You can find thousands of models of cheap earphones, but a vast majority of them will be very low-quality and probably won’t last very long. However, it is possible to find good products, even when searching for those costing under 1,000 Rupees. We did some digging and came up with several models that are both cheap and good, a rare combination these days.
1. Sennheiser CX180
Over the years, Sennheiser has become synonymous for quality headphones and earplugs. They provide great audio quality but are rarely found in this price range. Luckily, we have managed to find one that does. Sennheiser CX180 has a great build quality, amazing bass boost and comes with noise cancelation technology. Unfortunately, that same bass boost tends to overrides vocals, making it hard to hear. Also, since they are this cheap, they don’t come with an inline microphone.
2. One More Piston Fit
Until recently, One More produced earphones for several companies, including Xiami. Now, they have decided to use that knowledge and sell their products under their own brand. Piston Fit is one of their newer entry-level models. They come with in-line microphone and button and passive noise isolation. Powerful 10mm drivers provide loud and clear sound. Built at an angle of 45 degrees, these earphones ensure maximal comfort. The cable is made of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), for longevity and elasticity. At 14 grams, they are very light, so you won’t even feel wearing them.
3. Audio-Technica CLR100
Built by a renowned Japanese company Audio-Technica, CLR100 is an excellent product at a low price. The sound these earphones provide is amazingly clear, on par, if not better, than some far more expensive earphones. The bass is also very good, strong when needed, but not overwhelming. Still, if you like a strong bass, these may not be for you. The audio jack is gold-plated, something we don’t see often in this price range. If there is one thing to nitpick, it is the quality of the cable. It is very thin and probably won’t last long unless you are very gentle with it.
4. JBL T150A
JBL (Just be Loud) is one of the best companies in the world when it comes to the audio industry. Their products are always well designed and superbly manufactured and T150A is no exception. Everything on them screams quality, from the rich sound they provide to the thick cable, which comes with an inline microphone. One thing that is lacking is deep bass, but that is a personal preference. T150A also have a remote button for changing tracks and answering phone calls.
5. JBL C100-SI
Another JBL’s earphones, C100-SI is the bestselling product on Amazon in the Portable Media Players category. C100-SI addresses some of the issues T150A had, like lackluster bass, which now sounds amazing, with great depth and richness. The materials used for both earphones and the cable feels very nice and well-made. One issue people might have with C100-SI is that bass sometimes tends to overwhelm vocals, but that seems to be the problem with all earphones who put emphasis on bass.
6. Sony MDR-EX150
Sony products have always been a mark for quality. Their MDR-EX150 earphones may not be top of the line, but they are well made and will be great for everyday use. The audio jack is gold-plated and L-shaped, which makes it easier to use than a standard straight one. Earphones themselves are very stylish and with metallic highlights look more expensive than they really are. As with most budget earphones, bass can be underwhelming at times, despite quality 9mm Neodymium Drivers.
7. Panasonic RP-TCM 125
With a frequency range between 10Hz to 24000Hz and 9mm Neodymium Drivers, RP-TCM 125 provide a very crisp sound at lower volumes. However, is you increase it, the vocals get muffled as if the volume is too much for these drivers. On the bright side, earphones are tilted, ensuring a perfect fit. This is an excellent solution and more companies should use it with their products.
8. Philips ActionFit SHQ1200
Philips ActionFit SHQ1200 are designed with fitness in mind. Their anti-slip feature will keep them firmly in place even during the most active workout. They are also rain proof, which makes them ideal for any outdoor activity.