Cheap wireless earbuds under $100 for 2024

Unearthing top-notch yet affordable wireless earbuds can be akin to a quest for a needle in a haystack. Amidst a sea of budget-friendly options, there lies that one exceptional find perfectly attuned to your needs. In recent months, notable brands like Anker, Jabra, JBL, and Samsung have witnessed substantial price reductions on their models. Moreover, the market has witnessed the emergence of new players such as OnePlus and Nothing, offering competitively priced buds that rival some of the industry’s premium offerings in terms of quality and features. This surge in competition signals a tightening race for this year’s best deals in headphones, challenging even the likes of Apple to keep pace.

Curating this roster of the finest affordable wireless earbuds involved meticulous consideration of various factors, including design aesthetics, battery longevity, audio fidelity, and unique functionalities. Crucially, our selection is anchored by a $100 price ceiling, reflecting what we believe to be a reasonable threshold for many discerning consumers.

1. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

The Galaxy Buds 2, though compact, pack a powerful punch, offering exceptional value to Samsung Galaxy users seeking on-the-go audio companionship. With robust ANC and ambient modes, you control the external sound experience, while the dynamic two-way speaker delivers crystal-clear highs and rich lows. Exclusive benefits await Galaxy smartphone owners, including the low-latency Gaming Mode and Samsung’s Scalable Codec support, elevating audio quality beyond the standard SBC codec. The Galaxy Wearable app further enhances usability, featuring an Accessibility mode for single-ear ANC and a six-preset EQ for personalized sound profiles.

While boasting impressive features, the buds fall short in IPX2 durability compared to rivals, and their design may not match the premium feel of the Galaxy Buds Pro. Nevertheless, they remain an affordable and practical choice for those deeply integrated into Samsung’s mobile ecosystem.

Specifications

Size: 0.7 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches

Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)

Battery life (Rated): 5 hours with ANC on (20 hours with charging case), 7.5 hours with ANC off (29 hours with charging case)

Bluetooth range: 40 feet (12 meters)

Special features: Active noise cancellation, adjustable ambient listening mode, Wireless Power Share charging

2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

Google’s inaugural foray into wireless earbuds faced lukewarm reception, but the emergence of the Pixel Buds A-Series marks a pivotal turning point, rescuing the franchise from potential obscurity. Priced at $99, these earbuds boast a plethora of intelligent features and sport a sleek design that seamlessly complements the aesthetics of Google’s beloved Pixel smartphones. The standout feature is undeniably the seamless integration of Google Assistant, enabling effortless execution of numerous voice commands. Moreover, the A-Series excels in comfort, facilitating extended wear without discomfort. Noteworthy is Google’s Adaptive Sound technology, which optimizes audio quality by dynamically adjusting volume based on environmental factors, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience. While lacking wireless charging, the Pixel Buds A-Series nearly matches the performance of its higher-priced counterpart, making it the optimal choice for discerning Android users seeking value without compromise.

Specifications

Size: 0.8 x 1.2 x 0.7 inches

Weight: 0.18 ounces (per bud)

Battery life (Rated): 5 hours 25 hours (with charging case)

Bluetooth range: 30 feet (10 meters)

Special features: Adaptive sound technology, Google Translate, Find My Buds

3. Edifier W240TN

“Edifier has released numerous budget-friendly wireless earbuds over time. Among them, the W240TN stands out as a top contender. Its sound quality surpasses expectations for its price point, thanks to the inclusion of dual dynamic drivers that deliver excellent frequency response. While the bass might not be as powerful as some competitors, you’ll still enjoy a balanced mix of lows, mids, and highs. The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out most everyday disturbances, and the transparency mode enhances environmental awareness. With a full charge providing up to 8.5 hours of playback, the W240TN easily lasts for four days of moderate usage (averaging two hours per day). However, the call quality could be more consistent, potentially hindering the earbuds from receiving an Editor’s Choice award.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Size and Weight: 0.9 x 0.6 x 1 inches (per bud); 2.3 x 1.7 x 1.1 inches (charging case); 0.2 ounces (per bud); 1.4 ounces (charging case)
Battery Life (Rated): 7 hours (ANC on); 8.5 hours (ANC off); 21 hours (charging case with ANC on); 25.5 hours (charging case with ANC off)
Bluetooth Range: 35 feet (10 meters)
Special Features: Active noise cancellation, ambient listening mode, low-latency mode

4. Jabra Elite 3

Experience the Jabra Elite 3, delivering signature Jabra performance at a fraction of the cost of premium models, including AirPods. With powerful 6mm speakers, your music resonates with depth and vibrancy. Customize your audio experience with the Jabra Sound+ app, offering a range of expertly crafted presets for bass boosts or heightened highs. Explore additional software perks like HearThrough for seamless ambient listening and Call Experience for enhanced call quality. Benefit from Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable, swift connections, and enjoy hassle-free pairing with Android devices through Google Fast Pair.

While the Elite 3 may lack some of Jabra’s premium features like ANC, multipoint technology, and My Sound for personalized sound profiles, its functionality and performance surpass many competitors at its price point.

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 0.79 x 0.82 x 1.07 inches
Weight: 0.16 ounces (per bud)
Battery Life (Rated): 7 hours, 28 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 33 feet (10 meters)
Special features: Ambient listening mode, equalizer, Call Experience for enhanced vocal clarity

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Samsung has stepped into the realm of active noise cancellation with its inaugural wireless earbuds, marking a significant addition to its acclaimed range of mobile accessories. Boasting a distinctive and stylish design, these earbuds redefine auditory experience with their superior sound quality. From crystal-clear trebles to resonant bass, the audio immersion offered by these buds is unparalleled, making them perfect companions for exploring Spotify playlists. With a simple tap on the customized controls through the Galaxy Wear app, your favorite tunes are at your fingertips. Additionally, users have the freedom to tailor their audio experience with six preset sound options.

Setting itself apart from competitors like the AirPods Pro, the Galaxy Buds Live excel in battery longevity, offering an additional hour of playtime with ANC activated and an impressive three hours more without it. Despite these advantages, the much-touted active noise cancellation feature falls short of expectations. While effective at muffling minor background noises, it struggles to provide complete silence, particularly in bustling environments. Moreover, there’s room for improvement in the responsiveness of the touch controls.

SPECIFICATIONS

Size and Weight: 0.58 x 0.96 x 0.52 inches; 0.19 ounces (per bud)
Battery Life (Rated): 6 hours/21 hours with case (ANC + Bixby); 5.5 hours/20 hours (ANC); 8 hours/29 hours (ANC + Bixby off)
Bluetooth Range: 30 feet (10 meters)
Special Features: Active noise cancellation, multiple EQs, reverse wireless charging

6. Anker Soundcore Spirit Dot 2

The Spirit Dot 2 distinguishes itself as a standout option among wireless earbuds priced below $100, owing to its dynamic blend of athletic design and cutting-edge features. Anker has engineered these earbuds to withstand sweat and water, enveloping them in an IPX7 coating, marking one of the highest levels of protection in this category. Ensuring both comfort and secure fit, Anker includes an array of ear tips and wings catering to various ear shapes. Particularly notable is its robust bass response, delivering powerful lows without sacrificing sound quality to unwanted distortion.

While the Spirit Dot 2 offers exceptional value, there are trade-offs associated with its affordability. Notably, it lacks access to the Soundcore app, which means missing out on sought-after features like customizable EQ and HearID that could further enrich the audio experience. However, despite these drawbacks, the performance far exceeds expectations given its modest $80 price tag, making it an irresistible bargain for consumers seeking quality wireless earbuds.

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 1.00 x 0.74 x 0.96 inches
Weight: 0.23 ounces (per bud)
Battery life (Rated): 5.5 hours, 21 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 35 feet (10.5 meters)
Special features: BassUp technology, digital assistance, quick charging

7. Sony WF-C500

Priced originally at $100, the WF-C500 has been spotted selling for as little as $69, marking it as one of the top bargains for true wireless earbuds. Sony has integrated several of their exclusive technologies into these earbuds, including 360 Reality Audio and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), elevating the listening experience with immersive, lifelike sound quality. Through the Sony Headphones Connect app, users can customize the earbuds to their preferences, particularly by adjusting the EQ settings. Achieving 10 hours of playback on a single charge sets a high bar, surpassing many competitors regardless of their price point. However, to maintain affordability, Sony had to compromise on the battery life of the charging case, offering 20 hours instead of the industry standard 24 hours. Nonetheless, the design of the case stands out with its sleek appearance compared to the AirPods case, while remaining conveniently portable.

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 1.2 x 1.1 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Battery Life (Rated): 10 hours, 20 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth Range: 80 feet (24 meters)
Special features: 360 Reality Audio, custom EQ, Digital Sound Enhancement Engine support

Related