Audio quality is vital in video editing, whether it’s syncing music to stunning drone footage, refining wedding highlights, or ensuring clear sound for real estate tours. At FixThePhoto, my team and I know the importance of catching every nuance, and sometimes even headphones under $20 can make a big difference in delivering exceptional results.
For years, we’ve tested and reviewed premium headphones that come with a hefty price tag. Recently, we decided to explore whether ultra-budget options under $20 could offer solid audio quality. Such affordable headphones might be perfect for beginner editors, gym-goers, or travelers who don’t want to risk their expensive gear while on the go.
I decided to take on the $20 headphone challenge. My goal was to find models that offered great sound, comfort, and build quality without costing too much. I took into account the following aspects: clear and balanced sound, decent build quality for daily use, and a price tag under $20.
To create our shortlist, I sifted through customer reviews on Amazon, B&H, Adorama, and BestBuy. I also explored recommendations on Reddit and audio forums, while drawing on our own experience with audio gear. Thus, my team and I tested dozens of headphones under $20, featuring both well-known brands and lesser-known ones with surprisingly strong reputations.
Spending much time researching this topic, I selected the following budget-friendly models:
When testing headphones under 20 bucks, I didn’t expect much, but they often surprised me. Here’s what you can typically expect at this price point:
Amazon: 500+ bought in past month
Moondroplab: 7K+ sold in past year
With a reputation for balanced, audiophile-quality sound, these under $20 earbuds came with high expectations, and I was eager to test them. I tried these IEMs with a variety of content, including ambient drone footage, wedding highlight reels, and podcast voiceovers. Tati also added some Spotify playlists to the mix.
Right away, the CHU II stood out for its clear and balanced sound. The mids were smooth and prominent, making dialogue in video edits clear and engaging – something unexpected for such a small price. The highs added just the right sparkle, capturing subtle details like the rustling of leaves in drone shots.
I was impressed by how these earbuds handled acoustic tracks and vocals. The soundstage felt wide for in-ear headphones, making it easy to separate instruments and layers. However, while the bass was clean and detailed, it cannot be compared to the power and impact provided by headphones for music production.
To tell the truth, I cannot name this model the most comfortable one. Although it has a top-notch build, the fixed cable that lacks flexibility causes much inconvenience, and the smaller eartips didn’t fit me well. Swapping to aftermarket tips made a big difference, so I definitely recommend trying replacements.
Fun fact: Many Amazon users say the CHU II sounds better than earbuds, which cost twice as much. I agree - they’re a great deal for under $20, especially if you like clear mids more than heavy bass. Just be gentle with them; the cable isn’t built for rough handling.
Amazon: 200+ bought in past month
Linsoul: 3K+ sold in past year
When I first unboxed the Linsoul 7Hz Salnotes Zero, their simple yet stylish design immediately caught my eye. They weren’t flashy or trying to stand out, but something about their build made me think they might be high quality. With a price tag of just under $20, I felt both skeptical and curious, eager to see if these earbuds lived up to the positive reviews I’d read on the web.
I started testing them while editing some wedding clips, which included soft, romantic music mixed with vows and speeches. I noticed how natural and balanced the sound was. The vocals were crystal clear, with just enough warmth to make the moments feel intimate and real.
Unlike many cheap headphones under 50 dollars that overdo the bass, the Salnotes Zero kept it clean and controlled, allowing the mids and highs to stand out without sounding muddy.
Next, Tetiana played some upbeat tracks for a fast-paced vlog project. The tight bass stood out. It added depth and energy without overpowering the music. The soundstage was a pleasant surprise. While not as wide as more expansive models, it was impressive for the price.
The comfort of these earbuds was a clear win for me. Their lightweight design and soft eartips made them easy to wear, even during long editing sessions, without any discomfort. My only minor complaint is the fixed cable, which feels a bit fragile. I’d handle them carefully, but at under $20, it’s hardly a dealbreaker.
Amazon: 5K+ bought in past month
B&H: 70K+ sold in past year
The setup of JLab Go Air Pop True was quite intuitive. I managed to connect them to my phone in an instant. The built-in USB charging cable was another aspect I appreciated. My first project involved editing drone footage with calm, atmospheric music.
For a 20 dollar headset, the sound was surprisingly punchy. The bass offered a satisfying punch, leaning more toward a “fun” sound than accuracy. Vocals and mids were decent but lacked the detail and clarity of the CHU II or Salnotes Zero.
These earbuds truly excelled when I used them for upbeat tracks in a vlog project. Their bass-heavy tuning adds energy to a composition, perfect for workout montages and fast-paced travel clips. However, they didn’t perform as well during quieter moments, like voiceovers or ambient tracks, where my wired IEMs provided much better clarity and balance.
These headphones were really comfortable. They’re lightweight and fit well, making them great headphones for ear health for active users. The battery life was great too, lasting through a whole editing session without needing a recharge – amazing for such a low price.
These earbuds are great for quick edits or casual listening while on the move. However, for projects requiring precise detail, wired options still perform better.
Amazon: 1K+ bought in past month
B&H: 15K+ sold in past year
Adorama: 12K+ sold in past year
From the moment I put Koss KSC75 on, I was impressed by how comfortable they were. The lightweight design and soft ear clips sat securely without any pressure, even during long hours of use.
While editing a wedding video, their open-back design offered an unexpectedly spacious soundstage. I decided to test these headphones for classical music and the result really surprised me. The strings came alive with energy, and the instrument separation was so clear that picking out the finest details felt effortless - all for less than $20. Incredible.
When I switched to editing a high-energy travel vlog, the performance of KSC75 was impressive as well. These headphones truly shine in the mids and highs - vocals were crisp and clear, with a treble that added detail without ever feeling harsh. However, if you’re a fan of heavy bass, these might fall short.
Tati found it interesting how great the KSC75 is for monitoring. Unlike the Linsoul Salnotes Zero, which blocks out external noise completely, the open-back design of the KSC75 lets some surrounding noise in, so you can still be aware of what is happening around you. While they’re not the best choice for loud environments, it’s ideal for editing in a quiet space.
Amazon: 2K+ bought in past month
B&H: 28K+ sold in past year
Adorama: 23K+ sold in past year
After unpacking the Behringer HPS3000, I started doubting whether such a great product could cost just $20. Although they are bulkier than the other models we tested, their over-ear design seemed ideal for immersive editing sessions.
I started with wedding footage edits, adding gentle piano music over vows. These headphones for video editing surprised me with its warm, balanced sound. The mids were smooth, making the vocals sound real and natural. The highs were bright enough to keep things lively but never sharp. The bass wasn’t as strong as the JLab Go Air Pop, but it was clear and clean.
The comfort was pretty good for the price. The padded ear cups fit snugly, but I noticed they got a bit warm after wearing them for a long time. I saw an Amazon review saying they’re “better than headphones five times the price,” and I have to agree. They handle all kinds of audio really well, whether it’s music, voices, or background sounds.
When I worked on a real estate video, the HPS3000 did a great job picking up small details like footsteps and soft echoes in big, open spaces. It made adjusting the audio levels easy.
One thing to note: The cable is pretty long, which is great if you’re working in a studio, but it’s not so handy for traveling.
Amazon: 100+ bought in past month
B&H: 2K+ sold in past year
Adorama: 1K+ sold in past year
Testing the HC 200 while editing the love story, I focused on how they performed with soft acoustic tracks and subtle dialogue. The sound impressed me with its balance - mids were clean, making voices stand out, and highs were crisp, highlighting delicate details like gentle guitar strums or fabric rustling in slow-motion shots. The bass, on the other hand, was underwhelming.
The best thing about these headphones is that they are comfy, while their small weight allows wearing them for much time without getting tired. Tetiana tested them during a quick mix for a travel vlog and found they handled ambient sounds like ocean waves and crowd chatter fairly well. However, they didn’t deliver the same immersive experience as some other models we’ve tested.
Their ability to reduce leakage appealed to me. For headphones under $20, it’s amazing that I could use them in a shared space without bothering anyone around me. While the clarity and detail delivered by this model can’t be compared with premium headphones under 300 dollars, HC 200 is a top pick for everyday use.
Amazon: 2K+ bought in past month
Skullcandy: 10K+ sold in past year
With its bright, fun design, Skullcandy Cassette Junior looks like headphones for teens and kids. However, I decided to give it a shot and see if they could provide decent sound quality for quick edits or just casual listening, all while staying under the $20 mark.
I started by editing some travel vlog footage and layering upbeat music over scenic drone shots. To my surprise, the Cassette Junior offered impressive clarity right from the start. The mids and highs came through sharp and clear, and while the bass wasn’t heavy, it still had enough presence to keep the sound lively.
Comfort was another considerable plus. I didn’t experience any fatigue while wearing them thanks to their small weight and padded ear cups. These are ideal for editing on the go or enjoying music during a commute. However, their compact design might feel a bit tight for those with larger heads, though they’re still a solid gaming headset for small heads.
Tati also noted that this model handled outdoor ambient sounds in the footage fairly way. She could clearly hear birds chirping, and light wind rustling through trees, but the headphones failed to perform smoothly with more complex sounds, like orchestral music or deep bass tracks.
For less than $20, they offer excellent value, providing both fun and reliability. However, if you’re not a teenager and need headphones for more than just music, I wouldn’t recommend spending your $20 on this model.
Amazon: 300+ bought in past month
Moondroplab: 4K+ sold in past year
The minimalist design was the first thing that impressed me about Moondrop Quarks right from the box. Though these compact earbuds may seem modest, Moondrop is known for delivering impressive sound quality in their $20 headphones, so I was excited to give them a try.
I began with some love story footage, setting the tone with soft piano music and delicate ambient sounds. Immediately, the detail stood out. The Quarks brought out every note with surprising clarity, revealing textures I hadn’t noticed with other budget headphones under 10 dollars.
The mids and highs were incredibly sharp, making dialogue and faint background noises easy to distinguish. The bass was there, but it wasn’t overwhelming. Instead, it focused on precision, which worked perfectly for the mood of this particular project.
The stereo imaging on these earbuds appealed to me. While reviewing drone footage, I could hear how the Quarks separated each layer of sound, making it simple to isolate specific elements in the mix. An Amazon reviewer captured it perfectly when they said, “The soundstage on these is ridiculously good for the size and price.”
The comfort was decent, though not ideal. Their compact size allows them to nearly vanish in your ears, making them a highly portable model. However, after an hour or two, Tetiana began to feel some discomfort. That said, they are better suited for brief editing sessions or casual listening.
Amazon: 8K+ bought in past month
Uliptz: 100K+ sold in past year
The Uliptz Wireless caught my eye when Amazon listed them as a top pick under $20. I was curious to check them out. I started with some real estate video work. Pairing the headphones was easy, and I could move around the room without losing connection, which was a great advantage.
The sound quality was decent for the price. The bass had a solid punch, though it sometimes felt a little bloated on tracks with heavy low-end. The mids and highs were fine for casual listening but lacked the clarity I needed for more detailed editing.
When I moved on to some outdoor vlog footage, I was impressed by how well they blocked out background noise. Even with the wind and light traffic in the background, voices were clear. The battery life was another strong point for me. They lasted through a full day of occasional use, which is impressive for such a low price.
However, the build quality felt somewhat flimsy. The ear cups, in particular, don’t seem to be sturdy and durable. Although they won’t replace my main studio headphones, the Uliptz Wireless are great headphones for movies or as a backup pair for travel, all under $20.
You don’t need to spend a lot on headphones for them to last. Here are some simple tips I’ve learned to help keep your budget-friendly earbuds and headsets in good condition:
Store them safely. I’ve certainly tossed them into my bag without a case before. However, this can lead to damage to the cables or scratches on the ear cups. A simple soft pouch can make a big difference in keeping them safe.
Be gentle with the cable. Thinner cables on cheap headphones are prone to fraying or breaking. To avoid this, never pull on the cord to disconnect them – always grab the plug instead.
Clean regularly. To prevent earwax and dirt from clogging earbuds, use a soft, dry toothbrush to clean the tips and mesh. For headsets, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all they need to stay clean.
Avoid extreme conditions. Leaving your headphones in the car on a hot day or wearing them in heavy rain isn’t a good idea. Extreme heat, moisture, and freezing temperatures can damage the electronics and materials.
Wrap cords properly. Instead of simply stuffing your wired headphones together, try loosely looping them in a figure-eight or using a cable organizer. This helps prevent tangling and reduces the risk of damage.
Keep volume reasonable. Playing music at full volume isn’t only harmful to your ears, it can also damage the small drivers in budget headphones.
Evaluating headphones under $20 is a challenging task, particularly when dealing with diverse styles, price ranges, and user preferences. To tackle this, my FixThePhoto teammates and I approached the process with curiosity and a clear plan to assess each pair in practical, everyday settings.
I began by choosing models that caught our attention or were suggested by reliable sources, including Amazon reviews, Reddit discussions, and recommendations from audiophile communities.
I set up a simple testing method to keep things fair. Each pair of headphones was tested in three main scenarios: casual music listening, video editing, and use on the go.
For the music test, we played a mix of songs, from bass-heavy EDM to acoustic folk and classical tunes. This helped me evaluate how each headphone handled bass, clarity, and overall sound balance.
I tested the headphones when editing projects, while Tati and Tetiana used these headphones for podcasting and gaming sessions. The Skullcandy Cassette Junior, for example, was unexpectedly enjoyable for casual listening but didn’t quite meet the detailed sound quality required for editing.
We emphasized portability and comfort when testing wireless models like the Uliptz Wireless, using them during exercise, walks, and extended Zoom meetings. I also wore the Behringer HC 200 throughout the entire day and began to feel a bit uncomfortable after prolonged use.
To enhance our assessment, we exchanged our impressions, compared feedback, and considered reviews from Amazon. Each pair of headphones offered something different, and by the end, I had a clear understanding of which models were best suited for various users and their specific needs.
