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Did you know that you could actually buy the best earbuds under $100 and get the same audio quality, if nor better, as AirPods or Bose earbuds provide? Not only can these headsets surprise with a decent stereo, but also with the comfort of wearing, durability, and battery life.
In this piece, you’ll find a list of the best wireless earbuds under $100 as well as criteria that makes them ultimate on the market. Knowing the characteristics, you’ll be able to decide which pair fits the most your lifestyle. Also, we’ll make things clear with frequently asked questions so that you could use your headset without problems. Let’s get started.
Summary
- TREBLAB X5: Best Overall
- Creative Outlier Gold - Best for sound quality
- Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2: Best for the call quality
- JBL Reflect Mini 2 Wireless: Best For Sports / Workout
- Ikanzi Wireless Earbuds: Best True Wireless Earbuds
- JLab JBuds Air Sport: Best for bass
- Linner NC50 Wireless: Best noise cancelling
- Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless: Best for iPhone
- Rowkin Ascent Micro: Best for running
- Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Earbuds: Best for multi-device pairing
Here’s a comparison table for you to get a whole picture of the subject.
TREBLAB X5
- Studio sound quality
- Lots of options to find a perfect fit
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX4 rating
- AAC audio codec
- Up to 35 hours of playback with the case
- Binaural calls
- In-ear design is not for everyone
- Average mic quality
Best Overall
Creative Outlier Gold
- AAC and aptX audio codecs
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX5 rating
- Super realistic sound quality
- Solid battery life
- Gliddery build
- Microphone quality
- Super X-Fi technology available only for the app
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2
- Excellent call quality
- CD-like sound quality
- Bluetooth 5.0 and Qualcomm® aptX™
- IPX5
- Battery life
- Foam tips are not suitable for everyone
- Unhandy charging case
JBL Reflect Mini 2 Wireless
- Stability fins for a comfy fit
- Great sound quality
- IPX5 rating
- Battery life
- Unreliable build
- Impractical carrying pouch
Ikanzi Wireless Earbuds
- High-quality audio chip for great sound
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX7 rating
- Solid charging case
- No noise isolation
- No accessories to customize the fit
JLab JBuds Air Sport
- Comfortable, secure fit
- IP66 rating
- Great bass
- Battery life
- On-ear controls might be confusing
- Bass can overshadow some mixes
Linner NC50 Wireless
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Strong bass
- IPX4
- Battery life
- Not sonic fidelity sound
- Bass can overshadow some tracks
- Neckband might be not for everyone
Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless
- Battery life
- 4 tip sizes
- Lightweight ear-hooks
- Portable pouch
- Many color variations
- No noise isolation
- Not rated
- Bad mic quality
Rowkin Ascent Micro
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX5 rating
- Dynamic drivers for decent sound reproduction
- Unique design for harsh movements
- No noise isolation
- No ACC or aptX codecs
- Average mic quality
Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Earbuds
- IPX7 rating
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Decent sound quality
- Quick charge
- Multi-pairing feature
- Compatibility with MySound App
- No pouch and case
- Fit options are not for everyone
TREBLAB X5: Best Overall
These earbuds came out to the market of audio electronics and got the reputation of AirPods killers. They come with 3 sets of silicone ear-tips, 3 sets of expandable foam ear-tips, and 3 sizes of ear-fins. n this pair, ear fins do provide a strong fixation. Thus, it’s impossible not to find one’s ideal fit. Additionally, they feature IPX4 water-resistance rating, which makes them convenient for sports.
As for the sound, the X5 can brag about a studio sound quality. Besides, they support AAC audio codec, compatible with an iPhone and Android devices. Their in-ear design allows passive noise isolation. The battery lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge and gets an extra four charge cycles from the case. In total, there are about 35 hours of playback. Considering that the case is super portable, this headset’s battery may never die.
The call quality is good enough for making calls. As for some futuristic features, the X5 support Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Bixby and allow binaural calls. The button controls are easy-to-use and intuitive. The buds pair quickly and stay in a seamless connection with the source thanks to the latest Bluetooth 5.0 version.
Pros:
- Studio sound quality
- Lots of options to find a perfect fit
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX4 rating
- AAC audio codec
- Up to 35 hours of playback with the case
- Binaural calls
Cons:
- In-ear design is not for everyone
- Average mic quality
Creative Outlier Gold - Best for sound quality
The Outlier Gold are worthy of joining the list of top earbuds under $100 mainly due to its signature Super X-Fi integration that makes the sound super realistic - just like a 3D audio. They are perfectly compatible with iPhone and Android devices thanks to the aptX and AAC audio codecs. Also, the latest version of Bluetooth - 5.0 - adds to a seamless connection and quick pairing. To enjoy a local library of tracks, you can download the Creative Super X-Fi app. Herewith, the Super X-Fi technology can be only experienced with the app.
As for the design, it is trendy - with a gold exterior. The headset comes with small and medium-size ear-tips that together with angled nozzles help find the best fit. The Outlier Gold feature the IPX5 water-resistance rating. It is enough to do sports intensively and even run under a little rain. The battery life is impressive - about 10 hours on a single charge and an extra 2 charge cycles from the case. Together they might provide up to 30 hours of nonstop music streaming (it always depends on the volume level though).
Because of a passable microphone quality, some noises can interrupt you while speaking on the phone. Also, the charging case is not easy to handle, especially if the hands are wet due to a plastic and metal build.
Pros:
- AAC and aptX audio codecs
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX5 rating
- Super realistic sound quality
- Solid battery life
Cons:
- Gliddery build
- Microphone quality
- Super X-Fi technology available only for the app
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2: Best for the call quality
These are the best truly wireless earbuds under $100 for making calls because they feature 4 microphones for an impeccable communication. Interestingly, their driver dome is diamond-based, which is favorable for its rigidity. The elastic around the buds adds more bass to the overall sound reproduction.
The Liberty Air 2 feature the HearID technology that tracks your hearing sensitivity at different frequencies and process the outcomes to provide the most customized listening experience. The latter is also protected with passive noise cancellation.
They also feature Qualcomm® aptX™ audio which delivers CD-like stereo. As for the battery life, the headset can last for 7 hours and with the case - up to 28 hours. The quick charging here allows getting additional 2 hours from a 10-minute charge. Other assets are the latest Bluetooth 5.0 version and IPX5 water-resistant rating.
Pros:
- Excellent call quality
- CD-like sound quality
- Bluetooth 5.0 and Qualcomm® aptX™
- IPX5
- Battery life
Cons:
- Foam tips are not suitable for everyone
- Unhandy charging case
JBL Reflect Mini 2 Wireless: Best For Sports or Workout
The Mini 2 are the best sport earbuds under $100 thanks to stability fins. They provide a tight seal inside the ears and do not fall out when the workout becomes intense. Besides, their isolation effect is good enough to be used in crowded places, such as a gym, public transport, etc.
The Mini 2 come in 4 colors and look sporty. There’s a reflective cable for being visible at night. The build is made of plastic, and cables are thin, which might seem unreliable. They also have an IPX5 rating.
The sound quality is the following: excellent bass and great treble, well-balanced vocals and instruments. The microphone one is mediocre, which affects the call quality. The Bluetooth version is 4.2. As for the battery life, it can last up to 10 hours. With 15 minutes of charging, you can get 1 hour of playtime.
Pros:
- Stability fins for a comfy fit
- Great sound quality
- IPX5 rating
- Battery life
Cons:
- Unreliable build
- Impractical carrying pouch
Ikanzi Wireless Earbuds: Best True Wireless Earbuds
The biggest advantage of these best wireless Bluetooth earbuds under $100 is their super portability and affordability. They feature an integrated high-quality audio chip which creates a sort of music blast inside the ears. Once taken out from the case, they power on automatically, so does the pairing. The same happens when they are put back into the case - they power off automatically. How convenient for people who hate extra fuss!
The connection is as great as Bluetooth 5.0 allows. The Ikanzi is compatible with iPhone and Android devices. The battery life doesn’t impress from “the first charge” - it just lasts for 3-4 hours. But here’s the thing: the charging case can charge the buds about 18 times, which makes the headset’s battery unkillable. Because of the lightweight charging case, you can carry it wherever you go and have your buds charged all the time, except that gap of actual charging. So, in total, it’s about 72 of playback.
The Ikazy are IPX7 water-resistant, which allows you running under heavy rain. Eventually, since there are nor ear-tips or other isolation accessories, noise isolation doesn’t work here.
Pros:
- High-quality audio chip for great sound
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX7 rating
- Solid charging case
Cons:
- No noise isolation
- No accessories to customize the fit
JLab JBuds Air Sport: Best for bass
They are the best earbuds for running under $100 thanks to the ear-hooks that provide a very secure hold. Also, they come with 3 sizes of ear-tips. These in-ears guarantee comfort with every move. Besides fitting great, the Jbuds Air Sport feature the IP66 rating. The first figure means they withstand dust, the second one - they tolerate heavy jets of water.
The charging case is bulky. However, as an advantage, it shows how much battery life is left. Also, the brand claims that the case can provide an extra 34 hours of charge. The headset’s battery life is up to 7 hours.
What makes them outstanding? It’s bass. The Jlab deliver superb low-frequency reproduction. On certain songs, it is even deeper and driving. As for the sound, in general, there are three EQ settings - Bass Boost, Balanced Mode, and Signature Mode, where the latter is considered the best since it is more accurate in terms of all tonalities reproduction. No extreme points here!
Pros:
- Comfortable, secure fit
- IP66 rating
- Great bass
- Battery life
Cons:
- On-ear controls might be confusing
- Bass can overshadow some mixes
Linner NC50 Wireless: Best noise cancelling
These are the best noise cancelling earbuds under $100. They feature active noise cancelling technology. This means they receive ambient noise with a microphone, process it, and create “anti-noise” to protect your listening experience. The silicone ear-tips usually add to noise isolation.
The comfort is assured with the behind-the-neck band, which is good for running. The Linner NC50 deliver particularly strong bass, and mid tones are pretty clear here. The Bluetooth version is 4.2. The brand promises the battery life to be up to 13 hours from a 2-hour charging. But they basically can last up to 9 hours, which is also great. Besides, the longevity of use always depends on the volume level and ANC on or off.
The headset is IPX4 water resistant. So, no worries during tough workouts or jogging in the rain!
Pros:
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Strong bass
- IPX4
- Battery life
Cons:
- Not sonic fidelity sound
- Bass can overshadow some tracks
- Neckband might be not for everyone
Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless: Best for iPhone
The headset can top the list of Bluetooth earbuds under $100 simply because they feature Apple's W1 chip. They do not have the best noise reduction, but for some runners, it’s ok since they want to be aware of the surroundings. However, they don’t leak, and that might protect from some noises at the office or while commuting.
The in-ear design and the ear-hooks provide great stability, which is ideal for active movements. The Powerbeats3 come with 4 tip sizes so that everyone can find their ideal fit. The hooks are lightweight and portable, with zero risk of ear fatigue. They are bendable to get into a rubberized pouch. It is compact and portable.
They stand out for great bass and treble. The signal range is stable with any Apple device. But the microphone quality is below average. In crowded places, voices might be muffled and unclear. Unfortunately, the PowerBeats3 are not water-resistance rated.
As for the battery life, they offer 12 hours of playtime. The good news is they allow a quick charge. Thus, after a 5-minute charge, you can get an hour of battery life. The headset comes in different colors to complement any sporty outfit or style.
Pros:
- Battery life
- 4 tip sizes
- Lightweight ear-hooks
- Portable pouch
- Many color variations
Cons:
- No noise isolation
- Not rated
- Bad mic quality
Rowkin Ascent Micro: Best for running
The Ascent Micro might be boldly dubbed one of the top wireless earbuds under $100 designed particularly for running due to its build. Each earbud is equipped with a perforated silicone ring that is placed in a cavity across the metallic and matte cover. This way, the buds sit firmly in place during sudden moves. The build is ribbed, so it’s easy to take them with wet fingers. They feature easy-to-use and functional touch controls and LED indicators. A comfortable fit is ensured thanks to angled nozzles. Herewith, behind each of them, there is a dynamic driver that delivers crystal clear sound.
As for the sound, they do not support AAC or aptX audio codecs. In general, the frequency is neutral, but the instruments might be weak at highs. Bass and vocals are good enough for such a price point.
The headset is rated with the IPX5 water-resistance certification. They last for about 3.5 hours at a moderate volume. The Ascent Micro feature Bluetooth 5.0, which means the connection is great. The microphone quality is average, and voices might be muffled in crowded places.
Pros:
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IPX5 rating
- Dynamic drivers for decent sound reproduction
- Unique design for harsh movements
Cons:
- No noise isolation
- No ACC or aptX codecs
- Average mic quality
Jaybird Tarah Bluetooth Earbuds: Best for multi-device pairing
The headset is worth joining the list. They come with in-line remote and flat buttons and eargels - the concept of uniting ear-tips and ear fins in one unit. However, this design is not for everyone’s ears. The Jaybird Tarah do not have a pouch, nor a case. But they are super portable and fit in easily any pocket. Besides, they are IPX7 rated, which gives them solid credits.
Mid-range, treble and bass are great here. They also deliver some noise isolation, but it varies by the ranges. But the leakage performance is amazing, which adds to the overall great listening experience. The mic quality is not impressive, voices during the calls might lack in details.
The battery life is about 6 hours. They also allow quick charging. Thus, to get an extra hour, you’ll need to charge them for 10 minutes. The stable connection is ensured with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 version. Their undeniable asset is multi-device pairing, which allows pairing 2 devices at a time and switch between them. The headset is also compatible with MySound app for the customization of sound profile.
Pros:
- IPX7 rating
- Bluetooth 5.0.
- Decent sound quality
- Quick charge
- Multi-pairing feature
- Compatibility with MySound App
Cons:
- No pouch and case
- Fit options are not for everyone
Conclusion
What are the best earbuds under $100? These are true wireless Bluetooth earbuds that comply with the characteristics that you need for your lifestyle. For example, if you sweat a lot at the gym, pick the Ikazy or Jaybird. If a firm seal is what you’re after, then pick the X5 or JBL Reflect. All of them deliver high-quality stereo, each with different accents. Therefore, before purchasing a pair of earbuds, make sure you’ve decided on the main assessment criteria.
FAQ
Are cheap true wireless earbuds good?
As you can see from the review, you can find affordable true wireless earbuds without compromising on sound quality, battery life, comfortable fit, and durability.
What are the best sounding true wireless earbuds?
The best sounding true wireless earbuds need to feature audio codecs like AAC, SBC, aptX, etc. to maintain a high-quality sound reproduction. Check out the frequency response that also affects sound quality and define bass, treble and mids sounding.
What are the most comfortable wireless earbuds?
The most comfortable wireless earbuds should come with accessories that allow tailoring the ear size to the headset. Also, the comfort depends on the IPX water-resistance rating and the build of earbuds.
Do true wireless earbuds fall out?
True wireless earbuds may fall out if they do not provide a secure, tight seal inside the ear canal. Or, the build of the buds make them fall out during sudden movements.
What are the best wireless noise cancelling earbuds?
The best wireless noise cancelling earbuds may feature the passive or active noise cancelling technology. Each might work ideally for a specific activity. However, the most powerful one is considered the active noise cancellation.
