Choosing the right budget earbuds isn’t easy. There are so many options out there under $100, and each offers a mix of sound quality, battery life, comfort, features, and reliability. This guide looks at what matters most like clear sound, fit, call quality, battery life, and extra perks then gives you real picks to consider in 2025. Let’s dive in!
What Makes a Budget Earbud Worth It?
Before comparing models, here are the main things you should think about:
- Sound quality: Look for clean, well balanced audio with firm bass and clear highs.
- Battery life: Ideally around 6 to 8 hours per charge, plus another 20 to 30 from the case.
- Comfort & fit: Should be easy to wear all day and stay put, especially during walks or workouts.
- Call clarity: Good microphones to handle everyday use.
- Extra features: ANC (active noise cancellation), waterproofing, quick pairing, and an app for EQ can be big bonuses.
- Price & value: You want the best features without paying more than necessary.
Top Budget Earbud Contenders in 2025
1. EarFun Air Pro 4 ($62)
- Sound quality: Supports LDAC and aptX, meaning rich, hires sound.
- Battery & build: About 10 hrs per charge, app based control, IPX4 water resistance.
- Noise control: Offers solid ANC.
- Why buy: A standout under $100 for sound and features
2. OnePlus Buds 3 ($99)
- Sound: Detailed audio with broad soundstage.
- ANC: Above average noise blocking.
- Comfort: Excellent fit, plus metal like case surface.
- Battery life: 6.5 hrs per charge.
- Extra: Supports spatial audio and EQ via the OnePlus app
3. Nothing Ear (a) ($99, often discounted)
- Sound: Fun, energetic signature; praised for clear vocals.
- ANC: Among the best at this price.
- Design: Stylish transparent look.
- Extras: Multipoint pairing, sound fit test, low lag mode, LDAC .
4. JBL Vibe Buds ($50)
- Sound: Balanced tone, graphic EQ via app.
- Battery: 8 hrs of continuous use.
- Fit & build: IP54 rating; rugged and reliable.
- Why choose: Great allrounder under $50
5. Anker Soundcore P25i ($40)
- Sound: Bass rich, fun vibe great for hip hop/EDM lovers.
- Battery: 9 hrs per charge, extra recharges in case.
- App: 22 EQ presets to adjust sound.
- Bonus: Gaming mode reduces latency
6. Skullcandy Dime 3 ($26)
- Sound: Surprisingly neutral, with a flat profile.
- Best for: Affordable pick with clean, uncolored sound .
7. CMF Buds 2 Plus ($69)
- Sound & ANC: Personalized audio via Audiodo, good noise control.
- Battery: Strong, long lasting performance.
- Look: Comfortable and solid build
8. Sony WF-C710N ($80)
- Sound: Full, clear tone with strong bass control.
- ANC: Impressive at this mid budget level.
- Battery: 8.5 hrs, 30 hrs with case.
- Comfort: Slightly chunkier but very stable
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Sound Signature | ANC | Battery (Earbuds/Case) | Fit/Build | Price |
| EarFun Air Pro 4 | Clear, hires | Yes | 10 hrs / ~30 hrs | Moderate, IPX4 | $62 |
| OnePlus Buds 3 | Wide, detailed | Yes | ~6.5 hrs / ~? | Tight, stylish | $99 |
| Nothing Ear (a) | Fun, vocal clear | Yes | ~? / ~? | Light, transparent | $99 |
| JBL Vibe Buds | Balanced | No | ~8 hrs / ? | Rugged, IP54 | $50 |
| Anker Soundcore P25i | Bass-heavy | No | ~9 hrs / extra | Comfortable | $40 |
| Skullcandy Dime 3 | Flat, neutral | No | ? / ? | Basic | $26 |
| CMF Buds 2 Plus | Personalized, robust | Yes | ? / ? | Solid, ergonomic | $69 |
| Sony WF-C710N | Full, clean, dynamic | Yes | 8.5 hrs / 30 hrs | Slightly chunky | $80 |
Pick by Your Needs
1. Want Hi Res Audio & ANC Cheap?
- EarFun Air Pro 4 : Rich sound, LDAC/aptX, app EQ, strong ANC at $62.
2. Want Stylish & Reliable ANC?
- Nothing Ear (a) : Eye catching look, fun sound, solid ANC, and features like multipoint.
3. Just Want Great All Rounders Sub $100?
- OnePlus Buds 3 : Great fit, detailed sound, smart extras like spatial audio.
4. Looking for Rugged, Budget-Friendly?
- JBL Vibe Buds: Tough IP54 build with EQ app, under $50.
5. Bass Lovers on a Budget?
- Anker Soundcore P25i: Boomy bass and long battery, plus preset EQ.
6. Value for Money Under $70?
- CMF Buds 2 Plus: Good ANC, personalized audio, balanced performance.
7. Trusted Brand & Balanced Quality?
- Sony WF-C710N: Excellent ANC, clean audio, and long battery from Sony.
How to Choose the One That’s Right for You?
- Decide what matters most: Is sound quality your top priority, or is strong battery life or ANC more important?
- Think about comfort: For long listening sessions or sports, lightweight and secure fit is key.
- Check compatibility: Android users may prefer LDAC, while iPhones work well with AAC and spatial audio.
- Support & warranty: Trusted brands like Sony, JBL, OnePlus, and Nothing offer better support.
- Watch for discounts: Prime Day, Black Friday, or seasonal sales can drop prices further.
Top Picks at a Glance: Which Budget Earbuds Stand Out?
- Best overall under $100: EarFun Air Pro 4: offers rich sound, strong ANC, and great value.
- Most Stylish Choice : Nothing Ear (a) truly makes an impression with its unique transparent design and smooth, pleasant audio, perfect for casual, stylish listening.
- Best All-Rounder for Daily Use: OnePlus Buds 3 offer a comfortable fit, a rich set of features, and dependable performance, making them ideal for everyday use.
- Tough & affordable: JBL Vibe Buds: built for rough and tumble life.
- Top Pick for Bass Enthusiasts: Anker Soundcore P25i delivers powerful bass and a long lasting battery, perfect for those who love deep, booming sound on the go.
- Neutral listening: Skullcandy Dime 3: clean and simple sound.
- Custom Sound Experience: CMF Buds 2 Plus combine a secure, tailored fit with smart touch controls and personalized sound tuning, offering a more interactive and adaptive listening experience.
- Brand confidence: Sony WF-C710N: dependable and full featured.
Buying Tips
- Try before you buy: if possible different ears prefer different designs.
- Read real reviews: buyers often point out fit and call performance.
- Check the warranty: 1 year is common; some offer 2.
- Look for sales: you can snag mid tier earbuds at bargain prices during flash events.
Final Recap
Budget earbuds today pack impressive quality, and you don’t need to spend big to get clear sound, long battery life, a stable fit, and extras like ANC and voice assistants. The picks above hit the sweet spots they promise and lead the pack in 2025.Whatever your day looks like commuting, working out, chatting, leisurely listening there’s a smart, stylish, and wallet friendly option in here for you. Choose what matters most to you sound, comfort, features, or brand trust and pick confidently.
