost only around $30. They have more depth to their sound than anything we tested in this category, with pleasantly boosted lows that don’t muddy the mids or overpower the highs. You won’t lose detail in the vocals or strings, but that’s because the highs are somewhat elevated, too. That said, the Y20U earbuds’ highs aren’t sizzling, sibilant, or piercing.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you have an older device with lower power output or you like listening to music extremely loudly, you may not get the volume level you desire, as the Y20U earbuds aren’t the most sensitive. Additionally, we’d prefer a three-button remote, but we weren’t willing to sacrifice comfort or sound quality to get it.

Warranty: One year Remote: Single-button universal

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