12 Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 with Noise Cancellation [ANC]

Finding excellent wireless earbuds doesn’t require spending $300 anymore. In 2026, the sub-$100 market has become a battleground for value, with brands like Soundcore, EarFun, and OnePlus trickling down flagship features to affordable models. This list is curated for the real world: commuters fighting bus engine rumble, students needing library silence, and office workers blocking out chatter.

We have capped our selection strictly at $100 (street price), ensuring you get legitimate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), not just passive isolation. At this price point, “good ANC” means effectively cutting out low-frequency drones (planes, traffic) while dampening mid-range conversations. While no budget bud cuts 100% of high-pitched noise, the models below get surprisingly close when you get a proper ear seal.

Best Under-$100 ANC Earbuds (Quick Picks)

If you are in a rush, here is the breakdown of the top contenders for 2026. We prioritized “ANC Strength” and “Multipoint” (connecting to two devices at once) because these are the features that transform how you use earbuds daily.

Quick Recommendations

• Best Overall: The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC remains the gold standard. It offers noise cancellation that rivals $200 pairs, LDAC support, and a battery that refuses to die.
• Best ANC for Commuting: The CMF Buds Pro 2 (by Nothing) uses a highly effective “Smart ANC” dial on the case and powerful drivers to drown out subway noise better than anything else near $60.
• Best Calls: EarFun Air Pro 4 utilizes the latest Qualcomm chips to filter wind and background noise significantly better than competitors, making it the safest bet for Zoom calls.
• Best Workout Pick: The Soundpeats Air5 Pro or JLab JBuds ANC 3 offer IP55 ratings (dust and water resistance) and secure fits, ensuring they survive sweat and rain.

How We Chose These Earbuds (Testing + Selection Criteria)

To determine the “best” in a crowded market, we looked beyond the spec sheet. We evaluated these earbuds based on five critical pillars that affect real-world usage.

The $100 Price Ceiling

The rule was strict: the street price must be typically under $100. We included premium models that frequently dip below this price during sales (like the Sony WF-C700N or Samsung Galaxy Buds FE) because they offer superior value compared to full-price budget buds.

ANC Performance vs. Marketing Hype

Every box claims “45dB Noise Cancellation.” We looked for effective ANC. This means the ability to suppress low-frequency noise (transportation) significantly. We favored earbuds that also offer a usable Transparency Mode—essential for office work or walking safely in the city—without sounding overly robotic or hissy.

Fit and Seal

ANC is useless without a good seal. If an earbud sits loosely, noise leaks in. We prioritized models with ergonomic designs and multiple ear tip sizes. A secure fit improves both isolation and bass response.

Connection Stability and Codecs

Cheap earbuds often suffer from dropouts. We selected models with Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4 for stability. We also gave extra points for “Multipoint Connectivity” (pairing to a laptop and phone simultaneously), a feature that has finally become standard in the sub-$100 category.

Microphone Quality

While no budget earbud matches a dedicated boom mic, we filtered out models that make you sound like you are underwater. We looked for multi-mic arrays with noise reduction (ENC) that can handle a breezy walk or a noisy coffee shop.

12 Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 With Noise Cancellation

1. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Best for: Commute / Travel / Android / iPhone

Why it wins:

• Elite ANC: Soundcore’s “Adaptive ANC 2.0” reduces noise by up to 98.5% (claimed), and in practice, it is startlingly good at silencing airplane engines and bus rumbles.
• Class-Leading Battery: You get 10 hours of playback with ANC off (8 with it on) and a massive 50 hours total with the case.
• Feature Density: Includes LDAC (high-res audio for Android), wireless charging, and a comprehensive app with 22 EQ presets.

Watch-outs:

• Bulky Case: The case is slightly thicker than average, though the button-release lid is satisfying.
• Touch Controls: The default touch scheme can be a bit sensitive, though it is customizable in the app.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 10h buds / 50h case
• IP Rating: IPX4 (Splash resistant)
• Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: The commuter who wants near-flagship silence and battery life without paying the Sony or Bose tax.

2. EarFun Air Pro 4

Best for: Calls / Features / Future-Proofing

Why it wins:

• Snapdragon Sound: Equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip, it supports aptX Adaptive and Lossless audio, delivering incredibly clear sound on supported Android phones.
• Call Quality: The 6-mic array with cVc 8.0 technology handles wind noise exceptionally well for this price bracket.
• Auracast Ready: It is one of the few budget buds supporting LE Audio and Auracast, making it future-proof for next-gen public broadcasts.

Watch-outs:

• Generic Design: They look like standard stem-style earbuds; nothing about the design stands out.
• In-Ear Detection: It can be slightly laggy (1-2 seconds) compared to AirPods.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 11h buds / 52h case
• IP Rating: IPX5 (Water jets resistant)
• Codecs: aptX Adaptive/Lossless, LDAC, AAC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Tech-savvy users who take frequent work calls and want the latest codec support.

3. OnePlus Buds 3

Best for: Android / Bass Lovers / Style

Why it wins:

• Dual Drivers: Uses a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter. This separation allows for thumping bass without muddying the crisp vocals.
• Sleek Comfort: They have a premium matte/glossy finish and are incredibly lightweight, sitting comfortably in the ear for hours.
• Sliding Volume Control: A rare feature at this price—you can slide your finger up/down the stem to adjust volume.

Watch-outs:

• HeyMelody App: You need the HeyMelody app to customize them unless you have a OnePlus phone (where settings are built-in).
• ANC Hiss: Some users report a very faint white noise hiss in a silent room when ANC is on max (common in budget ANC).

Key Specs:

• Battery: 10h buds / 44h case
• IP Rating: IP55 (Dust & Water)
• Codecs: LHDC 5.0, AAC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Someone who wants stylish earbuds with punchy, exciting sound and intuitive volume controls.

4. CMF Buds Pro 2

Best for: Design / ANC Power / Fun

Why it wins:

• Smart Dial Case: The case features a rotating dial that you can customize to control volume, ANC modes, or even play/pause. It is a fidget-friendly, useful innovation.
• 50dB Hybrid ANC: The noise cancellation is aggressive, punching well above its weight class ($59) to silence office chatter.
• Dual Drivers: Like the OnePlus, these use a dual-driver setup for deep bass and clear highs.

Watch-outs:

• Bass Heavy: Out of the box, the bass is very dominant (Ultra Bass 2.0). You might need to tame it in the EQ if you prefer neutral sound.
• Plastic Feel: The case feels a bit more “toy-like” than premium metal options, though the design is unique.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 11h buds / 43h case
• IP Rating: IP55
• Codecs: LDAC, AAC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Students or younger buyers who want cool design, massive bass, and strong ANC for cheap.

5. Sony WF-C700N

Best for: Comfort / Small Ears / Reliability

Why it wins:

• Ergonomic Marvel: These are tiny. They fit almost flush in the ear, making them perfect for wearing under a beanie or for people with small ear canals.
• Natural Sound: Being a Sony product, the tuning is balanced and pleasant. The DSEE capabilities help upscale low-quality files.
• Physical Buttons: Instead of finicky touch sensors, these use tactile buttons, which prevent accidental touches when adjusting your hair.

Watch-outs:

• Battery Life: 7.5 hours is decent, but the case only holds one extra charge (15 hours total), which is low for 2026.
• No Auto-Pause: Taking an earbud out won’t automatically pause your music.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 7.5h buds / 15h case
• IP Rating: IPX4
• Codecs: AAC, SBC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Someone with small ears who prioritizes all-day comfort and physical buttons over massive battery specs.

6. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

Best for: Samsung Users / Ecosystem Features

Why it wins:

• Wingtip Stability: The “FE” (Fan Edition) brought back the wingtips, ensuring these stay locked in your ears during runs or eating.
• Samsung Seamless Codec: If you have a Samsung phone, these switch devices instantly and offer optimized audio quality.
• SmartThings Find: Excellent integration with Samsung’s “Find My” network if you lose them.

Watch-outs:

• Ecosystem Locked: You lose features like easy pairing and the scalable codec if you use them with an iPhone or non-Samsung Android.
• Wireless Charging: The case does not support wireless charging.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 6h buds / 21h case
• IP Rating: IPX2 (Light sweat only)
• Codecs: Samsung Scalable, AAC
• Multipoint: Auto-switch (Samsung only)

Ideal Buyer: A Samsung Galaxy phone owner who wants the “AirPods Pro experience” for Android at a fraction of the cost.

7. Soundpeats Air5 Pro

Best for: Workouts / Value / High-Res Audio

Why it wins:

• Snapdragon Sound on a Budget: Similar to the EarFun model, these support aptX Adaptive for high-bitrate streaming at an aggressive price.
• Secure Fit: The shape is designed to sit deep and secure, and with IPX5, they can handle heavy gym sessions.
• Adaptive ANC: The hybrid ANC adjusts to your environment, ramping up suppression in noisy areas.

Watch-outs:

• App Polish: The Soundpeats app is functional but feels less refined and occasionally buggy compared to Soundcore or Sony.
• Touch Accuracy: Touch panels can be slightly small, leading to occasional misses.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 8h buds / 30h case
• IP Rating: IPX5
• Codecs: aptX Adaptive, AAC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Gym-goers who want high-res audio and a durable build without risking expensive earbuds.

8. JLab JBuds ANC 3

Best for: Durability / Battery Life / Tiny Case

Why it wins:

• Pocketability: The case is incredibly small and includes JLab’s signature built-in USB-C charging cable—you never need to hunt for a wire.
• Movie Mode: A dedicated low-latency mode that is great for watching videos or light gaming without lip-sync issues.
• Be Aware Mode: JLab’s transparency mode is highly adjustable, letting you dial in exactly how much outside noise you want.

Watch-outs:

• Sound Profile: Very “V-shaped” sound (boomy bass, sharp treble). Audiophiles might find it fatiguing, but general listeners usually like it.
• Plastic Build: The build quality is rugged but feels undeniably plastic and budget-oriented.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 9h buds / 42h case
• IP Rating: IP55 (Dust/Water)
• Codecs: AAC, SBC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Students or travelers who want a “throw in the bag” pair that is durable, easy to charge, and lasts forever.

9. Moondrop Space Travel 2

Best for: Audiophiles / Tightest Budget / Anime Fans

Why it wins:

• Tuning: Moondrop is an audiophile brand. These are tuned to the “VDSF Target,” offering vocal clarity and instrument separation unheard of at $25-$30.
• Price-to-Performance: You get functional ANC and great sound for the price of a few coffees.
• Unique Aesthetic: The transparent case and “space age” design stands out in a sea of black plastic.

Watch-outs:

• Battery: 4 hours is very low by modern standards. You will be charging them often.
• Open Case: The case has no lid! While magnets are strong, dust and lint will get inside your charging ports.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 4h buds / 12h case
• IP Rating: IPX4
• Codecs: AAC, SBC
• Multipoint: No

Ideal Buyer: Someone curious about “audiophile” sound quality who wants the absolute cheapest ANC option that doesn’t suck.

10. QCY MeloBuds Pro

Best for: High Specs on Low Budget

Why it wins:

• Hi-Res Certified: Remarkably, these budget buds support LDAC, allowing for high-resolution streaming on supported devices.
• Wear Detection: Auto-pause/play when you remove the earbuds is a premium feature rarely seen under $50.
• Strong ANC: The noise cancellation is surprisingly competent, handling AC hum and traffic noise effectively.

Watch-outs:

• Microphone: The call quality is passable for quiet rooms but struggles heavily in windy conditions.
• App Privacy: The QCY app requires a lot of permissions, which some users may find intrusive.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 7h buds / 30h case
• IP Rating: IPX5
• Codecs: LDAC, AAC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: The bargain hunter who wants every single spec sheet feature (LDAC, wear detection, multipoint) for the lowest possible dollar amount.

11. Anker Soundcore Space A40

Best for: Sleep / Long Haul Flights / Small Ears

Why it wins:

• Tiny Footprint: These are smaller than the Liberty 4 NC and sit flush in the ear, making them comfortable enough to sleep in (for back sleepers).
• 50-Hour Playtime: Phenomenal battery life ensures they last through the longest international flights without needing a charge.
• HearID Sound: The app tests your hearing and creates a custom EQ profile specifically for your ears.

Watch-outs:

• Mic Quality: The microphones are average. They are fine for quick calls, but the Liberty 4 NC is better for business use.
• Slippery Case: The pebble-shaped case is smooth and can easily slip out of dry hands.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 10h buds / 50h case
• IP Rating: IPX4
• Codecs: LDAC, AAC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Frequent flyers or office workers who want a “set and forget” pair of earbuds that are small, last forever, and block noise well.

12. Skullcandy Method 360 ANC

Best for: Bass Heads / Durability

Why it wins:

• Skullcandy Bass: If you love feeling the kick drum in your chest, these deliver that signature heavy, punchy sound.
• Ruggedness: Designed for action, they feel solid and can take a beating in a gym bag.
• Tile Integration: Some Skullcandy models feature Tile tracking built-in (check specific region availability), making them hard to lose.

Watch-outs:

• Size: They are a bit chunkier than the Sony or Soundcore options.
• ANC Hiss: Like other budget options, the ANC has a slight noise floor noticeable in silence.

Key Specs:

• Battery: 9h buds / 36h case
• IP Rating: IPX4
• Codecs: AAC, SBC
• Multipoint: Yes

Ideal Buyer: Younger listeners who listen to Hip-Hop or EDM and want a brand with a recognizable street style.

What to Look for in Budget ANC Earbuds

Navigating the budget audio market can be tricky. Here is exactly what you should look for (and ignore) when spending under $100.

ANC Reality Check Under $100

First, manage your expectations. A $60 pair of earbuds will not silence a crying baby or a screaming subway track as well as the $300 Bose QuietComfort.

• What they DO block: Low-frequency, constant noises. Think airplane cabin droning, air conditioners, and distant traffic.
• What they struggle with: High-pitched, inconsistent sounds. Voices, keyboard clicking, and dishes clanking will usually bleed through, though they will be muffled.

Fit Is King (Seal = Bass + Better ANC)

This is the most overlooked factor. Active Noise Cancellation relies on Passive Isolation to work. If the silicone tip doesn’t create a perfect air-tight seal in your ear canal:

1. Bass will escape, making music sound tinny.
2. Noise will leak in, rendering the ANC useless.
   Tip: Always test all three sizes of ear tips included in the box. If none fit, consider buying third-party foam tips (like Comply) for $10 to drastically improve performance.

Transparency / Ambient Mode

This feature uses the microphones to pump outside sound into your ears. It is vital for safety (running near roads) or office work (hearing a colleague).

• Good Transparency: Sounds natural, like you aren’t wearing earbuds.
• Bad Transparency: Sounds amplified, hissy, or tinny.
  Most earbuds on this list have “decent” transparency, but don’t expect the “open air” feeling of Apple AirPods Pro.

Call Quality and Wind Noise

Microphone quality is usually where budget earbuds cut costs.

• Quiet Rooms: Almost all earbuds on this list will sound fine in a quiet room.
• Wind/Noise: Only models with specific wind-reduction algorithms (like the EarFun Air Pro 4 or Soundcore Liberty 4 NC) handle outdoor calls well. If you take calls while walking outside, prioritize “stem-style” earbuds, as the mic is physically closer to your mouth.

Battery Life (Buds vs. Case)

Manufacturers love to advertise “50 Hours Playtime!” but that usually includes the charging case.

• Buds Battery: Look for at least 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC ON. This covers most flights and work sessions.
• Case Battery: Anything over 24 hours is good.
• Fast Charging: Look for “10 minutes charge = 2 hours play.” This is a lifesaver when you forget to charge them.

Durability (IP Ratings)

Don’t take “waterproof” for granted. Check the IP (Ingress Protection) rating:

• IPX4: Splash resistant. Fine for light rain and sitting at a desk.
• IPX5: Water jet resistant. Good for heavy sweat and rain.
• IP55: Dust AND water resistant. Best for hiking, beach, or dusty jobs.
• IPX7: Fully submersible. Rare in this category, but allows for washing them under a tap.

Features That Actually Matter

• Multipoint: The ability to connect to two devices (e.g., laptop and phone) at once. If your phone rings while you are watching YouTube on your laptop, the audio automatically switches. This is a productivity game-changer.
• App Support: A good app lets you customize controls (so a single tap doesn’t accidentally pause music) and EQ the sound. Avoid earbuds with no app support.
• Wear Detection: Sensors that pause music when you take an earbud out. Convenient, but not strictly necessary.

Codecs (Nice-to-Have)

Codecs determine how audio is transmitted via Bluetooth.

• SBC/AAC: Standard. iPhones use AAC. All earbuds support these.
• LDAC: Sony’s high-res codec. Great for Android users with FLAC files or Tidal.
• aptX Adaptive: Qualcomm’s codec that balances quality and stability.
• LE Audio / LC3: The future standard. Offers better battery and quality, but support is still rolling out in 2026.

Cheap vs Premium: Biggest Differences

Why pay $300 for Sony or Bose if these $90 earbuds are so good? Here is the honest truth about what extra money buys you:

• The “Silence” Floor: Premium earbuds have better processing power to cancel out voices and sudden noises. The “cone of silence” is much stronger on flagship models.
• Transparency Realism: High-end buds sound like your natural ears. Budget buds often sound like a recording of the world.
• Microphone Isolation: In a crowded cafe, premium buds use bone conduction and AI to isolate your voice perfectly. Budget buds might struggle to separate your voice from the barista’s espresso machine.
• Polish: Premium cases feel better (metal vs plastic), apps are less buggy, and connection handshakes are smoother.

Final Thoughts

The gap between “budget” and “premium” audio has never been smaller than it is in 2026. Just a few years ago, spending under $100 meant sacrificing battery life, tolerating micro-USB charging, or accepting connection dropouts. Today, models like the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and EarFun Air Pro 4 deliver an experience that rivals flagship products from Sony and Bose, offering 85% of the performance for roughly 30% of the price.

When making your final decision, try not to get paralyzed by the spec sheets. If your priority is silence during a commute, trust the raw power of the Soundcore or CMF models. If you need a reliable workhorse for Zoom calls, the microphone tech in the EarFun is your safest bet. And for those deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds FE offer seamless magic that third-party brands simply can’t replicate.

Remember, ear shape is as unique as a fingerprint. Even the highest-rated earbuds might not fit you perfectly right out of the box. We highly recommend buying from a retailer with a solid return policy or investing a few extra dollars in third-party foam tips to guarantee that perfect seal.