best cheap TWS for runs, workouts and fitness - under $100
If you're looking for cheap TWS true wireless earphones especially for sporting, you can do much better than offerings from well-known brands. These are the actual best true wireless earbuds for sports under 50 and 100 dollars.
On Scarbir.com, I've tested and reviewed more than 200 wireless earbuds. I test their sound quality, but also compare them on fit and comfort, build quality, Bluetooth connection, controls, and their calling and video-playback capabilities. Both indoors and outdoor, and even while walking and biking.
When it comes to wireless earphones for working out, running, sports, and biking, there are a few aspects that require more attention than usual.
Choosing true wireless sports earphones - what is important?
A tight fit by ear wings or ear hooks: You have to be sure the wireless earphones stay in your ears. It's highly recommended to look for ear wings that go in your ears, or ear hooks that go around your ears. They add another connection between the earphone and your ear next to the standard rubber tip - and ensure they stay in when you're breaking a sweat.
At least IPX5 waterproof: While the IPX-waterproof level doesn't say everything about how good earphones can resist weather, it's important to know that IPX5-waterproof earbuds should survive rain and sweat, and IPX7-waterproof earbuds should survive rain, sweat and the shower afterwards.
Sound quality: When you move real quick or intensively, you can't hear the same amount of detail in the music you would normally hear when listening to music in a concentrated way. The most important aspects on the sound quality when sporting, is a clear sound and a present, uplifting bass.
With these testing criteria, I've taken a selection of the wireless earphones well under 50-100 dollars, which are most suitable for sports, workouts, fitness, and running sessions.
Here are the best cheap TWS true wireless earbuds for sports, updated Q1 2021:
Best cheap wireless earbuds for running and working out: Earfun Free Pro
$50-60
If you want to run, sport or workout with wireless earbuds, they should stay in your ears, offer great wearing comfort, are waterproof and boast an uplifting sound. The $60 Earfun Free Pro ticks all boxes.
The Earfun Free Pro comes with different sizes of rubber ear wings you can wrap around the earpieces. These cling into the upper part of your ears, ensuring your earpieces stay in under extreme circumstances, also when you're sweating or hanging upside down. While having these ear wings isn't that special, the Earfun combines them with compact and hugely comfortable earpieces - a killer combo.
The earpieces have 6 hours battery life per charge and have IPX5-waterproof rating, so they withstand rain and sweat. They also have all the controls right at your fingertips, so you can play/ pause, skip a track, and even change volume on the go. The touch controls respond quick to your touch.
What's more, is that the Earfun Free Pro has both ANC active noise cancelling and Ambient Mode. While you shouldn't expect too much from the ANC - it only blocks some background sound; having an Ambient Mode is convenient when playing music on lower volume, as you'll then hear traffic around you. The effect doesn't really convince when you turn the volume up well, but that's mainly because the Earfun Free Pro can go lovely loud.
Talking about the sound: the Earfun has an abundance of bass; a big fat bass slam which provide literally all songs with power, even in genres where you don't expect it. At the same time, there's plenty of presence and detail in vocals, mids and highs - without the sharp sound that sometimes comes with treble. It sounds just as uplifting as you desire during your workout.
With tight fit, uplifting bass, plenty of battery life and good waterproof level, the Earfun Free Pro are the best wireless earbuds for sports under $100.
Earfun Free Pro full review
Can't buy from Amazon? Try the Fiil T1 Pro instead! Brighter sound, yet same model!
Best cheap wireless earbuds for extreme sports: Soundcore Life A1
$50-60
While the earbuds of the Soundcore Life A1 aren't as comfortable as the Earfun Free Pro's, it's even better geared towards extreme sports and outdoor activities, with 8 hours battery life and IPX7 waterproof rating.
The difference between the IPX5 and IPX7 waterproof? These can survive a drop or dive in (shallow) water, and you can even take them under the shower after your workout. Combined with the 8 hours battery life, these are suitable for nearly any sport situation.
Like the Earfun, the Soundcore Life A1 comes with three sizes of ear wings to ensure a tight seal. This tightness if further guaranteed by the earbuds’ round shape. These fill your ears up, and it may take time to get used to the fit. The same goes for the controls: they're actual buttons, but control via a soft-press that doesn't always give the best feedback when you're wearing gloves.
Happily, all the controls are right at your fingertips, which means you can change the tracks, volume… and even the sound setting from the earbuds.
The Soundcore Life A1 has three sound settings. Standard, there's already a heavy-hitting mid-bass that keeps on pumping and sub-bass that rumbles loosely - even in genres where you wouldn't expect it. Activate the bass mode, however, and each mid-bass slam and sub-bass tone just rumbles on. The bass isn't tighter in this setting, nor does it become quicker, but it's punchier, and there's just so much more aftermath after each bass tone. This bass setting grants a heavy, boomy bass. Ideal for workouts. Want to get rid of it? Well, just hop to the next setting.
As much bass as you need for your workouts, 8 hours battery life on a single charge, and IPX7-waterproof rating: the Soundcore Life A1 is great for all kind of outdoor activities.
Soundcore Life A1 full review
Best cheapest wireless earbuds for sports: SoundPEATS TrueFree2
$35
If you're looking for the cheapest wireless earbuds great for sports and working out, consider the SoundPEATS TrueFree 2.
The SoundPEATS TrueFree 2 has ear wings that feel a bit pointier in your ears than the other two models, and has 4 hours battery life instead of 6 to 8 hours on the more expensive competitors. But… that's all the sacrifices you'll make. At just 35 dollars, the TrueFree 2 is a perfect companion for your workouts.
The TrueFree 2 has an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning you can take them under the shower after your workout and they'll survive a dive in (shallow) water too. You'll also have all the important controls on the earbuds itself. With single or double-presses on the actual buttons, you can play/ pause music, change tracks, and even increase of decrease the volume.
Put these SoundPEATS in and you'll start nodding your head. The mid-bass delivers a generous thump, and the sub-bass doesn't always add its rumbles to the music, but wow - the lows can dive deep. Next to it, vocals sound prominent, and especially female and higher-pitched male vocals take a central place in the music. This is an engaging, bassy sound - and you can play it on high volumes as well.
If 4 hours of battery life on a single charge is enough for you, the SoundPEATS TrueFree 2 is possibly the best cheapest wireless earbud for sports and runs.
Other recommendations for cheap true wireless earbuds for sports
Fiil T1XS
The predecessor to the Earfun Free Pro and Fiil T1 Pro, and available for the same $50-$60 price. The T1XS is still amazing value for money, with rich, balanced and engaging sound, and free app-support full of options and a nifty bass equalizer. With 6 hours battery life per charge and IPX5 waterproof-rating, the T1XS is just as capable for workouts as the Earfun Free Pro and Fiil T1 Pro, but its earpieces are noticeably bigger - making them less comfortable outside of sports use.
SoundPEATS TrueShift 2
Going on long trip and need sport earbuds? There's an entirely different choice to make perhaps. The SoundPEATS TrueShift 2 earbuds offers not only 6 hours playtime per charge… but the massive and heavy charging case can recharge the earbuds 16 (!) times before it needs power itself. It can even function as a power bank to recharge your phone - always a good backup. The TrueShift 2 has IPX7-waterproof earbuds that stay snugly in your ears thanks to the convenient ear wings. The sound is less uplifting than the top 3, but if you're in need of serious battery, this is a great option.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
Available for under 100 dollars in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Buds is a great allround wireless earphone that's also a good option for workouts. These earphone have great build quality, a comfortable and good fit thanks to three sizes of ear wings, and boast a class-leading 11 hours battery life on a single charge. It has great call quality and even video call quality on top. For sports, there's something worth noting though: it's only IP42 waterproof, which means it's unwise to run or sport with them while it's raining. The sound, while balanced and detailed, can be a little dry for sports as well, as the bass isn't very strong.
Previous recommendations:
1more Stylish TWS - Engaging warm sound and comfortable ear wings, but there are more feature-rich and convenient offerings on the market now.
Havit G1 or G1 Pro - One of the first cheap sports earbuds recommendations, now surpassed in sound quality and wearing comfort.
Mpow M30 - Previously one of the best cheapest and engaging sounding sports earbuds, but there are more and more signs of faulty units straight from the factory.
Tronsmart Encore Spunky Buds - One of the first TWS-models to tick all boxes for workouts, but now… it's just overly large.
WAIT! WHAT ABOUT WIRELESS EARPHONES WITH EAR HOOKS THAT GO OVER YOUR EARS?
It's true that PowerBeats-like wireless earphones with ear hooks that go over your ears, are missing from this Buying Guide.
There's good reason for that: after testing over 200 wireless earphones under $100, there still isn't an ear hooks-model that competes with the qualities of the models listed here. The impressive $80 Mpow Flame Pro has somehow been taken out of production, and since then it's mostly ear hooks earbuds with sluggish touch controls and below-average sound still on the market. There were high hopes for the $50 Mpow Flame Solo in this regard, but it has severe connection issues.
When there will be a great recommendation for cheap ear hooks sports earbuds, it will be added to this Buying Guide.
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
Bought a product and want to share your opinion? Do use the comments - this way we help each other. :-)
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
- Scarbir
