Jun 8, 2021 6:04 PM

Our Favorite Cheap Earbuds Are an Unbelievable $16 Right Now

These affordable wireless buds from JLab Audio have the same specs as the Apple AirPods and sound almost as good.

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Updated June 9: The price has risen on these earbuds since publication. They're now ranging from $23-$25 ($5 to $7 off). We still think they're a great deal, partially because they're already a fantastic deal at their normal $30 price. The price may continue to change.

When Apple removed the headphone jack in the iPhone, it sparked an upsurge in wireless Bluetooth earbuds. There are zillions of choices out there right now (check out our favorites here) but it's very, very hard to find any that are worth listening to that cost less than $100.

We've loved JLab Audio's offerings for years; its golf-tee-style buds outperform the AirPods for much less. When it comes to their sound and build quality, JLab headphones could easily sell for twice as much without anyone blinking. The Go Air are its cheapest set, and among the smallest, lightest, and most comfortable earbuds that we've ever tested.

The JLab Audio Go Air are $16 ($13 Off) at Amazon

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Our audio reviewer Parker Hall notes that the Go Air do everything that you expect wireless earbuds to do. You can take calls and do burpees while blasting MF Doom. They sound warm and energetic and have a big, boomy bass that sounds great while going on your daily walk. Their case even has a built-in USB-A cable for easy charging.

Of course, for $16, they won't have audiophile-quality sound. They also come in a unique, open-topped case. Magnets hold the buds inside, but without a covering, they do attract a bit of pocket lint. However, if you've been hunting for a pair of earbuds that won't make you panic when you lose them at the bottom of your bag or in a sewer grate, these are definitely worth it.

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Adrienne So is a senior commerce editor for WIRED, where she reviews health and fitness gear. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish and runs, rock climbs, and sings karaoke in her free time. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, two ... Read more

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