So, I figured given the solid performers between $20-$50 are getting more plentiful, I wanted to see just how low one can go before the point of diminishing returns hit. Embracing my inner Brian Cashman (circa his 2018-2019 offseason steals - baseball reference for those who don't follow it), I wanted to see if I can pull off finding some gems scraping the bottom-of-the-barrel like he did. So we'll start all the way from the bottom (all prices USD)...
Coming in at $5.99 -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0843Q7TV1
Not sure if intentional bait-and-switch or honest mistake but what I received was nothing like what was posted as the product pic here:
Based on the reviews, looks like it happened to three others as well.
As for the "incorrect" product I received, they're basically AirPods clones but hella bigger (pictured next to the real deal and AA battery thrown in for reference but I don't think my pics do justice to just how much bigger they feel/look especially when worn - lol):
Where do I even start? I mean look for $5.99, I'm honestly amazed it even works. If I squish them in my ears to form a perfect seal, the sound is actually decently clean sounding (keep in mind I'm considering the price here...) if a bit mid-forward and bass-light but without that seal, it's completely devoid of any bass and sounds like a cheap speaker playing inside a cardboard box. The button on each stalk do in fact work but quality is mediocre and I'll doubt they'll hold up in the long run.
Another pic with toothbrush head thrown in for size comparo:
While my wife normally rolls her eyes and gives me the "That's niiiiice deeeear" look with each TWS she's seen me trying, she actually summarized it best for these:
"That's embarrassing to be seen wearing even around the house!"
Can't say I disagree in the least... LOL
Next up ringing in at $9.99 -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YTFNF9W/
Despite the fact that it says by Unknown, I figured with Amazon Prime, I'd be safe giving these a shot. The quality on these are just so cheap feeling and the plastic is akin to those plastic green military soldiers some of us older folks grew up playing with. They are so crazy light that they are actually very comfy but while the sound is actually decent, it's devoid of bass despite me getting a good seal on 'em. One MUST also use the included wing tips else they simply will not charge in the case as it relies on the tips to apply some additional downward pressure. Bottom line - strike two...
Ok, maybe third time's the charm? Also at $9.99 -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083745164
Orighty, not gonna lie that I just jumped on these for that price since the white versions were going for 4 times the price ($39.99).
So... due to the awkward shape and extremely short stem, I simply can't get a good seal and still haven't found a tip that fits well. The stock ones are double-flanged and about 6.5mm long at the base and not the lip that can be extended over the stem in this pic:
From the brief moments I am able to angle them properly and get a temporary good seal, they actually sound pretty darn good! Just wish I could find the right tips (5.6mm nozzle but again it's the length that matters more) so am going to hang on to these for a bit until I can make a final call. However, for the price these are awesome bang for the buck with a very nice and compact case that even features a battery % read out:
Welp, that's a wrap for now as the others break the $20 barrier and I'm still testing a few of them... lol