I have four pairs of apple iphones and all have them have stopped working?

Every single one of them has stopped working so that I can only hear music in one earphone and not the other. I can't contact apple to complain because apparently you have to pay to do that!
Do other non apple earphones work on an ipod? I don't want to pay like £25 for a set of earphones that is going to break in a week when I can pay £2.50 for a better pair that isn't apple.

Definitely stop getting Apple earphones. I have had one pair for a few months, and suddenly the right side stopped working. This is actually fairly common in earphones, though I couldn't tell you why.

Here are my recommendations:
Skull Candy (a bit overrated, but still pretty good. In-ear.)
Monoprice (if you listen to dubstep or techno, these are the best 10 dollar earphones you are going to find, also in ear.)
Samsung Stereo Headset (in-ear)
RHA MA-150 (in-ear)

Here is a link you may find helpful: http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-headphones-under-30/

There are lots to choose from out there. Most of what I've suggested is $10 and under. You didn't specify whether you wanted in-ear or not, so I just recommended what I like.

Good luck!

Edit: All of these should work with Apple products. Check the jack size before you get anything.