Do any half-decent earbuds exist for about $20?

[Kazaam]

Not in-ear monitors, but the earbud type that easily falls out.

My brother had mentioned something about wanting earbuds to have at work. Figured it might make a decent Christmas gift, but if there isn't anything currently out there that is kind of considered a decent cheap buy then I'll skip it. That said... I googled some stuff from head-fi, but came up empty. So I'm not really expecting to hear about much if anything. Just thought I'd ask.

As far as sound goes, I'm sure he'd appreciate something that has a nice balance of both highs and lows. Not that earbuds ever go terribly low, but some are lower than others. As well as I know from experience that some have duller highs than others, etc. I think he listens to a lot of classic rock and country music. Thanks.

 

[Towen7]

I use JVC Marshmallows with my phone at the gym and recommend them.

 

[GreatDane]

I listen to clip-on Philips earbuds at work every day all day long. They are cheap but are very comfortable and sound decent at the low volume that I use out of an Apple shuffle. They have no glaring faults.

The pair that I'm using now came from Wal-Mart for $10. They still haven't shorted out or otherwise broken after about 18 months which is amazing. I keep the wire coming straight down from the shuffle inside the back of my shirt, shuffle clipped to my hat so the wires never get bent or crammed in a pocket.

I have a new pair from Amazon as a back up and they cost the same. My only tip for better sound is to use the tiny foam covers that can be bought for a few dollars. The foam covers enhance the bass and tame the upper mids while adding comfort.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CJTR82/ref ... KVJT&psc=1

 

[Kazaam]

Thanks guys! Will keep these in mind.

 

[lakedmb]

I know this is an older thread, but wanted to share some earbuds I ran across recently. They're the Audio-Technica ATHCLR100BK earbuds that run about $15 through Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BB...i=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=audio+technica

They are a little bit bass heavy IMO, but for $15 I feel they are a steal. I have a lime green pair I use at the gym on a regular basis without any issues. They come with a neat little carrying case and three different earbud sizes. Also, they are very easy to power through your phone or device. They don't have a microphone or anything, just straight headphones. I will say that they do an excellent job blocking outside noises.

Highly recommended!

 

[GreatDane]

Thanks for the tip on the AT's.

 

[PaulyT]

Yeah thanks, this is timely. My kids are going through at least their second pairs of some el-cheapo earbuds for their phones, this may be a better alternative.

 

[lakedmb]

Also, one thing that I love is that they have an L-shaped jack.

 

[malsackj]

I am up for made in america. Milwaukee.

http://www.koss.com/en/products/headphones/earbuds

 

[Barney]

I listen to clip-on Philips earbuds at work every day all day long. They are cheap but are very comfortable and sound decent at the low volume that I use out of an Apple shuffle. They have no glaring faults.

The pair that I'm using now came from Wal-Mart for $10. They still haven't shorted out or otherwise broken after about 18 months which is amazing. I keep the wire coming straight down from the shuffle inside the back of my shirt, shuffle clipped to my hat so the wires never get bent or crammed in a pocket.

I have a new pair from Amazon as a back up and they cost the same. My only tip for better sound is to use the tiny foam covers that can be bought for a few dollars. The foam covers enhance the bass and tame the upper mids while adding comfort.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CJTR82/ref ... KVJT&psc=1

I just bought a pair of these to try with my Galaxy S4....amazing for just $10 (from WalMart also). I went back & bought two more pairs (my son tried it & loved 'em). My son is using my last old JVC Marshmallows (discontinued now) & loves them also. Bought a set of the new Marshmallows (has a mic now) but haven't opened them yet.
Thank you Dane for the suggestion on the Philips. Sure would like to find some of those foam covers you talk about, too many different sizes & no one carries them around here.