Wireless earbuds come with tons of audio features and have become a necessity these days. However, they sometimes get a little pricey, especially if you’re seeking various features.
I have compiled a list of the ten best wireless earbuds under $100 with the same specs and features as the expensive ones on the market.
I am an avid audiophile, and I can't recall any wireless earbuds under $100 that can beat the Anker Soundcore Life P3 in terms of features or sound quality. It's loaded with top-level specs like amazing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a base-heavy sound profile, and several other exciting features.
Let's dive into the article and see the rest of the list, and hopefully, we’ll be able to find a pair of wireless earbuds that are the perfect match for you.
10 Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100
Here are some of the best wireless earbuds in the market that are priced below $100.
1. Anker Soundcore Life P3
When you're looking for a wireless earbud that has great noise cancellation, something like Apple's Airpods Pro, but within a small budget, Anker Soundcore Life P3 meets all your needs. It comes with an adjustable Active noise cancellation (ANC) feature that lets you adapt your earbud's noise isolation according to the environment.
The only shortcoming that might stop you from buying these marvelous earbuds is their average call quality which might create disturbance in your mic in outdoor areas.
Specifications
- Noise Cancelation: Perhaps, the best feature of this earbud that takes it to the top is its powerful noise cancelation that comes with Indoor, Outdoor, and Transport modes. It surprisingly reduces most of the surrounding noise and gives a stellar experience at such a low price tag.
- Sound: The Anker Soundcore Life P3 comes with strong bass, and to complement its impressive sound quality, you can also adjust the EQ levels as per your comfort. However, adjusting the EQ levels along with the ANC also drains its battery pretty fast, and you might see a quick discharge of your earbuds.
- Comfort: The earbuds are very comfortable to wear and can deliver hours of music without causing any discomfort to your ears. The portable case also seems like a good feature for those who don't want to fill their pockets with giant cases. Yet, you might face some control issues and lags due to its small size, something that is absolutely not the case with the JBL Tune 130NC.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning Active Noise Cancellation
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Adjustable EQ and ANC
- Sync buttons allow instant pairing with new devices
Cons
- Unpredictable touch control
- Average call quality
Summary
The Soundcore Life P3 is jam-packed with excellent heavy bass and transparent highs, and that's just the first area where Soundcore wins a pat on the back.
The earbuds also offer five sets of ear tips, fitting for all small, medium, and large ears. It also supports a battery backup of seven hours, while the case itself carries a whopping 35 hours of battery backup.
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2. Jabra Elite 3
No matter how many features are packed into earbuds, the most important one is its sound quality, and the Jabra Elite 3 proves to be a gem.
With a durability rating of IP55, you can rest assured the earbuds will remain unaffected by jets of water, dust, or even small objects. But, what I find to be a major drawback in these feature-rich earbuds is the absence of an AAC audio codec, which creates ample hurdles for an iPhone user like me.
Specifications
- Controls: The controls of the Jabra Elite 3 seem like a life hack as it lets you control Spotify and even Alexa's voice assistant. However, at times, the controls lag, something that you won't find in the Google Pixel Buds A-Series.
- Connectivity: It also supports smooth connectivity–thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 and the Google fast pair features. Still, the unavailability of the AAC audio codec limits its true potential for iPhone users, unlike the JLab Go Air Pop, an earbud unit selling at half its price point.
- Sound: The sound quality of the earbuds is very impressive, considering the ultra-low price. Even if you’re in a crowded place, you’ll love the sound coming out of these buds. Not just that, you can easily make quick phone calls using these earbuds. However, the noise isolation is not that significant and fails to deliver like the ANC of Anker Soundcore Life P3.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hear-Through technology
- Lightweight and comfortable
- IP55 rating
Cons
- No AAC
- Poor passive soundstage
Summary
Unlike the Anker Soundcore Life P3, I found the call quality to be well worth the cost of the earbuds, as it delivers crisp audio with a decent microphone.
What I loved most about the Jabra Elite 3 is it lasted for over 7 hours in my tests, and it also packs an additional 28 hours of backup (3 charges) in the case. And that's not it. You can even charge your earbuds for an hour of playback in just 10 minutes– thanks to its fast charging support.
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3. JLab Go Air Pop
If there was a tournament for value-for-money earbuds delivering a plethora of features, I would place all my bets on the JLab Go Air Pop. That's because it not only includes the connectivity of Bluetooth 5.1 but also supports AAC and SBC codecs that give a better user experience to both Apple and Android users.
However, if you're thinking of recording a podcast or your singing sessions through super affordable earbuds, you may have to look for other options as it fails to deliver good results in this segment.
Specifications
- Battery Life: The battery backup of the JLab Go Air Pop is probably its best feature, as it offers a massive backup of around nine hours. Including the charging case, it can make your grooving session as long as 32 hours. On the contrary, the charging case could have had a better battery backup like the Anker Soundcore Space A40, which offers 50 hours of backup.
- Sound: The bass of these earbuds does not give any intolerable sibilance or poor experience. This means that you can enjoy your music in a very balanced sound profile without hurting your ears. However, you won't find any depth or dimension in these earbuds, and it also fails to deliver high frequencies–like cymbals.
- Comfort: JLab Go Air Pop stands firm when it comes to its comfort levels, as its small size and varying silicon tips make your long music sessions a breeze. However, it still does not feel as firm in the ears as the Jabra Elite 3, which seems to stick in the ears even when you're running on a treadmill.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great battery backup
- Terrific on-ear controls
- Great sound quality in this price segment
Cons
- No ANC
- The charging case is not water-resistant
Summary
I'd say that the JLab Go Air Pop is ideal for anyone who wants decent earbuds without having to spend a ton. Although its battery backup is breathtaking, the comfort is the highlight of the earbuds because of their small size and lightweight.
Not just that, it also offers a powerful performance during your workout sessions and in outdoor activities–thanks to its IPX4 durability rating.
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4. Anker Soundcore Space A40
Probably one of the most balanced earbuds on our list, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 delivers in all fronts. From an effective noise cancellation feature to a consistent audio output, these wireless earbuds are truly impressive. However, they don't come with any stabilizing wings like the other earbuds available at this price. So, you need to work with ear tips to find your perfect fit.
Specifications
- Controls: These buds feature all the basic control features. With the help of the Soundcore app, you can customize your music player's triggers and even toggle the volume controls.
- Connectivity: The connectivity of these Anker buds are top-notch as it powers Bluetooth 5.2 along with the support of SBC, LDAC, and even AAC codecs. Along with this, you also get a Bluetooth multipoint that lets you connect with two devices and toggle between them simultaneously.
- Sound Quality: You get a strong and steady bass in the Soundcore Space A40. Also, the noise cancellation does work quite well and can block a good amount of noise with the right ear tips that fit well in your ears. However, the higher tone does not have that sparkle to give it that upper edge.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Impressive Noise Cancellation
- Good sound quality
- Various EQ options
- Bluetooth Multipoint
Cons
- Below average microphone
Summary
These Anker buds also house one of the best battery backups in this price segment. The brand promises a continuous battery backup of around 10 hours and claims to give 50 hours of total playback along with its case.
Not just that, it also has 22 EQ presets in the Soundcore app that lets you customize your music as you want it.
So, these earbuds are a great option if these are the specifications you’re looking for.
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5. Beats Studio Buds
Beats Studio Buds feels like you're listening to your music without wearing anything in your ears. Yes, it is that lightweight.
Not just that, It also comes with an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and has a neutral sound profile, something which is not there in other earbuds of the brand. However, the ANC is not that great, and you can still loud noises with the feature on.
Specifications
- Sound Quality: These Beats Studio buds have a very versatile bass. This means that you can hear many different genres through these earbuds with ease. However, there is no feature to tweak the EQ of your buds through the companion app, which is a major setback.
- Battery: The battery is very average in these earbuds as they support only five hours of continuous playback. The case additionally holds two extra charges for the buds to get you through the day. That said, you do get fast charging support that gives you an hour of playback in just a five-minute charge.
- Comfort: Being ultra-lightweight buds, they are very comfortable to wear and don't pressure your ears. Although these buds come with physical buttons, they are still very much sensitive and responsive. That said, you even get three different ear tips to help you get the right fit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Different listening modes
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Impressive sound quality
Cons
- Sub-par noise canceling technology
- No W1 or H1 chip
- Absence of auto play/pause feature
Summary
Although the Beats Studio Buds come from Apple, they're made more compatible with Android users. I say this because there is no H1 or W1 chip in these buds.
This is why you won't be able to pair them with your iPhone seamlessly. On top of this, the already average ANC decreases the battery life of the buds to only five hours. However, they are super lightweight and comfortable, with impressive sound quality. They also have a durability rating of IPX4. This makes them a good option for those on a tight budget.
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6. OnePlus Buds Z2
Seems like OnePlus is not only limited to making quality budget smartphones, as the OnePlus Buds Z2 have been quite impressive in attracting the masses. Successor to the OnePlus Buds Z, these buds come with Active Noise Canceling technology and house other premium features like an IP55 durability rating and Dolby Atmos.
Specifications
- Connectivity: Coming with Bluetooth 5.2, these OnePlus buds also store the SBC and AAC codecs. This allows seamless pairing and better connection throughout your music sessions.
- Battery Life: If you keep the ANC on, these buds will last for around four hours which is pretty okay. Along with this, the case also gives an additional backup of 38 hours if you keep the ANC off.
- Sound Quality: This is the place where the OnePlus buds are exposed to its price. These buds fall victim to the same old frequency response, just like the other cheap earbuds. They also have a significant bass that seems boosted, and the treble keeps giving relatively quiet midrange reproductions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Decent noise cancelation
- Mono listening mode
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Auto play/pause
Cons
- Most of the good features are only available for OnePlus devices
- No option to customize the EQ
- No aptX
- Does not give wireless charging
Summary
There is no doubt that these buds go best with OnePlus phones. But, it has other excellent features that make it appealing for usage with other phones as well. Plus, the excellent ANC and the water and dust resistance make it the perfect choice for people who commute a lot.
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7. 1More PistonBuds Pro
1More’s PistonBuds Pro is the successor of the budget PistonBuds. It comes with Active Noise Cancelation, an improved battery backup, and tuned audio profiles. These buds have made a lot of improvements from their previous versions, but the noise cancellation still has a lot of scope for improvement.
Specifications
- Style: The 1More PistonBuds Pro look very sleek in design, and they do not bulge too far from your head. Overall, they have a very good style and are discreet in comparison to their competing earbuds.
- Battery Life: Perhaps the best quality of these buds, you get to enjoy a massive battery life that supports around 7.5 hours of playback without the ANC. However, if you use the ANC feature a lot, you will get only five hours of continuous playback. That said, you get an additional 30 hours of playback with its charging case.
- Sound Quality: If you are a music geek who loves to listen to a wider soundstage and want more depth in the audio, I suggest you look out for other earbuds than the 1More Pistonsbuds as they fail to deliver these aspects. However, if you're a casual listener who does not prioritize these factors, you can opt for these earbuds as they are good for all genres, with their 12 studio-grade EQs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sleek design
- Excellent battery backup
- Good companion app
Cons
- Poor ANC
- Below-average sound quality
Summary
These buds come with the latest Bluetooth 5.2 and support both SBC and AAC codecs. Not just that, the 10mm dynamic drivers also boost their ability to impress their audience.
It comes with an IP rating of IPX5, which gives an ultra layer of protection against dust and water.
Along with these features and the specs mentioned above, the 1More PistonBuds Pro has a lot to impress you with. They have upgraded a lot from the first PistonBuds and have a lot more to offer.
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8. Sony WF-C500
Sony has an entire legacy of making audio products that become overnight sensations. Similar to this, the Sony WF C500 lives up to this standard as they have many things to offer in a price range that is not very flexible.
These earbuds offer a comfortable fit and a good design that is worth admiring. However, you won't have any Active Noise Canceling feature in these buds, which is a big concern for those who love to commute with their earbuds on.
Specifications
- Connectivity: With Bluetooth 5.0 and the support of SBC and AAC codecs, these wireless buds give a smooth pairing experience to your phone. However, Android users might feel disappointed because the AAC codec is quite unreliable in their phone's hardware.
- Battery Life: You don’t have to worry about your buds dying on you thanks to their massive battery that gives 10 hours of continuous playback and an additional support of 18 hours.
- Sound Quality: It seems like Sony did not compromise a lot in this section of its earbuds. You get a neutral sound profile with different genres of music. Not just that, you even get to customize your EQ through Sony's exclusive companion app, which can do wonders for your sound quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable price
- Good sound quality
Cons
- No ANC
- Does not provide any aptX codecs
Summary
With so many headphones ruling the earbud category, Sony knows how to satisfy its customers, and it has done just that with the WF-C500. They come with prolific battery life, high-end sound quality, stellar features, and more.
However, you can still find tons of earbuds offering better features in this price range.
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9. Skullcandy Grind Fuel
One of the top earbuds from Skullcandy, these Grind Fuel buds are ideal for commuters. Thanks to its extra-long battery life, you don’t have to worry about it running out of charge. However, the absence of ANC contradicts its ability to come in use during travel.
They also have impressive tile-finding technology, ensuring that you never lose your earbuds again.
Specifications
- Build: These Skullcandy buds are very lightweight and feel quite premium to use. The plastic used in these buds seems sturdy, and the IP55 rating gives it extra dust and water resistance.
- Sound Quality: If you are a fan of rock and jazz, then you will love these buds as it gives that extra punch to the bass and has a mellow treble response that makes them ideal for these genres. Overall, it has a very warm sound profile.
- Stable Fit: You don't have to worry about these earbuds falling out of your ears during your workouts or even when you're out for a run. Thanks to its great fit and compact designs that holds it well onto the ears.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good battery life
- Decent sound quality
Cons
- Below-average noise cancellation
Summary
The Grind Fuel comes in a sleek design and fits well. However, they tend to go deep into your ears, which might create some discomfort if you are not used to them. That said, you can easily use these earbuds for over 9 hours on a single charge, and it also houses extra backup through its case that makes it last for almost 43 hours which is very impressive.
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10. Google Pixel Buds A-Series
If you are not a tech geek and you just want to relax and listen to your favorite tracks, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series is just the earbuds you need. Coming with a simple and subtle look, these earbuds from Google meet all your basic needs from a pair of budget earbuds.
However, the poor battery might create some issues for you if you are a traveler who wants longer hours of continuous playback.
Specifications
- Comfort: There is no doubt that the Pixel Buds A-Series has a very comfortable and soothing fit. Being lightweight, they don't put any pressure on the ears, and this makes controlling them easier.
- Noise Isolation: You can expect average noise isolation in these Google buds. However, If you were thinking of using these buds while traveling on a bus or plane, you're in for a disappointment. This is because these earbuds don't have the capacity to block such strong noises.
- Battery Life: The battery life in these earbuds is quite okay. Google claims these buds come with 5-hour continuous playback and many users reported this to be accurate. You also get 3.8 extra charges along with the case.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Seamless experience in Android devices
- Quick response touch controls
- Comfortable and lightweight
Cons
- Poor noise isolation
- Low bass
Summary
The sound quality in these buds is pretty good as you also get the option to adjust it through “Bass Boost,” a feature exclusively for the Pixel Buds. That said, the bass still falls short of luring the fans of EDM and hip hop, as it does not perform extremely well.
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Things to Consider while choosing the Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 [Buying Guide]
1. Product Design
Mostly, there are two basic designs of earbuds – stem and stemless.
The ‘stem' is the outside of the earbud, which is exposed and usually faces downwards. These types of earbuds have their primary microphones at the end of the stem. You can opt for these types of earbuds if you want a better calling experience, as their mics are closer to your mouth.
On the other hand, stemless earbuds are very lightweight and are more comfortable, letting you hit the gym or use them for longer without any discomfort.
Both kinds have their pros and cons and which one you buy comes solely down to what you’re going to be using your earbuds for.
2. Sound & Mic Quality
Everybody’s music preference is different, and because of this, it is not ideal for someone who listens to the acoustic genre to purchase earbuds that have a strong bass. This is why you should opt for earbuds that have a very balanced sound profile. This type of sound signature performs exceptionally well in all music genres.
Also, make sure your earbuds support a companion app, as it helps you to adjust your EQs accordingly.
3. Battery Life & Charging
Having earbuds with low battery life is a mood-buster, especially if you’re in a long commute or if you’ve just started working out. To avoid this, look out for those earbuds that come with good battery backup. You should also look out for those that support fast charging as they would make your life easier by giving you sufficient playback in just 10-15 minutes of charge.
4. Active Noise Cancelation
With technology advancing so rapidly, you should also keep up with it. The Active Noise Cancellation feature, which was only limited to the premium range of earbuds, is now available in the budget section as well, and you should definitely look out for it. This feature further improves your listening experience by reducing your background noise. Most may not have effective noise cancelation, but there are definitely good ones out there.
Make sure to do your research on the brand you want to purchase to ensure they have good Active Noise Canceling technology by reading other customer reviews and posts like this.
5. Connectivity
It's very annoying when your earbuds keep disconnecting from your phone, and that's why you should always opt for those gadgets that support the latest version of Bluetooth and also house the necessary codecs. Otherwise, no matter how good the bass or the treble of your earbuds are, you will have a poor experience if it has poor connectivity.
Conclusion
With this, we come to the end of this blog. If you ask me about my favorite pick out of all these earbuds, the Anker Soundcore Life P3 is definitely the best wireless earbuds for under $100. With a massive battery backup and adjustable Active Noise Cancelation, these earbuds fulfill all your needs if you want killer earbuds that can do it all for you. These also provide the best heavy bass out of all the budget earbuds listed here. However, you can check out the other options available in this category if you have a different use case or requirement.