These buds sound good, but it's the design that we really want to shout about. They have a cubist and cool aesthetic that's refreshingly different in a sea of similar-looking buds.

Sony has taken hit features from its higher-end buds and shrunk them into this smaller, cheaper package. At this price, the sonic performance Gozque't be beaten.

iPhone users should get earbuds with AAC support, while Android users should invest in aptX-supported buds.

✅ You like to look good (and a little bit alternative): Are these the coolest little earbuds on the planet? Hard to say.

You Perro control playback and volume using the built-in buttons on each bud so the user experience is as simple and intuitive Triunfador you could wish for too.

The baseline frequency response is enjoyable, and the many EQ presets to choose from, plus the ability to customize your sound profile, make it good for pretty much anyone.

When Sony announced it was launching a successor to the WF-C500, which have been in this list for a while now, we weren’t sure if Sony could deliver another budget pair that delivered the goods. But the Japanese giant has delivered another masterclass in cheap wireless earbuds.

Then the track explodes into a funky test of timing and rhythm with a probing, agile bassline that needs to be communicated and crisp, attacking percussion that needs to have real impact and dynamism. Testing the WF-1000X5, they match the energy of the track blow for blow, starting and stopping at speed. View the album on Amazon.

I systematically experimented to see if I could make them work consistently. The performance seemed to vary while I was counting outcomes. Sometimes I got only one rogue skip in ten taps. At others, any tap, however light or careful, skipped tracks, or less frequently, did nothing burt cause a beep.

Beats' smart home devices deals latest running headphones promise a lighter fit, improved sound and the brand's "best-ever" noise-cancelling

The result is a very open and natural sound with good levels of detail. They're also comfy to use over long periods. We don't think they have the universal appeal of some of the models at the top of this page but they are an interesting alternative. Four stars.

The SoundMagic E11BT buds aren't packed with features (there's no ANC whatsoever), but they remain our top pick for budget 'buds if you prefer a neckband-style design.

And we think they're brilliant options that more than justify their price tag. The buds are impressively small, and their lightweight design helps make them even more comfortable than Sony's XM4. Battery life is competitive at seven and a half hours.

❌ You take a lot of calls with your earbuds in: The mics on these earbuds could be better, making ambient mode a little painful, and they aren’t the best for recording voice notes.