You no longer need to spend $200 to get earbuds that sound good and last a full day between cases. The budget tier has matured into one of the best value buys in tech.
What $100 gets you
Expect solid sound, a pocketable case with 25+ hours of total battery, and reliable Bluetooth at this price. Active noise cancellation is now common here too, which would have been unheard of a few years ago.
The usual compromises
Cheaper earbuds tend to lag on premium codecs, multipoint pairing, wireless charging, and mic quality in wind. Water resistance and fit stability also vary, so check those if you plan to exercise with them.
Finding the right fit
No earbud is worth buying if it doesn't stay put. Look for models with multiple ear-tip sizes and, ideally, a wing or stability fin for workouts. A secure fit also dramatically improves bass.
Our recommended picks
Nothing Ear (a)
Distinctive design with a balanced, energetic sound signature.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Strong noise cancellation and long battery at a gentle price.
JLab Go Air Pop
An ultra-affordable everyday pair that simply works.
The verdict
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the best value with real ANC, the Nothing Ear (a) pairs style with sound, and the JLab Go Air Pop is the budget floor that still satisfies.
✓ Pros
- Surprisingly good sound
- ANC available in this range
- Compact cases with long total battery
✗ Cons
- Weaker call quality
- Missing premium codecs
- Fit stability varies