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Choosing earbuds that deliver the best value often depends on your preferences for features like active noise cancellation, IP ratings, and comfort. Other factors include battery life, audio quality, and compatibility with high-quality codecs.
These JLab Epic Air earbuds offer lively sound and impressive passive noise isolation for under $100. They also come with a charging case and support LDAC.
1. Amazon
Whether you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly wireless air buds that still deliver solid audio quality or are looking to upgrade your current pair to something better, you’ll find plenty of options on Amazon. These inexpensive earbuds are typically cheaper than competing models from Bose and Sony, but they don’t sacrifice build quality or performance for their low price tag. For example, our top-rated cheap wireless earbuds, the JLab Audio GO Air POP True Wireless, are comfortable, feature excellent call quality, and come with a case that holds three extra charges. They don’t have active noise cancellation, but they effectively block out ambient sound by forming a tight seal in your ears. You can also adjust their sound profile via a companion app to suit your listening needs.
Similarly, the JLab Epic Lab Edition earbuds are another pair of earbuds that offer great audio quality for their low price. They provide a comfortable fit and multiple ear tip sizes, along with robust battery life that lasts up to nine hours on a single charge. You can also connect them to two devices at once and take advantage of their industry-first multi-device pairing.
The JLab earbuds are also available in a variety of different colors, and they have a more rugged design than other inexpensive buds we’ve tested. This makes them a good choice for active listeners, as their in-ear construction helps them stay put during vigorous exercise.
2. Best Buy
For those who aren’t ready to spend a grand on their wireless headphones, Best Buy is still a great place to find some of the best Bluetooth earbuds for less. The JBL Vibe Buds True Wireless are the most affordable wireless earbuds we’ve reviewed and they provide good sound quality, decent comfort, and impressive battery life for their price. They don’t have active noise cancelling (ANC) so they won’t cut out the deep rumble of buses or airplane engines, but they do a great job at isolating you from office-type sounds like chit-chat or whiny A/C units.
The Pixel Buds Pro are another high-end option that tap into Google’s ecosystem with support for live translation, voice assistants, and an in-app EQ. They don’t have as strong ANC as the AirPods 1st generation or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but they do offer great passive isolation and a comfy fit. They also lack stability fins and can pop out of your ears from time to time, so they aren’t a good choice for workouts or outdoor runs.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are another pair of premium earbuds that offer a nice balance of sound quality, comfort, and features for their mid-range price. They don’t offer ANC, but they have outstanding passive noise isolation, a comfortable fit, and support for advanced audio codecs like LDAC.
3. eBay
The earbuds market has come a long way since the early days of wireless tech, when mediocre sound quality and unreliable performance were the norm. These days, top-tier sets from Apple, Sony and Samsung offer exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality for a fraction of what they used to cost. And thanks to sales and discounts, you can often nab a set of wireless earbuds for even less than $100.
One of the best options for budget-conscious buyers is the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC. These earbuds compete with high-end models like the Beats Powerbeats Pro while offering solid ANC and a consumer-friendly sound profile that you can tweak with on-board EQ presets. They also have reliable Bluetooth connectivity, respectable playtime in a portable charging case and on-device volume controls.
For Android users, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is another high-performing option that offers impressive ANC and advanced features like head-tracking spatial audio. They’re not perfect, however, with a slightly impractical control scheme that sometimes inflicts pain on the ear and mediocre capacity from their case.
Other budget-friendly options include the JLab Mini wireless earbuds, which blend powerful sound with special perks in an impossibly small design that can fit inside your ear canal and can be attached to a keyfob. They don’t have as great a default noise canceling as some of the other earbuds in this category and lack support for premium audio codecs like LDAC, but they still deliver excellent music playback for an under-$200 price tag.
4. Apple Store
Apple is the only company that operates its own chain of brick-and-mortar retail stores, which are located throughout the world. Besides showcasing the latest technology from Apple, these stores also sell a variety of accessories and electronics. Apple Stores are also a good place to shop for high-quality wireless headphones, including the AirPods. They offer an excellent combination of comfort, sound quality, and features, including head-tracking spatial audio for virtual surround sound playback and a superior noise cancelation that beats most competitors.
The Sony EAH-C500 Truly Wireless earbuds are another excellent option. They feature a small and lightweight design, along with a compact charging case that holds up to three additional charges. The buds have a comfortable fit, with memory foam ear tips that passively isolate your ears from ambient sound. They have a robust set of features, including Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts the listening experience based on your environment. They also have DSEE, which upscales low-res digital music files to higher quality.
If you want a more traditional look, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless earbuds are a great choice. They have a more conventional stem design and a slightly larger fit than the Space A40's rounded shape, but they still have an ergonomic fit. These earbuds have a warm default sound profile and a companion app that offers a graphic EQ. They don't have as much ANC performance, though, and they lack stability fins that can prevent them from falling out of your ears during vigorous exercise.
Conclusion
In summary, quality air buds can be found through diligent research, exploring reputable retailers, and considering user reviews. By prioritizing factors like sound quality, comfort, and durability, you can discover air buds that elevate your audio experience and meet your expectations
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