Ear Buds For Teens and Tweens: Are Cheap Headphones Worth The Savings?

Headphones and ear buds have really come a long way since the Sony Walkman days of the early 80's. The metal and plastic contraptions with foam coverings, which never stayed very long, have been replaced with small in ear contraptions in a process of evolution. Prices can range from very cheap, to very expensive, and style and color are made to match the latest iWhatever on the market. I never considered headphones to be a fashion accessory, but of late, that's what they seem to have become. Even so, there are fashionable, but cheap, selections gracing the checkout stands of your local superstore.

Beware, however, as that $4.00 is a short term investment. Every cheap pair of earbuds I purchase for my teens or tweens lives a very short life, ranging from 2 to 4 months. Tape might help, but not likely. Scotch tape only solves so many of life's problems. Given the long term investment, it's not a bad idea to consider something a little nicer, for sanity's sake. The ability to choose colors, even better, as you head off the battles amongst the siblings over which headphones belong to whom.  Given modern technological devices that have become seemingly essential to most teens and tweens, earbuds are practical presents, easy stocking stuffers, or teen or tween gift ideas.

 JBuds are the bestselling buds offered by Amazon.  Available in Black, Pink, Blue, and Silver, I can accomodate the listening needs of my entourage of teens and tweens, eliminating the who's are these issues.  With a great sound, and comfortable fit, these are a step above the grocery store offerings.

Also among the bestsellers, J2 Hi-Fi Noise Isolating Earbuds are colorful, and much better in terms of sound quality and durability.  I picked the set featured at the right out for my oldest daughter, who constantly was dealing with ruined headphones.  7 months later, I'm happy to say that these J2 headphones are holding up fantastically, in spite of the fact that she tends toward absentmindedness, and often leaves them in precarious places.  Not spending several dollars ever couple of months to replace headphones, I can definitively say that it's been worth the additional cost on this selection.

 Another of the top selling earbuds, slightly less expensive than JBuds, and with comparable reviews, these are not as individualized in terms of fashion choices, but sensible for good sound on a budget.

 Another top selling option, prices are reasonable, fashionable colors are attractive to teen and tween interests.  Reviews are mixed, and worth investigating before you commit.

 There are some Amazon bestsellers that are much less expensive, however, with poor reviews.  One of the varieties, the standard Apple earbud, is the one we have had poor success with.  We've destroyed every pair we've had, all the originals accompanying apple iPods and phones.  Not worth spending your money on.

 There are a couple of pricey models amongst the top sellers at Amazon, with brand names that represent high quality, but also, high price.  I wouldn't personally invest so much in headphones for teens and tweens, who can be quite careless with their belongings, and whose siblings may be even more careless.  However, for your college aged student, these might be a real treat.