Best Budget Athletic Shorts for Men: BALENNZ Wins

The best budget athletic shorts for men are the BALENNZ Mens Athletic Shorts with Pockets Quick Dry, a five-pair pack with a 10-inch inseam and open hand pockets that covers a full training week in one order. If you only want one pair to test the category, the NY Threads Men's Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit is the single-pair pick at the entry position, in black, large.

Most guides to the best budget athletic shorts for men compare fabric weights and promise you can feel the difference on a squat rack. That is not what decides it here. Pack size and pocket type do. Six of these listings all claim quick-dry polyester with a drawstring waist; what actually separates them is whether you get one pair or seven, whether the pockets zip or gape, and whether the inseam is stated at all.

Best budget athletic shorts for men at a glance

Who this shortlist is not for

The keyword says "budget" and the picks split into two camps. Multi-pair packs from BALENNZ, BOOJO and AKAWOOKO drive the per-pair cost down, but the upfront charge on your card is still the highest in the set. The single-pair NY Threads sits at the cheapest position here, and it is the only one that lets you buy one pair before committing.

If you already own three or four pairs of gym shorts and just need a specific replacement, none of the multi-packs is the right buy. Go straight to NY Threads or NORTHYARD, both single pairs in black, large. If you want performance features Amazon's search did not screen for, such as a compression liner, a specific fabric blend by percentage, or a lifetime warranty, this category will disappoint you. None of the six listings publishes a warranty term.

The word "budget" in the search also does not guarantee the picks are the cheapest shorts on Amazon. It reflects what the search returned. Two of these sit in the premium position within this set, and the reader has to judge whether a seven-pair pack still counts as budget once the total lands on the receipt.

How I cut 30-plus listings down to six

I started with the raw search result, then cut in three passes.

• First cut, disqualification. Any listing without published pocket details went out, because pockets are the feature people ask about before fabric. Anything without a stated pack count went out for the same reason.
• Second cut, fit information. Listings that did not name an inseam length in the title or feature bullets got downgraded. Two survived without one (BALENNZ names 10 inches; Gaglg names 5 inches; NORTHYARD names 7, 9 and 5 inches in the title). AKAWOOKO and BOOJO did not publish an inseam and stayed only because the pack sizes were unusually strong.
• Third cut, set composition. I wanted a mix of pack sizes so a reader could pick by laundry cycle. That gave one 7-pack, two 5-packs, one 2-pack and two single pairs.

Sales rank told me buyers overwhelmingly prefer NORTHYARD in this shortlist, which sits at rank 28 in its category and outsells everything else here by a wide margin. BALENNZ sits at rank 192, next fastest of the six. The two 5-packs from AKAWOOKO and BOOJO move slower, at ranks 2,031 and 3,347. That does not make the slower ones wrong: it usually means shoppers hesitate on a multi-pair purchase they cannot see in person first.

Pockets: open, deep or zippered?

Pocket design is the split that actually decides this shortlist for most buyers. There are three types in the set.

1. Open hand pockets, both sides. BALENNZ, BOOJO, NY Threads and AKAWOOKO. Fine for a wallet at the coffee shop, risky at a full sprint. A phone will bounce out.
2. Zipper pockets. NORTHYARD publishes three zippered pockets, two on the sides and one at the back. Gaglg publishes zipper pockets without stating the count clearly. Both keep a phone in place during a run.
3. Deep open pockets. BOOJO calls its side pockets "deep pockets" specifically. That helps for keys and a wallet but does not solve the phone problem.

Here's the trick with pockets: the marketing photo always shows a phone tucked in, but "fits a phone" and "holds a phone through a burpee" are different claims. If your workout involves any inversion, a plank or box jumps, zipper pockets are worth the small premium. If you use your shorts for walking the dog and pushing a cart at the store, open pockets are fine, and NY Threads is enough.

1. BALENNZ Mens Athletic Shorts with Pockets Quick Dry — Best overall

BALENNZ takes the top slot on the strength of a stated 10-inch inseam and a five-pair pack that covers a full gym week without laundry mid-cycle.

Best for: gym-goers who want a five-pair rotation and a 10-inch inseam Skip it if: you need zipper pockets for phone security

BALENNZ is one of only three picks that names a specific inseam in its feature bullets, and it is the longest in the set at 10 inches. That matters if you are between 5'10" and 6'2": shorter inseams ride high on the thigh under a barbell squat. The pack ships in five colours (black, navy, dark grey, light grey and a second black), so you get four workouts before repeating a colour. Both hand pockets are open, so treat them as wallet-and-key pockets, not phone pockets. BALENNZ says the fabric is soft and quick-drying, with an encased elastic waistband and an inner drawcord for adjustment. It sits at the second-cheapest sales rank in this set, at rank 192, which is the strongest performance among the multi-packs. The trade-off is straightforward: you pay the second-highest price position in the set upfront, and you commit to a brand you have not tried before you can hold a single pair.

Pros:

• Five-pair pack in five colours
• 10-inch inseam stated in the listing
• Encased elastic waist with inner drawcord
• Strong sales rank at 192 among the multi-packs
• Open hand pockets on both sides

Cons:

• Open pockets, no zip
• Sits at the premium price position in this set
• No published fabric percentages

2. BOOJO 7 Pack Mens Athletic Shorts — Best premium

BOOJO wins on volume alone: seven pairs in seven colours, the longest single order in this set.

Best for: shoppers who want a seven-pair rotation in mixed colours Skip it if: you prefer to test one pair before committing to a stack

BOOJO's seven-pair pack lets you go a full week between washes, which is the real argument for a multi-pack. Colours span black, dark grey, navy, light grey, royal blue, dark green and wine, so you can match with almost any t-shirt in your drawer. BOOJO calls its pockets "deep pockets" specifically, which is the only listing in the set to make that claim, and says the fabric has four-way stretch with a drawstring waist. The inseam is not published, and that is the largest gap in the listing. Without it, you buy on faith that the fit sits where you want on the thigh. Sales rank sits at 3,347, the slowest of the six, which tells you shoppers hesitate more on this listing than any other here. Set against BALENNZ, BOOJO gives you two extra pairs and two extra colours but no stated inseam, so you trade a spec you can check for stock you can rotate.

Pros:

• Seven pairs in seven distinct colours
• Deep pockets explicitly claimed
• Four-way stretch fabric per the listing
• Drawstring waist for adjustment

Cons:

• No published inseam length
• Highest price position in the set
• Slowest sales rank of the six, at 3,347
• No zipper pockets for phone security

3. NY Threads Men's Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit — Best budget pick

NY Threads is the single-pair pick at the cheapest position in this set, and the right way to test the category without committing to a stack.

Best for: anyone who wants one solid pair at the lowest position in this set Skip it if: you rotate shorts daily and hate laundry mid-week

NY Threads publishes a polyester build with two pockets, an elastic drawstring waist and machine-wash care. Sales rank sits at 362, third-strongest of the six, which is a healthy signal for a single-pair listing competing against multi-packs on the same search page. The colour is black, size large, and the count is one, so what you see is what ships. It is the only pick in the set that lets you try the brand for one pair before deciding whether to stack up on the same fit. The trade-off is simple: buy this and you will do laundry more often, or you will pair it with two or three other single pairs from different brands. The listing does not publish an inseam length, so the fit on the thigh is a slight gamble. NY Threads also does not name a fabric blend by percentage, so if you want to know the polyester-to-elastane ratio, this listing will not tell you.

Pros:

• Cheapest price position in this set
• Machine-wash care instructions published
• Polyester with drawstring waist
• Strong sales rank at 362 for a single pair

Cons:

• Only one pair per order
• No published inseam length
• No zipper pockets
• Fabric blend not stated by percentage

4. AKAWOOKO 5 Pack Men's Athletic Gym Shorts with Pockets — Best upgrade

AKAWOOKO offers a five-pair pack in the mid price position, useful if BALENNZ feels too dear.

Best for: gym regulars who want a five-pair rotation without the top price Skip it if: you need a specified inseam length before buying

AKAWOOKO matches BALENNZ on pack size but sits at the mid price position rather than the top. It is the middle-ground option for buyers who want a rotation but do not want to pay the top price in the set. AKAWOOKO says the shorts use soft, breathable, lightweight fabric with an elastic waistband and an internal drawcord, and that both side pockets are large enough for a wallet, phone or keys. The colour set is labelled "Set 1", which is less informative than BALENNZ's named colour list and means you take a small gamble on the mix. Sales rank sits at 2,031, second-slowest of the six, which suggests shoppers hesitate on this listing more than on the top three. The trade-off against BALENNZ is a lower price position but a less detailed listing: no inseam, no named colours. If you have owned athletic shorts before and know your fit, that gamble is small. If you are new to the category, BALENNZ tells you more before you commit.

Pros:

• Five-pair pack at the mid price position
• Elastic waistband with internal drawcord
• Large side pockets on both sides
• Quick-drying claim on the fabric

Cons:

• Colours labelled only as "Set 1"
• No published inseam length
• Sales rank of 2,031, second-slowest here
• No zipper pockets

5. NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Gym Workout — Best minimal setup

NORTHYARD is the only pick with three zipper pockets and reflective strips, and it outsells the rest of this set by a wide margin.

Best for: runners who need three zipper pockets and reflective strips Skip it if: you want more than one pair in the box

NORTHYARD is the security specialist of this shortlist. The listing publishes three zipper pockets, two on the sides and one at the back, all for phone, keys and cards. It is the only pick in the set with reflective strips on the front and back, which matter if you run before sunrise or after sunset. NORTHYARD says the fabric is 90% polyester and 10% elastane with four-way stretch, and the title names three inseam options at 5, 7 and 9 inches, giving you the widest inseam choice in the shortlist. Sales rank sits at 28, by a wide margin the fastest seller of the six, and the strongest signal in the whole set that shoppers keep coming back to this listing. The trade-off is scale: you get one pair, in black, large. If you want a rotation, you buy multiple orders. Buy NORTHYARD if pocket security and running visibility matter more than pack size.

Pros:

• Three zipper pockets (two side, one back)
• Reflective strips front and back
• Fabric blend published at 90/10 polyester/elastane
• Three inseam lengths available: 5, 7 and 9 inches
• Fastest sales rank in the set, at 28

Cons:

• Only one pair per order
• One colour, black, at the size checked
• Zipper adds a small hard point at the waist

6. Gaglg Men's 5" Running Shorts 2 Pack — Best for pros

Gaglg is the short-inseam pick at 5 inches, in a two-pair pack with zipper pockets, aimed at runners rather than gym-goers.

Best for: runners choosing a 5-inch inseam with zipper pockets Skip it if: a 5-inch inseam feels too short for gym use

Gaglg is a specialist. The 5-inch inseam is the shortest stated in this shortlist, and it is aimed at runners who want a shorter cut for stride length, not gym-goers under a squat rack. The pack ships two pairs in a black and green pairing, and Gaglg is the only pick in the set to publish a weight figure, at 0.66 lb per pair, so you get a sense of how light the polyester really is. Gaglg says the shorts use double-lock stitching, a relaxed fit with a cut-off hem, and a breathable elastic panel between the side and inner seams. Zipper pockets keep phone and keys safe on a run. Sales rank sits at 784, mid-pack in this set. Set against NORTHYARD, Gaglg gives you two pairs to NORTHYARD's one, but fewer pockets and one fixed inseam. This is a runner's short first, a general-purpose one second.

Pros:

• 5-inch inseam stated in the listing
• Zipper pockets for phone security
• Only listing with a published weight, at 0.66 lb
• Two pairs in one order
• Double-lock stitching claimed

Cons:

• 5-inch inseam too short for many gym uses
• Colour choice limited to black and green
• Zipper count not stated clearly

How many pairs does your laundry cycle actually need?

The best budget athletic shorts for men only stay affordable if you buy the right pack size for how often you wash. Here is a rough rule:

• You work out 1 to 2 times a week and wash weekly. One or two pairs is plenty. Choose NY Threads or NORTHYARD.
• You work out 3 to 4 times a week and wash weekly. Three to four pairs. A single Gaglg two-pack plus one NY Threads pair, or the AKAWOOKO 5-pack, covers you.
• You work out 5 to 6 times a week or wash every ten days. Five pairs, minimum. BALENNZ or AKAWOOKO fits.
• You work out daily, sweat heavily and wash every ten to fourteen days. Seven pairs. BOOJO is the only pick that gets you there in one order.

Skip this one if you already own more than four pairs. Adding another five- or seven-pack to a drawer that will not close is a waste, and you would be better off with one NORTHYARD for run security or one NY Threads as a replacement.

What the listings do not tell you

Six things are missing from every listing in this set, and worth naming so you can shop with your eyes open.

• No warranty term. Not one of the six lists a stated warranty. Treat this as consumable clothing, not durable equipment.
• No wash-cycle count. Polyester with elastane loses some stretch over 40 to 60 washes, but none of the listings publishes a durability figure.
• No liner information. These are all shell-only shorts as best the bullets show. If you want a compression liner, none of the six is the right buy.
• No weight for five of six. Only Gaglg publishes a weight, at 0.66 lb per pair. Everything else you buy on feel.
• No stated fabric percentages on four of six. NORTHYARD publishes 90/10 polyester/elastane. Everyone else says "soft" and stops there.
• No true colour photos for two multi-packs. BOOJO names its seven colours but the swatches on Amazon are often photographed under studio lighting. AKAWOOKO does not name the colours at all.

In practice, none of these gaps is a deal-breaker for budget shorts. They are the reason the price is what it is. You get quick-dry polyester with a drawstring, sometimes zipper pockets, sometimes a stated inseam. Anything else, you infer.

BALENNZ vs BOOJO: which pack wins?

BALENNZ and BOOJO are the two multi-pair heavyweights, and both sit at the premium price position within this set. The choice comes down to three things.

Pack size. BOOJO gives seven pairs to BALENNZ's five. If you truly wash every ten days, BOOJO buys you the extra buffer. If you wash weekly, the two extra BOOJO pairs sit unused.

Inseam. BALENNZ names 10 inches. BOOJO does not publish an inseam at all. For a first-time buyer, that alone tips the balance. You can measure a 10-inch drop from your natural waist against your current shorts. You cannot measure against an unspecified value.

Sales rank. BALENNZ sits at 192 and BOOJO at 3,347. Buyers reach for BALENNZ more often. That does not make BOOJO wrong: a slower rank on a seven-pair listing often means shoppers hesitate on the larger commitment. But the pattern is real.

I'd start with BALENNZ. If it fits, the same brand almost certainly sells a similar 5-pack in a different colour set, and you can double up. If BALENNZ runs long or short in the thigh, you have only committed to five pairs, not seven.

The verdict

The best budget athletic shorts for men are the BALENNZ Mens Athletic Shorts with Pockets Quick Dry. It is the only 5-pack in this shortlist that publishes an inseam, at 10 inches, and it sits at a strong sales rank of 192 despite its premium price position within the set. That combination of a stated fit spec and a full week's rotation in one order is what wins.

If you sleep on the fence about multi-packs, buy the NY Threads Men's Athletic Shorts Quick Dry Loose-Fit first, in black, large. It is the cheapest position in the set, and it lets you test the category and the fit of a similar cut before committing to five or seven pairs of anything. If you run before sunrise, at sunset, or you need real phone security on the move, the NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts is the only pick with three zipper pockets and reflective strips, and it outsells everything else here at rank 28. Gaglg is the specialist runner's pick at a 5-inch inseam. BOOJO and AKAWOOKO are for buyers who already know they want a big rotation and are willing to trade a stated inseam for pack volume.

FAQ

Are budget athletic shorts worth it compared to premium brands?

Budget athletic shorts are worth it for most gym-goers, most of the time. All six picks here claim quick-dry polyester with a drawstring waist, which covers the fundamentals of a workout short. What premium brands add is stated fabric science, warranties, compression liners and named inseams across the size range. If you race competitively or lift heavy every day, premium is worth the jump. For general training, budget shorts do the job.

Is the BALENNZ 5-pack worth it over the NY Threads single pair?

The BALENNZ 5-pack is worth it over the NY Threads single pair only if you actually need a rotation. Five pairs at once is a real upfront commitment. If you work out three or more times a week and wash weekly, the per-pair math favours BALENNZ. If you work out once or twice a week, or you want to try the fit before stocking up, NY Threads at the cheapest position in this set is the smarter first buy.

What inseam should I choose for gym versus running shorts?

Inseam choice depends on the sport. Gym use, especially squats and lunges, favours a longer inseam of 9 to 10 inches, so BALENNZ at 10 inches sits well for lifting. Running favours shorter inseams for stride length, which is where Gaglg's 5-inch and NORTHYARD's 5- or 7-inch options come in. NORTHYARD is the only listing in the set that publishes three separate inseam choices at 5, 7 and 9 inches.

NORTHYARD versus Gaglg: which is better for running?

NORTHYARD is better for running for most buyers. NORTHYARD publishes three zipper pockets, two on the sides and one at the back, plus reflective strips front and back, plus a 90/10 polyester/elastane fabric blend, and it sells fastest in this set at rank 28. Gaglg gives you two pairs to NORTHYARD's one and a 5-inch inseam, but fewer stated pocket details and no reflective strips. Pick Gaglg if you need two pairs; pick NORTHYARD if pockets and visibility win.

What is the biggest mistake shoppers make with cheap gym shorts?

The biggest mistake shoppers make with cheap gym shorts is buying a multi-pack in an untested fit. Five or seven pairs of shorts that ride too high, sit too loose or bunch under a barbell is money wasted. The fix is simple: buy one single pair first, from NY Threads or NORTHYARD, and only order a 5- or 7-pack once you know the cut works for your body. Do not skip the single-pair test on a brand you have never worn.

Start with NY Threads if you want to test the category for the least money, then move to BALENNZ once you know the fit works. Runners should go straight to NORTHYARD for the zipper pockets and the reflective strips. The reason BALENNZ wins the top slot is not that it is the cheapest or the most popular in raw terms; it is the only pick that gives you a stated 10-inch inseam and five pairs in one order, which is what most gym-goers actually need from a budget shortlist. Everything else in this set is a variation on that trade-off.

Last updated: September 8, 2026. Product availability re-checked.

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