Quick Overview $59 at Amazon<\/u><\/a>$100 at Newegg<\/a>See more options<\/a> $100 at Amazon<\/u><\/a>$100 at Verizon<\/a>$100 at Abt Electronics<\/a>See more options<\/a> $40 at Amazon<\/u><\/a> $50 at Amazon<\/u><\/a> $35 at HSN<\/u><\/a>$50 at Amazon<\/a>See more options<\/a> $80 at Amazon<\/u><\/a> $20 at Amazon<\/u><\/a>$25 at Verizon<\/a>See more options<\/a> $99 at Nothing<\/u><\/a>See 3 more<\/a> Bluetooth<\/strong>: v5.2 | ANC<\/strong>: Yes | Transparency mode<\/strong>: Yes | Custom EQ<\/strong>: Yes | Charging port<\/strong>: USB-C | Wireless charging<\/strong>: Yes | Water resistance<\/strong>: IPX4 | Multipoint connectivity<\/strong>: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection<\/strong>: No | Battery life (rated)<\/strong>: 10 hrs, 50 hrs w\/ case | Fast charging (rated)<\/strong>: 10 mins = 4 hrs | Codecs<\/strong>: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Warranty<\/strong>: 18 months<\/p>\n The Anker Soundcore Space A40<\/a> is often available for $80 but offers the kind of performance and features you\u2019d see from earphones that cost twice as much. Its little round earpieces are light and evenly balanced, so they shouldn\u2019t be a pain for most to wear for hours at a time. The default sound profile is good enough: It\u2019s warm, with a bump in the upper-bass and a dip in the treble that can dull some finer details, but pleasant on the whole. Unlike many cheaper headphones, it doesn\u2019t completely blow out the low-end. As with many modern pairs, you can tweak the sound with custom EQ tools in the Soundcore app. Using these won\u2019t make the Space A40 sound as nice as the best wireless earbuds on the market, but it can give them a touch more deep bass or high-frequency emphasis. The app in general is easy to use, and it saves any changes you make directly to the earphones.<\/p>\n The Space A40’s best feature is its active noise cancellation (ANC), which is outstanding for the money. It won\u2019t totally block out higher-pitched sounds, but it\u2019s plenty effective at muting the rumbles of a train or jet engine. By default, Anker uses an adaptive ANC system that automatically tweaks the intensity based on your surroundings, though you can manually set it to strong, moderate or weak levels, too. That\u2019s great for those with sensitive ears. There\u2019s also a transparency mode, which isn\u2019t nearly as good as what you\u2019d find on a high-end pair like the AirPods Pro<\/a> but works in a pinch.<\/p>\n Most of the little touches you\u2019d want from a modern set of headphones are here as well. The Space A40 can connect to two devices simultaneously, and you can use one earbud on its own. Battery life is solid at eight-ish hours per charge, while the included case can supply another 40 or so hours and supports wireless charging. The IPX4 water resistance rating isn\u2019t anything special but still means the earphones can survive light rain and everyday sweat. The touch control scheme can feel somewhat busy, as it lets you assign up to six different shortcuts to different taps and long presses and effectively forces you to omit a function or two, but it works reliably. We\u2019ve had no real connection issues, either.<\/p>\n The only major shortcomings are the mic quality and the lack of auto-pausing when you remove an earbud. The former doesn\u2019t handle sibilant sounds very well and can lose your voice in particularly noisy areas, so this isn\u2019t the best option for phone calls, but it\u2019s usable.<\/p>\n ProsExcellent ANC for the moneyPleasant, warm soundMulti-device connectivity and wireless charging supportComfortableGood battery lifeConsNo automatic wear detectionCall quality isn’t greatAudio performance isn’t as detailed as higher-end options (as expected)$59 at Amazon<\/a>Explore More Buying Options$100 at Newegg<\/a> Bluetooth<\/strong>: v5.3 | ANC: Yes | Transparency mode<\/strong>: Yes | Custom EQ<\/strong>: Yes | Charging port<\/strong>: USB-C | Wireless charging<\/strong>: Yes | Water resistance<\/strong>: IPX4 | Multipoint connectivity<\/strong>: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection<\/strong>: Yes | Battery life (rated)<\/strong>: 10 hrs, 50 hrs w\/ case | Fast charging (rated)<\/strong>: 10 mins = 4 hrs | Codecs<\/strong>: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Warranty<\/strong>: 18 months<\/p>\n The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC<\/a> is a commendable option if you prefer a larger \u201cstem\u201d design akin to Apple\u2019s AirPods. In many ways, these earphones are just the Space A40 in a different shape. Like our top pick, they deliver an impressive adaptive ANC system, a relatively stable fit, wireless charging, an intuitive app, IPX4-rated water resistance and the ability to connect with two devices at once. Battery life is about the same as well, but we were usually able to get a half-hour or so more out of the Liberty 4 NC.<\/p>\n By default, this pair has an exciting sound with big, thumpy bass and a noticeable spike in the treble. It\u2019s a good example of the \u201cfun\u201d EQ curve we often see from mainstream headphones these days, one that lends a nice sense of clarity to vocals and higher-range instrumentation. It fits especially well with EDM and pop music. That said, it\u2019s intense, so some might find it fatiguing. The Space A40 doesn\u2019t exactly sound neutral, but it comes off as easygoing by comparison, so it should be more agreeable for most. You can still personalize the Liberty 4 NC\u2019s sound profile through a variety of EQ settings in the Soundcore app, but it\u2019s hard to fully rein in the bass even with those.<\/p>\n Beyond that, you can manually adjust the strength of this pair\u2019s ANC on a five-step scale, which is a little more granular than the Space A40\u2019s three-step option. The touch controls are slightly more extensive, as you can triple-tap each earbud to change volume or access other commands. It also supports wear detection, plus its integrated mics are a bit better at resisting wind noise. However, it\u2019s sluggish to auto-pause whenever you remove an earbud, and call quality is still mediocre in general. The included transparency mode is still merely serviceable too. And at $100, it\u2019s right on the edge of our \u201cbudget\u201d limit.<\/p>\n ProsStrong ANC for the moneyMulti-device connectivity and wireless charging supportComfortableGood battery lifeConsBass-heavy sound is fun but can be fatiguingBulkier “stem” design is not for everyoneCall quality isn’t great$100 at Amazon<\/a>Explore More Buying Options$100 at Verizon<\/a>$100 at Abt Electronics<\/a> Bluetooth<\/strong>: v5.2 | ANC<\/strong>: No | Transparency mode<\/strong>: No | Custom EQ<\/strong>: Yes | Charging port<\/strong>: USB-C | Wireless charging<\/strong>: Yes | Water resistance<\/strong>: IPX7 | Multipoint connectivity<\/strong>: No | Wear detection<\/strong>: No | Battery life (rated)<\/strong>: 7 hrs, 30 hrs w\/ case | Fast charging (rated)<\/strong>: 10 mins = 2 hrs | Codecs<\/strong>: SBC, AAC, aptX | Warranty<\/strong>: 18 months<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to spend more than $50 on a set of true wireless earbuds, consider the Earfun Free 2S<\/a>. Similar to the Liberty 4 NC, this pair has a big bass response and a smaller bump in the treble. It misses details in the mids and can feel exhausting to listen to over extended periods, but it\u2019s a richer take on this kind of sound signature than most pairs in the price range. You can adjust the sound through EarFun\u2019s app as well, though there\u2019s fewer EQ presets to choose from than with the Space A40.<\/p>\n The earpieces themselves are well-shaped and not oversized; combined with their soft silicone ear tips, they should be comfortable for most to wear over long periods of time. An IPX7 rating means they\u2019re fully waterproof, too. There\u2019s a suite of reliable touch controls and battery life sits at around seven hours. The included case adds another 30 or so hours and supports wireless charging, too. It\u2019s not the smallest case we\u2019ve used, but it\u2019s not so large that it can\u2019t fit in a pocket, either.<\/p>\n That said, you start to run into more \u201cyou get what you pay for\u201d situations once you drop into this price range. In addition to not sounding quite<\/em> as sharp as our pricier picks, the Free 2S lacks active noise cancellation, multi-device connectivity, auto-pausing and a transparency mode. And though their mic quality is decent in most cases, it\u2019s pretty susceptible to wind noise.<\/p>\n ProsVery affordableComfortable and compact fitIPX7 waterproof ratingLively, customizable soundConsNo ANC or ambient sound modesNo wireless charging, wear detection or multi-device connectivity, eitherSound quality is still less balanced than our top picks$40 at Amazon<\/a> Bluetooth<\/strong>: v5.2 | ANC<\/strong>: No | Transparency mode<\/strong>: Yes | Custom EQ<\/strong>: Yes | Charging port<\/strong>: USB-C | Wireless charging<\/strong>: No | Water resistance<\/strong>: IP55 | Multipoint connectivity<\/strong>: No | Wear detection<\/strong>: No | Battery life (tested)<\/strong>: 7 hrs, 28 hrs w\/ case | Fast charging (rated)<\/strong>: 10 mins = 1 hr | Codecs<\/strong>: SBC, aptX | Warranty<\/strong>: 2 years (w\/ Sound+ app registration)<\/p>\n The Jabra Elite 3<\/a> is a few years old, but since it’s frequently on sale in the $50 to $60 range these days, it’s still worth a look. These earphones are particularly useful for workouts, as their compact design should be snug yet comfortable for most and don\u2019t require any bulky wing stabilizers or over-ear hooks. They also have an IP55 water resistance rating, which isn\u2019t the absolute highest but is enough to withstand almost any gym session. (As with most earbuds, you should give them a light cleaning between workouts.) Plus, they use physical buttons instead of touch controls. When you\u2019re on the move, having that immediate, tactile feedback is more reliable for quickly changing tracks or adjusting volume.<\/p>\n The Elite 3 still sounds better than most pairs in this price range, too. As we note in our review<\/a>, its signature is balanced enough for most music, with a slight but not overbearing bass boost that gives tracks a nice sense of body. By default, it sounds a bit better than the Space A40 and the Liberty 4 NC: The treble is more present than the former, and the bass is less boomy than the latter. It\u2019s more measured than the Free 2S as well, so if you see the Elite 3 on sale for around the same price, it’s the one to get. Similar to our other top picks, you can also customize the pair’s EQ through the Jabra Sound+ app.<\/p>\n Where the Elite 3 falls short is in all the other stuff. There\u2019s no active noise cancellation, no wireless charging, no multi-device connectivity and no auto-pausing. And while there is a transparency mode, the effect is so meager that you\u2019re better off just removing the earpieces entirely. The seven-ish hours of battery life is solid, however, and you can use a single earbud at a time if needed. Call quality is acceptable as well, though not a standout feature.<\/p>\n You could also consider the newer Elite 4<\/a>, which features both ANC and multi-device pairing. At $100, though, most budget-conscious buyers are better off with the Space A40.<\/p>\n ProsSnug, light and comfortable fitNicely balanced sound qualityPhysical control buttonsSolid IP55-rated water and dust resistanceConsNo ANCNo automatic wear detectionNo multi-device connectivityNo wireless charging$50 at Amazon<\/a> Bluetooth<\/strong>: v5.2 | ANC<\/strong>: No | Transparency mode<\/strong>: No | Custom EQ<\/strong>: Yes | Charging port<\/strong>: USB-C | Wireless charging<\/strong>: No | Water resistance<\/strong>: IPX2 | Multipoint connectivity<\/strong>: Yes (2 devices) | Wear detection<\/strong>: Yes | Battery life (rated)<\/strong>: 5 hrs, 6 hrs w\/ wake word off, 20 hrs w\/ case | Fast charging<\/strong>: 15 mins = 2 hrs | Codecs<\/strong>: SBC, AAC, aptX | Warranty<\/strong>: 1 year<\/p>\n All of our picks so far are technically earphones<\/em>, meaning they extend into your ear canal. For some people, that is inherently uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the market for decent yet affordable \u201cearbuds,\u201d which rest on the concha instead of going all the way in your ear, is spotty. If you can\u2019t bring yourself to pay for a pair of AirPods<\/a>, though, the Amazon Echo Buds<\/a> are a worthy compromise at $50.<\/p>\n The plastic earpieces here aren\u2019t exactly premium, but they rest lightly in the ear and feel sturdily put together. They let in and leak noise more easily than in-ear headphones, but if you prefer open earbuds, that\u2019s more of a feature than a bug. If the fit doesn\u2019t feel right, you can shed a little bulk by removing<\/a> the pre-installed silicone covers. (Like most open earbuds, though, comfort here is dependent on your ear shape.) Mic quality is more than adequate, and the circular touch panels give ample room for using the controls, which are customizable and consistently responsive. Battery life sits around<\/em>five hours, which is middling but not out of character for budget earbuds.<\/em>The pocket-friendly case adds about three full charges, but it\u2019s worth noting that Amazon doesn\u2019t include a USB-C charging cable. A poor IPX2 water resistance rating means you should avoid the gym with these, too.<\/p>\n While the Echo Buds<\/a> sound fine out of the box, I’d use the EQ sliders in the Alexa app to bring down the treble a click or two. By default, the highs are a bit too edgy. That said, this emphasis lends a nice crispness to things like vocals, cymbals and strings, and there\u2019s enough separation to keep complex tracks from sounding totally muddled. The profile here isn\u2019t as full-bodied as the latest AirPods<\/a>, and no open earbuds deliver true sub-bass, but there\u2019s at least some rumble for hip-hop and EDM.<\/p>\n Unlike many cheap earbuds, the Echo Buds support auto-pausing and multi-device pairing. I often had to manually pause playback on one device before I could switch to the other, but having the feature at all at this price is great. Unsurprisingly, they also come with Alexa baked in, which you can access hands-free. You manage the Echo Buds through the Alexa app, which is much more cluttered than a dedicated audio app but includes extras like a lost device tracker and sidetone control for phone calls. And if you want nothing to do with Alexa, it also lets you turn off the mics and wake-word support.<\/p>\n ProsActually decent unsealed earbuds that cost less than $50LightweightPocket-friendly caseAutomatic wear detectionMulti-device connectivityHands-free (and optional) AlexaConsOpen design means you’ll hear external noise all the timePoor water resistanceMiddling battery lifeNeeds a little tweaking to sound its bestAlexa app is a bit obnoxious$35 at HSN<\/a>Explore More Buying Options$50 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Our former runner-up pick, the EarFun Air Pro 3<\/ins><\/a> offers a similar shape, feature set and bass-heavy sound profile as the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. Its call quality and IPX5-rated water resistance are a touch superior as well. But its battery life is shorter at six to seven hours per charge, and its ANC, while serviceable, is neither as comprehensive nor customizable. Anker\u2019s pair also sounds better, with richer bass and greater clarity in the treble range. The main reason to consider the Air Pro 3 is because it often goes on sale for much less than the Liberty 4 NC, so if you prefer a stem-style design and really need to save cash, it\u2019s worth a look. Do note, though, that EarFun has announced<\/ins><\/a> an updated model called the Air Pro 4 that will arrive later in 2024.<\/p>\n $80 at Amazon<\/a> If you just want a competent pair of wireless earbuds for as little money as possible, take a look at the JLab Go Air Pop<\/a>. For $25, it has a light design with decent isolation, plus eight to nine hours of battery life, IPX4 water resistance and a full set of touch controls that actually work. JLab even lets you swap between three EQ presets from the buds themselves. It\u2019s still worth upgrading to the EarFun Free 2S if you can afford it, as the Go Air Pop sounds boomier by comparison and isn\u2019t as clear in the treble and upper-mids. There\u2019s no app support, either. But for $25, we expect trade-offs like this.<\/p>\n $20 at Amazon<\/a>Explore More Buying Options$25 at Verizon<\/a> The Nothing Ear Stick<\/a> has a fashionable transparent design<\/a> and a case that looks like a big, clear tube of lipstick. To access the earbuds, you just twist the case, which is fun. The earpieces feel sturdy and polished, with responsive controls built around AirPods-style stem squeezes. Audio quality isn\u2019t bad, either, though the treble is a little shouty by default. The main problem is that these are unsealed earbuds with a list price of $99. That\u2019s still under our \u201cbudget\u201d threshold, but it\u2019s a little too close to AirPods territory for a pair with far fewer software tricks to make up for the sound sacrifices inherent to this design. If you\u2019re particular about aesthetics and must<\/em> have open earbuds, then the Ear Stick is a good take on the idea. Most others are better off with the Space A40.<\/p>\nMore options<\/a><\/p>\n
Anker Soundcore Space A40<\/h3>\n
Best for most<\/h4>\n
More options<\/a><\/p>\n
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC<\/h3>\n
Runner up<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
EarFun Free 2S<\/h3>\n
Best under $50<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
Jabra Elite 3<\/h3>\n
Best for workouts<\/h4>\n
More options<\/a><\/p>\n
Amazon Echo Buds (2023)<\/h3>\n
Best for an open design<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
EarFun Air Pro 3<\/h3>\n
Honorable mention<\/h4>\n
More options<\/a><\/p>\n
JLab Go Air Pop<\/h3>\n
Honorable mention<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
Nothing Ear Stick<\/h3>\n
Honorable mention<\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Anker Soundcore Space A40<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best for most<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC<\/a><\/h3>\n
Runner up<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
EarFun Free 2S<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best under $50<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Jabra Elite 3<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best for workouts<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Amazon Echo Buds (2023)<\/a><\/h3>\n
Best for an open design<\/a><\/h4>\n
Honorable mentions<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
EarFun Air Pro 3<\/a><\/h3>\n
Honorable mention<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
JLab Go Air Pop<\/a><\/h3>\n
Honorable mention<\/a><\/h4>\n
<\/a>Photo by Jeff Dunn \/ Engadget<\/p>\n
Nothing Ear Stick<\/a><\/h3>\n
Honorable mention<\/a><\/h4>\n