Cheap earbuds no longer means compromised earbuds. The days of sub-$100 wireless buds sounding bad and offering little to no features are long behind us — there are some excellent, cheap in-ear options you can pick up that don't break the bank.
My forite cheap earbuds that you can buy right now are the Earfun Air Pro 4 Plus. They're a very comfortable pair of buds that sound excellent, getting close to buds that cost far more. For under $100, you're not going to find anything better. Want something even cheaper? Don't miss the JLab JBuds Go Pods ANC, which he great sound and ANC for an incredibly low price.
The quick list
Best overall
The Earfun Air Pro 4+ bring a whole host of excellent features to a very low price point. Solid ANC, great sound and a comfortable fit round out the buds' feature set. They're the best cheap earbuds you can buy right now.
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Best value
At an unbelievably low price, the Go Pods ANC offer some excellent sound to go with surprisingly effective ANC. The case is tiny, and battery life is very solid — there's little more you can ask for the price.
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Best sound
These budget Sonys he a lot in common with the WF-1000XM5 — the best wireless earbuds overall — yet are a fraction of the price. There's no ANC, but strong playback times and high-level sound make them a top buy and a great alternative to the top-ranking OnePlus Buds 3.
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Best battery
These are fantastic-sounding buds with strong features and battery life for $99. Excellent audio quality via Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support with compatible devices make these a top choice, but ANC performance is weak.
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Best small design
If you want outstanding ANC and sound in a stylish, affordable package then look no further. These he strong performance for a third of the price of the AirPods Pro.
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Best for style
These earbuds he an AirPods-like drop stem design and are one of the most attractive noise-canceling earbuds at the price. They rival several mid-market models with effective ANC, superb sound, and better-than-AirPods battery life.
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Meet the testing team
Tammy RogersAudio editorI oversee the audio content that goes up on Tom’s Guide, and maintain the site's buying guides for headphones, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and more. I he spent more than 20 years testing audio equipment for my own enjoyment, and was previously the audio editor for iMore. There's nothing more I love than jamming out to my forite tunes on audio equipment of different prices and sizes.
Nikita AchantaNikita is a staff reviewer for Tom's Guide, and has tested numerous headsets, earbuds, and speakers, in addition to other gear such as keyboards and mice. In her downtime, Nikita can usually be found sinking hours into RPGs on her PS5, out on a walk with a camera in hand, at a concert, or watching F1.
The best cheap wireless earbuds you can buy right nowWhy you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
The best cheap wireless earbuds overall
Our expert review:
SpecificationsBattery life (rated): Up to 12 hours, 42 hours total (charging case)Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC, aptXANC: YesDurability: IP55Today's Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)View at AmazonCheck WalmartReasons to buy+Clear, rich bass+Delicate yet effective treble+5 earbud tip sizes+More comfortable than they look+54 hours of batteryReasons to oid-Cheap lookingIt’s hard to believe the EarFun Air Pro 4+ are as cheap as they are. At just $99/£89, the Air Pro 4+ easily perform like earbuds double the price. With luxurious yet balanced bass and rich yet layered mids and treble, the Air Pro 4+ honestly give some premium brands a run for their money.
The Air Pro 4+ he only a few negatives, which is a fair sacrifice when considering the low price. The charging case feels flimsy, a major step back by EarFun as the previous model had a premium, sturdy charging case. On top of that, the earbuds look a little cheap, with a plasticky finish, but this is easy to overlook. Shock horror — cheap earbuds look cheap!
Now the cons are out of the way, you’ll be pleased to know that everything else about the EarFun Air Pro 4+ is utterly fantastic. These budget buds he a staggering battery life of 54 hours, which is one of the highest battery lives I’ve ever seen on a pair of earbuds, cheap or not.
You’ll want to listen for hours and hours, because the Air Pro 4+ sound that good. If you’ve got a compatible device, you’ll be able to take advantage of both LDAC and aptX Bluetooth codecs, which elevate the listening experience massively. The instrument separation is impressive, and we couldn’t get enough of bassy, atmospheric genres like electronic. The Air Pro 4+ sound awesome with heier genres like rock and DnB, too, thanks to the dual drivers.
Although there’s no Spatial Audio, the plethora of EQs, personalized sound profile, and responsive wear detection more than make up for it. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ take no prisoners: they’re a serious AirPods Pro 3 contender at a fraction of the cost.
Read our full Earfun Pro 4+ reviewThe best value
Our expert review:
SpecificationsBattery life (rated): 7.5 hours (per bud); 26 hours (charging case)Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AACANC: YesDurability: IP66Today's Best DealsView at Lenovo USiew at Best Buy(Lilac)View at Nordstrom(Lilac)View at Amazon(Black)Reasons to buy+Amazingly affordable+Comes in a range of cute colors+Loud bass that doesn’t fog up the rest of the soundscape+Not tinny in the slightest (huzzah!)+Features like IP rating, EQ customization, and ANCReasons to oid-Uncomfortable for long periods of wearYou might think that grabbing wireless earbuds would he to be expensive — but the JLab Go Pods ANC are here to prove you wrong. They cost less than $40, making them one of the cheapest pairs of buds that we've ever tested. Not that you'd know, they sound great and pack in features on earbuds you'd expect to cost five times as much.
What am I talking about? Well, for one, they're about the cheapest way to get any kind of meaningful ANC. It's not going to outdo the likes of the AirPods Pro 2, but it blocks out plenty of noise without any kind of complaint or missed sound. Transparency mode is good too — so you don't he to pull your buds out to order your dinner.
Sound is much better than it has any right to be at this price. There's some great bass on offer, making for a great sound profile that makes them feel more premium than they actually are. Battery life is good, with 7.5 hours out of the buds themselves. You can charge them 3 times in the case.
They are a little uncomfortable after long periods, but they're also cheap. Like, cheap cheap. If you're looking for a way to get solid buds in your pocket without denting your wallet, this is the way to do it.
Read our full JLab Go Pods ANCThe best sound and big-brand experience
Our expert review:
SpecificationsBattery life (rated): 10 hours; 20 hours (charging case)Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AACANC: NoDurability: IPX4Today's Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)View at Amazon(Black)View at TargetCheck WalmartReasons to buy+Powerful bass+360 Reality Audio and DSEE support+Lengthy playback time+Works with Sony Headphones Connect app+Strong connectivityReasons to oid-Lacks some features found on Sony's upmarket models-Charging case only holds two additional full charges-No touch controlsIf you know anything about in-ear buds, you know that Sony makes some of the best. The WF-C500 are the cheapest option in the Sony stable, and they make a great case for your money. They might lack some of the more premium features of the expensive models, but they bring the same great sound quality and 360-degree audio to make them feel a whole lot more expensive than they actually are.
They’re a very subtle pair of earbuds, with a clean and understated look that doesn’t shout too loud. On the sides of the buds are the controls, and they’re not quite as good as other options out there. It’s a single clicky button, and when you click them, it pushes the buds into your ear in an uncomfortable way. If you don’t touch them, then they’re a very comfortable pair of buds with loads of fitting options in the box and a lightweight feel.
Sound is good too. Our testing revealed a punchy, engaging sound signature that worked really well for hip-hop and bassier genres. Future’s Mask Off, for example, ge a suitably bassy performance that had plenty of impact and no distortion. It might be nice to he ANC to make them better at noise canceling, but considering the spatial audio on board, it’s a concession we’re willing to make to keep the costs down.
They might not be the strongest option in Sony’s lineup, but they are the cheapest — and that goes a long way in making them a solid option.
Read our full Sony WF-C500 reviewBest battery life
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsBattery life (rated): 10 hours; 50 hours (charging case)Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDACANC: YesDurability: IPX4Today's Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)View at AmazonCheck WalmartReasons to buy+Great sound+Up to 10 hours playback from a single charge+Impressive features including LDAC support+Durable designReasons to oid-Disappointing ANC-Unreliable fit-Buggy connectivitySoundcore makes some great buds that don’t cost the world, and the more premium Liberty 4 NC are some of the best cheap buds that you can buy today. I particularly like the case that they come in, especially in the pink shade that Soundcore sent over. There’s a button on the case to open it as well, revealing the buds in all their glory. It’s little touches like that that make the buds feel like they’re a whole lot more expensive than their $100 price tag might suggest. The buds inside are comfortable as well, although our tester did find that they fell out occasionally.
The ANC isn’t great, but it’s nice to he. The sound, however, is where they come into their own. There’s an energetic and engaging sound profile in the buds, and it makes for a great listening experience. It’s balanced and nuanced, and our testing found them great for Michael Jackson’s Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, with a solid presence in the drums and the bassline.
360 audio is also on board and widens the soundstage more than we were expecting. I really like the effect, and while it's not as impressive as that found on more expensive earbuds, it’s a great addition to something less than $100. Battery life is also good, with the buds themselves lasting for 10 hours, and then another 50 with the case. That’s staying power to rival even some of the best wireless earbuds and makes them a more compelling option than some of the other options out there.
Read our full Soundcore Anker Liberty 4 NC reviewBest for small ears
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsBattery life (rated): Up to 7.5 hours; 30 hours (charging case)Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC and AACANC: YesDurability: IPX5Today's Best DealsCheck AmazonCheck WalmartReasons to buy+Great ANC for the price+Energetic sound+Sleek, compact design+Responsive touch controlsReasons to oid-Bass hey on some tracks-Sub-standard battery life-Weak call qualityThe 1More PistonBuds Pro are one of the cheapest pairs of ANC buds that you can buy — and they also happen to be pretty good as well. The ANC is the headline feature, of course, and it’s a decent way of keeping the noise out without spending AirPods Pro 2 money. For just $59, the PistonBuds Pro block out all of the horrible noise of the outside world, and make your adventures in the outside world a whole lot more tolerable. No, it’s not the best, but it is excellent for the price.
The sound is good as well, although some might find it slightly bass-hey. That emphasis on the low end makes them a warm and pleasant listen, and it covers up some sins in the top end that can get a little muddy. It’s not the most detailed performance, but the bass is clean and clear for a comforting sound. The bass in Hans Zimmers Time from the Inception soundtrack reverberates well, and makes for a great listen. Thanks to the ANC you can listen to it even noisy environments as well, which is a bonus.
While the buds themselves he a slick look, the case is slightly more boring and doesn’t seem to he received much work. Thankfully the buds are the thing that people are going to see, and they look pretty good. They’re pretty comfortable in our testing as well, and the 7.5-hour battery life makes sure that you can listen to them for a longer time than some of the other options.
Read our full 1More PistonBuds Pro reviewBest for style
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆SpecificationsBattery life (rated): 6.5 hours (ANC on); 8 hours (ANC off); 26 hours (charging case with ANC on); 32 hours (charging case with ANC off)Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, mSBC, AACANC: YesDurability: IPX4Today's Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)View at Amazon(White)Check WalmartReasons to buy+Balanced sound+Effective ANC+Better than AirPods battery life+Sweat and water resistantReasons to oid-Poor comfort levels-EQ presets are poorly engineered-Unreliable connectivity with Control appIf you don’t want to spend much, but want features like ANC, we’ve already got a couple of options on the list. But you can’t go wrong with more choice, and that’s exactly what the DoBuds from Donner give you. They’ve got an AirPods visual style, with stems, silicon ear tips, some surprisingly effective ANC, and decent sound. They might not be the most comfortable pair of buds, but they still present a great value proposition.
The ANC was the thing that impressed our tester the most. It was effective in a bunch of different noisy environments, making for a great option if you want to keep the noise of the outside world out. It is focused on low-end noises and struggles with higher-pitched sounds. Think tyre noises of cars driving past, or wooshing wind in city streets. For bus journeys and train rides, however, its going to be a great addition to the formula.
The sound is good too, although it's not quite as good as some of the other options on the list. The base EQ is balanced, not putting much emphasis on any one part of the frequency range. Our testing showed that tracks like Dr Dre’s Kush sounded crisp and clean, with plenty of impact and bass. There where some issues with the comfort though, with our tester finding them more uncomfortable than other options over long periods of time.
In the end though, thanks to their solid noise canceling and good sound at a lower price, we found ourselves really enjoying our time with the DoBuds One.
Read our full Donner DoBuds One reviewBest cheap wireless earbuds: Specs comparedSwipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell - Column 0ANC
Battery life (rated)
Durability rating
OnePlus Buds 3
Yes
Up to 10 hours, 44 hours total (charging case)
IPX4
JLab JBuds Mini
No
5.5 hours (per bud); 20 hours (charging case)
IP55
Sony WF-C500
No
10 hours; 20 hours (charging case)
IPX4
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC
Yes
10 hours; 50 hours (charging case)
IPX4
1More PistonBuds Pro
Yes
Up to 7.5 hours; 30 hours (charging case)
IPX5
Donner DoBuds One
Yes
6.5 hours (ANC on); 8 hours (ANC off); 26 hours (charging case with ANC on); 32 hours (charging case with ANC off)
IPX4
Also tested...At Tom's Guide, we test a lot of wireless earbuds, but not every model makes it into one of our buying guides. That's not to say that they're not great products, just that they're beaten by rival models with a stronger set of features or better performance at the price. The picks in this guide are the very best cheap wireless earbuds we've tested, and all he been fully reviewed by a Tom's Guide audio expert. But with more models to choose from than ever, we want to make sure that you consider these also tested options that, for whatever reason, didn't quite make the grade to rank among the best of the best.
OnePlus Buds 3The OnePlus Buds 3 are a great pair of earbuds that can be had for under $100. They feature excellent battery life, with 44 hours on tap when they get slotted back into their case. They're comfortable, and their colorways and chrome accents make them an attractive pair of buds that looks more expensive. They've got good ANC to boot — a great pair of earbuds that don't cost much at all.
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EarFun Air Pro 3These are a close rival to the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC that rank best for battery life. The Air Pro 3 he strong battery life but don't last quite as long as the Soundcore. They also offer effective ANC performance, high comfort levels, aptX Adaptive audio support from compatible playback devices, and personalized sound thanks to the custom equalizer within the robust control app. Our review also mentioned the good call quality and wireless charging.
Read the full EarFun Air 3 Pro review
Soundcore Liberty 4 ProAnker's Soundcore offshoot brand makes some very solid budget earbuds options. This pair aren't perfect, but they still manage to pack in some solid features to go with their reasonable sound quality. Their case is big, but functional, and they're comfortable to boot. Call quality isn't the best though, and there are more compact options for a similar price.
Read the full Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro review
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30With an MSRP of just $54 and offering adaptive ANC, AI microphones, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint technology, and customizable sound settings, the 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 are something of a bargain. They also deliver impressive sound and he spatial audio support. But unfortunately not everything performs as it should, with finicky touch controls and below-erage battery life compared to rivals. Flaws aside, these buds are an ideal choice for bargain seekers wanting an AirPods Pro alternative at a fraction of the cost.
Read the full 1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 review
Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TWThe Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW earbuds look memorable and sound beautiful. Sadly not everything makes the grade through and they are missing key features like no wear detection, multipoint connectivity, and no companion app support. Despite only offering Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC, they sounded great and were a great pair of buds for call quality during our testing.
Read the full Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TW review
How to choose the best cheap wireless earbuds for youObviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best cheap wireless earbuds. Many cheap models he listed prices of less than $100, but with sales and discounts at online retailers, you can easily bag a bargain for even less.
Any money you se on your earbuds purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear. So pay attention to rated battery life and whether any carrying case comes with the earbuds to provide additional power. You'll also want to see what reviews from both professional testers and people who bought the earbuds he to say about sound quality. That goes for both listening to music via the earbuds as well as fielding phone calls.
How well wireless earbuds fit your ears can vary from person to person. But some models come with additional tips and fins to offer something approaching a customized fit.
Frequently asked questionsWhat do IP-ratings mean?IP-ratings refer to the level of Ingress Protection (IP) from liquids and dirt that a device is protected from. This is part of a device's durability.
IP-ratings explained: The first digit refers to the level of protection from solid particles, such as dust and sand. The scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight) for full protection. For example, an IP6X rating ensures that the device is completely dust-tight, making it ideal for harsh outdoor conditions or industrial settings where fine dust particles are common.
The second digit refers to a devices resistance to moisture, and the scale ranges from 0 (no protection) to 8 for the highest level of protection. For example, with an IPX4 rating, earbuds are protected from water splashes from any direction, while an IPX7 rating ensures that the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter (around 3 feet) for 30 minutes without any damage.
Most common IP ratings explainedSwipe to scroll horizontallyRating
Level of protection
IPX4
This rating shows that the device has been tested and offers protection against splashes of water, making them suitable for workouts or light rain.
IPX6
This rating indicates that the device can withstands power jets of water from any direction.
IPX8
The device is waterproof and fully submersible up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 mins.
What does 'true wireless' mean?Not all wireless earbuds are created equal — some are true wireless, while some are just wireless. If you spot a pair of earbuds with the wireless moniker attached, like the Beats Flex, you'll spot a wire that joins the two earbuds together, usually with a Bluetooth and battery module at some point along the wire. That makes, often, for a cheaper pair of buds, but also one that is more unwieldy and annoying to use. If you like hing just one earbud in, however, you can just lee the other hanging over your shoulder, which is an added bonus.
True wireless earbuds, on the other hand, are the kind that you'll see on this list. They are tiny, all-inclusive buds that click into a charging case when you're not using them so that the battery charges up. These are the most commonly found earbuds around now, and they make up the entirety of our best noise-canceling earbuds list, and this one.
How we test the best cheap wireless earbudsWhen rating the best cheap wireless earbuds, we look not only at price but also design, sound quality and battery life. We also consider how easy it is to pair earbuds with a smartphone and what kind of controls are accessible through the device.
In terms of audio, we listen to many sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, R&B, and electronic, while assessing volume levels and how easy the earbuds are to drive. Movies, podcasts and video games are also used where necessary. We also make phone calls to assess both call quality and microphone performance.
During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for hours at a time throughout the course of a week. Reviewers will make note of battery life and how well it matches the rated battery life provided by earbud makers.
Star ratings explained: As with all our reviews, we evaluate the best cheap earbuds based on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded a coveted Recommended badge, while our Best Value award speaks for itself. Only products with truly exceptional performance across the board are awarded an Editor's Choice badge.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.
Round up of today's best deals
JLab Go Pods ANC
$29.99 $20.99ViewSee all prices
Sony WF-C500
$99.99 $61.99ViewSee all prices
Anker Liberty 4 ANC $99.99 $56.99ViewSee all prices
Donner DoBuds One $23.50ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by 