Gallery: Buying Guide: Earbuds Under $100
01buying-advice-4
You've had enough of those crappy earbuds you got for free with your phone. Not only are they cheap and flimsy, but they don't sound very good. You're ready for an upgrade. Luckily, there are plenty of options between $20 and $100. Escape from White Wire World! The Basics __The Cost of Sound__ Most earbuds costing $30 and under sound pretty close to the freebies that came with your phone. The truth is, that's good enough for a large chunk of consumers. Once you get around $60, you start to really notice a difference. The sound gets fuller, there's less distortion when you crank the volume, and the bass is vastly improved. Models priced around $90 or $100 generally sound excellent to most ears. To get the absolute best sound from a pair of buds, you're going to have to spend between $200 and $300, but almost everyone can appreciate the richness and clarity of a $100 pair of earbuds. __Tight or Loose?__ For most, the fit of an earbud is just as important -- if not more important -- than the sound. Traditional buds nestle gently into your ear-hole, and usually have some sort of rubber tip to secure them there. These are closest to the style that comes with the iPhone and other mobiles. More extreme are the in-ear style which actually insert into your ear canal, forming a very tight seal. They cut out most external noise and give you better sound, but some people find them uncomfortable -- both physically because of the way they put pressure on your ears, and mentally, because of the isolating effect. Others, particularly audiophiles, relish in that isolation. Some earbuds have small plastic guides that route the cabling behind your ears (sometimes marketed as "sports" models), and some have a collar clip to keep the cable from bouncing around as you walk or run. In-ear buds usually come with multiple tips -- rubber and foam -- that provide a range of fits. Foam tips are squishy and mold to your ear canal better. Rubber tips require you select the right size (there are usually three sizes in the box, and there's a chance none will fit perfectly). But rubber tips are easier to clean than foam, and allow for more breathability. __Dig the Dongle__ Almost all earbuds now come with a remote built into the cable (wireless Bluetooth buds excluded, of course). This lets you change the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls easily -- there's a mic in there, too. This feature is a must if you spend a lot of time talking on the phone, or if you're a shuffle-jockey who's always skipping songs. It's common to put the remote on the cable under one of the ears, so it hangs close to your chin. Others put it where the two ear-cables meet, at the bottom of the "Y" on your chest. A few models skip the remote/mic entirely. Buying Advice If you're shopping for earbuds under $50, there isn't much deviation in the sound quality. The main differentiators are the design and the fit, so you have to decide what style best suits how you'll use them. If you're mostly listening at your desk or walking around town, go for a regular earbud. If you spend a lot of time at the gym, a secure fit is paramount, so choose an in-ear model, or a model with behind-the-ear pieces and a collar clip. If good sound is your primary concern, spend the extra dough on buds that emphasize audio quality. Also, go for an in-ear fit. The tighter seal not only cuts out the noise around you, but it gives you much better bass and more detail across all audio frequencies. Are you the type who wraps your earbuds around your phone or just throws the buds into your bag? If so, get a cheap pair because you'll be replacing them often. Even the most rugged buds can't take extensive abuse, which is why they almost always come with carrying cases.
02nuforce-ne-700m
NuForce NE-700M --------------- NuForce is known for producing high-end digital amps, and the company has somehow squeezed its audiophile know-how into a great-sounding, comfortable and attractive set of earbuds. These machined aluminum bullets are only $70, and at that price, they're a steal. They earn our highest recommendation. Best Under $100 NuForce/> NE-700M $70 with in-line mic $60 without [NuForce.com](http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/ne700mx/index.php) Sound quality on the [NE-700Ms](http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/ne700mx/index.php) is excellent. Bass is especially impressive -- it's punchy and forceful without tipping the scales, and there's zero distortion. All the while, the mids and highs never get overshadowed. Everything has a clear and natural detail, and nothing about the sound profile sounds blown-out or boosted. When I lisetned to lushly orchestrated stuff like Pink Floyd's *Animals*, or Devendra Banhart's *Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon* album, I picked up nuances that were buried by the other earbuds I tested. The NuForce buds offer different levels of isolation. You can wear them just slightly inside the ear with a plain rubber tips, or swap in the tri-flange mushroom tips and really jam them in there -- whatever you're comfortable with. My only quibble: the all-metal construction makes them a bit heavy. They fall out easily if you're running (or even walking) and you haven't paid close attention to getting a good seal. They fall out less with the mushroom tips, and the cable is stiff enough to loop behind your ear, which keeps them in place better. Speaking of the stiff cable, these buds are pretty rugged. They take a beating well. NuForce's $60 NE-700X model sounds the same but lacks the remote. *-- Michael Calore* __WIRED__ Truly excellent sound with no distortion. Tight and punchy. A variety of tips, including both round nubs and deep mushrooms, for a variety of fits. __TIRED__ Lots of machined aluminum here, making them heavy. Straight plug is annoying in the pocket. Plug doesn't fit all players -- see the website for details. __Rating: 9 out of 10__
03etymotic-mc5
Etymotic mc5 ------------ The Etymotic name may not be well-known among the general public, but to earphone snobs, it's as familiar as the names of their children and spouses. The company built its reputation on its excellent pro-level in-ear monitors, which cost hundreds of dollars. But with the [mc5 in-ear headphones](http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/mc5.html), Etymotic has produced a much more affordable IEM that's equally impressive. Best For Audiophiles Etymotic/> mc5/mc3 $60-70 without mic $80-90 with mic [Etymotic.com](http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/mc5.html) These slim and compact aluminum nuggets are worth every penny of the $60 you'll spend on them, and we recommend them to anyone who doesn't need a microphone/remote assembly (because there isn't one). If you need the mic, you'll have to spend an extra $20 on the mc3 earphones, which are otherwise identical. The sound is pristine, and much of this has to do with the fit. They ship with tri-flange mushroom tips made of semi-soft rubber, as well as two different types of foam tips. All three options give you a tight seal blocks out almost all ambient noise and gives you a extra helping of bass. Vocals and other mid-range details are full and accurate, and the highs are natural, never harsh or tinny. I thought the rubber tips could have been softer, but that's a matter of preference. My only real complaint is the lack of a remote or a microphone at the $60-70 price point. Given that most earbuds and IEMs in this price range are marketed to people upgrading from bundled buds, it seems like a big omission. *-- Michael Calore* __WIRED__ Simply awesome sound. Thin, Kevlar-reinforced cable doesn't tangle easily. Uses replaceable filters to keep the wax out -- tools and extra filters are included. 32dB to 42dB of isolation blocks out the horrors of the outside world. __TIRED__ Mic/remote is an extra $20. Rubber mushroom tips are stiff and can be uncomfortable. Not made for Gigantor-eared specimens. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
04astro-astar
Astro A\*Star In-Ear Headset ---------------------------- Gaming gear company [Astro's earbuds](http://www.astrogaming.com/a-star-in-ear-headset) are exactly what you'd expect from a gadget designed for gamers: they're a little big, a little bulky, and a lot badass. The size problem is mostly attributed to the flat lightning-shaped buds that stick out of your ear like a sore thumb. If you don't have any hair to cover them up (or a giant head to make them look small) you'll certainly be drawing attention. Best For Gamers Astro/> A\*Star $80 [Astrogaming.com](http://www.astrogaming.com/a-star-in-ear-headset) That said, we recommend them for mobile gamers (who they're made for, after all), or for general listening by anyone who appreciates the radical look. The A\*Star's overall design is what makes them so enjoyable to use. The speaker housings are set on the buds at an angle so they fit snugly into your ears. The drivers are optimized for gaming, but all sound that comes through them is crystal clear. There's also a built-in microphone with a wind shield, sparing folks on the other end from excessive background noise. It has a mute switch, an answer (or pause) button, and volume control. The plug is angled -- not straight like it is on most earbuds and headphones -- which makes the set much more sturdy. And, best of all, the cables are flat so they never get tangled. The only real complaint is that the answer button is extremely sensitive, making it way too easy to hit by accident. And when you do hit it, there can be a bit of a lag when your music turns back on. It's a bit of glaring problem on an otherwise near-perfect set of buds. Nonetheless, if you can train yourself to avoid the pause button, these are a great choice. *-- Erin Biba* __WIRED__ Thick flat cable with bent plug makes them very sturdy and eliminates annoying tangles. Volume control and phone answer button mean you never have to take your phone out of your pocket. Microphone mute switch is an unusual and neat addition. __TIRED__ Huge bud decorations are seriously conspicuous. The button that controls the phone is much too sensitive and easy to push by accident. A little heavy. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
05incase-capsule
Incase Capsule -------------- When I first heard Incase had a line of headphones coming out, my reaction was, "You mean the people who make iPhone cases?" And yes, it's the same company, and yes, the same functional and colorful design has been applied here to its $50 [Capsule earbuds](http://goincase.com/products/detail/capsule-ec30014) as its line of bags and protective cases. Best For $50 Incase/> Capsule $50 [goincase.com](http://goincase.com/products/detail/capsule-ec30014) The tooling is understated and smart -- primarily muted earth tones with flashes of neon styling hidden beneath the rubber tip of each bud. They're good-looking without being ostentatious. The finish is the same rubbery, grippy treatment found on other Incase products. And the sound is excellent, especially for $50. The highs are crisp without being grating or fatiguing, distortion only creeps into the in the low end when the volume is dimed, and only on aggressive tracks. Overall, the sound is very well-balanced. They aren't true in-ears, but the rubber tips form a seal that's tight enough. In fact, I wore them to the gym and on a couple of long hikes, and it's evident Incase knows its materials very well. The grippy rubber tips stayed put and performed admirably, but cord noise was kept to a minimum. Also, I abused them considerably for over a month, jamming them in my pocket instead of the case the whole time. They never once became tangled, and they still look brand new. By and large, the best choice at the $50 mark -- sound, styling, fit and durability are all excellent. *-- Michael Calore* __WIRED__ Good sound, great fit. The remote is big and sturdy, easy enough to work even with my ham hocks. Cool coin-purse-style carrying case. Multiple tips to choose from. __TIRED__ You'll need a magnifying glass to tell the right bud from the left. Microphone is at the bottom of the "Y" and far from your face, you may have to hold it up to be heard. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
06aiaiai-swirl
Aiaiai Swirl ------------ These headphones from Danish design firm Aiaiai have the familiar genetics of Scandinavian design. They come in various pastel colors (or flat black), all with the namesake spiral cord that, despite all logic, is hard to tangle up. The volume and play/pause controls sit on a simple three-button panel on the large-gauge cord. Aiaiai/> Swirl $97 [aiaiai.dk](http://www.aiaiai.dk/store/headphones/swirl)Out of the box, the [Swirls](http://www.aiaiai.dk/store/headphones/swirl) stumble -- the soft nubs that insert into your ear are made of squishy, slippery material that feels like disposable dimestore earplugs. If you use these, the buds come out of your ears with a generous portion of earwax on-board, which can be embarrassing. Thankfully, the Swirls come with a set of clear tips made of familiar rubber found on other headphones. We recommend using these: Once you find the right size tip, the fit and the sound is exceptional. We'd expect nothing less for $97. *-- Alexander George* __WIRED__ Quality sound, even with nuanced classical and jazz. Wide Y-connector uncannily keeps the cord from tangling. __TIRED__ Angled headphone jack is unfriendly to some iPhone cases. Meant to be worn looped behind and over the ear, making them laborious to put on. __Rating: 8 out of 10__
07shure-se215
Shure SE215 ----------- Search the headphone forum and read the gadget blogs. You'll find many fans of the [Shure SE215](http://www.shure.com/americas/products/earphones-headphones/se-models/se215-sound-isolating-earphones) earbuds. The praise is deserved -- they do sound really good -- but they aren't for everyone. Shure/> SE215 $90 [Shure.com](http://www.shure.com/americas/products/earphones-headphones/se-models/se215-sound-isolating-earphones)The fit can be problematic. They come with a wide variety of tips, including both squishy foam and soft rubber, so finding the perfect size for your ear is easy. But the bodies of the buds themselves are oddly shaped and quite large. The cables are made to be worn behind the ear. It was difficult for me to find a comfortable seal as I experimented with different positions and tips, and once I found an angle that secured them in place with a good seal, my ears got fatigued during longer listening sessions, mostly due to the bulk of the driver housing. They also came loose more often than I liked whenever my eyeglasses bumped against the wires behind my ears, but this obviously won't be a problem for everyone. But where audio is concerned, they are some of the best-sounding buds under the $100 mark, right up there with the Etymotics. They are free of distortion, even when the source is cranked, and they have a crisp clarity through all the frequencies. The highs could be dialed back a bit -- classic rock sounded great, but newer stuff with crystal-clear cymbal splashes and up-front drums (rock tracks from Destroyer and White Denim, electronic tracks from Andy Stott and Actress) were a little harsh in the high end. Thankfully, the Shures respond well to EQ tweaks. So really, my only points against the Shures are in the comfort and feel. They're beefy and the cable is excessively thick, which speaks to their durability, but a slimmed-down redesign of the same model would be more successful. Also, a remote would make them more phone-friendly. *-- Michael Calore* __WIRED__ Great sound. Cables detach and are replaceable if they wear out. Lots of tip options in the box. __TIRED__ They aren't the most comfortable buds in the bin. Finding the correct seal and fit takes a lot of patience. No remote or microphone, so you'll be de-pocketing your mobile more often. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
08thinksound-ts02
Thinksound ts02 --------------- Thinksoud claims [these buds](http://www.thinksound.com/ts02mic.php) are just about the eco-friendliest sound makers you can put in your ears. The housing is made out of sustainable wood (though the inner workings are aluminum) and the cables are PVC-free. But the real eco-ness is in the packaging. Made out of bleach-free recycled materials and using minimal plastic, there's no need to wrestle these puppies out of a blister pack or hard plastic bubble. They also come with a carrying pouch made out of renewable cotton. Still, the eco-friendly angle feels a little gimmicky. Very little of the buds are actually wood. The cotton pouch isn't insulated and, as such, doesn't offer much protection from the outside world. Thinksound/> ts02 $80 [Thinksound.com](http://www.thinksound.com/ts02mic.php)The PVC-free cables have an oddly tacky feel that makes them almost stick together, which makes untangling them extra annoying. And, though Thinksound claims they're rugged, all the recycled materials make the headphones feel awfully dainty. Nonetheless, there's one thing that can't be denied about these buds, and that's how great they sound. The wood housing, gold plated plug, and tight seal inside your ear all combine to deliver deep bass and well-rounded overall tones. Whether you're into saving the planet or not, the quality and fidelity of these buds makes them worth the $80 price tag. *-- Erin Biba* __WIRED__ Great sound. 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response. Wood housing make the design unique and stylish. Super light (9.5g) __TIRED__ Choice of materials makes them difficult to love. Eco-friendly angle feels gimmicky and mostly shows up in the packaging. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
09denon-ah-c360
Denon AH-C360 ------------- These [Denon earbuds](http://usa.denon.com/us/Product/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?pcatid=Headphones(DenonNA)&CatId=InEar(DenonNA)&Pid=AHC360(DenonNA)) deliver high quality audio for only $50. But while they sound great, they suffer in the design department. Denon/> AH-C360 $50 [usa.Denon.com](http://usa.denon.com/us/Product/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?pcatid=Headphones(DenonNA)&CatId=InEar(DenonNA)&Pid=AHC360(DenonNA))They are slightly more "midrangey," which is more noticeable when listening to things with lots of acoustic guitars and vocals like Caetano Veloso, Neil Young or Sean Hayes. They have crisp (but not overbearing) highs to match, which keeps vocals and percussion sounding lively. Bass is round and even thanks to a good seal, easily obtained by selecting from the variety of included soft rubber tips. There's a high level of isolation, too -- they'll block out exterior noise almost as well as a pair of in-ear-canal buds. The buds themselves are light and have a "barely there" feel. But my main issue with the design is the cabling. The cable has a detachable extension, so you can wear them with either a long or short cable. But the extremes are too wide. The short cable is too short, unless you're stashing your phone in a breast pocket or one of those sport cases that fastens to your arm. Plugging into the extension makes the cable a full foot longer than other earbud cables. That's far too much cable, and the excess gets in the way. The cable is also very thin, so while cable noise isn't a problem, constant tangling is. Finally, there's no mic or remote, so you have to unplug to make calls. If it's good audio you're after, these Denons are a bargain. But if you need more all-around utility, there are better buds. *-- Michael Calore* __WIRED__ Excellent sound, especially at this price. Wide frequency response -- 5-24,000 Hz, beyond the extremes of human hearing. Compact hard-shell carrying case for stashing extra tips and extension cable. Can be worn normally or looped behind the ear. __TIRED__ Cable is a nuisance. Takes practice to wrestle the buds into position and find a good seal. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
Image: Clare McLean/UW Medicine10h2o-audio-surge-contact
H2O Audio Surge Contact ----------------------- Like other products from H2O Audio, these [Surge Contact earbuds](http://www.h2oaudio.com/store/surge-contact-waterproof-headset.html) are waterproof. Yes, even the microphone -- perfect for when you just have to take that call before exiting the pool. H2O Audio/> Surge Contact $70 [H2Oaudio.com](http://www.h2oaudio.com/store/surge-contact-waterproof-headset.html)Seriously though, these buds are remarkable and more than just a gimmick. Even if they weren't waterproof, they'd still be a good buy. The sound is especially well-represented across all the audio frequencies, and they sound especially good for $70. Audiophiles won't be totally knocked out, but they're worth picking up for the gym or for running in the rain. Workouts are infinitely better with some nice, loud jams, and I was happily surprised at the clarity when "Thunderstruck" came on. Despite the high price, waterproof casing for the sound source is not included. Most of those will be $50 and up, which makes for a spendy introduction into the world of aquatic-friendly audio. Still, it's hard to swim in silence once you've done a ten laps of the butterfly to *Nevermind*. *-- Alexander George* __WIRED__ Even without the waterproofing, has better-than-average sound. Buds stay put while active. __TIRED__ No volume control on the cord for that vital pump-up. No carrying case included. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
11polk-audio-ultrafit-3000
Polk Audio UltraFit 3000 ------------------------ Sweating through a workout has its rewards, but one undeniable hindrance is when headphones continually pop out of your ears. [Polk Audio's UltraFit 3000](http://www.polkaudio.com/headphones/ultrafit/ultrafit3000) in-ear canal phones are engineered to stay wrapped around your ears no matter how many ounces of sweat you work up. Polk Audio/> UltraFit 3000 $100 [Polkaudio.com](http://www.polkaudio.com/headphones/ultrafit/ultrafit3000)Two plastic pieces keep the buds secure. They never fell off my ears during the month I wore them to my gym, including consistent running sessions and one rousing hour of full-court layup drills. (These are the things I do to try to bring you a well-rounded review.) Music sounds great. The bass throbs and pulsates, and nothing sounds strained, even at the higher volume levels. My favorite design detail: color-coded left and right cables. While each side still has the 'L' and 'R' near the ear bud to delineate which ear it should go in, the differently-colored cables are smart. There are two cable choices, a 14-incher that's too short, and a 41-incher that's too long. The long one gets caught too easily, like around my knee when I bend down to put a dumbbell on the floor. I could alleviate this by using the shorter cable and attaching my iPod to my shirt with the shirt clip that comes with the 3000s, but that's not comfortable for me. A modest quibble, considering the performance. *-- Kyle Stack* __WIRED__ Fantastic sound. Design prevents buds from popping out. Color-coded cables let you tell left from right at a glance. Various ear bud sizes ensures comfortable fit. Carrying case is anti-microbial. __TIRED__ Microphone/remote works only with Apple products. Length of 14-inch and 41-inch cables are problematic, limiting where you can attach your iPod. __Rating: 7 out of 10__
12skullcandy-fix
Skullcandy Fix -------------- Famous for the garish over-ear headphones that adorn the snowboard and surf set, Skullcandy has come out a few of earbuds that stay true the brand's roots, for better and worse. Skullcandy/> Fix $70 [Skullcandy.com](http://www.skullcandy.com/)The [Fix](http://www.skullcandy.com/fix_news.html), like other Skullcandy models, hit hard with bass. Compared to other buds we tested, the Fix earphones have a clear deliberateness. It works for stuff like hip-hop and dubstep, but it sounds ridiculous with delicate vocals. If that unapologetic sound is your style, then you'll be a happy with these in-ears, especially if you want to block out the din of your commute. After finding the right size tips, the seal in the ear canal is tight. Nothing can interrupt your private party... except maybe snagging the cord on a doorknob. *-- Alexander George* __WIRED__ Bass outperforms peers in this price range. In-ear design mutes the bus, or suit from sales. __TIRED__ Fragile construction feels cheap, and ours weren't that durable. Not much sound range, and upper frequencies are weak. __Rating: 6 out of 10__
13wicked-audio-jawbreakers
Wicked Audio Jawbreakers ------------------------ Judging by the moniker, I was expecting quite a punch from these buds. Happily, there are no broken jaws to report from [Wicked Audio's earbuds](http://www.empirebrandsinc.com/wicked/jaw-breakers), but the output was still pretty wicked. Wicked Audio/> Jawbreakers $20 [EmpireBrandsinc.com](http://www.empirebrandsinc.com/wicked/jaw-breakers)With a 10mm driver inside, the sound is mostly impressive. Some muddiness and distortion showed up at higher volume levels, but when listening closer to the middle of the volume knob, I didn't notice any degradation. The bass is present and bumping when necessary, and there is a fullness to tracks that require it. Also, more mellow music stays crisp and pleasant. I wore these everywhere from the supermarket to the gym, and the lightweight design was pleasurable wherever I wore them. The in-line microphone hangs on the cord below the left earpiece, so I found myself lifting the mic to my mouth to be heard clearly at times, which disrupted that whole hands-free thing. Overall clarity through the mic was just OK. Callers on the other end asked me to repeat myself more than usual, and the crazy San Francisco wind tunnels ripped through many an important diatribe. The small design of the jack, however, shimmies into the plug on most devices -- even those with poorly-placed inputs or bulky cases. It's true $20 doesn't get you much. But for such affordable earbuds, I was sincerely impressed with this pair. The idea of buying multiple sets to leave at home, at work and at the gym doesn't seem crazy anymore. *-- Missy Schwartz* __WIRED__ Lightweight and able to take some abuse. Impressive range of sound. Equipped with three sizes of silicone tips -- proper fit is less likely to remain a mystery. __TIRED__ Odd mic placement puts the hands back in play. Listeners who like to rage at top volume have to give up too much clarity. __Rating: 6 out of 10__
14marshall-minor
Marshall Minor -------------- The rock 'n' roll sonic force inside Marshall's famous guitar amps doesn't come through [these earbuds](http://www.marshallheadphones.com/product/minor), but that's not the point. Marshall/> Minor Black $60 [MarshallHeadphones.com](http://www.marshallheadphones.com/)The draw of these buds is the cool gold knob on the outside, the bit that broadcasts your musician's savvy. The cord is made of a fabric that's pleasant to the touch, resistant to tangling, and evocative of a guitar cable. The headphone jack has gold accents over its textured, easy-to-grip handle, which makes inserting it feel like you're getting ready to shred on a tiny Stratocaster. Aesthetics aside, these buds don't bring much to the table. The sound quality is average, even hollow in many places where you'd expect more bass. Worse, the fit is less than ideal -- they jiggle loose with even slight movement. The Minors use "EarClick," a patented fit method where a small, exchangeable knob on the top of the bud braces inside your ear. Even after putting in the time to ensure a correct fit, the buds are prone to spilling out with a quick turn of the head. *-- Alexander George* __WIRED__ Design cues from one of the coolest names in music. Durability abounds, especially in the fabric cord. __TIRED__ Underwhelming bass and treble. No volume control on the in-line microphone. __Rating: 5 out of 10__
15urbanears-bagis
Urbanears Bagis --------------- Urbanears' [Bagis earbuds](http://www.urbanears.com/headphones/bagis) don't wow you acoustically, but at least they'll coordinate with your ensemble thanks to their wide array of Rainbow Brite hues. Urbanears/> Bagis $35 [Urbanears.com](http://www.urbanears.com/headphones/bagis)These are traditional earbuds, not in-ear monitors. The design offers enough noise reduction that I was able to listen at a comfortable volume on my daily bus commute while still being able to hear when my stop was announced. Also, the backs of the earpieces snap together, a simple, functional addition that makes them easier to carry -- just snap the earpieces together and wear them around your neck. It's also especially useful when you run into a friend mid-workout and want to chat for a minute without holding the buds or stowing them away. Like most cheap earbuds, the bass in these guys is virtually non-existent. Mids and highs are decent, but overall, the sound quality lacks the fullness and clarity other buds under $50 were able to produce. The Bagis buds have an inline mic and one-button remote for pausing and un-pausing music and taking calls, but no included volume controls. The call quality is definitely reduced when talking with these -- the person on the other end sounds canned, and high-frequency interference is more pronounced. At least they're a bit clearer than Apple's standard white earbuds. *-- Christina Bonnington* __WIRED__ Wide color availability means these buds can be as aesthetically brash -- or discrete -- as you'd like. Clever plastic snap secures the earpieces together. __TIRED__ Crappy audio quality isn't that much better than your iCruds. __Rating: 5 out of 10__
16skullcandy-5050
Skullcandy 50/50 ---------------- We tested two models from Skullcandy, the 50/50s and the Fix. These [50/50s](http://www.skullcandy.com/50-50-ear-buds.html), the cheaper of the two, are sort of half way between in-ear headphones and traditional earbuds, and they provide decent sound for a decent pricetag ($40). Skullcandy/> 50/50 $40 [Skullcandy.com](http://www.skullcandy.com/50-50-ear-buds.html)The 11mm drivers provide a richer audio experience than other buds under $50, but they've got other issues. The seal is tight enough that you can turn the volume down a few notches and save your eardrums, but an almost constant low-level buzzing persists as soon as the buds are plugged in. The remote's a mixed bag, too: in-line volume controls give just the right level of responsiveness and the mic picks up your voice just fine, but the person on the other end sounds like they're calling from across the country. The best thing they have going for them is their level of isolation. For listening anywhere with a significant amount of background noise, the sealed fit is superior. The 50/50s come with three sizes of silicone tips, and the smalls provided a snug and comfortable fit even for my small ear canals. The construction is sturdier than most in this range, as well. *-- Christina Bonnington* __WIRED__ Good bass response when you get the seal correct. Wrapped cable makes for easy storing and helps cut down on cable noise. __TIRED__ The skull detailing is the brand's signature flourish, but man, it made me feel like 13-year old emo skater kid. Persistent static drone is irritating. __Rating: 5 out of 10__
17h2o-audio-flex
H2O Audio Flex -------------- In addition to the Surge Contacts, H2O Audio also makes these cheaper earphones. The Flex buds are waterproof up to three feet, and they're super lightweight and buoyant. At 3.9 feet, the cord somehow feels short. But not having the extra length was a pleasure when I took them out for a nightly jog. And because they're so light, there was little to no tugging on my ears as I bounced along. H2O Audio/> Flex $30 [H2Oaudio.com](http://www.h2oaudio.com/store/waterproof-headphones/flex.html)While these guys might be great at athletic pursuits, their sound performance is lacking. The highs are tinny, and the rest of the sound feels flat and dull. I found myself begging for more bass on most hip-hop tracks (poor Slim Shady). The mids are adequate, but nothing better than what you would get with a set of freebies or $5 airline headphones. I also experienced poor sound at higher volumes. I understand the need for all of the components to be waterproof, but the rubbery cord was noticeably noisy against my clothing. The cabling also has a tendency to adhere to competing surfaces. However, I "accidentally" dropped these headphones in my morning coffee and they didn't flinch. And although a head dunk in the San Francisco Bay was face-numbing, the music kept on playing. For those who need waterproof buds, these are a more affordable option. But that's the only thing special about them. Also, don't forget to waterproof your music source. iPods don't fare well in swimming pools. Trust me. *-- Missy Schwartz* __WIRED__ Waterproof earbuds for all of your underwater music-listening needs! Multiple color combinations and bud sizes to choose from. __TIRED__ Poor sound quality might make you cut your swim short. Rubbery cord invites unwanted sounds to your listening sesh. __Rating: 4 out of 10__
