Headphones for $50 or less

Jasmine France
Jasmine France Senior Associate Editor April 6, 2009

New headphones are my No. 1 recommendation to anyone who wants to get the most out of their new MP3 player. (Except, of course, for those who decided to go with the Sony NWZ-A810 series.) Straight up: those janky, plastic earbuds that came with your player aren't doing you any favors. First off, they're not terribly comfortable, and they don't fit most users securely. For me, there are few things more annoying than having to constantly shove a hard piece of plastic into my ear. Then, of course, there's the sound quality issue...hollow, tiny, bassless, muffled, and hissy. I've heard it all. If you really want to hear what your MP3 player has to offer, replacing those 'buds is a must. Of course, I understand that not everyone can afford to throw down $450 on a pair of Shure SE530s, or even close to $100 on the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 Studio (though I can assure you that they are both worth it if you've got the dough). To that end, I've rounded up six deserving contenders that will set you back just $50 or less. There's a style here for every taste and comfort requirement, and each and every one of these selections will offer some noticeable improvement over stock earbuds.

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Product V-Moda Bass Freq (Black) Editors' choice Sony MDR-AS50G Active Editors' choice Sony MDR D777LP Altus Griffin TuneBuds (Light Blue) JVC HA-NC80
Price MSRP: $39.95 $44.99 to $103.32 $99.99 Pricing is currently unavailable. $31.24 to $113.67
CNET editors' rating 4 stars 4 stars 3.5 stars 3 stars 3 stars
Average user rating 3.5 stars 2.5 stars 4 stars 2.5 stars 2.5 stars
Release date Info unavailable Info unavailable November 1, 2006 November 19, 2007 Info unavailable
Bottom line
V-Moda's Bass Freq earphones are the perfect accessory for bass-loving Creative Zen Micro owners who are on a budget. If you prefer less low end, look elsewhere.
The Sony MDR-AS50G Active Headphones offer an affordable price tag, a secure fit, and good sound quality--they're a fantastic option for gym addicts.
The new Sony Altus MDR-D777LP headphones aren't quite up to audiophile standards, but they do have some interesting features and offer good sound quality for the price. Frequent fliers who find in-ear 'buds uncomfortable should take heed.
The Griffin TuneBuds Color are well-suited for iPod-owners on a budget who want ultraportable earphones to match their player. Bass addicts only need apply.
Frequent fliers operating on a tight budget should consider the JVC HA-NC80 Noise Canceling Headphones, but those with sensitive ears might want to steer clear.
Product Description

V-moda bass fréq

Sony MDR AS50G - Headphones

Sony MDR D777LP Altus - Headphones

Griffin TuneBuds Color - Headphones

JVC HA NC80 - Headphones

Packaged Quantity

1

1

1

1

1

Product Type

- Wired

Headphones - Wired

Headphones - Wired

Headphones - Wired

Headphones - Wired

Headphones Type

Binaural

Headphones - Binaural

Headphones - Binaural

Headphones - Binaural

Headphones - Binaural

Connectivity Technology

Wired

Wired

Wired

Wired

Wired

Sound Output Mode

Stereo

Stereo

Stereo

Stereo

Stereo

Audio Specifications

Frequency Response 8 - 22000 Hz

Frequency Response 9 - 23000 Hz - Sensitivity 100 dB/mW - Impedance 16 Ohm

Frequency Response 8 - 80000 Hz - Sensitivity 106 dB/mW - Impedance 24 Ohm

Info unavailable

Frequency Response 10 - 22000 Hz - Sensitivity 103 dB/mW

Remote Control

None

Info unavailable

None

None

None

Headphones Form Factor Info unavailable

- Behind-the-neck mount

Full size

In-ear

Full size

Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices

MSRP: $39.95

See manufacturer website for availability.

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Pricing is currently unavailable.

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