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The best cheap wireless earbuds to buy for a quality audio experience

Wireless earbuds offer convenience and a great listening experience. To shop a top-tier pair at a low price, check out our editor recommendations.

Updated Nov 16, 2023
6 min. reading time
three sets of colored earbuds with charging cases

There’s a sense of freedom that wireless earbuds offer. You get to listen to your favorite playlist or receive calls without the nagging tangling cord. But these earbuds are often costly, with premium brands, such as Bose and Apple, charging well over $200.

Luckily, the market for affordable wireless earbuds has majorly stepped up its game. So  you don’t need to spend heavily to buy decent pair. In fact, you can get a good pair for less than $50 if you know where to look.

To simplify the search for you, we've identified and reviewed the best cheap wireless earbuds you can buy now.

Read more: Want amazing sound? Check out these over-ear headphones

Browse the best cheap wireless earbuds

Best rainproof wireless earbuds

Specifications

  • Battery life: 7 hours; 28 hours with charging case

  • Microphone: 4 built in

  • Speaker size: 6mm

Pros & Cons
  • Supports sound customization

  • Offers great call quality

  • Features intelligent noise control

  • Audio signal can be unstable

  • Can feel heavy in the ears

With an IP55 rating, the Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless Headphones offer rainproof durability, so you won’t have to worry about a drizzle or a downpour when outside. The Elite 3 features four microphones for crystal-clear phone calls, and it supports the mono mode to allow you to use one earbud while the other charges.

Additionally, these feature HearThrough technology to keep you aware of what’s happening around you. This means, you can still talk to people, order coffee at a restaurant or listen to announcements without removing the earbuds. This pair also supports Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless connectivity, and you can customize it for rich, clear sound and punchy bass.

Best budget wireless earbuds

  • Battery life: 8+ hours; 32+ hours with charging case

  • Microphone: MEMS

  • Speaker size: 6mm

Pros & Cons
  • Long battery life

  • Great value for money

  • Strong Bluetooth connection

  • High pitched sound

  • Fits loosely in the ears

The JLab Go Air Pop True Wireless Earbuds are proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to buy top-tier earbuds. Costing just $25, these earphones offer eight-plus hours of playtime, and you get over 32 hours with the charging case’s power. Also, these buds are 15% smaller for a snug fit, and you can use them independently while the other charges.

This true wireless pair features touch-control functions, allowing you to play, pause, answer calls, or control volume by simply touching the buds. Each bud has a built-in MEMS microphone for high-quality calls. You can also pick your preferred sound setting from the JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost modes with just a few taps on the buds.

Best-rated wireless earbuds

  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours; Up to 20 hours with charging case

  • Microphone: MEMS

  • Speaker size: 5.8mm

Pros & Cons
  • Great battery life

  • Quality sound performance

  • Reliable Bluetooth connection

  • Unstable fit in the ears

  • Some users have experienced background noises

With an average rating of 4.5-stars, the WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-ear Headphones offer unmatched performance for quality calls and music. Its ergonomic surface design conforms to most ear cavities for a stable fit, and it offers up to 10 hours of playtime — and 10 additional hours with the charging case.

The 360 Reality Audio gives you an immersive experience, and it has an IPX4 rating to withstand sweat and water. You can customize your sound using the EQ setting on the Sony app, and the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores high-frequency sound lost in compression for optimal sound quality.

Best earbuds with great sound quality

pair of earbuds coming out of charging case
Photo: Earfun, Inc

EarFun Air Wireless Earbuds

You save $20.00 (25%)
$59.99$79.99
  • Battery life: 7 hours; 35 hours with charging case 

  • Microphone: 4

  • Speaker size: 6mm

Pros & Cons
  • Superior sound quality

  • Great water resistance

  • Instant pairing with your phone

  • Limited volume range

  • No active noise canceling

If you want crystal-clear and expansive sound for less, then the EarFun Air Wireless Earbuds make the best cheap wireless earbuds to buy. The pair features 6mm PEEK + PU high-fidelity dynamic drivers for balanced, high-quality sound. Its 4-mic noise-canceling call technology filters 90% of disruptive noises for optimal call clarity.

With up to 35 hours of total playtime, these EarFun earbuds keep you entertained for hours while on the go. It has a game mode for a better video and gaming experience, while its innovative SweatShield Technology resists sweat and water to achieve an IPX7 rating. The buds support Bluetooth 5.0 for instant pairing and have an ergonomic design for a snug fit.

Best feature-packed wireless earbuds

  • Battery life: 9 hours; 33 hours with charging case

  • Microphone: Dual

  • Speaker size: 6mm

Pros & Cons
  • Easy to locate when misplaced

  • Offers value for money

  • Includes a 1-year warranty

  • Reviews highlight possible charging issues

  • Average audio quality

For less than $30, you can get the Skullcandy Jib True XT 2 True Wireless Earbud Headphones, which provide great features compared to other options. The most impressive feature is the built-in Tile™ Finding Technology, which allows you to locate your earbuds when you misplace them.

The Jib True XT 2 offers up to 33 hours of total playtime and features a microphone in each bud for quality calls every time. An IP rating of IPX4 means you don’t need to worry about sweat or water while outdoors. With Activate Assistant, you can use Siri, Alexa, or Bixby for voice commands, while Bluetooth 5.2 guarantees true wireless connectivity every time.

Best wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation

  • Battery life: 6 hours; 26 hours with charging case

  • Microphone: MEMS

  • Speaker size: 12mm

Pros & Cons
  • Feature active noise canceling

  • Supports speed charging

  • Provides a snug fit

  • Not great for an active lifestyle

  • Reviews show compatibility issues with different phones

Whether listening to music or making calls, you can enjoy an immersive sound experience with the JBL Vibe 300TWS True Wireless Earbuds, thanks to its active noise cancellation technology. The Vibe 300TWS supports JBL Deep Bass for powerful sound and has a “stick design” for a snug and discreet fit in your ears.

The Adaptive EQ function automatically tunes your music to the shape of your ears, and it comes with tapered silicone tips for customizing your fit. With the transparency mode, you can listen to your music while staying aware of your surroundings. These buds provide over 24 hours of playtime and quick access to Siri for voice commands.

Best Bluetooth earbuds for kids

  • Battery life: 5 hours; 24 hours with charging case

  • Microphone:

  • Speaker size: 6mm

Pros & Cons
  • Volume capped at 85dB for ear protection

  • 10m Bluetooth range for reliable connection

  • Comfortable fit

  • Inconsistent pairing

  • Lower battery life means more frequent charging

Are you uncertain about what to buy your kid as a gift for their graduation or birthday? You can’t go wrong with the BELKIN SoundForm Nano Wireless Bluetooth Kids' Earbuds. The SoundForm Nano is designed for kids ages 7 and up, and it comes in three colors to match your kid’s outfits and devices.

The volume is capped at 85dB to protect your kid’s ears, and it comes with silicone ear tips in five sizes for ear comfort. The buds are IPX5-rated to resist sweat, light rain, and puddle splashing. With touch controls, your kid can seamlessly skip or pause songs, adjust volume, and receive or end calls. It also features a high-quality microphone for crystal-clear calls.

Cheap wireless earbuds - FAQs

Here are responses to common questions asked by users when shopping for the best value earbuds.

Are wireless earbuds worth buying?

If it’s freedom and convenience you’re after, a wireless pair of earbuds offers both. Often, if you have a wired pair, the cord can be a nuissance — especially when walking, running or working out.

Plus, the likelihood for damaging your earbuds can be greater if they’re wired, since the cord often ends up getting tangled or stretched.

In sum, wireless earbuds are worth buying because they offer a great listening experience without the hassle of a cord while on the go.

Which wireless earbuds are best?

Your best pick depends on different features and factors. For example, you might consider factors like IP rating, connectivity range, sound quality, and design of the earbuds.

If you need a noise-free sound experience, the JBL Vibe 300TWS True Wireless Earbuds make the best affordable wireless earbuds due to their noise-canceling function. For ample sound performance, the EarFun Air Wireless Earbuds are definitely worth your money.

Getting the best wireless earbuds doesn’t need to be costly; there are great options under $100 or even under $50 that deliver exceptional sound performance and battery life to keep you entertained for hours.

We’ve made it easy for you to pick the best cheap Bluetooth earbud, regardless of your budget. If you are keen on features, the Skullcandy Jib True XT 2 makes a remarkable pick. For an affordable pair, go for the  JLab Go Air Pop earbuds. Or, take the BELKIN SoundForm Nano for your little one’s birthday gift.

No matter your preference, we’re certain that one of these options offers the best cheap wireless earbuds for great music and convenient calls.


Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

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Written by
Odinga Fanuel

With over nine years working within media, Odinga Fanuel is passionate about sharing reliable information with everyday readers. For Smart Shopper, Odinga specializes in writing about tech products, household appliances, travel, automotive and more.

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