SYBA SYBA Black CL-CM-502 3.5mm Stereo Sound Plug 3.5mm Review

The SYBA Black CL-CM-502 is a $12 wired headset with a built-in mic. It's a bare-bones option for when you need audio and a microphone for the absolute lowest cost possible. The mic is decent for the price, but sound quality and build are very basic.

If you're looking for a dirt-cheap pair of wired headphones with a mic, the SYBA Black CL-CM-502 is probably on your radar. For about $12, you get a basic over-ear set with an 8-foot braided cable, an in-line volume control, and a built-in microphone. It's a no-frills solution for anyone who needs a simple audio connection for a PC, console, or older device with a 3.5mm jack. People often search for 'cheap headphones with mic' or 'budget PC headset,' and this SYBA model is a classic example of what you can get at the very bottom of the price ladder.

Performance is exactly what you'd expect for the price. The microphone lands in the 84th percentile compared to other products in our database, which is its standout feature. In practice, that means the mic is decently clear for basic calls and game chat, though some users note it's not super sensitive. Sound quality sits in the 40th percentile, so it's fine for podcasts, YouTube, and casual music, but don't expect deep bass or crystal-clear highs. The 8-foot cable gives you plenty of slack, which is great for desktop use.

At $12, the value proposition is simple: it's one of the cheapest ways to get a functional headset with a mic. You're not paying for brand name, wireless tech, or premium materials. If your budget is absolute zero and you just need something that works for Discord calls or a backup set, it's hard to argue with the price. The closest alternatives at this price are usually even flimsier earbuds with worse mics.

This isn't competing with the Apple AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6. Let's be real. A more relevant comparison is against other ultra-budget wired headsets. Compared to the typical $10-15 headsets from brands you've never heard of, the SYBA stands out for having a braided cable and a mic that actually works. If you can stretch to $25-30, options like the JBL Tune 500 or a refurbished Logitech headset will offer significantly better sound and build. But if your max is $12, this is a slightly better pick than the absolute bottom-of-the-barrel options.

Skip this if you care about audio quality, need headphones for commuting or travel, want wireless freedom, or use your headphones for hours every day. It's also not for musicians, streamers needing a pro mic, or anyone in a noisy environment. For those uses, even a $50 pair of headphones will be a massive upgrade. If you're an audiophile, just look away.

Should you buy the SYBA Black CL-CM-502? Only if your primary need is 'the cheapest possible headset with a mic that works.' It's a functional tool for a very specific, budget-constrained scenario. For basic PC voice chat, a backup set for a console, or a headset for a kid who breaks things, it does the job. For literally anything else—listening to music, commuting, working in a noisy space, or wanting any level of audio quality—you should skip it and spend a little more. It's a disposable product at a disposable price.