Best overall budget earbuds
EarFun Air Pro 4+
~$80–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- SoundGuys' and CNET's top budget pick
- Dual drivers, Bluetooth 6.0, aptX Lossless and LDAC
- Wireless charging case and IP55
Keep in mind
- Noise canceling is only average
Best noise canceling
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
~$70–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- SoundGuys' ANC pick under $100 (about 84% noise reduction measured)
- About 9 hours 53 minutes per charge with ANC on in SoundGuys' tests
Keep in mind
- Bulky case
Best design
Nothing Ear (3a)
~$80–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- A SoundGuys pick under $100
- Clear-case style with a good app
Keep in mind
- Fit isn't for everyone
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Best sound quality
SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+
~$80–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- Highest sound score in SoundGuys' under-$100 picks
Keep in mind
- Weak battery with ANC on
Best value
CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus
~$50–$60 at time of writing
What we like
- SoundGuys' value pick: about 83% ANC reduction and ~10 hours per charge
Keep in mind
- Plain build
Best value noise canceling
EarFun Air Pro 4
~$60–$80 at time of writing
What we like
- CNET's top-value noise-canceling earbuds
Keep in mind
- Superseded by the 4+
Best-sounding ANC from a big brand
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC
~$100 at time of writing
What we like
- CNET's top-sounding noise-canceling earbuds under $100
- Tuned with Bose (maker)
Keep in mind
- Big case
Best under $40
Anker Soundcore P31i
~$40 at time of writing
What we like
- CNET's best budget earbuds under $40
- ANC at a very low price
Keep in mind
- Plasticky
Best for LDAC Android
Soundpeats Air5 Pro
~$70–$80 at time of writing
What we like
- CNET's top-value ANC pick from Soundpeats
- LDAC hi-res support (maker)
Keep in mind
- App is basic
Best for workouts
JBL Vibe Beam 2
~$50–$70 at time of writing
What we like
- Stem design with secure fit
- Water- and dust-resistant (maker)
Keep in mind
- ANC is modest
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EarFun Air Pro 4+ | Best overall budget earbuds | ~$80–$100 | — |
| 2 | Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Best noise canceling | ~$70–$100 | — |
| 3 | Nothing Ear (3a) | Best design | ~$80–$100 | — |
| 4 | SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ | Best sound quality | ~$80–$100 | — |
| 5 | CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus | Best value | ~$50–$60 | — |
| 6 | EarFun Air Pro 4 | Best value noise canceling | ~$60–$80 | — |
| 7 | Skullcandy Method 360 ANC | Best-sounding ANC from a big brand | ~$100 | — |
| 8 | Anker Soundcore P31i | Best under $40 | ~$40 | — |
| 9 | Soundpeats Air5 Pro | Best for LDAC Android | ~$70–$80 | — |
| 10 | JBL Vibe Beam 2 | Best for workouts | ~$50–$70 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: SoundGuys best wireless earbuds under $100 (Oct 15, 2026), CNET best budget earbuds (2026), RTINGS best earbuds under $100 (2026), plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate (checked Oct 19, 2026) and change often. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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