Amazon Amazon Basics Wired Earbuds with Microphone, Review

Shockingly comfortable with a great mic, but music sounds terrible. For $10, they're a steal if you only need them for calls. Our data shows a 97th percentile for comfort and 88th for the mic, but 0th for sound. Worth buying only for that specific, budget call-centric use case.

Look, these are $10 earbuds. That's the whole story. You're not getting audiophile quality, but you are getting a functional pair of wired buds with a mic that won't fall out of your ears. They're the definition of a disposable, 'good enough' solution for when you just need to hear something or take a call.

Amazon Basics nailed the comfort, which is honestly the most important thing for cheap earbuds. They fit securely and come with extra tips. Everything else is exactly what you'd expect for a tenner: basic sound, a basic cable, and a surprisingly decent microphone for phone calls.

Let's be real: the sound quality is the worst part. Our data puts it in the 0th percentile, which means it's basically at the bottom of the barrel. Music sounds flat and tinny. But here's the twist: the microphone performance is shockingly good, landing in the 88th percentile. For voice calls and Zoom meetings, they're perfectly serviceable. They're also super comfortable (97th percentile), so you can wear them for hours without your ears hurting.

For $10, the value proposition is simple: you get exactly what you pay for. They're not a good value for listening to music. But if you need a comfortable, reliable set of buds with a good mic for calls or video chats, and you don't want to spend more than a lunch sandwich, they're a fantastic value. Just don't expect them to last forever.

Compared to other budget options, these stand out for comfort and mic quality, but fail everywhere else. The Anker Soundcore P31i, even on sale, costs more but offers vastly better sound and wireless convenience. The Nothing Ear (a) is in another league for music. Even a cheap pair of Skullcandy wired buds might sound better. But if your primary need is 'cheap and comfy for calls,' the Amazon Basics have a specific, narrow advantage.

If you care even a little about how your music sounds, skip these. The sound quality is abysmal. Also, skip them if you want wireless freedom or any kind of durability; the cable and build are as cheap as they come. Look at options from Anker or JBL in the $25-$40 range instead.

Buy these only if your budget is absolutely $10 and your main use is voice calls or podcasts where sound fidelity doesn't matter. They're perfect for students, remote workers on a tight budget who need a clear mic, or as a backup pair you won't cry over if they break or get lost. For literally any other use, especially music, spend a little more.