10 Best Budget Earbuds of 2026 Under $100 – Tested and Ranked

I've got a rule for myself: I won't spend more than $100 on earbuds. Why? Because I lose them. I drop them. I wash them. I step on them. So I've made it my mission to find the best cheap true wireless earbuds that don't suck. Over the past month, I tested 30 different models priced under $100. I ran with them, called with them, and listened to music on noisy trains. Some were terrible—muffled sound, flimsy build, or connection that dropped every five minutes. But some were genuinely impressive. Here are the 10 best, ranked from good to great.

10. Soundcore by Anker P40i – $79

Anker has been killing it in the budget audio space for years. The P40i is their latest, and it's solid. The sound signature is bass-heavy, which is fun for pop and hip-hop. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is decent—it'll block out a humming fan but not a loud conversation. Battery life is 8 hours with ANC on, 12 without. The case charges via USB-C and also has wireless charging, which is rare at this price. My complaint? They're a bit bulky, and the touch controls are finicky. But for $79, you get a lot.

9. JBL Tune 230NC TWS – $99

JBL's budget earbuds have a reputation for being bright and energetic. The Tune 230NC delivers that signature JBL sound. The bass is punchy, the mids are clear. The ANC works well for the price, and the ambient mode is natural. Battery life is 6 hours with ANC, 10 without. The design is chunky, but they stay in my ears during jogs. The app lets you tweak the EQ. The only downside is the microphone quality is average—people on calls said I sounded distant. Still, for $99, they're a good option.

8. Nothing Ear (a) – $99

Nothing's sub-brand, 'a,' launched three months ago. The Ear (a) is a cheaper version of the Nothing Ear (2). They keep the transparent design that looks cool. The sound is balanced—good bass, clear highs. ANC is okay for the price—it reduces noise but doesn't eliminate it. Battery life is 7 hours. The case is smaller and less premium than the Ear (2), but it's fine. What I love is the IP54 rating for sweat resistance. They're great for the gym. The app is clean and easy to use. A solid choice for $99.

7. Sony WF-C700N – $99

Sony's budget earbuds are often overlooked, but the C700N is a gem. They have excellent ANC—probably the best under $100. The sound is balanced, with clear vocals and decent bass. The app has an equalizer that lets you customize the sound. Battery life is 7 hours with ANC. They're also lightweight and comfortable. My only issue is the case is plasticky and the charging port is micro-USB (really, Sony?). But if you can live with that, these are a steal.

6. OnePlus Buds 3 – $79

OnePlus makes great phones, and their earbuds are underrated. The Buds 3 have a dual-driver setup—one for bass, one for mids and highs. The result is a wide soundstage. The ANC is decent, and the transparency mode is natural. Battery life is 7 hours with ANC, 10 without. They have IP55 dust and water resistance, which is great for workouts. The touch controls are responsive. The only downside is they're not as refined as the Nothing Ear (a), but at $79, they're a fantastic value.

5. EarFun Air Pro 4 – $79

EarFun is a small brand that focuses on value. The Air Pro 4 has been my daily driver for a month. The sound is warm with good bass—great for podcasts and rock music. ANC is surprisingly effective for $79. Battery life is 9 hours with ANC, 12 without—that's excellent. The case supports wireless charging. They also have a low-latency mode for gaming. The build is all plastic, but they feel durable. The only con is the microphone isn't great in wind. But for $79, these are hard to beat.

4. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE – $99

Samsung's 'Fan Edition' earbuds are basically the Galaxy Buds 2 but cheaper. They have the same excellent sound quality with punchy bass and clear highs. ANC is good, and the ambient mode is useful. Battery life is 6 hours with ANC. They're comfortable and have wingtips that keep them secure. The app is clean and includes an EQ. The downside is they're only available in white and black, and the case is a bit large. But if you own a Samsung phone, these integrate seamlessly. I'd recommend them over the regular Galaxy Buds 2.

3. Anker Soundcore Space A40 – $99

Anker's premium budget offering. The Space A40 has everything: excellent ANC, balanced sound, 10-hour battery life, wireless charging, and a compact case. The sound is neutral—not too bassy, not too bright. They're comfortable for long sessions. The app has a customizable EQ and a 'hearID' feature that tunes the sound to your hearing. My only complaint is the touch controls are a bit too sensitive—I accidentally paused music when adjusting the earbuds. But for $99, these are a top-tier choice.

2. Realme Buds Air 6 Pro – $99

Realme is a Chinese brand that's been making waves. The Buds Air 6 Pro have dual drivers, LDAC support (for high-res audio on Android), and excellent ANC. The sound is detailed and lively. Battery life is 8 hours with ANC. They have an IPX5 rating for water resistance. The design is sleek—matte black with a chrome accent. The app is decent, though it asks for too many permissions. But the sound quality is genuinely impressive for $99. These are audiophile-level cheap earbuds.

1. Moondrop Golden Ages – $89

This is my surprise winner. Moondrop is a Chinese company known for high-end wired IEMs. They released their first true wireless earbuds, the Golden Ages, in April 2026. And they're incredible. The sound is warm, natural, and detailed—like listening to a good stereo system. The ANC is average, but the soundstage is wide. Battery life is 6 hours. The case is small and premium-feeling. The only catch is they don't have an app, so you can't tweak the EQ. But if you want the best sound under $100, these are it. I've been using them for two weeks, and I haven't touched my other earbuds. The Golden Ages are the real deal.