More categories
More categories

Smart Shopper is reader supported. When you shop our picks, we may receive a commission.

The best AirPod alternatives for every budget

Get the lowdown on the best Airpod alternatives on the market. We compare features, prices, and what makes each product stand out.

Published Dec 21, 2023
4 min. reading time
Image of 3 earbuds

Compare Airpods alternatives

Samsung Galaxy Buds

Blue Samsung Galaxy Buds

JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Blue JBL Tune Flex Earbuds in casing

Beats Studio Buds

White Beats Studio Buds

Skullcandy Spoke True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Skullcandy Spoke True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

Veatool Wireless Earbuds

Black earbuds with battery indication

Altec Lansing NanoBuds

Dark grey Altec Lansing NanoBuds

Echo Buds (2021 release, 2nd Gen)

Black Echo buds with casing
Price
You save $10 (6.67%)
$139.99$149.99
Price
You save $40 (40.02%)
$59.95$99.95
Price
You save $70.00 (46.67%)
$79.99$149.99
Price
$34.99
Price
You save $30.00 (60.01%)
$19.99$49.99
Price
$49.99
Price
You save $55 (45.84%)
$64.99$119.99
Shopping links
Shopping links
Shopping links
Shopping links
Shopping links
Shopping links
Shopping links
Consumer ratings

Average star rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars at Best Buy

Consumer ratings

Average star rating: 4 out of 5 stars at Dell

Consumer ratings

Average star rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars at target

Consumer ratings

Average star rating: 4 out of 5 stars at Target

Consumer ratings

Average star rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars at Walmart

Consumer ratings

Average star rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars at Target

Consumer ratings

Average star rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars at Amazon

Specifications
Battery life (hrs)
8
Battery life (hrs)
32
Battery life (hrs)
8
Battery life (hrs)
14
Battery life (hrs)
4
Battery life (hrs)
20
Battery life (hrs)
15
Water resistant?
Water resistant?
Water resistant?
Water resistant?
Water resistant?
Water resistant?
Water resistant?
Mic?
Mic?
Mic?
Mic?
Mic?
Mic?
Mic?

AirPods are everywhere, so it’s not surprising that some people may want something a bit different to set them apart from the crowd. 

And with so many competitors on the market, it can be hard to work out which ones are worth your hard-earned dollars. 

So whether you’re looking for AirPods but cheaper, or an equivalent quality alternative, we’ve got you (and your budget) sorted. 

Read more: The best Audible books to transport you to another world

Blue Samsung Galaxy Buds
Samsung Galaxy Buds
$139.99 at Best Buy
Blue JBL Tune Flex Earbuds in casing
JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds
$59.95 at Dell
White Beats Studio Buds
Beats Studio Buds
$99.99 at Target
Skullcandy Spoke True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Skullcandy Spoke True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
$34.99 at Target
Blue Samsung Galaxy Buds
Photo: Best Buy

Samsung Galaxy Buds

You save $10 (6.67%)
$139.99$149.99

For those who want the Samsung equivalent to AirPods, the Galaxy Buds are for you. 

These buds come with enhanced bass to give the punchiest beats a resonating depth. Besides superior sound, they sport a stylish aesthetic that's pleasing to the eyes. 

With a battery life of 8 hours, these aren’t the greatest for long periods, but we think these are great for your daily work commute. For days when you need to concentrate, they offer active noise cancellation that you can activate with just a touch – perfect for those important phone calls or tasks.

Blue JBL Tune Flex Earbuds in casing
Photo: Dell

The JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds are engineered to deliver a seamless, immersive audio experience. With up to 32 hours of JBL Pure Bass Sound, these earbuds are perfect for those who want their music to be a constant companion, whether you're commuting, exercising, or simply going about your day. 

The ergonomic design ensures all-day comfort, and the water-resistant feature means your earbuds can handle any weather.

One of the standout features of these earbuds is its active noise canceling and smart ambient technology. This lets you choose whether you want to block out the rest of the world or stay aware of your surroundings.

White Beats Studio Buds
Photo: Target

Beats Studio Buds

You save $70.00 (46.67%)
$79.99$149.99

The Beats Studio Buds are the perfect companion for those who seek premium sound in a compact, wireless form. With active noise cancellation, these earbuds are specifically designed to drown out the world around you and immerse you in your music. 

They come with three sizes of silicone tips, ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone.

Ideal for the busy commuter, the music enthusiast, or the weekend warrior, the Beats Studio Buds offer a top-notch auditory experience in a sleek, portable package.

If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful AirPod alternatives, these Skullcandy might just be the ones for you. These earbuds offer a remarkable 14 hours of battery life, meaning you can enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts throughout the day without worrying about recharging. 

A single button does it all, from adjusting volume and skipping tracks to answering calls, making them a hands-free solution for your busy lifestyle.

The unique solo mode allows you to use either earbud independently, a feature that can be extremely useful during tasks that require one ear free. Besides, the Skullcandy Fearless Use Promise backs these earbuds. If you ever lose or break an earbud or the case, you can replace it at a discount — sounds like a winner to us!

Black earbuds with battery indication
Photo: Walmart

Veatool Wireless Earbuds

You save $30.00 (60.01%)
$19.99$49.99

These affordable wireless earbuds are the perfect addition to any workout or daily commute. With Bluetooth 5.0, you'll experience high-fidelity stereo sound without any wires to hold you back. No matter how rigorous your activity, the innovative anti-drop-out design means these earbuds will stay in place.

IPX7 waterproof rating ensures that sweat or a sudden rain shower won't interrupt your listening experience. The built-in mic and touch controls make hands-free calling a breeze, while the charging case provides a convenient and wire-free charging solution.

The noise-canceling feature allows you to immerse yourself in your music or focus on your calls, no matter where you are.

Immerse yourself in your workout with the Altec Lansing NanoBuds. Designed to stay securely in place thanks to the Altec Lansing Helix Wings, these earbuds are the perfect companion for an intense cardio session or a leisurely walk in the park. 

Sweat? No problem — with an IPX4 water resistance rating, these earbuds can handle perspiration and even a little rain.

They also have anti-microbial protection — this means they repel 99.9% of germs and bacteria it may come in contact with, keeping your ears hygienic and healthy.

Worried about battery life? With a solid five-hour battery life and a portable, pocket-sized charging case that provides an additional three charges, you're looking at a total of 20 hours of music playtime.

Black Echo buds with casing
Photo: Amazon

Echo Buds (2021 release, 2nd Gen)

You save $55 (45.84%)
$64.99$119.99

The Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are a great find for anyone looking for quality audio in a compact and comfortable design. These buds are not just about looks; their premium speakers deliver a balanced sound that's crisp and dynamic, enhancing every beat of your favorite tune. 

One of its standout features is the ANC, which effectively limits background noise, making these buds perfect for commuting or escaping into your music at home. 

As for comfort, these buds are designed to move with you, providing a secure, customizable fit. Moreover, they offer hands-free entertainment and integration with the Alexa app, allowing you to make calls, set reminders or even add items to your shopping list using your voice.

Our verdict: Which Airpod style earbuds alternatives get our stamp of approval?

We’ve got a lot of quality earbuds in this roundup of the best AirPods alternatives, but if we had to pick our top three, they’d be:

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds: Best for those who want intuitive earbuds for their Samsung phones and devices, you can’t beat the Galaxy Buds. 

  • Skullcandy Spoke True Wireless Earbuds: Best for those on a budget, these offer great sound quality and battery life. 

  • Echo Buds: A fan of Alexa? These earbuds have Alexa built-in, meaning you can have her handy help, from weather updates to trivia on the go.  


Did you like this article? For more great deals and shopping ideas, find us now on your favorite social networks: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!


Prices updated on 12/21/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

Phoebe Davenport Professional Headshot
Written by
Phoebe Davenport

A book aficionado, you will always be able to rely on Phoebe Davenport for the best book recommendations. On the weekend, you’ll probably find Phoebe at a bottomless brunch in London, at a museum, or chilling at home with her two cats.