Top 3 TWS under $25 - $100 for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, and other video calling apps
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The quality of wireless earbuds has increased massively over the last years, including models for a tighter budget. Unfortunately, most earbuds still struggle with call quality on video conference calls such as Zoom meetings, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or WhatsApp. There are exceptions - these are the best cheap wireless earbuds for video calls.
On Scarbir.com, I have now tested, reviewed, and compared over 200 wireless earbuds under 100 dollars. While many earphones are pretty all-around performers, video calling isn't one of their qualities. Even the best models don't handle video calls as well as regular phone calls.
That's partly because of older Bluetooth chipsets in MacBooks and Windows computers, but also because of the often heavy audio compression in video conferencing apps. Happily, there are still a few cheap wireless earphones that perform well under these circumstances.
For this test, a selection of 25 highest-rated wireless earphones on Scarbir.com has been put to an extensive test for video calls, performed on both desktop and smartphone and in different video apps.
THERE IS A NEWER VERSION OF THIS GUIDE —> GO HERE.
Best cheap wireless earbuds for video calls: Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
$80 - $100
Samsung's Buds+ handles all kind of calls well
The now very affordable Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus are great for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other video conferencing apps - and that's not all.
Priced at only 80 dollars at the beginning of 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus is the full package. Not only do the earbuds have great build quality and comfort with their metallic and round finish, but they also boast up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge. The sleek charging case can top them up twice before needing new power via USB-C or wireless charging itself.
The Samsung already sounds great out of the box, with emphasized mid-tones that bring out vocals and make instruments like guitars and piano sound very natural. The bass isn't the most pronounced, but that's where the free Samsung Wear apps comes in. It provides the earphones with firmware updates and different sound settings, including a Pop equalizer, which adds some pleasant bass slam and depth to the music.
The call quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ is outstanding. In both regular phone calls and video calls, the microphone puts your voice through loud and clear. Occasionally, it can become a bit tinny when the Samsung has to reduce noises from your surroundings - but the result is these noises don't become too audible in your conversation. Your voice is always clear, and this consistency makes the Buds+ perform better than many competitors.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus doesn't just offer great phone and video call quality. With its 11 hours battery life, stellar app-support, and rich sound, these are fantastic wireless earbuds overall.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus full review
Buy on Amazon US
Buy on Amazon Germany
Buy from other Amazon stores
Cheapest wireless earbuds for video calls: 1more PistonBuds/ Omthing AirFree
$25 - $50
The Omthing AirFree and 1more PistonBuds are the same model
If the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ is a little over budget, don't worry: the 1more PistonBuds or Omthing AirFree is a fantastic, cheaper alternative.
Like the Samsung, this 1more has excellent call quality for both phone calls and video calls, for Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. Your voice sounds loud and clear, and comes with plenty of liveliness. Brighter background noises come through a little bit louder than on the Buds Plus in both phone calls and video calls, but they don't attack the clarity of your voice - so you'll remain perfectly audible.
There's plenty more to the 1more PistonBuds/ Omthing AirFree. The sound quality is seriously impressive for its low price point, with well-defined and deep-diving bass, upfront vocals, and a pleasant warm undertone under the music. These are among the balanced sounding earbuds this little money can get you.
The AirFree/ PistonBuds delivers up to 3,5 hours of playtime on a single charge, and the case can recharge them quickly four times fully before needing new power via USB-C itself. Controls on the earbuds are limited to play/ pause, but the comfort is outstanding, as the buds have an oval shape that follows your ears' insides.
While the smaller battery life may not be for everyone's needs, the 1more PistonBuds offers impressive sound quality and outstanding video call quality on a tight budget.
1more PistonBuds full review
Buy on AliExpress
Buy on Amazon US
Buy from other Amazon stores
Best noise-cancelling earbuds for video calls: Oppo Enco W51
$60 - $90
A convincing pair of every workday
If you want your wireless earphones to contain both ANC active noise cancelling and great video call quality, the Oppo Enco W51 is an excellent choice.
The W51 has an excellent microphone setup, which makes you sound clear and provides your voice with plenty of nuances. Your voice has enough volume and is also represented louder than surrounding noises, like the clacking of the keyboard or sound effects around you. This performance goes for indoor calls, outside phone calls, and video calls.
What's more, the Oppo Enco W51 has among the best ANC active noise cancelling you can find on wireless earbuds under $100. Constant noises from your surroundings become inaudible or at least heavily softened when you have these in, making this a great pair for workdays. They need a recharge after 4,5 hours, but the case can recharge them four times before needing new power via USB-C itself. The controls are limited out of the box, but you can change them via the free Hey Melody app on Android.
Listening to music is a joy too. The Oppo emphasizes the lower frequencies. The bass has a lovely yet controlled thump, drums sound natural, and instruments like guitars sound a little warmer than average - which makes for a pleasant listen. Vocals are warm and full, without entering harsh territories, but still come with plenty of detail.
If you're looking for a pair of earbuds both great at silencing your office floor and for video meetings, the Oppo Enco W51 has you covered.
Oppo Enco W51 full review
Buy on AliExpress
Best video calls TWS - other recommendations
Edifier X3 ($20-$35)
The Edifier X3 is a surprisingly great all-around earphone at a low price, with 6 hours battery life per charge, a super pocketable charging case, and good musical reproduction - with a steady, uplifting bass slam, clear and airy higher frequencies, and upfront vocals. There's decent call quality for phone calls as well. If you're looking for that perfect cheap allrounder, it's good to know that the video call quality here is decent too. It's a little low on volume, but your voice sounds bright and clear.
Edifier X3 full review
Buy on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon countries, or from AliExpress
QCY T5 / Aukey EP-T21 ($15-$20)
You can go even cheaper than the 1more or Edifier and still get acceptable video call quality. The QCY T5 or Aukey EP-T21, which can be had at $15 to $20, puts your voice clear and loud enough, although it can sound a little thin and bright. Next to brilliant comfort, the T5 also has a wonderfully warm, but balanced sound. A nice, steady bass-thump supports the clear vocals and smooth highs. Battery life is limited, however, with its 3,5 hours of playtime per charge.
QCY T5/ Aukey EP-T21 full review
Buy on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon countries, or from AliExpress
Fiil CC2 ($60)
If you prefer earbuds with an AirPods-like design, the Fiil CC2 is the best choice for Microsoft Teams and other video calling apps. While your voice sounds a bit light, it's clear and has a decent amount of volume. Some light sound effects are happening, but they don't rule your voice out. The Fiil CC2 also boasts some other great specs, like 6 hours playtime on a single charge, rich sound quality with outstanding clarity and natural mid-tones, and great wearing comfort due to the slim AirPods-like fit.
Fiil CC2 full review
Buy on AliExpress (possibly cheaper here)
Disclaimer
This guide will be updated when there are new models deserving a top spot in this list. Check out the latest reviews here.
I buy most of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products on a level playing field, always stating their strengths and their downsides. Visit the leaderboard of true wireless earphones for all my reviews and ratings.
Consider buying a pair of earphones in this list? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article. These are affiliate links. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest to test great affordable audio. You can also support my research via PayPal. <3
Also check out my other articles:
Guide: the best TWS under $100
Guide: the best TWS under $50
Guide: the best TWS under $25
Leaderboard: all earphones from 10-300 dollar tested
Bought a product and want to share your opinion? Do use the comments. I hope this article helps you!
- Scarbir
