Apple's AirPods are arguably the most popular wireless earphones on the market, but it's not because they're cheap—the AirPods Pro 3 sell for $249, and the AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation go for $179. But you don't have to spend that much to get similar or (sometimes) 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 compiled our top alternatives under $100 here. Our current Editors' Choice winners are the EarFun Air Pro 4+, which offers unbeatable noise cancellation for the price, and the Tribit FlyBuds 3, which are ideal for intense workouts. All the entries here earned their spots, so be sure to read the full reviews of each. In addition to our recommendations, we offer tips on finding the right budget-friendly set for you.
Overview
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![EarFun Air Pro 4+]()
Best Noise CancellationEarFun Air Pro 4+
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![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Best for ExerciseTribit FlyBuds 3
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![Edifier Lolliclip]()
Best Open Design With ANCEdifier Lolliclip
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![EarFun Clip]()
Best Open DesignEarFun Clip
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![Anker Soundcore Sport X10]()
Best Waterproof Noise-Cancelling EarbudsAnker Soundcore Sport X10
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![Sony WF-C710N]()
Best Audio QualitySony WF-C710N
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![Nothing Ear (a)]()
Most StylishNothing Ear (a)
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![JBL Tune Buds]()
Best for Powerful BassJBL Tune Buds
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![JLab JBuds ANC 3]()
Best for Sculpted AudioJLab JBuds ANC 3
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: EarFun
![EarFun Air Pro 4+]()
Best Noise CancellationEarFun Air Pro 4+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
In addition to producing robust lows and crisp highs, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ earphones benefit from good battery life and a protective IP rating. They also deliver above-average active noise cancellation for the price, making them an excellent value choice.
Who It’s For
If you want to stick to your budget without compromising audio quality, these EarFun earbuds won't disappoint. Android users can take advantage of the audiophile-friendly AptX Adaptive and LC3 codecs.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Ear Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More EarFun Air Pro 4+ Review -
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![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Best for ExerciseTribit FlyBuds 3
Pros & Cons
Why 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
If you're looking for an exceptionally stable in-ear fit (or just want to save money), you will 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).
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Tribit FlyBuds 3 Review -
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Credit: Mark Knapp
![Edifier Lolliclip]()
Best Open Design With ANCEdifier Lolliclip
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Edifier's Lolliclip earphones feature an open design that lets you hear your surroundings when needed, while also offering active noise cancellation for when you want to silence the outside world. Few earphones offer both. They also feature spatial audio, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, an IP56 rating for protection against dust and water, and outstanding battery life.
Who It's For
Edifier's clip-on buds are for those who want the best of both worlds: an open design with noise cancellation. It doesn't hurt that the buds' other features make them great for workouts.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type Open-style earbuds Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Edifier LolliClip Review -
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![EarFun Clip]()
Best Open DesignEarFun Clip
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The EarFun Clip earphones offer a robust set of features for an open design at a reasonable price. We like the clean audio, the wonderful transparency, their all-day comfort, and the solid battery life.
Who It’s For
Thanks to their affordable open-ear design, the EarFun Clip is worth considering for its ability to let you hear your surroundings while exercising or when performing other activities, when safety is paramount.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type Open-style earbuds Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More EarFun Clip Review -
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![Anker Soundcore Sport X10]()
Best Waterproof Noise-Cancelling EarbudsAnker Soundcore Sport X10
Pros & Cons
Why 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.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Review -
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![Sony WF-C710N]()
Best Audio QualitySony WF-C710N
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Sony WF-C710 earphones are a simple pair of buds that deliver an excellent audio experience for their affordable price. They offer rich bass tones and an ideal sense of balance, and you can fine-tune the sound signature with the companion app's adjustable EQ.
Who It’s For
If you like the Sony sound signature and intuitive EQ controls, the WF-C710 earphones are a good choice, especially since their simple design helps keep costs down.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Sony WF-C710N Review -
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![Nothing Ear (a)]()
Most StylishNothing Ear (a)
Pros & Cons
Why 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.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Nothing Ear (a) Review -
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![JBL Tune Buds]()
Best for Powerful BassJBL Tune Buds
Pros & Cons
Why 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.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More JBL Tune Buds Review -
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![JLab JBuds ANC 3]()
Best for Sculpted AudioJLab JBuds ANC 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The JLab JBuds ANC 3 delivers audio with a notable thump, offers effective active noise cancellation (ANC) against low-frequency distractions, and provides an adjustable in-app EQ.
Who It's For
If you're looking for sculpted sound with good ANC for a low price, the JBuds ANC 3 are a fine alternative to other similarly priced earphones.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More JLab JBuds ANC 3 Review -
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Best For | Best Noise Cancellation | Best for Exercise | Best Open Design With ANC | Best Open Design | Best Waterproof Noise-Cancelling Earbuds | Best Audio Quality | Most Stylish | Best for Powerful Bass | Best for Sculpted Audio | Best Noise Cancellation | Best for Exercise | Best Open Design With ANC |
Type | In-Ear | In-Canal | Open-style earbuds | Open-style earbuds | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Ear | In-Canal | Open-style earbuds |
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Connection Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
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Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds for 2026
The Best Cheap Earbuds for Exercise
Will you be sweating a lot or moving around vigorously while using your earphones? The good news is that nearly all wireless models deliver a secure fit. The bad news is that not all of them provide the same level of protection against the elements.
A high IP (ingress protection) rating is crucial if you plan to wear them in the rain or need to wash them off under a faucet with moderate to high 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 includes 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 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. For more details on wireless audio quality, refer to our guide to Bluetooth codecs.
If noise cancellation is important to you, be happy that we're finally starting to see some solid wireless models for under $150. The best noise-cancelling models still cost north of $250, but we still consider some pairs good enough to make the cut for this list. For more, see our picks for the best noise-cancelling wireless earphones.
If all of this is above your head, your best bet is to try the earphones yourself (if possible) or go by the sonic evaluation in our reviews. Every review provides specific details on how the earphones sound on various tracks, ranging from sub-bass-heavy electronic music to transparent classical recordings.
Are Companion Apps Worth the Download?
Most wireless earbuds work with a companion app that helps connect the earphones to your phone. Many apps enhance their appearance by replicating the controls already available on physical earpieces. This can add some convenience, but it doesn't add much value. Other apps allow you to adjust specific settings. For instance, you can 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 an EQ, but allowing you to tweak the bass or treble to your taste is a huge plus—and apps with customizable presets are increasingly common.
A few manufacturers, including Apple, don't use a companion app at all. 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 wireless earbuds overall.