Studying full-time is tough enough — add to that the stress of limited funds, data costs, and daily expenses, and it's clear why so many South African students are looking for easy, passive ways to earn online . The good news? You don’t need to start a business or take on a second job. With just a smartphone or laptop and an internet connection, you can start earning real money or rewards while you study, sleep, or scroll. Here are 5 trusted apps that I've personally used and recommend: 🧠 1. ySense – Get Paid to Take Surveys, Watch Videos & More Best for: Students with a bit of free time Payouts: PayPal, Skrill, Payoneer, or gift cards ySense is a legitimate online micro-task platform where you can earn money for completing surveys, watching ads, signing up for free trials, and more. What makes it great is the daily availability of tasks and the low cashout threshold. You can earn a few rands a day just by clicking and answering questions in your spare time. ...
Whether you're attending Zoom classes, revising with YouTube tutorials, or just vibing to your Spotify playlist between lectures, a good pair of earphones can seriously upgrade your student life. But don’t worry — you don’t need to spend a fortune to get decent sound quality.
Here are 5 budget-friendly earphones under R300 that are perfect for South African students in 2025. I've included real-world prices, where to find them, and why they’re worth checking out.
🔹 1. Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Basic Earphones
🎧 Price: ±R150
These are a favorite among students for a reason. You get surprisingly rich audio quality with balanced bass, plus a built-in mic — perfect for online classes or voice notes.
✅ Comes with soft silicone tips that don’t hurt your ears during long study sessions
🛒 Where to buy: Takealot, Incredible Connection
My take: If you want reliable sound on a tight budget, this is a solid first pick.
🔹 2. JBL T110 Wired Earphones
🎧 Price: ±R250
From one of the most trusted audio brands, these deliver deep bass and crisp vocals. The one-button mic is great for answering calls or pausing your lecture replay.
🎙️ Lightweight and easy to carry
💡 A good balance between price and sound quality
🛒 Where to buy: Takealot, Game, Makro
My take: Ideal for students who value sound clarity for both music and meetings.
🔹 3. Volkano Metallic Series Earphones
🎧 Price: ±R120
These punch above their price tag. With a sturdy metal casing, they feel more premium than most budget options. Plus, they come with a mic and a button to skip songs or answer calls.
📱 Simple, durable, and functional
🛒 Where to buy: Game, PepCell, HiFi Corp
My take: Great backup or daily-use earphones if you're the type who loses or breaks things often (been there 😅).
🔹 4. Sony MDR-EX15AP
🎧 Price: ±R280
Sony knows audio, and this pair proves it. Clean sound, a good mic, and a lightweight build that makes it feel invisible during long listening sessions.
🔉 Crisp audio for voice and video
💼 Premium feel without the premium price
🛒 Where to buy: Takealot, Incredible Connection, Game
My take: If you’re willing to spend near the R300 limit, this is a top choice for both class and casual use.
🔹 5. HiFi Corp Budget Range Earphones
🎧 Price: From R90 – R150
You’ll usually find these at the checkout counter or in multi-buy specials. While the sound won’t blow you away, they’re surprisingly decent for backup or emergency use.
📦 Good for students who constantly misplace earphones
🛒 Where to buy: HiFi Corp (in-store deals are best)
My take: Keep a pair in your bag or drawer for those just-in-case moments.
💡 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to empty your wallet to get good audio. The key is knowing what to look for — built-in mics, durable cables, and sound that’s clear enough for both music and learning. All five of these are perfect for students on a budget, and I’ve personally tried or seen classmates use most of them.
🎓 Looking for accessories to pair with your earphones?
👉 Check out 5 Budget Tech Accessories Every South African Student Needs
💻 Still shopping for a laptop?
👉 Don’t miss our Top 5 Budget Laptops for SA Students in 2025
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