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If you didn’t get headphones in the box with your new smartphone, don’t worry. Here are some good options for not a lot of money.[br][br]
[br][br]Why should you buy headphones under Rs 1,000?[br][br]While a limited budget is the most obvious reason to get affordable headphones, there are other use-cases that would similarly be well served by these products. One of these is rough usage; if you have a particularly brutal commute to work that could put strain on the headset, or tend to just toss them in your bag loosely when you aren't using them, you may not want to spend much.[br][br]The best budget headphone: 1More Piston Fit[br][br]1More is a fairly new name in the personal audio space, but has made quite an impact thanks to offering features and styling that few others do in similar segments. The brand has been pushing the boundaries with design and quality without driving prices up to high, and it's worked for 1More.[br][br]
[br][br]Runner-up: Sennheiser CX180[br][br]A classic entry in the space, we had reviewed this way back in 2015. The Sennheiser cx180 remains relevant even today, and is among the most popular affordable aftermarket options today. While it doesn't quite have the same build quality and sound as the 1More Piston Fit, it does have the price advantage, the comfort and the solid reputation of being a Sennheiser product.[br][br]
[br][br]Also good: Sony MDR-ZX110[br][br]Our pick for on-ear headphones, the Sony MDR-ZX110 is a classic, similar to the Sennheiser CX180. It's an old model that continues to be on sale, but what makes it special is that it is one of few headphones that offer a proper on-ear fit. The advantage here is purely in its fit, which is worth looking at for users who don't like the in-ear fit.[br][br]
[br][br]The competition[br][br]Panasonic ErgoFit: Yet another popular option that hasn't changed much over the last few years, the Panasonic ErgoFit's only real weakness is its dated design. However, it is affordable and has sound that is capable, clean and more than what you'd typically expect on headphones priced at under 799.[br][br]Xiaomi Mi Earphones Basic: Among the cheapest options on this list, the Xiaomi Mi Earphones Basic currently retail at 399. For the price, you get decent looks, good build quality, functional performance and a microphone for hands-free calls, along with the trust of a brand that has built quite a reputation for itself in the Indian market over the past few years.[br][br]SoundMagic ES18S: Priced at Rs.649 or less, the SoundMagic ES18S is another capable product from a brand that has gained some momentum with its decent range of products over the past few years. Although not quite as popular as some of the slightly higher-priced products from the company, the ES18S is among its most affordable options available and sports a microphone for hands-free use as well.[br][br]Focal Sense: Although typically priced at just over 1000, the Focal Sense is often available for under the four-figure mark online with deals and discounts. What you get is impressive design and a quality brand name - Focal is well-known for its high-end speakers and sound systems - for a very attractive price. You also get a microphone and remote on this headset.[br][br]Panasonic RP-HX250: Availability on these on-ear headphones is usually a tricky affair and the price is just over 1000, but if you look around you can find the Panasonic RP-HX250 for under Rs. 1,000. However, as is the case with the ErgoFit, these Panasonic headphones are dated, not quite as well built as you'd like and worth considering only if you're a fan of Panasonic's audio products.[br][br]Pansonic RP-HV094GU-K: The most affordable option in our list, this earbud-style headset retails at under 300 online. It's simple and sits just outside your ear canal, making its fit non-intrusive and allowing for the user to listen to some level of ambient sound as well.[br][br]Realme Buds: At 499, the Realme Buds are a well designed, solidly built option at under Rs. 500. While the sound is a bit bass-heavy, the magnetic clamping mechanism, three-button remote and microphone, along with a kevlar fibre cable for added durability. This should make it significantly more durable than competing products.[br][br]Thanks...{:16_21:}[br] |
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