When I’m on my desktop computer, I generally prefer to use wired peripherals. That way, I don’t have to worry about keeping things charged. I also don’t have to worry about lag, latency and spotty connections. When I’m out, about and on the go, however, cutting the cable is far more convenient. Many people say that “you get what you pay for,” but is that actually true? In other words, are cheap Bluetooth headphones good enough or are they a complete waste of money? I endeavored to find out, picking up the Mpow H7 over-the-ear headphones and the Aukey True Wireless Earbuds from Amazon.

 
Which pair of budget Bluetooth headphones should you get? Well, it depends on how you plan on using them and what your priorities are. You can pick up either set for about $40 Canadian or about $25 to $30 US on Amazon.

Mpow H7 Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Starting first with the Mpow H7, you can tell right away that these are budget-minded Bluetooth headphones right out of the box. The build quality is decidedly on the cheaper side of things. They’re not exactly flimsy, per se, but they’re nowhere near as robust or sturdy-feeling as more expensive alternatives. You do get some “free” accessories in the box, though, including a carrying pouch, audio cable and charging cable.

Build quality aside, the sound quality is actually pretty decent. The audio profile is reasonably balanced, hitting the lows, mids and highs with a “full” sound that isn’t too harsh or sharp. I do wish the headband were a bit bigger and the controls were less finicky, but I’m willing to overlook these shortcomings given the price. Sure, you can find $40 wired headphones that are probably better. If you want wireless, though, the Mpow does the job.

Aukey True Wireless Earbuds (EP-T21S)

I already have a set of Anker Soundcore Spirit Bluetooth headphones and I’ve been reasonably happy with them. I thought I wanted to have the cable between the two earpieces, so I’d be less likely to lose them. It also means I can let them dangle around my neck when I’m not actually listening to anything. Then, more and more, I started seeing the appeal of true wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods and Google Pixel Buds. Except I didn’t want to spend $200+ on them.

So, I went with the Aukey TP-T21S True Wireless Earbuds instead. Like the Mpow H7, these cost about $40 Canadian too. They come with a charging case for a total of about 30 hours of playtime, plus some extra sets of ear tips. More than anything, I was really impressed with both the volume and audio quality from these wireless earbuds. The touch controls are inconsistent, so I’m mostly on a “set it and forget it” situation when I’m listening to music during a walk.

Can Cheap Bluetooth Headphones Be Good?

Do you get what you pay for? Even though the old adage often holds true, it’s not a linear progression. True, something like a set of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones from Sony or Bose are probably way better than the Mpow H7. The question you should ask is whether those premium headphones are five, six, or even seven times better, because that’s the difference in price.

If only the best will do, then the Aukey and Mpow won’t do. If you’re like me and good enough is good enough, then these are certainly worth checking out. For more techie insights following this line of thought, check out my other posts on the Logitech webcam, Lenovo Chromebook, and Fifine USB microphone. Save money and be happy.

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