BUYING GUIDE - With over 455 models tested, these are the best and most comfortable wireless earbuds for sleeping, falling asleep, podcasts, and ASMR. Watch out though: there's a catch!

BEST cheap Sleeping Earbuds - June 2025:

1. Under $100: Soundcore Space A40

2. Under $50: Redmi Buds 6 Play

3. Runner-up under $50: Tozo Crystal Buds

Check out below for descriptions and comparisons!

Welcome to Scarbir.com! In the last years, I've tested and reviewed 458+ different affordable wireless earbuds (TWS), ranging from 10 to 150 dollars. All earbuds are tested extensively and rated on features, sound quality, phone calls and video calls, battery life, comfort, and controls.

For this Buying Guide, I've selected around 80 of the most comfortable budget wireless earbuds tested on this site, and tested them specifically on sleeping comfort for my average-sized ears. Two other testers (one with shallow ear canals, one with smaller ears) also tested them laying on their sides with the earbuds in.

The earbuds were tested with the following questions in mind:

• Do the earbuds allow comfortable sleeping on your side, without the need of a support hand?

• Can the volume go low enough?

• Does the battery last an entire night?

• Do they reduce noise around you to help you sleep?

• Are voices in podcasts and ASMR sound effects clearly audible?

Currently, there are only TWO wireless earbuds that tick al the boxes. Therefore, this is a different kind of Buying Guide than usual. There's one absolute top recommendation under $100, and a great runner-up if you want to save yourself some money.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

Here are the best best cheap sleeping earbuds under $100 and $50, updated for June 2025:

1. Best wireless sleep earbuds under $100: Soundcore Space A40

Comfort, Noise Cancelling, fantastic battery life

The Soundcore Space A40 can not only help you sleep, but save you sleep too. It's comfortable enough to lay on, its battery easily lasts an entire night, and its Active Noise Cancelling reduces many sounds around you.

It's THE pair of earbuds under $100 I recommend for sleeping.

I rarely get personal in my Buying Guides, but let this be the exception. The Soundcore Space A40 is always with me in an overnight bag. Whether it's for an airplane flight, a trip with friends, or in a crowded hostel: this earphone always helps me falling asleep. The oval earpieces don't stick out the ears too much, and while you can feel them while wearing, the earpieces don't feel too big or piercing.

With my average-sized ears, I can even manage to sleep on my side without the need of a support hand.

But that's not the only reason the Space A40 is brilliant. These 80 dollars pair of earbuds has solid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) that can heavily reduce sounds like snoring, and even completely remove softer noise. I've had hostel nights in which I didn't even hear roommates move in and out of the dorm room!

That's not all - because after around seven hours of sleeping with the ANC on (and music off), the earbuds still have 60 to 70% battery left! It will be less when you're also playing background music, but don't worry: these will get you through the night.

Apart from the sleep performance, there's plenty more to like about the Soundcore. It's IPX4 splashproof, supports USB-C and wireless charging, and the charging case can recharge the earbuds five times fully before it needs new power itself.

The touch controls are responsive, and can be altered via the free Soundcore app for iPhone and Android phones. That includes the option to disable long presses, which is fantastic - it means you don't accidentally trigger controls when you're moving on a cushion.

Finally, the Space A40 is a pleasure to listen to. Lower tones are slightly boosted and give the music warmth, while instruments like guitars and piano play and vocals sound natural and full, and treble rolls off before it becomes sharp. It's all supported by a relatively tight and deep bass, and details that come from your left and right.

With its comfortable fit, fantastic battery life, solid Active Noise Cancelling, and great sound quality, the Soundcore Space A40 isn't just great for sleeping. These are wonderful all-around earbuds for everyday use too.

• Soundcore Space A40 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

2. Best wireless sleeping earbuds under $50: Redmi Buds 6 Play

Great comfort, 7,5 hours of battery life, 20 dollars!

The Redmi Buds 6 Play is an incredible pair of wireless earbuds for the smallest budgets. It shines with long battery life, a vivid sound and a sleep-proof fit.

The comfort of the Redmi Buds 6 Play is outstanding. These earbuds are delightfully small and provide an comfortable fit in average and smaller sized ears.

They barely stick out of the outside of your ears and this makes them comfortable enough to sleep on your side with, even without the support of an arm.

The Redmi Buds 6 Play also offers 7,5 hours of playtime on a single charge - and even longer when you play on the lowest volumes. That means these have the comfort and the battery to get you through a night.

When you need more battery, a quick 10 minute charge can top up 3 new hours of listening time.

For its incredible 20 dollar price point, the Redmi Buds 6 Play doesn't offer Active Noise Cancelling to dampen sounds around you. Still, its good fit already reduces a bit of noise around you. And there are more great features for sleeping.

For instance, you can change the controls to your liking via the Xiaomi Earbuds app for Android and iPhone. This includes volume controls and the option to disable single touches, which prevents accidental controls.

Another great feature is the sound quality. With the default equalizer, the Redmi Buds 6 Play impresses with a tight bass, clean lower mid-tones, and clear yet controlled treble.

Singing vocals and speaking voices sound super crisp on these, making it easy to follow podcasts, audiobooks or videos on even the lower volumes. You can also set these from very loud to very soft - another great sleeping feature.

Lastly, it's safe to take a phone call or enter a video conference with them. You can rock these during the day just as easy as during the night.

This level of comfort, great battery life and an impressive sound for 20 dollars make the Redmi Buds 6 an outstanding deal in general, and a fantastic choice for sleeping earbuds.

• Redmi Buds 6 Play review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Runner-up for sleeping earbuds under $50: Tozo Crystal Buds

Includes app with relaxing sounds

For about half of the price of the Soundcore Space A40, the Tozo Crystal Buds rocks an all-night battery life… and an app with relaxing sounds.

The Tozo Crystal Buds is easy to wear for extended periods. The triangular inside follows the shape of your ears nicely, and due to the flat outer surfaces, these earbuds don't stick out too much. It's possible to sleep on your side with these - but as the ear tips dive in your ears deeper than on the Soundcore and the FiiTii HifiAir mentioned below, you might need arm support for the most comfortable fit.

What's great, is that you don't have to worry about the battery life. It lasts around 9 hours on a single charge - and that's when you're playing music on moderate volume! It lasts even longer when you listen to your music softly. The big difference here is that the Crystal Buds doesn't have Active Noise Cancelling to quieten your surroundings.

It is, however, excellent for sleeping in with background music, podcasts, audiobooks and ASMR. That's because the sound of this Tozo produces very natural mid-tones and has a slight emphasis on treble, which means that vocals sound clear and rich. It can go soft enough too, letting you sleep in easily.

Prefer your music loud? No problem. The Crystal Buds sounds good, still displaying instruments and vocals crisp and clear, while also adding a decent bass slap and even rumbling sub-bass. While you're at it, you may as well workout or run with these: the IPX8 waterproof rating protects them from heavy rain and sweat, and even the shower afterwards.

While you may want to avoid taking a phone call or game with the Crystal Buds, these earbuds do come with a pleasant surprise at their 40 dollars price. Tozo supports them with a free Android and iPhone app, that includes a dozen of relaxing soundscapes, like waves crashing into a beach, rain in a forest or soothing night sounds. Okay, they're quite short and you may be better off finding comparable material on your favourite streaming service, but as you can either loop those sounds or put them in a playlist, this really is a nice bonus for sleep-proof earbuds.

The Tozo Crystal Buds may not have Active Noise Cancelling, but their comfortable fit, vocal-centric sound, and great battery life makes them easily recommended for sleeping-in and sleeping.

• Tozo Crystal Buds full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

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

Was this article helpful for you?

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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

Dislike wireless earphones with rubber ear tips that go into your ears entirely? These is the top selection of so-called semi in-ear earbuds or half in-ear wireless earbuds around and under $50, updated for June 2025.

best semi-in-ear wireless earbuds - June 2025:

1. Best overall - Oppo Enco Air3

2. Best battery life - Huawei Freebuds SE 2

3. Best for bass - SoundPEATS Air5 Lite

4. Best under $25 - 1more Q10 Mini

5. Best under $10 - Haylou X1c

Not everyone likes earphones with rubber-tips that completely fill up your ears. That's one of the reasons Apple hit the jackpot with its original AirPods: earbuds that just hang in your ears. You fling them in, they don't fall out too easily and they're comfortable to wear for hours.

On Scarbir.com, I've tested and reviewed 458+ affordable wireless earbuds, ranging from 15 to 150 dollars. Including a lot of open wireless earbuds - carrying the AirPods design.

In this guide, you'll find the best low-budget open or half-in-ear wireless earphones.

How Scarbir.com tests half-in-ear earbuds

• Scarbir.com is a one-man job. Since 2019, I've performed all 455+ wireless earphone reviews on this site myself - so you can be sure every model has gotten the same testing methods and the same reference.

• I try and test all earbuds at least 1 to 2 weeks fully before writing about it, experiencing all aspects of the earbuds. All earbuds are tested on an Android phone, iPhone, and Mac.

• I test the basics like wearing comfort after several hours, the actual battery life, the fit when you're on the move, the controls, and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. If an earbud fails in any of these categories, it has very little chance to become a recommendation.

• For phone and video calls, all earbuds undergo the same tests; recordings performed in the same office and on the same crowded traffic intersection with occasional wind, as well as in pre-defined simulated scenes with noise and wind.

• The gaming performance and low-latency modes are always tested with the highly challenging shooter Call of Duty mobile on an Android phone.

• For the app support of an earbud, I look at the features, the ease-of-use and the needed permissions of the Android and iPhone app.

• Active Noise Cancelling often is a scam on half-in-ear earbuds, as this form factor doesn't seal your ears off enough to block noise around you. I still test the function to see how it fares.

• Sound quality is my biggest passion and, with so much competition on the market, it's what can make or brake an earphone. I listen to earbuds on low, moderate and high active listening volume, take notes and compare an earbud to its biggest comparably priced rivals. Sound performance is both tested by both everyday and active listening to whichever music I throw at it, and by checking technicalities with my Scarbir.com Earbuds Test List on Spotify.
  
  

Why choose semi-in-ear wireless earbuds?

• They are comfortable because they don't fill up your ears. You can just ‘hang’ these in your ears. A lot of people prefer the comfort of this half in-ear design over the regular in-ear design, with rubber ear tips entirely filling up your ear canal.

• They are safer. Because they leave room from sounds from your environment, you will still hear traffic while you're listening to music.

• Call quality. These earphones have stems with the microphone placed all the way down, meaning the mic is closer to your mouth. This is no guarantee for clear calls, but often call quality on earphones with stems is better than on earphones without stems.
  
  
  

What to expect from the best cheap AirPods alternatives?

• Battery life: About 4,5 to 8 hours of play time on a single charge, unless mentioned otherwise.

• Decent call quality: The stem designs pick up your voice easily.

• Great connectivity: take them out of the box, and they pair and connect instantly.

• A comfortable and steady fit for most ears.

• Great audio quality for the price.

To take away the hassle of reading and comparing all Scarbir TWS reviews, here are the top recommendations based on different preferences.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the 5 best cheap semi in-ear wireless earbuds, updated for June 2025:

1. Best cheap earbuds without rubber tips: Oppo Enco Air3

Comfortable fit, multipoint connection, and beautiful sound

The Oppo Enco Air3 is the total package. These half-in-ear wireless earbuds are comfortable to wear, sound great, have enough battery life, clear calls, and can be connected to two devices at the same time.

The Oppo Enco Air3 has a small speaker mound, reminiscent of the earlier AirPods models instead of the AirPods 3, and it's very comfortable because of it. It's easy and light to wear during its 5 hours playtime on a single charge, although the fit could be a bit loose if you're planning to sport or sweat with them. Rain isn't a problem, however, thanks to its IP54 waterproof rating.

All controls can be setup via the HeyMelody app on iPhone and Android phones, which makes it easy to change tracks and volume from the earbuds. It controls really well, and affirms your taps on the top of the stems with neat clicky feedback.

The Oppo can also switch between two devices easily thanks to the multipoint connection. Phone and video calls are clear, as the microphones put your voice through natural and clear. Noise around you is audible but not too loud, and your voice also survives a bit of wind. The gaming mode is equally convincing, with the sound effects fluently following the action on a challenging game like Call of Duty mobile.

But as good as the features already are, it's the sound quality where the Air3 really stands out.

The Enco Air3 has a solid, gently thumping mid-bass that barely feels lighter than many earbuds with rubber tips - even more so when you select the well-balanced Bass Boost EQ from the app. There's a decent bass kick and underneath it, the sub-bass gives off a round, controlled rumble in James Blake's ideal test track Limit to Your Love.

The Enco Air3 lifts the lower-mids somewhat, creating a smooth warm undertone. Vocals are very forward, and brighter voices even outweigh the also open treble. From moderate to the highest volumes; higher instruments and voices have space to breathe without becoming sharp, peaky or light.

Furthermore, center-mids like guitars and piano play have body and strike the same balance between warmth and clarity as the treble; they feel natural. Separation between instruments and details is good too; music feels airy and detailed. Make no mistake - these sound better than Apple's AirPods 3.

The Oppo Enco Air3 throws in good call clarity, comfort, controls, multipoint connection and solid gaming performance on top of an exceptionally balanced sound. It's the top choice for half-in-ear earbuds on a budget.

• Oppo Enco Air3 review versus two competitors

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Best battery life on half-in-ears under $50: Huawei Freebuds SE 2

exceptional BATTERY LIFE, and sounds great too

The Oppo Enco Air3 aren't available in every country, it seems. But fear not - there's a great alternative. The Huawei Freebuds SE 2 has tremendous battery life and a wonderful, vocal-centered sound.

The Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 are half-in-ear, or semi-in-ear earbuds, meaning you can just hang them in your ears instead. They have all the perks of this form factor: they're extremely light and comfortable to wear for hours, and you'll still hear traffic around you when you use them, which is good for safety. Happily, sound leakage is limited even when you listen to your music loud.

The earbuds that house inside this tiny bit of plastic case are IP54 waterproof and have a crazy long battery life of up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge! On the downside, you can only connect them to one device at a time.

It's no problem taking a phone call, as the FreeBuds picks up your voice loud and clear. A bit less so when people start to talk loudly around you, but the microphones still focus well on you.

The controls are limited out of the box, offering only play/pause. You can add track skip/ return options with the free Huawei AI Life app for iPhone and Android, but Android-users have to download it outside of the Play Store - a QR-code on the box will help you get it.

The app comes recommended: it also lets you activate a low-latency gaming mode, update firmware, find your earbuds when you've lost them, and comes with four sound presets.

The sound is convincing too, especially for vocals. The FreeBuds SE 2 enjoys the clarity and openness that comes to semi in-ears easily, but it restrains from making higher notes too prominent or harsh.

The sound basically consists of forward vocals and a gentle, warm underlining from instruments and electronic tones. Both higher female singers and lower male vocals have plenty of body, and reach the highest ourbursts as easy as the lowest notes. Vocal performance stands out on the Freebuds SE 2 - voices brim with life.

Mid-tones from guitars and piano play are cosy, and the mid-bass thumps decently. The lows are further accentuated by the subtly boosted lower mid-tones, giving music a pleasant fullness next to its openness. This warm-balanced presentation is a joy to listen to, from singer-songwriter ballads to heavier dance tracks.

Note of March 2025: The recently released Huawei Freebuds SE 3 has a more slippery fit and is more expensive: the SE 2 remains better value for money.

With their exceptional battery life, great vocal-centered sound quality, and solid call clarity, the Huawei Freebuds SE 2 are stellar AirPods-like earbuds for their regular 40 to 70 dollars asking price.

• Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 vs 10 cheap competitors test

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Best bass earbuds without rubber ear tips under $50: SoundPEATS Air5 Lite

COMPACT, COMFORTABLE AND GOOD SOUND

Can't get the Oppo Enco Air3 and Huawei Freebuds 2 SE in your country? Fear not - the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is a good alternative. These are also the top recommendation for bass lovers.

The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite have more or less the same shape as the predecessors that have been recommended in this Buying Guide before; the SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS, SoundPEATS Air4 Lite and SoundPEATS Air4. It sets itself apart with a new sleek, shiny part on the stem.

The earbuds can require a bit of fiddling to get the most secure fit, but they're light and comfortable to wear during their 5 hours playtime on a single charge.

Recharging the buds for 15 minutes, gets you another 3 hours of playtime.

The Air5 Lite controls well with the touch panels on top of the stem. It's easy to change the volume with a single-tap, pause with a double, and change tracks by triple-tapping.

And just like its predecessors, the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite comes with multipoint connection, meaning you can connect it to two devices at the same time. It switches seamlessly when you pause on one device and play on the other, or when you receive a call.

The call quality is good. Your voice sounds natural to warm and loud enough, and noise around you is reduced well. The same goes for wind noise, although it can give your voice a crackle.

The free PeatsAudio app for iPhone and Android lets you customize controls and activate the low latency mode, which synchronizes the sound in games very well. The most important app addition is the Dynamic Bass button. Activated by default, it gives the Air5 Lite plenty of weight in the lows - unlike many other rubber tip-less earbuds.

The Air5 Lite presents an impressive, rumbling sub-bass. Its mid-bass strikes are thumpy, full and impactful, and the bass doesn't just kick nicely, but feels deep too.

On top of that, boosted lower mid-tones bring out darker electronic tones, instruments and lower vocals well. They help giving the Air5 Lite a warm and even somewhat dark tonality, especially on lower and moderate volumes. The sound also gets a bit of bloom because of it: an echo-y feel.

On higher volumes, the Air5 Lite loses its darker character and throws in more vocals and clearer treble. Happily, treble still rolls off before the sound becomes harsh.

The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is a great sum of good comfort, call quality, multipoint, and an entertaining warm and bassy sound. It's an easy recommendation for its $50 price.

• SoundPEATS Air5 Lite review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best AirPods-like earbuds under $25: 1more Q10 Mini

It just works

If you want to spend as little as possible money on half-in-ear earbuds with great comfort and good sound, look no further than the 1more Q10 Mini.

The 1more Q10 Mini, also sold as just 1more Q10, has a simplicity that just works for its small price that ranges from $25 to sometimes only $15 (!) on Amazon and AliExpress. The charging case is lovely compact, and the same goes for the stems on the earbuds.

Moreover, these earbuds have a secure, grippy fit that's comparable to the Oppo Enco Air3, and they're light and comfortable to wear for hours.

Despite their size, these last around 7 hours on a single charge. During that time, it's safe to take a phone phone call with them in easy circumstances. Your voice loses clarity when there's much noise going on, and more when there's also a bit of wind involved, but you'll stil be audible.

You will not find app support, a multipoint connection or volume controls on the 1more Q10, but you can activate a gaming mode by holding the left earbud. It synchronizes the sound effects in games greatly. Gaming is quite intense too, as the 1more has a solid bass.

No, really. The 1more Q10 Mini has a sound that reminds of earphones with rubber tips. It has a full, punchy mid-bass. Lower-mid tones are fiercely boosted as well, awarding darker electronic tones and lower male vocals and lower instruments a prominent role.

Meanwhile, treble is smooth. Vocals are forward enough, but brighter instruments are toned down a bit as highs roll off early. There's more warmth than clarity on the 1more Q10.

The friendly sound character just adds to the no-nonsense character of these budget earbuds. These are just great, no-nonsense rockers.

• 1more Q10 Mini review

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Best half-in-ears under $10: Haylou X1c

These cost just… 6… dollars…

If you're on an even tighter budget, the Haylou X1c may be worth looking into. These super-simple earbuds often go as little as 6 to 10 dollars on AliExpress.

The Haylou X1c seems to be included in every AliExpress sale, and is one of these products that is immediately promoted to new accounts. It's easy to see why. The value for money here is insane.

The X1c has an insanely compact charging case, the earbuds look okay in their grey-dark blue-green finish, and they last up to 5 hours on a single charge. They fit good, although you can feel them sitting in your ears a bit. The stem could fall more elegantly as well.

The basics are there, too. It has play/ pause and track controls on top of the stems, and you can (de)activate the game mode with three taps.

You need this game mode not only to synchronize the sound effects in games, but also in regular videos. By default, there's a delay in the sound. Everything comes at a price.

That said, you don't have to be afraid to take a phone call every now and then; the microphones make your voice sound loud and full, although it can be a bit more inconsistent with noise around you. For this price? Insane.

Even music can be enjoyed. When you turn the volume up, the X1c trades in its laidback, clear presentation and its sound becomes actually entertaining. It has a slim yet punchy mid-bass delivering quick thumps, and on louder volumes, you can even feel some vibration when a song pushes the bass - a rare feature for half in-ears. Now, the highest vocal outbursts and instruments can be peaky, but for the most part, the combination of the warm-balanced tonality of the mid-tones, typical openness of the vocals, and uplifting bass make for an entertaining sound.

If you have the money, however, an upgrade to the 1more Q10 Mini is worth it.

The Haylou X1c makes clear calls and fun music available to everyone.

• Haylou X1c vs 10 cheap competitors test

• Buy on AliExpress

Previous recommendations

• 1more ComfoBuds 2: Surpassed in 2025

• Edifier TWS200: These were recommended in this guide for a long time because of their call quality, but the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 95 builds further upon it and delivers better battery life.

• Fill CC2: Still sound great, but the Huawei Freebuds SE 2 win in the sound department now

• Haylou GT6: These AirPods-like earbuds sound terrific, but only if you get a perfect fit and push the earbuds uncomfortably strong in your ears.

• QCY T3: Half-in-ears with rubber-tips that go halfway in your ears that sound great, but controls are cumbersome.

• Sabbat X12 Pro: Now beaten in battery life and sound quality.

• SoundPEATS Air3: Out of stock in 2025

• SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS: A long-time recommendation, now beaten by the Air5 Lite and competitors.

• SoundPEATS TrueAir: Now surpassed in sound quality, call quality and battery life.

• SoundPEATS TrueAir2+: Now surpassed by the SoundPEATS Air3 and Deluxe HS.

• SoundPEATS TrueBuds: Sounded a little bright, but were backed with a beast of a charging case that could recharge the earbuds 20 times, making them travel proof. Not available anymore.

• TaoTronics SoundLiberty 88: Good runner-up and still great overall half-in-ears, but the SoundLiberty 92 sounds better and the Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE has better battery life.

• Tozo A3: Was a recommendation for cheap bass earbuds, still is - but not enough to make it to this Guide anymore.

• Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE: Praised as the best all-round wireless earbuds in Q3 2020, it's now beaten in multiple aspects by the SoundPEATS TrueAir 2 - a richer sound and clearer calls.

Disclaimer

I hope this comparison on cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes helps you select the right one for you. If you plan to buy one of the items in this list, please consider doing it with the links in this article.

These are affiliate links, from which I'll gain a little percentage of the price. Buying a product from the link won't cost you extra, yet it will support me a bit in my ongoing , independent and honest research on affordable audio.

Was this article helpful for you?

There are way more true wireless earphones you can buy for under 50 dollars, than described in this selection. See my reviews and comparison here:

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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• Leaderboard: all earphones from 10-300 dollar tested

Bought a true wireless earbud thanks to this list? I'd love to hear what you've chosen. Do comment! :-)

- Scarbir

No idea what wireless earphone is right for you? These are the best wireless earbuds under $100, in all kinds of form factors - updated for June 2025.

BEST TWS under $100 - June 2025:

1. Best overall - Earfun Air Pro 4

2. Best sound quality - Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

3. Best half-in-ears - Oppo Enco Air3

4. Best clip-ons - SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro

5. Best for bass - Nothing Ear (a)

Check out below for descriptions and comparisons!

How Scarbir.com tests $100 wireless earbuds

• Scarbir.com is a one-man job. Since 2019, I've performed all 458+ wireless earphone reviews on this site myself - so you can be sure every model has gotten the same testing methods and the same reference.

• I try and test all earbuds at least 1 to 2 weeks fully before writing about it, experiencing all aspects of the earbuds. All earbuds are tested on an Android phone, iPhone, and Mac.

• I test the basics like wearing comfort after several hours, the actual battery life, the fit when you're on the move, the controls, and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. If an earbud fails in any of these categories, it has very little chance to become a recommendation.

• For phone and video calls, all earbuds undergo the same tests; recordings performed in the same office and on the same crowded traffic intersection with occasional wind, as well as in pre-defined simulated scenes with noise and wind.

• Active Noise Cancelling, if available, is always tested in the same organic office and outdoor environments, as well as in pre-defined simulated background chatter and noise scenarios. ANC performance is always directly compared to the best scoring models in the price range.

• The gaming performance and low-latency modes are always tested with the highly challenging shooter Call of Duty mobile on an Android phone.

• For the app support of an earbud, I look at the features, the ease-of-use and the needed permissions of the Android and iPhone app.

• Sound quality is my biggest passion and, with so much competition on the market, it's what can make or brake an earphone. I listen to earbuds on low, moderate and high active listening volume, take notes and compare an earbud to its biggest comparably priced rivals. Sound performance is both tested by both everyday and active listening to whichever music I throw at it, and by checking technicalities with my Scarbir.com Earbuds Test List on Spotify.

• The $100 price category in wireless earbuds is insanely competitive. From Q2 2024 on, multiple model releases have been fantastic and can even outperform the $250 AirPods Pro 2 on call clarity, ANC, and sound quality. As the features are now often so good for the price, I also weigh in user friendliness and build quality and finish heavier than in more affordable price ranges.

What to expect from truly wireless earphones under $100:

• Outstanding sound quality: the products in this list are hand-picked as the best budget wireless earbuds from hundreds of models you can buy from Amazon and AliExpress. They offer excellent sound quality - sometimes even better than earbuds costing 200 to 300 dollars.

• Great build quality: a lack of well-known brand names doesn't mean: bad build quality. The winners in this guide have a sturdy built, cleverly designed charging cases and comfortable earbuds.

• Solid battery life: the TWS in this list have better battery life than many more expensive wireless earbuds. They all offer at least 6 hours of playtime, up to 8 or even more hours battery life on a single charge.

• Good call quality: the phone call quality of affordable wireless earphones has increased over the last years. Unless mentioned otherwise, it's easy to take phone calls and video calls with these.

• Feature packed: some TWS under $100 come with Active Noise Cancelling, a transparency 'hearthrough’ mode, or free apps with extra functionality, just like you would see on more expensive earphones.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the best cheap wireless earbuds under $100, updated for June 2025:

1. Best wireless earbuds under $100: Earfun Air Pro 4

A sensational package for the price

The Earfun Air Pro 4 is an amazing offer for wireless earbuds under $100, delivering great sound quality, clear calls both inside and outdoors, multipoint connection, and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on par with the $250 AirPods Pro 2.

There's one to reason to look a little further than the Earfun Air Pro 4, and that's when you have smaller than average ears. While this earphone has a familiar stem design with oval earpieces that fit secure and snug, Earfun mounts round and bigger-than-average rubber tips on them - making them less comfortable than competitors with oval ear tips.

That said, the round ear tips ensure fantastic Active Noise Cancelling. The ANC heavily reduces and completely removes sounds around you - even when you're not playing music. Darker constant sounds and higher sound effects are almost completely gone, and even sudden middle sounds like a radio or chatter disappear to the background, or are at least strongly softened. The performance is on par with the much pricier Apple AirPods Pro 2, and the Earfun is even better in suppressing higher notes.

Since a firmware update from the Earfun app, the Transparency mode is usable too, allowing you to follow a conversation or clearly hear traffic noise while listening to music on lower volume. Better yet, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of playtime with ANC or Transparency mode on, before you have to recharge them in the case.

That case itself is sturdy, compact enough, and resists fingerprints and scratches well. Three LED-lights on the front indicate the remaining battery life; and when it turns empty, you easily recharge the case via USB-C or wireless charging.

The Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds are great for all everyday tasks. They're IPX5 waterproof so they withstand rain and sweat, the controls are excellent and can be setup entirely to your liking with the free Earfun Android and iPhone app, and thanks to the multipoint connection, you can connect them to two devices at the same time.

Don't be afraid to take that phone call or enter a video conference with them: the microphones make you sound natural and loud, and surrounding noises are softened superb. Even a bit of wind noise doesn't drown your voice.

They're great for videos and games as well. The specific game mode synchronizes sounds in challenging games like Call of Duty mobile wonderfully, although the sound effects could feel more around you.

Rest assured: music sounds fantastic on these earbuds.

The mid-bass delivers solid thumps rather than tight punches, while the deepest bass section - the sub-bass - offers a controlled, deep rumble. Lower mids are boosted, enhancing darker electronic tones and male vocals without dragging higher mids along.

The Earfun always has a pleasant warm tonality, but it still creates space for natural-sounding guitars and piano play. Both male and female vocals are forward and have a strong presence, without overpowering instruments. Cymbals, violins, flutes and even Björk's highest screams are clear but not overly bright. Music feels detailed as well, as instruments and frequencies are greatly separated from each other. Apart from the (very!) loud maximum volumes, the music keeps its authority.

Should you want to change it, you can do so via the app that offers plenty of EQ presets and the option to create your own equalizer.

The Earfun Air Pro 4 is a wonderful listen - articulated, balanced, and energetic. The sound quality tops off the great package that these earphones are. This is the current best choice for wireless earbuds under 100 dollars.

• Earfun Air Pro 4 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Best sounding earbuds under $100: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

Very engaging sound and Good ANC

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are a stellar combination of stellar sound quality and features, like clear indoor calls and strong Active Noise Cancelling.

It only takes a few seconds before you hear this Samsungs strength.

The Galaxy Buds FE has an exceptional midrange. Mid-tones have a natural tonality and strong texture; it's entirely possible to hear the pressing of piano keys or plucking of guitar strings in higher quality recordings here.

Both female and male vocals are pronounced and full-bodied, and they dip into low tones just as easily as reaching high outbursts. The Buds FE has wonderful mid-nuances. Especially on the highest volumes, it outperforms almost all rivals in terms of dynamics and separation.

Lower mid-tones are weighty and detailed, and thanks to great separation, they don't interfere with highs or the bass. Speaking of which: the strong and thick bass boasts impactful drums and quick strikes, and can be pleasantly thumpy. It’s detailed and deep, an immersive performer.

Apart from sound, these earbuds have more going for them too.

The 5,5 hours battery life per charge may not push any boundaries, it's only IPX4 light-rain proof, and you won't find volume controls on the earpieces… but they come with a fierce Transparency mode that easily lets you follow conversations while you listen to music or take a call.

The totally wind noise-free Active Noise Cancelling is strong - reducing or removing some frequencies from your surroundings. It does let more noise pass through than the Earfun and Huawei, but the Samsung does provide a more sleep-proof fit as these earbuds don't have stems.

The Galaxy Buds FE supports multipoint connection on devices with a Samsung account, they're a good choice for gaming (with rapid action-to-sound synchronization), and they're great for indoor phone and video calls too, in which your voice sounds natural and louder than your surroundings. Due to wind noise, outdoor calls are trickier.

They're comfortable, offer clear indoor calls, and have hassle-free Active Noise Cancelling. Still, these are just bonuses for the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. These sub-$100 wireless earbuds sound fantastic.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

3. Best half-in-ears under $100: Oppo Enco Air3

COMFORTABLE FIT, MULTIPOINT CONNECTION, AND great SOUND

Prefer your wireless earbuds without rubber tips? The Oppo Enco Air3 is the total package at only one fourth of the price of Apple's AirPods 4 - and they sound better.

The Oppo Enco Air3 has a small speaker mound, reminiscent of the earlier AirPods models instead of the AirPods 3, and it's very comfortable because of it. It's easy and light to wear during its 5 hours playtime on a single charge, although the fit could be a bit loose if you're planning to sport or sweat with them. Rain isn't a problem, however, thanks to its IP54 waterproof rating.

All controls can be setup via the HeyMelody app on iPhone and Android phones, which makes it easy to change tracks and volume from the earbuds. It controls really well, and affirms your taps on the top of the stems with neat clicky feedback.

The Oppo can also switch between two devices easily thanks to the multipoint connection. Phone and video calls are clear, as the microphones put your voice through natural and clear. Noise around you is audible but not too loud, and your voice also survives a bit of wind. The gaming mode is equally convincing, with the sound effects fluently following the action on a challenging game like Call of Duty mobile.

The best part? The sound. The Enco Air3 has a solid, gently thumping mid-bass that barely feels lighter than many earbuds with rubber tips - even more so when you select the well-balanced Bass Boost EQ from the app. There's a decent bass kick and underneath it, the sub-bass gives off a round, controlled rumble in James Blake's ideal test track Limit to Your Love.

The Enco Air3 lifts the lower-mids somewhat, creating a smooth warm undertone. Vocals are very forward, and brighter voices even outweigh the also open treble. From moderate to the highest volumes; higher instruments and voices have space to breathe without becoming sharp, peaky or light.

Furthermore, center-mids like guitars and piano play have body and strike the same balance between warmth and clarity as the treble; they feel natural. Separation between instruments and details is good too; music feels airy and detailed. Make no mistake - these sound better than Apple's AirPods 3.

If you can't get the Oppo Enco Air3 in your country, the Huawei Freebuds SE2 makes a great alternative.

The Oppo Enco Air3 throws in good call clarity, comfort, controls, multipoint connection and solid gaming performance on top of a greatly balanced sound. It's the top choice for half-in-ear earbuds on a budget.

• Oppo Enco Air3 review versus two competitors

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best open-ear clip-on earbuds under $100: SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro

Miles ahead of the competition!

Looking for earphones that let you completely hear your surroundings while listening to music? The SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro sounds great, while also delivering excellent comfort and clear calls.

The SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro almost looks like a jewel in your ears, whether you like it or not. It combines two shiny droplets with an extremely flexible bridge.

You clip the smaller part behind your ears; the bigger side with the speaker sits in the front. The result is an extremely comfortable fit during the 6 hours playtime on a single charge - which may be too loose if you have thinner ears.

If they're secure enough for you to work out or run with - which is very personal in this form factor - it's good to know that the IPX5 waterproof rating protects them from rain and sweat.

Unlike many competitors with this design, these earbuds control well. It's no issue playing or pausing music (double tap), skipping a track (three taps) or changing the volume with a single tap.

They PearlClip Pro has multipoint connection so you can connect it to two devices at the same time, and it's easy to take a phone call with them. The SoundPEATS puts your voice through loud and natural, with only minor dips when there's a lot of noise around you or when there's wind.

The PeatsAudio app for iPhone and Android gives the earbuds neat extra features, like the ability to turn off or change the controls or change the sound equalizer. The Game mode does a great job of synchronizing the sound effects in challenging games with the action on your screen.

The biggest triumph of the app is the Dynamic EQ button. Switch that on and the sound quality far outweighs that of its competitors like Soundcore, Edifier, Tozo and QCY.

The PearlClip Pro has a punchy, full mid-bass with a solid kick. Mid-tones sound natural, with good separation between instruments, and forward vocals that actually feel nuanced - reaching both higher notes and dipping into lower tones with ease.

The overall picture is more articulated, sharper, feels more detailed than its rivals. There's a nice sense of air in the sound too, although the sense of all this is always dependent on your current fit with this type of earbuds.

Great sound quality towering above the competition, a comfortable fit, decent controls and clear calls: the SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro are hands-down the best clip-on earbuds under $100.

• SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro review and comparison

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Best bass earbuds under $100: Nothing Ear (a)

If you want to wear something else

Bass lovers rejoice: next to an entertaining sound, the Nothing Ear (a) throws in strong Active Noise Cancelling, clear calls, and striking looks.

The Nothing Ear (a) has a true standout factor: its design. The earbuds continue the distinctive and recognisable Nothing Ear (1) look, attaching a techy looking, semi-transparant stem to a matte ear piece that comes in the colour of the case. That charging case is an even bigger looker - although more so in the yellow version more than in the black one. It presents the earbuds under a transparant lid and never fails to draws attention when it lays on your desk.

Its features are great too. These comfortable earbuds are IP54 rain and dust proof, last around 6 hours on a single charge with quick recharging from the case, offer multipoint connection between two devices, and also boast Active Noise Cancelling and free app support.

The ANC convinces as well, while it falls a bit behind the Earfun and Huawei. It removes mid-sounds like background radio's and chatter well, next to also reducing the lower and higher noises around you well. In addition, the Transparency mode lets your hear traffic around you while commute, and both modes filter out wind noise greatly.

It's also safe to take a phone and video call both indoors and outside, although sudden sound effects can battle your voice on short moments.

Not everything about the Nothing Ear (a) is splendid. The earbuds control by pinching the stems, which works great for pausing/playing music and skipping tracks, but it's hard to change volume by pinching a stem twice and then holding it.

Also, the dedicated gaming mode doesn't synchronize sound effects in challenging games like Call of Duty mobile very well.

Happily, the Nothing Ear (a) has a smooth, warm, and bassy sound that's easy to listen to. Most of its attentions goes to lower frequencies. The bass pushes out strong and long-lasting thumps and can give an intense, dark rumble. Darker electronic tones and drums are heavily lifted, and guitars and piano play sound warm, almost a bit dark. The same goes for lower vocals, while higher voices can be a bit thin.

There's a good amount of detail in these lows, however, with individual instruments and details clearly coming from your left and right. This makes the Ear (a) great on background listening volume levels, providing a smooth and rich sound. On higher volume levels, it can even give an immersive stadium vibe in techno genres.

The sound can also be tweaked via the Nothing X app on iPhone and Android phones, letting you in with less… or even more bass.

The Nothing Ear (a) combines striking looks with a immersive bass sound with strong ANC, multipoint connection, and solid call quality. If you love bass, don't sleep on these.

• Nothing Ear (a) full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Honorable mentions for best TWS under $100:

SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+: Fantastic clear sound

Next to the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ is another fantastic, immersive sounding earphone under $100, with impressive clarity and great air, prominent and crisp vocals and weighty - juicy even - lower frequencies and bass.

These SoundPEATS don't offer the level of ANC of the best competitors, music doesn't automatically pause when you take an earbud out, the gaming mode isn't the fastest, and the Android app is sluggish and slow - but all these aspects don't take away anything from the fact that these are some of the best sounding earbuds under $100.

• SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: Splendid all-rounders

The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro has many of the same qualities as the Nothing Ear (a), without the focus on design. That's not to say the Realme doesn't have any character: it has the shiniest charging case ever seen on Scarbir.com!

Its features are impressive - with the 7,5 hours of playtime on a single charge as a highlight. It also has an IP54 waterproof rating, multipoint connection, clear calls, and solid Active Noise Cancelling - although not as good as the Earfun, Huawei, KZ, or Nothing. Thanks to the oval rubber tips, the earbuds are comfortable as well.

It differs from the Nothing Ear (a) mostly in sound. While the Nothing focuses on the bass, the Realme is on the other end of the spectrum. It has a thumpy bass, but its focus lies on the treble, which sounds open, pronounced, and clear.

• Realme Buds Air 6 Pro review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress
  
  
  

OnePlus Buds 3: Great for calls

The OnePlus Buds 3 has about the same great feature set of the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and Nothing Ear (a), with 6,5 hours of battery life on a single charge, IP55 waterproof rain and sweat rating, rapid recharging, multipoint connection, and extensive app support. It controls by tapping and swiping the stems, is very comfortable to wear, has a great gaming mode, and delivers clear phone and video calls both indoor with lots going on, and outside with wind.

The ANC performance is less convincing than the higher-ranked alternatives, however, letting through a bit more surrounding noise with the function on. The sound quality is definitely entertaining, with crisp vocals and sparkly treble, but as the bass is less focused than the Nothing Ear (a)'s and the mids don't sound as natural and detailed as on the Realme, it has a bit of trouble standing out over those two. Still: these are great all-rounders.

• OnePlus Buds 3 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress
  
  
  
  

Previous recommendations

• 1more ComfoBuds Pro: Clear calls and strong ANC, now outperformed musically and function-wise by the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.

• 20Decebel ANC/ Tozo NC/ SoundLiberty 94: These active noise cancelling earbuds are beaten in functionality and battery life by the Edifier TWS NB2.

• Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+: These special sounding earbuds with fantastic raw mids… can't be bought anymore.

• Earfun Air Pro 3: Still great, but surpassed by newer alternatives

• Edifier TWS NB2: No longer the best ANC earbuds under $100; surpassed by the 1more ComfoBuds Pro

• Fiil CC2: Tremendous sound for AirPods-like earbuds, with some calling issues

• Fiil T1XS: Was the top recommendation for the combination of sound and sports use; has been beaten by the Lypertek PurePlay Z3, that has higher waterproof rating, controls more convenient, and sounds better.

• KZ Xtra: Was an audiophile bonus tip, but you know, they do have some sibilance.

• Lypertek PurePlay Z3: Still sounds great; lacks fancy features from newer models.

• Lypertek SoundFree S20: Beaten in sound quality by the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 and Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+.

• Lypertek Tevi: Passed on allround sound and functionality by its successor.

• Mpow Flame Pro: Became unavailable.

• Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: The predecessor of the 6 Air Pro has less stellar video playback and slightly weaker Active Noise Cancelling.

• Sabbat E12 Ultra: No longer best for bass; beaten by Spirit Dot 2.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: The predecessor to the Galaxy Buds FE still sounds great; offers less lower-mid warmth and more treble.

• Shanling MTW100 Balanced Armature: Beaten by the Lypertek SoundFree S20.

• Sennheiser CX 400BT: Chunky and big earpieces, devoid of new features, but its warm, intimate and detailed sound still impresses.

• Sony Linkbuds S: While recommended earlier if you want to spend a little more than $100, there's no reason to do so anymore with the Q2 2024 arrivals.

• Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: Combines strong ANC with great battery life, but falls behind in sound quality

• Soundcore Spirit Dot 2: Still the fastest bass under $100, but the Lypertek bass is more refined.

• SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS: The best half-in-ears before, now beaten

• SoundPEATS H1: Great soundstage, now outdated features.

• Whizzer B6/ Mezone B6: No longer best for bass; beaten by Spirit Dot 2.

Read all 420+ reviews of TWS truly wireless earphones here!

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

Was this article helpful for you?

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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

BUYING GUIDE - There are little tech brands with so many wireless earbuds as Redmi. Xiaomi's subbrand has just released an entire Buds 6-series, with multiple earbuds costing only $20, all the way up to almost $100. Which Redmi earbuds are the best? Updated for June 2025

The Top 5 Best Redmi earbuds in 2025:

1. Redmi Buds 6 Pro - best overall

2. Redmi Buds 5 Pro - runner-up

3. Redmi Buds 6 Play - top choice under $25

4. Redmi Buds 6 - top choice under under $50

5. Redmi Buds 6 Active - best half-in-ears

6. Quick summaries of the Redmi Buds 6 Lite and Redmi Buds 7S underneath

Before we get to the comparison and reviews, let's answer some questions first:

Is Redmi a trustworthy brand for earbuds?

Simply put: yes. Redmi is a budget-oriented sub brand of the gigantic Chinese tech company Xiaomi (also known as Mi). It has been one of the first big tech brands to jump on the wireless earphones bandwagon back in 2019.

In the first couple of years, Redmi earbuds were already reliable and mostly fine, but nothing exceptional. Chinese voice prompts also made them less appealing to English and other markets. Things took a turn with the excellent Redmi Buds 5 Pro from the beginning of 2024. Since then, Redmi released an entire Buds 6-range of earbuds, of which all models deliver great value for money.

To get most of these earbuds, it is clever to check if you can download the Xiaomi Earbuds App for iPhone or Android in your country. When you're buying from AliExpress yourself, you should also double-check if you're buying the Global Version of the earbuds. The Chinese (CN) version doesn't have app support in other markets. You don't have this challenge buying from Amazon or from one of the links in this Buying Guide.

Who wrote this Buying Guide?

This comparison test is written by Scarbir. I've tested and reviewed 458 wireless earbuds ranging from $15 to $100, testing them all extensively on sound quality, comfort, active noise cancelling, call quality, video playback, battery life, and more.

This is a specific Buying Guide on the best wireless earbuds by Redmi. You can also check out general Buying Guides on the best wireless earbuds under $100, under $50, under $25 or other comparisons.

Was this guide helpful? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the best earbuds from Redmi, updated for June 2025:

1. Best Redmi earbuds: Redmi Buds Pro 6

Great ANC, Sensational sound quality

The Redmi Buds 6 Pro is the most expensive model in the Buds 6 lineup of Redmi, and unsurprisingly, they are the best the brand has to offer. These earbuds sound sensational.

The Redmi Buds 6 Pro is a continuation of the already excellent Redmi Buds 5 Pro, but it finetunes a few aspects. Especially in grey, the earbuds feel more luxurious. The shiny metallic finish on the stem makes them look more expensive than they are.

These earphones do a lot right. The diagonal, AirPods Pro-like earpieces are snug and comfortable in your ears, and come with an IP54 waterproof rating that protects them against water, dust and sweat. The controls are brilliant too: you now tap to play/ pause or change tracks and slide over the stems to adjust the volume. This works very well: even short slides up or down are registered well.

The Buds 6 Pro supports dual-device multipoint connection, meaning you can connect them to two devices at the same time. Even when you do, its battery lasts up to 7 hours with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on.

The ANC is impressive and silences or heavily reduces sounds from all frequencies - from constant electronic humming and a background radio playing to lighter sounds like traffic tire noise, to middle sounds like keyboard typing. Sudden sounds and nearby conversations still slip through when you're not playing any music, though.

The Transparency mode does a solid job of helping you follow a conversation on moments you want to.

The Redmi Buds 6 Pro isn't perfect. When connected to two devices, it can switch a little too quickly between the two. It's not the best option for phone calls as well. The microphones reduce noise around you well, but when you're on the move or walking in some wind, your voice can be all over the place.

Those aren't reasons to let the Redmi Buds Pro 6 slide, though, especially if you love music. The Buds Pro 6 is one of the absolute best sounding wireless earphones under $100.

It focuses on mids rather than treble, which makes for a full, warm yet balanced sound that feels incredibly fluent. It provides a kicking and deep mid-bass, dark and sweet sub-bass, and textured lower mid-tones. Yet the best part is the detail retrieval, especially if you like your music loud.

Music feels around you and within its space, each vocalist and each instrument has its own position around you. It really is incredibly musical, and highly entertaining.

The Redmi Buds 6 Pro isn't just Redmi's best earphone; but it's also one of the best sounding earbuds you can get on a budget. A stunning performer.

• Redmi Buds 6 Pro review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Runner-up for best Redmi earbuds in 2025: Redmi Buds Pro 5

The same great ANC with a clearer sound

The Redmi Buds Pro 5 is laid the fundament for the Redmi Buds Pro 6, and is still very much worth checking out - especially if you can get it cheaper.

Nearly all that is written about the Redmi Buds 6 Pro above, applies to the Redmi Buds 5 Pro too. That's because this model laid the groundwork for its successor.

That means this older model has the same shape charging case and earbuds, only differentiated by the line in the middle of the stem. The Redmi Buds 5 Pro is just as comfortable, has the same good waterproof rating and even the same, strong Active Noise Cancelling as the Redmi Buds Pro 6.

In fact, its multipoint is even better, as it doesn't switch between two devices so quickly.

Some things are less good on the Buds 5 Pro. You only get 5,5 hours of battery life. It also misses volume changing by swiping up or down on the stems, although you can apply volume controls to tapping on the stems, thanks to the Xiaomi Earbuds app.

As for the call quality, well, that already wasn't impressive on this model: your voice takes a hit when there are noises around you, and wind noise can make it very hard to hear what you're saying.

The Redmi Buds 5 Pro was the first model from the brand to really impress with its sound quality, and that still applies today. That said, the sound has a different character than the Buds 6 Pro.

This model leans more towards treble and sounds clearer. Vocals take the center stage here, and are capable of spine-tingling clarity on higher volumes. The sound is great on low volumes as well, with natural center mid-tones and a tight, clean bass performance - that gracefully increases in punchiness with the Bass EQ from the Xiaomi Earbuds app.

That said - the Buds 5 Pro doesn't have the amazing sense of stage and precise instrument positioning of the Buds 6 Pro.

That's why the Redmi Buds 5 Pro model is the runner up in the Buying Guide, albeit still a very worthy one.

• Redmi Buds 5 Pro review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Best Redmi earbuds under $25: Redmi Buds 6 Play

Tiny, super comfortable and with great battery life

With the Redmi Buds 6 Lite, Redmi Buds 6 Play and Redmi Buds 6 Active all costing around 20 dollars, it can be hard to choose between them. The Redmi Buds 6 Play is my top choice of the bunch.

At the beginning of 2025, the Redmi Buds 6 Play is my top recommendation for best wireless earbuds under 25 dollars. These little earbuds sound great, are IPX4 splashproof and provide 7,5 hours of playtime on a single charge.

And then… there's the comfort. These are so compact, they're extremely comfortable for average and smaller ears. As they barely stick out of your ears, you can even sleep on your side with these without the need of a support arm.

Unlike the more expensive models, it's safe to take a phone call or enter a video conference with them: the microphones keep focusing on your voice when there's noise around you (although they're not great when you walk in some wind).

And just like the more expensive models, you can setup the controls precisely the way you want to, thanks to the Xiaomi Earbud app. That includes volume controls.

The entire Buds 6 budget lineup doesn't have multipoint connection, and indeed - you can only connect the Play to one device at a time.

Now, the Redmi Buds 6 Play also doesn't have the decent Active Noise Cancelling of the Redmi Buds 6 Lite. Still I prefer this model for everyday use: the tiny earbuds block enough noise when you're listening to music - and music itself sounds better.

With its default equalizer, the Redmi Buds 6 Play impresses with a tight bass, clean lower mid-tones, and clear yet controlled treble, which pushes singers forward and presents them very crisp. Critical listeners may notice a bit of metallic edge on the highest volumes, but the clarity and cleanliness are rather unique at this price.

Want more bass? Select the More Bass EQ preset and you get it straightaway - firing quick and uplifting thumps, only toning the treble down a bit.

The Redmi Buds 6 Play doesn't have Active Noise Cancelling and you can only connect it to one device at a time, but it does have Google Fast Pair, meaning it will connect easily to your Google TV or Chromebook when you've already tied it to your Android phone.

The Redmi Buds 6 Play isn't just the best offering from the new Xiaomi Redmi lineup that also includes the Redmi Buds 6 Lite and Redmi Buds 6 Active; these are great ultra-budget earbuds overall.

• Redmi Buds 6 Play full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best Redmi earbuds under $50: Redmi Buds 6

If you can't spend more on the Pro models

If you're in the position to spend more than 20 dollars, but can't quite buy the Pro models, it's good to know that the regular Redmi Buds 6 holds a solid middle ground.

The ‘regular’ Redmi Buds 6 has excellent battery life, delivering up to 7 hours playtime on a single charge with ANC on. Its earbuds are easy and comfortable to wear for hours, and with the Xiaomi Earbuds app, you can easily setup the controls to your liking - including volume controls.

You also get a solid IP54 waterproof rating against rain, sweat and dust and it's the cheapest model to come with multipoint connection, so you can use these earbuds with two devices at the same time. Switching could have been faster.

The Active Noise Cancelling filters constant sounds and especially lower frequencies well, but it doesn't handle sudden and brighter sounds as well as the more expensive siblings. On the plus side, the ANC is noticeably stronger than the Redmi Buds 6 Lite.

The same doesn't apply to phone calls, which the Lite handles better. The Redmi Buds 6 fares well for easy indoor phone calls in one place, but your voices clarity heavily dips when you start moving around. Wind noise can completely drown it.

When it comes to sound, the Redmi Buds 6 is bound to please many listeners with its warmth and decently thumping mid-bass. It has boosted lower mid-tones which emphasizes darker vocals and instruments, and also has a warm tonality in the higher frequencies. Female vocals sound grounded instead of light and bright, and instruments like guitars tend towards the lows a bit.

I found the Enhanced treble equalizer from the app a good setting to improve the music. It gives higher (female) vocals more forwardness, and violins and trumpets as well as higher electronic tones get more space to breathe - while still playing it safe.

The Redmi Buds 6 is easy to listen to, and easy to enjoy. The same goes for other aspects of these earbuds. It doesn't do anything spectacularly good or bad, and will just work for most users.

• Redmi Buds 6 review

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Best Redmi earbuds without rubber ear tips: Redmi Buds 6 Active

Also the best option for phone calls

The Redmi Buds 6 Active is the rubber tip-less model in Xiaomi's earbuds lineup next to the Redmi Buds 6 Play and Redmi Buds 6 Lite.

Despite its small price, the Redmi Buds 6 Active has a nice presentation. The square charging case comes with a transparant lid that seems to withstand key scratches well, and you can actually look inside to the internals from the middle part of the stem.

The Redmi is comfortable to wear during its decent 5 hours of playtime and has a secure fit, which is all but a given for semi-in-ear earbuds.

It has reliable touch panels on top of the stems, and you can once again adjust the controls with the Xiaomi Earbuds app and add volume controls to single taps.

What's more, is that this is probably the best Redmi for phone calls. The Active handles phone calls well. Your voice comes through loud and clear, and resists other sounds and wind noise too.

The low price shows in other features, though. You won't find a multipoint connection here, and the synchronization in sound effects while playing games is a little off.

The sound quality isn't the best part of this model either. Especially treble isn't very refined. Vocals can appear artificially bright and nasal, and in songs with lots of brighter instruments, the treble can become tiring.

I recommend switching to the Enhance Bass preset in the Xiaomi Earbuds app. It at least gives the sound a neatly kicking bass that can even produce a bit of rumble.

While the Redmi Buds 6 Active offers great value for money, it's mostly still a nice product due to its sound. You are better off with an alternative like the 1more Q10 Mini.

• Redmi Buds 6 Active compared vs competitors

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

Other models from Redmi:

Is the Redmi Buds 6 Lite any good?

With the rest of the Redmi Buds 6-lineup and the Redmi Buds 5 Pro being in this top 5 Buying Guide, the Redmi Buds 6 Lite is the one that falls overboard as the only new Redmi model.

Is it that bad? Not at all!

The problem is that the Redmi Buds 6 Lite doesn't really have a unique selling point. The Redmi Buds 6 Play costs the same and sounds clearer and more engaging, while the Active Noise Cancelling of the Redmi Buds 6 Lite isn't strong enough to justify buying these earbuds for this function - especially as the regular Redmi Buds 6 have noticeably better ANC.

Even though the 6 Lite offers clearer calls than the regular Buds 6, and these earbuds still offer great value for money, they're just the least special within Xiaomi's new budget lineup. That says more about the strength of Redmi's lineup than the 6 Lite.

• Redmi Buds 6 Lite review

• $20 - See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress

Redmi Buds 7S: A frustrating earphone

The Redmi Buds 7S has been released only three months after the latest 6-series model, but newer doesn't mean better.

These half-in-ears carry an IP55 waterproof rating and last 6,5 hours on a single charge, and the 7S’ call clarity is better than on previous models.

However, the gaming mode isn't very convincing and the advertised ANC doesn't actual usable noise cancelling. Worst of all, the earphones don't go deep enough in (my) average-sized ears to bring the lows in the sound forward nicely - a problem not seen on many other half-in-ears. The result is a light and too shallow sound.

• Redmi Buds 7S review

• $25 - $50 - Buy on AliExpress

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Disclaimer

On Scarbir.com, I'm devoted to find the best affordable wireless earphones. I buy 70% of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products 100% honest, 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 independent quest to test great affordable audio.

Was this article helpful for you?

You can also donate via PayPal. Thank you! <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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

BUYING GUIDE - Looking for wireless earbuds on a tiny budget? You simply can't miss the ultra-cheap offerings from QCY, ranging from 15 to 50 dollars on AliExpress and Amazon. But which one should you get? These are the best models in June 2025.

The Top 5 Best QCY earbuds in 2025:

1. QCY MeloBuds Pro - best overall

2. QCY MeloBuds N50 - cheaper alternative

3. QCY HT05 MeloBuds - runner-up

4. QCY T20 AilyPods - best half-in-ears

5. QCY AilyBuds Pro+ - half-in-ears with an ‘offer’

Before we get to the comparison and reviews, let's answer some questions first:

Is QCY a trustworthy brand?

QCY is one of the worlds biggest earphone manufacturers, along with Apple, Samsung, Sony, JBL, and Soundcore. It's one of the biggest manufacturers from China, and QCY earbuds are known for their great price-to-perfomance ratio.

In 2024, QCY heavily slimmed down the lineup of earbuds you can buy from the brand, and that's a good thing. Some models in the past didn't have the best quality control. The brands first models could even be plagued by volume output variation on the left vs right earpiece, cumbersome controls, or even battery charging issues. Those problems aren't known in their more recent offerings. While not always flawless, the newer QCY earbuds in this Buying Guide should normally last at least two years after purchasing.

Who wrote this Buying Guide?

This comparison test is written by Scarbir. I've tested and reviewed 458+ wireless earbuds ranging from $15 to $100, testing them all extensively on sound quality, comfort, active noise cancelling, call quality, video playback, battery life, and more.

This is a specific Buying Guide on the best wireless earbuds by QCY. You can also check out general Buying Guides on the best wireless earbuds under $100, under $50, under $25 or other comparisons.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the best earbuds from QCY, last updated June 2025:

1. Best QCY earbuds in 2025: QCY MeloBuds Pro

It's almost crazy to spend more

The QCY Melobuds Pro are comfortable to wear, have stellar battery life, great Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), clear calls and they sound fantastic. These are staggeringly good $50 earbuds.

Before you continue, it's good to know that the QCY MeloBuds Pro has two little quirks. The first is that updating the earbuds from the free QCY app requires some specific steps (see the Controls and Connectivity part in the full review).

The second quirk is that you sometimes have to turn ANC off and then on again to get the best possible Active Noise Cancellation. By doing so, it re-reads your surroundings to great effect. The MeloBuds removes or heavily reduces constant darker tones, strongly reduces middle sounds like a passing train or keyboard typing, and also softens higher sounds well. It's among the best ANC performers for the price.

Yet the QCY MeloBuds Pro offers much more. The earbuds are very comfortable to wear thanks to the oval earpiece and soft rubber ear tip, last around 7 hours on a single charge with ANC on, are IPX5 rain-proof, and their controls are very responsive. You can fully customise them via the app too, including the option to add volume controls.

You can connect two devices at the same time with the multipoint connection, they're a great choice for phone calls and video conferences as your voice sounds clear and natural, and gaming with them is easy too. The gaming mode synchronizes sound effects flawlessly with the action on your screen.

And then there's the sound.

Whereas previous QCY's over the last three years have been a bit hit-and-miss, the QCY MeloBuds Pro marks the brands return to form. These are among the best sounding wireless earbuds under 50 dollars, with juicy lows, brimming vocals and immersion on higher volumes.

The QCY doesn't reach far into the highs, making it comfortable to listen to hours on end, but at the same time, it's impressive how much detail QCY manages to pull out of its laidback treble. Both vocals and instruments combine enough clarity with a smooth, warm undertone; while the mid-bass fires thumps that can be felt and the sub-bass is capable of a deep rumble. It's a great, engaging listen.

With so many great features at this price, it's easy to overlook its quirks. The QCY MeloBuds Pro are QCY's best wireless earbuds.

• QCY MeloBuds Pro full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Cheaper alternative: QCY MeloBuds N50

Less battery and ANC, little money

The QCY MeloBuds N50 is a great alternative to the QCY MeloBuds Pro. It trades in battery life and Active Noise Cancelling strength for a lower price tag,

While the QCY MeloBuds N50 softens constant and higher sounds well, it's less successful in reducing middle sounds. More so than the MeloBuds Pro, you need to open the free QCY app for iPhone or Android now and then and select ‘Adaptive ANC’.

It then scans your surroundings to attack the sounds you have around you at that moment, delivering instant stronger noise reduction. The MeloBuds Pro still cancels more noise, however.

The biggest complaint about the MeloBuds N50 is that it ‘only’ plays 4 hours on a single charge with ANC on.

Other than that, these do so much good for their ultra low price. The earbuds are comfortable to wear, have fully adjustable controls that respond well to your input, and boast an IPX4 splashproof rating. They can also connect to two devices at once.

Games play perfectly with the low-latency gaming mode, and your voice sounds clear in phone calls, both inside and outdoors - except for when you're in a lot of noise.

The QCY MeloBuds N50 sounds great too, with strong and lasting bass thumps. Lower tones are boosted and give the music a smooth and warm vibe, while vocals and clearer instruments are forward enough to shine. The MeloBuds Pro sounds clearer; the N50 more comfortable. There's a hole lot to enjoy here.

The QCY MeloBuds N50 offers stunning value for money.

• QCY MeloBuds N50 review

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Runner-up for ANC earbuds: QCY HT05 Melobuds

Comfortable, good Active Noise Cancelling, energetic sound

Six hours battery life in one go, a comfortable fit, strong Active Noise Cancelling and perhaps still the best sound quality of all the QCY models: the QCY HT05 Melobuds feels like a no-brainer for its friendly price.

It may be hard to see what special about the QCY HT05, also marketed the QCY Melobuds. Everything about it looks and feels generic, from the compact square charging case that scratches easily, to the earbuds itself that follow a traditional stem design.

But why change a winning concept? The HT05 is comfortable to wear for hours, thanks to the oval earpiece that provides an easy and snug fit.

You can also wear it for hours, as the earbuds last up to 6 hours on a single charge before needing a new charge in the case. The earbuds have convenient controls to play/pause music, change tracks and switch between ANC modes, and they're protected against rain thanks to their IPX5 waterproof rating.

Active Noise Cancelling on the HT05 is solid. It heavily softens both darker sounds and the highest peaks around you. Mid-tones and inconsistent higher noises like a nearby vacuum cleaner are also softened, while higher tones in these sounds still come through. The ANC mode even handles wind noise okay.

There is a sidenote to this, however: using the ANC without playing music may result in a very slight thumping sensation in one of the earbuds now and then. Purely for ANC purposes without music, the QCY HT07 is a better option. While we're at the downsides of this earphone: it's best to limit phone and video calls to quiet locations, as background noise can cause dips in your own voice.

Getting back to the good part: the HT05 is the best sounding QCY to date. Especially on Android phones, which shows more weight from the lows than the iPhone does. The overall sound can be described as clear, without too much emphasis on treble. Female and higher male vocals have a prominent position in music, and higher instruments like cymbals are controlled well. Acoustic instruments like guitars and piano get enough room to shine and their tonality is pleasantly natural compared to many other earphones in this price range - including QCY's own siblings. Meanwhile, the mid-bass fires gentle thumps, with deeper bass tones unlocking on higher volumes.

The QCY HT05 Melobuds is more than meets the eye. It may look simple, but it's a convincing package with solid Active Noise Cancellation, good battery life, and a balanced sound.

• QCY HT05 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best QCY without rubber ear tips: QCY T20

capable AirPods-like earbuds

If you rather have your earbuds without rubber ear tips, QCY has another great offering in its range. The QCY T20 Ailypods are extremely light to wear, and they're good choices for phone calls as well.

Nope, these are not AirPods 3's. The QCY T20 AilyPods mounts grey instead of black panels near the top, and the stems are more square-shaped - but these definitely look like cheap clones.

Happily, they also share what's good about this shape of earbuds: you can just ‘hang’ these in your ears and you'll keep hearing your surroundings while you listen to music - which is safer than earbuds with rubber tips. What's more, is that the Ailypods are extremely light and very comfortable, yet secure enough to not fall out.

The shape of the case is great too: the matte-white pebble is flat enough to slide in any pocket. It can be tricky to get the earbuds out, however, as the lid closes with the lightest movement.

The buds deliver up to a decent 5,5 hours of playtime on a single charge, and there's an IPX4 waterproof rating to protect them against light water splashing. Sadly, the controls right below the grey part aren't always the quickest to respond.

The QCY T20 can have a bit of delay in video calls, but it shines in phone calls. Your voice has telephone-like clarity and loud. The microphone picks up your voice much better than surrounding noise and even wind. Impressive!

Another impressive part is the sound, especially when they get deep in your ears. Then there's a solid, nicely thumping mid-bass and even the sub-bass can show some rumble. Lower-mids (like drums and darker electronic tones) are gently boosted, and there's a soothing, warm undertone under the center-mids (like guitars and piano) and both female and male vocals, even higher ones. Higher voices are a strong suit here - they're moderately forward, and have plenty of room for nuances. There's even an enjoyable air to the sound. Music feels around you, and instruments and effects appear from your left and right.

You need a specific fit to get the most out of the sound, but the QCY T20 Ailypods is worth taking the jump, with its extremely lightweight design and clear calls.

• QCY T20 Ailypods full review

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Runner-up for QCY earbuds without rubber ear tips: QCY AilyBuds Pro+

5 hours playtime and multipoint connection

The QCY AilyBuds Pro+ has a ton of features for its small 40 dollars asking price and can sound entertaining too - if you're willing to make an ‘offer’.

The QCY Ailybuds Pro+ follows the latest trend of capsule-like charging cases. The lid is about half the size of the total case, and reveals the entire earbuds when it's open. It looks great, but you may want to double-check if the stems are placed correctly. Otherwise, the earbuds won't charge.

The earbuds itself look trendy as well, with a shiny finish on the stem, and a large AirPods 3-like mound on the inside. It's comfortable to wear and feels secure enough in average-sized ears - unless you're planning to sweat a lot with them, perhaps.

The Ailybuds Pro+ ticks the boxes with 5 hours playtime on a single charge and an IPX5 rain- and sweatproof rating. It also has easy to use, extensive controls you can setup via the free QCY app on iPhone and Android phones. This way, you can add both track and volume controls to the earbuds directly - convenient.

Furthermore, the Pro+ supports multipoint connection, meaning you can connect it to two devices at the same time and switch between them when you receive a call, or when you pause on one device, and play on the other.

Speaking of calls: the microphone quality is convincing. It picks up your voice clearly and loud enough, reduces noises around you very well, and the microphones can even withstand a bit of wind. The gaming mode is great too, rapidly revealing the sounds that follow the action on your screen.

The biggest feature of the QCY Ailybuds Pro+ is the availability of ANC - but it's not what you'd expect. ANC doesn't stand for Active Noise Cancelling here, but for Adaptive Noise Cancelling. After using these earbuds extensively for two weeks, I can't help but think it's a gimmick and an annoying one at that.

See, the Ailybuds Pro+ doesn't sound good out of the case. The sound is flat, concentrates on the mid-tones alone en lacks bass. It needs you activate the ANC. Hold one of the stems for a long second, and the QCY takes two seconds to scan your ears and then activate the function. Then, suddenly, higher tones are better controlled, music gains warmth, and a second later, the bass deepens too.

Upon activating the ANC, the QCY Ailybuds Pro+ never achieves its promised 42 decibel noise reduction from your surroundings. It can dampen higher sounds like car tires on wet roads, and take the brighter edge of keyboard clicks and kids laughter, or it can reduce the volume of someone talking when you take the ANC scan at the time they're talking - that's the Adaptive part, probably. The point is that the ANC only reduces the sounds it hears during the scan. The next sound that wasn't scanned, comes through clearly again - even when the QCY app gives you the feedback you have the perfect fit after activating the ANC function.

Still, you'll be using the ANC function every time as it improves the sound quality so much. The AilyBuds Pro+ performs the best after the scan and on higher volumes (although the maximum volume could be a tad higher).

The QCY then shows a solid mid-bass with quick thumps, and a sub-bass that is capable of a round, lighter rumble. Especially for half-in-ears, it's a tight performer, with clean strikes and no bass-bleeding into other frequencies. Meanwhile, lower-mid tones are pleasantly boosted and make lower male vocals and instruments and darker electronic tones pop.

Higher up, vocals and instruments keep on having a subtle warm tonality, while the QCY offers good clarity too. Female and higher male vocals are forward, and violins, trumpets and higher electronic have plenty of presence, but they all cut off before they can become sharp or overpower other aspects of the music. Things can get a little congested in crowded musical pieces, but overall, the Ailybuds Pro+ is a great, warm, entertaining listen when you give it a bit of volume. It's a shame it loses so much of its dynamics when you reduce the volume to moderate or background volume levels.

The QCY AilyBuds Pro+ is a weird offering. It rocks good comfort, clear calls, a great gaming mode, and multipoint connection - but you'll have to go through a 3-second process every time to maybe get a bit of ANC and to get its great entertaining sound - which only shows itself with enough volume. There are easier alternatives.

• QCY AilyBuds Pro+ review vs Oppo Enco Air3 and Xiaomi Air3 SE

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

Quick reviews of QCY's other popular models:

QCY Crossky C30: Looks, no controls

The QCY Crossky C30 is the first pair of clip-on earbuds from the brand, and it’s one of the better budget choices you can make in this category. The C30 looks almost like jewelry, with its shiny and round finish, and it’s comfortable to wear thanks to a flexible bridge between the two clips. It sounds gentle; warm and balanced and even with some weight in the lows - although the sound is thinner than (half-)in-ears. Taking a phone call is doable too.

Unfortunately, the touch panels are a mess. They are hard to locate and even when you touch them, the C30 doesn’t respond to your input 90% of the time.

• QCY Crossky C30 review vs alternatives

• Buy on Amazon US, other Amazon countries or AliExpress

QCY HT07 ArcBuds: Hot ANC

The QCY HT07 ArcBuds is another great option if you're looking for insanely cheap earbuds, with better battery life and stronger ANC than the QCY HT05 original MeloBuds.

The earbuds play up to 7 hours on a single charge with ANC on, and come with an IPX5 waterproof rating. The Active Noise Cancelling is strong for its 20 to 40 dollars price tag, but it does give a bit of hot inner-ears when using the function for a while.

Hot is also the term used to describe the treble on the highest playing volumes - the sound loses a bit of its otherwise warm character. Other than that, there's a mid-bass with a full and long slam and boosted lower tones. These are still a great deal.

• QCY HT07 Arcbuds full review

• $25 - $40 on on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress

QCY T13: Big sound, little money

The QCY T13 held the crown for best wireless earbuds under 25 dollars for a year and a half on Scarbir.com, and they're still worth noting in this category. The T13 may not have the tightest or most natural musical presentation, but it entertains with its thick mid-bass and forward treble that rolls off before it becomes harsh. Music on the T13 can have an immersive, somehow even big sensation.

Other strong suits of these earbuds are the straightforward comfort and fit, 7,5 hours battery life per charge, and decent call clarity indoors and outside (without too much wind). It doesn't have the fancy features of the other models that often cost the same, however.

• QCY T13 full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon stores, or AliExpress
  

QCY T17: For lovers of clear sound

The QCY T17 is a bit like the QCY T13. It's a no-nonsense offering that just offers an entertaining sound for very little money. The big change is that the QCY T17 sounds brighter than its brother; there's less emphasis on bass and lower frequencies, and much more effort went into treble. The T17 sounds clear and bright, airy even, and could be great company if you're into classical pieces, J-Pop, or K-Pop.

The earbuds itself may look compact and round, but you can feel them sitting in your ears clearly if you're not yet used too them. When you are, you can enjoy them up to 7,5 hours in one go.

• QCY T17 full review

• Buy on AliExpress, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries

QCY T13 ANC: Awkward position

Why the newer QCY T13 ANC ranks lower in this Buying Guide than the regular T13? Well, that's because it's in an awkward position within the brand. The regular T13 is even cheaper, and if you're looking for earbuds with ANC, the QCY HT05 and QCY HT07 are only slightly more expensive, but deliver notably stronger Noise Cancellation. The function only reduces higher noises on the T13 ANC, although it does leave out wind noise better than the HT07.

You also need to twist the earbuds in the ears a bit to make the most out of the gentle mid-bass; most of the time, treble takes the cake on the T13 ANC, and music sounds brighter and lighter than average.

• QCY T13 ANC full review

• Buy on AliExpress, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Disclaimer

On Scarbir.com, I'm devoted to find the best affordable wireless earphones. I buy 90% of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products 100% honest, 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 independent quest to test great affordable audio.

Was this article helpful for you?

You can also donate via PayPal. Thank you! <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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

BUYING GUIDE - There are many wireless earbuds that fail to offer clear phone and video calls. Not all, fortunately! These are the best cheap wireless earbuds for phone calls and Zoom and conference meetings - last updated in June 2025.

Best wireless earbuds for calling - June 2025:

1. OnePlus Buds 3 - best under $100

2. Realme Buds Air 6 Pro - runner-up

3. Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 - best without rubber ear tips

4. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE - best without stems

5. Haylou X1c - the dirt-cheap option

What you need to know about calling with wireless earbuds:

Wireless calls are not as reliable as a wired earphone with a microphone you can hold close by your mouth, or pin on your shirt with a clip. While most wireless earphones have no trouble with phone calls and video calls in quiet areas, it differs how wireless earbuds perform in busy or outside situations.

There is a lot of variation in how earbuds handle phone calls. Some earbuds handle phone calls well, but can make you inaudible in video calls, such as WhatsApp group calls, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom meetings. Many earphones drown your voice, have no volume, or have too much hiss or surrounding noises on the line - some in phone calls, some in video conferences. Wind noise often is the biggest threat for the clarity in your voice.

Take for example the $250 AirPods Pro 2. Apple's earbuds have been praised many times for their call clarity, but while your voice is indeed clear, they do pick up and pass through a lot of noise around you. When you're walking or cycling in wind, it's almost unbearable to the other end of the line. Even Apple has trouble delivering clear calls all the time.

Happily, some earbuds do it better. There are capable calling earphones out there - and quite affordable as well!

In this Buying Guide, I've summed up the best budget-friendly wireless earbuds for phone calls and video conferences, after testing and reviewing 458+ wireless earbuds from $15 to $150 on Scarbir.com.

How Scarbir.com tests call quality on wireless earbuds:

• Indoor phone calls are tested in a stimulated office area, with and without vocal and sudden background noise, while sitting down and walking around.

• Outdoor phone calls are held in the same area; a slightly windy and heavy traffic intersection in a city, where busses, small trucks, and scooters stop and accelerate, and cyclists and pedestrians talk to each other.

• Video calls are held on a phone and a laptop, in line with older work laptops and desktops - ensuring the wireless earbuds fare fine with older Bluetooth chipsets as well.

• All sound recordings are done with the same apps on iPhone and Android, to have a consistent basis to test and compare the recorded samples.

• All earphones are tested and reviewed on other aspects as well. As you can see from the links to the reviews, earbuds are tested on sound quality, look and feel, build quality, connection strength, controls, battery life, and ANC active noise cancelling and Transparency modes when available.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the best cheap wireless earphones for phone calls and video calls, updated for June 2025:

1. Best cheap earbuds for phone and video calls under $100: OnePlus Buds 3

Best call quality on wireless earbuds under $100

The OnePlus Buds 3 is a great pair of wireless earbuds for phone calls and Zoom meetings, with clear calls, long battery life, and fantastic multipoint connectivity - making it easy to connect to multiple devices at the same time.

How the OnePlus Buds 3 handles phone and video calls:

• Your voice sounds clear and natural

• Indoor sounds like chatter and door slams are reduced very well

• Outdoor sounds like traffic are reduced very well

• Wind doesn't drown your voice - does colour it a bit darker

Available in black or blue, the OnePlus Buds 3 looks and feels great. The USB-C powered charging case is compact and stays scratch-free after heavy use. The IP55 waterproof earbuds itself look sleek thanks to their shiny finish, and thanks to soft rubbers on the inside, they're a secure fit and very comfortable. It's even doable to sleep on your side with these!

The Buds 3's battery provides comfort as well, with its 6,5 hours of playtime with Active Noise Cancelling on - even longer when you turn it off. The ANC itself is usable, and takes away darker and most middle sounds from your surroundings. Sudden sounds like nearby chatter or laughter still come through when you're not playing any music, however. You can accentuate those further by the very natural Transparency mode.

Another thing that could have been a tad better, are the volume controls on the stems. You control them by swiping the stem up and down like on Apple's AirPods Pro 2, but your input isn't always registered well.

That said, there are three great features of the OnePlus Buds 3:

The first is the call quality. Phone and video calls are handled exceptionally well. Your voice sounds loud and clear and outweighs nearby people and sounds, even in crowded places. Noise around you is filtered well in calls, and your voice even remains clear when there's a bit of wind outside.

Second is the connectivity. You can easily connect the earbuds to every device you have. Take the earbuds out of the case, and it connects to the two closest devices you once connected it too, after which you can switch between them by pausing the playback on one device and starting it on the other - or automatically when you receive a phone call. It's a great way to tie your laptop, your work phone and your private phone to these - it will connect to your work gear during the day, and flawlessly to your private devices after the work day.

Lastly, the free HeyMelody app provides a ton of features. You can add single-tap controls to play/pause manually next to the automatic pausing when you take an earbud out, there's a gaming mode to synchronize sounds effects well with the action on your screen, but there's also much more. The OnePlus 3D Audio can place music artificially more around you, you can measure the hearing capabilities of your ears to adjust the sound to it, and there's a BassWave setting that can strengthen or slim down the bass.

If you want to - that is. The Buds 3 can go from very soft to very loud, and except for the extremely high volumes, it always balances the sound out nicely. Higher vocals and brighter instruments are prominent clear, without dipping into harsh territory. Music has air around the treble - it feels open and vivid. The bass convinces as well: it doesn't punch you in the face with an annoying strong thump, but gets its power from its fullness and depth. Center-mid tones like guitars and piano play may not play the biggest role in between the lows and the highs, but they do sound fluent and natural. The OnePlus Buds 3 never fails to entertain.

The OnePlus Buds 3 is great for both indoor and outside calls, on your laptop, phone, or both devices connected at the same time. The strong battery life and big comfort only help it to make it the best budget TWS for calls in 2024.

• OnePlus Buds 3 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Runner-up for best calling earbuds under $100: Realme Buds Air 6 Pro

If listening to music is even more important than calling

Offering only a little less clarity in indoor phone and video calls than the OnePlus Buds 3, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro are well worth-considering due to the stronger Active Noise Cancelling and their fantastic sound quality.

How the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro handles phone and video calls:

• Your voice sounds clear and natural

• Sudden sounds like chatter and door slams are quickly countered

• Wind doesn't kill your voice, you remain audible

The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro has a lot going for it. These earbuds have a comfortable fit for long wearing sessions, are IPX5 waterproof protected against rain and sweat, and last around 6 hours on a single charge, after which you can put them just 10 minutes in the case to gain another 3 hours of listening time. The case needs recharging after three full recharges of the earbuds. That happens via USB-C; wireless charging isn't supported.

The earbuds operate well too. Music automatically pauses when you take an earbud out (unless you don't want to), and with the multipoint connection, you can connect the Buds Air 6 Pro to your phone and laptop (or two phones) at the same time. You can then switch back and forth between the devices by pausing one device, and playing on the other - or automatically when you receive a call.

The earbuds also boast solid Active Noise Cancelling that competes with the best offerings under $100. It heavily reduces the volume of low to high frequencies in an even and consistent way. Darker electronic humming and higher laughter are repressed strongly. Mid-sounds like keyboard typing, nearby conversations, or a background radio can still be a bit audible - but this is only when you're not playing any music.

The Realme's noise cancellation doesn't put too much pressure on your ears, and doesn't show too much wind noise. The Transparency mode does a good job of putting through traffic sounds when you need it - not conversations.

The Buds Air 6 Pro provides clear phone and video calls both indoors and outside, even when there are people around you or there's a bit of wind. Sudden sounds come through in calls for a short moment, but are quickly attacked in favour of your voice - which remains louder and clear.

It controls great too - including easy volume controls and customisable controls in the great Realme Link app for iPhone and Android phones. Yet the best part of the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro is the sound quality.

There's a great mixture of warmth and clarity in the sound here. Center mid-tones like guitars and piano play have a warm undertone but still sound natural. Vocals over the entire range are forward and show nuances, from Leonard Cohen's resonating depth to Björk's squeeks in It's Oh So Quiet. Meanwhile, instrumental details come from your left and right. And underneath it all is an impactfull bass that's controlled and deep, but not-overpowering. It can be a bit full on background listening levels, but clears up and feels tight on higher volumes.

Not to mention what you can further do with the sound via the app. With the ‘Golden Sound’ hearing test, the Realme monitors your hearing loss in the highest frequencies and compensates for it by boosting the treble, livening up the highs without making them too sharp (!). There are multiple equalizers and there's a separate bass slider to increase the bass fullness, and the Spatial Audio here actually impresses - making music and videos slightly more around you, and much more immersive.

Prefer a more bassy sound over the sound quality and many sound options of the Realme? The Nothing Ear (a) is a great alternative for both ANC and call quality!

If call quality is important to you, but you want a fantastic all-around pair of wireless earbuds too, the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro can be better suited for you than the OnePlus Buds 3, with stronger ANC and a richer sound.

• Realme Buds Air 6 Pro review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Best half-in-ear earbuds for phone calls: Huawei FreeBuds SE 2

Great battery life, sound and outdoor calls

The Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 is the pair to get if you don't want rubber ear tips on your earphones. These ‘half-in-ear’ earbuds have a fantastic battery life and clear calls, even when you're walking in some wind.

How the Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 handles phone and video calls:

• Your voice sounds a bit thin, but very clear

• Your voice outweighs sudden sounds like chatter and door slams, although they are still audible

• Wind doesn't drown your voice

• Wind and lots of other outside noise at the same time can cause some dips
  

The Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 are half-in-ear, or semi-in-ear earbuds, meaning you can just hang them in your ears instead. They have all the perks of this form factor: they're extremely light and comfortable to wear for hours, and you'll still hear traffic around you when you use them, which is good for safety. Happily, sound leakage is limited even when you listen to your music loud.

The FreeBuds SE 2 take over the crown of the SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS for the best AirPods-like earbuds on a budget, and maybe even in general. The earbuds that house inside this tiny bit of plastic case are IP54 waterproof and have a crazy long battery life of up to 9 hours of playtime on a single charge!

During that time, it's no problem taking a phone call, as the FreeBuds picks up your voice loud and clear. A bit less so when people start to talk loudly around you, but the microphones still focus well on you. It's especially good in handling phone calls in the wind, just like the older FreeBuds 4i that made this Buying Guide in previous years.

The controls are limited out of the box, offering only play/pause. You can add track skip/ return options with the free Huawei AI Life app for iPhone and Android, but Android-users have to download it outside of the Play Store - a QR-code on the box will help you get it.

The app comes recommended: it also lets you activate a low-latency gaming mode, update firmware, find your earbuds when you've lost them, and comes with four sound presets.

Is the features weren't already enough, it's the sound that really ensures a spot in this Buying Guide. It's so good. The FreeBuds SE 2 enjoys the clarity and openness that comes to semi in-ears easily, but it restrains from making higher notes too prominent or harsh.

There's a smooth, warm underlining underneath it all. Both higher female singers and lower male vocals have plenty of body, mid-tones from guitars and piano play are cosy, and the mid-bass thumps decently. The lows are further accentuated by the subtly boosted lower mid-tones, giving music a pleasant fullness next to its openess. This warm-balanced presentation is a joy to listen to, from singer-songwriter ballads to heavier dance tracks.

The Huawei Freebuds SE 2 aren't just great AirPods-like earbuds for their regular 40 to 70 dollars asking price, these are among the best half-in-ears on the entire market - sounding even better than Apple's AirPods 3. An absolute steal.

• Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 vs 10 cheap competitors test

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best calling earbuds without stems: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

Turn Transparency mode on or off during calls

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is another pair of affordable wireless earbuds that handle phone and video calls well. It's great for indoor phone calls in crowded areas, and lets you switch seamlessly between Transparency or ANC in calls.

How the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE handles phone and video calls:

• Your voice sounds loud and natural

• Indoor sounds like chatter and door slams are reduced well

• Outdoor sounds are reduced well, except higher sounds like birds-chirping

• Wind is sometimes audible and can make your voice darker

• Switch between ANC and Transparency/ Hearthrough during calls

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is Samsungs revisit of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, and thankfully, the Korean brand invested heavily in improving the call clarity. Whereas the Buds 2 couldn't handle background noise - let alone wind - the Buds FE is great company for your phone and video calls.

Your voice sounds loud and natural in calls, and the Buds FE does a good job of reducing chatter around you. While other people can be heard in calls for the other end of the line, your voice is always front-and-center. Sudden sounds are reduced quickly as well.

Remarkably, in video calls in Google Meet, your voice isn't always in total synchronization with the picture, but other than that, these are flawless for office use.

For another reason too: by holding down one of the earbuds, you can switch from Active Noise Cancelling to Transparency or otherwise. Need to hear your colleagues too? Just hold the button. Want to rule them out to focus on your call? Hold it again. The Samsung reminds your latest setting.

The Transparency mode is fierce and easily lets you follow conversations while you listen to music or take a call, and the totally wind noise-free Active Noise Cancelling itself is strong - reducing or removing entire frequencies from your surroundings.

The Galaxy Buds FE boasts 5,5 hours battery life per charge with ANC turned on. You won't find volume controles on the earpieces, sadly, and they're only IPX4 light rain proof. It strikes back in the sound department, however.

The Galaxy Buds FE sound exceptional. Mid-tones have a natural tonality and strong texture; it's entirely possible to hear the pressing of piano keys or plucking of guitar strings in higher quality recordings here.

Both female and male vocals are pronounced and full-bodied, and they dip into low tones just as easily as reaching high outbursts. The Buds FE reveals details other earbuds in this price category just can't grasp, and it achieves it without pushing the treble too much. It's never too sharp.

Lower mid-tones are weighty and detailed, and thanks to outstanding separation, they don't interfere with highs or the bass. The bass boasts impactful drums and quick strikes. It's detailed and deep, and tighter than the OnePlus’ bass as well. Unless you love your sound with a ton of treble, this is the audiophile choice for earbuds under 100 dollars.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is a great package, combining clear indoor calls with strong Active Noise Cancelling and fantastic sound quality.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on other Amazon countries

5. The cheapest earbuds for phone calls: Haylou X1c

decent indoor phone calls under just 10 dollars

If you're searching for the very cheapest wireless earbuds just to get your hands free during phone calls, and you can shop on AliExpress in your country, you don't have to spend much at all. The Haylou X1c cost just 6 dollars.

How the Haylou X1c handles phone calls:

• Your voice sounds loud and full

• Background sounds are reduced very well

• Wind is a threat to your voice, these are best used indoors

A disclaimer first: there are many wireless earbuds under 100 dollars that handle calls better than the Haylou X1c, but rather than bursting out tens of alternatives to the top 4, let's jump on the cheapest option instead - so that everyone can take a call without having to hold a phone.

The Haylou X1c puts your voice through in a loud and full manner, a little less clear than the more expensive options, but still clear enough. It also handles noise around you very well, as nearby chatter and sudden sounds are kept to the background without damaging your voice too much. Wind noise is a threat to your voice, however.

Still: the value for money here is insane, and that applies to other aspects as well. The X1c has an insanely compact charging case, the earbuds look neat in their grey-dark blue finish, and they last up to 5 hours on a single charge. They fit good, although you can feel them sitting in your ears a bit. The stem could fall more elegantly as well.

The basics are there, too. It has play/ pause and track controls on top of the stems, and you can even (de)activate the game mode with three taps. Which is also great for optimizing the synchronization of audio and video in YouTube videos - otherwise you may have to pause a video first to get lipsync after.

And it gets even better. When you turn the volume up, the X1c trades in its laidback, clear presentation and its sound becomes actually entertaining. It has a punchy mid-bass delivering quick thumps, and on louder volumes, you can even feel some vibration when a song pushes the bass - a rare feature for half in-ears. Now, the highest vocal outbursts and instruments can be a tad peaky, but for the most part, the combination of the warm-balanced tonality of the mid-tones, typical openness of the vocals, and uplifting bass make for an entertaining sound.

The Haylou X1c makes clear calls and fun music available to everyone.

• Haylou X1c vs 10 cheap competitors test

• Buy on AliExpress

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Honourable mentions - budget wireless earbuds with great call quality

Baseus Bowie M2s: Cheap with great calling features

The Baseus Bowie M2s costs around $40 and comes with a great feature for phone calls: it has multipoint connection, so you can connect the earbuds to either two different phones, or a phone and a laptop. The call quality itself is sufficient too, especially in office situations. Your voice output feels natural and overrules that over talkative colleagues and most sounds around you. Wind noise is the usual enemy and can drown your voice a bit.

For its friendly price, the Bowie M2s even throws in decent Active Noise Cancelling as well, which rules out most darker and the highest-sounds well, while allowing for some higher mid-tones to still be heard. The earbuds are comfortable to wear during its 5 hours playtime on a single charge (around 4,5 hours for calls), and have a warm and comfortable - albeit with a slightly thin treble - sound that can be tweaked via the free Baseus app for Android and iPhone. A convincing package for phone calls.

• Baseus Bowie M2s full review

• Buy on AliExpress
  

—> Read all tests and reviews on wireless earbuds here

Previous recommendations:

• Earfun Free Pro 3: Replaced by the Galaxy Buds FE as the best call earbuds without stems.

• Edifier X2: Replaced by the Edifier X2s that doesn't perform as well in calls.

• Edifier X6: Can't be purchased anymore.

• Huawei FreeBuds 4i: Can't be purchased anymore; no separate review.

• Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: Almost identical to the newer Realme Buds Air 6 Pro, but with weaker video synchronization and ANC.

• Sennheiser CX: Outdated

• Sony Linkbuds S: Still doesn't dive under the $100 price in 2024, so not a listing here anymore. Is a great choice, though.

• Soundcore Life P2i: Can't be purchased anymore.

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. These are affiliate links: buying the links will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest to test great affordable audio.

Was this article helpful?

You can also support my research via a PayPal donation.

Also check out my other articles:

• Guide: the best TWS under $100

• Guide: the best TWS under $75 - The Sweet Spot Price!

• Guide: the best TWS under $50

• Guide: the best TWS under $25

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

BUYING GUIDE - For a few years now, Soundcore is one of the most popular wireless earbuds manufacturers on Amazon. However, it can be hard to choose from the many models the brand by Anker constantly releases. Which are the best Soundcore earbuds under $100 in June 2025?

The Top 5 Soundcore earbuds in 2025:

1. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC - best overall under $100

2. Soundcore Space A40 - best comfort

3. Soundcore Life A3i - best under $50

4. Soundcore A1 - best for bass and workouts

5. Soundcore Life A20i - best under $30

Underneath this top 5 you will find mini-reviews and links to other popular Soundcore models under $100, like the Soundcore P30i and A30i, Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro, Soundcore Life P3, Life P3i, Soundcore P2 mini, Soundcore Sports X10, and Soundcore P40i. But let's answer some questions first:

Is Soundcore a trustworthy brand?

Yes. Anker Soundcore is hands-down the most reliable Chinese manufacturer of wireless earbuds. The brands products are always sturdy and well-built, and often look and feel more polished than their price suggests. Quality control is exceptional: I've never encountered production or quality issues with the more than 20 different Soundcore earbuds I tested since 2019. Amazon user reviews reflect this.

Many models have great app support from the free Soundcore app from on iPhone and Android phones, have above-average battery life, and keep on working flawlessly after some years as well. The only exception seems to be the AirPods-like Life Note 3S. Two downsides of the brand: cheaper models often have cases that scratch easily, and the treble on some older models can feel too boosted. These models aren't included in this Buying Guide.

Who wrote this Buying Guide?

This comparison test is written by Scarbir. I've tested and reviewed 458+ wireless earbuds ranging from $15 to $100, testing them all extensively on sound quality, comfort, active noise cancelling, call quality, video playback, battery life, and more.

This is a specific Buying Guide on the best wireless earbuds by Anker's audio brand. You can also check out general Buying Guides on the best wireless earbuds under $100, under $50, under $25 or best earbuds with ANC - or other comparisons.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting me:

These are the best earbuds from Soundcore under $100, last evaluated June 2025:

1. Best Soundcore earbuds under $100: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

The total package

The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC convinces with a ton of useful features, entertaining sound and surprisingly strong Active Noise Cancelling under 100 dollars.

The charging case of the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is bulkier than average, about 1,5 times as thick as that of Apple's AirPods. It's best to get that out of the way first, as this text may otherwise read as an advertisement. Truth is: these are outstanding wireless earbuds, and not just for their reasonable price.

The Liberty 4 NC has oval earpieces that provide a snug fit and are comfortable to wear for hours in a row - and you can do so too: the battery lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge! If you somehow need even more battery quickly, a quick 10 minute recharge from the case will give you another 4 hours of playtime.

Those are remarkable numbers, especially since this Soundcore boasts the strongest Active Noise Cancelling on earbuds under $100 to date. The ANC removes or at least reduces all frequencies well. Constant buzzing and humming disappear entirely, and traffic, chatter and even sudden sounds like door slams and accelerating vehicles are heavily softened as well. Lower mid-sounds like a radio playing in the background remain somewhat audible, but you really need to up your budget to get a more convenient ANC performance.

What's more, is that the Liberty 4 NC leaves out wind noise well when you use the ANC, making it possible to run or cycle without problems - further helped by the IPX4 splashproof rating. When you do need to hear your surroundings, the Transparency mode pushes conversations and traffic noise in a natural manner - the function is usable up to moderate volume playback.

The Liberty 4 NC is highly versatile for everyday use. It lets you customise all touch controls with the brilliant free Soundcore app, and it supports multipoint connection. That means you can connect the earbuds to two devices at the same time - like your phone and a laptop. It switches as soon as you pause on one device and play on the other, or simply when you get a call.

Speaking of which: phone calls and Zoom meetings are handled well by these earbuds. Your voice sounds loud and clear, and many surrounding noises are suppressed well. Wind noise is treated less successfully - it's audible and can come at the cost of your voices clarity.

Last but not least: the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC sounds good. The bass delivers strong and heavy thumps, and provides depth with strong sub-bass rumblings. Lower mid-tones are heavily boosted as well, giving music a full vibe. In the treble, female and higher male vocals are put moderately forward, and brighter instruments have enough presence, but vocal outhauls can appear a bit metallic sometimes. You can tweak the sound with a custom equalizer or more than 20 EQ presets from the app, but you may not need to, as music is vivid and engaging out of the box.

With its strong Active Noise Cancelling, exceptional battery life, great comfort, multipoint connection, and engaging sound, the Liberty 4 NC is Soundcore's best pair of wireless earbuds under $100.

• Soundcore Liberty 4 NC full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

2. Runner-up for best Soundcore earbuds under $100: Soundcore Space A40

Good ANC, long battery and comfortable for side-sleeping

If you're after the most comfortable Active Noise Cancelling earbuds under $100, the Soundcore Space A40 is where it's at. It's compact enough and has plenty of battery life to get you through entire nights!

The Soundcore Space A40 doesn't have stems, and its compact and oval earpieces are comfortable to wear for hours. As the earbuds don't stick out of your ears too much, these are even suitable for side-sleeping, which is a great combination with two other strengths of the A40: its ANC and battery life.

The Active Noise Cancelling strength of the A40 is not up to the level of the Liberty 4 NC, but it brings rest to your head when you put these earbuds in, silencing much background noise and cutting off the higher sounds nearby. The Transparency mode is also effective - it makes you localize traffic around you when you need it, even when you're listening to your music loudly.

Like the Liberty 4 NC, the Space A40 also has multipoint connection. You can connect it to two devices, and it will automatically switch to your other device when you receive or enter a call. Along with the 8 hours battery life on a single charge, these are wonderful workday companions - connect them to your laptop and phone and you're good to go an entire day!

When the comfortable and compact earbuds are out of battery, a 10-minute quick charge in the case grants you another 4 hours of listening time. The Space A40 also has terrific app support, with a hearing test that can boost frequencies you can't hear yourself so well, plenty of options to change the earbuds controls to your liking, and 22 sound equalizers.

These features build on top of a pleasant, balanced and warm sound - less energetic than the typical Soundcore sound, but more balanced. It combines a steady bass, boosted (lower) mid-tones and non-fatiguing treble, although vocals could be a little more pronounced. It doesn't articulate individual instruments and details as well as the Liberty 4 NC, but its smoothness makes it a pleasant listen for practically every music genre.

You can take a call with the Soundcore Space A40, but only in quiet areas. When there's continuous noise around you, like traffic or office chatter, the microphones don't just soften these sound effects, but also your voice.

Except for the call quality outdoors, the Soundcore Space A40 is a fantastic pair of earbuds. The combination of its long battery life, good ANC, and comfortable fit can save you many sleepless nights - and it sounds great too.

• Soundcore Space A40 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

3. Best Soundcore earbuds under $50: Soundcore Life A3i

Little rockers with actual buttons and Noise Cancelling

One of Soundcore's least popular offerings around the 50 dollars mark, is actually one of their best. The Soundcore Life A3i provides a very engaging sound, actual buttons, and has usable Active Noise Cancelling.

Anker's wireless earbuds without stems are less popular on Amazon than its models with stems, and the Soundcore Life A3i shows this like no other: these uniquely shaped earbuds only have around 2.000 user reviews, compared to 3x or 5x the number of reviews for more traditional looking earphones.

These compact earbuds have a round part that goes in your ears. If you then slide the upper part to the back of your ears a bit, you get a secure fit that's comfortable to wear for hours - and you'll get usable Active Noise Cancelling that reduces the volume of darker sounds nearby and in the background. Lighter sounds are also reduced in volume, although chatter and traffic still come through when you're not playing music.

The Life A3i has around 5 hours of playtime with ANC on, and longer with the function turned off. It also comes with convenient actual buttons instead of touch panels, meaning you can change tracks, volume, and switch between ANC modes easily with cold or sweaty fingers.

The IPX5 rain and sweat-proof rating further helps for sports and runs. Meanwhile, the microphones put your voice through full and clear in both phone and video calls - although the combination of wind and noise can drag your voice away. The A3i doesn't support multipoint connection, but the brilliant free Soundcore app is a great addition with its 21 sound equalizers.

What sets the Life A3i apart from many other budget Soundcores, is its sound quality. On soft to moderate volume, it brings a relaxed, warm background sound with reduced higher tones. Turn the volume up to active listening levels, and the treble unlocks. The sound then becomes surprisingly engaging, with powerful vocals and an enticing airiness. The bass strikes quickly, strongly, and deep enough - it almost demands you to nod your head.

Treble isn't always a strong suit on Soundcore earbuds, but the Life A3i nails it: it pushes upper mid-tones and highs far enough to immerse you, but back out before things start to sound harsh or peaky.

The Soundcore Life A3i is a stellar combination of features and an uplifting sound at a reasonable price.

• Soundcore Life A3i full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

4. Best Soundcore earbuds for bass and workouts: Soundcore Life A1

Two settings with Guilty-pleasure levels of bass

How BIG do you like your bass? Three years after its initial release, the insanely popular Soundcore Life A1 still manages to bring a smile to your face.

Over 36.000 user reviews - it's an incredible number you rarely see on Amazon, but the Soundcore Life A1 has them. That's more than most earbuds from Sony and Samsung - and it's for good reason. The Life A1 is one of the best choices for bass lovers.

The Life A1 comes with the interesting feature that you can switch between three sound modes straight from the earbuds. Press one of the buds three times, and you switch from the Standard mode to Bass mode to Classic mode. You can pretty much forget about the last one - it's seems to be there to take take a break from the bass if you need it, but it doesn't sound very balanced. The Standard and Bass mode however…

There's a ton of bass on the A1, with heavy-hitting mid-bass that keeps on pumping and sub-bass that rumbles strongly - even in genres where you don't expect it. Drums can thump in your ears and even darker male singer-songwriters can vibrate a little. And that's with the standard-setting!

Activate the Bass mode, and each mid-bass slam and sub-bass tone just rumbles on. The bass isn't tighter in this setting, nor does it become quicker, but it's punchier, and there's just so much more aftermath after each bass tone. The Bass mode setting grants a heavy, boomy bass.

On top of it, there's plenty of treble, with elevated female and higher-pitched male vocals. Brighter instruments also sound loud and clear. There can be sudden peaks in the highs, but they feel comfortably flattened most of the time. The overall sound in both the Standard or Bass mode is incredibly uplifting.

That makes the Life A1 a great choice for workouts and runs where you want to push yourself harder, and this Soundcore has more features that accompany it. There are actual buttons instead of touch panels, so you can operate them with sweaty fingers, they come with three sizes of sport wings so they stay tightly in your ears, and you can even take them under in the shower after your workout thanks to the IPX7 waterproof rating. Battery life is never a problem, easily lasting 8 hours on a single charge. Phone calls are doable only in quieter areas.

If you want an energetic sound during your runs or workouts, or just love lots of bass, the Anker Soundcore Life A1 is still a terrific choice.

• Soundcore Life A1 review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon stores

5. Best Soundcore earbuds under $30: Soundcore A20i

Comfortable earphones with a fluid sound

The Soundcore A20i is one of Anker's three earphone offerings under just 30 dollars - and boy, does it deliver.

The Soundcore A20i is the counterpart to the Soundcore P20i that has stems, and also competes with the stem-design Soundcore P2 Mini in the same price range. Both P-models have higher user review numbers on Amazon, and that makes the A20i feel like some sort of hidden gem.

That's because there's plenty - plenty! - to love about the A20i. The A20i earbuds play up to 10 hours on a single charge, and thanks to the compact and round shape, they're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Don't be afraid to take them out in the rain, too - they've got it covered with an IPX5 waterproof rating.

Even this entry-level budget earphone enjoys support from the free Soundcore app with 22 different equalizer presets, while you can't change the controls here completely. Don't expect Active Noise Cancelling or multipoint connection either, or clear calls in anything other than quiet indoor areas: all Anker's sub-$30 offerings understandably lack these fancy features.

It's the sound quality that separates the A20i from its P-model siblings. Music is presented with a full and deep bass, and thick lower mids that give the music warmth. Higher up, female and higher male vocals are forward and appear full and nuanced, while the rest of the treble is rolled-off early to prevent harsh or peaky higher notes. It makes for a smooth ride in which the frequencies work together fluently and in harmony, while leaving enough separation for instruments, and not just that - the sound can be big as well, giving a sensation that music is around you.

The Soundcore A20i is the pair of wireless earbuds to go for if you're looking for a fun warm and energetic sound on a budget.

• Soundcore A20i full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

Bonus: How good are Soundcore's other most popular earbuds under $100?

Soundcore C30i: Hands down their worst buds

Soundcore's dip into the new market of open-ear clip-on earbuds is all but a success. While the Soundcore C30i looks slicker and more stylized than many of its competitors, this model has a much too stiff bridge in between the two parts you cleap on your ears. It makes for an incredible clamping force - these earbuds can be very painful to put on and wear.

The 10 hours battery life, responsive touch controls, and multipoint connection are better than average in its class, but the same can't be said of the sound that consists of an overly boosted treble and a slightly kicking but very thin mid-bass. These are the brands worst sounding earphones.

It's convenient to look at competitors for this type of earphones.

• Soundcore C30i review

• Buy on Amazon US or other Amazon countries

Soundcore P30i and A30i: Brilliant cases, mediocre sound

The Soundcore P30i and the Soundcore A30i have both been released in the middle of 2024, and are similarly priced $30 to $50 earphones with a comparable feature set.

The A30i has a slick lipstick-like case and bean-shaped earbuds that sit snugly and very comfortable in your ears, and are great for side-sleeping as well, although their battery life is just too short to last an entire life.

The P30i has more traditional stem-shaped earbuds, and throws in a brilliant charging case that also acts as a phone stand - an incredibly convenient feature.

The P30i has half an hour longer playtime (7 vs 6,5 hours) on single charge, and offers more responsive controls. They're both IP54 water and sweat proof, both have multipoint connection and ANC that's only decent and fails to really dampen mid-tones. They also aren’t great in handling outdoor phone calls.

Sound-wise, both aren't Soundcore's best models, as both tend towards the lows very much and forget to refine the treble on top. The P30i has a punchier bass and feels more uplifting. Still, with the 3D Sound setting in the app, the A30i manages to sound clearer and more open, while the P30i is darker, muted and more closed-in whichever sound setting you throw at it.

• Soundcore A30i review

• $50 - Buy on Amazon US or your Amazon country

• Soundcore P30i review

• $50 - Buy on Amazon US or your Amazon country

Soundcore P40i: Hit-and-miss sound

The Soundcore P40i, released in March 2024, has a ton of features for its $70 price tag. The most notable is that the charging case also acts as a phone stand, which is great for watching movies - although the later released P30i executes it better. The earbuds are comfortable, last around 9 hours on a single charge, can connect to two devices at the same time, and also have usable (if not very strong) Active Noise Cancelling.

The sound is a bit of a hit-and-miss. It’s rounded and good on background and moderate volumes, but not very suitable for active listening. The P40i has an insanely strong, rumbly and deep bass, and tries to compensate for it with heavily boosted treble as well - which can sound severely oversteered. You can tone it down with one of the equalizers, but you'll lose too much vocal clarity as a result. A likeable pair of earbuds that just misses the mark.

• Soundcore P40i full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon UK or your Amazon country
  
  
  

Soundcore Life P3i: Shows its age

The Soundcore Life P3i is one of Anker's many earbuds that looks and feels more expensive than its $50 price tag suggests, thanks to the metallic finish on the stems. It starts to show its age in 2024. Active Noise Cancelling falls a bit behind and fails to reduce volume in all frequencies, it doesn’t support multipoint connection, and your voice sounds distant and tinny in calls. Sadly, those words also apply to the sound. Upper mid-tones and highs feel a bit distant on the P3i, and the sound isn't as dynamic - as lively - as models in the top 5 because of it. The maximum volume on Android phones could be higher as well.

• Soundcore Life P3i full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, or other Amazon countries

Soundcore P2 Mini: Nothing wrong, but…

There's nothing wrong with the Soundcore P2 Mini for its 30 dollars price. These earbuds are compact and comfortable, are IPX5 waterproof, last around 8 hours on a single charge, let you take a call in quiet areas, and have this nifty trick that lets you switch between three sound modes straight from the earbuds - just like the Life A1. Like on that model, the sound has a steady and strong bass in two modes. Sadly, treble isn't handled very well, and vocals can sound somewhat artificial. The aforementioned A20i sounds more fluent and more balanced.

• Soundcore Life P2 Mini full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, or other Amazon countries

Soundcore P20i: Like the A20i with stems

The Soundcore P20i (or the Soundcore R50i in India) was released at the same time as the A20i, and it's another good pair of wireless earphones for their low price - meaning that it doesn't have very clear calls, ANC or multipoint connection, but does have very long battery life of around 9 hours, an IPX5 waterproof rating, and a comfortable fit. The mid-bass is powerful and punchy, and treble is lifted just a bit to give higher notes enough presence. That said, the A20i provides more detail in the center mid-tones - beneficial for acoustic instruments - and sounds a tad more balanced.

• Soundcore P20i full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon UK, or other Amazon countries

Other Soundcore reviews:

• Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro - Still available every now and then, you can skip this model from 2020 in 2024. Artificial treble, heavy earpieces and less features than the successor and Liberty 4 NC.

• Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro - This $120 model packs an insanely detailed and shockingly deep bass, but its treble is harsh and a bit artificial. The earpieces are rather heavy, but it looks and feels very premium.

• Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro - Outdated next to the Liberty 4 NC, with harsher treble.

• Soundcore Life P3 - Outdated ANC and calls performance; still sounds good. Also has a great mix-and-match soundboard for nature and zen-like sounds in the app.

• You can find even more Soundcore model reviews on my Leaderboard.

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Disclaimer

On Scarbir.com, I'm devoted to find the best affordable wireless earphones. I buy 90% of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products 100% honest, 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 independent quest to test great affordable audio.

What this article helpful?

You can also donate me via PayPal. Thank you! <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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

You've got 25 dollars to spend on wireless earbuds? Congratulations - that's enough to get you good earphones for either yourself or as a gift! These are the best cheap TWS true wireless earphones under $25, updated for June 2025.

Best wireless earbuds under $25 - June 2025:

1. Best overall - SoundPEATS T3 Pro

2. Best alternative - QCY MeloBuds N50

3. Best half-in-ears - 1more Q10 Mini

4. Best clip-ons - Haylou Airfree

5. Best for smaller ears - Redmi Buds 6 Play

Check out below for descriptions and comparisons!

Are you new to wireless earphones? It's good to know that even the cheapest of wireless earbuds can actually be good. But you have to know where to look in the sea of generic products and strange brand names on Amazon, AliExpress or your nearest electronics shop. Especially in this price range, there's a big chance you'll buy something terrible.

On Scarbir.com, I've been testing and comparing wireless earbuds since 2019. I reviewed over 458+ wireless earbuds under $100. I separate the bad from the good.

The recommendations in this Buying Guide are the hand-picked best earbuds under $25. You can see a full review for each model underneath the text, or check out all my rated earbuds on the true wireless earphones leaderboard.

How Scarbir.com tests $25 wireless earbuds

• I try and test all earbuds at least 1 to 2 weeks fully before writing about it, experiencing all aspects of the earbuds. All earbuds are tested on an Android phone, iPhone, and Mac.

• I test the basics like wearing comfort, actual battery life, the fit when you're on the move, controls, and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. If an earbud fails in any of these categories, it has very little chance to become a recommendation.

• For phone and video calls, all earbuds undergo the same tests; recordings performed in the same office and on the same crowded traffic intersection with occasional wind, as well as in pre-defined simulated scenes with noise and wind.

• Active Noise Cancelling, if available, is always tested in the same organic office and outdoor environments, as well as in pre-defined simulated background chatter and noise scenarios. ANC performance is always directly compared to the best scoring models in the price range.

• The gaming performance and low-latency modes are always tested with the highly challenging shooter Call of Duty mobile on an Android phone.

• For the app support of an earbud, I look at the features, the ease-of-use and the needed permissions of the Android and iPhone app.

• Sound quality is my biggest passion and, with so much competition on the market, it's what can make or brake an earphone. I listen to earbuds on low, moderate and high active listening volume, take notes and compare an earbud to its biggest comparably priced rivals. Sound performance is both tested by both everyday and active listening, and by checking technically challenging songs from my Scarbir.com Earbuds Test List on Spotify.

• Earbuds in the $25 price category tend to be basic when it comes to features. Occasionally they can have usable ANC, dual-device/ multipoint connectivity, or offer clear calls. This gives them a fair chance to rank high in this Buying Guide - although especially for this price, I weigh in comfort and sound quality heavily - so you'll find a great pair of everyday earbuds on a small budget.

What to expect from the best $25 TWS true wireless earphones?

• From 3,5 to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge.

• Pocketable charging cases that can recharge the earbuds multiple times.

• Great usability and reliable Bluetooth connections.

• The possibility of extra features like usable Active Noise Cancelling, app support, or a dual-device multipoint connection - meaning you can connect an earbud to two devices at once.

• Decent call quality, especially for indoor phone calls.

• Great sound quality for the price.

Has this guide helped you? Consider supporting my work:

These are the best TWS true wireless earbuds under $25, updated for June 2025:

1. Best ultra-cheap wireless earbuds under $25: SoundPEATS T3 Pro

Mind-blowing value for money

The SoundPEATS T3 Pro sounds engaging, can be connected to two devices at the same time, comes with good Active Noise Cancelling, AND has decent call quality. It's an absolute bargain.

The charging case of the SoundPEATS T3 Pro feels a bit cheap and reminds you of the fact that this is a cheap earphone, but little else does. The earbuds themselves are comfortable to wear, have fully customisable controls thanks to the free PeatsAudio app for iPhone and Android, and offer around 5 hours battery life on a single charge.

That's the score with Active Noise Cancelling on. It softens the volume of noise around you, and constant sounds may fade away entirely. Sudden and higher sounds can still come through, but the ANC performance at this price is downright good - especially since it also leaves out wind noise well when you're running or cycling with them.

When you want to hear your surroundings while listening to music, the Transparency mode does a solid job.

The T3 Pro is surprisingly versatile. It boasts a game mode that synchronizes the sound effects in games greatly with the action on your screen, has an IPX4 splashproof rating, and comes with a dual-device multipoint so you can connect it to two devices at the same time.

It handles phone calls well too. Your voice sounds clear - although loud noises may make your voice dip.

To top it off, these earbuds sound good too. They offer a smooth, warm sound for background listening - but turn the volume up, and the bass gives heavy, deep, and long-lasting thumps and vocals come alive. Instruments are separated well from each other, and the sound feels a bit airy even. Treble can be a bit bright on the highest volumes, but there's plenty to enjoy here.

Of course, these earbuds aren't perfect. Double-taps are sometimes recognised as single taps, the charging dots in the case could be stronger magnets, and the PeatsAudio app is badly readable, with white text on a light blue background. But these are minor gripes if you see what you get for this price.

Multipoint connection, solid Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes, clear calls, and entertaining sound. The $25 SoundPEATS T3 offers mind-blowing value for money.

• SoundPEATS T3 Pro review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Runner-up for best wireless earbuds under $25: QCY MeloBuds N50

These earbuds also have it all

Can't get the SoundPEATS T3 Pro in your area or country? Don't worry - the QCY MeloBuds N50 is a fantastic alternative.

The biggest difference between the SoundPEATS T3 Pro and the QCY MeloBuds N50 is the Active Noise Cancelling performance. While the QCY softens constant and higher sounds well, it's less successful in reducing middle sounds. Out of the box - that is.

If you open the free QCY app for iPhone or Android and select ‘Adaptive ANC’, the N50 scans your surroundings to attack the sounds you have around you at that moment, delivering instant stronger noise reduction. In these moments, it's about as strong as the SoundPEATS T3 Pro - but it does take extra steps to get there.

The biggest complaint about the MeloBuds N50 is that it ‘only’ plays 4 hours on a single charge with ANC on.

Other than that, these do so much good for their ultra low price. The earbuds are comfortable to wear, have fully adjustable controls that respond well to your input, and boast an IPX4 splashproof rating. They can also connect to two devices at once.

Games play perfectly with the low-latency gaming mode, and your voice sounds clear in phone calls, both inside and outdoors. Unless there's noise and you move around, in which your voice quickly dips.

The QCY MeloBuds N50 sounds great, with strong and lasting bass thumps. Lower tones are boosted and give the music a smooth and warm vibe, while vocals and clearer instruments are forward enough to shine. The SoundPEATS sounds clearer; the QCY more comfortable. There's a hole lot to enjoy here.

Just like the SoundPEATS T3 Pro, the QCY MeloBuds N50 offers stunning value for money.

• QCY MeloBuds N50 review

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Best half-in-ear wireless under $25: 1more Q10 Mini

AirPods-like on the ultra-cheap

Prefer wireless earbuds without rubber ear tips? The incredibly affordable 1more Q10 Mini covers the basics and treats you with great comfort and good sound.

The 1more Q10 Mini, also sold as just 1more Q10, has a simplicity that just works for its small price that ranges from $25 to sometimes only $15 (!) on Amazon and AliExpress. The charging case is lovely compact, and the same goes for the stems on the earbuds.

Moreover, these earbuds have a secure, grippy fit that's comparable to the Oppo Enco Air3, and they're light and comfortable to wear for hours.

Despite their size, these last around 7 hours on a single charge. During that time, it's safe to take a phone phone call with them in easy circumstances. Your voice loses clarity when there's much noise going on, and more when there's also a bit of wind involved, but you'll stil be audible.

You will not find app support, a multipoint connection or volume controls on the 1more Q10, but you can activate a gaming mode by holding the left earbud. It synchronizes the sound effects in games greatly. Gaming is quite intense too, as the 1more has a solid bass.

No, really. The 1more Q10 Mini has a sound that reminds of earphones with rubber tips. It has a full, punchy mid-bass. Lower-mid tones are fiercely boosted as well, awarding darker electronic tones and lower male vocals and lower instruments a prominent role.

Meanwhile, treble is smooth. Vocals are forward enough, but brighter instruments are toned down a bit as highs roll off early. There's more warmth than clarity on the 1more Q10.

The friendly sound character just adds to the no-nonsense character of these rubber tipless budget earbuds. These are great, no-nonsense rockers.

• 1more Q10 Mini review

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best open-ear clip-on earbuds under $25: Haylou Airfree

Can even be connected to two devices at the same time

The Haylou Airfree is the only breath of fresh air in the segment of clip-on earbuds under 25 dollars. If you're looking for highly comfortable earbuds and still want to hear your surroundings while listening to music, this one is for you.

The Haylou Airfree has a nondescript, but a functional design. It's easy to put these earbuds around your ears, as the bridge is flexible and the round speaker on the front differs noticeably from the square you put behind your ears.

While you can feel the latter, these earbuds are light and comfortable to wear during their 5 hours playtime on a single charge. They also stay well in its place - although the lack of a waterproof rating doesn't make them very suitable for runs and workouts.

The touch panels on the back part respond well to your input, like pausing (double-tap) and changing tracks (triple tap). You can customize the controls from the free Haylou Sound app for iPhone and Android, adding volume changing to triple taps for instance.

The Haylou Airfree convinces with its features too. It has a dual-device multipoint connection, meaning you can connect these earbuds to two devices at the same time.

The game mode is capable and synchronizes the sound effects well with the action on your screen. And even phone calls are doable - as your voice sounds natural and clear. The other persons can hear you walking around and pick up wind noise, however.

The winning streak of the Airfree goes on, as these clip-ons also sound better than its rivals. Because of the form factor, the sound is thin, but it's still rounder than the competition. It has more body in the lower frequencies and mid-tones. Treble can be harsh on the highest volumes, but is decently controlled otherwise. Furthermore, the bass actually has a bit of a kick - with the keyword here being a bit.

Last but not least, it leaks much less sound than the direct competition. If you want a radio close to your head while you'll hear your surroundings, and even be able to still talk with people, this is a good choice. In fact:

The Haylou Airfree is the best choice if you're looking for clip-on earbuds on a tight budget.

• Haylou Airfree vs competitors test

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Best ultra-cheap earbuds for smaller ears: Redmi Buds 6 Play

Great battery life, Comfort and sound

No matter if it's for yourself or as a gift, the Redmi Buds 6 Play is a fantastic choice. These little earbuds sound great, are IPX4 splashproof and provide 7,5 hours of playtime on a single charge. These are great for regular and smaller ears.

The tiny earpiece that goes inside your ears, are extremely comfortable. As they barely stick out of your ears, you can even sleep on your side with these without the need of a support arm.

It's safe to take a phone call or enter a video conference with them too: the microphones reduce sounds around you well. With the free Xiaomi Earbuds app for iPhone and Android, you can setup the controls precisely the way you want to, which includes the option to add volume controls, or add or remove single taps.

The app also brings five equalizers into, well, play.

With the default equalizer, the Redmi Buds 6 Play impresses with a tight bass, clean lower mid-tones, and clear yet controlled treble, which pushes singers forward and presents them very crisp. (Only) the most critical listeners may notice a bit of metallic edge on the highest volumes, but the clarity and cleanliness are insane at this price.

Want more bass? Select the More Bass EQ preset and you get it straightaway - firing quick and uplifting thumps, only toning the treble down a bit.

The Redmi Buds 6 Play doesn't have Active Noise Cancelling and you can only connect it to one device at a time, but it does have Google Fast Pair, meaning it will connect easily to your Google TV or Chromebook when you've already tied it to your Android phone.

The Redmi Buds 6 Play isn't just the best offering from the new Xiaomi Redmi lineup that also includes the Redmi Buds 6 Lite and Redmi Buds 6 Active; these are the best ultra-budget earbuds overall.

This level of comfort, great battery life and its impressive sound make the Redmi Buds 6 Play outstanding value for money.

• Redmi Buds 6 Play full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

Honourable mentions for best TWS under $25:

Moondrop Space Travel: Balanced!

The Moondrop Space Travel has been the top recommendation in this Buying Guide for more than a year, but its 3-4 hours battery life and lesser video playback performance, now makes it an honourable mention instead.

That said, these are still the most balanced sounding earbuds you can get on a budget. The Space Travel has a delicately tuned bass that plays perfectly in line with the natural mid-tones and the controlled treble. The sound has a nice airiness to it too.

That's not all you get: the Space Travel also rocks solid Active Noise Cancelling.

• Moondrop Space Travel review

• $25 - Buy on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress

Soundcore A20i: Strong sound and battery

The wildly popular earphone brand Soundcore also has a great option in the ultra-budget segment of earbuds. The Soundcore A20i are IPX5 waterproof comfortable, stemless earbuds that play up to 10 hours on a single charge. During that time, they entertain with a warm-bassy sound with comfortable toned-down treble. Music on the A20i feels fluent and joyful.

The A20i shows its age with the lack of multipoint connection and Active Noise Cancelling, and they're also not as tiny as the Redmi Buds 6 Play. Still a great choice, though.

• Soundcore A20i review

• $20 - Buy on Amazon US or your Amazon country

TinHifi Tinbuds1: For bass lovers

Are you open to spend a little more and like your music with a strong bass? Consider the Tinhifi Tinbuds1. This $30 earphone has a punchy mid-bass, vast sub-bass and boosted lower mid-tones, giving it a warm, full, and engaging sound. It's definitely not the most balanced earphone, but it can immerse you on higher volumes.

For its small price, it even throws in decent Active Noise Cancelling, a terrific gaming mode, 6 hours battery life on a single charge, and all the controls straight on your earbuds. The call quality is less spectacular, however, and the Bluetooth connection can dip when you're on the move in areas that are full with wireless signals. Still, a good runner up if you love a full and bassy sound.

• Tinhifi Tinbuds1 full review

• Buy on AliExpress or Linsoul
  
  
  

Previous recommendations:

• 1more PistonBuds/ Omthing AirFree - With great sound and call quality, these are still recommended - but they're letdown by just 3 hours playtime on a charge.

• Alien Secret QCC010 - Up to 7 hours of battery life and airy sound, but there seem to be some quality problems with this model - removed from this list.

• Earfun Free Mini - The previous best sounding wireless earbuds at this price, but not available anymore.

• Edifier X2 - Recommended for clear calls on a budget, but now followed by the X2S which doesn't have the same call clarity.

• Edifier X3 - A long-time lead and runner-up in this guide, but not available anymore - only in a more expensive variant.

• Jlab Go Air Pop - The previous top recommendation for bass sound, but now surpassed by the Soundcore Life P2i.

• Haylou GT1 Plus - Nice and compact, with a natural sound. The QCY T5 does natural sound even better, however.

• Haylou X1 - Half-in-ears with energetic sound and decent call quality for under a tenner!

• Haylou GT6 - These AirPods-like earbuds still sound fantastic, but require a very specific fit that could be uncomfortable to some.

• Mpow M13 - IPX7 waterproof means you can take these under the shower, but may be a bit too big for smaller and medium-sized ears.

• Mpow Mbit S - A nice all-round TWS with warm and comfortable sound, but banned from Amazon and a little over $25 on AliExpress now.

• Mpow MS1 - Has an even stronger bass than the Mpow Mbit S, but seems to be out of production.

• OnePlus Nord Buds V - These sound really clear, but lack the features and design of the SoundPEATS Clear.

• QCY QS1 - The compact ultra-cheap earbud that started a revolution. Now surpassed in sound quality, battery life and call quality.

• QCY T5 - The long time cheapest entry into wireless earbuds, for around $15. It sold out now, however, and the successors (T5 Pro or T5S) are worse.

• QCY T7 - The previously best-sounding half-in-ears under 25 dollars, now beaten by the Haylou GT6 - the difference is insane.

• QCY T13 - Still very comfortable and engaging, but beaten by its ANC successor and other newer models.

• QCY T13 ANC - Beaten in ANC performance and sound quality.

• Tozo A3 - Still enjoyable, but miss the great features of newer cheap earbuds.

• Redmi Buds 3 Lite - Small, but with rubber ear-fins on top of the round earbuds, it's still a bit painful to wear for longer sessions.

• SoundPEATS Clear - These nice, crisp sounding earbuds are often more expensive.

• Soundcore Life P2i - Can't be purchased anymore.

• SoundPEATS TrueDot - Unfortunately, the original top listing in this guide isn't available anymore.

• Tronsmart Onyx Neo - These earbuds that disappeared entirely in your ears, had sluggish controls but fantastic call quality. Tronsmart doesn't sell it anymore.

• Ugreen CM388 TWS - The tiniest earbuds for everyone with tiny ears. Battery life and connectivity are a bit outdated now, however.

Disclaimer

I hope this comparison on true wireless earphones helps you select the right one for you. If you plan to buy one of the items in this list, please consider doing it with the links in this article.

These are affiliate links, from which I'll gain a little percentage of the price. Buying a product from the link won't cost you extra, yet it will support me a bit in my ongoing , independent and honest research on affordable audio.

Was this article helpful for you?

There are way more true wireless earphones you can buy for under 25 dollars, than described in this selection. Check the leaderboard with all TWS ratings here.

Also check out my other articles:

• Guide: best TWS under $100

• Guide: best TWS under $75 - The Sweet Spot Price

• Guide: best TWS under $50

• Guide: best TWS under $25

• Guide: best cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

Bought a true wireless earphone thanks to this list? I'd love to hear what you've chosen. Do comment! :-)

- Scarbir

BUYING GUIDE - Do most wireless earbuds fall out of your ears, or don't they fit all? No worries, there are plenty of good tiny earphones. After more than 455 models tested, these are the best budget wireless earbuds for small and smaller ears - updated for June 2025.

The Top 5 budget earbuds for small ears - June 2025:

1. Soundcore Life A3i - best overall

2. Sony WF-C510 - best for music

3. Redmi Buds 6 Play - best ultra-budget

4. 1more Q10 Mini - best without rubber ear tips

5. Soundcore K20i - runner-up

Who wrote this Buying Guide?

This comparison test is written by Scarbir. I've tested and reviewed 455+ wireless earbuds ranging from $15 to $100, testing them all extensively on sound quality, comfort, active noise cancelling, call quality, video playback, battery life, and more.

This is a specific Buying Guide on the best wireless earbuds for smaller and kids ears. You can also check out general Buying Guides on the best wireless earbuds under $100, under $50, under $25 or other comparisons.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the best earbuds for smaller and kids ears, updated for June 2025:

1. Best budget wireless earbuds for smaller ears: Soundcore Life A3i

With Active noise cancelling and actual buttons

The Soundcore Life A3i wireless earbuds are an excellent choice when you have smaller ears. These little rockers combine an engaging sound with clear calls and even decent Active Noise Cancelling.

The Soundcore Life A3i has been out since 2022, but it still has a place in the market for its tiny size. These compact earbuds have a fairly odd shape, consisting of a small round part that goes inside your ears, and a little wing on top.

If you put them in your ears and then adjust the ‘wing’ to the back of your ears a bit, you get a secure fit that's comfortable to wear for its 5 hours playtime on a single charge.

During that time, you'll get usable Active Noise Cancelling that reduces the volume of darker sounds nearby and in the background. Lighter sounds are also reduced in volume, although chatter and traffic still come through when you're not playing music.

You can also turn the ANC off - that will extend the battery life to 7 hours in a row.

The Life A3i also comes with convenient actual buttons instead of touch panels, meaning you can change tracks, volume, and switch between ANC modes easily with cold or sweaty fingers. The IPX5 rain and sweat-proof rating further helps for sports and runs.

That's not all: this Soundcore also handles phone calls well. The microphones put your voice through full and clear in both phone and video calls - although the combination of wind and noise can drag your voice away. The A3i can only connect to one device at once, but the brilliant free Soundcore app is a great addition with its 21 sound equalizers.

That is, if you even want to change the default sound. The Life A3i knows how to entertain.

On soft to moderate volume, it brings a relaxed, warm background sound with reduced higher tones. Turn the volume up to active listening levels, and the treble unlocks. The sound then becomes surprisingly engaging, with powerful vocals and an enticing airiness. The bass strikes quickly, strongly, and deep enough - it almost demands you to nod your head.

The Soundcore Life A3i combines usable Active Noise Cancelling, clear calls and a solid battery life in a surprisingly tiny package.

• Soundcore Life A3i review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

2. Best sounding smaller wireless earbuds: Sony WF-C510

The Best choice for music lovers

If you're willing to miss out on Active Noise Cancelling, the tiny but mighty Sony WF-C510 treats you with fantastic musical capabilities.

The Sony WF-C510 is Sony's entry-level model of wireless earbuds, and also its smallest model from its lineup. The charging case is compact enough to carry comfortably in any jeans pocket, and the earbuds are just as pocketable.

The earbuds have a bit of a pebble-shape, of which the broadest part will point to the back of your ear. Sony cleverly put a little dot on top of the left earbud, so you can easily recognise the top side and separate the left from the right bud. The WF-C510 also comes with very grippy ear tips, to ensure the buds stay in your ears.

Like the Soundcore Life A3i, the Sony boasts actual buttons instead of touch panels. You change tracks on the right bud, and decrease or increase the volume by pressing the button on the left or right earbud four times. The button responds so well, that it actually works.

What's more impressive, is the Sony's massive 11 hours playtime on a single charge! The case can recharge the earbuds fully twice before needing new power via USB-C itself.

The WF-C510 also comes with multipoint connection, so you can connect it up to two devices at the same time. It switches to the other device as soon as you start a song or video on it, or when you get a phone call.

It's not advised to bring the C510 outside or in the wind when calling, but a phone call or video meeting in a quieter office room shouldn't be a problem. And if you're into it, the Sony also boasts a great gaming mode, that synchronizes the sounds with the action on your screen greatly. There's no Active Noise Cancelling on these earbuds, however.

Ultimately, it's the sound quality that sets the Sony apart. Especially if you're willing to tweak the natural yet bone-dry default sound a bit. By taking a test and choosing which of the given fragments sounds best to you, the WF-C510 prepares a custom equalizer for you. That's a great starting point and can be tweaked further; giving you all the tools at hand to create an engaging sound with a tightly kicking bass, powerful vocals and airy treble, and a wonderful natural presentation of mid-tones like guitars and piano play.

With multipoint connection, a massive battery life and an adjustable and fantastic sound, the Sony WF-C510 comes recommended to everyone with smaller ears.

• Sony WF-C510 review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

3. Best small earbuds under $25: Redmi Buds 6 Play

Tiny, super comfortable and with great battery life

The big benefit of smaller earbuds is that they tend to cost not too much. The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play is an ultimate example of this. You get so much for your 20 dollars!

The Redmi Buds 6 Play has a shape of earbuds that's comparable to the Soundcore Life A3i. As they're so compact, they're extremely comfortable for average and smaller ears. And as they barely stick out of your ears, you can even sleep on your side with these without the need of a support arm.

That's not all: with around 7 hours of battery life on a single charge, these may actually last your entire night too.

You may not expect it from the price, but it's safe to take a phone call or enter a video conference with the Buds 6 Play. The microphones keep focusing on your voice when there's noise around you (although they're not great when you walk in some wind).

And just like the more expensive earphones, you can setup the controls precisely the way you want to, thanks to the Xiaomi Earbuds app. Check the availability on your App Store or Play Store beforehand.

The app support is the most exotic part of these earbuds, as you will miss out on features like ANC and multipoint connection for this price.

When it comes to sound, the Redmi Buds 6 Play impresses with a tight bass, clean lower mid-tones, and clear yet controlled treble. Critical listeners may notice a bit of metallic edge on the highest volumes, however.

Want more bass? Select the More Bass EQ preset and you get it straightaway - firing quick and uplifting thumps, only toning the treble down a bit.

The Redmi Buds 6 Play offers fantastic value for money, with comfortable and compact earbuds, long battery life, clear calls, and great sound for as little as 20 dollars.

• Redmi Buds 6 Play full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best semi-in-ear earbuds for small ears: 1more Q10 Mini

Compact, No-nonsense earbuds

Prefer wireless earbuds without rubber ear tips? The 1more Q10 Mini is both incredibly compact and insanely cheap, costing no more than 20 dollars.

The 1more Q10 Mini, also sold as just 1more Q10, has a simplicity that just works for its small price that ranges from $25 to sometimes only $15 (!) on Amazon and AliExpress. The charging case is lovely compact, and the same goes for the earpieces and the stems on the earbuds.

Moreover, these earbuds have a secure, grippy fit - and they're light and comfortable to wear for hours.

Don't think these earbuds have nothing to offer, because of its low price.

Despite their size, these last around 7 hours on a single charge. During that time, it's safe to take a phone phone call in easy circumstances. Your voice loses clarity when there's much noise going on, and more when there's also a bit of wind involved, but you'll still be audible. The earbuds are also IPX4 splashproof protected.

You will not find app support, a multipoint connection or volume controls on the 1more Q10, but you can activate a gaming mode by holding the left earbud. It synchronizes the sound effects in games greatly. Gaming is quite intense too, as the 1more has a solid bass.

No, really. The 1more Q10 Mini has a full, punchy mid-bass. Lower-mid tones are boosted as well, awarding darker electronic tones and lower male vocals and lower instruments a prominent role.

Meanwhile, treble is smooth. Vocals are forward enough, but brighter instruments are toned down a bit as highs roll off early. It makes for a pleasant, friendly sound character, from the lowest to the highest volumes.

The 1more Q10 Mini not only has a lovely compact charging case and earbuds, but it's capable too - offering a pleasant sound and long battery life.

• 1more Q10 Mini review

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Runner-up for half-in-ears for small ears: Soundcore K20i

The tiniest AirPods-like earbuds in a chunky case

The earpieces of the Soundcore K20i are even smaller than those of the 1More Q10 Mini, which could make the K20i the last resort if all other earbuds fail. You may need to tweak the sound a bit first.

The Soundcore K20i costs a bit more than 1more's offering, but still won't set you back more than 30 dollars. For that price, you get a bit of a bulky square charging case, but also the tiniest earpieces from all the earbuds I tested upon writing this.

Yet, thanks to a good hook between the earpiece and the stem and a grippy material, they actually have a reliable fit. These aren’t likely to fall out during rapid head movements. They also give you 6 hours playtime on a single charge, while an IPX5 waterproof rating protects them against rain and sweat.

The latter is higher than the 1more, and the Soundcore has another advantage: it has volume controls right on the earbuds. You have to set them up first via the free Soundcore app for iPhone or Android, but that's little to no effort.

The app also lets you choose between different equalizer presets or create your own equalizer, and to be fair, you actually need it to be able to enjoy the K20i.

By default, this Soundcore puts a lots of effort into the treble, but highs can be a bit too heavy here. Vocals are pushed so much, they sound a bit metallic and artificial, while the bass is a little light at the same time. By creating your own equalizer, you can both make the bass thump and tone down the treble.

After tweaking the sound, the Soundcore K20i can sound more open and clearer than the competitor above - but just for the ease of use, the 1more Q10 Mini may be a safer choice for many.

• Soundcore K20i review (coming soon)

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Disclaimer

On Scarbir.com, I'm devoted to find the best affordable wireless earphones. I buy 70% of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products 100% honest, 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 independent quest to test great affordable audio.

Was this article helpful for you? Consider supporting me! <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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

BUYING GUIDE - SoundPEATS is one of the most productive manufacturers of affordable wireless earbuds under 100 dollars, releasing multiple new models every year. After keeping track of all those earbuds; these are the brands best models - updated for June 2025.

The Top Best SoundPEATS earbuds in 2025:

1. SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ - best overall

2. SoundPEATS T3 Pro - best value for money

3. SoundPEATS Air5 Lite - best half-in-ears

4. SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro - best clip-ons

5. SoundPEATS POP Clip - runner-up

See descriptions + links to other reviews below!

Before we get to the comparison and reviews, let's answer some questions first:

Is SoundPEATS a trustworthy brand for earbuds?

SoundPEATS is a Chinese audio brand that has been releasing wireless earphones since 2019. It's also one of the most productive brands on the market, releasing between 5 to 10 new models per year!

In the early years, SoundPEATS’ earbuds weren't always the most reliable. Some models started showing differences between the volume output between the left and the right earbud after 0,5 - 2 years of using the product. Some other models also had weaker charging dots; earbuds didn't always recharge in the case until you cleaned the dots with a cotton stick. A more recent issue is that the PeatsAudio app for iPhone and Android isn't very polished. It gives the earbuds useful extra features, but it feels a bit amateurish.

The biggest complaint with SoundPEATS is that not all new releases are clear upgrades over previous models - and instead more like ‘sidegrades’, doing things differently but not so much better than predecessors. This is especially clear when you put the Air Pro models next to the Capsule Pro models - they cost around the same and it's hard to distinct them from each other.

But all of this doesn't mean the earbuds are bad. The Scarbir.com mailbox and comment sections are full of people that still enjoy their SoundPEATS 2-3 years after purchase, and/or only look for a new model as they lost their previous pair. You do have to know which models you have to get from the brand, though, as they're not all as equally good. However, some SoundPEATS models are among the best in their class.

That's why I wrote this Buying Guide.

Wait, who wrote this Buying Guide?

This comparison test is written by Scarbir. I've tested and reviewed 457+ wireless earbuds ranging from $15 to $100, testing them all extensively on sound quality, comfort, active noise cancelling, call quality, video playback, battery life, and more.

This is a specific Buying Guide on the best wireless earbuds by SoundPEATS. You can also check out general Buying Guides on the best wireless earbuds under $100, under $50, under $25 or other comparisons.

Was this guide helpful? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the best earbuds from SoundPEATS, updated for June 2025:

1. Best SoundPEATS earbuds: SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+

Great comfort and a stellar clear sound

The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ are the best SoundPEATS earbuds to date, combining great comfort with solid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and a fantastic clear sound.

The name of these earbuds just about show how many wireless earphones SoundPEATS releases. The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ - who comes up with that name?

This is both the successor to the 2023's SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro and the SoundPEATS Air3 Pro (and the Air4 Pro). It has a comparable charging case that's slim enough to carry in a jeans pocket, and the earbuds itself are comfortable to wear for hours with their AirPods Pro-like earpieces.

The earbuds have an IPX5 waterproof rating that withstands rain and sweat, and the touch panels respond well to your input - even if there's a bit of a slow beep the confirms your input. It plays 6 hours on a single charge with ANC on, and all the important controls are on here - play/pause, track changing, volume changing and switching between ANC modes.

The ANC here is nothing groundbreaking, but still does a solid job of reducing constant darker and middle sounds. It's not as strong in dampening higher sounds, however. If you're after stronger ANC for this price, you’d be better off with the Earfun Air Pro 4.

The Capsule3 Pro+ is a very versatile pair for all kinds of everyday use. With the dual-device multipoint connection, you can connect the earbuds to two devices at the same time. Switching is as easy as pushing play on your other device, or happens when you get a phone call.

Calls are safe to make, as your voice sounds clear (if a bit thin) and rises above the noise around you. The gaming mode isn't the best out there, however.

The best feature of the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ is its sound quality. It has has the brands best treble to date. Music has impressive clarity and great air - the sense that there's space in between the higher tones. It makes that music sounds very immersive - although you may have to get used to so much transparency!

Higher female and male vocals are prominent and crisp, and higher instruments like violins feel really vibrant. Guitars and piano play sound natural, and the lower mid-tones (darker electronic tones and instruments like the cello) are clean. The bass produces deep thumps, and the sub-bass can give a deep and full shaking - all without taking other parts of the music hostage.

The Capsule3 Pro+ can go very loud, but you may want to refrain from that, as this causes the highs to become a bit peaky sometimes.

The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ offers a staggering, clear listen, that can bring out higher details in songs other earbuds can't. Throw in its comfort, usable ANC and clear calls as well, and these are a great deal for their price.

• SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Best value for money SoundPEATS earbuds: SoundPEATS T3 Pro

Strong anc and clear calls for only $25

The SoundPEATS T3 Pro sounds engaging, can be connected to two devices at the same time, comes with good Active Noise Cancelling, AND has decent call quality. It's an absolute bargain.

The charging case of the SoundPEATS T3 Pro feels a bit cheap and reminds you of the fact that this is a cheap earphone, but little else does. The earbuds themselves are comfortable to wear, have fully customisable controls thanks to the free PeatsAudio app for iPhone and Android, and offer around 5 hours battery life on a single charge.

That's the score with Active Noise Cancelling on. It softens the volume of noise around you, and constant sounds may fade away entirely. Sudden and higher sounds can still come through, but the ANC performance at this price is downright good - especially since it also leaves out wind noise well when you're running or cycling with them. The performance is even better than the Capsule3 Pro+.

When you want to hear your surroundings while listening to music, the Transparency mode does a solid job.

The T3 Pro boasts a game mode that synchronizes the sound effects in games greatly with the action on your screen, has an IPX4 splashproof rating, and comes with a dual-device multipoint so you can connect it to two devices at the same time.

It handles phone calls well too. Your voice sounds clear - although loud noises may make your voice dip.

To top it off, these earbuds sound good too. They offer a smooth, warm sound for background listening - but turn the volume up, and the bass gives heavy, deep, and long-lasting thumps and vocals come alive. Instruments are separated well from each other, and the sound feels a bit airy even. Treble can be a bit bright on the highest volumes, but there's plenty to enjoy here.

Now, these earbuds aren't perfect. Double-taps are sometimes recognised as single taps, the charging dots in the case could be stronger magnets, and the PeatsAudio app here is badly readable, with white text on a light blue background. But these are minor gripes if you see what you get for this price.

Multipoint connection, solid Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes, clear calls, and entertaining sound. The $25 SoundPEATS T3 offers mind-blowing value for money.

• SoundPEATS T3 Pro review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Best half-in-ears from SoundPEATS: SoundPEATS Air5 Lite

Better than the regular Air5

The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is a cheaper alternative to the SoundPEATS Air5, that comes with weak and unnecessary Active Noise Cancelling. The Air5 Lite offers a warmer and more engaging sound - and better value for money.

Lose the shiny finish of the regular SoundPEATS Air5, and you'll know what the SoundPEATS Air5 Lite looks and feels like. You push the top of the lid to open the case, and the magnets on the inside are strong enough to put the earbuds in (and also out) easily.

The earbuds can require a bit of fiddling and putting them in and out again before you get the most secure fit, but they're light and comfortable to wear during their 5 hours playtime on a single charge. Recharging the buds for 15 minutes, gets you another 3 hours of playtime.

The Air5 Lite controls well with the touch panels on top of the stem. It's easy to change the volume with a single-tap, pause with a double, and change tracks by triple-tapping. It comes with multipoint connection too, meaning you can connect it to two devices at the same time. It switches seamlessly when you pause on one device and play on the other, or when you receive a call.

That's welcome, because the call quality is good. Your voice sounds natural to warm and loud enough, and noise around you is reduced well. The same goes for wind noise, although it can give your voice a slight crackle.

The sluggish PeatsAudio app lets you customize controls and (de)activate the low latency mode, which synchronizes the sound in games very well. There's also an option to activate a Movie mode, which adds lots of bass and echo - which could benefit some Hollywood blockbusters.

The most important app addition is the Dynamic Bass button. Activated by default, it gives the Air5 Lite plenty of weight in the lows - unlike many other rubber tip-less earbuds.

The mid-bass is thumpy and full, and boosted lower mid-tones bring out darker electronic tones, instruments and lower vocals well. They help giving the Air5 Lite a warm and even somewhat dark tonality, especially on lower and moderate volumes. The sound also gets a bit of bloom because of it: an echo-y feel.

On higher volumes, the Air5 Lite loses its darker character and throws in more treble and clarity. Higher vocals become more prominent, and brighter instruments gain texture. Happily, treble still rolls off before the sound becomes harsh.

The more expensive regular SoundPEATS Air5 has flatter and more natural mid-tones, but it misses the energetic bass of the Air5 Lite. It's hard to say which one sounds better - but the Air5 Lite definitely sounds great for half-in-ear earbuds, with its bass, fulness, smoothness and warmth.

The SoundPEATS Air5 Lite is a great sum of good comfort, call quality, multipoint, and smooth and bassy sound. It's an easy recommendation for its $50 price.

• SoundPEATS Air5 Lite vs competitors test

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best clip-on earbuds from SoundPEATS: SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro

best budget clip-ons earbuds around $50

The SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro rises far above other affordable clip-on earbuds in terms of sound quality, while also delivering good comfort and clear calls.

Open-ear clip-ons are the hot newcomes in the market of wireless earbuds, and the SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro takes the cake when it comes to more affordable offerings around 50 to 70 dollars.

You may have to get used to the design: it combines two shiny droplets with an extremely flexible bridge. It has the same jewelry-vibe in your ears, whether you like it or not.

Happily, the touch panels are on top of the inner earbud here, and respond well. It can be tricky to locate the precise touch point, but it's no issue playing or pausing music (double tap), skipping a track (three taps) or changing the volume with a single tap. It's a bit annoying that the earbuds launch a sound effect for every time you operate it, though.

There's two downsides of the PearlClip Pro's design: it can be hard to see which side goes in front of your ears and which is the backside.

The other is that the flexibility may perhaps cause a loose fit for some. The IPX5 waterproof rating protects them for rain and sweat, yes, but it's questionable whether the earbuds will stay in after so many reps or bench presses.

For everyday use, the PearlClip Pro is very comfortable to wear. It's no problem wearing these for their 6 hours playtime on a single charge.

More everyday-use goodness: it's no problem connecting them to two devices at the same time, or taking a phone call with them. The SoundPEATS puts your voice through loud and natural, with only minor dips when there's a lot of noise around you or when there's wind.

The PeatsAudio app for iPhone and Android gives the earbuds neat extra features, like the ability to turn off the controls, change the controls, change the sound equalizer, or select a Movie mode which tries to create a Dolby Surround-sound effect but fails laughably at it. The Game mode, however, does a great job of synchronizing the sound effects in challenging games with the action on your screen.

The biggest triumph of the app is the Dynamic EQ button. Switch that on and the sound far outweighs that of its competitors.

For a speaker thats removed from your ear canal, the PearlClip Pro has a punchy, full mid-bass with a gentle kick. Mid-tones sound natural, with good separation between instruments, and forward vocals that actually feel nuanced - reaching both higher notes and dipping into lower tones with ease.

The overall picture is more articulated, sharper, feels more detailed than its rivals. There's a nice sense of air in the sound too, although the sense of all this is always dependent on your current fit with this type of earbuds.

Great sound quality towering above the competition, a comfortable fit, decent controls and clear calls: the SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro are hands-down the best clip-on earbuds around $50 to $70.

• SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro vs other clip-ons earbuds test

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Runner-up for best SoundPEATS clip-ons: SoundPEATS POP Clip

With real buttons and 8 hours playtime

The SoundPEATS POP Clip is a cheaper pair of clip-on earbuds from the brand, that's also worth looking into. It delivers a massive 8 hours of battery life and sounds good too.

The SoundPEATS POP Clip loses the jewel-like design of the PearlClip Pro, and has a shape much more similar to the Tozo Open EarRing, one of the most popular affordable clip-on earbuds. It plants a little round part in your ear, and a larger square behind it. A flexible bridge holds the parts together.

The POP Clip has a comfortable and safe fit without too much clamping force. It operates with a real button and while it's a bit too squishy to press multiple times in a row, it ensures that you can operate these earbuds with sweaty fingers. It helps that the earbuds are also IPX5 rain and sweatproof.

The POP Clip boasts up to 8 hours playtime on a single charge and supports multipoint connection so you can pair it to two devices at the same time and the gaming mode synchronizes sounds greatly with the action in your screen.

Taking a phone call is only doable in easy circumstances, sadly, without too much noise and wind and the sound…

When it comes to sound, the POP Clip puts more effort into treble and sounds clearer and a bit airier than the PearlClip Pro. It's easier to pick up details on your left and right. However, the sound lacks the unique and engaging lows of the PearlClip Pro.

The PearlClip Pro has a fuller mid-bass and lower mid-tones. They give the sound a better balance and more energy. It's a more pleasant listen than the POP Clip, that can feel a bit thin in comparison.

The SoundPEATS POP Clip sounds better than most of its competitors - but not than the PearlClip Pro from SoundPEATS itself. It's a good option if you want to save some money when you're looking for clip-on earbuds though.

• SoundPEATS POP Clip test vs competitors

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

Bonus: how good is the regular SoundPEATS Air5?

Coming in at 30 dollars more than the Air5 Lite, it's good to know that the advertised Active Noise Cancelling of the SoundPEATS Air5 isn't worth the effort. It only helps to soften a very small portion of noise around you, and only when you're listening to music. It also depletes the battery quickly - when only lasts about 4 hours.

Other than that, the Air5 Lite has the same comfort, customisable controls, clumsy app, and sufficient call clarity as the Air5 Lite. Listening to them, the Air5 has flatter and more natural mid-tones than the Air5 Lite, and a tighter, more precise bass too - although the bass of the Lite is fuller and perhaps more entertaining.

All in all, the Air5 isn't bad by any means, but it's just not as good value for money-wise as the Air5 Lite.

• SoundPEATS Air5 review

• See price on Amazon US, on your Amazon country or AliExpress

Other SoundPEATS reviews on Scarbir.com

• SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS

• SoundPEATS Air4

• SoundPEATS Air4 Lite

• SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro (non-Plus)

• SoundPEATS Clear

• SoundPEATS Engine4

• SoundPEATS Free2 Classic

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Disclaimer

On Scarbir.com, I'm devoted to find the best affordable wireless earphones. I buy 70% of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products 100% honest, 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 independent quest to test great affordable audio.

Was this article helpful for you?

You can also donate via PayPal. Thank you! <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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

You don't need to spend much to get wireless earbuds full of great features and stunning sound. These are the best TWS wireless earbuds under 50 dollars, last updated for May 2025.

BEST TWS UNDER $50 - May 2025:

1. Best overall / ANC earbuds - QCY MeloBuds Pro

2. Best half-in-ears - Oppo Enco Air3

3. Best clip-ons - Tozo OpenEarRing

4. Best for bass - CMF Buds 2 (NEW!)

5. Best balanced sound - Moondrop Space Travel

   
   Check out below for descriptions and comparisons!
   
   

How Scarbir.com tests $50 wireless earbuds

• Scarbir.com is a one-man job. Since 2019, I've performed all 455+ wireless earphone reviews on this site myself - so you can be sure every model has gotten the same testing methods and the same reference.

• I try and test all earbuds at least 1 to 2 weeks fully before writing about it, experiencing all aspects of the earbuds. All earbuds are tested on an Android phone, iPhone, and Mac.

• I test the basics like wearing comfort after several hours, the actual battery life, the fit when you're on the move, the controls, and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. If an earbud fails in any of these categories, it has very little chance to become a recommendation.

• For phone and video calls, all earbuds undergo the same tests; recordings performed in the same office and on the same crowded traffic intersection with occasional wind, as well as in pre-defined simulated scenes with noise and wind.

• Active Noise Cancelling, if available, is always tested in the same organic office and outdoor environments, as well as in pre-defined simulated background chatter and noise scenarios. ANC performance is always directly compared to the best scoring models in the price range.

• The gaming performance and low-latency modes are always tested with the highly challenging shooter Call of Duty mobile on an Android phone.

• For the app support of an earbud, I look at the features, the ease-of-use and the needed permissions of the Android and iPhone app.

• Sound quality is my biggest passion and, with so much competition on the market, it's what can make or brake an earphone. I listen to earbuds on low, moderate and high active listening volume, take notes and compare an earbud to its biggest comparably priced rivals. Sound performance is both tested by both everyday and active listening to whichever music I throw at it, and by checking technicalities with my Scarbir.com Earbuds Test List on Spotify.

• The amount of features on wireless earbuds in the $50 price category varies greatly. That's why earbuds with a bigger amount of useful features (like ANC, app support, and dual-device/ multipoint connection have a fair chance to rank higher than earbuds without. Please read the descriptions in this Buying Guide carefully to see which pair will suit you.
  
  

What to expect from truly wireless earphones under $50?

• Great build quality: wearing cheap TWS doesn't have to make you feel like a cheapskate. Other than the best earphones under 25 dollars, offerings in this price category often look and feel nice in your ears.

• Solid battery life: the battery life of the best earphones in this price range lasts between 5 to 8 hours on a single charge.

• More and more functions: as the competition is insane, even $50 earphones offer plenty of features, like app-support with equalizers, dedicated modes for mobile gaming, good call quality, and even Active Noise Cancelling.

• Amazing sound quality for the money: the products in this list offer an impeccable sound quality for the amount of money you pay for them. The items listed here have a better, more balanced and cohesive sound than the Apple AirPods and many more capable sounding earphones over 100 dollars.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

Let's go! Here are the best best cheap true wireless earbuds under $50, updated in May 2025 with a new bass tip:

1. Best wireless earbuds under $50: QCY MeloBuds Pro

It's almost crazy to spend more

The QCY Melobuds Pro are comfortable to wear, have stellar battery life, great Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), clear calls and they sound good too.

Before you continue, it's good to know that the QCY MeloBuds Pro (also available as QCY HT08) has a little quirk.

You sometimes have to turn ANC off and then on again to get the best possible Active Noise Cancellation. By doing so, it re-reads your surroundings to great effect. The MeloBuds removes or heavily reduces constant darker tones, strongly reduces middle sounds like a passing train or keyboard typing, and also softens higher sounds well. It's among the best ANC performers for the price.

Yet the QCY MeloBuds Pro offers much more. The earbuds are very comfortable to wear thanks to the oval earpiece and soft rubber ear tip, last around 7 hours on a single charge with ANC on, are IPX5 rain-proof, and their controls are very responsive. You can fully customise them via the app too, including the option to add volume controls.

You can connect two devices at the same time with the multipoint connection, they're a great choice for phone calls and video conferences as your voice sounds clear and natural, and gaming with them is easy too. The gaming mode synchronizes sound effects flawlessly with the action on your screen.

Still, they wouldn't be the top recommendation if they didn't sound good.

The MeloBuds Pro has a mid-bass that fires thumps that can be felt and a sub-bass that is capable of a deep rumble. Lower mid-tones come with neat texture, vocals are lively and there's some fine air on higher volumes. Mid-tones like higher male vocals or lower female voices are clear, and instruments like the guitar and piano appear natural.

The highs can be a little harsh on the highest volumes, however. If you prefer a more comfortable treble, the bass and balanced recommendations in this Buying Guide are better choices.

With so many great features at this price, it's easy to overlook its quirks. The QCY MeloBuds Pro are currently the best wireless earbuds under 50 dollars.

• QCY MeloBuds Pro full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Best half-in-ear earbuds under $50: Oppo Enco Air3

COMFORTABLE FIT, MULTIPOINT CONNECTION, AND great SOUND

Prefer your wireless earbuds without rubber tips? The Oppo Enco Air3 is the total package at only one fourth of the price of Apple's AirPods 3 - and they sound better.

The Oppo Enco Air3 has a small speaker mound, reminiscent of the earlier AirPods models instead of the AirPods 3, and it's very comfortable because of it. It's easy and light to wear during its 5 hours playtime on a single charge, although the fit could be a bit loose if you're planning to sport or sweat with them. Rain isn't a problem, however, thanks to its IP54 waterproof rating.

All controls can be setup via the HeyMelody app on iPhone and Android phones, which makes it easy to change tracks and volume from the earbuds. It controls really well, and affirms your taps on the top of the stems with neat clicky feedback.

The Oppo can also switch between two devices easily thanks to the multipoint connection. Phone and video calls are clear, as the microphones put your voice through natural and clear. Noise around you is audible but not too loud, and your voice also survives a bit of wind. The gaming mode is equally convincing, with the sound effects fluently following the action on a challenging game like Call of Duty mobile.

The best part? The sound. The Enco Air3 has a solid, gently thumping mid-bass that barely feels lighter than many earbuds with rubber tips - even more so when you select the well-balanced Bass Boost EQ from the app. There's a decent bass kick and underneath it, the sub-bass gives off a round, controlled rumble in James Blake's ideal test track Limit to Your Love.

The Enco Air3 lifts the lower-mids somewhat, creating a smooth warm undertone. Vocals are very forward, and brighter voices even outweigh the also open treble. From moderate to the highest volumes; higher instruments and voices have space to breathe without becoming sharp, peaky or light.

Furthermore, center-mids like guitars and piano play have body and strike the same balance between warmth and clarity as the treble; they feel natural. Separation between instruments and details is good too; music feels airy and detailed. Make no mistake - these sound better than Apple's AirPods 3.

If you can't get the Oppo Enco Air3 in your country, the Huawei Freebuds SE2 makes a great alternative.

The Oppo Enco Air3 throws in good call clarity, comfort, controls, multipoint connection and solid gaming performance on top of a greatly balanced sound. It's the top choice for half-in-ear earbuds on a budget.

• Oppo Enco Air3 review versus two competitors

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Best open-ear clip-on earbuds under $50: Tozo OpenEarRing

Rain proof and great battery life

If you want to hear your complete surroundings while using your earbuds, Open-Ear Clip-On earbuds are the way to go. The Tozo OpenEarRing is the best choice under 50 dollars.

Functional is a word that comes to mind when you look and feel the Tozo OpenEarRing. The charging case is compact enough to carry in a jeans pocket, has a clever battery percentage on display at the front, and provides easy access to the earbuds.

The Tozo consists of a small round speaker that goes in the inside/ front of your ear, and the larger square piece goes behind it. The sides are held together by a slim, round bridge.

While the back part can apply a bit of pressure, these are comfortable to wear. It's also quite convenient to have the touch panels on the broad back part.

Once you're used to the location, it's easy to pause/play (double-tap), change tracks (triple-tap) or even change the volume (hold).

While these earbuds lack multipoint - meaning you can only connect them to one device at a time, other features are great. The Tozo has app support on iPhone and Android, delivers a staggering 10 hours playtime on a single charge and an IPX5 waterproof rating that resists your sweat and rain.

Taking a phone call with them is doable, in the sense that your voice is full and loud. It also comes with quite a bit of crackling, however, and everything loses clarity when more surrounding noise and/ or wind get involved.

The Tozo app comes with several sound equalizer options, of which the Bass+ option is commendable. It gives music a decent mid-bass slam, gives other lower frequencies a bit of body and livens up the otherwise shallow sound.

Mid-tones aren't very outspoken or detailed here, and as treble is toned down (until the highest volumes - where they become harsh), the OpenEarRing has a smooth, friendly, but not very engaging sound.

Take note: the SoundPEATS PearlClip Pro is sometimes available for the same price - and it's a better choice.

The Tozo OpenEarRing is a safe choice for everyone looking for a pair of earbuds that still allow you to hear all your surroundings. It's easy to wear for hours on end.

• Tozo OpenEarRing review and comparison

• Buy on your Amazon country

4. Best bass earbuds under $50: CMF Buds 2

Nothing's budget earbuds are brilliantly bassy

The CMF Buds 2 by Nothing are the best budget earbuds for bass lovers. These funky looking earphones can be pushed to extremes.

Nothing could well be the hottest tech brand when it comes to design these days, along with its budget lineup of CMF products. The CMF Buds 2 come in a funky, rounded square charging case with a dial you can attach a strap onto. They're available in black and white, but also bright red or this mint green - in which it surely draws attention.

The sleek design continues on in the Nothing X app for iPhone and Android, that lets you customise the responsive touch controls, activate the well-performing gaming mode, or let you alter the sound.

The question is: how do you want that sound to be? Warm, smooth, and bassy? Or BASSY?

With the Ultra Bass-slider within the app, you can actively lift the volume of the bass, which already provides big, fat, deep sub-bass rumbles and heavy mid-bass thumps out of itself.

Other than bass, the CMF Buds 2 boosts the lower mid-tones, and gives vocals a warm and even thick vibe. You should look elsewhere for a clear sound (although you can lift treble nicely with the Classical equalizer), but the CMF Buds 2 entertains with good instrumental separation and some nice left-right detailing in the sound.

Looking beyond sound, the CMF Buds 2 lasts 6,5 hours on a single charge, has an IP55 waterproof rating, and comes with decent Active Noise Cancelling. It's great to reduce constant sounds, but doesn't reduce sudden sounds as well as the QCY MeloBuds Pro. It does, however, leave out wind noise wonderfully.

In phone calls and video meetings, your surroundings are left out of the call, and you can also connect the CMF Buds 2 to two devices at the same time. It's a wonderful alternative to the MeloBuds Pro if you prefer a smoother and warmer sound. And:

If you're looking for the biggest bass on a budget, look nu further than the CMF Buds 2.

• CMF Buds 2 vs CMF Buds Pro 2 review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

5. Best balanced sounding earbuds under $50: Moondrop Space Travel

Balanced and natural

Looking for an audiophile option on the cheap? The Moondrop Space Travel has a balanced, clean sound and throws in usable Active Noise Cancelling as well. Plus, it only costs around 30 dollars!

Many affordable wireless earbuds are geared towards a bassy sound, or a ‘V-shaped sound’, meaning the bass and treble are accentuated. Few earbuds aim for a more balanced sound, with more than average accentuation on mid-tones.

The Moondrop Space Travel is the best of those options under 50 dollars.

The amount of clarity and how it's handled stand out. Highs are clear, both female and higher male vocals sound crisp and while guitars and piano play have great presence. Bass performance is solid as well. The mid-bass provides either tight slams or a friendly if a bit loose thumping. It's impressive just how well separated instruments and details are on the Space Travel, how clean and airy the sound is.

There's more: the Moondrop Link app adds two great sound presets, of which one neutralizes the sound and focuses on the center-mids - which can be great for classical tracks - and a Basshead mode, that increases the lower frequencies in a tasteful manner. The iPhone app can be downloaded from the App Store easily; the Android app is a download outside of the Google Play Store.

So what's the rest of the Moondrop Space Travel like?

Well, it has a unique design. The charging case doesn't come with a lid, but shows the earbuds sitting in at all times. You slide them out by the stems. It's a bit tricky to do so, but you get a looker in return - either in creme white or black and orange. The earbuds themselves follow a more proven concept, with oval earpieces that sit comfortably and snugly in your ears during the maximum of 4 hours of playtime on a single charge.

It also lacks multipoint connection. It does come with Active Noise Cancelling. While it's not strong enough to completely remove noise, it does reduce volume of chatter and other sounds around you - and helps you focus on the music. When needed, a decent Transparency mode lets you locate traffic.

Moondrop is an eccentric brand, embracing anime girls even in their sound design - switching between ANC modes and other options comes with girly ‘Ssshiiiii’ or ‘Hai!’ sounds - just so you know.

Now, the Moondrop Space Travel isn't perfect. While you can use them to take a phone or video call indoors or while walking without too much wind, you may have to pause a video now and then to get lipsync playback. It also lacks a waterproof rating, and the touch panels respond to rain a bit too easily. If you want the most practical wireless earbuds, check out other options in this Buying Guide or the Best Earbuds under $25.

The Moondrop Space Travel is a great option of you're looking for wireless earphones with a less bassy or trebly sound.

• Moondrop Space Travel full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Honourable mentions for best TWS under $50:

Soundcore P30i: Bass + phone stand!

If you love your music with a strong bass, the Soundcore P30i is a great alternative to the CMF Buds. It has an even tighter and fiercer mid-bass kick than the CMF. The CMF can be pushed to bigger extremes, however, and sounds a bit more articulated as well.

Don't rule the Soundcore P30i out, though! These earbuds have 7 hours battery life on a single charge, get support from the fantastic Soundcore app that also provide customisable controls, and… its charging case has an extra lid that acts as a phone stand. A function that's brilliantly convenient if you watch a movie in a train, or play a game with friends every now and then.

• Soundcore P30i review

• $30 to $50 - Buy on Amazon US or your Amazon country

CMF Buds 2: Great, bassy all-rounder

The CMF Buds 2 by Nothing is another noteworthy pair of earbuds for bass lovers. Turning the bass up in the sleek Nothing X app, makes the bass heavier, fuller and louder than it already is out of the box. The thumping power you can get from these, is insane.

As lower-mids are boosted and treble is toned-down before it gets harsh, the CMF Buds 2 always sounds warm and smooth. The Soundcore P30i mid-bass has a tighter and fiercer kick, while the CMF mid-bass feels deeper.

There's more to the CMF Buds too: they have a funky design in different colours, you can easily take a phone call with them, they offer sufficient Active Noise Cancelling (although not to MeloBuds Pro levels) and come with a good gaming mode.

• CMF Buds 2 review

• See price on Amazon US or your Amazon country
  
  

KZ Carol: Another option for music

Next to the Moondrop Space Travel, the KZ Carol is another great sounding TWS under 50 dollars.

The KZ has slightly stronger ANC, has multipoint connectivity so you can connect it to two devices at the same time, and lasts 2 hours more on a single charge. It's a great alternative to the Space Travel.

The KZ can go louder and has a brighter sound, that gives vocals more clarity and pronounces center-mids better. The KZ also has a more space in the sound than the more closed-in and warmer sounding Space Travel.

Still, thanks the Moondrop Link app, the Space Travel has two more great sound signatures. One that deepens the bass and a also Monitor signature that is a tad clearer and more neutral. With this inclusion, the Space Travel may still be the best choice for budget audiophiles - although the KZ Carol is definitely worth checking out.

• KZ Carol full review

• See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress

Previous recommendations

• Alien Secret QCC010: Good earbuds for sleeping, appeared to have too much production issues over time

• Baseus Bowie M2s: Great for business with solid ANC, multipoint connection and clear calls, now beaten by the QCY MeloBuds Pro

• Bomaker Sifi: Out of production

• Edifier TWS1 Pro: Still recommended with a massive 11 hours on a single charge, but the treble-intensive sound may not be for everyone

• Edifier X3S: Great all-around earbuds at a low price, but lost their competitive advantage

• Enacfire E60: Newer earphones are even better all-round packages

• Fiil T1 Lite: A longtime Scarbir.com favourite in the sound department, but now beaten on features and comfort

• Fiil T1X: Now improved upon by the Fiil T1 Lite and Fiil T1XS

• Haylou T19: Good for acoustic music, but controls a little sluggish

• Huawei Freebuds SE 2: Beaten slightly by the Oppo Enco Air3, but still a great alternative

• Lypertek SoundFree S20: The previous top recommendation is now substantially more expensive, coming in around $70 or $80, thus kicked out of this guide

• Mpow M5/ T5: Passed on sound quality and fit by Fiil T1X

• Mpow M30: These earbuds are still recommended for sports, but sound quality has been beaten by more recent models.

• OnePlus Nord Buds: Now unavailable.

• Realme Buds Air 2 Neo: Still excellent ANC earbuds to sleep with, but the FiiTii HifiAir offers better sound, call quality and battery life.

• Soundcore Life A3i: Still engaging and comfortable, lacks multipoint

• SoundPEATS Air3: The predecessor to the Air3 Deluxe HS, without the same clear calls and with a warmer sound.

• SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS: The best half-in-ears before, now beaten

• SoundPEATS Life: Comfortable earbuds with strong ANC, but outperformed in other features by the Baseus M2s and QCY HT05.

• SoundPEATS TrueAir2: The predecessor to the Air3, without the low-latency gaming mode and with a bigger charging case and earbuds.

• SoundPEATS Sonic: Great all-rounder, but doesn't stand out anymore.

• SSK BT03: Beaten on sound quality by the Fiil T1X, also hard to get.

• Tranya T20: These earbuds have two sound modes - both sound good.

• Tronsmart Spunky Beat/ Mpow M7/ Tranya T3/ UiiSii TWS60 - There are better alternatives now

• Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE: Were the best half-in-ears, but now passed in music and call quality by the SoundPEATS TrueAir2

Read all reviews and ratings of TWS wireless earbuds here

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

Was this article helpful for you?

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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

BUYING GUIDE - You want great music out of your wireless earbuds, but also want to silence your surroundings? These are the best TWS true wireless earbuds with ANC active noise cancelling under $30, $50 and $100 - updated for June 2025.

Best ANC earbuds under $100 - June 2025:

1. Best under $100 - Earfun Air Pro 4

2. Runner-up under $100 - Huawei Freebuds 6i

3. Best under $50 - Edifier TWS1 Pro 2

4. Best under $30 - Moondrop Space Travel

5. Best for sleeping - Soundcore Space A40

How Scarbir.com tests sub-$100 ANC earbuds

• Scarbir.com is a one-man job. Since 2019, I've performed all 458+ wireless earphone reviews on this site myself - so you can be sure every model has gotten the same testing methods and the same reference.

• I try and test all earbuds at least 1 to 2 weeks fully before writing about it, experiencing all aspects of the earbuds. All earbuds are tested on an Android phone, iPhone, and Mac.

• I test the basics like wearing comfort after several hours, the actual battery life, the fit when you're on the move, the controls, and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. If an earbud fails in any of these categories, it has very little chance to become a recommendation.

• Active Noise Cancelling is always tested in the same organic office and outdoor environments, as well as in pre-defined simulated background chatter and noise scenarios. ANC performance is always directly compared to the best scoring models in the price range.

• For phone and video calls, all earbuds undergo the same tests; recordings performed in the same office and on the same crowded traffic intersection with occasional wind, as well as in pre-defined simulated scenes with noise and wind.

• The gaming performance and low-latency modes are always tested with the highly challenging shooter Call of Duty mobile on an Android phone.

• For the app support of an earbud, I look at the features, the ease-of-use and the needed permissions of the Android and iPhone app.

• Sound quality is my biggest passion and, with so much competition on the market, it's what can make or brake an earphone. I listen to earbuds on low, moderate and high active listening volume, take notes and compare an earbud to its biggest comparably priced rivals. Sound performance is both tested by both everyday and active listening to whichever music I throw at it, and by checking technicalities with my Scarbir.com Earbuds Test List on Spotify.

• From about halfway 2024, many new wireless earbuds under $100 have excellent Active Noise Cancelling, with some models even competing with the excellent $250 AirPods Pro 2. As the difference in ANC strength isn't as big as in previous years, I also look at the combination of noise reduction AND other useful features to rank models in this Buying Guide.
  
  
  

Cheap TWS with ANC: what you should know

• The best full-sized headphones from Sony and Bose still deliver stronger active noise cancelling than earbuds. These headphones can remove nearly all sounds from your surroundings; whereas the best wireless earbuds remove most sounds from your surroundings. However: on the best new wireless earbuds, ANC is strong enough to really silence the noise around you.

• The TWS (True Wireless Stereo earphones) in this Buying Guide offer great value for money. Next to convincing noise reduction, they also offer strong battery life, good sound quality, build quality, call clarity, and comfort.

• All TWS come with different sizes of rubber ear tips. Always try out the different tip sizes to see which is most comfortable. You have the right size and fit if you can feel the music of the bass. With the best fit, you will also enjoy the best noise cancelling.

Has this guide helped you? Please consider supporting my work:

These are the best cheap noise cancelling wireless earbuds under $100, updated for June 2025:

1. Best wireless ANC earbuds under $100: Earfun Air Pro 4

ANC as strong as the $250 AirPods Pro 2!

The Earfun Air Pro 4 is an amazing offer for wireless earbuds under $100, delivering great sound quality, clear calls both inside and outdoors, multipoint connection… and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on par with the $250 AirPods Pro 2!

There's one to reason to look a little further than the Earfun Air Pro 4, and that's when you have smaller than average ears. While this earphone has a familiar stem design with oval earpieces that fit secure and snug, Earfun mounts round and bigger-than-average rubber tips on them - making them less comfortable than competitors with oval ear tips.

That said, the round ear tips ensure fantastic Active Noise Cancelling. The ANC heavily reduces and completely removes sounds around you - even when you're not playing music. Darker constant sounds and higher sound effects are almost completely gone, and even sudden middle sounds like a radio or chatter disappears to the background, or are at least strongly softened. The performance is on par with the much pricier Apple AirPods Pro 2, and the Earfun is even better in suppressing higher notes.

Since a firmware update from the Earfun app, the Transparency mode is usable too, allowing you to follow a conversation or clearly hear traffic noise while listening to music on lower volume. Better yet, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of playtime with ANC or Transparency mode on, before you have to recharge them in the case.

That case itself is sturdy, compact enough, and resists fingerprints and scratches well. Three LED-lights on the front indicate the remaining battery life; and when it turns empty, you easily recharge the case via USB-C or wireless charging.

The Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds are great for all everyday tasks. They're IPX5 waterproof so they withstand rain and sweat, the controls are excellent and can be setup entirely to your liking with the free Earfun Android and iPhone app, and thanks to the multipoint connection, you can connect them to two devices at the same time. It automatically switches upon pausing and playing, or when you get a phone call.

Don't be afraid to take that phone call or enter a video conference with them: the microphones make you sound natural and loud, and surrounding noises are softened superb. Even a bit of wind noise doesn't drown your voice.

They're great for videos and games as well. The specific game mode synchronizes sounds in challenging games like Call of Duty mobile wonderfully, although the sound effects could feel more around you.

Rest assured: music sounds fantastic on these earbuds.

The mid-bass delivers solid thumps rather than tight punches, while the deepest bass section - the sub-bass - offers a controlled, deep rumble. Lower mids are boosted, enhancing darker electronic tones and male vocals without dragging higher mids along.

The Earfun always has a pleasant warm tonality, but it still creates space for natural-sounding guitars and piano play. Both male and female vocals are forward and have a strong presence, without overpowering instruments. Cymbals, violins, flutes and even Björk's highest screams are clear but not overly bright. Music feels detailed as well, as instruments and frequencies are greatly separated from each other. Apart from the (very!) loud maximum volumes, the music keeps its authority.

Should you want to change it, you can do so via the app that offers plenty of EQ presets and the option to create your own equalizer. The Earfun Air Pro 4 is a wonderful listen - articulated, balanced, and energetic.

The Earfun Air Pro 4 combines great sound quality, clear calls, and multipoint connection with outstanding ANC and usable Transparency. These aren't just the best budget ANC earbuds, these are the best overall earbuds under 100 dollars.

• Earfun Air Pro 4 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

2. Runner-up for best ANC earbuds: Huawei Freebuds 6i

Exceptionally strong ANC and great comfort

The Huawei Freebuds 6i has almost all of the great features of the Earfun Air Pro 4, but provides a bit more comfort for smaller ears thanks to it oval ear tips.

The Huawei Freebuds 6i are the Chinese manufacturers top earphones under 100 dollars, and offer the same terrific ANC strength and clear Transparency mode as the Earfun Air Pro 4. These block an incredible amount of noise around you, from the darkest to the highest tones. Even without playing music, these bring rest to your head.

The biggest benefit of the Huawei is that it provides more comfort for most (smaller) ears. Huawei finished the secure and snug earpieces with oval ear tips, which provide a more easygoing and comfortable fit than round ones.

The controls add to the level of comfort: playing and pausing and changing tracks is done by double or triple-taps, while you can swipe up or down on the stems to change the volume - and this works wonderfully.

The Freebuds 6i has a lot more going for it, like the multipoint connection that lets the earbuds connect to two devices at the same time. Or the compact charging case, the solid gaming mode (that isn't as on point as the Earfun), or the IP54 waterproof rating that protects the earbuds against rain or splashes.

The earbuds also have splendid call quality. The microphones have to adjust to wind noise or sounds around you shortly, and then forward your voice with great clarity and volume again, even when there's a lot of noise going on around you.

Even the musical presentation is not far off the Earfun Air Pro 4, even though the Earfun can sound a bit more impactful. The Freebuds 6i's sound is best described as gentle, warm and friendly.

The mid-bass gives off a nice thump instead of ‘punching’ you in the ears, while the sub-bass can rumble quickly and controlled. Lower frequencies like drums, lower electronic tones and darker vocals are boosted. Female and higher male vocals are fairly upfront, but never step away from their warmer, fuller character, and even Björk's very bright outbursts in It's Oh So Quiet! are rounded off before they become sharp and stabby.

There's also decent left-right separation in the center mid-tones, like guitar play and claps. The balanced, warm and full sound is always comfortable and pleasant to listen to.

There are two reasons the Huawei doesn't take the top recommendation. The first is the battery life, that lasts 5 hours instead of Earfun's 8 hours on a single charge - a big difference.

The other is more critical: the Huawei Freebuds 6i enjoys support from the Huawei AI Life app for iPhone and Android, but beware: Android-users have to download it outside of the Play Store - a QR-code on the box will help you find it. It's impractical, feels a bit shady, and it doesn't help the app requires quite a bit of permissions on your phone. The Earfun is more user-friendly.

Despite the finnicky app support, the Huawei Freebuds 6i is an outstanding choice for ANC earbuds under 100 dollars, with incredible ANC strength, great sound quality, multipoint, and clear calls.

• Huawei Freebuds 6i full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

3. Strongest ANC earbuds under $50: Edifier TWS1 Pro 2

Fantastic ANC for a small price

The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 costs just 50 dollars, but has some of the strongest Active Noise Cancelling of all wireless earbuds on the market. They sound good too.

Put the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 in your ears and you'll immediately notice the strong Active Noise Cancellation. It removes constant darker sounds completely, and heavily reduces the volume of nearly all other frequencies. Especially mid-tones are handled well, meaning conversations or a radio playing are (re)moved to the background. What remains is some higher-pitched noise like rainfall or heavy wind. Thanks to the wind noise reduction mode, however, you can rule out outdoor wind noise neatly.

The drawback of this performance is the battery life. With ANC on, the TWS1 Pro 2 offers 4 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is below average in this price range - although plenty of time for commuting. Connecting the earbuds to two devices at the same time or on-earbud volume controls are also features you'll miss at this price.

What remains though, is still a highly impressive package. The earbuds aren't just comfortable and snug thanks to their compact and round inner shape; they're also IP54 water and dust proof and automatically pause when you take an earbud out.

Taking a phone and video call with them is easy most of the times, as the microphones clearly focus on your voice above other background sounds, although a lot of loud chatter and wind noise are challenging. For gamers, there's a Gaming Mode that synchronizes sound effects well with the action on your screen.

Lastly, the TWS1 Pro 2 has a versatile and friendly sound, that combines a full bass with plenty of naturalness in the mid-tones and smooth treble. The mid-bass can thump and its strikes last longer than average, while the deepest sub-bass can give a solid rumble.

Center mid-tones such as guitars, piano play, and classical instruments sound clear and natural, while higher vocals are pushed more forward to take the center stage. There's also a nice bit of space in the sound. By changing the Classic equalizer to the Pop EQ, you can improve the bass impact noticeably - making the Edifier a great choice for both bass lovers and lovers of a more natural approach.

The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 have great sound and come with terrific Active Noise Cancelling for a small price. If four hours of playtime in one go is enough for you, it's the top choice for ANC earbuds under 50 dollars.

• Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best ANC earbuds under $30: Moondrop Space Travel

ANC on a budget… with great sound!

It's incredible what 30 dollars will get you when it comes to wireless earbuds nowadays. The Moondrop Space Travel has a balanced, clean sound and throws in usable Active Noise Cancelling as well!

The Moondrop Space Travel has a unique design. The charging case doesn't come with a lid, but shows the earbuds sitting in at all times. You slide them out by the stems. It's a bit tricky to do so, but you get a looker in return - either in creme white or black and orange. The earbuds themselves follow a more proven concept, with oval earpieces that sit comfortably and snugly in your ears during the maximum of 4 hours of playtime on a single charge.

That's not the best score even for entry-level earbuds, but the Space Travel offers something in return: it comes with usable Active Noise Cancelling. While it's not strong enough to completely remove noise, it does reduce volume of chatter and other sounds around you - and helps you focus on the music. When needed, a decent Transparency mode lets you locate traffic.

The real winning aspect of the Space Travel is the sound quality. The amount of clarity and how it's handled stand out on these. Highs are crystal clear, both female and higher male vocals sound crisp and while guitars and piano play are a tad brighter than average, they have great presence. Bass performance is solid as well. The mid-bass provides either tight slams or a friendly if a bit loose thumping. It's impressive just how well separated instruments and details are on the Space Travel, how clean the sound is.

There's more: the Moondrop Link app adds two great sound presets, of which one neutralizes the sound and focuses on the center-mids - which can be great for classical tracks - and a Basshead mode, that increases the lower frequencies in a tasteful manner. The iPhone app can be downloaded from the App Store easily; the Android app is a download outside of the Google Play Store.

Now, the Moondrop Space Travel isn't perfect. While you can use them to take a phone or video call indoors or while walking without too much wind, you may have to pause a video now and then to get lipsync playback. It also lacks a waterproof rating, and the touch panels respond to rain a bit too easily.

However, these feel like minor downsides for this price. For $25, the Moondrop Space Travel looks great and sounds even beter.

• Moondrop Space Travel full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Best ANC earbuds for sleeping: Soundcore Space A40

Compact enough for side-sleeping!

If you're after the most comfortable ANC earbuds under $100, the Soundcore Space A40 is where it's at. It's so compact, and has so much battery life, that it gets you through entire nights!

The Soundcore Space A40 doesn't have stems, and its compact and oval earpieces are comfortable to wear for hours. It's even suitable for side-sleeping, which is a great combination with two other strengths of the A40: its ANC and battery life.

Now, the ANC strength doesn't reach the same levels as the Earfun or the Huawei. It reveals sudden middle sounds easier, and also doesn't filter as many high sounds. That makes the A40 less successful in planes than the top two.

However, the ANC does dampen all frequencies well. Especially darker tones are reduced greatly. That makes these earbuds very suitable for hotels/ hostels/ motels, campings, and noisy festival nights. Basses and snores and people rumbling around are silenced wonderfully.

On a more personal note: these are still my go-to earbuds for this purpose. Wow, the amount of hours of sleeps these earbuds already saved me!

The Transparency mode is effective for traffic only; it makes you localize traffic around you when you need it, even when you're listening to your music loudly. It doesn't work as well for

What's more, is that the Space A40 has multipoint connection. You can connect it to two devices, and it will automatically switch to your other device when you receive or enter a call. Along with the 8 hours battery life on a single charge, these are wonderful workday companions - connect them to your laptop and phone and you're good to go an entire day!

When the comfortable and compact earbuds are out of battery, a 10-minute quick charge in the case grants you another 3 hours of listening time!

Like many other models of this strong and upcoming brand, the Space A40 has terrific app support, with a hearing test that can boost frequencies you can't hear yourself so well, plenty of options to change the earbuds controls to your liking, and 22 sound equalizers. They build on top of a pleasant, balanced and warm sound, with steady bass, boosted (lower) mid-tones and non-fatiguing treble, although vocals could be a little more pronounced. If you have an Android phone, it also lets you switch to the LDAC codec. It drops the multipoint connectivity and reduces the battery life to around 5 hours, but makes the sound (even) more immersive.

You can take a call with the Soundcore Space A40, but only in quiet areas. When there's continuous noise around you, like traffic or office chatter, the microphones don't just soften these sound effects, but also your voice. It prevents the Space A40 from being the top recommendation in this Buying Guide.

Except for the call quality in outdoor and busy office situations, the Soundcore Space A40 is an exceptional Active Noise Cancelling pair of earbuds.

• Soundcore Space A40 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on other Amazon countries

Other recommendations for best ANC earbuds under $100:

QCY MeloBuds Pro: Semi-best under $50

Next to the Edifier TWS1 Pro2, the QCY MeloBuds Pro are more $50 wireless earbuds with very strong ANC. These earbuds have a stem design and its battery lasts up to 3 hours longer than the Edifier. You can connect it up to two devices at the same time, its calls are clearer and its gaming mode works smoother too.

Next to that, the QCY MeloBuds Pro sounds even better. The QCY has fuller and livelier vocals, and manages to create a more spacious sensation on higher volumes. So why are these only an honourable mention? Well, there are some misses. It's hard to install firmware update(s) from the app, they often beep when you have wearing detection enabled, and the ANC may have to adjust to your surroundings more often than the Edifier - requiring you to cycle between the ANC settings first.

All in all, the QCY MeloBuds Pro is more capable than the Edifier, but if you just want hassle-free, strong ANC when you put earbuds in, the Edifier is the way to go.

• QCY MeloBuds Pro full review

• Buy on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Fantastic sound

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE may not have the same Active Noise Cancelling strength as the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and Edifier TWS1 Pro 2, but it comes really close and blocks wind noise wonderfully. What's more, is that the Buds FE sounds fantastic. Especially the mid-tones are outstanding. Vocals are nuanced and reach the highest outbursts controlled, yet also dip easily into the lows - giving them a dynamic performance. Instrumental mid-tones are natural and textured, and while the mid-bass isn't the tightest, the bass hits deep and impactful. With IPX4 splashproof protection and 5,5 hours of battery life on a single charge, these are a great package.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon UK or other Amazon countries

Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Competing for the strongest ANC

If you're solely looking for the strongest ANC under $100, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro even beats the Soundcore Liberty 4NC. The ANC does a great job of reducing volume of all frequencies around you. The noise reduction of the midrange is especially welcome; it can filter out background radio's and keyboard typing in a wonderful way. These frequencies give it an edge over the Soundcore.

BUT it does show a more noticeable white noise floor to achieve this, and you will be reminded of it in any quiet part of or in between music. The Redmi also has less battery life on a single charge, and produces less clearer calls than the Soundcore. That's why the Redmi doesn't take the top spot in this Guide - even though you may consider the Buds 5 Pro for the clear and engaging sound.

• Redmi Buds 5 Pro full review

• Buy on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress

Previous recommendations

• 1more ComfoBuds Pro: A long-time mention in this Buying Guide for its clear indoor calls and strong ANC, but now surpassed in overall functionality.

• Aukey EP-N5: Still a good choice if you're looking for ANC earbuds with emphasis on the treble, but can't match the best earbuds in noise-cancelling strength.

• Baseus Bowie M2s: Strong ANC under 50 dollars with multipoint connection - but ANC strength is now beaten by the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2.

• Boltune BH023: Now beaten in sound, call, and ANC quality by newer competitors.

• Creative Outlier Pro: Outstanding 11 hours of battery life, but there are more comfortable options.

• Earfun Air Pro 2: Now beaten in ANC strength and all-around functionality by the Earfun Air Pro 4.

• Earfun Free Pro/ Fiil T1 Pro: Tiny earbuds with rubber ear wings that make these ideal for sporting and working out, both producing bassy, engaging sound. By today's standards, their ANC fails to convince.

• Edifier TWS NB: The first Edifier TWS NB offers slightly stronger noise-cancelling than the second one, but it feels really heavy in your ears and protrudes a lot too - also handling calls and gaming less good than the NB2.

• Edifier TWS NB2: Often praised by YouTubers around the world, but while these earbuds have good clarity for phone calls and a warm, bassy sound, its active noise cancelling now falls short.

• Elevoc Clear: Terrific ANC and fantastic call quality, but this product is letdown with quality control issues and too big of a risk to buy.

• Mpow X3: Uplifting and engaging, with forward vocals and strong bass - but the X3 now falls short in noise cancelling compared to newer models.

• OnePlus Buds 3: These ANC earbuds are great for calls and comfort, but don't provide the same ANC strength as the best in class.

• Oppo Enco W51: You can't buy these anymore.

• QCY T13 ANC: Now surpassed in ANC strength and sound quality by the Moondrop Space Travel.

• Soundcore Life P3: Now surpassed in ANC, functions and sound quality by the Liberty 4 NC.

• SoundPEATS Life: The previous recommendation for ANC earbuds under $50, now surpassed in functionality by the Baseus M2s.

• TaoTronics SoundLiberty 94/ Tozo NC9: These earbuds have decent battery life and are comfortable despite their bigger size, but some technical issues and a less-detailed sound now prevents them from still being in this guide.

• Tribit FlyBuds NC: Engaging sound, decent noise cancelling. Beaten by newer models.

• Tronsmart Apollo Bold (pictured): Strong noise cancelling and now balanced-bassy sound thanks to the free app, but these do feel heavy in your ears.

—> Check all ANC wireless earbuds reviewed on Scarbir.com here

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Disclaimer

On Scarbir.com, I'm devoted to find the best affordable wireless earphones. I buy 90% of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products 100% honest, 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 independent quest to test great affordable audio. <3

Was this article helpful for you?

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 cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

2024 was a crazy year for affordable wireless earphones. Forget costly brands like JBL, Jabra and Beats - it's the cheaper segment where it's at! Even the cheapest models now come with features like Active Noise Cancelling, a dual-device connection and app support. In this crazy market, what are the best affordable wireless earbuds of 2024?

It's the Scarbir.com 2024 Awards!

In this Awards Buying Guide:

1. Best budget wireless earbuds overall

2. Best value for money

3. Best special talent

4. Best ultra-budget earbuds

5. Biggest surprise

Wait, whose Awards show is this?

Hi! You've landed on Scarbir.com. This site is a solo project dedicated to reviewing wireless earbuds under 100 dollars. I've personally tested, reviewed, compared and ranked 422 wireless earphones since 2019, with over 50 reviews added in 2024. My reviews are completely independent and unsponsored - unlike some YouTubers out there.

On this site, I compare the best wireless earphones under $100, under $50, under $25, with Active Noise Cancelling or without rubber ear tips. These Buying Guides are updated every month.

In this special Buying Guide, I'm handing out Awards for my personal favourite wireless earphones in 2024 in different categories. Underneath, you'll read my top 3 trends of 2024 in the market. Let's go!

Best Budget Wireless Earbuds of 2024 overall: Earfun Air Pro 4

The Earfun Air Pro 4 are currently the best all-around wireless earbuds under 100 dollars. They do almost everything right.

These earbuds come with very (!) strong Active Noise Cancelling that heavily reduces all sounds around you well, 8 hours battery life per charge, and multipoint connection - meaning you can connect them to two devices at the same time and the earbuds switch when you start playing on another device, or when you receive a phone call. The call quality is exceptional, both inside and outdoors with some wind.

Other features are good too: the earphones are IPX5 waterproof protected, the controls are extensive (including volume controls on the earbuds itself) and can be changed via the free Earfun app, and there's a good gaming mode.

There's one aspect that might make you look further: the mounted rubber ear tips are round and bigger than average, which can be less comfortable in average-sized or smaller ears. Once they're in, I have no problems wearing these for a few hours in a row, but you can feel them sitting in your ears.

What completes these as the best choice, is that they also have an engaging sound, with a weighty and thumping bass, forward vocals, controlled highs and a smooth and warm undertone - which works great for nearly all genres, from blues to techno, from pop music to classical music.

The Earfun Air Pro 4 is a fantastic all-around wireless earphone now at an amazing price. In fact, it's hard to find a more complete package under 200 dollars. These are the best budget wireless earbuds of 2024.

• Read my full Earfun Air Pro 4 review

• Check price on Amazon US or your Amazon country

Best value wireless earbuds in 2024: Oppo Enco Air3

The Oppo Enco Air3 may have been released a year earlier, but for the price you can get them at right now, these offer unbeatable value for money. Even if you're not specifically looking for earphones without rubber tips, these are terrific.

The Oppo Enco Air3 goes for anywhere between 50 and 70 dollars in different Amazon countries, but if you have access to AliExpress, you should be able to pick these up for around 40 dollars.

That's a ridiculous low price if you see how good these earbuds without rubber tips (half-in-ears) are. This pair is the reason that newer, more expensive models like the Apple AirPods 4 and the SoundPEATS Air5 don't get the best possible rating on this site.

The Oppo Enco Air3 is one of a few half-in-ears that has a great fit. These are snug, tight and comfortable in (my) average-sized ears. The controls provide neat clicky feedback and you can set them up easily via the good HeyMelody app on iPhone or Android. The IP54 waterproof rating protects them against rain and sweat, and the 5 hours battery life is suitable for everyday use.

What makes these so versatile, is three things.

1: you can connect them to two devices at the same time and then easily switch between them.

2: they offer clear calls that reduce enough sound around you, and even withstand a bit of wind.

3: they sound wonderful too. These are the most natural sounding tipless earbuds to date, and put Apple's much more expensive AirPods 4 to shame with exceptional balance, great tonality, tight bass, natural mids and clear highs. Even if you prefer the normally fuller sound of earbuds with rubber tips, there's no denying how controlled and good these sound.

The Oppo Enco Air3 offers the best value in wireless earbuds in 2024.

• Read my full Oppo Enco Air3 review

• Check price on Amazon Germany, your Amazon country or AliExpress

Best budget wireless earbuds with a special talent in 2024: The Earfun Air 2 NC is amazing for movies and games

As so many earphones have so many features nowadays, it's harder and harder for earphones to stand out. The Earfun Air 2 NC found a way: these are amazing for movies and games.

Yep, it's the second Earfun model in this Award Guide! The Earfun Air 2 NC was released only a month later than the Earfun Air Pro 4 for about 20 dollars less. Even though it has features like 6,5 hours battery life, a dual-device connection, app support, and an IPX5 waterproof rating, it's deliberately positioned as a cheaper model.

The Air 2NC's Active Noise Cancelling is decent, but lets sudden sounds slip through easily. And while phone and video calls are clear and focus on your voice well, they do show some background noise. The Earfun Air Pro 4 does those things better.

They about tie in sound quality, especially when you switch to the Natural EQ in the app. It brings a heavy yet concentrated bass, boosted lower tones and warm-sounding mid-tones, while vocals and instruments can reach further into the highs than on its sibling.

The Air 2 NC has a super power though: it's amazing for games. Activate the Gaming Mode and the sound effects synchronise fluently with the action on your screen. Then add the Spatial Audio setting from the app, and the sound immerses around you.

Basses then have proper impact, and there's precise information of where sounds around you are - so you can locate enemies easily. Whether it's Call of Duty mobile, Infiniti Nikki or Genshin Impact: demanding high-quality games show fantastic detail around you. It works fantastic for (action or blockbuster) movies as well - and not just on your phone: the included Google Fast Pair option also allows quick connection with the Google TV.

Whether you're watching shows or movies or love gaming, the Earfun Air 2 NC earbuds deserve a special recommendation in between the many new releases of 2024.

• Read my full Earfun Air 2 NC review

• Check price on Amazon US or your Amazon country

Best ultra-cheap wireless earbuds of 2024: Redmi Buds 6 Play

A pair so new that it just made the list on time, the Redmi Buds 6 Play is the best pair of wireless earbuds for the smallest budgets - delivering a vivid sound for just 20 dollars.

No matter if it's for yourself or as a gift for Christmas, the Redmi Buds 6 Play is worth looking into. These earbuds are IPX4 splashproof and provide around 7,5 hours of playtime on a single charge. More importantly, they're so compact, they're extremely comfortable for average and smaller ears. You can even sleep on your side with these.

It's safe to take a phone call or enter a video conference with them too: the microphones reduce sounds around you well. With the free Xiaomi Earbuds app for iPhone and Android, you can setup the controls precisely the way you want to, which includes the option to add volume controls, or add or remove single taps.

The app also brings five equalizers into, well, play. With the default equalizer, the Redmi Buds 6 Play impresses with a tight bass, clean lower mid-tones, and clear yet controlled treble, which pushes singers forward and presents them very crisp. (Only) the most critical listeners may notice a bit of metallic edge on the highest volumes, but the clarity and cleanliness are insane at this price. Want more bass? Select the More Bass EQ preset and you get it straightaway - firing quick and uplifting thumps.

The Redmi Buds 6 Play doesn't have ANC - and you should still revert to the Moondrop Space Travel if you want the best cheapest ANC - and it also misses a dual-device multipoint connection. Still:

This level of comfort, great battery life and an impressive sound for 20 dollars make the Redmi Buds 6 Play the best ultra-cheap earphones of 2024.

• Read my full Redmi Buds 6 Play review

• See price on Amazon US, other Amazon countries or AliExpress

Biggest budget wireless earbuds surprise of 2024: Hifiman Svanar Jr

With a design so different than any other earphone in the market and some very unique choices, the Hifiman Svanar Jr is the biggest surprise of the year.

The Hifiman Svanar Jr case looks like an ice rock and it's about that size too. It's just too big to carry in a jeans pocket, and its clam-design isn't the easiest to open as well. Put it on your desk however, and it's sure to draw attention. This thing is a conversation starter, which applies to both the case and the earbuds - which have a big, square design visible out of your ears (but are still surprisingly comfortable).

The Svanar Jr is so big because it has an ‘Amplifier inside’, or so Hifiman says. That could be the reason why its sound is massive.

While it doesn't place instruments precisely around you or delve you in detail, the sound is so full it feels like it's everywhere. That's thanks to a full yet controlled bass, boosted lower mid-tones, warm center-mids and grounded vocals. A smooth engaging ride that rolls-off treble earlier than other great sounding earphones under $100 do - it's almost the opposite of the exceptionally clear sounding SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+.

Not all daring choices this earphone makes turn out so well. The Active Noise Cancelling doesn't work as advertised and mostly just reduces the volume of the music, there's no app support, no dual-device connection and the set isn't recommended if you regularly call with your earphones.

But if it's just sound quality - or perhaps even sound quantity - that you're after, the Hifiman Svanar Jr not just sparks conversations, but also pure joy.

• Read my full Hifiman Svanar Jr review

• See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress

Top 3 budget wireless earbuds trends in 2024:

1. So. Many. Features!

Features previously only found on premium, more expensive earphones have now found their way onto wireless earbuds under 100 dollars - and sometimes even half of that.

Active Noise Cancelling and dual-device connection seem to be the standard for all earbuds these days, as is app support with the option to change the controls, update firmware and choose between different EQ presets. In 2024, there's very little reason to spend more on wireless earphones.

2. Budget ANC is now on par with the AirPods Pro 2

While the strength varies per model, some very affordable wireless earphones now have great Active Noise Cancelling that truly leaves out many sounds from your surroundings. Maybe not all sudden sounds, but the ANC standard has improved a lot in 2024. Many new earphones strongly dampen lower sounds, higher sounds and more challenging middle sounds, even when you're not playing any music.

The QCY MeloBuds Pro brings rest to your head for under 50 dollars, and the Earfun Air Pro 4 and Huawei Freebuds 6i offer Apple AirPods Pro 2-level of ANC for less than 100 dollars - sometimes even outperforming Apple's standard.

3. Fully customisable controls

Ok - so this is actually one of the features found in point 1, but I believe it's worth a special mention. In 2024, more models with app support now let you fully customise the controls on the earphones.

Take the Redmi Buds 6 Play in this list for example. It's not just possible to add single taps, but you can also decide which control you want there - whether it's increasing or decreasing the volume, play/pause or skipping or returning tracks.

More and more models also let you deactivate certain controls, preventing you from unwanted operations. A great example of this is an update for the Soundcore A40 app support, which allows you to deactivate the ANC controls, which makes this set even better for sleeping on your side - you just won't be woken up by a voice prompt.

It's a great development that should absolutely continue in 2025.

That's it - my personal favourite wireless earphones of 2024! What's yours? Don't be afraid to share it in the comments!

The links in the Awards/ Buying Guide are affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you buy via a link, which supports my independent and unsponsored research for finding the best affordable wireless earphones.

You can also support my work this way:

Have a great Christmas and 2025!

Cheers!

Scarbir

It's here - the annual Black Friday sale! Still, you don't have to wait until Friday November 29 to get the best deals on wireless earbuds and earphones. In 2024, there are incredibly good deals the week before already. I've selected the best Black Friday 2024 deals on TWS wireless earbuds here.

Wait, whose deals guide is this?

Hi! You've landed on Scarbir.com. This site is a solo project dedicated to reviewing wireless earbuds under 100 dollars. I've personally tested, reviewed, compared and ranked 421 wireless earphones. My reviews are completely independent and unsponsored - unlike some YouTubers out there.

In this Black Friday guide, I'm only listing deals on what I consider to be great wireless earbuds. These deals are my biggest recommendations - the best wireless earphone deals on Black Friday 2024!

The Best Black Friday Earbuds deals 2024:

Earfun Air Pro 4 for $63 (was $90)

Best choice overall

The Earfun Air Pro 4 is currently the most complete deal in wireless earbuds under 100 dollars, and it now costs only $63 for Black Friday!

These earbuds come with very (!) strong Active Noise Cancelling that heavily reduces all sounds around you well, 8 hours battery life per charge, and multipoint connection - meaning you can connect them to two devices at the same time and the earbuds switch when you start playing on another device, or when you receive a phone call. The call quality is exceptional, both inside and outdoors with some wind.

Other features are good too: the earphones are IPX5 waterproof protected, the controls are extensive (including volume controls on the earbuds itself), and there's a great gaming mode. The sound is engaging, with a weighty and thumping bass, forward vocals, controlled highs and a smooth and warm undertone.

There's one aspect that might make you look further in these sales: the mounted rubber ear tips are round and bigger than average, which can be less comfortable in average-sized or smaller ears. If you're concerned about this, take a look at the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC down below. Other than that, the Earfun Air Pro 4 is a fantastic all-around wireless earphone now at an amazing price.

• Read my full Earfun Air Pro 4 review

• Check Black Friday price on Amazon US or your Amazon country

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE for $58 (was $80)

Best choice for sound quality

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is one of the absolute best sounding wireless earbuds on a budget, now at an even more incredible price. It has a rich and detailed sound, with a tight and deep bass, boosted and textured lower frequencies, and exceptional vocal performance - among other well-presented mid-tones.

It doesn't stop there, as the Galaxy Buds FE offers a tight and comfortable fit, good Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and clear phone calls, especially indoors. If you own other Samsung devices, you can seamlessly switch between them. Otherwise, you can only connect them to one device at a time - while most other earbuds have multipoint nowadays. Still, at this price, this is the best audio quality to price performance in wireless earbuds ever.

• Read my full Samsung Galaxy Buds FE review

• Check Black Friday price on Amazon US, Amazon UK or other Amazon countries

Soundcore Space A40 for $45 (was $80)

Best choice for sleeping

Out of the 421 models I've tested, the Soundcore Space A40 is the only earphone that works great for sleeping.

That's because it combines solid ANC, battery life that lasts an entire night, and outstanding comfort to sleep on your side. Really - these saved me many hours and nights of sleep in hotels, hostels, and on campsites.

Apart from the comfort, music sounds good too; balanced and smooth with a warm undertone. The excellent Soundcore app for iPhone and Android throws in another 20 equalizers. You can connect the earbuds to two devices and switch seamlessly between them thanks to dual-device multipoint connection, controls are great, and it's also safe to take a phone call or video conference with them in an office. Getting all this for 45 dollars instead of the regular 70 to 80 dollars is a baffling deal.

• Read my full Soundcore Space 40 review

• Check Black Friday price on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, or other Amazon countries

Other Great 2024 Black Friday Earbuds deals:

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC for $60 (was $90)

Another great Black Friday deal in 2024 is the excellent Soundcore Liberty 4 NC for only 60 dollars. These were my top recommendation for Best Earphones under 100 dollars for almost a year, thanks to their multipoint connection (meaning you can connect them to two devices at the same time) and the very strong Active Noise Cancelling (ANC).

The Liberty 4NC earbuds provide a maximum of 10 hours on a single charge (!) and they enjoy support from the excellent Soundcore app with a ton of features on iPhone and Android phones. They sound engaging too, with strong bass and pronounced treble.

While the Earfun Air Pro 4 provides clearer outdoor calls and are therefore my new top recommendation for Best Earbuds Under $100, you can safely take an indoor call with this Soundcore too. Moreover, this one has a more comfortable fit.

• Read my full Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review

• Check Black Friday price on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries
  
  
  
  

JBL Live Pro 2 for $75 (was $150)

If you prefer earphones from a more well-known brand, there's a good Black Friday deal on the JBL Live Pro 2 as well. Even though there are newer releases, these are still the best sounding earbuds from JBL - with clear and pronounced treble and a balanced bass. Unless you want it otherwise: the JBL app for iPhone and Android phones lets you turn up the bass to make it thump and rumble strongly, making for a very energetic sound.

The JBL Live Pro 2 comes with good Active Noise Cancellation, a baffling 8 to 10 hours playtime per charge, wireless charging of the case, multipoint connection, and natural sounding phone calls as long as there isn't too much noise around you.

• Read my full JBL Live Pro 2 review

• Check Black Friday price on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany or on other Amazon countries

SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ for $72 (was $90)

The brand new SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ are more terrific sounding wireless earbuds that are even more affordable now. Compared to the Galaxy Buds FE, the Capsule3 Pro+ has stronger bass and treble. The clarity of these earphones is almost insane and even may need some adjusting to. Higher vocals and instruments brim with life; other mid-tones all have their own place and show great texture. That said, the Galaxy Buds FE is a more comforting listen.

Other fortes of this SoundPEATS are its comfortable fit, volume controls on the earbuds, multipoint connection for two devices and decent Active Noise Cancelling and call quality.

• Read my full SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ review

• Check Black Friday price on Amazon US or other Amazon countries

Baseus Ma10 for $25 (was $40)

The Baseus Bowie MA10 is one of the most popular affordable wireless earphones on Amazon - and for good reason.

It has a gigantic charging case capable of 10 (!) full recharges of the earbuds, so you will always have music and sound with you on a long holiday trip. Each full charge provides the - comfortable - earbuds at least 5,5 hours of playtime with the excellent Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on.

The MA10 works on two devices at the same time, with automatic switching between them when you get a call. There's a solid gaming mode as well. The sound is warm and smooth, with a bass that can be pushed to great levels with custom equalizing in the Baseus app for iPhone and Android. An outstanding deal for 25 dollars.

• Read my full Baseus Bowie MA10 review

• Check price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
  
  
  
  

CMF Buds by Nothing for $29 (was $40)

The CMF Buds by Nothing not only looks fresh with its square case and stem-design earbuds in bright red, white, or black - it's a good package too.

This TWS blocks quite a bit of noise with its Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), it offers loud phone calls, and it has one of the slickest looking iPhone and Android apps earbuds can have. That's a win, as the sound isn't that great out of the box. With the app, you can make the treble pop more… and add a ton of bass, making this the biggest bass monster on a tight budget.

• Read my full CMF Buds by Nothing review

• Check price on Amazon US, Amazon UK or your Amazon country
  
  
  
  

SoundpEATS Air3 Deluxe HS for $38 (was $50)

If you seek the best Black Friday deal on wireless earbuds without rubber ear tips: this is it. The SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS has a more balanced and comforting sound than the later released Air4 Lite and Air4, which are also on sale.

The Air3 Deluxe combines a solid bass with boosted, flowing lower mid-tones and a comfortable early rolled-off treble, giving a warm yet balanced enough sound.

As these are half-in-ears, they provide an easy and loose fit, comfortable to wear for hours. You get 4,5 hours playtime on a single charge, you can directly change the volume on the earbuds itself, and surrounding noises are reduced well when you take a phone call with them.

• Read my full SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS review

• Check Black Friday price on Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany or other Amazon countries

Have you found an exceptional deal that you think I missed? Please mail me about it, so I can see if it needs to be added.

Bought a deal in the Black Friday sale? Let me and other readers know in the comments!

Have fun shopping! :-)

Did you know? For under 75 dollars, you can get wireless earphones with amazing features, good active noise cancelling, clear calls, and great sound. These are the top 5 best wireless earbuds under $75, evaluated in August 2024.

BEST TWS UNDER $75 - August 2024:

1. Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 - best overall

2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 - best comfort and sound

3. Oppo Enco Air3 - best without rubber tips

4. 1more ComfoBuds Pro - best for business

5. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ - audiophile bonus tip

Check out below for descriptions and comparisons!

How Scarbir.com tests $75 wireless earbuds

• Scarbir.com is a one-man job. Since 2019, I've performed all 400+ wireless earphone reviews on this site myself - so you can be sure every model has gotten the same testing methods and the same reference.

• I try and test all earbuds at least 1 to 2 weeks fully before writing about it, experiencing all aspects of the earbuds. All earbuds are tested on an Android phone, iPhone, and Mac.

• I test the basics like wearing comfort after several hours, the actual battery life, the fit when you're on the move, the controls, and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. If an earbud fails in any of these categories, it has very little chance to become a recommendation.

• For phone and video calls, all earbuds undergo the same tests; recordings performed in the same office and on the same crowded traffic intersection with occasional wind, as well as in pre-defined simulated scenes with noise and wind.

• Active Noise Cancelling, if available, is always tested in the same organic office and outdoor environments, as well as in pre-defined simulated background chatter and noise scenarios. ANC performance is always directly compared to the best scoring models in the price range.

• The gaming performance and low-latency modes are always tested with the highly challenging shooter Call of Duty mobile on an Android phone.

• For the app support of an earbud, I look at the features, the ease-of-use and the needed permissions of the Android and iPhone app.

• Sound quality is my biggest passion and, with so much competition on the market, it's what can make or brake an earphone. I listen to earbuds on low, moderate and high active listening volume, take notes and compare an earbud to its biggest comparably priced rivals. Sound performance is both tested by both everyday and active listening to whichever music I throw at it, and by checking technicalities with my Scarbir.com Earbuds Test List on Spotify.
  
  

What to expect from True wireless Earbuds under $75:

• Many features: Most new earbuds in the 75 dollars price bracket have a fantastic combination of functions. That means features like ANC Active Noise Cancelling, a Transparency mode to pass through traffic sounds while you're listening to music, app support, and/or a gaming mode to synchronize the sound effects with the rapid action on your screen.

• Build quality: Compared to cheaper models, the earphones and charging cases in this price category are often sturdier and well-designed.

• Good battery life: Unless mentioned otherwise, these earbuds last at least 5 hours on a single charge, and often more. They also support rapid charging, so you can listen another 1,5 to 2 hours after recharging them in the case for about 10 minutes.

• Good phone call and video call quality: Unless mentioned otherwise, it's safe to take a phone call or enter a Zoom meeting with these earbuds. Take note that wind is always a danger to your voices clarity on wireless earphones.

• Outstanding sound quality: Sound is the main priority in Scarbir.com earbuds reviews. The earbuds in this Buying Guide sound great or even excellent.

  
  
  

These are the best cheap wireless earbuds under $75, last updated in August 2024:

1. Best wireless earbuds under $75: Edifier TWS1 Pro 2

Fantastic noise cancelling and great sound

The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 costs just 50 dollars, but has some of the strongest Active Noise Cancelling of all wireless earbuds on the market. They sound good too.

Put the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 in your ears and you'll immediately notice the strong Active Noise Cancellation. It removes constant darker sounds completely, and heavily reduces the volume of nearly all other frequencies. Especially mid-tones are handled well, meaning conversations or a radio playing are (re)moved to the background. What remains is some higher-pitched noise like rainfall or heavy wind. Thanks to the wind noise reduction mode, however, you can rule out outdoor wind noise neatly.

The drawback of this performance is the battery life. With ANC on, the TWS1 Pro 2 offers 4 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is below average in this price range - although plenty of time for commuting. Connecting the earbuds to two devices at the same time or on-earbud volume controls are also features you'll miss at this price.

What remains though, is still a highly impressive package. The earbuds aren't just comfortable and snug thanks to their compact and round inner shape; they're also IP54 water and dust proof and automatically pause when you take an earbud out. Taking a phone and video call with them is easy most of the times, as the microphones clearly focus on your voice above other background sounds, although a lot of loud chatter and wind noise are challenging. For gamers, there's a Gaming Mode that synchronizes sound effects well with the action on your screen.

Lastly, the TWS1 Pro 2 has a versatile and friendly sound, that combines a full bass with plenty of naturalness in the mid-tones and smooth treble. The mid-bass can thump and its strikes longer than average, while the deepest sub-bass can give a solid rumble. Center mid-tones such as guitars, piano play, and classical instruments sound clear and natural, while higher vocals are pushed more forward to take the center stage. There's also a nice bit of space in the sound. By changing the Classic equalizer, you can improve the bass impact noticeably - making the Edifier a great choice for both bass lovers and lovers of a more natural approach.

The Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 have great sound and come with terrific Active Noise Cancelling for a small price. If four hours of playtime in one go is enough for you, it's the top choice for wireless earbuds under 50 and also 75 dollars.

• Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

2. Best sounding earbuds under $75: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

Also very comfortable

Is comfort your main priority? The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is where it's at. These egg-shaped earbuds are so comfortable you can wear them for hours and hours. And not just that: they sound fantastic too!

The Sony and especially the Soundcore mentioned above already have a comfortable fit, but Samsung takes it up a notch. You can barely feel the oval Galaxy Buds 2 in your ears, they're that compact. They provide a snug fit and barely stick out of your ears, meaning it's easy to sleep on your side with these in. Dependent on whether you have Active Noise Cancelling on or off, the battery will last you from 5 up to 8 hours on a single charge.

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Buds 2's ANC isn't very strong. It helps silencing your surroundings when you're listening to music, but using these just for ANC without playing music doesn't make much sense: you'll still hear quite a bit of noise, including traffic and chatter. The call quality isn't great as well; it's safe to take a phone call in quiet areas, but wind and noise make you near inaudible. While we're at it: you can only change the volume on these earbuds when you have a Samsung phone. Other than that, Android users get app support with multiple sound equalizers and settings; iPhone users don't.

So, do these earbuds just rank so high for their comfort? Not quite.

These are the best sounding earbuds on a $100 budget. They're tuned following the Harman signature, meaning they're tuned towards the sound most people like most. And it shows. This Samsung not just boasts crisp vocals and delicate mid-tones, but also has an impressive cleanliness in the sound. There's a wonderful separation between frequencies and instruments, giving the textured mid-bass and sub-bass space - without ever sounding unbalanced. The combination of depth and clarity in the sound not just works wonders for music; it also works great for podcasts, tv shows, and ASMR - if that helps you sleeping.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 may not be the most versatile pair of earbuds with its mediocre call clarity and sub-par Active Noise Cancelling, but these stand out in comfort and sound quality at a friendly price.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 full review

• Buy on Amazon US (take note: often more expensive)

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

3. Best earbuds without rubber tips under $50: Oppo Enco Air3

COMFORTABLE FIT, MULTIPOINT CONNECTION, AND BEAUTIFUL SOUND

Prefer your wireless earbuds without rubber tips? The Oppo Enco Air3 is the total package at only one fourth of the price of Apple's AirPods 3 - and they sound better.

The Oppo Enco Air3 has a small speaker mound, reminiscent of the earlier AirPods models instead of the AirPods 3, and it's very comfortable because of it. It's easy and light to wear during its 5 hours playtime on a single charge, although the fit could be a bit loose if you're planning to sport or sweat with them. Rain isn't a problem, however, thanks to its IP54 waterproof rating.

All controls can be setup via the HeyMelody app on iPhone and Android phones, which makes it easy to change tracks and volume from the earbuds. It controls really well, and affirms your taps on the top of the stems with neat clicky feedback.

The Oppo can also switch between two devices easily thanks to the multipoint connection. Phone and video calls are clear, as the microphones put your voice through natural and clear. Noise around you is audible but not too loud, and your voice also survives a bit of wind. The gaming mode is equally convincing, with the sound effects fluently following the action on a challenging game like Call of Duty mobile.

The best part? The sound. The Enco Air3 has a solid, gently thumping mid-bass that barely feels lighter than many earbuds with rubber tips - even more so when you select the well-balanced Bass Boost EQ from the app. There's a decent bass kick and underneath it, the sub-bass gives off a round, controlled rumble in James Blake's ideal test track Limit to Your Love.

The Enco Air3 lifts the lower-mids somewhat, creating a smooth warm undertone. Vocals are very forward, and brighter voices even outweigh the also open treble. From moderate to the highest volumes; higher instruments and voices have space to breathe without becoming sharp, peaky or light.

Furthermore, center-mids like guitars and piano play have body and strike the same balance between warmth and clarity as the treble; they feel natural. Separation between instruments and details is good too; music feels airy and detailed. Make no mistake - these sound better than Apple's AirPods 3.

If you can't get the Oppo Enco Air3 in your country, the Huawei Freebuds SE2 makes a great alternative.

The Oppo Enco Air3 throws in good call clarity, comfort, controls, multipoint connection and solid gaming performance on top of a greatly balanced sound. It's the top choice for half-in-ear earbuds on a budget.

• Oppo Enco Air3 review versus two competitors

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on your Amazon country

• Buy on AliExpress

4. Best business earbuds under $75: 1more ComfoBuds Pro

Good ANC and Great for phone and video calls

If you want great Active Noise Cancelling earbuds for your workplace, the 1more ComfoBuds Pro is for you. It's also great in handling phone and video calls.

Hold down the left earbuds’ stem for two seconds and there you go: the 1 more ComfoBuds Pro releases its strong Active Noise Cancelling. Your surroundings are immediately silenced. Both darker and medium background sounds disappear, and chatter and other closer sound effects successfully are reduced as well. When you need it, the Transparency mode passes through voices and traffic naturally.

The ComfoBuds Pro has up to 5,5 hours of battery life on a single charge (ANC on), and recharging them in the case for only 15 minutes, grants another two hours of listening.

The ComfoBuds Pro are reasonably comfortable, although the stems can press against your ear lobes a bit. They're also a safe choice for workouts, as they withstand light rain and dust with the IPX4 waterproof rating. Thanks to the free 1more Music app, you can add extra controls to the earbuds’ touch panels, which is recommended as the default controls are limited - but they can be a bit tricky to activate, by tapping the lower end of the stem. You can also decide if the earbuds should automatically pause when you take a bud out.

Unless you're facing the wind directly, the call quality is impressive. Your voice comes through loud and clear, and noises around you are left out of the call. Video calls like Zoom meetings and Microsoft Teams, also sound clear.

Last but not least - the 1more delivers a trebly and friendly sound. Treble has the overhand in the music: both female and higher-pitched male vocals sound clear and are surrounded by air. Underneath, there's a nice mid-bass slam that gives modern genres like dance, pop, and electronic music, plenty of power, without becoming too boomy.

The 1more ComfoBuds Pro is a fantastically versatile pair of earbuds, combining strong ANC, good call quality, and a pleasant sound in a single package.

• 1more ComfoBuds Pro full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

• Buy on AliExpress

5. Bonus tip - Great audiophile earbuds under $75: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+

Audiophile sound quality with pure mids

The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ is a unique wireless earphone for critical listeners and audiophiles, now diving under the 75 dollars mark.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 may be the overall best listen, but the British Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ is something else. There's no other pair of wireless earbuds so truthful to original recordings. Especially center mid-tones sound lifelike and natural - like they're intended. The Melomania 1+ doesn't cover them up with a strong own sound profile, so The Beatles’ guitar play is as shaky as it should be, and older jazz, blues, or classical recordings sound like they're, well… old. The soundstage may not be very wide, but there's fantastic separation and positioning of instruments.

Still, the Melomania 1+ is not for everyone. The mid-bass can feel a tad dry in modern music genres like pop, dance, and hip-hop, and lower male vocals aren't always forward and clear. The sound can be raw. Besides, the bullet-like earbuds with actual buttons you have to press to play/pause or change tracks, isn't comfortable for everyone.

That said, there's a lot more going for the Cambridge Audio. Video playback is flawless, the free app support lets you alter the sound to your liking, battery life is strong with its 7 hours on a single charge, and even the call quality is decent.

The Melomania 1+ is the recommended choice if you love acoustic and traditional music genres - its mid-performance is unmatched even by more expensive wireless earphones.

• Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

Other recommendations for best TWS under $75:

Overall runner-up: Earfun Air Pro 2

The somewhat older Earfun Air Pro 2 is still a great all-around budget earphone with terrific noise-cancelling. Activate it, and your surroundings are instantly heavily muted. There's a Transparency mode that lets you hear traffic around you on moments you need it, and with either of those functions active, the battery still lasts 6 hours on a single charge. In both video and phone calls, your voice sounds loud and full. All the controls are available on the earbuds itself, and the Air Pro 2 has a well-balanced warm, gently bassy sound that is very easy to enjoy. It's been followed-up by the Earfun Air S and the Earfun Air Pro 3 later, which come with multipoint connection so you can connect it to two devices at the same time, but both models don't offer the comfort of the Air Pro 2.

• Earfun Air Pro 2 full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon stores
  
  
  

Massive bass under $75: Realme Buds Air 3S

Like your music with a massive bass? The Realme Buds Air 3S is where it's at, thanks to two sound equalizers in the free app. When activated, these earbuds have an incredibly strong, thumping mid-bass and a fiercely rumbling sub-bass that outweighs the competition. Mind you, though, it can be quantity over quality. The Life A3i has a more straightforward, friend-to-all bass.

There's more: these earbuds are comfortable to wear, have an IPX5 waterproof rating, deliver clear phone and video calls, and can be fully recharged in just 10 minutes in the case. You can even connect them to two devices at the same time and switch between them. Wonderful little rockers, these.

• Realme Buds Air 3S full review

• Buy on Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other countries

Previous recommendations:

• Earfun Air S: Able to connect to two devices at the same time, and has good call quality; a good combination. Its ANC isn't very effective.

• Earfun Free Pro 2: Uplifting sounding earbuds with rubber ear-wings to give them a secure fit - great for sports.

• Lypertek SoundFree S20: Engaging sound, convenient actual buttons, but surpassed in features.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds Live: Standout recommendation for rubber tip less earbuds, has become more expensive again!

• Soundcore Life A3i: Almost as good as the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2, but with less strong Active Noise Cancelling

• SoundPEATS Air3 Pro: Now improved by the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro, which has excellent ANC strength and a smoother, warmer sound.

Were you expecting…

• Nothing Ear (1)? Nope - it's overrated. It only rarely dives below the $75 price, and next to its below-average 4 hours battery life, it doesn't handle video playback well.

• OnePlus Nord Buds? Understood, as it's one the best TWS choices under $50. However, it's limited in features compared to the offerings in this Buying Guide.

Read all 325+ reviews and comparisons of TWS truly wireless earphones here

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 $50

• Guide: the best TWS under $25

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• Leaderboard: all earphones from 10-100 dollars tested

Bought a product and want to share your opinion? Do use the comments. I hope this article helps you!

- Scarbir

BUYING GUIDE - Stop using different earphones or earbuds for your laptop and phone! Thanks to a feature called multipoint connection, you can connect some earbuds to two devices at the same time. These are the sub-$100, best cheap wireless earbuds with multipoint connectivity, as of July 2023.

BEST cheap earbuds with Multipoint Connection - July 2023:

1. Best under $100: Soundcore Space A40

2. Best under $50: Realme Buds Air 3S

3. Best for phone and video calls: Earfun Air Pro 3

Check out below for descriptions and comparisons!

Please notice!

As of mid 2023, almost all new wireless earbuds have a dual-device multipoint connection. This guide is outdated! Check out my other Buying Guides to see the best multipoint earbuds in each category.

Welcome to Scarbir.com! In the last years, I've tested and reviewed 344 different affordable wireless earbuds (TWS), ranging from 10 to 150 dollars. All earbuds are tested extensively and rated on sound quality, phone calls and video calls, battery life, comfort, controls, and features. One of the best and newest features more and more earphones start to have, is multipoint connection. That's what this Buying Guide is about.

What is multipoint connectivity?

Multipoint connection, also called multipoint connectivity, multipoint pairing, or dual device connection, ensures you can connect your wireless earbuds to two Bluetooth devices at the same time. For instance, your private and a work phone. Or your phone and a pc, laptop, or MacBook.

Previously, this feature was only available on expensive earbuds, the likes of Apple and Sony. Since the latest chipsets, way more affordable wireless earphones have the feature as well - as low as 50 dollars.

Multipoint connectivity works very easy. Once you've connected the earbuds to two devices of your choice, it seeks the two devices you've setup the next time you take the earbuds out of their charging case, and connects them automatically.

Once setup, the earbuds play the music and sound of the device you're activated last. If you're playing music on your phone, but start a video on your laptop, pause the playback on the phone and the earbuds will automatically switch to your laptops sound. Better yet: multipoint automatically switches the sound to the device that has an incoming phone call or video meeting.

This puts an end to having to hassle between two audio sources, like a headphone or a wired earphone. You can just use a single pair of wireless earbuds. In fact - there are some great budget options under $100.

How are the multipoint connection earbuds tested?

Among the 350 wireless earbuds I've reviewed on Scarbir.com, I've taken only the wireless earbuds that support a dual device connection for this Buying Guide. The earbuds are not just tested and compared on their multipoint connectivity reliability and connection strength, but also on useful everyday aspects, like the sound, comfort, build quality, call clarity, battery life, app support, and Active Noise Cancelling. The best overall scores lead to this guide. Hope it helps!

Here are the best budget wireless earbuds with multipoint connection, last evaluated for July 2023:

Best multipoint earbuds under $100: Soundcore Space A40

comfortable, long battery life - and they sound great

The Soundcore Space A40 has it all. It connects to two devices simultaneously, has a comfortable fit, comes with solid Active Noise Cancelling… and it sound great as well.

The Soundcore Space A40 wasn't the first affordable pair of earbuds to boast multipoint connectivity, but they're sure one of the first excellent wireless earbuds to have it.

Setting up a dual device connection is easy: connect it via Bluetooth on your first device, then deactivate Bluetooth on that device for a moment, then connect the earbuds to the other device you want them to work with. Then reactivate the Bluetooth on your first device again. When it's done, the earbuds can easily switch between your devices by just pausing on one device, and playing on the other.

You can manage the devices afterwards from the extensive, yet easy-to-understand free Soundcore app you can get from the Google Play Store or on iPhone - which also comes with Active Noise Cancelling settings and a ton of sound equalizing options.

That's right: there's way more to the Space A40. These 80 dollars pair of earbuds has solid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) that can heavily reduce darker sounds, dampen lighter noise, and even completely remove background sounds.

The Earfun Air Pro 3 later on in this list (and also the 1more ComfoBuds Pro) have stronger ANC, but don't rule this one out, as the earbuds also have a very comfortable fit, meaning you can side-sleep on these earbuds and use the noise cancelling even when you want to catch some sleep somewhere.

The Space A40 is IPX4 splashproof, meaning you're safe to take it out in some rain, it supports USB-C and wireless charging, and the charging case can recharge the earbuds five times fully before it needs new power itself. Each charge provides the earbuds around 8 hours of playtime. The touch controls are responsive, and can be altered via the free Soundcore app as well.

Perhaps most important of all, the Space A40 is a pleasure to listen to, with a tight and deep bass. Lower tones are slightly boosted and give the music warmth, while instruments like guitars and piano play and vocals sound natural and full, and treble rolls off before it becomes sharp. With details coming from your left and right, higher quality recordings can even feel a bit around you.

The only downside to the Space A40 is that this isn't the most versatile earphone for phone and video calls. Your voice sounds natural and clear, but the microphones pick up your surroundings and wind noise easily, meaning it's only recommended to take a phone call or video meeting in a more quiet area.

The Soundcore Space A40 is a hugely recommendable pair of wireless earbuds, with great sound, solid ANC, and a fit comfortable enough for sleeping on your side!

• Soundcore Space A40 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

Best multipoint earbuds under $50: Realme Buds Air 3S

Engaging sound, high comfort, decent call quality

There's no need to spend a big amount of money to get wireless earbuds with multipoint pairing. The Realme Buds Air 3S costs less than 50 dollars - and delivers serious bang for your bucks.

The multipoint connection on the Realme Buds Air 3S works in the same way as the Soundcore Space A40. Connect the earbuds to two devices, and it automatically switches to the device that receives a call, or when you pause music or a video on one device and press play on the other. Make sure you activate the function via the free Realme Link app on iPhone or Android first, however. It won't work otherwise.

Once activated, the Buds Air 3S is a perfectly usable pair for everyday use. The earbuds have a diagonal shape on the inside, making them stay snug and comfortable in your ears for hours. It easily rocks 5 hours per charge, and the earbuds only need 10 minutes in the charging case to get another 5 hours out of them.

The earbuds are IPX5 waterproof so they withstand sweat and (heavy) rain, they come with an outstanding gaming mode that synchronizes the sound effects in games with the action on your screen well, and it's also safe to take a phone or video call with them. The microphones put through your voice clear and loud enough, while they also reduce enough noise around you. That said, your voice can dip in volume somewhat when it has to battle this noise or wind.

The Realme isn't perfect, as the case doesn't support wireless charging, and Active Noise Cancelling is also missing on this set.

Musically however, there's plenty to enjoy with the Realme Buds Air 3S. It comes with four different sound presets in the app, of which two unlock an insane amount of bass - either very big and sloppy, or extremely full and deep. Happily, you can also dial down the bass, while still enjoying an engaging sound with clear vocals, strong lower tones, and the wide feeling the music has on this model.

Unless you need Active Noise Cancelling, the Realme Buds Air 3S is a great all-around pair of wireless earbuds that combines multipoint connectivity with an engaging sound, good comfort, and decent call clarity.

• Realme Buds Air 3S full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

Best cheap multipoint connection earbuds for phone and video calls: Earfun Air Pro 3

Best choice for office and business use

If calling is your main priority on wireless earbuds, having good multipoint connection and good call quality is a winning combo. At only 80 dollars, the Earfun Air Pro 3 offers just that.

The Earfun Air Pro 3 outperforms the Soundcore Space A40 and Realme Buds Air 3S when it comes to calls. Your voice sounds full without being too dark, and it even holds well when there's loud noise or some wind around you. Background noise is only somewhat audible when you talk, but it's no issue: your voice easily outweighs it.

It's safe to enter a video meeting or call with these - and it's a joy to have that comfort on two devices at the same time. Receive a phone call? The Air Pro 3 automatically switches to your phone. Start video conferencing on your desktop? The Earfun will switch for you. For switching between your devices for a video or music, you only have to pause the playback on one device, and start it on the other.

Another convenient feature of this Earfun is its Active Noise Cancelling, which is capable of reducing a lot of noise. It has about the strongest ANC on earbuds under $100. It does a particular good job in reducing darker sounds, while brighter sounds are also softened well.

It achieves this effect by installing round ear tips on the earbuds, and frankly, the ear tips are a bit bigger and rounder than usual. They can become a bit tiring to wear after a while.

If that isn't a problem for you, you can get around 7 hours of listening out of them on a single charge, and during those hours, you can safely go outside, as the IPX5 waterproof rating protects them against sweat and rain and there's a Transparency mode to let you hear your surroundings a bit better. Both USB-C and wireless charging are supported, and all the controls you could with are right on the earbuds. App support is less stellar: the Earfun app for Android and iPhone doesn’t always connect with your earbuds straightaway.

The sound of the Earfun Air Pro 3 is aimed mostly at background listening. It sounds warm and full for that purpose, with a strong and thumping bass. It makes for an easy listening on lower volumes for hours on end. It falls a little short for active listening, sadly, as the reduced treble and dark tonality can make music feel a bit too coloured.

With its combination of clear calls and swift multipoint connection, the Earfun Air Pro 3 is a great affordable wireless earphone for office and business use. If call quality is important to you, look no further.

• Earfun Air Pro 3 full review

• Buy on Amazon US

• Buy on Amazon UK

• Buy on Amazon Germany

• Buy on other Amazon countries

Also read: All TWS ratings and reviews on the Leaderboard

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

Was this article helpful for you?

Also check out my other articles:

• Guide: Best ANC earbuds

• Guide: the best TWS under $100

• Guide: the best TWS under $50

• Guide: the best TWS under $25

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for phone calls

• Guide: the best cheap TWS for sports

• Guide: the best cheap Apple AirPods look-a-likes

• 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

Looking for a cheap gaming headset? Be careful - there's huge difference in quality of affordable gaming headphones. With over 25 popular models tested, these are the best cheap gaming headsets for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch!

If you've been on Scarbir.com before, you may know I mostly test and review affordable true wireless earbuds - you can find over 200+ ratings on this site. But with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X entering the market and with so much staying at home required due to a certain virus, I decided to also dive into the best cheap gaming headset for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and phones.

In the past years, I've tested and compared over 25 budget gaming headsets. I stepped into this test unbiased and independent, with no particular love or favour for certain brands or products. All gaming headsets are tested, compared and rated 100% honestly according to my findings. Let's go!

How the best cheap gaming headsets are rated:

• Gaming headsets can be awarded 15 points in total: 5 for comfort, 5 for microphone quality and 5 for sound quality for gaming.

  • 1 star means terrible (--)

  • 2 stars means bad (-)

  • 3 stars means average (+-)

  • 4 stars means good (+)

  • 5 stars means excellent (++)

• Categories have subscores. That's why there can be half points awarded for comfort and sound quality. All the way below this article, you can read in detail how these gaming headsets are tested and rated.

Also check out the Budget Gaming Headset Test spreadsheet with the headset specifics and ratings!

Here we go: these are the best budget gaming headsets, last evaluated in January 2023:

Best cheap gaming headset under $100: Kingston HyperX Cloud II

$60-$90

The Kingston HyperX Cloud II probably is the most popular gaming headset under $100, and that's for good reason. It has superb build quality, mixing sturdy plastic with sleek metallic parts. It comes with a well-padded headband and two sets of earpads; leather-look pads as default, and an extremely soft, comfortable pluche alternative. With the latter, the Cloud II is comfortable for hours on end. Microphone quality could be better, however: it's too soft out of the box, and once turned up, your voice sounds a tad bright. It does sound very clear though - people will hear you easily.

The sound quality of the popular Cloud II is stunning, with rich bass, and lovely balanced mids - loud enough to hear footsteps. The mids can sometimes be sharp in action moments, but more often, they're pleasant to listen to. Sound positioning is more left-right oriented than it is around you, however - giving the darker sounding Tronsmart Alpha and also the HyperX Cloud Stinger an advantage in competitive multiplayer games. The Cloud II does an outstanding job separating game sounds from voice chat, however: it's easy to hear them clearly at the same time.

A thing to note, is that the remote with volume and mute control is only applicable to PC and Mac users as it requires USB and software. It doesn't come with volume control and a mute button when plugging it into your controller - deducting 1 point from the total score.

The HyperX Cloud II is the best gaming headset under $100, with outstanding comfort, two sets of ear cushions, and terrific sound and voice chat quality.

• Comfort: 4,5 | Microphone: 4 | Sound quality: 4 | No volume control: -1 | SCORE: 11,5 out of 15

• Available on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon stores or AliExpress

Best cheap gaming headset under $50: Tronsmart Alpha

$30-$40

The Tronsmart (Glary) Alpha may be built from cheap plastic, it has a lot of going for it for its low price. It's surprisingly comfortable for its big design, thanks to the headband structure that consists of two different pads on your head, instead of a tight band to hold the two big earcups together. It feels rather heavy - but it isn't too tight, and it's actually doable to wear this model comfortably for hours on end. As you can't adjust the headband, it isn't very suitable for tinier heads, however. The Alpha has outstanding microphone quality: even though your voice can have an occasional crackle in the highest notes, you sound pleasant, loud, and clear, while background noise is reduced wonderfully.

However: the sound quality is the real star of the show. Unlike many other models, the Alpha doesn't emphasize mid-tones too much. Footsteps around you sound darker than on the strongest mid-focusing headphones, but it's these mid-focusing headsets that can sound too 'hot', annoyingly bright when the action gets going. The Glary Alpha keeps its detail even in crowded moments. And what detail it offers! The boosted bass and lower frequencies make the sound full and rich, and resolve even the tiniest background sounds. The positioning of sound is excellent: you don't only hear whether action happens on your left or right; you hear sounds from everywhere, even in the distance. In games like Destiny 2 and Halo 5: Guardians, it's possible to locate running and fire in the spaces surrounding yours - truly impressive for the price.

With its great microphone clarity, rich warm sound, and excellent sound positioning, the Tronsmart Alpha is great for single-player games, gaming with your friends and for competitive gaming.

• Comfort: 3,5 | Microphone: 5 | Sound quality: 4,5 | SCORE: 13 out of 15

• Available on Amazon Germany or other Amazon stores or AliExpress

Best cheapest gaming headset under $25: Mpow EG10

$20

Rather shop below 25 dollars? The brand Mpow has two stellar offerings for the money: the EG3 Pro and the EG10. Both are excellent choices, but the EG10 is a more compact model likely to be more suitable for smaller heads as well.

Why the EG10 is so good? It's the cheapest headset of the test, but the microphone is one of the very best. It puts your voice through natural, full and clear - even a bit studio-like. Comfort is decent too - it's light to wear on your head, although the cushions could use a bit more padding. In the sound department, the EG10 provides a full, warm sound, with plenty of detail in the mid-tones. It has a decent soundstage as well, meaning the sound feels everywhere around you - although it can be tricky to place where the action comes from precisely.

For the price, however, the EG10 is a steal. If you prefer the design of the EG3 Pro (reviewed underneath), don't hesistate to go for that model instead.

• Comfort: 3 | Microphone: 5 | Sound quality: 4 | SCORE: 12 out of 15

• Available on AliExpress
  

Best cheap gaming headset for footstep detection and competitive gaming:
Kingston HyperX Cloud Stinger

$40

The Tronsmart Glary Alpha may have the most precise sound positioning of the test; if you need to hear even the softest of footsteps in grass and sand around you (in games like Call of Duty Warzone), the HyperX Cloud Stinger may be a better choice.

The heavily boosted mid-tones of the Stinger make sure you can hear shots and movement all the way in the distance, even when you're chatting with teammates at the same time. The mid-tones can sometimes sound a bit harsh when there's lots of action going on - but it may be worth the trade for your competitive advantage. The microphone makes your voice tinny and shallow, bit its output is still clear enough. Furthermore, the Cloud Stinger may look a bit plastic - even though it's a bit tight around the head, the cushion padding is just thick enough to wear these comfortably.

• Comfort: 3,5 | Microphone: 3 | Sound quality: 4,5 | SCORE: 11 out of 15

• Available on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon stores or AliExpress

Other gaming headsets under $25 - $50 - $100 tested, rated from high to low:

Mpow EG3 Pro ($25-$25)

The EG3 Pro is the other great budget gaming headset offering from Mpow, next to the EG10. The EG3 Pro is a heavier, more robust model, with sturdy feeling and looking metallic parts that hold the earcups and band together. It may be too big for smaller heads, but for most people, the thick big cushions will fall comfortably around the ears. Once again, the microphone makes your voice sound loud and full, although it does miss some of the treble that also comes with your voice on the EG10. When it comes to game sounds, the EG3 Pro gives the mid-tones more attention, so it's easier to position action on your left and right; although this emphasis can make the sound a bit harsh at times - a problem all headsets with boosted mids have. It's still a wonderful performer for the money.

• Comfort: 3,5 | Microphone: 4 | Sound quality: 4 | SCORE: 11,5 out of 15

• Available on AliExpress

Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha ($70-$100)

As it's often a tad more expensive than the HyperX Cloud II, you would expect the Cloud Alpha to be even better. It's only partly. For console purposes, the Alpha has the mute and volume button built-in, and its microphone gives you a fuller (but not clearer) sound than the Cloud II. Comfort-wise, it misses the Cloud II's option to swap cushions, and while the cushions of the Alpha are quite comfortable, they're not up to the point of Cloud II's soft padding.

The Cloud Alpha has big emphasis on bass and darker tones in the sound, creating an immersive singleplayer experience, but it lacks the clarity in higher notes of the other HyperX models, which make footsteps, voices and distant gunshots less easy to hear and place. The other models also do a better job of separating the game sounds from the voice chat; it can pile up too much on the Alpha, making people hard to hear sometimes. It's a great headset - just not as good as the Cloud II.

• Comfort: 4 | Microphone: 4 | Sound quality: 3,5 | SCORE: 11,5 out of 15

• Available on Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon stores

EKSA E910 ($60-$80)

The EKSA E910 gaming headset is completely wireless and connects to a pre-delivered dongle you plug into your pc, Mac, Switch or PlayStation - the Xbox doesn't support the model. It's a decent looking and built headset with thick padded cushions and headband that are comfortable to wear for a few hours - although perhaps not as long as the +- 8 hours the battery life lasts before it needs a new charge via USB-C. The microphone could use a little bit more volume and makes your voice warm, which is nice to listen to, but hard to hear for others when they have headsets with much bass. The sound is a bit filmic - warm and full instead of bright and clear with accentuated mids for competitive purposes, but it's pleasant to listen to and especially darker sounds do appear on your left or right or behind you, although not as precise as the best in test.

• Comfort: 4 | Microphone: 3 | Sound quality: 4 | SCORE: 11 out of 15

• Available on AliExpress

Tronsmart Sono ($25-$35)

The Tronsmart Sono is a great gaming headset for all-round everyday use. It even looks formal (and normal) enough to use for Zoom meetings. The Sono has an outstanding microphone which makes you sound natural, clear and full. Gaming sound quality is pleasant, with nicely present bass and controlled mids and highs. The sound has some spaciousness too, but could use more positioning detail. If you also want your headset for music playback, the Sono is a good choice - it sounds warm, laidback and full on it, with plenty of bass and space. The microphone is detachable, so you can even wear it outside without looking too weird. As for comfort, your ears can brush against the insides of the cups, but the ear cushions are soft and breathable and don't become too warm too quickly.

• Comfort: 2,5 | Microphone: 5 | Sound quality: 3,5 | SCORE: 11 out of 15

• Available on Amazon Germany, other Amazon stores or AliExpress

Redragon H510/ Havit HD2002 ($20-$45)

The Havit HD2002 (available for just $20 on AliExpress) or Redragon H510 ($45 on Amazon) is a likeable gaming headset when it comes to comfort, as it both has thick, soft ear cushions and a well-padded headband. It also looks formal, and has a detachable microphone for music-listening pleasure. This mic puts your voice through with warmth and clarity. When it comes to game sounds, the performance is less convincing: there's some space in the sound and the bass is pretty solid, but positioning is only limited to your left and right and floaty, and the mids come with harsh peaks in moments of action.

• Comfort: 4 | Microphone: 4 | Sound quality: 3 | SCORE: 11 out of 15

• Available on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon stores or AliExpress

Mpow Air SE/ Mpow Air II ($25-$30)

Not to be confused by the wireless Mpow Air, this SE or II model is still wired. It feels nicely built, with plastic materials mixed with some metallic parts, such as the hinges. The thick ear cushions seem pretty comfortable at first, but your ears can become warm after a while. The microphone convinces; your voice sounding clear albeit a bit flat. The sound is pleasant too, it has a strong bass and lower tones, but it's thin in mids and sound positioning - makes this one less suitable for competitive gaming, especially since it makes other people's voices sound warm too, so they battle too much with the action on screen.

• Comfort: 3 | Microphone: 4 | Sound quality: 3,5 | SCORE: 10,5 out of 15

• Available on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon stores or AliExpress

ASUS ROG Delta Core ($50-$90)

This ASUS ROG ('Republic of Gamers') has great looks and build quality, but if the triangular shapes of the cushions don't go entirely over your ears, the Delta Core may press onto your ears too much. The Delta Core is very comfortable for smaller ears, however - with either the delivered faux-leather or the breathing cushion. The microphone presents your voice clearly and natural, but brighter background sounds do come through. Sound-wise, there's a big amount of bass that rumbles a bit loosely, but mid-tones are rich and lush. Unfortunately, sound positioning is sub-par; there's little separation between the different sound effects, giving the Delta Core a disadvantage to competitive gamers.

• Comfort: 3 | Microphone: 4 | Sound quality: 3,5 | SCORE: 10,5 out of 15

• Available on Amazon US, Amazon Germany or other Amazon stores

Klim Puma/ Somic G941 ($40-$70)

The Klim Puma often costs over 50 dollars on Amazon, but is also available as the Somic G941 on AliExpress, and then only costs $40. Under both names, it's powered via USB instead of a 3,5 mm jack, so it's not compatible with Xbox, Nintendo Switch and phones. You can use it on PlayStation, though. It looks and feels solid, with strong metallic-like materials that make it feel heavy on your head. The microphone output seems a bit soft, but your voice is clear from harshness and volume peaks. There's a good soundstage and positioning when playing games, but as bass and lower tones are boosted very heavily (you can even activate a bass rumbling on your ears with a switch!), the sound can become a bit congested at times. Still, this is a sweet, full sounding headset.

• Comfort: 3 | Microphone: 3 | Sound quality: 4 | SCORE: 10 out of 15

• Available on Amazon US, Amazon Germany, other Amazon stores or AliExpress