Top 5 budget TWS under and around $100
No idea what wireless earphone is right for you? These are the best wireless earbuds under $100 for sound quality, ANC active noise cancelling, phone calls, video calls, and more - updated for November 2024.
BEST TWS under $100 - November 2024:
Earfun Air Pro 4 - best overall
Huawei Freebuds 6i - most comfortable for ANC
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE - best without stems
Oppo Enco Air3 - best without rubber tips
KZ Xtra - audiophile tip
Nothing Ear (a) - bonus design tip
Check out below for descriptions and comparisons!
How Scarbir.com tests $100 wireless earbuds
Scarbir.com is a one-man job. Since 2019, I've performed all 420+ wireless earphone reviews on this site myself - so you can be sure every model has gotten the same testing methods and the same reference.
I try and test all earbuds at least 1 to 2 weeks fully before writing about it, experiencing all aspects of the earbuds. All earbuds are tested on an Android phone, iPhone, and Mac.
I test the basics like wearing comfort after several hours, the actual battery life, the fit when you're on the move, the controls, and the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. If an earbud fails in any of these categories, it has very little chance to become a recommendation.
For phone and video calls, all earbuds undergo the same tests; recordings performed in the same office and on the same crowded traffic intersection with occasional wind, as well as in pre-defined simulated scenes with noise and wind.
Active Noise Cancelling, if available, is always tested in the same organic office and outdoor environments, as well as in pre-defined simulated background chatter and noise scenarios. ANC performance is always directly compared to the best scoring models in the price range.
The gaming performance and low-latency modes are always tested with the highly challenging shooter Call of Duty mobile on an Android phone.
For the app support of an earbud, I look at the features, the ease-of-use and the needed permissions of the Android and iPhone app.
Sound quality is my biggest passion and, with so much competition on the market, it's what can make or brake an earphone. I listen to earbuds on low, moderate and high active listening volume, take notes and compare an earbud to its biggest comparably priced rivals. Sound performance is both tested by both everyday and active listening to whichever music I throw at it, and by checking technicalities with my Scarbir.com Earbuds Test List on Spotify.
The $100 price category in wireless earbuds is insanely competitive. From Q2 2024 on, multiple model releases have been fantastic and can even outperform the $250 AirPods Pro 2 on call clarity, ANC, and sound quality. As the features are now often so good for the price, I also weigh in user friendliness and build quality and finish heavier than in more affordable price ranges.
What to expect from truly wireless earphones under $100:
Outstanding sound quality: the products in this list are hand-picked as the best budget wireless earbuds from hundreds of models you can buy from Amazon and AliExpress. They offer excellent sound quality - sometimes even better than earbuds costing 200 to 300 dollars.
Great build quality: a lack of well-known brand names doesn't mean: bad build quality. The winners in this guide have a sturdy built, cleverly designed charging cases and comfortable earbuds.
Solid battery life: the TWS in this list have better battery life than many more expensive wireless earbuds. They all offer at least 6 hours of playtime, up to 8 or even more hours battery life on a single charge.
Good call quality: the phone call quality of affordable wireless earphones has increased over the last years. Unless mentioned otherwise, it's easy to take phone calls and video calls with these.
Feature packed: some TWS under $100 come with Active Noise Cancelling, a transparency 'hearthrough’ mode, or free apps with extra functionality, just like you would see on more expensive earphones.
These are the best cheap wireless earbuds under $100, updated for November 2024 with a new honourable mention:
1. Best wireless earbuds under $100 in September 2024: Earfun Air Pro 4
A sensational package for the price
The Earfun Air Pro 4 is an amazing offer for wireless earbuds under $100, delivering great sound quality, clear calls both inside and outdoors, multipoint connection, and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on par with the $250 AirPods Pro 2.
There's one to reason to look a little further than the Earfun Air Pro 4, and that's when you have smaller than average ears. While this earphone has a familiar stem design with oval earpieces that fit secure and snug, Earfun mounts round and bigger-than-average rubber tips on them - making them less comfortable than competitors with oval ear tips.
That said, the round ear tips ensure fantastic Active Noise Cancelling. The ANC heavily reduces and completely removes sounds around you - even when you're not playing music. Darker constant sounds and higher sound effects are almost completely gone, and even sudden middle sounds like a radio or chatter disappear to the background, or are at least strongly softened. The performance is on par with the much pricier Apple AirPods Pro 2, and the Earfun is even better in suppressing higher notes.
Since a firmware update from the Earfun app, the Transparency mode is usable too, allowing you to follow a conversation or clearly hear traffic noise while listening to music on lower volume. Better yet, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of playtime with ANC or Transparency mode on, before you have to recharge them in the case.
That case itself is sturdy, compact enough, and resists fingerprints and scratches well. Three LED-lights on the front indicate the remaining battery life; and when it turns empty, you easily recharge the case via USB-C or wireless charging.
The Earfun Air Pro 4 earbuds are great for all everyday tasks. They're IPX5 waterproof so they withstand rain and sweat, the controls are excellent and can be setup entirely to your liking with the free Earfun Android and iPhone app, and thanks to the multipoint connection, you can connect them to two devices at the same time. It automatically switches upon pausing and playing, or when you get a phone call.
Don't be afraid to take that phone call or enter a video conference with them: the microphones make you sound natural and loud, and surrounding noises are softened superb. Even a bit of wind noise doesn't drown your voice.
They're great for videos and games as well. The specific game mode synchronizes sounds in challenging games like Call of Duty mobile wonderfully, although the sound effects could feel more around you.
Rest assured: music sounds fantastic on these earbuds.
The mid-bass delivers solid thumps rather than tight punches, while the deepest bass section - the sub-bass - offers a controlled, deep rumble. Lower mids are boosted, enhancing darker electronic tones and male vocals without dragging higher mids along.
The Earfun always has a pleasant warm tonality, but it still creates space for natural-sounding guitars and piano play. Both male and female vocals are forward and have a strong presence, without overpowering instruments. Cymbals, violins, flutes and even Björk's highest screams are clear but not overly bright. Music feels detailed as well, as instruments and frequencies are greatly separated from each other. Apart from the (very!) loud maximum volumes, the music keeps its authority.
Should you want to change it, you can do so via the app that offers plenty of EQ presets and the option to create your own equalizer.
The Earfun Air Pro 4 is a wonderful listen - articulated, balanced, and energetic. The sound quality tops off the great package that these earphones are. This is the current best choice for wireless earbuds under 100 dollars.
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2. Runner-up for best Active Noise Cancelling earbuds under $100: Huawei Freebuds 6i
Exceptional ANC and great comfort
The Huawei Freebuds 6i has almost all of the great features of the Earfun Air Pro 4, but provides a bit more comfort for smaller ears thanks to it oval ear tips.
The Huawei Freebuds 6i are the Chinese manufacturers top earphones under 100 dollars, and offer the same terrific ANC strength and clear Transparency mode as the Earfun Air Pro 4. These block an incredible amount of noise around you, from the darkest to the highest tones. Even without playing music, these bring rest to your head.
The biggest benefit of the Huawei is that it provides more comfort for most (smaller) ears. Huawei finished the secure and snug earpieces with oval ear tips, which provide a more easygoing and comfortable fit than round ones.
The controls add to the level of comfort: playing and pausing and changing tracks is done by double or triple-taps, while you can swipe up or down on the stems to change the volume - and this works wonderfully.
The Freebuds 6i has a lot more going for it, like the multipoint connection that lets the earbuds connect to two devices at the same time. Or the compact charging case, the solid gaming mode (that isn't as on point as the Earfun), or the IP54 waterproof rating that protects the earbuds against rain or splashes.
The earbuds also have splendid call quality. The microphones have to adjust to wind noise or sounds around you shortly, and then forward your voice with great clarity and volume again, even when there's a lot of noise going on around you.
Even the musical presentation is not far off the Earfun Air Pro 4, even though the Earfun can sound a bit more impactful. The Freebuds 6i's sound is best described as gentle, warm and friendly.
The mid-bass gives off a nice thump instead of ‘punching’ you in the ears, while the sub-bass can rumble quickly and controlled. Lower frequencies like drums, lower electronic tones and darker vocals are boosted. Female and higher male vocals are fairly upfront, but never step away from their warmer, fuller character, and even Björk's very bright outbursts in It's Oh So Quiet! are rounded off before they become sharp and stabby.
There's also decent left-right separation in the center mid-tones, like guitar play and claps. The balanced, warm and full sound is always comfortable and pleasant to listen to.
There are two reasons the Huawei doesn't take the top recommendation. The first is the battery life, that lasts 5 hours instead of Earfun's 8 hours on a single charge - a big difference.
The other is more critical: the Huawei Freebuds 6i enjoys support from the Huawei AI Life app for iPhone and Android, but beware: Android-users have to download it outside of the Play Store - a QR-code on the box will help you find it. It's impractical, feels a bit shady, and it doesn't help the app requires quite a bit of permissions on your phone. The Earfun is more user-friendly.
Despite the finnicky app support, the Huawei Freebuds 6i is a stellar offering of wireless earphones under 100 dollars, with outstanding Active Noise Cancelling, great sound quality, clear calls and multipoint connectivity.
Buy on Amazon US
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3. Best stemless wireless earbuds under $100: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Very engaging sound and Good ANC
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are a stellar combination of stellar sound quality and features, like clear indoor calls and strong Active Noise Cancelling.
It only takes a few seconds before you hear this Samsungs strength.
The Galaxy Buds FE has an exceptional midrange. Mid-tones have a natural tonality and strong texture; it's entirely possible to hear the pressing of piano keys or plucking of guitar strings in higher quality recordings here.
Both female and male vocals are pronounced and full-bodied, and they dip into low tones just as easily as reaching high outbursts. The Buds FE has wonderful mid-nuances. It's not that the Earfun Air Pro 4 and KZ Xtra don't have them, but Samsung makes them work so well with the frequencies around it, the overall sound feels even a bit more fluent.
Lower mid-tones are weighty and detailed, and thanks to great separation, they don't interfere with highs or the bass. Speaking of which: the strong and thick bass boasts impactful drums and quick strikes, and can be pleasantly thumpy. It’s detailed and deep, an immersive performer.
Apart from sound, these earbuds have more going for them too.
The 5,5 hours battery life per charge may not push any boundaries, it's only IPX4 light-rain proof, and you won't find volume controls on the earpieces… but they come with a fierce Transparency mode that easily lets you follow conversations while you listen to music or take a call.
The totally wind noise-free Active Noise Cancelling is strong - reducing or removing some frequencies from your surroundings. It does let more noise pass through than the Earfun and Huawei, but the Samsung does provide a more sleep-proof fit as these earbuds don't have stems.
The Galaxy Buds FE supports multipoint connection on devices with a Samsung account, they're a good choice for gaming (with rapid action-to-sound synchronization), and they're great for indoor phone and video calls too, in which your voice sounds natural and louder than your surroundings. Due to wind noise, outdoor calls are trickier.
They're comfortable, offer clear indoor calls, and have hassle-free Active Noise Cancelling. Still, these are just bonuses for the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE. These sub-$100 wireless earbuds sound fantastic.
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4. Best earbuds without rubber tips under $100: Oppo Enco Air3
COMFORTABLE FIT, MULTIPOINT CONNECTION, AND BEAUTIFUL SOUND
Prefer your wireless earbuds without rubber tips? The Oppo Enco Air3 is the total package at only one fourth of the price of Apple's AirPods 3 - and they sound better.
The Oppo Enco Air3 has a small speaker mound, reminiscent of the earlier AirPods models instead of the AirPods 3, and it's very comfortable because of it. It's easy and light to wear during its 5 hours playtime on a single charge, although the fit could be a bit loose if you're planning to sport or sweat with them. Rain isn't a problem, however, thanks to its IP54 waterproof rating.
All controls can be setup via the HeyMelody app on iPhone and Android phones, which makes it easy to change tracks and volume from the earbuds. It controls really well, and affirms your taps on the top of the stems with neat clicky feedback.
The Oppo can also switch between two devices easily thanks to the multipoint connection. Phone and video calls are clear, as the microphones put your voice through natural and clear. Noise around you is audible but not too loud, and your voice also survives a bit of wind. The gaming mode is equally convincing, with the sound effects fluently following the action on a challenging game like Call of Duty mobile.
The best part? The sound. The Enco Air3 has a solid, gently thumping mid-bass that barely feels lighter than many earbuds with rubber tips - even more so when you select the well-balanced Bass Boost EQ from the app. There's a decent bass kick and underneath it, the sub-bass gives off a round, controlled rumble in James Blake's ideal test track Limit to Your Love.
The Enco Air3 lifts the lower-mids somewhat, creating a smooth warm undertone. Vocals are very forward, and brighter voices even outweigh the also open treble. From moderate to the highest volumes; higher instruments and voices have space to breathe without becoming sharp, peaky or light.
Furthermore, center-mids like guitars and piano play have body and strike the same balance between warmth and clarity as the treble; they feel natural. Separation between instruments and details is good too; music feels airy and detailed. Make no mistake - these sound better than Apple's AirPods 3.
If you can't get the Oppo Enco Air3 in your country, the Huawei Freebuds SE2 makes a great alternative.
The Oppo Enco Air3 throws in good call clarity, comfort, controls, multipoint connection and solid gaming performance on top of a greatly balanced sound. It's the top choice for half-in-ear earbuds on a budget.
5. Audiophile wireless earbuds under $100: KZ Xtra
Expansive, detailed, vibrant sound
If you're looking for the best wireless sound quality on a TWS under 100 dollars and care less for everyday practical use, don't sleep on the KZ Xtra. These are among the best sounding earbuds on the entire market.
Now, it's not that you can’t use the KZ Xtra for regular tasks. In fact, it has solid Active Noise Cancelling that reduces lower frequencies especially well. It has multipoint connection and switches automatically between your two connected devices when you get a call or start playback on your other device. You can take a phone call with them without being completely over shouted by surrounding noise, and the 6 to 8 hours playtime on a single charge (ANC on/ off) is enough for most circumstances too.
It's just that the KZ Xtra is a little rough around the edges. The charging case depletes battery quicker than average, the touch panels don't always register the number of your taps well, and for some reason, audio doesn't always synchronize well with video on Android phones - although the high performance gaming mode helps a bit. As the KZ Xtra lacks app support, this won't change later on. It's just what it is.
So with over 400 earbuds tested, why does the KZ Xtra make this Buying Guide for the very best earbuds under 100 dollars? It's simple: the sound.
Lower mid-tones are the stars of the show - darker electronic tones and instruments are brought forward and sound textured and prominent. They're accompanied by a bass that knows how to punch. The mid-bass kicks fiercely and quick. The sub-bass (darkest bass tones you can feel as much as hear) has the same impressive pacing, and rumbles and vibrates in a friendly manner. It feels deep as well - the performance here is even snappier than on the Galaxy Buds FE.
Highs roll off before they reach the highest tones. Both female and male vocals aren't excessively forward, but are full-bodied with a smooth finish. Meanwhile, the Xtra is very expressive in other mid-tones. Acoustic guitars, piano play, violins, trumpets are out there and impactful.
What sets it apart from most competitors, is the space it offers in the sound. It's not that the Xtra delivers a massive soundstage, but from moderate volumes on up, music does feel expansive. There's more space between instruments and electronic tones than on its best competitors.
The KZ Xtra sounds exceptional for the price; warm, full, lively and expansive. It's a wonderful listen from background to the highest volumes.
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6. Bonus: Most outspoken design on $100 earbuds: Nothing Ear (a)
If you want to wear something else
The Nothing Ear (a) has many of the great features of the top recommendations in this Buying Guide, while it sets itself apart with a striking design. If looks matter, consider this pair.
The Nothing Ear (a) has a true standout factor: its design. The earbuds continue the distinctive and recognisable Nothing Ear (1) look, attaching a techy looking, semi-transparant stem to a matte ear piece that comes in the colour of the case. That charging case is an even bigger looker - although more so in the yellow version more than in the black one. It presents the earbuds under a transparant lid and never fails to draws attention when it lays on your desk.
Its features are great too. These comfortable earbuds are IP54 rain and dust proof, last around 6 hours on a single charge with quick recharging from the case, offer multipoint connection between two devices, and also boast Active Noise Cancelling and free app support.
The ANC convinces as well, while it falls a bit behind the Earfun and Huawei. It removes mid-sounds like background radio's and chatter well, next to also reducing the lower and higher noises around you well. In addition, the Transparency mode lets your hear traffic around you while commute, and both modes filter out wind noise greatly.
It's also safe to take a phone and video call both indoors and outside, although sudden sound effects can battle your voice on short moments.
Not everything about the Nothing Ear (a) is splendid. The earbuds control by pinching the stems, which works great for pausing/playing music and skipping tracks, but it's very hard to change volume by pinching a stem twice and then holding it.
Also, the dedicated gaming mode doesn't synchronize sound effects in challenging games like Call of Duty mobile very well.
Happily, the Nothing Ear (a) has a smooth, warm, and bassy sound that's easy to listen to. Most of its attentions goes to lower frequencies. The bass pushes out strong and long-lasting thumps and can give an intense, dark rumble. Darker electronic tones and drums are heavily lifted, and guitars and piano play sound warm, almost a bit dark. The same goes for lower vocals, while higher voices can be a bit thin.
There's a good amount of detail in these lows, however, with individual instruments and details clearly coming from your left and right. This makes the Ear (a) great on background listening volume levels, providing a smooth and rich sound. On higher volume levels, it can even give an immersive stadium vibe in techno genres.
The sound can also be tweaked via the Nothing X app on iPhone and Android phones, letting you in with less or even more bass. There's also an equalizer to lift the treble, but clarity isn't the strongest suit of the Ear (a).
The Nothing Ear (a) is another great all-round pair of wireless earphones under $100, with good ANC, multipoint connection, solid call quality and a warm and bassy sound. It's the design that makes it stand out, however.
Honorable mentions for best TWS under $100:
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+: Fantastic sound
Next to the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and KZ Xtra, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ are even more fantastic, immersive sounding earbuds under $100, with impressive clarity and great air, prominent and crisp vocals and weighty - juicy even - lower frequencies and bass.
These SoundPEATS don't offer the level of ANC of the best competitors, music doesn't automatically pause when you take an earbud out, the gaming mode isn't the fastest, and the Android app is sluggish and slow - but all these aspects don't take away anything from the fact that these are some of the best sounding earbuds under $100.
Buy on Amazon US (try code SPCAPSCARBIR for 35% off!)
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Realme Buds Air 6 Pro: Splendid all-rounders
The Realme Buds Air 6 Pro has many of the same qualities as the Nothing Ear (a), without the focus on design. That's not to say the Realme doesn't have any character: it has the shiniest charging case ever seen on Scarbir.com!
Its features are impressive - with the 7,5 hours of playtime on a single charge as a highlight. It also has an IP54 waterproof rating, multipoint connection, clear calls, and solid Active Noise Cancelling - although not as good as the Earfun, Huawei, KZ, or Nothing. Thanks to the oval rubber tips, the earbuds are comfortable as well.
It differs from the Nothing Ear (a) mostly in sound. While the Nothing focuses on the bass, the Realme is on the other end of the spectrum. It has a thumpy bass, but its focus lies on the treble, which sounds open, pronounced, and clear.
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OnePlus Buds 3: Great for calls
The OnePlus Buds 3 has about the same great feature set of the Realme Buds Air 6 Pro and Nothing Ear (a), with 6,5 hours of battery life on a single charge, IP55 waterproof rain and sweat rating, rapid recharging, multipoint connection, and extensive app support. It controls by tapping and swiping the stems, is very comfortable to wear, has a great gaming mode, and delivers clear phone and video calls both indoor with lots going on, and outside with wind.
The ANC performance is less convincing than the higher-ranked alternatives, however, letting through a bit more surrounding noise with the function on. The sound quality is definitely entertaining, with crisp vocals and sparkly treble, but as the bass is less focused than the Nothing Ear (a)'s and the mids don't sound as natural and detailed as on the Realme, it has a bit of trouble standing out over those two. Still: these are great all-rounders.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: long lasting ANC
Yet another fantastic offering under 100 dollars; the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC combines multipoint connectivity with 7+ hours battery life on a single charge and strong Active Noise Cancelling.
It also entertains with a bass-heavy sound; the mid-bass pushes strongly and strikes quickly, while treble is energetic with forward vocals and - sadly - a bit of a metallic feel to it. It's in this regard that the Nothing Ear (a) ranks as the better earbuds for bass lovers - but it's not by much. The Nothing, Realme and OnePlus also handle phone and video calls outdoors better, as they battle wind noise better. Calling indoors isn't a problem at all - these are great even in crowded places. Lastly, the Soundcore has a bulkier charging case than the competition - for which you get wireless charging in return, as the only set in this Buying Guide.
Previous recommendations
1more ComfoBuds Pro: Clear calls and strong ANC, now outperformed musically and function-wise by the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.
20Decebel ANC/ Tozo NC/ SoundLiberty 94: These active noise cancelling earbuds are beaten in functionality and battery life by the Edifier TWS NB2.
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+: These special sounding earbuds with fantastic raw mids… can't be bought anymore.
Earfun Air Pro 3: Still great, but surpassed by newer alternatives
Edifier TWS NB2: No longer the best ANC earbuds under $100; surpassed by the 1more ComfoBuds Pro
Fiil CC2: Tremendous sound for AirPods-like earbuds, with some calling issues
Fiil T1XS: Was the top recommendation for the combination of sound and sports use; has been beaten by the Lypertek PurePlay Z3, that has higher waterproof rating, controls more convenient, and sounds better.
Lypertek PurePlay Z3: Still sounds great; lacks fancy features from newer models.
Lypertek SoundFree S20: Beaten in sound quality by the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 and Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+.
Lypertek Tevi: Passed on allround sound and functionality by its successor.
Mpow Flame Pro: Became unavailable.
Realme Buds Air 5 Pro: The predecessor of the 6 Air Pro has less stellar video playback and slightly weaker Active Noise Cancelling.
Sabbat E12 Ultra: No longer best for bass; beaten by Spirit Dot 2.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: The predecessor to the Galaxy Buds FE still sounds great; offers less lower-mid warmth and more treble.
Shanling MTW100 Balanced Armature: Beaten by the Lypertek SoundFree S20.
Sennheiser CX 400BT: Chunky and big earpieces, devoid of new features, but its warm, intimate and detailed sound still impresses.
Sony Linkbuds S: While recommended earlier if you want to spend a little more than $100, there's no reason to do so anymore with the Q2 2024 arrivals.
Soundcore Spirit Dot 2: Still the fastest bass under $100, but the Lypertek bass is more refined.
SoundPEATS Air3 Deluxe HS: The best half-in-ears before, now beaten
SoundPEATS H1: Great soundstage, now outdated features.
Whizzer B6/ Mezone B6: No longer best for bass; beaten by Spirit Dot 2.
Disclaimer
I buy most of the earphones myself; sometimes, a manufacturer sends them to me. I review all audio products on a level playing field, always stating their strengths and their downsides. Visit the leaderboard of true wireless earphones for all my reviews and ratings.
Consider buying a pair of earphones in this list? I'd really appreciate it if you use the links in this article. It won't cost you extra, yet it will financially support me a bit in my ongoing quest to test great affordable audio. <3
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Also check out my other articles:
Guide: the best TWS under $100
Guide: the best TWS under $50
Guide: the best TWS under $25
Leaderboard: all earphones from 10-300 dollar tested
Bought a product and want to share your opinion? Do use the comments. I hope this article helps you!
- Scarbir
