Top 10 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds under $100
Affordable earphones don’t have to mean sacrificing good sound quality. If you want an excellent pair of wireless headphones but don’t want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of options for $100 or less. Of course, a little set of buds won’t create the same high-quality sound as our preferred audiophile headphones, and more expensive models might sometimes outperform less expensive in-ear headphones.
The best wireless earbuds, on the other hand, make it easier to listen to music or podcasts on the go, from your home office to your kitchen and everywhere you’re streaming, thanks to built-in Bluetooth, longer battery life, more secure ear pieces, and no unsightly cords in sight. So, how can you choose the best affordable wireless earbuds? Sound quality is obviously important, but so is a secure and comfortable fit, especially if you’ll be wearing them for lengthy periods of time.
At this price point, noise-cancelling is uncommon, but not unheard of, and a charger-cum-carry case is frequently included. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable pairs that have passed through our labs and left a lasting impression. While they’re all different, they have two things in common: they’ve all received great ratings in our evaluations and they’re all under $100. Intrigued? So keep reading, and we’ll show you how to get a great pair of cheap wireless earbuds.
What Are the Best Earbuds Under $100?
There are more affordable earbuds available online than ever before. While many companies offer solid solutions that will most likely meet your needs, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for your next pair of headphones. We chose flexible earbuds for this list, the majority of which include Bluetooth and boast a long battery life and, in some cases, some level of water resistance. What else should you look for in a nice pair of inexpensive wireless earbuds?
Bluetooth Connectivity: Almost all of the earbuds on our list include the ability to connect over Bluetooth to your smartphone. Connecting your headphones to your phone is as simple as connecting them in your device’s settings.
Battery Life: When purchasing a new set of wireless earbuds, one of the most crucial elements to consider is the battery life. While the earbuds listed below can last for hours when completely charged, several of our top picks also come with charging cases, allowing you to use your earphones for longer periods of time when you’re not near an outlet or leave your portable charger at home. Determine how you’ll be utilizing them and how much battery power you’ll require.
Consider how you’ll be using your buds and whether you need extra waterproofing features to protect your tech when you’re caught in the rain, whether you’re looking for sweat-resistant earbuds for workouts or just want to make sure your next earbuds purchase can hold up when you’re caught in the rain.
Top 10 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds under $100
Top 10 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds under $100
#1. JLab Audio Epic Air Sport ANC True Wireless Earbuds
Our favorite sports selection is the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider them if you’re not into sports. In fact, the exact opposite is true. These would be great for anyone who has difficulties fitting normal earbuds, particularly those who have trouble with them. They’re IP66-rated, which means they’re dust-proof and can withstand a lot of water—just don’t submerge them. They’re also useful if you’re a physically active individual.
One of the key reasons for this is the over-ear loop design. It’s made of a soft silicone that doesn’t bother our skin and fits comfortably over spectacles. Some people loathe this style, but it offers a far more secure fit than any other option—we never felt like they’d fall out or become misplaced as a result of it. The Epic Air Sport comes with a choice of silicone ear tip options as well as an incredibly comfortable foam tip, despite the fact that the loops aren’t removable (see the Epic Air Sport’s non-Sport brother). Overall, the sound is a touch bass-heavy, but it includes a lot of EQ options to enable you fine-tune your sound, just like the Anker Liberty 2.
The battery life was not quite as long as stated. We got roughly 13 hours per charge, which is little less than JLab’s claim of 15, but it’s still a long time for true wireless headphones. If you use features like noise canceling, your battery life will suffer. When it comes to noise cancellation, it’s on the low end of the scale, as are all of the current noise cancellation alternatives. Of course, having it helps, but if you’re looking for noise cancellation, check out our best wireless earbuds list or our best noise-canceling headphones list for some of the best options.
The Epic Air Sport ANC offers an adjustable transparency mode called Be Aware by JLab, which allows you to hear your surroundings in high-traffic situations, just like the majority of current true wireless earbuds. The casing, which is slightly larger than others in this category, also features a large battery that provides about 3.5 extra charges. It comes with a USB cable, which may or may not be a benefit depending on your setup. Furthermore, it comes with wireless charging, which is a fantastic addition. If you’re going on a walk or a journey, these are the ones to carry. If you don’t like the over-ear loops, the Anker Liberty 2 are an excellent alternative.
Check Price On Amazon
#2. Earfun Air Pro Active Noise Cancelling
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: Yes | Battery life: 7hr (+18hr from case) | Charging: USB-C | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
The Earfun Air Pro adds active noise cancellation (ANC), more mics, and larger drivers to the standard – and superb – Earfun Air. All of this adds up to improved audio quality and crisper voice calls, which is especially useful when you’re out and about in noisy surroundings. And, despite the feature list, the price remains unbeatably low — a hallmark of Earfun’s strategy.
The headphones are simple to pair and comfy enough to wear for even the longest conference calls. The controls are also simple to operate. Playback is paused or resumed with two taps on the right bud; three taps skip to the next track. Our iPhone’s Siri is accessed by double touching the left earpiece, which also answers or ends a call. A triple-tap of the left earpiece will scroll between the Earfun’s noise-cancelling, “normal,” and “ambient sound” settings, which you’ll want to practice. They’re also designed to withstand a rainstorm. Overall, it offers a lot of technology and endurance for a low price.
#3. Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds 2 Wireless
SPECIFICATIONS
Connector: N/A | Cable length: N/A | In-line remote and mic: Yes | OS support: Android/iOS | Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 7 hours
These Skullcandys are among the most cheap wireless earbuds available, and they offer excellent value. While the sound isn’t as good as a more expensive set, it’s still remarkable for the price. As you may think, there aren’t many features on the ground.
The flexible neckband’s cable may be removed, and the battery lasts for 6-7 hours. Just below the left earpiece is a basic three-button control and a small plastic clasp that allows you to loop the cord together when you’re wearing – but not using – them. There are no frills on this phone, thus aptX, quick charging, and NFC aren’t on the list of features. However, if you’re searching for cheap wireless earbuds, these provide a powerful and enjoyable sound for the money, with a soundstage that is relatively broad and well-separated.
They’re a little rough around the edges in terms of audio quality, but they’re well under $100. They come highly recommended as a result of this.
#4. EarFun Air True Wireless Earbuds
SPECIFICATIONS
Connector: N/A | Cable length: N/A | In-line remote and mic: N/A | OS support: Android/iOS | Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 7 hours (35 hours with charging case)
These low-cost wireless headphones are jam-packed with functionality. The Earfun Air don’t have noise-cancelling capabilities (that’s kept for its more expensive siblings), but they do give good noise isolation and are comfortable to use. They’re also IPX7 waterproof (submersible in one metre of water for up to 30 minutes), include virtual assistants, and allow Qi wireless charging if you have a compatible charger.
The buds have a seven-hour battery life and the charging case has a 28-hour battery life. Surprisingly, it all has a high-end feel to it. The Bluetooth 5.0 connection is strong and stable, calls are clear, and the wireless earbuds deliver an exciting and roomy sound for the price. The Earfun Air in-ear headphones are definitely worth looking into if you’re looking for a pair of economical and enjoyable in-ear headphones around $100.
#5. Sennheiser CX 400BT
SPECIFICATIONS
Bluetooth: Yes | Noise-cancelling: No | Battery life: 7hr (+13hr from case) | Charging: USB-C | Built-in mic and controls: Yes
At this price (which swings above and below $100, so keep a look out), the CX 400BT are more acoustically blessed than others. They’re neither water or sweat resistant, but they do have Bluetooth 5.1 and a mobile app, which aren’t standard at this price point. The former promises high-quality, long-range Bluetooth transmission, while the latter allows for EQ tweaking and control personalization.
For voice calls, the controls are also straightforward. To activate your phone’s voice assistant or accept incoming calls, simply tap the right earbud once, twice to skip a track or reject calls, or hold it down to enhance volume. The battery life is seven hours, which is satisfactory but might be improved in this company. The Sennheisers, on the other hand, excel in sound quality. They have a rich, energetic sound that is full of energy and enthusiasm. It’s quite enticing for the money, and earphones of this caliber aren’t to be sneered at.
#6. Skullcandy Sesh Evo
The Sesh Evo are one of the tiniest earbuds we examined. They’re a little more secure than the small Monoprice True Wireless, but only little. They don’t have wings like the Monoprice, but the design may allow folks with smaller ears to get a good fit because the earbud itself appears to fill smaller ears.
Our review sample and case were a hue called “Bleached Blue” by Skullcandy, and it was a wonderful variation to the black-only options offered by most of the competitors we evaluated. Green, red, and, of course, black are all available. The battery life is among the lowest in their class, even slightly worse than the JLab Go Air, a less expensive option. We measured 5 hours, which is what they advertise. 4-5 extra charges should be available in the instance.
The Treblab X5 tied for the lowest sound quality of the bunch. The bass is bloated and lacks definition, and there is too much treble at the same time. This isn’t a good combination. Music, Movie, and Podcast are the three EQ settings available. The movie actually improves the bass a little while degrading the treble significantly, so it’s a wash. As you may assume, the midrange is heavily emphasized in podcasts. They have an IP55 rating, which means they’re resistant to dust and mild water jets. Last but not least, they have a built-in Tile to aid in their discovery.
#7. Beats Flex Wireless – Best Bluetooth Earbuds For iPhone
The Beats Flex Wireless are the best Bluetooth earbuds for iPhone under $100. Because of their flexible, lightweight silicone and plastic structure, these wireless in-ears feature a simple, no-frills style yet feel rather well-built. They hold in place well even when you move your head around, and they come with an easy-to-use in-line remote that puts the majority of the controls within easy reach. They have a slightly bass-heavy sound that should fit genres like EDM and hip-hop, but not to the point of overpowering vocals and lead instrumentals.
They have a W1 chip, like most Beats headphones, which allows for quick and easy pairing with Apple devices. On iOS systems, their audio latency is quite minimal, though apps and devices adjust for this in different ways, so your experience may vary. Despite the lack of an ANC system, they perform a good job of blocking out ambient noise and should last roughly 11 hours on a single charge, which should be enough for a full day of use. They don’t have any power-saving features, such as an auto-off timer or a standby mode, to help save battery life when they’re not in use.
Their companion app is similarly simple, with no sound tweaking options such as a graphic EQ or EQ presets. Nonetheless, their solid build quality and comfortable, secure fit make them some of the best wireless earbuds for jogging and working out we’ve tried.
#8. JBL Tune 125TWS True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
JBL is one of our go-to brands for well-made audio equipment, from superb bookshelf speakers (which we featured in the Rolling Stone Essentials 2020 list) to inexpensive Bluetooth speakers with crisp sound. If you want long-lasting earbuds, try these in-ear wireless headphones, which give a bass boost and a total of 32 hours of playtime with the case, according to the company.
or decades, JBL has powered festivals and events all over the world. With JBL’s outstanding Pure Bass sound in these wireless earphones, you can now bring your own world to life. You may listen to these earbuds all day and all night, and a 15-minute charge will recharge them. Maintain your own private concert for as long as you can.
In a simple swipe, your earphones are paired to your Android device as soon as you remove them from the case. Any other device can be recognized after pairing, even if it is not paired.
Is it your left ear, right ear, or both ears? The versatility of Dual Connect allows you to listen to music or make calls with either one or both buds. The battery life stays up with you, too, because you can charge one earbud while using the other. With the True Wireless JBL Tune 125TWS earphones, you may enjoy absolute independence in total comfort. They include three sizes of eartips to accommodate your size and are snug-fitting.
#8. Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Wireless Sport Headphones
These sweat-proof and waterproof buds have a six-hour battery life, so you’ll be able to listen to all of your favorite albums and then some throughout your workout. The Jaybirds also include tips that are meant to stay in your ears even as you crank up the intensity of your workouts.
They’ve rekindled my passion for listening to music. The sound quality is excellent for the price, and the Jaybird app allows you to customize the sound. I had to choose between these and the Bose Soundsport, and I’m very glad I did. I’m looking forward to wearing these to the gym because they are so comfortable in my ears and don’t move. They also come with three various sizes of wingtip silicone things, allowing you to select your ideal fit.
Headphones allow users to handle phone calls, adjust music, and listen to music while working out at the gym or running. On a single charge, the rechargeable battery gives 6 hours of wireless play time; enough power for a full workout session or a day outside.
#9 Jlab Audio Jbuds Air
Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 18h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Under 2h – USB-A (attached) | Mic & Controls: Yes, built-in | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IP55 | Features: Rubber sleeves
- IP55 rating for water resistance
- Suitable for sports, with a stable fit.
- Magnetic design that is easy to use
- For the price, the sound quality is excellent.
- Physical controls that are inconvenient (Air Icon have touch controls)
- Small ears may get unpleasant after a period of time.
- The right earbud is required for phone calls.
For the price, the Jbuds Air true wireless earbuds deliver excellent sound quality. You’ll be hard pressed to find a device with superior frequency response and audio quality for less than $50. To ensure a comfortable fit, the totally wireless earbuds come with three sets of ear tips and one set of fins. These earbuds, like many other true wireless earbuds, come with a charging case to extend battery life.
You may use it for 5.5 hours straight and another 15 hours if you charge it in the case. They have an IP55 moisture resistance certification, which indicates they are suitable for exercise and can withstand a little sweat or rain. Jbuds Air is well-suited to an active lifestyle.
#10. Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds
Type: In-ear | Battery life: 12h | Range: 33ft – 10m | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Under 2h | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: None | Features: Apple W1 chip, auto play/pause
- Beats at an Affordable Price
- Sound balance USB-C port
- There is no carrying case included.
- They lack stability because they don’t have ear fins.
Beats Flex stands out with a well-balanced sound characteristic, which is unusual for this brand. While this makes them suitable for many genres of music, the clarity isn’t the best in this price range. If you’re an iOS user, however, they’re quite useful. A built-in W1 chip provides speedy and stable pairing with your Apple devices. They have a thin neckband that allows you to easily forget you’re wearing them.
A control module on the left side can be used to command them. They also have a decent call quality when used with a good microphone. Interestingly, instead of a Lightning connection, Flex uses a USB-C charging cord for fast charging. They can play music for around 12 hours before needing to be recharged.
#11. Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo
Type: True wireless | Battery life: 5h, 9h in case | Charging: 1.5h + quick charge – Micro-USB | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Yes, built-in | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water-resistance: IPX7 | Features: Ear fins
- Very relaxing.
- Ear fins ensure a secure fit.
- Bluetooth 5.0 connection that is reliable
- Water resistance of IPX7
- Graphene drivers provide excellent sound quality.
- The construction quality is rather good.
- The charging case appears to be a little fragile.
- Micro USB port for charging
- Bass is a clumsy creature.
- Physical controls are inconvenient and only support a limited set of commands.
Soundcore’s BassUp technology is said to give a 40 percent increase in low-end volume. As a result, these have a deeper bass, which adds to the enjoyment of popular music but also coloring it artificially. Check out the Beats PowerBeats Pro and finest bass earbuds for quality wireless headphones with deep bass. The sound is clean and high-quality, with a slight accent on bottom sounds.
They have a one-of-a-kind graphene driver that provides higher power. They’re entirely waterproof, and you may wear them in rainy and steamy weather thanks to the IPX7 water resistance. Furthermore, Grip Fit is Soundcore’s exclusive technology for a secure fit. When you insert and twist the buds, they form a solid seal in the ear.
#12. Skullcandy Jib True Wireless
Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 16h in case | Wireless rangle: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Micro-USB | Mic & Controls: Yes, built-in | Bluetooth codecs: n/a | Water-resistance: IPX4 | Features: Mono mode, 3 EQs, volume control
- True wireless earbuds for a low price
- IP55 provides dust and water resistance (IPX5)
- User-friendliness
- Extremely loud, with a lot of bass.
- Disconnects and distortion are common Bluetooth issues.
- Using the built-in buttons puts strain on the ears.
- The battery life per charge is only 3 hours.
- It’s a funny fit.
The default sound profile has a lively frequency response and a strong bass accent, giving the presentation a warm tone. Despite the fact that their sound quality isn’t perfect, they should suffice for casual listening. Skullcandy like experimenting with unique designs. Jib are available in either a monochrome black or a rainbowy color design, making them appealing to children. Of course, there are those who are young at heart.
They are water resistant (IPX4) and have mono mode, which allows you to utilize only one earbud. You can adjust the volume levels and switch between three EQ modes using the control buttons. Although these affordable earphones still use a Micro-USB cable for charging, the battery life is respectable at 6 hours per charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Cheap Wireless Earbuds Good?
Cheap wireless in-ear headphones, in comparison to high-end models, typically use older technology that is widely available but lacks any exclusive capabilities. Nonetheless, basic Bluetooth technology has improved to the point that you can obtain a fantastic user experience for a low price.
For the average user, performance should be adequate. App compatibility, longer battery life, and greater attention to detail are all features of $150 earphones, but they aren’t three times better. These are a wonderful alternative if you want good Bluetooth earphones that don’t have to be the greatest in order to save money. See the finest headphones under $100 for something in the middle.
Why You Must Get a Good Seal? (and How to Get it)
There are many reasons why it’s critical you get a tight seal:
- Better bass response. For strong lows you need an airtight fit otherwise all that sound goes out of the ear, and you don’t hear it.
- More accurate audio experience. To hear all the sounds in clarity and detail, you need the least amount of audio pollutants. Pollutants like the noises created near you that don’t come from the earphones. You want a direct connection from the driver to your eardrums.
- Better noise isolation. This one is self-explanatory. A good seal blocks more ambient noise and leaks less sound which makes for a more private experience. You don’t bother others, and others don’t bother you.
When you don’t get a good fit, you’ll notice a loss of bass, volume, and background noise isolation, all of which are important for a good audio experience. What is the best way to make an airtight seal? The goal is to locate eartips that are the correct fit for your ear canals. There are numerous designs and materials to choose from. The most common ear tips are silicone, which come standard with all in-ear headphones.
Memory foam tips are superior and more expensive, but they give better comfort and passive noise isolation. Unfortunately, they are more expensive and only come with certain (typically higher-end) earbuds. Discover the best noise-cancelling headphones.
What’s Important for Safety
To use any headphones safely, make sure they are set to the correct volume. Over time, listening to music at a high volume destroys your hearing. The injury develops over time and is nearly impossible to detect. You should aim to listen at roughly 50% volume to avoid hearing damage.
If you do go over, try to keep it to a minimum. More information on how to avoid hearing loss can be found here.
What Devices Support My Bluetooth Earbuds?
All Bluetooth enabled devices should work with your wireless earphones. This includes:
- All iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Like iPhones, Samsung, LG, HTC, Google Pixel, etc.
- Most laptops of later generations (that come with Bluetooth support, check your own to be sure)
- Bluetooth MP3 players (MP4)
Unfortunately, most desktop PCs do not support it. However, you can purchase and install a Bluetooth adapter. The music will, of course, only be played if your Bluetooth device has an audio output.
Does a Battery Lose Capacity Over Time?
Unfortunately, the technology inside the batteries isn’t designed to last indefinitely. Over time, the capacity and hence the playtime on a single charge decrease. The older your wireless earbuds are, the more probable the battery has lost capacity and will only hold a fraction of its original charge.
There isn’t much you can do about it, though. Enjoy your Bluetooth headphones while they last, and accept the fact that you’ll have to buy new ones when they die.
Buyer’s Guide for Best Earbuds under $100
Below are some of the main features everyone should remember while purchasing an earbud.
Design
Remember that buds with a design that simply hangs in your ears, such as the AirPods, are more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time but fall out rapidly while doing anything fast-paced.
On the other side, if worn for a long period, a design that fits deep into your ears or includes ear support may begin to harm your ears. If you choose ear buds that fit into your ear canal, make sure you choose a set with a variety of ear tips.
User-Interface Design
One of the most important features that distinguishes good earbuds from mediocre earbuds is the user interface. The earbuds with the best user interface will allow you to be less reliant on your phone and do more with the buds themselves.
The point of having genuinely wireless earphones is lost if you have to reach for your phone every time you want to skip a track or adjust the volume.
Resistance and Battery
In TWS, the battery life of both the earphones and the charging case is critical. Currently, brands incorporate lightning charge and wireless charging in their TWS products, which is a big benefit and most likely a feature of the future.