Best Noise Canceling Ear Buds Under $50

Apple iPods and other mp3 players are everywhere,but most of the ear buds that come with the new devices are sorely lacking in comfort and sound quality. Headphones that block outside noise are hot sellers now because they allow the listener to hear more of their music without risking their hearing by listening at high volume. Active noise canceling headphones have made big waves, but they drain batteries and their prohibitive price tags have discouraged many music lovers from upgrading. A new surge in passive noise reduction ear buds under $50 have put better sound in reach of most audio device owners.

Passive noise reduction ear buds have varying sizes of rubber or silicone adapters that for a tight seal in the user's ears, effectively blocking out a large amount of background noise. The advantages of passive noise reduction over active reduction include the lack of a heavy battery pack and a decrease in the physical side effects, such as nausea and dizziness, that can occur with extended use.

The Philips SHE9500 ear buds are priced at around $30 and tout premium sound and turbo bass. The ear buds come with a hard shell carrying case, a soft storage pouch and feature a split cable design and a 24k gold plated plug. The sound on the highest frequencies were clear and crisp, but the bass was slightly weak. The Philips ear buds were very comfortable, even with extended listening, and the ear flanges did a respectable job blocking out background noise. The SHE9500 are available in both black and white. These are good, but not great, ear buds for a reasonable price. They definitely represent a step up from the standard ear buds.

Jbuds Hi-Fi Noise Reducing Ear Buds retail for just under $50, but are frequently discounted through major online retailers. Good bass response with acceptable high and midrange frequencies, these ear buds will please the bass lover more than the Phillips SHE 9500. They do not come with a case and cord management is made difficult without an asymmetrical cord.

The Sony MDR-EX51LP Fonotopia ear buds retail for $40 and come with a hard case and two sizes of soft silicon ear buds. The stereo mini plug is gold plated for better connection. Loud bass, but muddy midranges, these ear buds do stay in the ear during vigorous activities like jogging. The cord is very long and thin, so caution is advised to prevent premature breakage.