5 minute guide to the best cheap wireless earbuds!
On this very website, you will find nearly 100 reviews on cheap true wireless earbuds. There is an insane amount to choose from. In this article, I will save you the trouble of reading all those reviews. In five minutes you'll know the answer: which cheap wireless earbuds to buy?
I got more and more requests for a quick buying guide, because yeah, it takes a lot of time to compare reviews on nearly 100 different truly wireless earbuds (TWS). That's why this is a short, straight-to-the-point list.
At first, it's time to address the most urgent questions you may have.
TWS buying advice: important questions
How good are these cheap wireless earbuds?
Very good. No, really. There is a vast amount of wireless earphones costing well under $100, $50 or even $25 that sound absolutely great. Chinese brands are so competitive, that they compete to offer the most amazing wireless earphones at minimal cost.How are these wireless earbuds tested?
I test all earphones extensively before I write about them. I connect them to both my iPhone and my Android smartphone. I test their build quality, comfort, call quality, connection quality, battery life, and sound quality. I also test how they handle videos. All buds are tested both indoor and outside while walking and cycling.What if I buy one and don't find the sound as described?
When you think the sound of your earphones is different than how I described it, please try the different rubber ear tips that come with the wireless earbuds. You have the right fit if you can feel the bass. Another tip is to change the sound quality setting of your music streaming app (like Spotify) to the highest setting. It makes a difference!Where can I find more information on these earphones?
Click or tap on the green words in each description - they're links to my reviews.Do these cheap wireless earbuds sound better than Apple AirPods?
Yes they do. All of them.
Now, it's time to give answers to the most important questions. This is my quick buying guide: which are the best cheap wireless earbuds for your situation?
Published January 15, 2020 - this list will be updated!
‘I want the best cheap wireless earbuds’
Answer: Fiil T1x
If you want the best cheap wireless earbuds, you should go for the Fiil T1X. They are the total package and sound fantastic. The Fiil T1X sounds good on all music genres, with lots of detail and a sweet amount of bass - without sounding too bassy. It sounds balanced and engaging at the same time. They come with rubber ear rings around the earpieces, that make sure they stay inside your ears even when you're sporting or working out. They last about 6 hours on a single charge.
The earbuds of the Fiil T1X have touch controls, which control easy and also let you change the volume on your ears. They handle calls and videos well, and they even come with a free app, which enables you to tweak the bass and treble of the music. From the app, you can even select a low latency mode that makes the sound fast enough for gaming - a rarity on wireless earbuds.
The Fiil T1X is available for around $65. If you want the best cheap wireless earbuds - these are it.
See more options here: Best wireless earbuds under $100
‘I want the best cheap wireless earbuds for calling’
Answer: Edifier TWS200
When taking a phone call is essential for you, the Edifier TWS200 is your best bet. It has the half-in-ear design that is known from the AirPods, and it offers excellent call quality both indoors and outside.
Even in crowded office spaces, your voice sounds natural, both clearer and louder than the people around you. Outside, calling is just as easy. The TWS200 diminishes traffic noises and wind noise and keeps focussing on your voice primarily. It's very convenient to have an extended phone call with these, further helped by the comfort this design provides.
Next to the call quality, the Edifier TWS200 offers solid sound quality with a fair amount of bass and convincing detail in instruments and vocals. It provides great video playback on both iPhone and Android, and delivers a respectable 5 hours of battery life before needing a recharge from the case.
The Edifier TWS200 is the top choice if you're looking for the best cheap true wireless earbuds for calling.
See more options here: Best wireless earbuds for phone calls
‘I want cheap wireless earbuds that don't go all the way into MY ears’
Answer: SoundPEATS TrueAir
Don't want earphones that go entirely into your ears? Check not only the Edifier TWS200, but also the SoundPEATS TrueAir. They don't offer the same phone call quality, but sound more engaging with a steady bass.
You ‘hang’ them into your ears like Apple AirPods, and they sound way better than AirPods clones. The SoundPEATS TrueAir has a good amount of bass, combined with clear vocals. Music just sounds good with these.
The ‘half in-ear’ design from these earbuds is comfortable and makes sure you can still hear your surroundings when you're listening to music. That's great for safety - but when you're outside, you may want to increase the volume to hear phone calls or music properly. Nothing too difficult: changing the volume is done with a single touch on the buds. It's also possible to skip or return tracks right on your ears. They run around 4,5 hours on a single charge and deliver great video playback as well.
The SoundPEATS TrueAir at around $30 is a solid alternative for the much more expensive Apple AirPods.
See more options here: Best cheap AirPods-like earbuds
‘I want the best wireless earbuds for in bed’
Answer: Shanling MTW100
The best cheap wireless earbuds for in bed, for watching tv shows, videos or listening to podcasts? The Shanling MTW100 has got you covered. The Shanling MTW100 comes in two tastes: the $80 dynamic driver and the $90 balanced armature model. Go for the latter, as it sounds way better. It is amazing for watching tv-shows, with an incredible display of detail in scenes and sound effects coming from everywhere. It also sounds very clear for podcasts (and of course, it delivers the same qualities when playing music).
What's more, is that it doesn't have blinking LED-lights, so it doesn't distract your partner in bed. The earpieces are compact and go well into your ears - making them comfortable when lying on a cushion. The 7-8 hours battery life on a single charge, even makes sure it can last an entire night.
Your best option for wireless earbuds for in bed? The Shanling MTW100 with balanced armature at $90.
‘I want the cheapest wireless earbuds with massive bass’
Answer: Mpow M7
If you love the sound of Beats, Sony Xtra Bass, or JBL headphones, the Mpow M7 is probably the best wireless earphones to go for. It combines heavy bass with a smooth, warm sound. The bass on these can resonate in your ears - and with more bass-heavy songs, the vibrating bass can just take over the music. The treble is toned down, preventing this earbuds from sounding sharp.
While the Mpow M7 has bigger-than-regular earpieces, the comfort is nice, and the fit is steady. As the earpieces still stick a bit out of your ears, it's great they offer IPX7 waterproof rating and thus are rain, sweat, and even shower resistant. The battery life is excellent too: you'll be sure to enjoy 6 hours of pure bassy enjoyment per charge.
The $40 Mpow M7 are the best cheap wireless earphones for lovers of the Beats, Sony Xtra Bass or JBL sound.
‘I want the cheapest good wireless earbuds’
Answer: Haylou GT2
Want the cheapest wireless earbuds that sound good? To try for yourself, or to hand out to others as gifts? The Haylou GT2 is it. It has a nice bass that supports the music, with clear sounding vocals and instruments on top. The sound is nicely balanced and suitable for most music genres and comes through to the compact and comfortable earpieces. All that at just $18.
The Haylou GT2 isn't flawless, mind you. The battery on this model lasts 3,5 hours on a single charge, it doesn't have a lid on the charging case, and call quality and video playback can be better. In both sound quality and features, the above recommended Fiil T1X is a step up. However:
If you want the cheapest possible good sounding wireless earbuds, don't hold back: the $18 Haylou GT2 is a great choice.
See more options here: Best cheap wireless earbuds under $25
Disclaimer
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. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest to test great affordable audio. <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
Guide: the best TWS for phone calls
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
