At Mashable, we enjoy exploring the newest tech launches — be it the latest gadgets or trendy headphones like the most recent Sony release. However, we understand that not everyone is inclined to invest hundreds of dollars in the latest equipment. Premium technology frequently comes with a luxury price point, and not everyone has the flexibility in their finances for $500 headphones. That’s why we’re redirecting our attention to something more economical: the finest budget earbuds.
Budget-friendly earbuds are an excellent substitute for larger over-the-ear headphones. Moreover, just because they are less expensive doesn’t imply they lack features. Certainly, some of the leading earbuds we’ve evaluated — such as the Apple AirPods Pro ($249.95) or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds ($299) — carry premium price tags. Nonetheless, you don’t have to spend that much to enjoy great sound and solid functionalities. In fact, remarkable earbuds can be found for under $100.
After evaluating a vast assortment of wireless earbuds, we’ve compiled the top budget-conscious options available today.
What does “budget” mean?
“Budget” can vary in meaning for different individuals, but for the sake of this guide, we are concentrating on earbuds that are priced under $200 — with the majority of selections being under $100. Our top pick is the Bose QuietComfort earbuds, which generally retail for $179 but frequently go on sale for $149 or even as little as $129. Though they are at the higher end of the budget spectrum, most of the earbuds we suggest are considerably more wallet-friendly.
Opting for a budget pair doesn’t necessitate sacrificing important features. Many of these earbuds still provide benefits like active noise cancellation and self-charging cases, even at more affordable price points.
Other earbuds we evaluated
All the models included in this guide have been rigorously assessed by the Mashable team. Previously, our leading budget choice was the Apple AirPods 3, but they have now been superseded by the latest AirPods 4. While the AirPods 4 offer enhancements, they come at a steeper price and still do not feature robust compatibility with Android devices.
We also reviewed the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earbuds, which boast audio tuning by Bose. Our reviewer, Bethany Allard, found them to be a satisfactory choice at $100. However, they lacked in comfort and case design when compared to other models on our roster — and with the price anticipated to rise to $129.99, they’re not quite as budget-friendly anymore.
The takeaway: You don’t have to spend excessively to acquire quality earbuds. Whether you seek noise cancellation, a compact design, or simply reliable sound, there are numerous affordable choices that provide excellent value.