We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
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 offer good sound, making them a good choice for anyone, especially if you don't require excellent call quality or noise cancellation.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus blew us away with a pleasant sound mix, loads of features, a comfortable fit, and rare-for-the-price ANC. While the calls could be clearer and the ANC could be better, 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 that offer remarkable sound quality, good noise-blocking properties, and a comfortable fit. We love the cushioning earcups and the gentle clamping force, which provides a secure and comfortable fit suitable for up to 7.5 hours of wear. The SonoFlow offers a pleasant listening experience that is neither muddled nor dull. The soundstage is broad but not tall, and it does a decent job of placing instruments around you, even if it isn't very detailed.
The 1More app is basic, with limited customization and a strong focus on presets. We wish it had a connection management section for multipoint convenience, but it isn't as clunky as some competitors. 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 comparable to what we'd expect for the price. Overall, the 1More is an impressive set of headphones that doesn't break the bank or cause frustration.
The 1More SonoFlow offers the best bang for your buck. It far outcompetes other budget options and even creeps up on the overall performance of some premium models.
While this review focuses on the standout options under $100, it is nearly impossible not to mention the Nothing Ear Wireless, which 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, combining compelling sound quality with improved comfort and stability, an impressive app, and better call quality than most competitors in this price range. We couldn't help but add it to the list.
These earbuds don't have the best noise-canceling capabilities, but they're not 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. If your budget can't stretch as far as the Nothing Ear but you want something similar, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are also made by Nothing Ear and have similar features, albeit with slightly less impressive sound or call quality. 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.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus have some of the sound and noise cancellation for the price. With a price less than a third of the premium buds, we didn't have high expectations. However, the CMF knocked it out of the park with better-than-average sound, active noise cancellation, and superior comfort to some competitors with significantly higher prices. From the sturdy and fun case with a fidget spinner, to the multi-point connection and extended battery life, we can't imagine who wouldn't love these earbuds.
The CMF do not make the clearest calls when the background is busy or super chaotic. While they work well in quiet situations and calmer locations, they struggle to mute louder backgrounds, and the voices get lost in the noise. The Nothing Ear Wireless offers improved call clarity, but comes at a price over twice that of the CMF. As one tester said, “If you make a lot of calls outside of a quiet space, it might be worthwhile to invest more in buds, but if that doesn't happen that often, then the CMF can do the job good enough.” Overall, we think the CMF Buds are one of the best budget buds we've seen and think they are the perfect match for many listeners.
For an impressive blend of quality sound 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, such as active noise cancellation (ANC). For the price, the EarFun has the best noise cancellation. To find better, you have to spend at least twice the price.
We noticed phone calls sound grainy, especially in noisy public settings. You may want to consider an alternative if you make more than occasional calls, especially in loud environments. For clearer phone calls, consider the CMF Buds 2 Plus. They're more comfortable than the Earfun, and the battery life is significantly longer; however, the noise cancellation takes a slight hit. However, for the best phone quality, you have to pay over $100 for the Nothing Ear Wireless, but the better overall performance could be worth it if you can stretch your budget. We think the EarFun is an excellent value that brings a lot to the table, making it a good choice for most listeners who prefer to skip the phone call chit-chat.
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 the risk of 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 offers good sound quality and is easy to use, with an overall performance that is on par with more expensive earbuds. However, 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 $100, 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 spacious, with an inspired sense of depth, considering the price. The bass is warm and maintains its presence without overpowering the other frequencies. The headphones provide good padding on the earcups and a gentle clamping force that keeps them in place without feeling constricting. 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 become slick if sweaty, so earbuds might be a better choice if activities are your thing. Additionally, the call quality is only so-so, so if placing calls is your regular habit, you might want to look elsewhere, such as the 1More Sonoflow, which offers better call quality and noise cancellation. If you aim to save money while enjoying better sound and a comfortable fit, the Tozo can deliver, thanks to 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 budget-friendly buds.
Like other wired options, these can get tangled or accidentally pulled from your ears. However, the tradeoff is that there are 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 performed better in terms of staying put. Overall, the Endurance is a nice, cheap pair of wired buds that can do it all with better-than-average performance for a below-average price.
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 lower and higher than the Q20i. If your goals are to achieve the best noise cancellation paired with great call quality in a lower-priced headphone, then the Q could be the best option for you. However, if you make fewer calls or are willing to spend a little more, there are better competitors available.
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 feels too amplified 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 bass, ultra-waterproof design, and a super stable fit for gym excursions, consider the TOZO T10. However, the JLab is superior in terms of sound, comfort, and features.
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 a more three-dimensional feel, as it sometimes feels two-dimensional, with underwhelming bass.
These headphones do not feature active noise cancellation, and their passive noise cancellation is relatively ineffective. 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, allowing you to focus on the music without interruptions from calls. 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.
The Soundcore P20i can often be found on sale for under $20, making it one of the cheapest name-brand options on the market. They have a stem design similar to AirPods and a case small enough for most pockets. We appreciated the multiple silicone tips, the basic app, and the longer battery life. They also have impressive noise cancellation, given that they only offer passive cancellation by blocking the earbud, compared to active noise cancellation (ANC) that relies on technology. It's actually better than some buds that have ANC.
The sound quality on the Soundcore isn't great. While it works well for audiobooks, podcasts, and apps, it falls short in terms of music listening, with a limited soundstage, muddied bass, distorted mid-tones, and lackluster treble. Better sound can be had in almost every set of earbuds or headphones in this review, with the JLab Go Pop being the closest in price, while the CMF Buds offer the most bang for your listening enjoyment buck. Overall, the Soundcore is not impressive; however, for the price, it could be a perfect match for those with the tightest budgets who prefer spoken word over music, or for teenagers who frequently lose their buds. As one teen stated, “I prefer the Soundcore because I don't have to worry about losing them, because they are cheap to replace.”
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, conducting months of testing. Based on the ideology Listen Inc. CEO, Steve Temme, we built an 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.
Numerous sound engineers, music experts, and product testers make this highly technical review possible.
How to Choose Budget Headphones or Earbuds
Selecting inexpensive earbuds or headphones requires making possible concessions to get the best bang for your buck. For some, it may result in sacrificing certain features or accepting a less-than-stellar performance for improved sound quality. However, for others, they may not care or notice what they are missing.
Finding good budget buds in a sea of expensive options can be daunting.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort is Job One
We believe that comfort is one of the most critical factors in finding a set of earbuds or headphones you'll love. After testing and wearing almost 50 pairs, we can confidently say that there is a significant difference. If you dislike wearing them, sound quality and features won't matter. Knowing how you feel about designs and how they fit your ears can help you choose the right pair for you.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
With comfort in mind, the Nothing Ear Wireless is at the top of the budget earbud game, featuring multiple silicone ear tips and a lightweight design that suits a wide range of ear shapes and sizes. The CMF Buds 2 Plus are just as comfortable with a similar design and look, but they cost half as much. The JLab earbuds were the most disappointing, 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. The Soundcore P20i splits the difference, being more comfortable than the JLab but less comfortable than the CMF.
For comfortable headphones, the Tozo HT2 and the 1More Sonoflow are our favorites, thanks to their reduced 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 prefer the over-ear design that rests on your head, around your ear, rather than on the cartilage rim of your ear. The Sony MDR-7506, a wired headphone, is also difficult to wear for extended periods due to its disappointing padding, which can result in a crushing sensation on the outer ear.
Nothing Ear WirelessEarFun Air Pro 4
The photos above compare Nothing Ear Wireless 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 Earfun Air Pro 4 was the most impressive. We 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 sound that is good enough 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, sacrificing the freedom of being wireless for better sound quality. The Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X managed to evoke a sense of space, depth, and atmosphere that was unexpected in a budget-friendly, unassuming bud. The Sony MDR-7506 offers a smooth sound that isn't bass-heavy, although some listeners may wish it were. The best sounding wireless options are the Nothing Ear Wireless, Tozo H2, 1More Sonoflow, CMF Buds 2 Plus, 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 produces a flat sound with a thin quality and a limited soundstage. It is somewhat watery and lacks a full-bodied depth. The inexpensive Soundcore P20i are the worst for wireless earbud sound quality. With a narrow soundstage and uninspired sound, these buds are better suited for podcasts, audiobooks, and other audio apps than they are for instrumental music.
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.
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, CMF Buds, 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. CMF features a fidget spinner on the case, adjustable noise cancellation and hear-through modes, a lost earbud chime, in-ear detection, and multipoint connection.
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 we didn't include because they aren't as compelling as the top options in this review.
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, you may be pleased. 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.
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, but they are rated for more water resistance than others, though our tests resulted in dead earbuds when they hit the pool.
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 seen as a category where deeper pockets yield better products. 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 $100 without disappointment, we think there are compelling options for most listeners, especially those who prioritize their favorite podcast over soundstage quality.
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Lissette Velasquez
