In 2025, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy crisp, powerful sound. Thanks to improvements in Bluetooth technology, sound tuning, and battery efficiency, budget earbuds now rival some premium models. Whether you’re looking for wireless earbuds for workouts, daily commutes, or music streaming, there are plenty of great options that deliver high-quality performance at low prices.
In this guide, we’ll review the best cheap earbuds of 2025, covering both wired and wireless models that combine great sound, comfort, and value.
What to Expect from Cheap Earbuds in 2025
Affordable doesn’t mean bad — modern earbuds under $100 (and even under $50) come packed with features once reserved for premium models.
Here’s what you can expect from budget earbuds today:
- Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 connectivity for stable pairing.
- Clear and balanced sound with enhanced bass.
- Decent noise isolation or ANC (Active Noise Cancellation).
- Touch controls for music, calls, and voice assistants.
- Water/sweat resistance (IPX rating) for sports and outdoor use.
- Battery life up to 8–12 hours per charge.
While they may lack high-end codecs or ultra-advanced ANC, the performance you get for the price is impressive.
Top 7 Best Cheap Earbuds of 2025
1. Soundcore by Anker Life P3
Best Overall Cheap Earbuds (Under $70)
Key Features:
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Bluetooth 5.2
- 10mm drivers for deep bass
- Customizable EQ via Soundcore app
- Battery: 7 hours (40 with case)
The Soundcore Life P3 continues to dominate the budget market. With adjustable ANC modes, punchy sound, and a sleek design, it easily rivals earbuds twice the price. The companion app lets you fine-tune the EQ to match your taste, making it a top all-rounder.
Pros:
- Great ANC for the price
- Strong bass performance
- Comfortable fit and reliable connection
Cons:
- No multipoint pairing
- Slightly large charging case
Best For: Everyday users who want premium sound on a budget.
2. JLab Go Air Pop
Best Budget Earbuds Under $30
Key Features:
- Bluetooth 5.1
- IPX4 water resistance
- 3 EQ sound modes (JLab Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost)
- 8-hour battery life per charge (32 total with case)
The JLab Go Air Pop is one of the most affordable yet well-performing earbuds available. Despite their low cost, they deliver rich bass and a surprisingly balanced sound profile. The built-in charging cable is a handy touch for travelers.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Good battery life
Cons:
- No ANC
- Basic design and limited app support
Best For: Budget-conscious users or as backup earbuds.
3. TOZO T10
Best Cheap Waterproof Earbuds
Key Features:
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- Bluetooth 5.3
- 8mm speaker drivers for immersive sound
- 6-hour battery life (30 with case)
The TOZO T10 earbuds are perfect for gym-goers and swimmers (for light water exposure). They deliver impressive bass, clear mids, and a durable build. Their high waterproof rating ensures they can handle rain, sweat, or splashes easily.
Pros:
- Deep bass and clear sound
- Excellent waterproofing
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No ANC or companion app
- Bulky case design
Best For: Active users and outdoor enthusiasts.
4. EarFun Free 2S
Best for Balanced Sound Quality
Key Features:
- Qualcomm aptX support
- Low-latency game mode
- Wireless charging case
- 30-hour total battery life
The EarFun Free 2S offers a great balance of price and performance. With aptX codec support and dynamic sound tuning, they deliver crisp audio clarity, making them perfect for both music and video playback.
Pros:
- Great sound clarity
- Low-latency gaming mode
- Wireless charging support
Cons:
- Fit may vary depending on ear size
- Touch controls are sensitive
Best For: Music lovers who want detailed, balanced sound.
5. OnePlus Nord Buds 2
Best for Android Users
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- 12.4mm titanium drivers
- Fast charging (10 min = 5 hours)
- Dolby Atmos support (for OnePlus phones)
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are stylish, comfortable, and offer impressive sound quality with ANC — a rare feature at this price point. The large drivers deliver powerful bass while maintaining clarity.
Pros:
- Impressive ANC under $60
- Fast charging
- Comfortable and secure fit
Cons:
- Some features exclusive to OnePlus phones
- No iOS app support
Best For: Android users looking for value-packed ANC earbuds.
6. Skullcandy Dime 3
Best Compact Earbuds
Key Features:
- Compact, pocket-friendly design
- IPX4 water resistance
- Tile tracking support (find your earbuds)
- 8 hours of playback per charge
The Skullcandy Dime 3 combines playful design with practicality. The sound is punchy with decent bass, and Tile integration helps locate misplaced earbuds — a unique feature at this price.
Pros:
- Tiny, lightweight design
- Solid sound for casual listening
- Tile tracking built-in
Cons:
- No ANC
- Shorter battery life compared to others
Best For: Users who prefer a small, portable design.
7. Redmi Buds 5
Best Cheap Earbuds with ANC
Key Features:
- Hybrid ANC (up to 46dB)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Dual-mic noise cancellation for calls
- Battery life: 10 hours per charge
The Redmi Buds 5 prove that you can have active noise cancellation at an incredibly low price. With strong ANC, balanced sound, and reliable battery life, they’re a great choice for everyday use.
Pros:
- Strong ANC performance
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Limited app customization
- Slight audio lag with iPhones
Best For: Commuters and frequent travelers.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Earbuds
When shopping for budget earbuds, consider the following factors to get the most for your money:
1. Sound Quality
Look for earbuds with large drivers (10mm or higher) and customizable EQ options for better bass and clarity.
2. Battery Life
Opt for earbuds that last at least 5–7 hours per charge, and 20–30 hours total with the case.
3. Comfort and Fit
Ensure they come with multiple ear tip sizes for a snug fit, especially for workouts.
4. Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 ensures stable, low-latency connections for music and video playback.
5. Water Resistance
An IPX4 or higher rating protects against sweat and rain — ideal for active users.
6. Noise Cancellation
Hybrid or feedforward ANC is now common in budget earbuds; even basic versions can block mild ambient noise.
Wired vs. Wireless: Which is Better for You?
| Feature | Wired Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds |
| Sound Quality | Consistently good | Depends on codec (AAC, SBC, aptX) |
| Convenience | Limited mobility | Completely wireless |
| Battery Life | No charging needed | 20–40 hours total (with case) |
| Price | Cheaper | Slightly higher |
| Use Case | Ideal for audiophiles | Great for workouts/travel |
If you’re on the move often, wireless earbuds are the better option. For consistent sound and simplicity, wired options are unbeatable for pure music lovers.
Final Thoughts
Cheap earbuds in 2025 offer remarkable performance without the premium price tag. Whether you want long battery life, noise cancellation, or deep bass, there’s a pair for every lifestyle and budget.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall: Soundcore Life P3
- Best Budget: JLab Go Air Pop
- Best Waterproof: TOZO T10
- Best for Android: OnePlus Nord Buds 2
- Best with ANC: Redmi Buds 5
With so many great options, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. The right pair of earbuds can bring your favorite music to life — without emptying your wallet.