Best wireless earbuds under $100

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Just a few years ago, functional and reliable cheap true wireless earbuds would have been an oxymoron, but now they’re being released in droves. You no longer have to shell out $150-plus for a pair of solid, truly wireless earbuds. Instead, as technology has progressed, you can save money and enjoy the latest and greatest audio engineering. Here are the best wireless earbuds under $100.

Why is the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC the best pair of wireless earbuds under $100 for most?

You’d be hard-pressed to find earbuds for a Benjamin Franklin that do most of the tasks the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC promises. With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, and good ANC with additional wind reduction and adaptive noise canceling features, these earbuds have more features than most name-brands at this price.

Typical of most consumer wireless earbuds, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC boosts bass and treble compared to our headphone preference curve. The accompanying app gives you a whopping 22 EQ presets alongside a labeled eight-band equalizer so you can fine-tune your listening experience. Anker kitted out the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC with Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. Android users will likely get the most out of the LDAC codec. Meanwhile, iPhones will default to the AAC codec. Oh, and they also support Bluetooth multipoint, so you can simultaneously connect to more than one device.

For most people, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are simply good, value-priced earbuds. They tick off most boxes, from the nearly 10 hours of battery life with ANC on to the responsive touch controls.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE bring good ANC for the price

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE hit the sweet spot for sub-$100 earbuds, combining practical design with solid noise cancelation capabilities. With a small, sleek case that fits in any pocket and is charged via USB-C, these earbuds are an excellent pick for the on-the-go listener. A snug fit is ensured with three different ear tip sizes included, although their IPX2 rating only offers minimal moisture resistance, so they’re not quite gym-ready. Despite this, their good ANC makes them ideal for commuters looking to drown out the rumble of daily travel, canceling up to 30dB of outside noise.

Operation is simple, with touch-sensitive controls that can be customized via the Samsung Wearable app. In terms of sound, the Buds FE offers a bass-forward audio profile that may require some EQ tweaking for balanced listening. They may not satisfy every audiophile’s palate, but the enhanced low-end is a feature many will welcome in noisy environments. The sound may lean heavily on bass, but the overall functionality and design make them a smart choice for everyday use.

The 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini is a pint-sized pick

For under $100, the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini has some of the smallest earbuds (3.7g each) on the market with some ANC on tap. In white, red, and black color options, the IPX5-rated buds can handle most daily excursions.

Interestingly, the ANC is pretty good with a function to filter wind noise, but the small size means you might not get as much environmental isolation as a more effective seal can offer. It sounds pleasant, although, for some reason, the tuning gets more bassy when you turn on the ANC. That might be a bonus for some listeners who use extra bass for focus. You will need to rely on the app to activate ANC rather than touch controls, and 1MORE customizes the sound for you based on your fit.

The battery lasts 5 hours and 19 minutes per charge with ANC. Considering the minute size of the ComfoBuds Mini (and, in turn, the internal batteries), that’s a rather impressive figure. AAC and SBC codecs are your sole options for Bluetooth connection. For the price, it’s a good pick.

Athletes and exercise enthusiasts should pick up the Jabra Elite 4

With the Jabra Elite 4, you get Bluetooth 5.2 along with SBC and aptX Bluetooth codec support. (Sorry, iPhone owners, no AAC here, although it still works just fine with iPhones.) Like most other Jabra products, the Elite 4 is built to endure with its IP55 dust and water-resistant build, making it great for exercise. As it lacks stabilizers, it will depend on your specific in-ear fit.

Jabra features ANC and HearThrough (transparency mode) with these affordable buds and a comfortable, sleek design with four color choices. The earbuds hardly protrude from the ear and are lightweight. They feature a multifunction button for playback and call controls and, surprisingly, Bluetooth multipoint. You can even select a designated smart assistant (Siri or Google Assistant only) to help execute simple commands.

While Jabra’s Sound+ app (iOS/Android) usually adds a significant number of software features to its other headsets, the Elite 4 mainly sports a personalized ANC, five-band equalizer, and HearThrough mode. You can also enjoy Spotify Tap integration through the earbuds for Android users, something more companies like Samsung and Skullcandy are investing in.

Jabra nails all the fundamentals with these earphones, like excellent sound quality and impressive isolation, making it a great pick for anyone’s daily driver. The ANC isn’t all that impressive, but the isolation is enough for most folks.

The JLab JBuds Mini are good bang for the buck

The sound quality is commendable for the price, offering a consumer-friendly tuning with an emphasis on bass, which, while not high-fidelity, provides a satisfying listening experience for everyday use. Alongside thoughtful features like touch controls, these are a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.

The Nothing Ear (a) is a good jack-of-all-trades

While the Nothing Ear (a) may not excel in any particular area, it offers a solid all-around experience for those on a tight budget. At $99, these earbuds deliver decent sound quality, impressive noise cancelation, and respectable battery life, making them a great value proposition.

The Nothing Ear (a) boasts a comfortable and lightweight design and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, making it suitable for workouts or outdoor activities. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 with the LDAC codec for high-quality audio streaming on compatible Android devices.

Although the sound quality won’t blow you away, it’s perfectly adequate for casual listening. There is a slight bass emphasis that can be further enhanced through the companion app’s equalizer settings. The noise cancelation performance is commendable for the price, effectively reducing environmental noise.

With a rated battery life of nearly 9 hours on a single charge and a total of 42.5 hours with the charging case, the Nothing Ear (a) should easily get you through a day’s worth of use. The clear voice microphone performance is also a standout feature, ensuring crisp call quality even in noisy environments.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded pair of true wireless earbuds that won’t break the bank, the Nothing Ear (a) is a compelling option to consider.

Should you buy the EarFun Free Pro 3?

The EarFun Free Pro 3 earbuds should be on budget-conscious consumers’ radar. They offer a compelling combination of features for under $80. They excel in delivering quality sound, a variety of ear tip options, and a user-friendly app, all housed within a compact case that supports wireless charging. Despite their affordable price point, these earbuds include modern conveniences such as Bluetooth 5.3, Multipoint connectivity, aptX Adaptive, and Snapdragon Sound.

However, they are not without their flaws; the EarFun Free Pro 3 suffers from weak Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities and a transparency mode that doesn’t quite meet expectations. Additionally, their battery life, at just under 5 hours, falls short when compared to other options in the market, which might be a significant drawback for power users or frequent travelers.

The inclusion of five pairs of silicone ear tips, three sizes of ear fins, and memory foam ear tips in the package enhances the user experience by offering better acoustic isolation and fit customization. The EarFun app further enriches this experience by allowing users to tailor the earbuds’ controls, ANC settings, and sound profile to their liking. While not perfect, the EarFun Free Pro 3 earbuds offer a strong value proposition for those seeking quality wireless earbuds under $100, making them a solid choice for everyday use and casual listening.

Should you buy the Anker Soundcore Space A40?

Anyone on a budget looking for noise canceling earbuds will appreciate the Soundcore Space A40. Commuters can block out the world on the bus or train, and athletes can stay aware of their surroundings with this pair of IPX4 water-resistant earbuds.

The baseline frequency response is enjoyable, and the many EQ presets to choose from, plus the ability to customize your sound profile, make it good for pretty much anyone. The noise canceling is quite good, and the many ear tips to choose from ensure a good fit for the noise canceling and isolation to do its job. Bluetooth multipoint and LDAC support elevate the earbuds even more.

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series is a smart set of budget earphones

The budget-friendly Google Pixel Buds A-Series succeeds the famed Google Pixel Buds (2020), and the A-Series has almost all the same specs as its pricier sibling, including an IPX4 rating, a Bass Boost feature, and Google Assistant integration. Few wireless earbuds support hands-free Google Assistant access, let alone the best wireless earbuds under $100.

Upon its release, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series had some volume quirks (it was far too quiet), but Google has since released firmware 233 to bring the output up to an acceptable level. Listeners who enjoy spoken word content will appreciate the Pixel Buds A-Series’ under-emphasized bass response, which yields much clearer vocal reproduction. If you’re exercising or enjoy more of a bass-heavy sound, then take a minute to enable the Bass Boost response in the Pixel Buds app (Android only).

Ultimately, this is a really solid set of earbuds with plenty of advanced software and hardware to keep up with newer releases. If you want additional noise canceling and Google Translate, you’ll have to pony up for the flagship Google Pixel Buds Pro, but if you can do without, these are great buds for the price.

The Sony WF-C500 can go anywhere

Although the Sony WF-C500 isn’t a particularly notable pair of earbuds, they have an IPX4 rating and will get the job done at just about every twist and turn.

While the WF-C500 lacks noise canceling, it has good enough isolation to rival other noise canceling earbuds. The default frequency response is very good and should please most listeners. Still, if you like to tweak things to absolute perfection, the Sony Headphones Connect app (iOS and Android) has plenty to offer. Here, you can use its five-band equalizer to adjust the sound and choose to prioritize sound quality or connection stability. For iPhones, you get the necessary AAC codec to get the best audio you can get with your Apple device. Android owners will make do with SBC or AAC only.

This is the only headset listed to support 3D audio. With the WF-C500 set up through the Sony app, you can take advantage of Sony 360 Reality Audio. However, access to 360 Reality Audio content is limited to certain services like Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music.

The best wireless earbuds under $100: Notable mentions

This is a crowded price bracket, so be sure to take a gander through our notable mentions. If you don’t see all your desired features, maybe consider upping your price threshold.

• Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen): This sometimes costs a bit more than $100, disqualifying it as a top contender, but it’s a great pair of entry-level smart earbuds that retails for much less than the Apple AirPods Pro. You get hands-free access to Alexa, which is helpful for smart home enthusiasts. Noise canceling is good and rivals more expensive competitors. When it’s in stock, you can get it for $119 at Amazon.
• Anker Soundcore Life A1: Anker’s IPX7 earbuds cost just $49 at Amazon, and feature stabilizing ear wings that keep the buds in place no matter how you move. The boosted bass response may be a bit much for most listeners, but you can amend this from your media player’s EQ module.
• Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW: For just $43 at Amazon, Audio-Technica’s earbuds provide great sound quality and above-average isolation. You don’t get any app support, though; the earbuds only stream audio over the SBC Bluetooth codec.
• Beats Studio Buds ($99 at Amazon): While the ANC won’t beat the likes of the latest Beats Studio Buds Plus, you still get an effortless IPX4-rated pair of buds with 4 hours and 24 minutes of battery life to a single charge.
• Jabra Elite 3: Although it lacks ANC altogether, the Jabra Elite 3 is a straightforward set of earbuds at a great price ($59 at Amazon). Its aptX codec supplies great audio, and its default tuning is pretty consumer-friendly.
• Jabra Elite 4 Active: Not to be confused with the Jabra Elite 4, this one has a greater IP57 rating with less impressive noise canceling. However, it’s still a great set for $89.99 at Jabra.
• JBL Tune Buds ($69.95 at Amazon): If you can get a good fit with the JBL Tune Buds, you will enjoy using them. They are packed full of features and have a sound quality that most people like.
• JLab Epic Air Sport ANC: Okay, this set of earphones is an epically good deal and sells for $89 at Amazon. You get some premium features like top-notch ANC, an ear hook design, and a relatively consumer-friendly sound. The touch controls aren’t great, and neither is the mic quality, but you’ll love these buds if you can overlook those things.
• JLab GO Air POP: These extremely budget-friendly earbuds sound great, with over 11 hours of battery life and an IPX4 rating. Its touch controls lack some refinement, and the mic is imperfect, but it’s so cheap ($24 at Amazon).
• Nothing Ear 1: These buds feel premium for $99 at Amazon with good sound, a bit of ANC, and a stylish and lightweight design.
• Nothing Ear (stick): For the person who desires a pair of unsealed earbuds akin to AirPods, the Ear (stick) is a slick-looking option at a low price ($64 at Amazon) compared to AirPods. The app isn’t half bad, either.
• OnePlus Buds Z: If you like the design of the original Apple AirPods but want something that seals your ears, you should check out these budget buds for on the product’s website. They have an IPX4 rating, quick charging, AAC codec support, and good mic quality.
• OnePlus Buds Z2: This set of earbuds merits an IP55 rating, and you can use either Bud in mono mode. When you buy the Buds Z2, you get access to Bluetooth 5.2, which opens the door for LE Audio support. These Buds Z2 has good noise canceling, especially for the price of $99 at Amazon, but it limits you to SBC and AAC streaming.
• Sennheiser CX ($79.95 at Sennheiser): Since its drop in price, it has become a truly excellent option for its sound quality and feature set. However, you can get the ANC-capable Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless for only a little bit more ($89 at Amazon)
• Skullcandy Dime 2: For well within budget ($24 at Amazon), the Dime 2 fits nicely, has an IPX4 rating, and the mics are better than you’d expect. The downside is the battery life is pretty short.
• Skullcandy Mod XT: If you can get past the stiff buttons on the buds, the combination of the price of $48 at Amazon, IP55 rating, Bluetooth multipoint, and consumer-friendly frequency response makes this set stiff competition.
• Skullcandy Push Active: The Push Active earbuds have an IP55 dust and water-resistant rating, making them a great option for athletes. You can access your smart assistant hands-free due to Skull-iQ, making it a smart and strong pick for $69 at Amazon.
• TCL MOVEAUDIO S600: If you want the AirPods look and feel, you’ll enjoy the premium features at an affordable price ($99 at Amazon) like a bit of ANC, an IP54 rating, and wireless charging.
• Technics EAH-AZ40: Frequently found on discount ($117 at Amazon) the EAH-AZ40 is a comfortable, straightforward set of buds. Its app works on iOS and Android and includes a helpful equalizer. The mic handles external noise pretty well for the price, too.
• TOZO NC2: For some surprisingly effective noise canceling for an affordable price ($39 at Amazon), the NC2 isn’t perfect, but it’s better than you’d expect, despite a sort of useless manual, it connects to your phone faster than most flagships can muster.
• TOZO T6: As a straightforward set of earbuds, this budget set has some quirks, like maxing out the volume when you initially connect. If you can look past such an oversight, it’s not bad for only $26 at Amazon.
• 1MORE ColorBuds 2: The 1MORE ColorBuds 2 comes in various fun colorways to express your style through your headset. The earphones are durable, too, as denoted by the IPX5 rating. Find a pair for $99 at Amazon.

What you should know about cheap wireless earbuds

When you buy cheap earbuds, even the best wireless earbuds under $100, you’re sacrificing style, build quality, and extra features like noise canceling. Just because you’re saving money on your affordable wireless buds doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing basic Bluetooth performance though. You can read our in-depth buyer’s guide or skim the important stuff below.

How long do wireless earbuds last?

When true wireless earbuds like these were first released, you were lucky to get four hours of playback from a single charge. Now, we have earbuds exceeding 10 hours, setting a new standard for the technology. While shelling out more than $100 on wireless earbuds is worth it for many, it’s unnecessary if you want a basic, reliable pair of everyday earbuds. Companies like Jabra and Sony are cornering the cheap wireless market with good quality products for significantly less than the competition.

What is a Bluetooth codec?

Typically, we advise listeners to keep an eye out for high-quality Bluetooth codecs. If you’re not too familiar with how codecs work, fear not. They dictate how data is transferred from a source (phone) to a receiver (headphones). Ideally, Bluetooth transfer rates wouldn’t have to make compromises between efficiency and quality, but bandwidth remains limited. Companies are always looking for inventive workarounds: Bluetooth SIG teamed up with Fraunhofer to produce LE Audio and the new LC3 codec, which will greatly improve wireless streaming standards and aid the hard-of-hearing community.

If you’re an iPhone user, make sure to get earbuds with AAC support. On the other hand, Android users should get something with aptX support. While Android devices support AAC streaming, its performance is inconsistent.

What is noise cancelation, and how should earbuds fit?

None of the best wireless earbuds under $100 will supply a wide range of ear tips or outperform something like Sony WF-1000XM4 or Shure AONIC Free, but improving isolation is an easy way to improve sound quality. Take a few minutes to figure out which included ear tips are best for you. Ear tips that fit well will seal to your ear canals and stay in place as you jostle your head around. Effective isolation is the oldest form of noise canceling, and it blocks external noise from reaching your ears.

Some earbuds come with fit tests in the app, but this is uncommon at this price. If you can’t get the provided tips to work, invest in a pair of third-party ear tips. Doing so could also prevent irrevocable hearing loss.

Increasingly, earbuds under $100 have also been released with active noise cancelation, proving you don’t need to break the piggybank to access the feature these days. However, not all ANC is equal, so we test each pair of earbuds. ANC works best on low and midrange-frequency noises, while isolation is most effective with high-pitched noises.

How should wireless earbuds sound?

Wireless earbuds are typically aimed toward your average consumer, so the frequency response will reflect that with amplified bass and treble notes relative to the mids. Generally speaking, this is how we created the SoundGuys house curve, which we use to score how a headset sounds. This curve is not a universal truth for what sounds good, but it is what most people will find pleasant.

Athletes need IP-certified earbuds

IP, or Ingress Protection, ratings denote how dust- or water-resistant a product is. Our deep dive into IP ratings is a great resource, but if you don’t have time, the higher the number, the more resistant a product is to dust or water.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

We at SoundGuys pride ourselves on our ability to provide readers with a focused understanding of the subject of consumer audio using objective measurements. We adhere to a draconian ethics policy and don’t allow sponsored content on our site in an age where that’s more and more commonplace. Our income depends almost exclusively on people being happy with the products they buy after researching them.

Frequently asked questions about wireless earbuds under $100