bought an expensive pair and didn't even make it out of the parking lot because the sound was so bad. The left bud seemed way quieter than the right and I couldn't turn the volume up past 50% without distortion. I read some reviews that the more expensive earbuds weren't nearly as good as the less expensive smokin' buds. I was offered a pair for $5 as an add on to the shoes I bought on line. These were exactly the same; no bass, distorted mids and highs at over 50%. Worse earbuds I have ever owned, but worth the $5 price tag. I have a pair of $19.99 Maxells that blow both pairs off the map. Excellent bass, complete definition and clarity, and equal sound out of each bud. Oh, and the button control doesn't work for sh## either.