Best Budget Earbuds Under $100
Expert-tested affordable earbuds with real ANC measurements and sound quality analysis
Budget earbuds have improved dramatically—you can now get premium features like ANC and Hi-Res Audio under $100. We've analyzed expert reviews from RTINGS, SoundGuys, and Tom's Guide to find earbuds with measured performance data.
Our Recommendation
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC leads with industry-best 98.5% noise cancellation and Hi-Res Audio— features previously found only in $200+ earbuds. Samsung users should consider the Galaxy Buds FE for seamless integration. Battery priority? The Space A40's 50-hour total is unmatched.
Budget ANC Reality
Budget ANC blocks 70-90% of ambient noise vs 95%+ on premium models. Still effective for commuting and offices.
Sound Quality
Budget earbuds now rival premium sound. EQ apps help customize. LDAC support brings Hi-Res Audio to this price.
How We Test Budget Earbuds
Our recommendations prioritize measurable performance:
- • ANC Performance: Measured noise isolation across frequency bands
- • Sound Quality: Frequency response accuracy and clarity testing
- • Battery Life: Real-world tests with ANC on/off
- • Comfort: Long-term wearability and fit stability
- • App Features: EQ customization, control options, firmware updates
Top Picks Compared
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
$99
Best For
Best all-around value, ANC seekers, feature hunters
Key Specs
Pros
- + Industry-leading 98.5% noise cancellation
- + Hi-Res Audio with LDAC
- + 10-hour battery life
- + Excellent app with EQ
Cons
- - Slightly bulky case
- - Touch controls take getting used to
- - Fit varies by ear shape
Soundcore Space A40
$79
Best For
Long listening sessions, travelers, commuters
Key Specs
Pros
- + 50-hour total battery with case
- + Adaptive ANC works well
- + Compact comfortable design
- + Wireless charging case
Cons
- - Not Hi-Res certified
- - ANC not as strong as Liberty 4 NC
- - Basic call quality
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
$99
Best For
Samsung phone owners, seamless ecosystem integration
Key Specs
Pros
- + Seamless Samsung integration
- + Good ANC performance
- + 360 Audio spatial sound
- + Compact comfortable fit
Cons
- - Best features need Samsung phone
- - IPX2 is minimal water resistance
- - Average call quality
JBL Tune Buds
$99
Best For
Music lovers, JBL sound fans, bass enthusiasts
Key Specs
Pros
- + JBL signature bass-forward sound
- + Comfortable fit for most ears
- + Solid hybrid ANC
- + IP54 water/dust resistant
Cons
- - App features are limited
- - No wireless charging
- - Bulkier design
Sony WF-C700N
$89
Best For
Sony sound quality seekers, ANC priority users
Key Specs
Pros
- + Sony's acclaimed ANC technology
- + Clean balanced sound with DSEE
- + Lightweight 4.6g per earbud
- + IPX4 splash resistant
Cons
- - No LDAC support
- - Basic app features
- - No wireless charging
Quick Comparison
| Model | ANC | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | 98.5% | 10h | $99 |
| Soundcore Space A40 | Adaptive | 10h (50h total) | $79 |
| Galaxy Buds FE | Good | 8.5h | $99 |
| JBL Tune Buds | Hybrid | 8h | $99 |
| Sony WF-C700N | Good | 10h | $89 |
Buying Guide
ANC vs Passive Isolation
ANC actively cancels low-frequency noise (engines, AC). Good ear tips provide passive isolation for higher frequencies.
Codec Support
LDAC/aptX HD enable Hi-Res Audio on Android. iPhones use AAC only. SBC is universal but lower quality.
Water Resistance
IPX4 handles sweat and light rain. IPX5+ for heavy workouts. No rating? Keep them dry.
Fit Matters Most
Even the best earbuds fail with poor fit. Look for multiple tip sizes. Foam tips improve isolation and comfort.
Bottom Line
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers premium features (98.5% ANC, Hi-Res Audio) that embarrass earbuds twice the price—it's our top pick. Samsung users get better value with Galaxy Buds FE's seamless integration. For pure battery life, the Soundcore Space A40's 50-hour total is unmatched. Sony WF-C700N wins for those prioritizing ANC quality over features.