Best wireless headphones under $20

Top pick: Sony WH-CH520 on-ear. It's the one pair here from a brand with a long track record in budget audio, and its battery life is far beyond anything else in this price class — charge it once and forget it for days. No active noise cancelling, but on-ear cups block some sound on their own.

Who the others suit:

• KVIDIO over-ear — best for long sessions at a desk or on a laptop; big drivers and a huge battery, and the highest owner rating of the bunch.
• onn on-ear — the safe everyday buy if you want something simple with thousands of reviews behind it.
• JBL Tune 215BT — in-ear buds for running, commuting or pocket carry.
• Cowin — the only one claiming real active noise cancelling, so pick it for noisy commutes.
• ThinkPlus XT89 — tiny true-wireless buds with a charging case.

At this price, expect plastic build and average call quality; buy for battery and comfort, not sound quality.