Samsung iMangoo-0870 Review

The iMangoo USB-C Headphones are budget wired earbuds that deliver surprisingly good sound for about $16. Their magnetic, tangle-free cord and wide device compatibility make them a simple, reliable choice if you don't need wireless features or noise cancellation. Just plug them into your modern phone and go.

If you're looking for a simple, no-fuss pair of wired earbuds for your USB-C phone, the iMangoo USB-C Headphones are probably on your radar. At around $16, they're squarely in the budget category, offering a direct digital connection that bypasses your phone's headphone jack (because, let's be honest, most phones don't have one anymore). They're in-ear buds with a balanced armature driver and a surprisingly high 108Ω impedance, which is unusual for earbuds at this price. They come with a tangle-free magnetic cord, a built-in microphone, and volume controls, making them a straightforward choice for anyone who just wants to plug in and go.

Don't expect audiophile-grade sound from a $16 pair of earbuds, but our data shows these punch above their weight. The sound quality scores in the 76th percentile versus all earbuds in our database, which is frankly impressive for the price. The built-in DAC chip helps deliver clean audio without the buzzing or popping you sometimes get with ultra-cheap options. The microphone quality lands in the 75th percentile, so your voice comes through clearly on calls. They're best suited for fitness and casual listening, scoring over 50 in those areas, but they're weakest for commutes, likely due to the lack of active noise cancellation.

For sixteen bucks, it's hard to complain. You're getting a reliable, wired audio connection that just works with your modern phone. The value here is in the simplicity and the lack of batteries to charge. If you've lost one too many wireless earbuds or just hate dealing with Bluetooth pairing, these are a no-brainer. The main alternatives at this price are other generic USB-C earbuds, but the iMangoo's magnetic feature and above-average build quality give it an edge.

The most direct competitor is any other sub-$20 USB-C wired earbud, but few have the magnetic feature. Stepping up in price, the Nothing Ear (a) at around $99 offers wireless convenience and active noise cancellation, but you're paying six times as much. The CMF Buds Pro 2 are another wireless alternative with more features but again, a much higher price. If you absolutely need noise isolation for a commute, even the budget-friendly Sony WF-1000XM5 (when on sale) is in a different league, but also a different budget galaxy. The iMangoo's whole pitch is avoiding that complexity and cost entirely.

Skip these if you need serious noise cancellation for commuting or travel, or if you absolutely hate dealing with wires. Audiophiles looking for critical listening should also look elsewhere. If that's you, consider true wireless options like the Nothing Ear (a) for budget ANC, or the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless for a step up in sound quality. The iMangoo is for the practical, budget-conscious user who just wants a simple, reliable audio cable.

Should you buy these? Yes, but only if your needs are specific. If you want the absolute cheapest, most straightforward way to get sound from your USB-C phone to your ears, and you're okay with a wire, these are a fantastic pick. The sound is better than it has any right to be, and the magnetic cord is genuinely useful. But if you need to block out the world on a noisy train or plane, look elsewhere immediately. These are for the gym, the home office, or casual listening where losing a $16 pair of earbuds is a minor annoyance, not a tragedy.