If you’re on a budget, you may have searched ‘what are the best cheap wireless earbuds’ one time or another. You may have stalked Amazon.com for cheaper audio alternatives to the best selling Apple Inc. AirPods or Samsung’s Galaxy Buds. Quite frankly, there are so many wireless earbuds or headphones sold at an unbelievably low price, but the question is – are they any good? Or are you just throwing your money away? In this article, we will be sharing with you our curated list of the best budget wireless earbuds so we can help guide you in saving time browsing or sorting through countless written or YouTube reviews.
There are so many models of earbuds out there claiming to be the best budget wireless earbuds – from noise cancelling earbuds, sports earbuds and wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Question is, are they as “best” as they claim to be? When shopping for the best budget wireless earbuds, you need to consider the quality and make sure that it is not compromised by the very cheap cost. That being said, we are here to share with you the best budget wireless earbuds that offer a decent or more than decent performance.
Ideally, the best budget wireless earbuds offer decent sound performance, can filter out background noise, has a good battery life and can be easily paired with iOS and Android devices (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, TVs etc). Of course, you can’t really expect Hi-Fi quality audio, but you get the idea, right?
Table of Contents
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Mpow X3
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Skullcandy Push True Wireless
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM3
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: EarFun Free
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Fiil T1X TWS
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Enacfire E60
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Life P2
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: JLab Go Air
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: 1More Stylish True Wireless
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Tribit FlyBuds 3
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: In A Nutshell
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Mpow X3
What We Like:
- Great sound quality
- IPX7 waterproof rating
What We Don’t Like:
- Other models offer better noise reduction
- Effective ANC technology
- Chubby charging case
This is no doubt one of the best budget wireless earbuds on the market because it sounds shockingly good for its price. The Mpow X3 offers powerful bass and decent quality even when played at high volumes. Plus, it also offers active noise cancelling tech that’s pretty effective.
This pair of best budget wireless earbuds from Mpow has a regular price tag of $60 but there are instances when it is offered at a discounted price point, so that’s a really good bargain. A quick trivia, Mpow actually pulled out the Mpow X3 for a while from Amazon and returned it bearing the latest updates including optimized noise cancelling technology, improved call effect and upgraded volume control. The company also added super soft ear cups making it even more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Mpow’s best budget wireless earbuds fit comfortably and offer a tight seal with its ear tips. For its cost, it’s surprising to know that it’s waterproof with an IPX7 rating. In terms of battery life, the Mpow X3 can run for 7 hours on a full charge when streaming at moderate volume levels. Charging is via USB-C and the charging case actually looks like a chubby version of the standard AirPods case.
As mentioned earlier, quality of calls is really good; in fact, Mpow X3 has a sidetone feature that allows listeners to hear their own voice in the bud, which the competition doesn’t have. If anything, there are other models that offer better noise reduction during calls, but overall, this is truly one of the best budget wireless earbuds that’s worth you money.
The touch controls of this pair of best budget wireless earbuds from Mpow may be a little wonky and may need listeners to get some time to get used to it. To be honest, Mpow X3 is really one of the best budget wireless earbuds in the market today, so it’s really not surprising why they’re almost always out of stock online.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Skullcandy Push True Wireless
What We Like:
- Great fit
- Decent battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- Microphone quality
- Charging case only carries 1 extra charge
Quite frankly, Skullcandy is one of the companies that have been receiving mixed reviews from its users. Their products may not be as high-end or rated as top-tiered by consumers but in all fairness to the company, they actually offer average to above average audio products at a price point that makes them really competitive and tempting to buy.
This pair of best budget wireless earbuds from Skullcandy may not really boast a premium build or audiophile quality but this model can actually get the job done with no frills. If you are looking for a basic pair of best budget wireless earbuds, the Skullcandy Push True Wireless is a great pick. It has a decent battery life and offers a great fit, so what more can you ask for, right?
Delving deeper into this pair of best budget wireless earbuds from Skullcandy, the case may be a bit bulky for comfort. These buds from Skullcandy can actually stay in your ears for a day without any fatigue or pressure, making it a solid daily companion. This pair of best budget wireless earbuds from Skullcandy are water resistant but it’s a shame that it doesn’t have an official IP-rating.
If you can overlook the bulky build and not so premium looks and feels of the Skullcandy Push True Wireless, it’s actually a pretty impressive budget model that gives you a bang for your buck. It may not be as stylish as other high end brands and models, but it actually has a good connection strength to any device and has one of the longest battery life in the ranks of true wireless models.
On another note, if you’re scouting for a Skullcandy earpiece that has decent audio quality and bass performance, the Skullcandy Jib Wireless may just be what you’re looking for.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM3
What We Like:
- Impressive sound quality
- Google Assistant Integration
What We Don’t Like:
- Borderline expensive
- No water resistance protection
Before anything else, we acknowledge the fact that Sony WF-1000XM3 may not really belong to the best budget wireless earbuds range, but we included this one just in case someone on a budget really wants to get their hands on a Sony.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 has a noise canceling feature that is absolutely impeccable. This is a great pick for travelers or people who have limited space in their bags or luggages. The firmware of this earbud can also be updated through Sony’s free app, so while this may be on the borderline of costing a fortune, it can be considered as a long term investment. Additionally, the Sony WF-1000XM3 sometimes goes on sale or is offered at discounted price points so it can still count as a valid contender for the best budget wireless earbuds.
At a glance, the black or silver earbuds don’t look anything like best budget wireless earbuds. The understated design exudes sheer sophistication and the pill shaped earbuds actually have three contact points that are designed to distribute pressure along the ears. If you’re looking for a touch of comfort, these earbuds give more than that.
This is one of the best budget earbuds that have accessible touch controls on each earbud. Double tapping the left earbud switches between ambient sound modes and noise cancelling setting while double tapping the right earbud allows users to skip tracks. Google Assistant can be accessed by simply saying “Ok Google” and the touch panel controls can be remapped using the Sony app.
Aside from being one of the most expensive models in our list of best budget wireless earbuds, another drawback of the Sony WF-1000XM3 is the fact that it is not IP rated. Technically, you could use them during fitness activities or workouts but then you would still have to worry about water or sweat damage.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: EarFun Free
What We Like:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Fully waterproof IPX7
What We Don’t Like:
- Mediocre audio quality
The EarFun Free earbuds are one of the best budget wireless earbuds in the market offering impressive features that’s worth more than its regular price of $40. It features Bluetooth 5.0 and also has USB-C wireless charging. You can also use this for workouts because it is actually fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.
In terms of audio quality, this pair of best budget wireless earbuds sound pretty decent, but you have to manage your expectations in this aspect. Don’t expect the audio to sound like elite models because to be honest, this pair of best budget wireless earbuds from EarFun can’t offer that. However, it does have a plump bass and audio detail that’s worth more than its price tag.
The EarFun Free earbuds are also capable of making calls that have clear vocals. The battery life of this pair of best budget wireless earbuds run for six hours when played at moderate volume levels and the charging case can provide four extra charges.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Fiil T1X TWS
What We Like:
- Quick charge feature
- Companion app for EQ adjustment
What We Don’t Like:
- 5 hours battery life
The Fiil T1X TWS is another pretty solid pick in our list for the best budget wireless earbuds. It has a touch of presence boost in the treble, has decent sound clarity and can fit the ears comfortably. In terms of connectivity, it’s pretty amazing how quickly the buds paired with either Android or iOS devices.
This pair of best budget wireless earbuds also come with an IP65 sweat and water resistance rating so you don’t have to worry about the buds getting sprayed moisture while at the gym or on an outdoor run. If anything, the battery life just runs for 5 hours, much shorter if played at high volume levels, but there’s a quick charge feature to get you through a whole day of usage. The quick charge feature gives users up to 2 hours of extra battery life with just 10-minutes worth of charging. Speaking of charging, this pair of best budget wireless earbuds charges via USB-C.The Fiil T1X TWS also has touch controls on the buds and there’s also a companion app that allows listeners to adjust the audio with the EQ settings.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Enacfire E60
What We Like:
- Higher IPX certification that EarFun Free at IPX8
- Noise reduction feature for calls
What We Don’t Like:
- Mediocre sound quality
In terms of features, design and overall performance, the Enacfire E60 is quite similar to the EarFun Free best budget wireless earbuds. It has a USB-C cable and supports wireless charging. It also has IPX8 fully waterproof rating which means that this pair of best budget wireless earbuds can be fully submerged in shallow water.
For its modest price tag, this pair of best budget wireless earbuds actually sound good with decent audio quality and punchy bass. It also supports aptX streaming for selected devices that support the said codec, such as Samsung Galaxy Phones.
Just like what we said in our write up for the EarFun Free earbuds, manage your expectations in terms of sound quality with the Enacfire E60. The sound is on the okay curve, so don’t expect really incredible, hi-fi levels of sound. At the end of the day, you can buy this pair of best budget wireless earbuds for such a low price and if you look at it that way, its performance can really exceed your expectations for models in that price range. It is currently available on Amazon for $40 but there are instances when there are discount vouchers available, so better check out on those deals.
If you are planning to use this pair of best budget wireless earbuds for making calls, you’re in for a treat because it actually performs well in this department. The Enacfire E60 also offers decent noise reduction and provides clear phone lines for better conversation quality.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Life P2
What We Like:
- IPX7 rating
- Decent job in reducing background noise
What We Don’t Like:
- No wireless charging
If at one time or another, you came across the Soundore Liberty Air 2 from Anker but found it to be a bit over your budget, you’ll surely be delighted to know that there’s a cheaper alternative from the same maker. The Soundcore Life P2 is priced almost half as that of the Liberty Air 2 but still bearing similar features, making it one of the best budget wireless earbuds in the market.
One of the glaring differences between the two is that the buds of the Anker Soundcore Life P2 charge horizontally in the case. The case of the Soundcore Life P2 looks and feels a bit cheaper than the Liberty Air 2 and the sound is not as powerful, too. Of course, if we will keep on comparing the Soundcore Life P2 to the Liberty Air 2, the former will always have inferiorities with the latter. If we focus on this pair of best budget wireless earbuds as it is, you will be delighted to know that it does a decent job in reducing background noise.
This pair of best budget wireless earbuds also have physical button controls and four microphones. The two microphones are supposed to aid in noise production and help users to communicate better in noisy environments. This feature does a good job in reducing background noise when making calls.
The Anker Soundcore Life P2 has no wireless charging but users get a USB-C charging instead. The battery life goes for 7 hours and it also has IPX7 water resistance rating. This model is arguably one of the best budget wireless earbuds offered by Anker as of the moment.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2
What We Like:
- Similar features with AirPods Pro
What We Don’t Like:
- No active noise cancellation
Typical wireless earbuds in the market may cost around $160 per pair or higher. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative but still offers solid audio quality and an appealing design, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 is a good pick. This pair of best budget wireless earbuds are considered to be a second-gen model that has better battery life, USB-C charging and overall good sound and call quality.
If you were to compare this pair of best budget wireless earbuds to the AirPods Pro, it pretty much has the same features except for active noise cancellation. The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 even comes with a compact charging case that has a sophisticated, matte finish. The design of the earbuds work great for noise isolation, sealing out a lot of ambient noise passively. In fact, we can consider this pair of best budget wireless earbuds as an elite set of earbuds great for making calls even in noisy environments.
If you are looking for the best budget wireless earbuds that are very similar to the how the Airpods Pro perform, the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 is highly recommended. It also has an IPX5 water resistance rating, making these buds suitable for light workouts at the gym or running.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: JLab Go Air
What We Like:
- Integrated USB cable for charging
- IP44 sweat proof rating
What We Don’t Like:
- No app for treble and bass adjustment
Last year, the JLab JBuds Air true wireless was the talk of the town, well, in the best budget wireless earbuds category. Fast forward to now and the JLab Go Air is taking the spotlight with a size 20% smaller but with the features still going strong.
The battery life of the JLab Go Air runs for five hours, pretty average, but on the brighter side, the sound quality of this pair of best budget wireless earbuds is pretty amazing. In terms of durability, the JLab Go Air has an IP44 splashproof rating, better than other cheap earbuds out there.
The JLabs JBuds Air has no companion app that can be used to adjust treble and bass but users can still toggle through a few existing EQ presets (Balanced, Bass Boost and JLab Signature) by tapping either of the buds twice. The charging case of this pair of best budget wireless earbuds may seem to be a bit weird or lacking in the sense that it has no top or cover, but the buds actually stay securely inside the case thanks to the magnets. While this pair of best budget wireless earbuds can’t really make other contenders eat their dust, this is still a pretty decent choice for making calls or casual listening. They also fit the ears well so that’s another bonus.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79
What We Like:
- Fits ears well
- Excellent noise reduction
- IPX8 certified
What We Don’t Like:
- Looks tacky
The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 is another strong contender for the best budget wireless earbuds in the market. Aesthetically, it doesn’t offer anything special or impressive, but when it comes to fit, they actually fit the ears well and have been getting a lot of rave reviews for it. For its price, the TaoTronics SoundLiverty 79 also sounds pretty decent, with ample definition and satisfying bass.
This pair of best budget wireless earbuds stands out in the function of making calls. It has excellent noise reduction features making call conversations clear and comprehensible even if the speaker is in a noisy environment. This feature may be attributed to the brand’s Smart AI noise-reduction technology.
The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 is also fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating. Battery life is a couple hours more than other best budget wireless earbuds contender at 8 hours. The charging case is pretty impressive, packing an extra 32 hours of battery life, perfect for individuals who are always on the go.
Aesthetically, this pair of best budget wireless earbuds look a bit tacky, but if you’re willing to look beyond that, you can enjoy a solid pair of earbuds that’s not only wallet-friendly but compact and efficient as well.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: 1More Stylish True Wireless
What We Like:
- Worthy alternative to AirPods
What We Don’t Like:
- Weak bass
Are you ready for one more pair of best budget wireless earbuds? Okay, pun was intended on that first line, but seriously, we have another strong contender in the form of 1More Stylish True Wireless buds.
Are they really stylish? Well, not really. But if you’re seeking information on the sound quality and performance of the 1More Stylish True Wireless, we can say that it delivers quite a satisfactory performance. With a regular price tag of $100, this pair of best budget wireless earbuds sound good with a clear and balanced audio quality. In fact, they sound good enough to be considered as a worthy a;ternative to Apple AirPods.
Admittedly, 1More Stylish True Wireless falls on the more expensive range in our list of best budget wireless earbuds. It’s quite understandable though considering that the sound it produces leans more on an audiophile sound profile, providing more accurate sound quality than others. It also has an ergonomic design to help give users a tight seal together with the ear tips.
The battery life of this pair of best budget wireless earbuds range between 5-6 hours depending on the volume levels used. The wireless charging case packs an extra 17 hours which is more than enough for an average daily usage.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: Tribit FlyBuds 3
What We Like:
- Dynamic audio performance
- Charging case doubles as a powerbank
What We Don’t Like:
- Moody touch controls
Are you one those individuals who seem to be quite allergic to charging? If yes, you may want to put the Tribit FlyBuds 3 on your radar thanks to its extended playtime that can last for at least a month. In terms of audio, this pair of best budget wireless earbuds produce clean and impactful sound while keeping the bass levels energetic, the vocals and any kind of instrument balanced.
If you are looking for the best budget wireless earbuds that can be used for sports, the Tribit FlyBuds 3 can also fill in your needs with an IPX7 rating making it waterproof. Here’s where things get even more interesting – the charging case of this pair of best budget wireless earbuds from Tribit can actually be used as a portable charger, otherwise known as a powerbank. This means that users can actually juice up any devices on the go, as long as it can accommodate a USB-C wire. Technically, this feature will be appreciated more by Android users, but hey, that’s a big chunk of the market!
If anything, the only drawback with this pair of best budget wireless earbuds has something to do with its touch controls that may not be the most reliable in the market. You may need to execute the tap gesture more than once to have the commands registered. The charging case is also a bit bulky but the 100 hours playtime absolutely makes that fact easy to overlook.
Best Budget Wireless Earbuds: In A Nutshell
So that concludes our list for the best budget wireless earbuds in the market. The operating keyword here is budget, so when choosing a specific model, you need to consider that the quality, technology and overall listening experience may not be exactly at par with other models that have higher value. All the products featured in this article can rightfully be considered a bargain, depending on your needs and intent of use.
Cheap doesn’t always mean frail or low quality. With the right maintenance and cleaning, your earbuds may just go a long way. Speaking of proper earbud care and maintenance, check out our article on how to clean earbuds for some pro tips.
We hope that this article served as helpful guide in your journey to bagging the best budget wireless earbuds on the market.
