They were like $20. The sound on these is definately an improvement from the standby white ear buds that come with ipods. It was hard for me to compare the sound to anything else, I could just tell that it was better. I noticed I am not using my volume as high as I used to. At first the increased bass tickled my ear but I think I got used to it. It came with 3 size rubber buds, I lost the medium ones and am using the small ones which actually fit better. The fit is better but I definately feel them falling out easily when doing strenuous exercise. The same company makes a sport version which secures around your ear so I may buy those as well.
Slightly insignificant but I noticed that while the amazon site had them as "Sound Squared" and they have a professional website, the package came in a little first class mailer from a company of a different name, looked like a home business. At first I was pur off but I think in the end as long as the product is good, I'd prefer to support a small business.
So overall a good purchase if you are not too picky and in need of in-ear buds that don't break the bank.