I've gone through more pairs of wireless earbuds than I care to admit. Some of that's my fault — I left a pair in my jeans pocket and Lidiya ran them through the wash. Some of it's just the reality of trying to find earbuds that actually sound good without spending $250. After testing over a dozen pairs in the last year, I can tell you this: you don't need to spend AirPods Pro money to get AirPods Pro-level satisfaction.
These are the best wireless earbuds under $100 that we've actually used, worn to the gym, taken on calls, and in one case, accidentally stepped on. Every pick below has been tested in our home office in Marietta, on walks, during workouts, and on way too many Zoom calls.
[rtg_callout type="tip" title="How We Test"]We use each pair of earbuds for a minimum of two weeks before writing about them. That includes calls, music, podcasts, workouts, and the ultimate test — whether Lidiya tries to claim them as her own.[/rtg_callout]Quick Comparison: Best Budget Wireless Earbuds
| Earbuds | Price | Battery Life | ANC | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-C700N | See current price | 10h (15h w/ case) | Yes | Overall Value | 9.2 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds FE | See current price | 6h (21h w/ case) | Yes | Android Users | 8.8 |
| JBL Tune Beam | See current price | 10h (40h w/ case) | Yes | Battery Life | 8.7 |
| Soundcore Space A40 | See current price | 10h (50h w/ case) | Yes | Budget ANC | 8.9 |
| Google Pixel Buds A-Series | See current price | 5h (24h w/ case) | No | Google/Pixel Users | 8.3 |
| Jabra Elite 4 | See current price | 7h (28h w/ case) | Yes | Work Calls | 9.0 |
| EarFun Air Pro 4 | See current price | 11h (52h w/ case) | Yes | Value ANC | 8.6 |
Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 — Detailed Reviews
1. Sony WF-C700N — Best Overall Under $100
[rtg_product name="Sony WF-C700N" rating="9.2" url="/go/sony-wf-c700n" badge="Best Overall"]| Driver Size | 5mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Battery (Buds) | 10 hours |
| Battery (Case) | 15 hours |
| ANC | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | 4.6g per bud |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Here's the thing — Sony knows how to tune earbuds. The WF-C700N punches so far above its price that I genuinely forget these cost under $70. The bass is present without being muddy, vocals are clear, and the soundstage is wider than you'd expect from budget buds.
I wear these on my morning walks around the Marietta Square, and the noise cancellation handles traffic and wind surprisingly well. It's not WF-1000XM5 level, obviously, but it takes the edge off enough that I can actually hear my podcasts without cranking the volume.
The fit is what sold me. I have slightly smaller ear canals (thanks, genetics), and a lot of earbuds feel like I'm stuffing corks in my ears. These sit shallow and light. I've done three-hour stretches without any discomfort. The multipoint connection is clutch too — I switch between my laptop and phone without fumbling through Bluetooth settings.
Honestly, if you want one recommendation and don't want to read the rest of this article, it's these. They're the reason I started paying attention to Sony's budget lineup.
[rtg_buy_button url="/go/sony-wf-c700n" text="Check Price on Amazon"]2. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE — Best for Android Users
[rtg_product name="Samsung Galaxy Buds FE" rating="8.8" url="/go/samsung-galaxy-buds-fe" badge="Best for Android"]| Driver Size | 6.5mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Battery (Buds) | 6 hours (ANC on) |
| Battery (Case) | 21 hours |
| ANC | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX2 |
| Weight | 5.6g per bud |
| Multipoint | No (Samsung ecosystem switching) |
Samsung basically took the best parts of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and figured out how to sell them for less. If you're in the Samsung ecosystem — Galaxy phone, Galaxy tablet, maybe a Galaxy Watch — these are a no-brainer. The seamless switching between Samsung devices is smooth in a way that feels like Apple's ecosystem but, you know, for the rest of us.
The sound signature leans bass-heavy, which I personally enjoy for hip-hop and R&B. Lidiya uses these for her morning workout playlists and hasn't complained once, which from her is basically a five-star review.
My one gripe is the battery life. Six hours with ANC on is fine for most people, but if you're doing a long travel day or back-to-back meetings, you'll be reaching for the case. The case itself holds plenty of charge — it's the per-session stamina that's a little short.
Look, if you own a Samsung phone, stop reading and just get these. The integration alone is worth it. If you're on a Pixel or other Android phone, keep reading — there are better options for you.
[rtg_buy_button url="/go/samsung-galaxy-buds-fe" text="Check Price on Amazon"]3. JBL Tune Beam — Best Battery Life
[rtg_product name="JBL Tune Beam" rating="8.7" url="/go/jbl-tune-beam" badge="Best Battery"]| Driver Size | 10mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Battery (Buds) | 10 hours |
| Battery (Case) | 40 hours |
| ANC | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | 5.1g per bud |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Fifty hours of total battery. Let that sink in for a second. I charged the JBL Tune Beam on a Monday and didn't think about them again until the following week. For people who hate the "low battery" anxiety, these are the answer.
The 10mm drivers give these a full, warm sound that JBL is known for. They're not as refined as the Sonys at the top of this list, but they've got an energy to them that makes rock and pop music sound really fun. I used the JBL Headphones app to bump up the mids a bit, and they transformed into solid all-rounders.
The fit is my only real concern. They're a bit chunkier than some competitors, and if you have smaller ears, you might find them sticking out. I was fine, but Lidiya said they felt like she had doorknobs in her ears. Your mileage will vary based on ear size.
At this price point, these are stupid good value. If battery life is your top priority and you don't want to think about charging for days at a time, the Tune Beam is the pick.
[rtg_buy_button url="/go/jbl-tune-beam" text="Check Price on Amazon"]4. Soundcore Space A40 — Best Budget ANC
[rtg_product name="Soundcore Space A40" rating="8.9" url="/go/soundcore-space-a40" badge="Best Budget ANC"]| Driver Size | 10mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Battery (Buds) | 10 hours |
| Battery (Case) | 50 hours |
| ANC | Yes (Adaptive) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | 4.9g per bud |
| Multipoint | Yes |
This is the pair that made me realize the budget earbud market had officially caught up to premium. Adaptive noise cancellation — where the earbuds automatically adjust ANC strength based on your environment — for under $50. A year ago that would've been unthinkable.
Lidiya stole my first pair of these, which I'm still annoyed about. So I ordered a second set, which tells you everything about how good they are. She uses them for work calls from our home office, and I use mine for everything else. The sound is detailed and open, with LDAC support if your phone can handle it.
The ANC is genuinely impressive. It won't match Sony's flagship noise cancellation, but it handles office noise, AC hum, and general background chatter really well. I tested these at a coffee shop on Roswell Street, and I could barely hear the espresso machine three feet away.
Honestly, the Space A40 might be the single best value on this entire list. At this price point, there's almost nothing to complain about.
[rtg_buy_button url="/go/soundcore-space-a40" text="Check Price on Amazon"]5. Google Pixel Buds A-Series — Best for Google/Pixel Users
[rtg_product name="Google Pixel Buds A-Series" rating="8.3" url="/go/google-pixel-buds-a" badge="Best for Pixel"]| Driver Size | 12mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| Battery (Buds) | 5 hours |
| Battery (Case) | 24 hours |
| ANC | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 |
| Weight | 5.06g per bud |
| Multipoint | No |
No noise cancellation. Short battery life. Bluetooth 5.0 in 2026. On paper, the Pixel Buds A-Series shouldn't be on this list. But Google did something clever — they made earbuds that just work with Pixel phones in a way that feels effortless.
The Google Assistant integration is the best I've used on any earbuds. Squeeze the bud, ask a question, get an answer. The real-time translation feature is a party trick that occasionally becomes genuinely useful — my mom speaks Amharic, and while the translation isn't perfect, it's impressive enough to make her laugh.
The stabilizer arc design means these stay put. I've jogged, done yard work, and nodded off on the couch without them budging. Comfort-wise, they're top three on this list.
The sound is clean and balanced. Not exciting, not boring — just accurate. If you care more about clarity for podcasts and calls than thumping bass for music, these deliver.
But I can't ignore the missing features. No ANC is a real limitation in 2026, and five hours of battery means you're charging mid-day. If you own a Pixel and value the Google ecosystem, these are great. Otherwise, the Sonys or Soundcores are better all-around picks.
[rtg_buy_button url="/go/google-pixel-buds-a" text="Check Price on Amazon"]6. Jabra Elite 4 — Best for Work Calls
[rtg_product name="Jabra Elite 4" rating="9.0" url="/go/jabra-elite-4" badge="Best for Calls"]| Driver Size | 6mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 |
| Battery (Buds) | 7 hours |
| Battery (Case) | 28 hours |
| ANC | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP55 |
| Weight | 4.6g per bud |
| Multipoint | Yes |
If you work from home and spend half your day on calls, stop scrolling. The Jabra Elite 4 exists specifically for you.
Jabra has been making business communication devices for decades, and it shows. The microphone on these is noticeably better than everything else on this list. I've taken calls from our home office while Lidiya was vacuuming in the next room, and my colleagues said they couldn't hear a thing. That's not marketing fluff — that's real-world testing with a Dyson running full blast.
The multipoint connection is where these really shine for remote work. Connected to my laptop for Zoom calls and my phone for everything else, switching happens automatically and reliably. No more "hold on, let me switch my Bluetooth" moments.
Sound-wise, the Elite 4 is tuned for voice clarity. Music sounds good — clean, detailed, a little clinical. If you want bass that rattles your brain, these aren't it. But for podcasts, audiobooks, and calls, the clarity is outstanding.
At this price point, these are the most expensive pick on this list. But if calls are a big part of your day, the microphone quality alone justifies the price difference. Check out our full remote work gear guide for more home office picks.
[rtg_buy_button url="/go/jabra-elite-4" text="Check Price on Amazon"]7. EarFun Air Pro 4 — Best Newcomer
[rtg_product name="EarFun Air Pro 4" rating="8.6" url="/go/earfun-air-pro-4" badge="Best Newcomer"]| Driver Size | 11mm |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| Battery (Buds) | 11 hours |
| Battery (Case) | 52 hours |
| ANC | Yes (Adaptive, up to -50dB) |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
| Weight | 5.2g per bud |
| Multipoint | Yes |
EarFun isn't a name most people know, and that's exactly why these are underpriced. The Air Pro 4 packs specs that read like a $150 pair of earbuds: Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and 52 hours of total battery. At this price point, that's an unbelievable amount of tech for the money.
I'll be upfront — the -50dB noise cancellation claim is optimistic. In my testing, the ANC is good, maybe very good, but it's not quite matching what Sony or Bose do at the premium level. It does handle steady-state noise (airplane hum, office HVAC, traffic) well, and that's what matters for most people.
The sound is warm and engaging with those big 11mm drivers. There's a nice low-end thump that doesn't overpower mids and highs. I've been using these during evening walks and for weekend music sessions, and they consistently impress me for the price.
The wireless charging is a nice bonus — I just drop the case on my charging pad and forget about it. No fumbling with cables. At this price point, the EarFun Air Pro 4 is the dark horse of this list.
[rtg_buy_button url="/go/earfun-air-pro-4" text="Check Price on Amazon"]How to Choose Wireless Earbuds Under $100
Here's the thing — at this price point, almost every pair of earbuds is "good enough." The real question is what matters most to you. Here's how I'd think about it.
Sound Quality
Every pair on this list sounds good. But "good" means different things. The Sony WF-C700N is balanced and refined. The JBL Tune Beam is bass-forward and fun. The Jabra Elite 4 is tuned for vocal clarity. Think about what you listen to most — music, podcasts, calls — and pick accordingly.
If your phone supports LDAC (most newer Android phones do), the Soundcore Space A40 and EarFun Air Pro 4 can take advantage of high-res Bluetooth audio. It's a noticeable step up from standard SBC or AAC codecs, especially with well-mastered tracks.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC used to be a luxury feature. Now every sub earbud has it except the Pixel Buds A-Series. But quality varies a lot. The Sony and Soundcore models have the best ANC on this list. The JBL and EarFun are decent. The Samsung is solid but not standout.
If you work in a noisy environment or commute on public transit, prioritize ANC. If you mostly use earbuds at home in a quiet room, you can probably skip it and save a few bucks.
Battery Life
This ranges from 5 hours (Pixel Buds A-Series) to 11 hours (EarFun Air Pro 4) per charge, and from 15 hours (Sony case) to 52 hours (EarFun case) total. For most people, 7-8 hours per charge is plenty. But if you're a heavy user or you travel frequently, aim for 10+ hours per charge with a case that gets you through the week.
Comfort and Fit
This is the most personal factor, and no review can fully predict it for you. I have medium-sized ears and found everything on this list comfortable. Lidiya has smaller ears and struggled with the JBL Tune Beam and EarFun Air Pro 4 but loved the Sony and Jabra fits. Most earbuds come with multiple ear tip sizes — try them all before deciding the fit isn't right.
Microphone Quality
If you take calls, this matters more than sound quality. The Jabra Elite 4 is the clear winner here. The Sony is decent. Everything else is adequate but unexceptional. For remote workers who are on calls daily, mic quality should be near the top of your priority list.
[rtg_callout type="tip" title="Save More on Earbuds"]Prices on budget earbuds fluctuate constantly. Check our deals page — we track price drops on all our recommended products, and earbuds go on sale more often than you'd think.[/rtg_callout]Earbuds for Work vs Working Out
I get asked this a lot: "Can I just buy one pair and use them for everything?" You can. But if your budget allows two pairs — one for work and one for exercise — you'll be happier. Here's why.
For Work and Calls
You need great microphone quality, comfortable long-wear design, multipoint connection (to switch between laptop and phone), and ANC to block out household noise. The Jabra Elite 4 was built for this. The Sony WF-C700N is a strong second choice.
Look, I work from home full-time. I'm in earbuds 4-6 hours a day. Comfort and call quality aren't nice-to-haves — they're requirements. A pair that sounds amazing for music but has a muddy mic will make your coworkers hate you. Don't be that person.
For Working Out
You need a secure fit that won't budge during movement, sweat and water resistance (IPX4 minimum, IPX5 preferred), and sound that's energizing. The EarFun Air Pro 4 with its IPX5 rating and secure fit is my gym pick. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE with the wing tip design also stays put during workouts.
A word on water resistance ratings: IPX2 (Samsung) means it can handle a little sweat. IPX4 (most of this list) handles splashes and moderate sweat. IPX5 (Jabra, EarFun) can handle sustained low-pressure water. None of these should go swimming with you.
For Both (The Compromise Pick)
If you're only buying one pair, the Sony WF-C700N or Soundcore Space A40 strike the best balance. Good mics, good sound, good fit, IPX4 water resistance. They won't be the absolute best at any single thing, but they'll be solid at everything. That's the smart play for most people.
What About AirPods?
I know someone's going to ask. Regular AirPods (3rd gen) hover around $140-170, so they're out of budget. AirPods Pro 2 are $180+, definitely out. And honestly? For the $100 and under category, Android-friendly options like the Sony WF-C700N and Soundcore Space A40 give AirPods a run for their money on sound quality alone.
If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and can stretch your budget, AirPods are fine. But if $100 is your ceiling, you're not missing out. The picks on this list are that good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wireless earbuds under $100 actually good in 2026?
Yes, and it's not even close to what budget earbuds sounded like three or four years ago. Features like adaptive ANC, LDAC codec support, and multipoint Bluetooth that used to be exclusive to $200+ earbuds are now standard at the $50-80 range. I've tested earbuds at every price point, and the gap between $70 earbuds and $250 earbuds has never been smaller. You're paying a premium for incremental improvements at the high end.
Which wireless earbuds under $100 are best for phone calls?
The Jabra Elite 4 is the clear winner for call quality. Jabra's background in business communication headsets shows — the microphone handles wind and background noise better than anything else in this price range. If calls are a big part of your day, especially for remote work, the Jabra is worth the extra cost over cheaper options.
Do budget wireless earbuds have good noise cancellation?
The best ones do. The Sony WF-C700N and Soundcore Space A40 both have ANC that genuinely reduces background noise — office chatter, traffic, AC hum, airplane engines. They won't match the silence of $300 Sony or Bose flagship buds, but for most everyday situations, they get the job done. The Soundcore's adaptive ANC is particularly impressive, automatically adjusting noise cancellation strength based on your environment.
How long do budget wireless earbuds last before they break?
In my experience, expect 2-3 years of solid use from any pair on this list, assuming you're not actively abusing them. Battery degradation is the main long-term concern — after about 18-24 months, you might notice the per-charge battery life drop by 15-20%. The physical build quality on all these picks is solid. I've been using the Soundcore Space A40 for over a year now with zero issues.
Can I use budget earbuds for running and exercise?
Most of them, yes — but check the water resistance rating. Look for IPX4 or higher. The EarFun Air Pro 4 (IPX5) and Jabra Elite 4 (IP55) are the most workout-friendly picks on this list. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE at IPX2 is barely sweat-resistant, so I'd skip those for intense workouts. Fit matters too — earbuds that feel fine sitting at a desk can fall out mid-run. The Samsung's wing tips and Google's stabilizer arcs help with secure fit during movement.
What's the single best pair of wireless earbuds under $100 right now?
The Sony WF-C700N. It's not the cheapest, doesn't have the longest battery, and isn't the best at calls. But it has the best combination of sound quality, comfort, ANC, and build quality in this price range. It's the pair I grab most often when I'm heading out the door, and that says more than any spec sheet.
The Bottom Line
You don't need to spend top dollar+ to get earbuds that sound great, cancel noise, and last all day. Every pair on this list is one I'd genuinely recommend to a friend. The Sony WF-C700N is the best all-around pick. The Soundcore Space A40 is the best value. The Jabra Elite 4 is the best for work. And the EarFun Air Pro 4 is the dark horse that keeps surprising me.
Pick the one that matches how you'll actually use them, not the one with the best spec sheet. And if prices have dropped since I wrote this, even better — check our deals page for current pricing.
For more picks across all categories, explore our tech accessories hub and our complete remote work gear guide.