Finding the perfect clip-on earbuds under $50 that provide great sound while keeping you aware of your surroundings can feel like solving a tricky puzzle. However, the right choice exists, offering a seamless balance between auditory enjoyment and environmental awareness, ensuring you enjoy your audio content without being cut off from the world.
However, that’s why I’ve compiled this list of top affordable clip-ons. I’ve carefully selected a few that I’ve tested over the years and will guide you through the best open-ear or clip-on earbuds available for under $50.
Best overall, the Baseus MC1
The Baseus Bowie MC1 is a true prodigy of the Baseus brand, and we all know that Baseus creates some really lovely products. From the budget Baseus Bowie E19, I’ve always been a fan of the more budget-affordable Baseus Bass BC1.
Now here’s where Baseus takes the crown: the sound quality. Open-ear/clip-on earbuds have been known for prioritizing comfort over sound. However, for $50, the Baseus Bowie MC1 surpasses this, offering both excellent comfort and sound quality.
When it comes to sound quality, the Baseus Bowie MC1 comes equipped with a nice sound profile. Imagine this: you’re jogging through a bustling city park, where the sounds of distant traffic, chirping birds, and chatter surround you. Despite the ambient noise, the MC1 lets you enjoy the rich bass and crisp treble of your favorite playlist, almost as if the music has a life of its own, enhancing your every stride.
At first glance, this one features really good bass, treble, and also some clear vocals. To sum it all up, it’s just perfect for a clip-on earbud.
The battery, on the other hand, is perfect. The Baseus Bowie MC1 offers up to 72 hours of total playback and about 10 hours of listening time per charge, which is quite impressive compared to other earbuds, such as the Haylou Airfree, which we will examine further later on. The Bluetooth and range on the Baseus were perfect. I like how it was easy to connect, and the range, on the other hand, was superb. This one could go for about 10 m, which is perfect.
In a nutshell, the Baseus Bowie MC1 is the perfect blend of comfort, sound, and battery capacity, and for around $30, it’s one of the best clip-on earbuds you can get on a budget.
Pros
- Premium design with soft fabric finish and glossy edges
- Extremely comfortable with “cloud airbag technology” for irritation-free fit
- Lightweight earbuds and case, perfect for long wear and portability
- Balanced sound with enjoyable bass, detailed vocals, and good treble
- Strong Bluetooth 5.4 performance with multipoint connectivity and low latency
- Reliable ENC microphones for clear calls in noisy environments
- Long-lasting battery: up to 8 hrs per charge, 40 hrs with case
- Fast charging (10 mins = 1 hr playback)
- Practical button controls, customizable via Baseus app
- Useful app features: EQ modes, last location tracking, customizable controls
Cons
- No extra replacement clips included for long-term durability
- Drivers are smaller (10 mm) compared to some competitors.
- Lacks advanced codec support beyond SBC/AAC
- App EQ options feel limited (no user EQ sharing like Tozo)
1st runner-up – SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro
The SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro, in my opinion, is the perfect blend of multiple material finishes and sound quality—actually one of the best-looking clip-ons. The only reason it’s number two on the list is its comfort and fit.
The Pearl Clip Pro is one of SoundPEATS’ finest products, offering the perfect blend of comfort and style. The SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro doesn’t fit quite comfortably on the earlobes, but when it comes to the sound and general performance, the SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro edges it out.
The sound of the Pearl Clip Pro is superb, with the perfect sound profile. It has the perfect blend of good bass, nice treble, and crystal-clear vocals. For a relatable experience, imagine listening to the opening notes of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ where the harmonious vocals stand out distinctly, or the deep bass lines in Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy.’
To sum it all up, the Pearl Clip Pro has the perfect volume for a clip-on earbud. While testing this one out, I could still hear vocals quite clearly, even in noisy environments, which is a great add-on.
The battery, on the other hand, is perfect. Like the Baseus Bowie MC1, the SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro packs a perfect battery pack. While testing, I noticed that you could go days without charging the earbuds or the case. The Bluetooth, on the other hand, was not really something to brag about, as it was not very impressive.
I had a minor issue connecting on the first attempt, but once connected, the Bluetooth on the Pearl Clip Pro was flawless. The range, on the other hand, was also perfect. These earbuds can go up to 10 m without breaking out.
In a nutshell, the Pearl Clip Pro is the perfect blend of style, sound, and battery capacity for its price. This one goes for around $38—great for a budget clip-on.
Pros
- Stylish, premium-looking design with silicon grip and glossy finish
- Very comfortable clip-on fit, reduces ear strain compared to in-ear buds
- Solid sound quality with loud volume, rich bass, and clear treble
- AI ENC mics deliver clear calls even in noisy environments
- Strong Bluetooth 5.4 range once connected (works well even through walls)
- Multipoint connectivity for two devices at once
- Fast charging: 10 mins = 2 hrs playtime
- IPX5 water resistance for workouts and light rain
- Customizable touch controls via SoundPEATS app
- Affordable price ($35), better value than pricier rivals like Soundcore C40i
Cons
- Initial Bluetooth pairing can be frustrating (sometimes connects to one ear only)
- Touch controls are not very responsive and can feel unreliable
- Slight discomfort after 2+ hours of continuous wear
- No advanced codec support (limited to SBC/AAC)
- Battery life (24 hrs total) is shorter than some competitors like Baseus Bowie MC1
2nd runner-up – QCY Crossky C30
The QCY Crossky C30 is similar to the Pearl Clip Pro, but it is much lighter. However, in terms of sound, the Pearl Clip Pro still outperforms the QCY Crossky C30, placing it in third place.
The sound on the QCY is also nice, but this one falls a bit short in terms of volume. Although it boasts a very nice sound profile, with a well-balanced blend of bass, treble, and vocals, in noisy or loud environments, the QCY Crossky tends to lose clarity.
I experienced slight disappointment when using these in loud environments, especially on calls. Both the SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro and QCY Crossky C30 fell short in terms of sound output, although other aspects were satisfactory. I loved the design—it’s perfect for gym buddies and runners. The QCY is a lightweight clip-on with a secure grip.
The battery, on the other hand, is perfect. This one held up very well, was easy to charge, and could go for days on a full charge, which is perfect for media playback and long-term listening.
The Bluetooth and range of the Crossky C30 were perfect. I did not experience lag during the first connection, unlike with the SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro. The range, on the other hand, was perfect. I could go up to 10 m without any breakdowns and also walk around the house with my mobile phone in a different room, which was perfect.
In a nutshell, the QCY Crossky C30 is a perfect blend of comfort, but it falls short in terms of sound quality in noisy environments.
Pros
- Premium multi-material design (plastic + aluminum + metal speaker)
- Lightweight, durable build with a stylish and compact case
- Very comfortable fit with skin-friendly plastic, good for long use and workouts
- Strong battery life (5.5 hrs playback, 40 hrs standby) with fast charging (15 mins = 5 hrs)
- Solid sound profile: clear vocals, decent bass, minimal sound leakage
- Reliable Bluetooth 5.4 with seamless first connection and multipoint support
- Excellent call quality with AI ENC and four microphones
- Superb range (10m+) without audio drops
- App offers rich features: EQ, gaming mode, sleep mode, find headset, firmware updates
Cons
- Touch controls are poorly placed (at the back) and not very responsive
- Average sound loudness — not as powerful as Pearl Clip Pro
- ENC helps but still struggles in very noisy environments
- No extra clip-on replacements included for long-term durability
3rd runner-up – Anker Soundcore C40i
I’ve been a big fan of the Soundcore brand, and Soundcore still delivered on this one. The Soundcore C40i provides a great grip for sports activities, making it an ideal choice for individuals who run, jog, or engage in light workouts. Imagine jogging through the park and catching the sounds of nature or hearing the cheers of your friends from afar, all thanks to its open-ear design.
This openness ensures that while you’re focused on your fitness, you’re not missing out on the world around you, which might include an important call or the honking of traffic, providing a complete and secure listening experience.
The sound, on the other hand, did not meet the standards of the SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro and the Baseus MC1, but this one was more expensive than the top on the list, which just makes me wonder if Soundcore is now capitalizing on its name rather than its quality.
The sound of the Soundcore C40i is mild—not very impressive—but it makes up for this in its fit. It’s not particularly comfortable, but this one comes with extra clips for added grip, which is perfect for individuals with smaller earlobes and also great for intense workouts and serious running.
The battery, on the other hand, was very nice. The battery lasts for days without running low, and on a full charge, it could last up to 4 days. I specifically liked how the Soundcore C40i could do fast charging. This one can last about 4 hours on a 10-minute charge, which is quite impressive.
The Bluetooth and connectivity were also good, as the first pairing experience on this was relatively easy and smooth compared to the SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro. The range, on the other hand, was superb—you can maintain a connection of up to 10 m with this one, and even leave your mobile phone in another room while walking around your house without losing connection.
In a nutshell, the Soundcore C40i is the perfect clip-on earbuds for individuals who do gym workouts and run, but they lack sound quality compared to others I’ve tested.
Pros
- Stylish, modern design with a solid grip for workouts and runs
- Lightweight case and earbuds, easy to carry
- Additional clip provided for tighter fit or smaller ears
- Reliable Bluetooth 5.4 with smooth, hassle-free pairing and strong range
- AI ENC mics deliver clear calls even in noisy environments
- Low latency, excellent for streaming and media playback
- Long battery life: 7 hrs per bud, 21 hrs with case
- App offers customizable EQ and button controls, improving sound and usability
Cons
- Sound quality underwhelming out of the box (weak bass, average clarity)
- Plastic build feels less premium than rivals at the price point
- Grip can cause irritation after long use
- Physical button controls at the back instead of modern touch controls
- Case feels cheap compared to competitors like Pearl Clip Pro
4th runner-up – Haylou Airfree
I’ve also been a fan of the Haylou brand, and the Haylou Airfree is the best-looking of them all. I like the design of this particular one—its multiple material finishes and the aluminum bases with the Haylou imprint are some of the best I’ve seen.
The sound, on the other hand, is only perfect for indoor activities with the Haylou Airfree. It was quite a flop when you take it out to loud environments, but, as I said earlier, clip-ons are made for comfort, not sound, and that’s where the Haylou Airfree shines.
The fit and comfort of the Haylou Airfree are the best you can get on a clip-on earbud. Among the lineup, this is the lightest weight of them all, which is perfect for individuals who do lightweight workouts and also gym runners. Coupled with the design, this makes it the best in terms of design.
The battery, on the other hand, is not much to brag about. It could not compare to the others I’ve listed, but it still does the job. You can get a full day’s worth of use from this one, and it also supports fast charging. You can get up to 4 hours of use on a 15-minute charge, which is quite impressive.
The Bluetooth and range are perfect on the Haylou Airfree. You can get up to 10 m on this, and it does not break. While testing, I noticed that the Haylou Airfree does not break when used indoors. You can use this one and leave your mobile phone in another room, and still use these earbuds without any interruptions.
In a nutshell, this is ideal for individuals who prefer lightweight clip-on earbuds and those who engage in more indoor activities.
Pros
- Premium, stylish design with dual-material finish and durable build
- Comfortable, lightweight fit — barely noticeable during workouts or long use
- Premium case with battery indicator and secure earbud hold
- Strong Bluetooth 5.4 performance with reliable range
- Dual AI mics deliver clear calls indoors with good noise reduction
- App support includes firmware updates, customizable controls, and “find headset” feature
Cons
- Weak sound quality: low volume, mild bass/treble, struggles in noisy environments
- Poor battery life compared to rivals (5 hrs per charge, 28 hrs total case use; drains quickly in real-world use)
- Multipoint connectivity unreliable or non-functional during testing
- Call speaker output too low outdoors, making conversations difficult
- Unresponsive touch controls, poorly placed at the back of the earbuds
| Rank | Model | Price | Sound Quality | Comfort & Fit | Battery Life | Bluetooth & Range | Best For |
| Best Overall | Baseus Bowie MC1 | $30 | Deep bass, clear vocals, balanced treble | Very comfortable | Days of use, strong case support | Easy connect, ~10m stable | All-rounder |
| 1st Runner-up | SoundPEATS Pearl Clip Pro | $38 | Superb profile, good bass & vocals | Fit not perfect | Last days, solid case | Initial connection tricky, then ~10m | Style + sound lovers |
| 2nd Runner-up | QCY Crossky C30 | $35 | Nice bass & vocals, lacks volume in the noise | Lightweight, perfect for the gym | Days on full charge | Smooth, ~10m stable | Gym buddies, runners |
| 3rd runner up | Anker Soundcore C40i | $45+ | Mild sound, weaker than rivals | Extra clips for grip | Up to 4 days + fast charge (10 min = 4 hrs) | Smooth pairing, ~10m stable | Runners, heavy workouts |
| 4th ru | Haylou Airfree | $28 | Great indoors, weak outdoors | Lightest, very comfortable | 1 day + fast charge (15 min = 4 hrs) | Indoor stable ~10m | Indoor users, design fans |
How we made the picks – what to consider when picking the perfect clip-on earbuds
Sound quality
Clip-on earbuds strike a balance between comfort and attentiveness. We ensured that these were tested for the best-sounding clip-on to match your needs.
Sound quality is a significant consideration when selecting the perfect earbuds for any individual. When it comes to choosing the ideal clip-on, sound is definitely a priority, as clip-ons often prioritize comfort over sound. However, we’ve carefully selected the best-sounding clip-ons on a budget.
Comfort and fit
As clip-ons prioritize their comfort over their sound quality, we’ve also carefully selected the best-fitting clip-ons on the market. From the Baseus to the Haylou Airfree, we’ve selected a perfect group of earbuds that not only cause minimal irritation to the ears but also do not put undue weight on the earlobes, making them ideal for runners, gym buddies, and everyday users.
Battery
The perfect battery on earbuds translates to a better listening experience, as you don’t have to worry about long listening times. All the earbuds listed in this article have been thoroughly tested, and they perform remarkably well in terms of their battery capabilities. They can go for hours on a single charge, with fast charge support.
Durability
All the earbuds on this list have been tested and proven to be bulletproof, as their clips, or in this case, rings, are very strong and will not break easily. Although the Soundcore has protection against its clips, as this one has extra clips for a tighter grip, in a nutshell, all the earbuds here have been tested and proven to be very durable.
Price
You have two options: either opt for a more expensive clip-on or choose a more affordable option, such as the ones listed here, as most well-known brands tend to charge a higher price for their clip-ons. Although they may seem cheaper, they tend to pack a punch. So if you want the best value for your money, these are the best bang-for-buck clip-ons on the market.
Conclusion
Clip-on/open earbuds are a great alternative to traditional earbuds for individuals who prioritize comfort over sound quality, offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and sound. The clip-on earbuds I’ve reviewed in this write-up are some of the best bang for buck you can pick up today, so if you want a better value for your money, then these are the best you can get