Headphones under $50: wired, wireless or earbuds

Under $50, wired headphones win on sound. Wireless earbuds win on convenience. You cannot get both at the top level at this price, so pick the one that fits your day.

A $40 pair used 600 times costs about 7 cents a listen. That is a fair deal if they fit well and last. Here is how to choose and what to skip.

What does the money buy at $50?

At this price you get

• Clear sound for music, podcasts and video calls.
• A decent battery on wireless models, often several hours per charge according to the maker.
• A microphone good enough for calls in a quiet room.
• A basic case on most wireless earbuds.

At this price you do not get

• Strong noise cancelling. Some models claim it. Treat it as light noise reduction at best.
• Studio sound. Cheap drivers can be boomy in the bass and thin in the highs.
• A long warranty. Often one year, sometimes less.
• Water resistance you can trust for swimming. Look for the exact rating on the box.

Ruling: buy for the job you do most. Do not pay for features the price cannot deliver.

Wired or wireless?

Wired models do not need charging and have no sync delay. That makes them good for video and games. Wireless ones free you from cables but add a charging habit.

Ruling: if you listen mostly at home or at a desk, buy wired. If you move around, buy wireless.

Six checks before you pay

1. Fit. Earbuds should sit snugly. Many come with several tip sizes. Loose earbuds sound thin and fall out.
2. Battery. For wireless, look at hours per charge and hours with the case. Anything under about four hours per charge is short.
3. Mic. If you take calls, read reviews that mention call quality.
4. Connection type. Check your phone and laptop. Some newer phones lack a headphone jack.
5. Return policy. Fit and sound are personal. A clear return window is worth more than a feature.
6. Reviews from the last year. Old reviews can describe an older batch.

Our general rule from is the cheap version a smart buy or a trap applies here: if a $15 pair claims what a $50 pair cannot do, walk away.

Ruling: return policy and fit beat any extra feature.

Which type for which person

Commuter. Wireless earbuds with a snug fit. Look for a case that gives a few extra charges.

Home or office. Wired over-ear headphones. They are comfortable for hours and do not need charging.

Runner or gym. Wireless earbuds with ear hooks or fins, and a rating for sweat. The maker should state the rating.

Student on a tight budget. One pair of wired earbuds with a mic. They are cheap, work with a laptop, and cost little if lost.

Ruling: for most people, one good pair beats two cheap ones.

Where the answer flips

If you only listen quietly at home, you may not need to spend $50. A $15 to $25 wired pair is often enough. Check the cost per hour: a $20 pair used for 400 hours costs 5 cents an hour.

If you ride a loud train every day, stretch your cap a bit. Better ear fit and noise reduction cost more, and it can be worth it when you use them daily. What is worth spending more on explains why daily use changes the math.

Common mistakes

• Buying by "bass" claims. Strong bass can hide weak sound.
• Ignoring ear tips. The right size can change the sound a lot.
• Playing music loud. Loud sound can harm hearing over time. If you have hearing worries, ask a doctor or hearing professional.
• Buying wireless without checking if your device supports the connection.
• Paying for a brand name when a plain model has the same specs.

How to look after cheap headphones

A little care can double their life, and it costs nothing.

• Do not wrap the cable tight around the device. Coil it loosely.
• Pull on the plug, not the cord, when you unplug.
• Wipe earbuds and tips with a dry cloth. Earwax and sweat block the speaker.
• Keep wireless earbuds in the case when you are not using them.
• Do not leave them in a hot car. Heat harms batteries.
• Charge when needed, but do not leave them on the charger for days.

Example numbers only: a $35 pair that lasts 2 years costs about $17.50 a year. The same pair that lasts 6 months costs $70 a year. Care is the cheapest upgrade.

Ruling: treat the cable and case well and a cheap pair will last.

What to do if one earbud stops working

First, clean the mesh with a dry soft brush. Then reset them: most makers explain how in the manual. Check the warranty, as a faulty unit within the first year is often covered. Do not pay for a repair that costs more than half the price of a new pair.