Old-fashioned wired headphones are back in style

High-end wired headphones can cost a pretty penny, but there are just as many pairs of wired in-ear headphones that deliver quality sound at a great price. Brands like Apple and JBL are behind some of our favorite wired headphones of 2026, and a product like the Apple EarPods USB-C costs no more than $20. This inspired us to put together a comprehensive list of wired headphones under $50. The most expensive product we selected is $51 (we made a small exception in our title), and our cheapest option is $10-$15.

Before we dive into our five picks, we thought it was worth mentioning that most headphones under $50 – whether wired or wireless – deliver “just” or “okay” sound. High-end drivers and advanced audio features are usually reserved for more expensive in-ear headphones, so it’s best to temper your expectations before going into full research mode.

For those intrigued by a trip down memory lane, join us as we discuss the $20 Apple EarPods USB-C, a pair of wired Apple earbuds that might trick you into thinking it’s 2015. In the era of the iPod, Apple bundled a set of sleek wired earbuds with every new music player, and the USB-C EarPods hark back to that simpler time. With a look that screams “made by Apple,” these wired in-ear headphones are classy on the surface and feature an in-line mic that doesn’t sound bad either.

TechRadar reviewed the USB-C EarPods a few years ago and gave them a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. We weren’t expecting award-winning sound from the EarPods, but these in-ear headphones punch above their weight class. The overall audio is well-balanced and avoids the harsh treble that cheap headphones are often cursed with. The built-in controller makes it easy to play, pause, and adjust the volume, and the earphones are comfortable to wear for long periods.

At Best Buy, the Apple EarPods USB-C earned a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. More than 2,500 users provided feedback, and most customers praised the product’s sound quality, portable design, and overall comfort. Unfortunately, ear tips aren’t available for this selection, so if you’re looking for swappable silicone, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Spending $50 or less on wired headphones shouldn’t automatically mean lower build quality. The $23 Moondrop CHU II is an inexpensive set of in-ear monitors (IEMs) that use an aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm for improved treble response. The diaphragm housing is also separated into two sections, which helps boost bass and reduce distortion. The manufacturer even went so far as to make the acoustic filters replaceable and bundled the headphones with three sets of ear tips to ensure you find the best fit.

On Amazon, the Moondrop CHU II has a rating of 4.2 stars out of 5, based on over 3,850 reviews. Most people appreciate the sound quality and affordable price, but be careful: they are not designed to last forever. It appears that the earbuds’ 0.78mm cables use a vinyl-plastic jacket that can crack or tear when stressed, and a few customers have reported a failing left or right driver after months of use.

As far as sound quality is concerned, you are in for a treat. SoundGuys praised the Moondrop CHU II for its vocal detail and instrumental separation, and the headphones earned a spot on the publication’s Best Wired Headphones rankings.

Wired headphones are a dime a dozen these days, and you’ll find plenty of options for $10 or less that prioritize sticker price over performance. Fortunately, companies like Linsoul prioritize design, fit, and sound quality, resulting in top-notch wired headphones like the Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro. Over 6,700 Amazon shoppers have reviewed this model, giving it 4.3 out of 5 stars.

You can buy the ZS10 Pro without an in-line microphone for less than $50, but our link is for the $51 version with an in-line microphone. Yes, $51 doesn’t strictly fit our “best under $50” methodology, but if you can part with just one extra dollar, you’ll be able to use your ZS10 Pro to take phone calls, chat with online gamers, and more. When it comes to build and sound quality, the ZS10 Pro uses a dual-magnetic dynamic driver system, in addition to its custom armatures. TechGearLabs tested the ZS10 Pro and was impressed with the earbuds’ “thumping bass and fairly clean profile.”

The publication also thought the earbuds offered some of the best comfort for extended wear. Still, it noted that the more expensive Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X had better call quality and blocked out ambient sound more effectively. But if your main goal is to get a pair of wired headphones that sound good, the Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro is a solid choice.

It’s hard to go through most lists of audio devices without at least one mention of JBL, and this roundup is no exception. Today we’ll be highlighting the $20 JBL Endurance Run 2, a set of wired headphones with a unique feature: the ability to wear them as in-ear or behind-the-ear headphones. This is all thanks to JBL’s FlipHook design, which allows you to switch between the two configurations quickly. They’re also IPX5 rated, making them a great choice for the gym or an outdoor jog.

There are also a few other JBL features worth mentioning, such as TwistLock and FlexSoft technologies, which keep the earbuds lightweight and ergonomic, so you won’t have to worry about them falling out during a workout. We were also pleased to learn that the Endurance Run 2 has an in-line mic with built-in Google Assistant and Siri support (just press and hold the action button). When MajorHiFi reviewed these wired JBL headphones in 2023, they were impressed with the sound quality, even going so far as to describe the soundstage as “wide and eloquent.”

On Amazon, the Endurance Run 2 has a 4.4-star rating out of 5 based on over 18,600 reviews. The consensus among users is that these JBL headphones sound good, fit well, and do a decent job blocking out ambient noise. That said, we’ve read a few reports of headphone cases falling apart after a year or so.

It doesn’t cost much less than a $13 pair of wired headphones from a notable and reliable brand. Over 28,300 Amazon users have provided feedback on the Sony MDR-EX15AP, earning these headphones a 4.3-star rating. If you’re looking for a cheap pair of wired headphones that sound half-decent and are relatively comfortable, the MDR-EX15AP are the in-ears for you. Featuring 9mm drivers and neodymium magnets, the Sony headphones do a solid job of balancing highs, mids, and bass and deliver a wider soundstage than you might expect from a $13 product.

TechRadar reviewed the MDR-EX15AP in January 2025 and gave it 3 stars out of 5. The reviewer found the bass response warmer and praised the buds’ low price. There are, however, some drawbacks to discuss; mainly, that the MDR-EX15AP does not have an official IP rating (so it is not a good choice for workouts) and that the in-line mic is rather dull. It’s also somewhat annoying that the built-in remote only has a play/pause button, which forces you to control the volume on your phone or another host device.

There’s more good news to share: Every so often, the MDR-EX15AP goes on sale, sometimes for as little as $7 on Amazon. These Sony headphones also come in multiple colors and don’t experience much distortion or breakup until pushed to maximum volume.

When we selected the five pairs of wired headphones we’re highlighting, we focused on well-known, reliable manufacturers that prioritize sound quality and comfort. Brands like Apple, Sony, and JBL are renowned worldwide, and lesser-known companies like Moondrop and Linsoul are just as trusted and revered, albeit on a smaller scale.

We made sure to include in-ear headphones that were fairly reviewed by professional and hands-on publications, and we also studied user reviews on sites like Amazon and Best Buy to see what average consumers had to say about each plug-and-play product.