Top 5 cheap TWS for $25 from AliExpress and Amazon
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:
Best overall - SoundPEATS T3 Pro
Best alternative - QCY MeloBuds N50
Best half-in-ears - 1more Q10 Mini
Best clip-ons - Haylou Airfree
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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.
$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.
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 $50
Guide: best TWS under $25
Guide: best cheap TWS for sports
Bought a true wireless earphone thanks to this list? I'd love to hear what you've chosen. Do comment! :-)
- Scarbir