Overview
- Jump To Details
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Noise Cancellation - Jump To Details
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Best Low-Cost Exercise Buds - Jump To Details
Amazon Echo Buds (2023)
Best for Alexa - Jump To Details
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Best Waterproof Noise-Cancelling Buds - Jump To Details
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
Best for Google Assistant - Jump To Details
JBL Tune Buds
Best for Powerful Bass - Jump To Details
JLab JBuds Mini
Best for Small Ears - Jump To Details
Nothing Ear (a)
Most Stylish - Jump To Details
Sony WF-C500
Best Audio Quality
Apple's AirPods are arguably the most popular true wireless earphones on the market, but it's not because they're cheap—the AirPods Pro (2nd gen) sell for $249, and the third-generation AirPods go for $179. The good news is you don't have to spend nearly as much to get similar or (in some cases) even better performance. PCMag's audio experts have reviewed every pair of Apple earbuds (and hundreds from other brands), so you can trust we know what they deliver.
We've collected our favorite sub-$100 alternatives here based on our in-depth and independent review process. Our current Editors' Choice winners are the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC with unbeatable noise cancellation and the Tribit FlyBuds 3 for intense workouts. All the other entries earned their spots here, so be sure to click through to the full reviews of those as well. Beyond our recommendations, we also provide tips on finding the right budget-friendly set of earphones.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Best Noise CancellationWhy We Picked It
At just under $100, the Anker Liberty 4 NC earphones are our favorites from the company's budget lineup. They offer the best active noise cancellation (ANC) in this segment, while an in-app EQ lets you customize the detailed audio response. Additionally, the earphones have good battery life (up to 10 hours per charge, with another 40 hours in the case) and work with a good range of codecs (AAC, LDAC, and SBC).
Who It’s For
If noise cancellation is your biggest concern, this Anker model is the absolute best option under $100. Support for the LDAC codec should also appeal to Android users who value hi-res streaming.
Pros
- Potent bass depth with bright highs
- Commendable noise cancellation for the price
- LDAC support for Android users
- Capable companion app includes EQ
Cons
- Default sound signature has noticeable sculpting
- Average water-resistance rating
Learn MoreAnker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ReviewTribit FlyBuds 3
Best Low-Cost Exercise BudsWhy We Picked It
They may not be as new as some of the other picks, but the Tribit FlyBuds 3 are more affordable than ever. A fully waterproof design and decent sound are uncommon in this price range, so it's easy to overlook the ho-hum design.
Who It’s For
Anyone looking for an exceptionally stable in-ear fit (as well as people who just want to save money) should enjoy the FlyBuds 3. And a fully waterproof rating should appeal to exercise enthusiasts who often work up a sweat or go out in inclement weather. Furthermore, excellent battery life makes up for the case's bulky design (which can also charge other devices).
Pros
- Bass-forward, powerful audio performance
- Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones—can charge external devices, too
- Affordable
- IPX7-rated waterproof
- Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options
Cons
- Ho-hum design
- Wildly sculpted sound signature
- No app, so no EQ to tame the audio
Learn MoreTribit FlyBuds 3 ReviewAmazon Echo Buds (2023)
Best for AlexaWhy We Picked It
The biggest advantages of the Echo Buds are their low price and support for hands-free Alexa. Beyond that, they output decent bass depth and bright highs if you can get an optimal fit, plus work with a companion app that offers an adjustable EQ. You don't get a charging cable in the box and the IPX2 waterproof rating is underwhelming, but multipoint connectivity and support for the AAC and AptX codecs help make up for those downsides.
Who It’s For
Despite their open-ear design, the Echo Buds are still worth considering because they don't cost much and give you convenient access to Alexa. If you don't care about voice assistants though, plenty of other options on this list sound more consistent.
Pros
- Decent bass depth and bright highs
- Hands-free Alexa
- Affordable
- Companion app includes adjustable EQ, on-ear controls
Cons
- Box doesn't include a charging cable
- Poor water-resistance rating
- Ear-to-ear stereo image can be inconsistent
Learn MoreAmazon Echo Buds (2023) ReviewAnker Soundcore Sport X10
Best Waterproof Noise-Cancelling BudsWhy We Picked It
If you prefer the security ear hooks provide and want to block out distractions at the gym, the Anker Soundcore X10 earphones are an excellent choice. They sport a fully waterproof IPX7 design, pair with a companion app that lets you dial back the bass-heavy sound signature, and offer decent battery life.
Who It's For
Few other earbuds in their price range can match the Soundcore X10's features. They are ideal for intense, focused exercise because they stay put and don't let surrounding noise distract you.
Pros
- Powerful, sculpted, and bass-forward audio
- Impressive ANC for the price
- App features adjustable EQ and customizable controls
- Waterproof build
Cons
- Ear hook design makes docking process annoying
- On-ear control array could be more intuitive
Learn MoreAnker Soundcore Sport X10 ReviewGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series
Best for Google AssistantWhy We Picked It
These budget-friendly earphones are a major improvement over previous Pixel Buds iterations. Google dropped the active noise cancellation here, but the hands-free Google Assistant integration is top-notch. The audio performance is clear and balanced (although probably not ideal for deep bass lovers), while the matte surface makes for easy-to-operate capacitive touch controls.
Who It’s For
Any ardent Google Assistant user in the market for affordable true wireless earphones should enjoy this model; the hands-free voice control is unbeatable for under $100. They work best with Pixel phones, but any Android phone should offer a comparable experience once you install the Pixel Buds app.
Pros
- Clean, balanced audio performance
- Hands-free Google Assistant voice control
- Comfortable
Cons
- Bass could be stronger
- Case doesn't support wireless charging
Learn MoreGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series ReviewJBL Tune Buds
Best for Powerful BassWhy We Picked It
The JBL Tune Buds are a complete package—they offer active noise cancellation, a waterproof design, a bass-forward sound signature, long battery life, and an app with an adjustable EQ. Few models we test manage to squeeze in all these features, so it's particularly impressive to see them in a sub-$100 entry.
Who It’s For
If you like a bass-heavy listening experience, these definitely deliver. Purists who want an accurate audio presentation might not enjoy them as much, but at least there's an option to tune down the low-end response via the app's EQ. The active noise cancellation is decent enough for commuting and traveling, too.
Pros
- Decent noise cancellation
- App includes customizable EQ
- Built-in Alexa
- Affordable
Cons
- Default audio signature isn't accurate
Learn MoreJBL Tune Buds ReviewJLab JBuds Mini
Best for Small EarsWhy We Picked It
The JLab JBuds Mini stand out because of their diminutive size, above-average IP55 rating, clear mics, and excellent transparency mode. They are also one of the most affordable true wireless pairs we recommend. A quality app and an exciting sound signature round out the experience.
Who It’s For
If you have small ears—or just hate big, bulky earphones—these are a worthwhile option. Beyond the fit, the transparency mode puts even more expensive models to shame.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sculpted sound with rich bass and bright highs
- App lets you adjust EQ, on-ear controls
- Water- and dust-resistant design
- Clear mics and quality transparency mode
Cons
- Tiny charging case is difficult to open
- Support for only the SBC codec
Learn MoreJLab JBuds Mini ReviewNothing Ear (a)
Most StylishWhy We Picked It
The Nothing Ear (a) earphones deliver mostly balanced audio from a secure in-ear fit and support an excellent range of Bluetooth codecs, including AAC and LDAC. But the main appeal is the transparent designs of the earpieces and charging case—we're particularly fans of the vibrant yellow finish. A sleek companion app with an adjustable EQ, an IP54 durability rating, and above-average ANC all add value.
Who It’s For
If you want cheap earbuds that look anything but, get the Nothing Ear (a). They are an excellent value and competitive with similarly priced alternatives.
Pros
- Bass-forward, relatively balanced audio
- Unique, transparent design
- Adjustable in-app EQ
- Good codec support
Cons
- Top competitors have better noise cancellation
Learn MoreNothing Ear (a) ReviewSony WF-C500
Best Audio QualityWhy We Picked It
The Sony WF-C500 earphones don’t offer active noise cancellation or a weatherproof design, but they deliver an excellent audio experience for their bargain price. By default, you get rich bass tones and an ideal sense of balance, but you can also fine-tune the sound signature with the companion app's adjustable EQ. You can also usually get them for quite a bit less than their list price.
Who It’s For
If you like the Sony sound signature and the company's intuitive EQ controls, these are a good choice. The far-more-expensive WF-1000XM5 earphones, which use the same app and EQ, deliver a more premium audio experience, but the sound presentation is still broadly similar. The no-frills design keeps costs down for people who want to save a bit of money.
Pros
- Affordable
- Excellent audio with rich bass and crisp highs
- In-app EQ can deliver dramatic results, including seriously boosted bass
- Water-resistant design
Cons
- Weak battery life (for the charging case)
- On-ear controls can be difficult to operate
Learn MoreSony WF-C500 Review
Buying Guide: Cheap AirPod Alternatives: The Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100
Economical Earbuds for Exercise
Are you going to be sweating a lot or moving around vigorously while you use your earphones? The good news is that nearly all true wireless models deliver a secure fit. The bad news is that not all of them offer the same level of protection against the elements.
A high IP (ingress protection) rating is critical if you plan to wear them in the rain or need to wash them off under a faucet with reasonable water pressure. For either of those activities, look for something with a rating of at least IPX6. Note that the rating can have a number in place of the X, and the above still holds—a product with an IP56 rating has the same protection against liquids as one with an IPX6 rating; it simply also has protection against dust ingress.
The in-ear fit is another factor to consider. If you find yourself needing to swap out eartips and earfins often to find the perfect fit, focus on a pair that include a generous array of fit options. More often than not, exercise-focused models ship with eartips that have fins for additional stability, or with separate fins and tips in a variety of sizes that you can mix and match.
For models specifically for exercise, see our list of the best true wireless earbuds for running.
Affordable Earbuds for Audiophiles and the Easily Distracted
For the best audio performance, choose a pair of earphones that supports at least the AptX or AAC Bluetooth codecs—we list these specs in each of our reviews. And for more details on wireless audio quality, check out our guide to Bluetooth codecs.
If noise cancellation is important to you, be happy that we're finally starting to see some solid true wireless models for under $150. The best noise-cancelling models still cost north of $250, but there are still some pairs we consider good enough to make the cut for this list. For more, see our picks for the best noise-cancelling true wireless earphones.
And if all of this is totally above your head, your best bet is to either try out the earphones yourself (if possible) or go by the sonic evaluation in our reviews. Every review tells you specifically how the earphones sound on various tracks that range from sub-bass-heavy electronic music to transparent classical recordings.
Are Companion Apps Worth the Download?
Most true wireless models work with a companion app that helps connect the earphones to your phone. Plenty of apps beef up their appearance by duplicating the controls you already get on the physical earpieces. This can add some convenience, but it doesn't add much value. Other apps offer the ability to make tweaks to certain settings. For instance, you might be able to assign your phone's voice assistant to a shortcut button and adjust the automatic playback behavior for when you insert or remove the earphones.
Aside from potentially crucial firmware updates, one of the best things an app can do is enhance the listening experience with an adjustable EQ. Not all apps have EQ, but allowing you to tweak the bass or treble to your taste is a huge plus—and apps that have customizable presets are increasingly common.
A few manufacturers don't use a companion app at all, including Apple. Though you can argue that this makes the overall experience easier and more streamlined, we like the additional control an app provides. We include a rundown of companion apps and how they work in each of our reviews.
Finally, if you're still looking for the perfect pair of earphones and are willing to increase your budget, check out our picks for the best true wireless earbuds overall.
