Whether you're hitting the gym, commuting to work or relaxing at home, finding the right wireless headphones to accompany your busy lifestyle can be a challenge. With so many options on the market, it's difficult to know which will deliver great sound quality without breaking the bank. This guide reviews 8 top-rated budget-friendly headphones and earbuds to help you choose the perfect companion for any activity.
1. JLab Go Air Pop
Under the price of $25, these versatile earbuds pack a serious value punch. With IPX4 water resistance, you needn't worry about sweat or a light sprinkle during workouts. Long-lasting 32 hour battery life means you'll get over a full day of music between charges. Plus, three EQ presets allow you to tailor your sound - whether you prefer an emphasis on bass, mids or treble.
Intuitive tap controls on each bud let you easily change tracks, take calls and activate your phone's voice assistant without pulling out your device. Their compact charging case stores enough additional power for multiple full charges on the go. For wireless freedom without breaking the bank, the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds are a great choice.
Pros
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IPX4 water resistance
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32 hour battery life
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3 EQ sound presets
Cons
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Mediocre noise isolation
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Basic controls
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2. Sony WH-CH520
Weighing in at under 5.1 ounces, these lightweight over-ear headphones deliver all-day comfort so you can enjoy your music uninterrupted. Linked to Sony's app, you can personalize your audio profile using adjustable EQ sliders to boost certain frequencies to your liking. Crisp, clear sound is also assured by their noise-isolating design which passively blocks outside noise.
Impressively, their battery allows for up to 50 hours of non-stop audio playback or hands-free calls on a single charge. Quick charging also provides enough juice for 1.5 hours of use after only 3 minutes plugged in. With customizable sound, reliable connectivity, and comfort, the Sony WH-CH520 provides excellent value at under $40.
Pros
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Up to 50 hours battery life
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Customizable EQ
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Comfortable fit
Cons
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Tight clamping force
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Basic controls
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3. Beats Flex
Ideal for iPhone users, these neckband style earbuds pair to your device instantly via their built-in Apple W1 chip. Their magnetic earbuds are also convenient - when not in use they'll auto-pause your music, then resume playback once reunited with your ears. Beats' signature bass-forward sound is well-represented for your favorite playlists or phone calls.
Impressively, a fast fuel time of only 10 minutes provides 1.5 hour of use from a near-empty battery. While playback time is a solid 12 hours per charge, you'll appreciate their highly portable flex design that wraps comfortably around your neck.
Pros
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Apple W1 chip for fast pairing
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Magnetic earbuds
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Good option for iPhone users
Cons
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Mediocre battery life
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4. EarFun Air Pro 3
Packed with high-end features usually found on much pricier models, these earbuds punch well above their $80 weight class. An intuitive companion app allows you to customize 10 EQ presets tailored to different music genres, podcasts, or ambient styles. Hybrid active noise cancellation effectively blocks unwanted sounds via three high-quality mics on each bud. Adaptive EQ also automatically calibrates frequencies based on your environment.
Their charging case provides an epic 45 total hours of wireless listening - equal to about two full weeks of daily commute tunes before needing to plug in. Blessed with advanced technologies, comfort and a versatile feature set, the EarFun Air Pro 3 are a smart choice for those seeking premium performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
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Hybrid ANC and EQ
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45 total hours battery
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Customizable EQ app
Cons
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Large case
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App can be glitchy
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5. JBL Tune 660NC
Music enthusiasts craving thumping lows will enjoy the deep, rich bass these over-ears deliver. Powerful 40mm drivers pump out studio-quality sound that'll have your head bouncing along to your playlist or audiobook. Intuitive inline remote with volume and track controls keep you in complete command. Their noise-cancelling also cuts ambient noise for an immersive audio environment.
Impressively, a full charge provides up to 55 hours of playback so you can jam all week before needing to plug back in. Or, enjoy a quick 2 hours of juice from just a 5-minute top up - perfect for mid-day top offs. Lightweight yet durable, the JBL Tune 660NC provides budget-friendly quality and convenience.
Pros
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Powerful 40mm drivers
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55 hours battery life
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Quick charging
Cons
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Basic ANC
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6. Echo Buds (2023 Release)
Alexa lovers will enjoy having Amazon's voice assistant right in their ears. Aside from all the usual commands for music, calls, and more, these buds make hands-free convenience via intuitive tap controls. Quick Pairing pairs them seamlessly to iPhone or Android, while multipoint tech lets you freely switch between two Bluetooth devices like phone and tablet.
Their semi-open design sits snug yet remains light, while the battery provides a solid 20 hours of listening per charge. An IPX2 rating, which means they can withstand dripping water or sweat.
Pros
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Hands-free Alexa
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20 hours battery
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Multi-device pairing
Cons
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Mediocre sound isolation
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7. 1MORE SonoFlow
Audiophile sound quality needn't be expensive. USB-C charging replenishes 70 hours of incredible Hi-Res Audio playback in just 80 minutes. LDAC technology transmits full fidelity, lossless digital files from your source to yield detailed, studio-caliber sound. Three EQ presets offer Bass, Balance and Treble emphasizes suited for different genres and preferences.
Precise 40mm drivers pump out rich, nuanced lows, mids and highs for a deeply immersive listening experience you can enjoy for days on end. High-density protein leather and memory foam ensure hours of buttery soft comfort too.
Pros
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Hi-Res Audio certified
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70 hours battery life
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Adjustable EQ
Cons
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Bulky design
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8. Sony WF-C700N
As pioneers of personal audio, Sony's noise canceling prowess shines through. In this, you get up to 15 hours of uninterrupted listening. An additional 12 hours await via the compact charging case too. An IPX4 build means workouts won't worry you, while touch controls keep you in complete command.
Via Sony's well-built app, you can tweak EQ for boosted bass or crystal clear highs across a wide range of genres and formats. Precise call quality makes them ideal for commutes too. With pristine Sony sound quality and versatile features, these buds set the bar high within their fair price bracket.
Pros
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Effective ANC
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Customizable EQ
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IPX4 water resistance
Cons
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Basic touch controls
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Note: In this article, we covered the best Cheap Headphones under $100. However, prices are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest updated prices using the Amazon links provided.
Conclusion
From versatile sweatproof buds to powerful over-ears with thumping bass, lightweight comfort headphones, or truly wireless models with advanced noise canceling, there is a wireless option here for every listener and budget. Do your research, consider your priorities and see which of these affordably priced crowd-pleasers will have you rocking out wire-free wherever each day may roam. Enjoy the freedom to jam without draining your wallet!
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