10 Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Beat Premium Brands for Under $100

If you are still convinced you need to spend over $250 to get high-quality audio, it’s time to rethink your strategy. The market for the best budget wireless earbuds has undergone a radical transformation. A few years ago, “budget” meant sacrificing features; you had to choose between decent sound and active noise cancellation. Today, that trade-off is dead.

The latest wave of affordable audio gear doesn’t just “mimic” premium brands like Sony, Bose, or Apple; in many specific metrics, they are actively beating them. We are seeing advanced features like Multipoint Connection, High-Resolution LDAC codecs, and smart app integration becoming standard in earbuds that cost less than a nice dinner for two. Whether you are a student, a commuter, or a gym-goer, the smartest purchase you can make right now isn’t the most expensive one; it’s the one that offers the most value.

We have tested and analyzed the latest releases to bring you the definitive list of top performers. Here are the 10 best budget wireless earbuds that prove you don’t need a premium logo to get premium sound.

Key Takeaways

• The Gap is Gone: In 2025, the best budget wireless earbuds now feature premium tech like LDAC, 50dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Spatial Audio—specs previously reserved for $300 flagships.

• Top Overall Pick: The EarFun Air Pro 4 offers the most complete package with aptX Lossless audio and future-proof Auracast technology for under $80.

• Best for Commuters: The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC leads the pack with industry-shaking noise reduction that blocks 98.5% of external sound.

• Best Audiophile Value: New xMEMS driver technology in the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ brings unparalleled clarity to the budget segment.

• Battery Life: Expect a minimum of 6-10 hours of listening time on a single charge from modern budget buds, with cases extending that to 40+ hours.

How We Test Budget Earbuds

To ensure these recommendations are accurate for 2025, we didn’t just read spec sheets. We put each pair of earbuds through a rigorous 5-point testing protocol designed to mimic real-world usage:

1. The “Coffee Shop” ANC Test: We tested active noise cancellation in three specific environments: a quiet room, a busy coffee shop, and near a running HVAC unit. This separates the buds that merely dampen noise from those that actually cancel low-frequency rumble and high-frequency chatter.

2. The Single-Charge Battery Drain: We played a looped playlist at 50% volume with ANC turned on until the earbuds died. Many brands advertise battery life with ANC off, so our test reveals the “real” number you’ll get during daily use.

3. The Microphone Wind Tunnel: We recorded voice memos while standing in front of a fan to test wind-noise reduction (cVc technology). If a caller couldn’t understand us, the earbud was disqualified from the “Best for Calls” category.

4. The “Shake” Fit Test: We wore each pair during a 30-minute treadmill run to check for stability. If they required constant adjustment, they lost points for comfort.

5. Connection Stress Test: We tested connectivity by walking 30 feet away from the source device and putting a wall between us to check for signal dropouts or stuttering.

Quick Buying Guide: What to Look For

Before you click “buy,” it is crucial to understand what specs actually matter in the budget tier. Don’t get distracted by marketing fluff—focus on these four pillars.

1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Strength

Gone are the days when cheap ANC just meant a slight hiss. Look for Hybrid ANC with a rating of at least 40dB to 50dB. This level is sufficient to drown out subway rumbles and office chatter. Brands like Soundcore and EarFun are currently leading this space.

2. Audio Codecs Matter

If you use Android, look for LDAC or aptX Adaptive support. These codecs allow for higher data transmission (Hi-Res Audio), giving you cleaner, more detailed sound than standard Bluetooth. iPhone users are capped at AAC, so don’t overpay for LDAC if you are strictly in the Apple ecosystem.

3. Battery Life Reality

A “24-hour total battery” is the bare minimum now. The best budget wireless earbuds should offer 8-10 hours of playback on the buds themselves (with ANC off). This ensures they won’t die in the middle of a long flight or workday.

4. Call Quality (mic tech)

Look for earbuds that mention cVc 8.0 (Clear Voice Capture) or “AI Environmental Noise Cancellation” for calls. This technology uses algorithms to separate your voice from background wind or traffic.

The Top 10 Best Budget Wireless Earbuds Ranked

Why overpay for big brands? We ranked the 10 best budget wireless earbuds that deliver flagship-level ANC and Hi-Res audio for a fraction of the cost. Find out which sub-$100 model is the new king of value.

1. EarFun Air Pro 4 – The Overall King

• Price: ~$79

• Best For: Tech enthusiasts who want every single feature.

The EarFun Air Pro 4 is currently the gold standard for what budget earbuds can achieve. It is one of the first in its class to feature the Qualcomm QCC3071 chipset, unlocking aptX Lossless audio. This means if your phone supports it, you are getting CD-quality audio without compression artifacts.

Why It Beats Premium:

It includes Auracast, a broadcast audio technology that allows you to tune into public TVs (like at airports or gyms) directly into your buds. This is a future-proofing feature that even many $300 flagships haven’t adopted yet. Combined with 50dB ANC and 52 hours of total battery, it renders many expensive alternatives obsolete.

Pros:

• Incredible battery life (11 hours per charge).

• Future-proof with Auracast and Bluetooth 5.4.

• Multipoint connection works seamlessly.

Cons:

• Design is functional but generic.

• Touch controls can be slightly sensitive.

2. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC – The Noise Cancellation Monster

• Price: ~$99

• Best For: Frequent flyers and commuters.

If your priority is silence, the Liberty 4 NC is untouchable in this price bracket. Soundcore’s “Adaptive ANC 2.0” claims to reduce noise by 98.5%, and in real-world usage, it comes terrifyingly close to the Sony WF-1000XM5 performance.

Why It Beats Premium:

Most budget ANC struggles with high-pitched noises (like voices). The Liberty 4 NC uses a high-sensitivity in-ear sound sensor to analyze your ear canal and optimize the silence. It essentially offers business-class quiet on an economy-class budget.

Pros:

• Class-leading ANC performance.

• LDAC support for Android High-Res audio.

• Excellent app with 22 EQ presets.

Cons:

• The case is a bit chunky compared to others.

• Bass can be overwhelming out of the box (needs EQ tweaking).

3. SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ – The Tech Innovator

• Price: ~$80

• Best For: Audiophiles seeking detail.

The “+” in the name is important here. This upgraded model integrates xMEMS drivers, a solid-state speaker technology usually found in high-end In-Ear Monitors (IEMs). Unlike traditional coil speakers, xMEMS offers lightning-fast transient response, meaning high notes (cymbals, violins) sound incredibly crisp and distinct.

Why It Beats Premium:

You are getting audiophile driver technology for under $100. The clarity in the treble range rivals earbuds costing three times as much.

Pros:

• xMEMS technology delivers superior clarity.

• Comfortable, lightweight fit.

• Game Mode reduces latency to 70ms.

Cons:

• ANC is good, but not on Soundcore’s level.

• Build quality feels slightly plasticky.

4. CMF Buds Pro 2 – Best Design & Controls

• Price: ~$59

• Best For: Users who hate fumbling with touch controls.

Created by Nothing, the CMF Buds Pro 2 brings a breath of fresh air to a stale market. The case features a physical “Smart Dial” that you can rotate to adjust volume or press to toggle noise cancellation. It is tactile, satisfying, and genuinely useful.

Why It Beats Premium:

It uses a dual-driver system (11mm bass driver + 6mm tweeter), ensuring that heavy bass doesn’t muddy the vocals. This separation of frequencies is rare at this price point.

Pros:

• Smart Dial is a game-changer for control.

• Fun, punchy sound profile.

• Stylish, unique aesthetic.

Cons:

• IP55 rating is good, but not fully waterproof.

• Highs can be a bit sharp at max volume.

5. OnePlus Buds 3 – The “Flagship Killer”

• Price: ~$99

• Best For: OnePlus users and bass lovers.

OnePlus has effectively cannibalized its own premium line with the Buds 3. They borrow the “coaxial dual-driver” architecture from the Pro 2 model, delivering a rich, expansive soundstage.

Why It Beats Premium:

The sliding volume control on the stem is smoother and more responsive than the swipe controls on the AirPods Pro 2. The “3D Audio” spatial effect is also surprisingly immersive for movies.

Pros:

• Premium build quality and finish.

• Coaxial dual drivers provide deep, separated bass.

• Fast charging is incredibly quick (10 mins = 2 hours).

Cons:

• Some features (like low latency) work best only with OnePlus phones.

6. Moondrop Space Travel – The Ultra-Budget Audiophile

• Price: ~$25

• Best For: Pure sound quality on a shoestring budget.

Don’t let the price tag fool you. Moondrop is a legendary name in the audiophile community. They have tuned these $25 buds with their specific “VDSF Target Response,” resulting in a vocal presentation that is shockingly natural.

Why It Beats Premium:

It beats premium brands on pure “tuning.” While it lacks features, the actual tone of instruments sounds more “correct” than on many $150 bass-heavy earbuds. The anime-themed voice prompts are a quirky bonus.

Pros:

• Unmatched sound balance for the price.

• Unique transparent case design.

• Very low latency for gaming.

Cons:

• Battery life is average (4 hours + 12 hours case).

• ANC is weak compared to the others on this list.

7. Realme Buds Air 6 Pro – The Spec Sheet Hero

• Price: ~$60-$70

• Best For: Gamers and Android power users.

Realme consistently packs absurd specs into cheap devices. The Air 6 Pro features 50dB Active Noise Cancellation and 6-mic Call Noise Cancellation, making it a powerhouse for both gaming and phone calls.

Why It Beats Premium:

The 360° Spatial Audio Effect creates a surround-sound experience without needing specific proprietary formats. It also boasts extremely low latency (55ms), making it ideal for competitive mobile gaming.

Pros:

• Dual drivers (11mm + 6mm) for rich sound.

• Fast and reliable connectivity.

• Excellent call quality for the price.

Cons:

• Glossy finish attracts fingerprints easily.

8. QCY MeloBuds Pro – The Hi-Res Bargain

• Price: ~$45

• Best For: Value hunters who want LDAC.

QCY is the silent giant of the budget audio world. The MeloBuds Pro brings LDAC High-Resolution Audio to the sub-$50 category.

Why It Beats Premium:

It features “Transparency Mode” (hearing your surroundings) which is often a weak point for cheap buds. On the MeloBuds Pro, it sounds surprisingly natural, avoiding the robotic, amplified hiss found in competitors.

Pros:

• Cheapest entry point for LDAC audio.

• In-ear detection works reliably.

• Compact, comfortable fit.

Cons:

• The app interface is a bit clunky.

• ANC is decent but not top-tier.

9. JLab JBuds Mini – The Convenience King

• Price: ~$40

• Best For: People with limited pocket space (or small ears).

The “Mini” in the name is no joke. The case is the size of a car key fob. You can attach it to your keychain and forget it’s there.

Why It Beats Premium:

It beats premium brands on portability. The best earbuds are the ones you have with you. While the sound is just “good,” the form factor allows you to carry them in situations where a bulky Sony or Bose case would be annoying.

Pros:

• Incredibly tiny and portable.

• Surprising volume for the size.

• Built-in “Be Aware” mode.

Cons:

• No ANC (Passive isolation only).

• Battery life is shorter due to size.

10. Baseus Bowie MA10 – The Battery Beast

• Price: ~$30

• Best For: People who hate charging.

Baseus prioritized one thing here: endurance. The case is massive, but it holds a charge that lasts for weeks.

Why It Beats Premium:

140 Hours of Playtime. That is not a typo. You can go on a two-week vacation and never plug the case into a wall. If battery anxiety is your main pain point with premium buds (which usually last 24-30 hours), this is your solution.

Pros:

• Absurd 140-hour total battery life.

• IPX6 waterproofing (higher than most premium buds).

• Very affordable.

Cons:

• The case is huge and heavy.

• Sound is bass-heavy and lacks detail.

Budget vs. Premium: The Honest Truth

Is there still a reason to buy the $300 Sony WF-1000XM5 or the Apple AirPods Pro 2? Yes, but the list of reasons is shrinking.

The Reality: You are mostly paying for brand prestige, build materials, and ecosystem integration (like auto-switching between Apple devices) when you buy premium. For pure audio and silence, the budget tier has caught up.

The Hidden Feature: Why App Support Matters

When buying budget earbuds, most people look at hardware (drivers, battery) and ignore software. This is a mistake. In the sub-$100 category, a good companion app is often what separates a 3-star product from a 5-star one.

• Firmware Updates: Brands like Soundcore, EarFun, and Realme frequently push updates that fix bugs, improve connection stability, and even add new features months after launch.

• Custom EQ: Out-of-the-box tuning on budget buds is often bass-heavy. A good app (like the Soundcore or HeyMelody app) allows you to tweak a 5-band or 10-band equalizer to bring out the vocals and treble, effectively making a $50 earbud sound like a $100 one.

• Control Customization: The ability to change what a “triple tap” does (e.g., changing it from ‘Voice Assistant’ to ‘Volume Up’) is a massive quality-of-life feature that generic cheap earbuds often lack.

Pro Tip: Always download the companion app immediately after unboxing. There is almost always a “Day 1 Firmware Update” waiting for you.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Make Them Last

Budget earbuds are often criticized for not lasting as long as premium ones, but 90% of “failures” are actually maintenance issues. Here is how to fix common problems and extend the lifespan of your gear.

Common Issues & Fixes

• One Earbud Not Working/Charging:

  • The Cause: Invisible oil or wax buildup on the charging contacts (the little metal gold pins) prevents the bud from drawing power from the case.

  • The Fix: Dip a cotton swab in a little isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the contact points on both the earbud and inside the case. This fixes “dead” earbuds 80% of the time.

• Volume Is Lower on One Side:

  • The Cause: Earwax clogging the mesh filter.

  • The Fix: Remove the silicone tip and gently brush the mesh screen with a clean, dry toothbrush or a specific cleaning tool.

• Connection Drops/Stuttering:

  • The Fix: Put both buds back in the case, leave the lid open, and hold the “Reset” button on the case (usually on the back or inside) for 10 seconds until the lights flash. This “Factory Reset” clears confusing Bluetooth caches.

Battery Care Rule

Lithium-ion batteries hate extremes. To keep your battery healthy for 2+ years:

• Don’t drain them to 0% every time.

• Don’t leave them in a hot car (heat kills battery capacity faster than usage).

• Do charge the case once it drops below 30%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do cheap earbuds have good microphones for calls?

Yes, but be selective. Look for models with “6-mic arrays” and “cVc 8.0” noise reduction, like the EarFun Air Pro 4 or Realme Buds Air 6 Pro. These use AI to filter out background noise. Avoid models under $30 if call quality is your priority, as they often sound distant or robotic.

2. Can I use these budget earbuds with both iPhone and Android?

Absolutely. All the earbuds listed here work with both iOS and Android. However, to get the absolute best sound quality (LDAC/aptX), you usually need an Android device. iPhone users will default to the AAC codec, which still sounds great on these modern drivers.

3. How long do budget wireless earbuds last?

In terms of durability, a good pair should last 2-3 years of daily use. The battery is usually the first thing to degrade. Brands like Soundcore and EarFun use high-quality lithium cells that hold up well over time, comparable to more expensive brands.

4. Is “Spatial Audio” on budget buds a gimmick?

It depends on the implementation. On the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and OnePlus Buds 3, the spatial effect adds a fun, immersive layer to movies and games. However, for pure music listening, we generally recommend turning it off to keep the sound natural and accurate.

5. What is the difference between “Active Noise Cancellation” and “Passive Isolation”?

“Passive Isolation” is just the ear tip plugging your ear like an earplug. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) uses microphones to “listen” to outside noise and generate an opposite sound wave to cancel it out. The buds on this list (except the JLab Mini) all feature Active cancellation, which is far superior for travel.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Choice for Your Ears

The era of the “cheap and nasty” earbud is over. The EarFun Air Pro 4 and Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are living proof that you can have flagship-level silence and high-definition audio without breaking the bank.

If you have $100 to spend, you no longer have to envy the person next to you wearing expensive designer buds. In fact, with features like 140-hour battery life or Smart Dial controls, you might just have the better tech.

Which feature matters most to you: total silence or endless battery? The choice is now yours, and it’s affordable.