Wireless earbuds have revolutionised how we experience music, podcasts, and calls on the go. They offer freedom from tangled cables and bring a level of convenience that wired earphones can’t match.
However, not all wireless earbuds are created equal, and while many impressive options won’t break the bank, it’s hard to know which ones are the best. With so many choices, it’s crucial to know which ones stand out for their quality and value.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our seven best budget wireless earbuds, so you can find a pair that is right for you.
In a hurry?
To get things underway, here are our three favourite earbuds:
| JBL Live Pro 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds | These earbuds offer JBL’s True Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 11mm drivers, and Bluetooth 5.2 | Find out more |
| Yamaha TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds | Features Yamaha True Sound, Clear Voice Capture (cVc), and support for Siri and Google Assistant | Find out more |
| Philips TAT8506BK/00 True Wireless ANC Earphones | These Philips earbuds have Active Noise Cancellation and up to 32 hours of wireless playback | Find out more |
Why we’ve chosen these earbuds
In selecting the best budget wireless earbuds, we’ve kept your wallet in mind without compromising on quality. Every pair listed is priced below £130, striking a balance between affordability and performance.
Comfort is key, and these earbuds don’t disappoint. They are all ergonomically designed, making them ideal for long listening sessions.
The most important thing, sound quality, isn’t taken for granted either. Many of our selections feature brand-exclusive sound principles, such as JBL’s Deep Bass Sound and Yamaha’s True Sound, for distinctive, high-quality sound.
Every earbud also boasts reliable Bluetooth connections, ensuring easy pairing with your phone without frustrating dropouts. Plus, they all come with a charging case.
Overall, we selected earbuds that cover all the essentials you need to enjoy your favourite content without breaking the bank.
The best budget wireless earbuds
1. Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds
Key features
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation with Transparency Hearing Mode
- Sennheiser Smart Control app includes EQ adjustment
- 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers
Pros
- Long battery life enables long listening sessions
- High-quality sound to enhance your music
- Comfortable fit with four earbud sizes
Cons
- Limited colour options
When it comes to value for money, the Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds are one of the best on this list. These earbuds feature Sennheiser’s 7mm TrueResponse dynamic drivers that are great for covering a wide frequency spectrum of 100 Hz – 10kHz. This results in a detailed treble and compelling mid-range – ideal for vocals.
With Active Noise Cancelling Technology (which detects external sounds before generating sound waves that are the exact opposite), the earbuds eliminate ambient noise, allowing you to fully focus on your music and podcasts.
While the ANC performance won’t quite match that of high-end options, the CX Plus earbuds offer an incredible level of immersion that is rarely found in this price range.
Conversely, the Transparency Hearing mode mixes the background noise into the playback, so you can still listen to your music while being aware of your surroundings. This is quite handy when you want to hear traffic around you.
These aren’t just for music. The four built-in microphones (two in each earbud) accurately pick up the sound of your voice, so you can be heard clearly on phone calls. The Adjustable Sidetone feature also slightly filters your voice into the playback, which can help you maintain a consistent volume while chatting on a call.
Using the Sennheiser Smart Control App, you can adjust the EQ settings and Bass Boost, save presets, and alter the volume. You’ll be able to tailor the sound profile according to your personal preferences. There are also touch-on panels on the earbuds. With a few taps, you can select/deselect audio modes and skip songs.
Connectivity is also a strength. With Bluetooth 5.2, the earbuds will wirelessly connect to your Android and Apple and support a large bunch of hi-res codecs such as SBC, AAC, and aptX.
Apart from a glossy finish, these earbuds are visually identical to the Sennheiser CX True wireless earbuds. They even come with four sets of ear adapters (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a perfect fit, reducing ear fatigue.
With 24 hours of battery life, courtesy of the charging case, the earbuds remain reliable throughout the day.
2. JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Earbuds
Key features
- JBL Deep Bass Sound and Ambient Aware technology
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Stylish stick-open design
Pros
- Up to 32 hours of total battery life
- 12mm drivers ensure a detailed sound
- JBL headphone app offers effortless control
Cons
- May not fit all ear sizes perfectly
For our second choice, we have the reliable JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Earbuds. They are one of the most affordable options on our list and are great if you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that cover all the basics.
These earbuds feature 12mm drivers, giving you a broad, rich sound. They also boast JBL’s Deep Bass Sound to ensure your music packs a punch with enriched low frequencies.
The Ambient Aware technology cleverly blends your music with the sounds of your environment, keeping you connected to the world around you without compromising on your audio experience. This is especially useful in busy settings.
The Wave Flex includes two built-in microphones (one in each earbud) which are positioned optimally so your vocals can be heard with excellent clarity. Thanks to the built-in VoiceAware technology, you can also choose how much of your own voice you hear during calls.
Another unique facet of these earbuds is the TalkThru technology. Once activated via the JBL Headphone app, the music playback volume is significantly lowered, and the microphone sensitivity is increased. This means you can stop to have a quick chat with someone without needing to turn off the music or remove the earbuds.
Speaking of the JBL Headphone app, this is a great companion for creating your own distinctive sound. Once downloaded onto your smartphone, you’ll be able to customise the EQ, manage the volume, and skip songs. The incorporation of Bluetooth 5.2 will also guarantee a stable wireless connection with no disruption.
The comfortable fit of the Wave Flex is designed with everyday use in mind. Plus, they’re easy to insert and remove thanks to their stick-open design.
However, unlike the CX Plus, these earbuds do not come with ear adapters, so they might not be as adaptable to the shape of your ears as many others on the market.
Battery life won’t be a concern as these earbuds offer eight hours of playback, with an additional 24 hours stored in the charging case. That’s a total of 32 hours of listening time on a single charge, ensuring your music, podcasts, or calls are uninterrupted throughout the day.
Build quality is another plus, with the earbuds being IP54 certified. This means they’re resilient against water and dust.
While it may not have Active Noise Cancellation, the JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Earbuds are still a great option if you value a broad sound quality and long battery life.
3. Philips TAT3216WT True Wireless Earphones
Key features
- Voice Assistant compatibility
- Up to 24 hours of total battery life
- Built-in microphone with ‘Mono’ mode
Pros
- Comfortable fit with three earbud sizes
- Touch controls ensure easy playback management
- Customisable EQ via Philips Headphones app
Cons
- Limited to Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
Despite their low price point, the Philips TAT3216WT True Wireless Earphones punch well above their weight in terms of user convenience.
The built-in microphones ensure accurate voice capture. Using the ‘Mono mode’, you can choose to have a chat through only one of the earbuds. This is a great way of saving on battery power and also extends the time you have on calls.
While we’re on the topic, the earbuds offer an extremely generous battery life. They can provide up to six hours of playback on a single charge, with the compact, USB-C charging case offering an additional 18 hours of battery.
These earbuds are equipped with 6mm drivers, ensuring each note and beat is delivered in brilliant detail. They might not be as large as many others on this list, but the drivers are perfectly able to deliver a great wireless sound.
If needed, you can use the Philips Headphones app to alter the sound settings. It allows you to fine-tune EQ settings, update firmware, and personalise your listening experience with just a few taps on your smartphone. The app even includes an adaptive noise control feature, which will automatically tailor the output to suit your surroundings.
The earbuds don’t just stop at delivering quality audio. They’re designed for comfort, coming with small, medium, and large earbuds to ensure a perfect fit for any ear size, enhancing the overall listening experience by ensuring your earphones stay securely in place, no matter your activity.
When it comes to control, the Philips TAT3216WTs offer plenty of options. You can activate Voice Assistant software such as Apple Siri and Google Assistant, making it a breeze to manage the playback using only your voice.
If you prefer a more manual method of managing your music, these earbuds come equipped with touch controls where you play/pause songs, skip tracks, and answer calls without using your phone.
However, there are a few downsides. The IPX5 rating, while offering resistance from light to moderate showers, might not be ideal if you get caught in a heavy downpour. Plus, the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity does not offer the same range or low latency benefits as the latest Bluetooth standards that you could find in this price range.
Despite this, the Philips TAT3216WT True Wireless Earphones offer a compelling mix of sound quality, durability, and user-friendly features. They’re certainly worth a look.
4. Yamaha TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds
Key features
- Yamaha True Sound with 6mm drivers
- Five EQ Presets via the Headphone Control app
- Listening Care ensures accurate sound reproduction
Pros
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- Crystal-clear calls with Clear Voice Capture
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 allows for diverse connectivity options
Cons
- Plastic Charging Case can wear down quickly
When talking about immersive wireless listening, we had to include earbuds from Yamaha. They’re renowned for their commitment to remarkable audio, and the TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds are a great example.
Central to their appeal is Yamaha’s True Sound philosophy, an audio principle that focuses on tonal balance and the dynamic contrast between silence and sound. This gives you accurate sound reproduction so you can listen to your music as the artist intended.
Each earbud has a single dynamic 6mm driver, capable of delivering a wide frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz. This means you can listen to a wide range of music genres and still get the same rich sound quality.
As with many of our selections, these earbuds can be controlled using a brand-exclusive mobile app. This Headphone Control app opens up a world of customisation through five different EQ presets, enabling you to alter the vocals, bass, and treble to find the sound you want.
The app also gives you access to various audio settings that will enhance your listening experience. These include an Ambient Mode for filtering background noise into the playback and Listening Care which subtly boosts certain frequencies to make the music more audible and powerful at low volumes.
Plus, if you’re an avid gamer, there’s even a dedicated gaming mode. This function will reduce lagging during gaming or video playback and make sure the sound matches up with the visuals.
Another strength is the purity of your vocals when on a call. The two microphones are fitted with Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice Capture), so you can be heard even in noisy environments.
With up to 24 hours of total battery life (nine hours from the earbuds plus an additional 15 hours from the charging case), these earbuds will support listening needs throughout the day. The TW-E3C earbuds also feature Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing you to switch seamlessly between devices.
As with our previous pick, these Yamaha earbuds are fitted with touch controls at their side where you can also activate Siri and Google Assistant.
These all-plastic earbuds are designed with comfort in mind. They’re light and come with four ear tip sizes, ensuring a snug fit that caters to various ear shapes.
Finally, the TW-E3C earbuds and charging case are available in six different colours. It should be noted, however, that the charging case’s plastic surface has been known to fade over time.
5. JBL Live Pro 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Key features
- True Adaptive Noise Cancelling
- Six beamforming microphones
- Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection
Pros
- Up to 40 hours of playtime
- Crystal clear call quality
- Comfortable Oval Tubes™ design
Cons
- Limited water resistance (IPX5)
Our second pick from JBL is the Live Pro 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, which claim to be one of the best budget wireless earbuds.
These earbuds offer True Adaptive Noise Cancellation. This actively monitors the environment to adjust the level of noise cancellation in real-time, ensuring that external noises are effectively blocked out.
The Live Pro‘s 11mm dynamic drivers deliver a well-rounded sound profile and an expansive soundstage immediately upon use, which becomes even more pronounced at higher volumes. The earbuds also excel in reproducing bass and vocal accuracy
They don’t quite match the top-tier earbuds such as the Apple AirPods Pro 2, but it’s unlikely you will find any better at this price range.
The earbuds are also great for phone calls, courtesy of six beamforming microphones that are adept at minimising interference from external noise, most notably wind. Combined with VoiceAware technology, you’ll also be able to dictate how much of your voice you can hear in playback.
Much like the JBL Wave Flex, these earphones offer Ambient Aware and TalkThru functions so you can listen to music and make calls whilst remaining aware of your surroundings.
The Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity allows the earphones to be simultaneously paired to two devices, giving you more flexibility to take calls while you listen to music. However, it just falls short in supporting high-res audio codecs such as aptX HD or LDAC.
Thanks to the Dual Connect and Sync function, you can connect each earbud independently, offering the versatility to use either the left or the right earbud on its own while the other charges.
The compact charging case is also a great feature. Using two magnets, the earphones can securely fit into the case and enjoy an additional 30 hours of charge with ANC, and 40 hours without. The case also serves as a sleek, portable storage space for your earphones when they’re not in use.
Once removed, the earphones offer 10 hours of non-stop, wireless playing.
Using the JBL Headphones app, you’ll be able to select various listening modes, manage the ANC, and also adjust the EQ. Or if you’re looking for a hands-free approach, the Live Pro 2 also offers support for Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa (only on Andriod 6.0 or above).
We also have to mention the Oval Tubes construction. This distinctive design creates a tighter seal within the ear, which not only improves the stability of the earphones but also enhances passive noise cancellation.
6. Philips TAT8506BK/00 True Wireless ANC Earphones
Key features
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology
- Bluetooth with Multipoint
- Portable Qi-compatible charging case
Pros
- 13mm drivers offer an expansive sound output
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tips
- IR sensor automatically switches earbuds off when not in use
Cons
- Lower battery life compared to others in this price range
Portability is a key strength for our penultimate pick, the Philips TAT8506BK/00 True Wireless ANC Earphones. You’ll be able to take these earbuds anywhere without worrying about running out of charge.
The Qi-compatible charging case means you can recharge the case’s battery by simply placing it on a Qi wireless charging pad or station, without the need for plugging in a charging cable.
When it’s fully charged, the case will provide an additional 24 hours of power to your earbuds. Plus, with quick charging, a mere 15 minutes in the case gives you an hour of playback.
The only negative is, on their own, this pair of earphones only provide 8 hours of autonomous listening before they need a power-up. Whilst this is quite low in this competitive market, the earbuds more than rectify this with their audio performance.
The earbuds include Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation technology, which uses internal and external microphones to eliminate background noise far more accurately than standard ANC. This technology can cover a wider range of frequencies and adapt more effectively to dynamic sound environments.
For taking calls, there are ENC microphones, which identify and filter out any ambient noise from your surroundings, ensuring that your voice is captured clearly. The microphones also offer great wind reduction capabilities.
Measuring 13mm, the dynamic drivers are the largest on this list. This ensures a powerful sound. With IR sensors, the earbuds will even automatically switch off once you have removed them from your ear.
Also, compatibility with the Philips Headphones app allows you to tailor the EQ settings to your preference, giving you full control over your listening experience. To ensure you’re always aware of your surroundings, simply select ‘Awareness Mode’ which subtly infuses background noise into the audio.
Wireless pairing is also hassle-free, with Bluetooth Multipoint making it easier to manage calls and media across devices. If you have an Android phone, you can use Google Fast Pair to instantly connect to the device with just a single tap.
A distinctive aspect of these earphones is their circular design, which not only adds a touch of elegance but also contributes to their comfort and functionality. The variety of silicone and foam ear tips provided ensures a cosy fit, allowing you to enjoy your music without constant adjustments.
7. Audio Technica ATH-CKS5TW In-Ear Wireless Headphones
Key features
- 45-hour battery life
- Deep, bass-orientated sound
- Comfortable, stable fit with exclusive ear tips
Pros
- Easy operation with Auto Power ON/OFF
- Button controls ensure direct playback management
- Slim charging case with LED lights
Cons
- There is no Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
For our final pick, we’ve gone with the Audio Technica ATH-CKS5TW In-Ear Wireless Headphones.
The charging case is expertly built with a slim profile, so it can be easily carried around in your pocket. At the bottom left side, three LED lights show the charging status of the buds.
This pair of earbuds offers a staggeringly long battery life, so it’s a great choice if you spend most of your time out of the house. You can enjoy up to 15 hours of continuous listening, while the charging case offers an additional 30 hours.
The ATH-CKS5TW’s only take two hours to reach full power so you’ll be able to listen to countless songs and podcasts on a single charge.
Fans of music with heavy bass will love these. Each earbud includes a 10mm driver that delivers thundering low sounds with a broad, detailed soundstage. The mid-range and treble frequencies also aren’t forgotten and remain distinct from the bass, so you get a cohesive sound where every instrument and vocal can be heard.
These earbuds are also really comfy to wear. Specially designed to work with these earbuds, the lightweight tips will rest easy on your ears. There’s also soft silicone 3D loop support that keeps the earbuds in a firm position.
Unlike many of our choices, the earbuds offer button controls as opposed to touch sensors. With only a couple of clicks, you can play/pause the music, control the volume, and flick between songs.
Setting up the earbuds is done through the dedicated Audio-Technica Connect app, which offers many helpful features including a ‘Product Locator’ that will help you find the buds if you’ve lost them.
When paired with your smart devices using Bluetooth 5.0, the ATH-CKS5TWs will also let you answer phone calls. They also benefit from built-in Qualcomm cVc Clear Voice Quality, so your voice can heard without any annoying external interference.
However, there are a few hindrances. There’s no Active Noise Cancellation so you do miss out on the total audio immersion. Even with the passive noise isolation offered by the ear tips, there’s no guarantee the external noise won’t seep into the playback.
The IPX2 water resistance, though effective, offers basic-level protection, especially when compared with other earphones in the price range such as the Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2.
What are the differences between cheap earbuds and more premium earbuds?
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology is a notable difference between budget earbuds and more expensive options. More commonly found in higher-end models, ANC enhances your listening experience by blocking out ambient noise – ideal for travel or busy environments.
Sound quality is another crucial aspect where premium earbuds tend to excel. They often deliver clearer, more balanced audio with superior bass and treble. That said, the market now offers budget earbuds with surprisingly good sound quality, making them a viable option for everyday use.
Battery life varies significantly between models. Premium earbuds usually provide longer playback on a single charge, along with more efficient charging cases. Yet, the gap is narrowing, with many affordable options now offering longer wireless listening time.
While premium earbuds boast advanced features, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and satisfactory battery life – as our list has shown!
Are budget wireless earbuds good for taking calls?
In today’s market, many affordable wireless earbuds are quite capable of taking calls. The key to a satisfactory experience lies in the sound quality and how well the microphone picks up your voice.
Some models excel, offering clear audio that makes conversations easy to follow. However, this varies significantly across different earbuds. Before making a choice, it’s worth checking reviews for insights on call quality.
Remember, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better call quality.
How to choose the best budget wireless earbuds for you
The best budget wireless earbuds depend on several preferences and practical considerations.
First off, decide on your maximum budget. Next, consider what you’ll be using them for. If it’s for casual listening at home or commuting, your needs might differ from someone looking for earbuds to accompany them during workouts. For the latter, stability and comfort in your ears are paramount.
Think about where you’ll be using them. Earbuds designed for outdoor or gym use often boast features like water resistance and secure fits to handle movement and sweat.
Sound quality is another vital aspect. If you’re an audiophile, then you should look for earbuds supporting hi-res audio and codecs that reduce latency, enhancing your listening and viewing experience.
Lastly, battery life can make or break your experience. If you’re always on the go, opt for earbuds with a longer battery life and a compact charging case for easy power boosts.
FAQs
Is it worth buying cheap earbuds?
Cheap earbuds tend to offer value for their cost. They’re a suitable choice for users with a tight budget or those needing a temporary solution. However, they may lack the durability and sound quality of more expensive options, making them a compromise between cost and quality.
Is it better to get earbuds or headphones?
Choosing between earbuds and headphones depends on personal preference. Earbuds are compact and convenient for on-the-go use, while headphones offer superior sound quality and noise isolation, making them ideal for immersive listening experiences.
Do expensive earbuds sound better?
Expensive earbuds generally provide superior sound quality. They often feature advanced audio technology and higher-quality materials, resulting in better sound clarity and bass. However, you can still find plenty of hi-res audio technologies in many affordable models.
Final thoughts
So there you go, that’s our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds. It’s clear that choosing the right pair involves more than just the sound; it’s about understanding your personal listening needs and preferences.
If you want to find out more about wireless listening, it might be worth checking our other articles such as Earbuds vs. Headphones – Which Ones Are Right For You? and Passive vs. Active Noise Cancelling: Which One Do I Need?
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