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Wireless headphones and earbuds can make the day fly by with music, podcasts, or audiobooks. But finding a good pair that doesn't break the bank is challenging. Take heart, dear listener; some deals can save money and meet your needs.
Since 2014, we've tested over 100 headphones and earbuds, including the 10 budget-friendly options in this review. After countless hours of testing sound quality, comfort, and more, we rank them in order, starting with our favorites.
Our favorite budget headphones are the wireless 1More Sonoflow. They offer a balanced sound mix, comfy earcups, clear calls, and more. If your budget is smaller, the Tozo H2 are super comfortable and have good sound, making them a good choice for anyone, especially if you don't need excellent call quality or noise blocking.
The EarFun Air Pro 4 blew us away with a pleasantly punchy sound, loads of features, and rare-for-the-price ANC. While the calls could be clearer, for the price, it excels. If your budget can stretch, the Nothing Ear Wireless offers an impressive listening experience, call quality, and comfort on par with more premium buds but for a price of less than half.
Love your current headphones, but you're ready for a premium upgrade? Check out our wireless earbuds and wireless headphones reviews that include the best of the best. Alternatively, if sound quality on a budget is your top priority, and you don't mind being tethered, a pair of wired earbuds or wired headphones can satisfy a tight budget and picky ears.
The 1More SonoFlow is an impressive pair of budget headphones with remarkable sound quality, good noise blocking properties, and a comfortable fit. We love the cushioning earcups and the gentle clamping force for a secure and comfy feeling suitable for up to 7.5 hours of wear. The sound quality is good and offers a pleasant listening experience that is neither muddled nor dull. The soundstage is broad but not tall and does a decent job placing instruments around you, even if it isn't very detailed.
The 1More app isn't anything to write home about, with less true customization and a heavy focus on presets. We wish it had a connection management section for multipoint convenience, but still, it isn't as clunky as some competitors, and the user-friendliness is good. One tester noted, “I had trouble connecting to a second device in the same room as the first device, which was frustrating.” The TOZO H2's app is marginally better, but both are on par with what you'd expect for the lower price. Something better will cost more. Overall, the 1More is an impressive set of headphones that lets you dip into the headphone world without breaking the bank or being frustrated with what you get.
While this review is for the standout options under $100, it is nearly impossible not to mention the Nothing Ear Wireless that is often on sale for about $30 more. It doesn't meet the budget we set, but it could be a price many listeners want to stretch or plan for, given its impressive sound quality. Before you think we pulled a switcheroo on you, hear us out. The Nothing Ear is a fantastic find in the earbud world, bringing together compelling sound quality, better comfort and stability, with an impressive app and better call quality than most competitors in this price range. We almost couldn't help but add it to the list.
These earbuds don't have the best noise-blocking power, but it isn't bad for the price. It offers a slight numbing to surrounding noises, but doesn't meet the threshold of providing a silent space for contemplation. If noise cancellation in an earbud is your primary goal, the EarFun Air Pro 4 does this better and costs less. We hope you can indulge us in this step outside the upper price limit with the Nothing Ear, as its price is still a third or half that of premium buds, but its performance is almost on par. With its exceptional performance, keeping a product this great to ourselves is hard.
For the best mix of quality sound, features, and noise blocking, look no further than the affordable EarFun Air Pro 4. These lightweight, secure buds are incredibly powerful. “I was pleasantly surprised with their rich sound that complements any musical genre,” praised one tester. The EarFun also has a plethora of audio presets, customizable sound settings, the new LE audio support, and auto-pause. We were impressed with the thoughtful features often lacking in more affordable models, like active noise cancellation (ANC), a perk no other budget option has. While imperfect, you won't find better ANC in a budget bud.
We noticed phone calls sound grainy, especially in noisy public settings. You might want to look elsewhere if you make more than occasional calls, especially in loud environments. For clearer phone calls, consider the Google Pixel Buds A-Series. They're more comfortable than the Earfun, but the sound quality and battery life fall short of the EarFun's 7.8-hour playback time. We think the EarFun is an excellent value that brings a lot to the table, making it a good choice for most listeners who skip the phone call chit chats.
The EarFun performed well in all our tests, though we still see room for improvement in call quality.
The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X are a basic set of wired buds that allow you to forget the battery woes and pairing trouble in favor of simple old school plug and play. As one tester said, “I prefer to plug things in and forget about it. I don't want to download an app or create a profile.” This pair of buds is easy to use, comes with four silicone tips, and is comfortable to wear. They do an impressive job of sculpting the soundstage, offering depth and immersive sound we didn't see in most wired options. They also come with a microphone and provide some of the clearest call quality compared to the competition.
While being wired means no worries about batteries, pairing, or messing with a case, it does mean tangled wires and accidentally getting caught in the worst, or pulling them free from your ears or device. While not a deal breaker if it saves you some cash for better sound quality, it could make rigorous activities more challenging. The Linsoul provides good sound and is easy to use, with an overall performance that is on par with more expensive earbuds, but the wired design could be a deal breaker for some. If you'd rather live life untethered, the EarFun are a good pair of wireless earbuds that are sure to please the casual listener. If you're willing to pay more than a hundred bucks, we also love the Nothing Ear Wireless.
The Tozo HT2 are comfortable over-ear design headphones with better-than-average sound quality. While not nuanced in detail, the sound quality offers enough dimension to feel spread out with an inspired space and depth for the price. The bass is warm and maintains its presence without overpowering the other frequencies. The headphones offer good padding on the earcups and a gentle clamping force that keeps them in place without feeling like a vice. As one tester said, “These are pretty dang comfortable.”
The Tozo is not a high-end headphone, and the earcup material has a more plastic feel than we prefer. While it feels comfortable, it can get slick if sweaty, so earbuds might be a better choice if activities are your thing. Also, the call quality is only so-so, so if placing calls is your regular habit, you might want to look elsewhere, like the 1More Sonoflow, which has better call quality and noise cancellation. If you aim to save some money with better sound and a comfy fit, the Tozo can get the job done and then some with Bose-inspired comfort.
The JBL Endurance Run 2 is a wired earbud for running. While not mind-blowing, they provide the space for sound to prevent muddiness from overwhelming the mix. The bass is understated and not as loud as some competitors, but for the price, testers felt it sounded, “pretty dang good!” They provide a muffling of the world around you, a level of passive noise cancellation that can help bring calm, but could be more than you want for awareness out in the world. The call quality is better than average, making them a well-rounded pair of buds on a budget.
Like other wired options, these can get tangled or accidentally pulled from your ears. But the tradeoff is no worries about batteries or a carry case. While you might need an adapter depending on your device, it is a small price to pay to avoid pairing issues. We also didn't think they were as stable as others designed for activity, and some users could feel the tip sneaking out of the ear canal. The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X did a better job of staying put. Overall, the Endurance are a nice, cheap pair of wired buds that can do it all with better-than-average performance for a below-average price.
Designed for active wearers, the Endurance could be a good choice for budget running buds.
The Soundcore Q20i has an intriguing price that offers impressive call quality and noise cancellation on a budget. The Active Noise Cancellation provides an average of over 25 dB of blocking ability, and the calls are clear even in busy environments with competing sounds. We like the softer materials and the gentle clamping force of the band.
These headphones fail to deliver exciting sound with a limited mix that is neither sparkly nor inspirational. They provide a thin sound with a smallish soundstage, but the lows are punchy and powerful if bass is your thing. Better sound quality can be found in the Tozo H2 or the 1More Sonoflow, with prices slightly below and above the Q20i. If your goals are the best noise cancellation paired with great call quality in a lower-priced headphone, then the Q could be the best for you, but if you make fewer calls or are willing to spend a little more, there are better competitors.
The JLab Go Pop+ buds are wicked cheap, and still manage decent sound. The audio is not overly harsh or tinny, with sound quality that will please those who favor music in the mid ranges, which sounds warm and rich. The Pop+ has admirable performance in many metrics, but the app is a pleasant surprise. We really like the safe hearing feature, environmental awareness mode, and fun colors. One tester remarked, “These buds come in several fun colors and the volume limiting feature makes them good for teens.”
The audio is pleasant but not pristine, and the bass sometimes felt too amped up for fans of a neutral sound. Our music expert said, “Occasionally, I think the bass takes the lead, causing some distortion and disagreement with lead vocals.” The manual pairing process is cumbersome when switching between devices, but it isn't complicated. If you prefer an extra turnt bass, ultra waterproof design, and super stable fit for gym excursions, consider the TOZO T10. However, the JLab is better for sound, comfort, and features.
The JLab Go Air Pop+ offers decent sound, comfy fit, great battery life, and a handy app—all for under $30. There's no ANC, but they’re top-tier at blocking noise passively.
The Google Pixel Buds A-Series combines a comfortable, secure fit with a rugged, trail-ready design for active adventures. “I love how lightweight and unobtrusive they feel,” praised one tester. The design makes extended listening sessions or phone calls more enjoyable. Plus, the IP67 rating means they can handle dust, sweat, and even full water submersion without a problem.
These buds have a ridiculously short battery life of 4.5 hours. The EarFun lasts close to 8 hours, making it a better choice if longer listening time is your priority. Also, the app is Android-only, so iOS users won't have sound customization and Adaptive Sound that auto-adjusts the volume to your surroundings. Again, the EarFun is a good choice because it isn't specific to one operating system. We also had trouble with the music cutting out randomly, and the passive noise cancellation is subpar (no active cancellation). As one expert said, “I think the Pixel is an enjoyable listening experience, but it doesn't knock my socks off.” Overall, the Pixel is a good choice for Android users looking for a rugged pair for active adventures.
While wired headphones aren't for everyone, if you think you wouldn't mind being tethered, the Sony MDR-7506 are an impressive, cheap pair with better sound quality. These headphones provide nice sound with present (not overpowering) bass. It could use more of a three-dimensional feel, feeling two-dimensional at times, with underwhelming bass.
These headphones do not have active noise cancellation, and their passive cancellation is relatively nonexistent. The wireless 1More SonoFlow is a better choice if you want better cancellation. They also aren't as comfortable as other choices, with only a few hours of comfortable wearing time compared to closer to 10 hours for the 1More. These are also microphone-free, so you can focus on the music with no call interruptions. While the MDR might fill a niche for those tethered to a workstation or single room, it isn't a good fit for most who want to wear headphones for extended periods, make phone calls, or love great sound.
If good sound quality is the goal over freedom of movement or noise cancellation, the MDR could be a potential choice for those tethered to a desk.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We test each pair of budget headphones and earbuds with our head simulator and our panel of expert audio ears.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Test
We purchased and analyzed the top-rated budget earbuds and headphones. Based on the ideology Listen Inc. CEO, Steve Temme, we built a cutting-edge audio studio equipped with a Brüel & Kjaer Type 5128 head simulator to objectively measure everything from sound quality to noise canceling and call quality. In our tests, we work to find the best sound for the price, a comfortable and secure fit, and more.
Our head simulator and SoundCheck software provide unbiased scientific analyses paramount to our testing process.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
Spearheading this project are Senior Review Analysts, Graham Faulknor and Rachael Lamore. Graham is an engineer and professional product tester with over 15 years of experience. Rachael is a scientist, pianist, and clarinetist. Rounding out the team is Review Editor Lissette Velasquez. She has worked in scientific research for over 10 years and is the author of several academic publications.
Numerous sound engineers, music experts, and product testers make this highly technical review possible.
How to Choose Budget Headphones or Earbuds
Buying inexpensive earbuds or headphones requires a few considerations and possible concessions to get the best bang for your buck.
Finding good budget buds in a sea of expensive options can be daunting.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort is Job One
Some argue that finding a comfortable pair of buds or headphones is the most critical consideration. If you dislike wearing them, sound quality and features don't matter. You can hedge your bets by critically assessing the size and shape of your ear/head and your tolerance for different-sized buds, on-ear vs over-ear headphones, or the kinds of activities you like.
With comfort in mind, the Nothing Ear Wireless is at the top of the game with multiple silicone ear tips and a lightweight design that suits many ear shapes and sizes. The Google Pixel Buds A-Series are next in line, feeling light and unobtrusive for most. The JLab were the most disappointing wireless earbuds, with a poor fit in most ear canals, resulting in pressure in the inner ear for some and shifting out of the ear for others. However, for the price, and depending on the application, we can see it being worth the risk to discover if they fit you well.
For comfy headphones, the Tozo HT2 and the 1More Sonoflow are our favorites with a diminished clamping force and softly padded cups. The Sony WHCH520, an on-ear wireless headphone in our notable section, is the most uncomfortable with limited padding that puts pressure everywhere. We much prefer the over-ear design that rests on your head around your ear and not on the cartilage rim of your ear. The Sony MDR-7506, a wired headphone, is also hard to wear for long with disappointing padding, resulting in a crushing feeling on our outer ear.
Google Pixel Buds A-SeriesEarFun Air Pro 4
The photos above compare Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs. EarFun Air Pro 4 in In-Ear Photo
Finding a stable fit can propel you forward or upside down without missing a beat. The Google Pixel A-Series felt incredibly stable, but the Earfun Air Pro 4 was the most impressive. Users thought the EarFun were great for workouts and outdoor activities. If wired buds are your thing, the JBL Endurance are designed for active, sweaty activities. The headphones were the least stable in the group, as they were likelier to fall off or slip when engaging in rigorous activities or after getting sweaty. The Sony MDR-7506 were arguably the least stable and have a fit and cable cord designed for sitting still.
Despite the low price tag, our music experts still found the EarFun Air Pro 4 to provide a pleasant listening experience.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Thoughts on Sound
Not all listeners need top-of-the-line sound. While less expensive audio typically lacks the same sound quality and soundstage as higher-end options, many offer good enough sound for most casual listeners with an enjoyable mix and a wide enough soundstage to please.
The wired options offered the best overall sound in the group, trading better sound quality for a wire or cable. The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X managed to evoke space, depth, and a sense of atmosphere that was unexpected in a cheap, unassuming bud. The Sony MDR-7506 provides a smooth sound that isn't bass-heavy, though some listeners might wish it were. The best sounding wireless options are the Nothing Ear Wireless, Tozo H2, 1More Sonoflow, and EarFun. All deliver a satisfying rumble across hip-hop, EDM, and rock tracks, warm, textured mids across pop, R&B, and country genres, and crisp, bright highs in folk and instrumentals with good clarity.
The worst sound quality option is the Soundcore Q20i, which sounds flat with a thin quality and a small soundstage. It is somewhat watery and lacks a full-bodied depth. The lowest performing wireless buds are the Google Pixel Buds A-Series. While significantly better than the Soundcore. It never felt off-kilter or unbalanced, but it lacks the depth and breadth to feel sparkly and engaging. The clarity is fine but loses some crispness in the higher frequencies.
Most budget buds skip ANC, but a snug fit - like that on the JLab Go Air Pop+ - still helps minimize distractions to keep you in the zone.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Special Features
Spending less typically results in getting fewer features. Not as many budget finds offer ANC, and most lack adjustable sound features, while others have clunky apps or difficulty connecting to multiple devices.
An abundance of tip sizes helps achieve a better fit across a variety of ear sizes.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
You need to determine which features are the most important or which might be deal breakers if they aren't offered. If your list of deal breakers is long, you might need to save up for higher-end competitors.
Most budget buds skip location tracking, but EarFun provides a chime you can ping to help you hunt them down.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Nothing Ear Wireless, EarFun and JLab Go Pop+ all have excellent, user-friendly apps for customizing sound and more. Our favorite bonus features include Nothing Ear and EarFun's lost earbud chime for tracking down a missing bud and JLab's maximum volume limiter for kid-friendly listening.
Other Notable Budget Headphones
There are many impressive budget headphones and earbuds on the market, but not all made our final cut. Here are some compelling choices to consider.
Sony WHCH520—This on-ear headphone from Sony might save you money, and we get the appeal of a high-quality pair. If call quality is your primary goal, then perhaps you will be happy. However, the subpar sound quality and uncomfortable design are hard to swallow compared to the cheaper TOZO T2, which is far more comfortable and has better sound for a lower price.
Soundcore p20i — A much-beloved cheap set of buds that does what you need but isn't full of bells and whistles, with a price that helps you forget what it might be lacking.
JBL Vibe Beam — These buds are relatively comfortable, have a longer battery life and three additional charges, but the sound is disappointing for music lovers.
JBL Tune 720 BT — While the JBL brand might be intriguing, it offers poor sound, disappointing comfort, and subpar noise cancellation, taking it out of the running despite the lower price.
Soundcore Space One — This is a below-average option with acceptable noise cancellation and adequate comfort, but the disappointing sound quality will leave you wanting.
EarFun Wave Pro — A well-regarded pair of headphones with more features than many competitors in this price range.
TOZO T10 — is a below-average bud with no ANC and lackluster sound.
There are dozens of wireless earbuds to choose from, but only a handful you'll genuinely love depending on your needs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
Finding a wallet-friendly set of headphones can be challenging. Audio is often a gear category where you get what you pay for. While many audiophiles will demand the best sound quality possible, most of us will be pleased as punch with a little less, or as Goldilocks felt, a middle-of-the-road choice that is just right. If your goal is to spend under a hundred dollars without disappointment, we think there are compelling options for most listeners, especially those who worry less about soundstage quality and more about their favorite podcast.
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Lissette Velasquez
