Top 5 Earbuds Under 100: Sound Quality Review

Ever feel like you need a secret decoder ring just to pick out a new pair of earbuds? You see ads everywhere promising amazing sound, but then you look at the price tag and your wallet starts to cry. Finding great earbuds without spending a fortune can feel like a treasure hunt where most of the X’s mark the spot for disappointment.

The truth is, the sub-$100 market is overflowing. You worry about fuzzy sound, batteries that die too fast, or maybe they just fall out of your ears the second you start moving. How do you separate the real gems from the junk when every box looks shiny?

Don’t worry! We dug through the noise so you don’t have to. Keep reading, and we will show you the absolute best earbuds you can snag right now that deliver fantastic quality without breaking your budget. Get ready to find your perfect audio match!

Top Earbuds Under 100 Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Comfort and Secure in Ear Fit, Auto Switch Audio, Touch Control, Built-in Voice Assistant, Graphite [US Version, 1Yr Manufacturer Warranty]
  • Includes 1 year limited manufacturer warranty
  • THEY SAY “HOLA,” YOU HEAR “HELLO”: Now you can communicate freely with someone in another language; Use the Interpreter feature on your Galaxy phone to hear real-time translations through your Galaxy Buds during face-to-face conversations¹
  • PHONE TO EAR, TRANSLATIONS YOU HEAR: Phoning a relative back home or calling in reservations while traveling , break down language barriers w/ Galaxy Buds & Live Translate; Using the Samsung Phone app, hear real-time translations through your Buds¹
  • DESIGNED FOR COMFORT. SHAPED TO FIT: Listen comfortably all day with the new wing-tip design that keeps your Buds in place
  • HEAR WHAT YOU WANT, NOT WHAT YOU DON’T: Hear what you want how you want thanks to Active Noise Cancellation
Bestseller No. 2
JBL Vibe Beam 2 - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with JBL Pure Bass Sound & Smart Ambient technology, 4mics for crisp, clear calls, up to 40Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water resistant (Black)
  • JBL Pure Bass sound: JBL Vibe Beam 2 earbuds feature 8mm dynamic drivers that deliver exciting JBL Pure Bass sound.
  • Active Noise Cancelling:Listen to your surroundings & filter out distracting noise. Smart Ambient lets you control how much of the outside world you want to hear, so you can talk with others or stay aware of your surroundings while keeping your earbuds in
  • 4 mics for crisp, clear calls: Two mics on each earbud pick up and clearly transmit your voice while canceling out ambient noise. So you can make clear, crisp calls even when you're walking through a busy park on a breezy day.
  • 40 total hours of playback: Enjoy 10 hours of playtime, plus another three full charges (30Hrs) in the charging case.* Need to recharge even faster? 10 minutes on a USB type-C charging cable will give you another three hours of playtime. (*with ANC off)
  • JBL Headphones app: Select the EQ that fits your style or customize your own. Voice Prompts in multiple languages give you useful information (e.g.if battery is running low). Or chill out and recharge in Relax Mode by choosing one of five peaceful sounds.
Bestseller No. 3
Beats Studio Buds - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Compatible with Apple & Android, Built-in Microphone, IPX4 Rating, Sweat Resistant Earphones, Class 1 Bluetooth Headphones - Black
  • Custom acoustic platform delivers powerful, balanced sound
  • Control your sound with two distinct listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode
  • Three soft ear tip sizes for a stable and comfortable fit while ensuring an optimum acoustic seal
  • Up to 8 hours of listening time (up to 24 hours combined with pocket-sized charging case)
  • Industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts
Bestseller No. 4
JBL Vibe Beam - True Wireless JBL Deep Bass Sound Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.2, Water & Dust Resistant, Hands-Free Call with VoiceAware, Up to 32 Hours of Battery Life (Black)
  • JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
  • Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
  • Up to 32 (8h + 24h) hours of battery life and speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Beam provide all-day audio. When you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
  • Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others
  • Water and dust resistant: From the beach to the bike trail, the IP54-certified earbuds and IPX2 charging case are water and dust resistant for all-day experiences
Bestseller No. 5
Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds, 10mm Drivers with Big Bass, Bluetooth 5.3, 30H Long Playtime, Water-Resistant, 2 Mics for AI Clear Calls, 22 Preset EQs, Customization via App
  • Powerful Bass: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds have oversized 10mm drivers that deliver powerful sound with boosted bass so you can lose yourself in your favorite songs.
  • Personalized Listening Experience: Use the soundcore app to customize the controls and choose from 22 EQ presets. With "Find My Earbuds", a lost earbud can emit noise to help you locate it.
  • Long Playtime, Fast Charging: Get 10 hours of battery life on a single charge with a case that extends it to 30 hours. If P20i true wireless earbuds are low on power, a quick 10-minute charge will give you 2 hours of playtime.
  • Portable On-the-Go Design: soundcore P20i true wireless earbuds and the charging case are compact and lightweight with a lanyard attached. It's small enough to slip in your pocket, or clip on your bag or keys–so you never worry about space.
  • AI-Enhanced Clear Calls: 2 built-in mics and an AI algorithm work together to pick up your voice so that you never have to shout over the phone.
Bestseller No. 6
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones, True Wireless Stereo Sound Earphones with Noise Cancelling Mic, Fast Charging, IPX7 Waterproof, Comfort Fit Ear Buds for Sports/Workouts/Travel (Deep Black)
  • 【Clear Sound & Noise Cancelling Mic】Experience crystal-clear sound quality with Bluetooth 5.4 and true wireless stereo technology. The built-in noise-cancelling microphone ensures clear calls, even in noisy environments, making it perfect for music, calls, and voice assistants. Immerse yourself in rich, detailed audio whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls. Designed to deliver premium sound and reliable performance, these earbuds elevate your everyday audio experience
  • 【Instant Pairing & Seamless Connectivity】Experience effortless pairing with Bluetooth 5.4 and dual-channel transmission for faster speeds and better stability. Simply take the earbuds out of the charging case, and they will automatically power on and connect to your device. With support for HSP, HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP, these earbuds deliver low-latency audio and work seamlessly with iOS, Android, and Windows, offering a stable connection up to 15m (50ft) without obstacles
  • 【IPX7 Waterproof & Comfortable Fit】Our i27 sports headphones feature a soft, ultra-light earhook design for a secure and comfortable fit, weighing just 7g each and including three sizes of silicone earplugs (S/M/L) for personalized comfort. With IPX7 waterproof certification, they resist sweat, rain, and splashes, making them perfect for workouts, running, and outdoor activities. Built for active lifestyles, they’re your ideal adventure companion (Note: Not suitable for submersion in water)
  • 【Smart Touch Control for Effortless Convenience】Effortlessly manage your music and calls with intuitive touch controls—play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and activate Siri or Google Assistant with just a tap. Perfect for hands-free convenience and a premium listening experience. Stay in control without reaching for your phone, whether you're working out, commuting, or relaxing at home. Designed for seamless interaction, these controls make everyday tasks simpler and more enjoyable
  • 【10-Minute Quick Charge & Long Playback】Enjoy up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge, extended to 54 hours with the 400mAh charging case. The Type-C quick-charge fully charges the case in 1.5 hours, and a 10-minute quick charge provides 2 hours of playback. Easily monitor power status with the LED percentage display, ensuring all-day use without battery worries. Perfect for travel, workouts, and daily commutes. Stay connected and entertained wherever you go
Bestseller No. 7
Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds, 45dB Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Hi-Res Audio, Advanced Equaliser, Dual Connect, 6 Mics, 42.5H Playtime Ear Buds Wireless Bluetooth, Black
  • Powerful 11 mm Driver: We've engineered an even more compact driver that delivers twice the power of Ear (2). In Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds, this means deeper, more impactful bass. The refined design provides sound waves with greater space to resonate, while two additional vents optimize internal airflow. The result is reduced distortion and richer, clearer audio overall.
  • 45 dB Smart Active Noise Cancellation: Nothing Ear (a) earbuds continuously monitors the seal between the earbud and your ear canal. If noise leakage is detected, it instantly adjusts the cancellation intensity to compensate—ensuring you always get the fullest possible noise reduction. Every time you put them in, they adapt. Move from a quiet room to a busy street without hearing a thing besides your audio.
  • Clear Voice Technology: Crystal-clear calls, anytime, anywhere. Nothing Ear (a) ear buds isolates your voice from background noise, making on-the-go conversations feel like you’re talking in person. We’ve added a dedicated talk microphone and an airflow channel along the stem to drastically reduce wind interference—resulting in 60% less noise compared to Ear (2).
  • Long-Lasting Battery & Fast Charging: Get back to your music in minutes. With Fast Charge, just 10 minutes of charging delivers up to 10 hours of playback (ANC off). On a full charge, Nothing Ear (a) bluetooth earbuds provides 40.5% more continuous playtime than Ear (2). And with its compact case, you can extend total listening time to over 42.5 hours (ANC off)—so your audio keeps going, day after day.
  • More Performance: Engineered for seamless versatility, Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds keeps you connected and immersed. Low Latency Mode ensures lag-free gaming, while dual-device connectivity lets you instantly switch between laptop and phone. Adaptive ANC intelligently adjusts to your surroundings or allows manual control through three noise cancellation levels—all via the Nothing X app.
SaleBestseller No. 8
Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 Headphones in Ear with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, New Wireless Earphones HiFi Stereo Deep Bass 40H Playtime, In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds LED Display IP7 Waterproof, USB-C
  • 2026 Bluetooth 5.4 Technology: A97 Bluetooth wireless earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 chips. This makes pairing to devices seamless with reduced latency and increased battery life, enabling and reducing sound latency and providing a more stable connection(15m), faster pairing, and universal compatibility. Experience perfect sound quality during leisure, listening to music, exercising, commuting, or using these running Wireless headphones to answer phone calls.
  • Hi-Fi Deep Bass Stereo, ENC Noise Canceling: Our Bluetooth ear buds with 13 mm vibrating diaphragm and AAC/SBC audio coding technology, resulting in sufficiently strong bass. You can get power and enjoy pleasure through the pleasant sound emitted by the A97 sports earphones, creating an actual audio feast for ears. The noise cancelling earbuds' microphone is very good at reducing moderate wind noise, keeping your voice clear to callers thanks to the ENC noise canceling feature.
  • Dual LED Display, 40H Long Playtime: You don't have to worry about your daily music leisure time or sports time, the A97 Bluetooth earbuds with mic offer up to 8 hours of playback(80% volume). The charging caseprovides an extended charge when you need it, up to 40 hours of playtime. To make it more cnvenient for your daily use, we get a Separated LED battery display design, You can clearly see the charge level of each true ear buds and charging case.
  • Touch Control and Universal Compatibility: Wireless headphones in ear with high sensitivity touch technology, which can easily control play or pause, answer, reject or hang up, previous or next song, wake up siri, etc. You can easily control without operating the phone. The Bluetooth headphones are compatible with Bluetooth devices with Bluetooth 4.0 and above. This includes phones and tablets for Android and iOS.
  • IP7 Waterproof and Ergonomic Design :Through the use of ultra-light nanomaterials, the Bluetooth earphones reach IP7 waterproof grade, dust and rain proof, the extreme lightness.Wireless earphones are ergonomically designed,our noise cancelling headphones is suitable for most people in custom fit, snugly nestle in your ears, offering long-lasting comfort and a secure fit during workouts or sports.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Snagging the Best Earbuds Under $100

Finding great sound without breaking the bank is totally possible! Earbuds under $100 offer amazing value. This guide helps you choose the right pair for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping in this price range, focus on these important features:

  • Battery Life: Aim for at least 5-6 hours on a single charge for the buds, plus extra charges in the case. Long battery life means less charging stress.
  • Connectivity (Bluetooth Version): Look for Bluetooth 5.0 or newer. Newer versions offer a stable connection and use less battery power.
  • Comfort and Fit: Earbuds must stay in your ears. Check if they come with multiple sizes of silicone or foam tips.
  • Water Resistance (IP Rating): An IPX4 rating or higher means your earbuds can handle sweat during workouts or light rain.
  • Controls: Good earbuds offer easy-to-use touch or physical buttons for playing, pausing, and skipping tracks.
Important Materials Matter

The materials affect comfort, durability, and sound quality.

  • Ear Tips: Silicone tips are common and easy to clean. Some premium budget models might include foam tips, which often give a better seal for superior bass.
  • Casing: Most earbuds use durable plastic. Check reviews to make sure the hinges on the charging case feel sturdy and not flimsy.
  • Driver Size: While not always listed, larger drivers (the speaker component) sometimes produce richer bass, though tuning is more important than size alone.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all budget earbuds sound the same. Here is what separates the good from the great:

What Makes Quality Better:
  • Good Sound Tuning: Even cheap drivers can sound good if the manufacturer tunes them well. Look for balanced sound, not just booming, muddy bass.
  • Low Latency: This means the sound matches the video perfectly when you watch movies or play games.
  • Clear Microphones: Good microphones ensure people can hear you clearly during calls.
What Reduces Quality (Red Flags):
  • Weak Bluetooth Signal: If the connection drops when your phone is in your pocket, the quality suffers greatly.
  • Poor Build Quality: If the plastic feels cheap or the case snaps easily, the longevity is low.
  • No Fit Options: If the buds only come with one size of tip, they probably won’t fit most people well, leading to poor sound.
User Experience and Use Cases

Think about *how* you plan to use your new earbuds. This directs your final choice.

  • For Workouts: Prioritize a secure fit and a high IP rating (sweatproof). Battery life is also key for long gym sessions.
  • For Commuting/Office: Focus on comfort for long wear and good call quality. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) might be available on some models near the $100 mark, which is a huge bonus for noisy trains or offices.
  • For Casual Listening: If you just listen to music while cleaning or walking the dog, prioritize battery life and simple controls.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Earbuds Under $100

Q: Do earbuds under $100 usually have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?

A: Some models do offer basic ANC, but it is often less effective than what you find in $200+ earbuds. Passive noise isolation (a good seal from the tips) is more common and very helpful.

Q: Is the sound quality really good in this price range?

A: Yes! Modern budget earbuds often sound fantastic for everyday listening. You get clear highs and decent bass without paying a premium for brand names.

Q: What is the typical battery life I should expect?

A: Expect about 5 to 7 hours of playtime per charge, and the case usually holds 2 to 3 full recharges, giving you 20+ hours total.

Q: Are they good enough for phone calls?

A: Many budget models have improved microphone quality. Look for reviews specifically mentioning call clarity in noisy environments.

Q: Can I use them with both my Android phone and my laptop?

A: Absolutely. Since they use standard Bluetooth, they connect easily to almost any modern device, whether it runs iOS, Android, or Windows.

Q: What does “IPX4” mean for my workout?

A: IPX4 means the earbuds resist splashing water from any direction. They handle sweat and light rain very well.

Q: Should I choose wired or wireless under $100?

A: Wireless (True Wireless Stereo or TWS) is the dominant choice now. Wired options usually only save you a few dollars and limit your movement.

Q: What if they don’t fit my ears well?

A: Always check if the product includes different sizes of ear tips (small, medium, large). If they don’t, they might not be the right choice for you.

Q: Are touch controls annoying to use?

A: It depends on the model. Some budget touch controls are overly sensitive, while others work perfectly. Always read user reviews to see if the controls are reliable.

Q: Do these support fast charging?

A: Some models offer quick top-ups, like getting an hour of playback from a 10-minute charge. Check the specific product details for this feature.