Best Earphones Under 100 USD (2026): Top 7 Budget Earbuds
Why Budget Earbuds Are Better Than Ever
Here’s a fun little story. A few years ago, finding the best earphones under 100 dollars usually meant compromising—maybe the sound was average, maybe the battery life was meh, or maybe they felt like someone shoved pebbles into your ears. You know the vibe.
📌 Table of Contents ▼
- 1. Why Budget Earbuds Are Better Than Ever
- 2. At a Glance:Best Earphones Under 100 USD
- 3. Top 7 Best Earphones Under 100 USD (2026)
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Best For
- Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC – 98.5% Noise Reduction
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Best For
- CMF Buds 2 Plus – Hi-Res, Adaptive ANC, 12mm Drivers
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Best For
- Samsung Galaxy Buds FE – Best for Samsung Users
- Overview
- Real-time language translation.
- Pros
- Cons
- Best For
- JBL Vibe Beam – Best for Comfort & Bass Lovers
- 4. True Wireless Earbuds
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Best For
- OnePlus Buds 4 – Best for Calls & Translation Features
- 5. True Wireless ANC Earbuds
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Best For
- JBL Tune Flex – Best Semi-Open Earbud with ANC
- 6. Hybrid Semi-Open Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- Overview
- Pros
- Cons
- Best For
- Explore Every Type of Headphone — All in One Place
- 1. How do I choose the best earphones under 100 USD in 2026?
- 2. Are cheap earbuds reliable for daily use?
- 3. Where do I find the best deals online?
- 4. What’s trending in budget earbuds for 2025–2026?
- 5. Which brand is the most consistent under $100?
- 7. Why You Can Trust Us:
- Best Overall Value:
- Best ANC:
- Best Sound Quality:
- Best for Samsung Users:
- Best Budget Bass Pick:
- 8. Related Posts
- 10 Best Over Ear Headphones Under 100 Dollars– Budget Audio...
- 7 Best Cheap Small Digital Camera (2026) – Compact &...
- 6 Best Bluetooth Speaker Around 100 Dollar in 2026 –...
- Best 100 Dollar Gaming Headset — 2026 Buyer’s Guide for...
- 5 Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100 (2026)
- Best Smart Watches With Texting Capabilities in 2026 – under...
But now?
Technology has absolutely exploded in this price range.
We’re talking adaptive ANC, LDAC, aptX Lossless, AI-enhanced calls, multipoint connectivity, hi-res drivers, and battery life numbers that feel like they came from a sci-fi movie. Honestly, it’s kind of wild.
So if you’re hunting for the best earphones under $100, whether for the gym, travel, calls, music, or gaming, you’re in for a treat. And hey, if you want to dive deeper later, you can also check out guides like:
- Best wireless earphones under $50
- Best cheap fitness tracker watch
- 5 Best True Wireless Earbuds Under $100
Anyway—let’s jump into the top picks.
At a Glance:Best Earphones Under 100 USD
Top 7 Best Earphones Under 100 USD (2026)
If someone asked me, “What’s the safest choice among the best earphones under 100 USD?” I’d probably point to the EarFun Air Pro 4 without thinking twice.
These earbuds hit that rare sweet spot where price, sound, comfort, and technology finally shake hands and get along. They even grabbed a CNET Editor’s Choice Award, which you don’t see often in this budget lane.
Overview
EarFun has been on a roll for a few years now, and Air Pro 4 feels like the brand’s “we’re not playing around anymore” moment. The combination of Snapdragon Sound, aptX Lossless, and adaptive ANC up to 50dB is honestly impressive.
You get punchy bass, clear vocals, and that wide-open stereo feel that most earbuds under $100 struggle with. And speaking of ANC—the EarFun Air Pro 4 doesn’t just block noise; it actually analyzes your ear canal and adjusts itself. Pretty smart.
Comfort? Excellent. The call quality? Surprisingly crystal clear thanks to 6 AI-powered mics.
Battery life sits around 52 hours with the case, and multipoint pairing works flawlessly—something even premium earbuds still mess up sometimes.
These are easily among the best wireless earphones under 100 USD for mixed use: travel, work, calls, and music.
Pros
- Fantastic ANC for the price
- Snapdragon Sound + aptX Lossless = true hi-res performance
- Great call clarity
- Excellent battery life (52 hours)
- Multipoint + Bluetooth 5.4
Cons
- Touch controls can feel a bit sensitive
- Firmware updates sometimes require a reset
Best For
Users who want the best value earphones under 100 USD with excellent ANC and premium-level sound.
When people ask for the best noise cancelling earbuds under 100 USD, this is the one I instantly recommend. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches so far above its price that it feels almost unfair.
Overview
These earbuds use a high-sensitivity internal sound sensor alongside an isolation chamber and large drivers to cut noise by up to 98.5%. Real-world feedback from travelers and commuters consistently mentions how shockingly quiet airplanes and trains feel with these on.
The sound quality is crisp, clean, and highly detailed—mainly because the earbuds use LDAC and 11mm drivers. There’s a nice richness, especially in mids and vocals, that makes them perfect for podcasts and movies.
But here’s my favorite part: HearID 2.0.
This feature scans your ears and builds a personalized EQ profile. It’s not a gimmick—users report huge improvements in clarity and depth.
Battery life?
Up to 50 hours, or 40 hours with ANC on. That’s marathon-level.
Connectivity shines thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, auto-play/pause, and multipoint pairing. You also get IPX4 water resistance, 6-mic AI calling, and wireless charging.
Among the top earphones under 100 USD, the Liberty 4 NC delivers arguably the best ANC for traveling.
Pros
- Outstanding ANC for the price
- Hi-Res LDAC audio support
- Industry-leading HearID personalization
- Wireless charging + 50-hour battery
- Strong call quality
Cons
- LDAC drains battery faster
- Case feels slightly bulky
Best For
Commuters, travelers, and anyone wanting the best noise cancelling earbuds under 100 USD.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus (from Nothing’s sub-brand) arrived like a mic drop moment in the budget audio scene. These are among the best-performing best wireless earphones under 100 USD—especially if you want insane levels of customization and clarity.
Overview
Let’s be real: these earbuds are loaded.
You get Hi-Res audio, LDAC, massive 12mm LCP drivers, and a crazy-powerful 5400Hz Ultra-Wide ANC system that blocks up to 50dB of noise.
Users rave about the clarity and bass texture here. The LCP drivers deliver deep, controlled low-end without muddying the mids. Highs sparkle but don’t get harsh—which is rare at this price.
Call quality is another standout. With 6 HD mics, AI noise algorithms, and wind-proofing strong enough for 120 km/h winds, they’re among the best earbuds under 100 dollars for clear voice calls.
Durability is great too: IP55 water and dust resistance makes them gym-ready.
Battery life is a whopping 61.5 hours, with an unbelievable 8.5 hours from 10 minutes of charging.
And if you’re a gamer—activate Low Latency Mode (as low as 40ms) for perfectly synced gameplay.
These buds also pair beautifully with Nothing phones, unlocking ChatGPT voice control.
Pros
- Incredible ANC performance
- Deep, rich bass + Hi-Res clarity
- Long 61.5-hour battery life
- Excellent for calls & wind-heavy environments
- Great for workouts and gaming
Cons
- ChatGPT voice assistant only works on Nothing phones
- Pairing can be tricky if not done exactly as instructed
Best For
Users wanting the best sound quality earphones under 100 USD with top-tier ANC and strong bass.
Samsung’s Fan Edition lineup is known for delivering premium experiences at mid-range prices, and the Galaxy Buds FE follow that formula perfectly.
Overview
These easily rank as one of the best performance earbuds under 100 dollars, especially if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem.
First, the fit.
Samsung redesigned the Buds FE with wing tips that actually stay in place. No slipping, no adjusting every five minutes, no awkward ear wiggles in public.
ANC is strong and reliable, with a smooth transition to Transparency Mode when needed.
But here’s where things get really interesting:
Real-time language translation.
Yes, these earbuds literally help you understand different languages through Interpreter Mode on Galaxy phones. Traveling abroad? These feel like a cheat code.
Auto Switch is another lifesaver. Watching a movie on your Samsung tablet and your phone rings? The Buds FE switch instantly.
Add in strong call quality, reliable touch controls, and SmartThings Find support—and you get a super polished experience.
Sound quality is very Samsung: warm, bassy, enjoyable for daily listening.
Pros
- Perfect for Samsung users
- Real-time translation support
- Strong ANC
- Comfortable all-day wing-tip design
- Great device switching
Cons
- Best features work only on Samsung ecosystem
- Soundstage is slightly narrow compared to hi-res competitors
Best For
Samsung users wanting the best bluetooth earphones under 100 USD with smart ecosystem perks.
The JBL Vibe Beam is one of those earbuds that doesn’t overpromise, doesn’t try to be flashy—just delivers very solid performance at a great price.
Overview
If you love bass and comfort, this is your pick.
These buds use 8mm drivers with JBL’s signature Deep Bass tuning. It’s punchy, warm, and satisfying—especially great for hip-hop, EDM, and workouts.
Comfort is the biggest win here. Many users say they “forget they’re wearing them,” which, honestly, is not something most earbuds can claim.
Battery life? A respectable 32 hours.
The mic performance is pretty good too, and VoiceAware lets you hear your own voice so you don’t accidentally yell during calls (we’ve all done it 😅).
Water and dust resistance (IP54) means they’re gym-friendly and outdoor-safe.
They don’t have ANC, which might be a deal-breaker for some. But for pure everyday listening under $50–$60, these are easily among the top affordable earbuds.
Pros
- Comfortable, lightweight fit
- Deep, satisfying bass
- Good battery life
- Water & dust resistance
- Affordable price
Cons
- No ANC
- Case feels a bit basic
Best For
Bass lovers wanting high quality earphones under 100 USD with comfort-first design.
OnePlus came swinging with the Buds 4, bringing features usually found on $150–$200 earbuds.
Overview
The Buds 4 have dual drivers, dual DACs, and LHDC 5.0, creating clean, dynamic audio. These are easily some of the best earbuds under 100 USD for vlogging, calls, and content creators because the clarity is excellent.
ANC is adaptive and can cut up to 55dB of noise—one of the highest in this list. Transparency Mode is natural, and the earbuds switch automatically depending on your environment.
Call quality is amazing. With a 3-mic AI-powered system, voices stay crisp even in noisy streets or windy environments.
OnePlus also added real-time translation via triple taps—pretty wild for this price.
Battery life hits 45 hours, plus OnePlus phones get extra integration benefits.
Pros
- Excellent call clarity
- Deep bass with bright highs
- Real-time translation
- Strong ANC
- 45-hour battery life
Cons
- Best features require OnePlus phones
- LHDC not supported on all devices
Best For
Call-focused users and OnePlus phone owners wanting best value earphones under 100 USD.
These earbuds are interesting because they’re semi-open (like AirPods) but still have ANC.
Overview
The JBL Tune Flex offers Pure Bass Sound with 12mm drivers, giving you full-bodied, punchy audio. They deliver the signature JBL sound with a surprisingly wide stage for semi-open earbuds.
ANC is pretty strong considering the design, and Smart Ambient Mode lets in just enough outside sound to stay safe while walking or biking.
Call quality is impressive thanks to a 4-mic setup, which performs well in busy areas.
Battery life sits at 32 hours, with fast charging for quick boosts.
Overall, they’re an excellent choice for folks who don’t love fully sealed in-ear earbuds but still want noise cancellation — a rare combo among the best earbuds under 100 USD.
Pros
- Semi-open comfort
- Strong ANC
- Punchy bass
- Good call clarity
- Sweat resistant
Cons
- Not ideal for deep isolation
- Bass can be overwhelming for some
Best For
Users who want ANC but hate the “plugged ear” feeling.
Explore Every Type of Headphone — All in One Place
Discover In-Ear, On-Ear, Over-Ear, Gaming Headsets and TWS models with expert reviews.
FAQ Section
1. How do I choose the best earphones under 100 USD in 2026?
Look for:
- ANC quality
- Driver size (10–12mm is ideal)
- Codec support (LDAC, LHDC, aptX Lossless)
- Battery life over 30 hours
- Multipoint connectivity
- Water resistance
- App customization (EQ, ANC modes, presets)
2. Are cheap earbuds reliable for daily use?
Surprisingly, yes. Brands like EarFun, Soundcore, JBL, and CMF have raised the bar. Build quality and sound have massively improved in the sub-$100 category.
3. Where do I find the best deals online?
- Amazon
- Official brand stores
- Seasonal sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday)
- Techzone-r featured lists
4. What’s trending in budget earbuds for 2025–2026?
- Adaptive ANC
- Personalized hearing profiles
- AI-powered call enhancement
- Hi-Res LDAC & LHDC support
- Dual-device pairing
- Real-time translation
5. Which brand is the most consistent under $100?
EarFun, Soundcore, JBL, and Samsung consistently deliver top-rated budget earbuds.
Why You Can Trust Us:
I spend hundreds of hours analyzing budget audio gear — diving into user reviews, watching engineering tear-downs, comparing expert opinions, and evaluating real-world performance reports. My goal is simple: help you find the best earphones under 100 USD that actually deliver the sound, comfort, and features you deserve without wasting your money.
Final Verdict
If you want the overall best earphones under 100 USD, here are my top picks:
Best Overall Value:
EarFun Air Pro 4 – Balanced, premium features, incredible ANC, and excellent sound.
Best ANC:
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC – Almost flagship-level noise cancellation.
Best Sound Quality:
CMF Buds 2 Plus – Hi-res clarity with big bass.
Best for Samsung Users:
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Best Budget Bass Pick:
JBL Vibe Beam
Before you buy—
👉 Check current price on Amazon—it might be discounted today!
If you click an Amazon link and buy something, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.





