You don't have to buy the most expensive wired earbuds for audiophile sound: here are my top picks under $40, $50 and $150

Sennheiser IE 200 earbuds — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

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Under $50
Under $100
Under $150

If you type "wired earbuds" into the search bar on Amazon or any other seller, you'll get hundreds if not thousands of options. In an age where wired earbuds are making a comeback — because they're "fashionable" but also enable you to stream hi-res audio — you're spoiled for choice. But the vast majority you'll find are probably pure junk.

Here at Tom's Guide, it's our mission to upgrade your life for less, so if you're on the hunt for wired buds, you've come to the right place. I listen to music a lot, and I put earbuds and headphones through their paces to answer the question: are they worth their asking price?

While wireless earbuds are convenient, you lose data over Bluetooth, but this isn't a problem when you use wired earbuds. You get more detail, better treble, and powerful bass that doesn't sound booming — with a good pair of wired buds, that is. I've handpicked my favorite wired earbuds that offer bang for your buck under $50, $100 and $150, just for you.

Under $50

Under $100

Under $150

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Nikita is a Senior Writer on the Reviews team at Tom's Guide. She's a lifelong gaming and photography enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tech. Having worked as a Sub Editor and Writer for Canon EMEA, she has interviewed photographers from all over the world and working in different genres. When she’s not working, Nikita can usually be found sinking hours into RPGs on her PS5, flying a drone (she's a licensed drone pilot), at a concert, or watching F1. Her work has appeared in several publications including Motor Sport Magazine, NME, Marriott Bonvoy, The Independent, and Metro. You can follow her photography account on Instagram here.