Best headphones under $20

Top pick: 7HZ Salnotes Zero. For everyday listening under $20, these wired in-ears are the ones to beat: a proper 10 mm dynamic driver tuned for clean, balanced sound, and a 4.6 rating across nearly 1,900 reviews. They need a headphone jack or a dongle, but nothing at this price sounds better.

Who the others suit:

• Skullcandy Smokin' Buds XT — true wireless freedom with a huge review base; the easy everyday choice if you want no cable.
• Skullcandy Smokin' Buds 360 XT — same idea with longer battery and IPX4 sweat resistance for workouts.
• Apple EarPods — plug-and-play with a mic for calls, and the most-reviewed option here.
• Skullcandy Icon 180 — on-ear cups if you dislike things in your ears.
• onn On-Ear — the cheapest way to get decent sound; fine as a spare pair.
• AirLoop Open Ear — open-ear design that keeps you aware of traffic; best for running and cycling.

Skip the no-name earbuds with a handful of reviews — the sound and build are a lottery.