10 best cheap in-ear headphones in 2026 (193+ compared)

Topping the cheap AKG in-ear selection is AKG Y20u, earning an overall score of 5.73 points and costing around £25.

The AKG Y20u is an entry-level, wired in-ear headphone featuring 8mm dynamic drivers that deliver a frequency response of 13Hz to 22.5kHz with a sensitivity of 115dB SPL/V and 38 ohms impedance. Its lightweight polycarbonate design includes tilted ear-tips for an ergonomic fit, a scratch-resistant matte finish, and a universal one-button in-line remote/microphone compatible with most smartphones.

Runner-up: AKG Y20, with an overall score of 5.61 points and a price of around £25.

Check out our in-depth best AKG headphones guide to view detailed specifications and ratings.

Leading the cheap Beyerdynamic in-ear lineup is Beyerdynamic MMX 41 IE, delivering an overall score of 6.19 points and retailing for around £35.

The Beyerdynamic MMX 41 iE is a lightweight, in-ear headset featuring highly efficient neodymium HD acoustic drivers that deliver a powerful bass response across a frequency range of 15 Hz to 20,000 Hz. With a low impedance of 16 Ohms and a high sound pressure level of 114 dB, these earphones are designed for high-volume performance on mobile devices, integrated with an in-line microphone and remote for hands-free calling and media control.

Runner-up: Beyerdynamic Byron, with an overall score of 6.12 points and a price of around £45.

Explore our dedicated best Beyerdynamic headphones guide for full model rankings.

Topping the cheap JLab in-ear selection is JLab Audio Jbuds J6m, earning an overall score of 5.91 points and costing around £25.

The JLab Audio JBuds J6M is a wired in-ear headset featuring 6 mm high-performance drivers with a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and a 16-ohm impedance. Its main characteristics include a 3.5mm male connector, a 1.2-meter cable with an in-line microphone and control panel, and a lightweight ergonomic design.

Runner-up: JLab Audio Q1m, with an overall score of 6.02 points and a price of around £25.

Browse our dedicated best JLab headphones guide to compare all evaluated models.

Ranking first among cheap Klipsch in-ear models is Klipsch S3m, with an overall score of 5.95 points and available for around £45.

The Klipsch S3m is a lightweight in-ear headphone featuring customized 5.8mm dynamic moving-coil drivers and a frequency response of 12Hz–18kHz. Weighing just 11 grams, these wired earbuds utilize a 3.5mm jack and a tangle-resistant cable, offering an impedance of 18 ohms and a sensitivity of 106dB.

Runner-up: Klipsch Image S3, with an overall score of 5.55 points and a price of around £45.

Topping the cheap RHA in-ear selection is RHA MA390 Universal, earning an overall score of 6.46 points and costing around £20.

The RHA MA390 Universal is a budget-friendly, wired in-ear headphone featuring 130.8 custom dynamic drivers and a distinct 'aerophonic' aircraft-grade aluminum housing designed for natural sound flow. It offers a frequency response of 16Hz – 22,000Hz, 16-ohm impedance, and 89dB sensitivity, delivering a warm, V-shaped sound signature with punchy, full-bodied bass and clear highs.

Runner-up: RHA MA450i, with an overall score of 5.79 points and a price of around £35.

Our top-rated cheap Skullcandy in-ear headphones are Skullcandy Set, achieving an overall score of 6.13 points and priced around £25.

The Skullcandy Set is a wired in-ear sport earbud featuring 9mm dynamic drivers that deliver a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response with 16 ohms impedance and 94dB sensitivity. Designed for active use, it boasts an IPX4 sweat and water-resistant rating and utilizes Secure FitFin technology for a stable, noise-isolating fit.

Runner-up: Skullcandy Heavy Medal, with an overall score of 6.12 points and a price of around £45.

See our complete best Skullcandy headphones guide for in-depth comparisons and alternatives.

Leading the cheap SoundMAGIC in-ear lineup is SoundMAGIC PL11, delivering an overall score of 6.65 points and retailing for around £20.

The SoundMagic PL11 is an entry-level, wired in-ear headphone featuring 9mm neodymium dynamic drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz–22kHz, and a low 12-ohm impedance that makes it easy to drive with smartphones. Characterised by a powerful, deep bass response and clear highs, it offers a wider stereo image and a lightweight 10g design with a 1.2m copper cable.

Runner-up: SoundMAGIC PL21, with an overall score of 6.41 points and a price of around £20.

Our top-rated cheap JBL in-ear headphones are JBL Quantum 50, achieving an overall score of 6.45 points and priced around £25.

The JBL Quantum 50 is a wired in-ear gaming headset featuring 8.6mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, 16-ohm impedance, and 97dB sensitivity. Its primary characteristics include the JBL QuantumSOUND Signature for detailed audio, patented Twistlock technology for a secure and comfortable fit, and an inline voice-focus microphone optimized for multiplayer chat.

Runner-up: JBL Tune 310C, with an overall score of 6.36 points and a price of around £20.

For more top-rated models from this brand, check our best JBL headphones guide.

Ranking first among cheap JVC in-ear models is JVC HA FX3x, with an overall score of 5.95 points and available for around £25.

The JVC HA-FX3X, part of the Xtreme Xplosives series, features 10mm large diaphragm neodymium driver units and 'Extreme Deep Bass Ports' designed for high-output, dynamic bass. Housed in a vibration-suppressing aluminum body with tough rubber protectors for added durability, these wired in-ear headphones offer a frequency response of 5Hz–23,000Hz, a sensitivity of 104dB/1mW, and a low 16-ohm impedance for easy driving by portable devices.

Runner-up: JVC HA FXC80, with an overall score of 5.92 points and a price of around £35.

For more top-rated models from this brand, check our best JVC headphones guide.

The best cheap Philips in-ear headphones are Philips SHE9105, with an overall score of 7.02 points and a price of around £25.

The Philips SHE9105 is an in-ear headphone featuring high-performance 8.6mm neodymium drivers housed in precision-crafted, vibration-reducing aluminium. This semi-closed acoustic system delivers a wide frequency response of 7–25,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 108 dB and 16 Ohm impedance, ensuring detailed sound and punchy bass.

Runner-up: Philips SHE9055, with an overall score of 6.07 points and a price of around £25.

Discover additional top picks in our full best Philips headphones guide.

The best cheap Sennheiser in-ear headphones are Sennheiser mm 30I, with an overall score of 6.25 points and a price of around £45.

The Sennheiser MM 30i is a wired in-ear headset featuring a closed dynamic transducer design with a frequency response of 17 Hz to 20,000 Hz, an impedance of 16 ohms, and a sensitivity of 106 dB. Designed specifically for Apple devices, it includes a 1.2m cable with a 3.5mm gold-plated jack and an integrated 3-button smart remote with an omnidirectional microphone (100 Hz – 6,400 Hz).

Runner-up: Sennheiser CX 180 Street II, with an overall score of 6.22 points and a price of around £9.

Explore our dedicated best Sennheiser headphones guide for full model rankings.

The best cheap Urbanears in-ear headphones are Urbanears Kransen, with an overall score of 5.62 points and a price of around £35.

The Urbanears Kransen is a budget-friendly in-ear headphone featuring 10mm dynamic drivers, a standard 20Hz–20,000Hz frequency response, 16-ohm impedance, and 100dB/mW sensitivity. Its main characteristics include a minimalist design available in multiple colors, an inline microphone and remote, and unique 'SnapConstruction' and 'CableLoop' features for tangle-free storage.

Runner-up: Urbanears Reimers, with an overall score of 5.26 points and a price of around £45.

Our top-rated cheap Yamaha in-ear headphones are Yamaha EPH 30, achieving an overall score of 5.53 points and priced around £35.

The Yamaha EPH-30 is a budget-friendly pair of in-ear dynamic headphones featuring 9.0mm drivers, a frequency range of 20Hz to 21,000Hz, and a sound pressure level of 110dB. These ultra-lightweight earbuds (3g without cable) offer high energy efficiency with a 16-ohm impedance, making them easy to drive for any mobile device.

Runner-up: Yamaha Yer 500, with an overall score of 5.57 points and a price of around £35.