Finding wireless earbuds that deliver solid sound, reliable ANC, and all-day battery without breaking the bank has never been easier. Here are the best options under $100, organized by budget and use case.
What to Look For
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) — Look for adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment; budget buds now offer legitimate noise reduction up to 45-50dB.
- Battery Life — Aim for 6+ hours per charge with the earbuds alone and 30+ hours total with the case.
- Codec Support — LDAC and aptX provide higher quality audio than standard AAC/SBC; matters most for Android users with high-res music libraries.
- Multipoint Connection — Allows simultaneous pairing to two devices, useful for switching between phone and laptop without re-pairing.
- Fit and Comfort — Multiple ear tip sizes and lightweight designs prevent fatigue during extended listening sessions.
- Water Resistance — IPX4 or higher protects against sweat and light rain; essential for workouts.
Product Recommendations
Soundcore Space A40 — Best Overall
The most complete package under $100, combining excellent ANC, Hi-Res audio support, and marathon battery life.
Check Current Price on Amazon
The Space A40 punches well above its weight class with adaptive ANC that reduces noise by up to 98%, LDAC support for Hi-Res wireless audio, and a staggering 50 hours of total playtime. The compact earbuds disappear in the ear while the wireless charging case keeps you powered through the week.
Pros
- Adaptive ANC rivals earbuds twice the price
- LDAC and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified
- 50-hour total battery life with wireless charging case
- Compact, lightweight design with excellent fit
Cons
- Call quality is average in windy conditions
- No wireless charging on all color variants
Best for: Buyers who want flagship features without the flagship price.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
EarFun Air Pro 4 — Best for Audiophiles
Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound certification and aptX Lossless codec support deliver audiophile-grade wireless audio.
Check Current Price on Amazon
The Air Pro 4 is built for listeners who care about audio fidelity. Featuring Qualcomm’s QCC3091 chip with aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LE Audio support, these deliver detailed sound with robust bass, clear mids, and sparkling treble. Adaptive hybrid ANC up to 50dB and 52 hours of battery round out an impressive spec sheet.
Pros
- Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless for bit-perfect audio
- Adaptive ANC up to 50dB
- Six mics with Qualcomm cVc 8.0 for clear calls
- 52 hours total playtime
Cons
- Neutral-bright tuning may not suit bass lovers
- Bulkier case than competitors
Best for: Music enthusiasts with high-res libraries who want lossless wireless audio.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — Best Noise Cancellation
Industry-leading 98.5% noise reduction makes these the quietest earbuds in the sub-$100 category.
Check Current Price on Amazon
If blocking out the world is your priority, the Liberty 4 NC delivers. A high-sensitivity in-ear sensor, oversized driver, and noise isolation chamber work together to cancel up to 98.5% of ambient noise. Adaptive ANC 2.0 continuously adjusts to your ear canals and environment for maximum quiet.
Pros
- 98.5% noise reduction outperforms most competitors
- Adaptive ANC adjusts to ears and environment in real-time
- LDAC support and 11mm custom drivers
- 50-hour battery with wireless charging
Cons
- IPX4 rating is lower than some competitors
- Larger earbuds may not suit smaller ears
Best for: Commuters and frequent flyers who need maximum noise isolation.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Nothing Ear (a) — Best for Style
Nothing’s signature transparent design meets solid performance with 45dB ANC and ChatGPT integration.
Check Current Price on Amazon
The Ear (a) proves you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for performance. The transparent case and distinctive design stand out, while the 11mm drivers deliver punchy bass and clear vocals. Smart ANC adapts to your ear seal automatically, and ChatGPT voice integration adds hands-free AI assistance.
Pros
- Unique transparent design that stands out
- 45dB adaptive ANC with automatic seal detection
- ChatGPT voice integration for Nothing phone users
- 42.5 hours total battery life
Cons
- V-shaped sound signature won’t please purists
- Glossy case scratches easily
Best for: Design-conscious buyers who want earbuds that make a statement.
CMF Buds Pro 2 — Best Smart Controls
A rotatable Smart Dial on the case provides intuitive volume and playback control without touching your phone.
Check Current Price on Amazon
Nothing’s sub-brand CMF delivers innovation with the Buds Pro 2. The standout feature is the Smart Dial on the charging case, letting you rotate to adjust volume or press to switch ANC modes. Add 50dB hybrid ANC, dual drivers with LDAC support, and Dirac-tuned audio, and you get a feature-packed package at an aggressive price point.
Pros
- Smart Dial offers unique, intuitive controls
- Dual-driver setup (11mm bass + 6mm tweeter) for full-range sound
- 50dB adaptive hybrid ANC
- Hi-Res Audio with LDAC support
Cons
- Bass-forward tuning may overwhelm some tracks
- No wireless charging
Best for: Users who want innovative controls and don’t mind a bass-heavy sound signature.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE — Best for Samsung Users
Seamless integration with Galaxy devices and solid ANC performance make these the obvious choice for Samsung owners.
Check Current Price on Amazon
The Galaxy Buds FE shine brightest in the Samsung ecosystem. Auto Switch seamlessly moves audio between your Galaxy phone, tablet, and laptop. Real-time translation through Interpreter works during face-to-face conversations, and the wing-tip design keeps the buds secure during all-day wear.
Pros
- Excellent Samsung ecosystem integration with Auto Switch
- Real-time translation features for Galaxy phones
- Comfortable wing-tip design for all-day wear
- IPX7 water resistance for workouts
Cons
- Limited features without a Samsung phone
- ANC is less powerful than competitors
Best for: Samsung Galaxy phone, tablet, and TV owners who want seamless device switching.
JLab JBuds ANC 3 — Best Compact
The smallest noise-canceling true wireless earbuds on the market, with surprisingly capable smart ANC.
Check Current Price on Amazon
JLab crammed smart active noise cancellation into an incredibly compact form factor. The ANC learns and adapts to your environment over time, and multipoint connection lets you hop between devices. At 42+ hours of total playtime and IP55 durability, these tiny buds are built for daily abuse.
Pros
- Smallest ANC earbuds available
- Smart ANC that learns and improves over time
- 42+ hours total battery life
- Bluetooth multipoint for two-device connection
Cons
- Small size may not fit all ear types securely
- Sound quality trails pricier options
Best for: Buyers who prioritize portability and a minimal in-ear footprint.
JLab Go Pop ANC — Best Ultra-Budget
Active noise cancellation for under $40 makes these the value kings of the budget earbud market.
Check Current Price on Amazon
The Go Pop ANC proves you don’t need to spend big for ANC. These ultra-affordable buds pack 10mm drivers (40% larger than many competitors), functional noise cancellation, and a credit card-sized case. The JLab app adds EQ customization and Be Aware mode for situational awareness.
Pros
- ANC at an ultra-budget price point
- 10mm drivers deliver solid bass response
- Integrated USB-C cable in case eliminates cable hunting
- IP55 dust and water resistance
Cons
- ANC is entry-level compared to pricier options
- 24-hour total battery lags the competition
- No multipoint connection
Best for: First-time ANC buyers or anyone who needs a backup pair without spending much.
Verdict
For most people, the Soundcore Space A40 delivers the best combination of sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life at a price that’s hard to beat. Audiophiles should look at the EarFun Air Pro 4 for its Snapdragon Sound certification and lossless codec support. On a tight budget, the JLab Go Pop ANC proves that functional ANC doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
zacjohnson.com (Article Sourced Website)
#Wireless #Earbuds #Reviewed #Zac #Johnson #ZacJohnson.com