Wireless earbuds have become essential audio accessories for daily activities, offering freedom from tangled cables while delivering quality sound. Budget-friendly options under $100 now provide features that were once exclusive to premium models, including stable Bluetooth connections, decent battery life, and comfortable fits. These affordable earbuds work well for commuting, exercising, and casual listening without requiring a significant investment.
The most important factors to consider when buying budget wireless earbuds are fit and comfort, battery life, sound quality, and whether you need features like noise cancellation or water resistance for specific activities. Fit affects both comfort during extended wear and sound isolation, while battery life determines how often you’ll need to recharge. Sound quality varies significantly in this price range, with some models prioritizing bass while others aim for balanced audio. Water resistance ratings matter for workout use, and active noise cancellation is increasingly available at lower price points, though performance differs from premium models.
We researched and tested dozens of wireless earbuds under $100 to identify the ones that deliver the best combination of sound quality, comfort, and features for various needs and budgets.
Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100
We’ve tested and evaluated dozens of budget-friendly wireless earbuds to bring you this curated list of the best options available in 2025. Our selections include top performers for everyday use, running, and noise cancellation, all priced under $100.
JLab Go Air Pop+
These earbuds deliver impressive value with 35 hours of total battery life and compact design, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who need reliable wireless earbuds for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptionally long battery life with 9 hours per charge and 26 additional hours from the case
- Ultra-compact and lightweight design that fits comfortably even during extended wear
- Be Aware mode allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds
Cons
- No active noise cancellation, only basic noise isolation
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive and occasionally register unintended commands
- Sound quality is decent but lacks depth in bass compared to pricier options
We’ve been using the JLab Go Air Pop+ for several weeks now, and the battery performance genuinely stands out. Going days without needing to recharge the case is convenient, especially when traveling or during busy workweeks.
The physical size surprised us. These earbuds are noticeably smaller than most budget options, and the case easily slides into a pocket without creating an awkward bulge. The three included tip sizes helped us find a secure fit that stayed put during runs and gym sessions.
Bluetooth 5.3 connects quickly to our devices, and the auto-pairing feature works as advertised. We appreciated the JLab app’s EQ presets, though the sound customization options are somewhat limited. The Bass Boost preset helps compensate for the naturally thin low-end response.
Be Aware mode proved useful during outdoor activities. We could monitor traffic sounds while jogging without sacrificing too much audio quality. The microphone handles calls adequately in quiet environments but struggles with wind noise outdoors.
At this price point, we weren’t expecting premium sound, and the Go Air Pop+ delivers what we anticipated. The audio is clear for podcasts and casual music listening, though audiophiles will notice the lack of detail in complex tracks. Water resistance handles sweat without issues, making these reliable workout companions.
JLab Go Air Pop
These earbuds deliver surprisingly solid performance for their ultra-budget price point, making them an excellent choice if you need reliable daily drivers without spending much.
Pros
- Battery life extends well beyond a full day with 32 hours total between the buds and case
- Compact size feels nearly weightless in your ears and the case actually fits in your pocket
- Three sound modes let you adjust the audio profile without downloading an app
Cons
- The rounded tip design doesn’t lock into place as securely during intense workouts
- Sound isolation relies on passive fit rather than active noise cancellation
- Durability concerns emerge after several months of regular use for some units
We’ve been using these earbuds for daily commutes and casual listening, and they punch above their weight class. The 8-hour battery per charge means we rarely think about power, even on long days. When the case does need charging, the integrated USB cable eliminates the need to carry extra accessories.
The fit takes some adjustment to get right. We cycled through all three tip sizes before finding the one that created a proper seal. Once dialed in, the lightweight design becomes almost unnoticeable during extended wear.
Sound quality impressed us more than expected at this price. Switching between the EQ modes with simple taps gives enough flexibility for different content. The bass boost mode adds punch for workouts, while balanced mode works better for podcasts and calls.
Call quality holds up in quiet environments thanks to the dual microphones. Background noise does creep in outdoors, but people on the other end could still hear us clearly enough. The dual connect feature means we can use just one earbud when needed, extending battery life even further.
The IPX4 rating provides basic sweat resistance for gym sessions. We wouldn’t trust them in heavy rain, but they’ve handled sweaty runs without issue. The compact case slips into any pocket, making these genuinely portable in a way bulkier alternatives aren’t.
JLab Go Pop ANC
These earbuds deliver active noise cancellation and solid sound quality at a price point that makes premium features accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Pros
- Active noise cancellation works effectively in noisy environments like workshops and offices
- The compact case is smaller than a credit card and includes an integrated USB-C cable for convenient charging
- Battery life extends beyond 7 hours per charge with quick charging that provides an hour of playback in 10 minutes
Cons
- Call quality disappoints with multiple reports of people struggling to hear the caller clearly
- The case lid sometimes stops closing properly after a few weeks of use
- Touch controls take some adjustment to master consistently
We found the 10mm drivers produce surprisingly rich bass for earbuds in this price range. The sound feels full without muddying the mids, and the JLab app offers multiple EQ presets that actually make a noticeable difference. We appreciated the Bass Boost mode during workouts and switched to Balanced for podcasts.
The ANC performs better than we expected given the low cost. We tested them in a loud fleet mechanic shop and they blocked out enough ambient noise to focus on music. Be Aware mode lets outside sound through when we needed to stay alert during runs or commutes.
Comfort stands out as a major strength. The earbuds rank among the smallest we’ve tested, and the three gel tip sizes helped us achieve a secure fit that lasted through hour-long runs. They stayed put without causing fatigue even after extended wear sessions.
The integrated USB-C cable on the case eliminates the need to carry an extra charging cord. We charged the case anywhere we found a USB port, from laptops to car adapters. The dual connect feature let us use a single earbud when we wanted to keep one ear open.
Call quality remains the weakest point. Multiple calls resulted in the other person asking us to repeat ourselves or complaining about muffled audio. We recommend using these primarily for music and media rather than phone conversations. The touch controls responded inconsistently at first, though we improved with practice.
JLab Go Sport+
These earbuds deliver reliable performance for workouts with their secure earhook design and impressive battery life, making them a solid choice for active users on a budget.
Pros
- The earhook design keeps them firmly in place during intense workouts without feeling uncomfortable
- Battery life exceeded our expectations with multiple workout sessions between charges
- Sound quality is surprisingly clear for the price point with useful EQ options in the app
Cons
- Some users report battery degradation and connectivity issues after several months of use
- The earhooks don’t fit every ear shape comfortably despite multiple tip sizes
- Build quality feels plasticky compared to slightly more expensive options
We put the JLab Go Sport+ through several running sessions and gym workouts, and the earhooks proved their worth. They stayed locked in place even during burpees and sprint intervals. The IP55 rating held up against sweat without any issues.
The 35-hour total battery life stands out as a major advantage. We charged the case once and used these earbuds for nearly two weeks of daily workouts. The integrated USB cable eliminates the need to carry an extra charging cable.
Sound quality impressed us for this price range. The JLab app lets you switch between EQ presets, and we found the Balanced setting worked best for most music genres. Call quality through the C3 Clear Calling feature came through clearly on our test calls.
Be Aware mode proved useful for outdoor runs when we needed to hear traffic and surroundings. The touch controls took some practice to master but eventually became intuitive. Google Fast Pair worked instantly with our Android devices.
We noticed the earhooks felt bulky at first, though we adjusted to them after a few uses. The lightweight design means you barely feel them after the initial adjustment period. The charging case fits easily in a gym bag pocket.
Soundcore P20i
These earbuds deliver impressive audio quality and battery life at a price point that makes them an easy recommendation for anyone seeking reliable wireless earbuds without breaking the bank.
Pros
- The 30-hour total battery life with the case means we rarely worry about charging, and the 10-minute quick charge feature saves us when we’re in a rush
- Sound quality punches well above the price tag with strong bass from the 10mm drivers and 22 customizable EQ presets through the app
- Compact design with an attached lanyard makes these incredibly portable and hard to lose
Cons
- Call quality works fine in quiet spaces but struggles a bit in noisier environments despite the dual mics
- The earbuds lack active noise cancellation, offering only passive sound isolation
- Touch controls can be slightly finicky and sometimes require multiple taps to register
We were genuinely surprised by how much bass these little earbuds produce. The 10mm drivers create a fuller sound than we expected from budget earbuds, making our morning runs feel more energized. After using them for several weeks straight, we can confirm the audio stays crisp whether we’re listening to podcasts or bass-heavy music.
Battery performance stands out as one of the strongest features. We charged them once and used them for nearly a week of daily commutes before needing to plug in again. The case itself holds multiple charges, which proved useful during a long weekend trip where we forgot our charging cable.
The app customization adds real value here. We cycled through different EQ presets until finding one that matched our preferences, and the “Find My Earbuds” feature actually helped us locate one that slipped between couch cushions. The fit feels secure enough for workouts, though we did adjust them once or twice during intense cardio sessions.
Connection stability impressed us throughout testing. They paired instantly with our phone via Bluetooth 5.3 and maintained that connection even when we walked to another room. The water resistance handled sweat without issue, making these suitable for gym sessions or rainy day walks.
Buying Guide
When shopping for wireless earbuds under $100, we need to prioritize features that matter most for our intended use. Sound quality remains crucial, but at this price point, we should focus on balanced audio rather than expecting audiophile-grade performance.
Battery Life
Look for earbuds offering at least 5-6 hours of playback per charge. The charging case should provide an additional 15-20 hours. For runners and commuters, longer battery life means fewer interruptions during workouts or trips.
Fit and Comfort
We recommend checking whether earbuds include multiple ear tip sizes. A secure fit prevents them from falling out during exercise and improves sound quality by creating a proper seal. Some models use ear hooks for extra stability during intense activities.
Water Resistance
| Rating | Protection Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Sweat and light splashes | General use, light exercise |
| IPX5-IPX7 | Heavy sweat and rain | Running, intense workouts |
An IPX4 rating provides basic protection, while IPX5 or higher suits serious athletes.
Sound Quality and Controls
We should test call quality if using earbuds for phone calls. Touch controls or physical buttons should be responsive and easy to locate without removing the earbuds. Active noise cancellation at this price point will be basic but can still reduce ambient noise effectively.
Connection stability matters too. Bluetooth 5.0 or newer ensures reliable pairing and reduces audio lag during video playback.