Sennheiser CX175

The Sennheiser CX175 delivers surprisingly good sound and bass for under $30, but that's where the praise ends. The mic is awful, there's no ANC, and the build quality is a gamble. Buy these only if you need a dirt-cheap wired backup and never plan to take a call.

Sound is the main event here, landing in the 72nd percentile in our database. That's solid for the price, and owners consistently praise the clear audio and punchy bass. But it's not all smooth sailing. The build and comfort scores are mediocre, and the cable can introduce some annoying noise at higher volumes. The mic is a real weak spot, scoring near the bottom of the pack at the 15th percentile, so don't plan on taking calls with these. They're wired, so battery life is a non-issue, but the connectivity score reflects the basic 3.5mm jack with no extra features.

Stacked against modern budget champs like the Soundcore P31i or EarFun Air Pro 4+, the CX175 feels like a fossil. Those wireless competitors offer app-based EQ, ANC, and solid mics for not much more money. Even the Sony WF-C700N, while pricier, completely outclasses the Sennheiser in every category except pure wired simplicity. The CX175 only wins if you absolutely refuse to charge a case and want the best possible wired sound for the absolute least amount of cash.

At around $27, the value proposition is simple. You're paying for the Sennheiser name and a driver that punches above its weight class for music. If your only goal is to plug in and listen to tunes on a budget, these are a solid deal. Just know that every dollar you save goes toward the complete absence of features you might take for granted on even cheap wireless buds today.

The Sennheiser CX175 is a blast from the past, a simple wired in-ear bud that's still kicking around for under $30. It's not trying to be smart, it doesn't have an app, and the only noise canceling comes from how well the eartips seal. What you get is a straightforward dynamic driver that focuses on one thing: making your music sound decent without emptying your wallet.

Skip these if you need a reliable headset for calls or video meetings, the mic is genuinely bad. Also look elsewhere if you're tough on your gear, as the build quality is inconsistent and you might be shopping for a replacement sooner than you'd like.

The Sennheiser CX175 is a one-trick pony, but it's a pretty good trick. If you need a cheap, no-nonsense wired backup pair for a device that still has a headphone jack, and you don't care about calls or features, you'll be happy. For everyone else living in the modern world, there are far more capable wireless options just a few bucks away.