Wireless earbuds have revolutionised how we experience music, podcasts, and calls on the go. They offer freedom from tangled cables and bring a level of convenience that wired earphones can’t match.
However, not all wireless earbuds are created equal, and while many impressive options won’t break the bank, it’s hard to know which ones are the best. With so many choices, it’s crucial to know which ones stand out for their quality and value.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our seven best budget wireless earbuds, so you can find a pair that is right for you.
In a hurry?
To get things underway, here are our three favourite earbuds:
| JBL Live Pro 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds | These earbuds offer JBL’s True Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 11mm drivers, and Bluetooth 5.2 | Find out more |
| Yamaha TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds | Features Yamaha True Sound, Clear Voice Capture (cVc), and support for Siri and Google Assistant | Find out more |
| Technics EAH-AZ40M2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds | These Technics earbuds have Active Noise Cancellation and beamforming technology for clear, crisp calls, even in busy environments | Find out more |
Why we’ve chosen these earbuds
In selecting the best budget wireless earbuds, we’ve kept your wallet in mind without compromising on quality. Every pair listed is priced below £130, striking a balance between affordability and performance.
Comfort is key, and these earbuds don’t disappoint. They are all ergonomically designed, making them ideal for long listening sessions.
The most important thing, sound quality, isn’t taken for granted either. Many of our selections feature brand-exclusive sound principles, such as JBL’s Deep Bass Sound and Yamaha’s True Sound, for distinctive, high-quality sound.
Every earbud also boasts reliable Bluetooth connections, ensuring easy pairing with your phone without frustrating dropouts. Plus, they all come with a charging case.
Overall, we selected earbuds that cover all the essentials you need to enjoy your favourite content without breaking the bank.
The best budget wireless earbuds
1. Sennheiser IE 100 Pro Wireless In-Ear Monitors
Key features
- Wireless connection to mobile devices
- AptX™ Low Latency for synced playback
- 10-hour battery life for long sessions
Pros
- Smooth, detailed sound reproduction
- Secure, ergonomic in-ear fit
- Lightweight and tangle-free cable
Cons
-
Wired connection needed if you’re listening for more than 10 hours
If you’re looking for wireless in-ears that double as serious monitoring tools, the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro Wireless are ideal. They’re built around a sound profile that stays smooth and warm, even over extended listening, preventing ear fatigue while keeping detail and articulation.
The custom-designed transducers handle high-pressure environments without breaking a sweat. That means you won’t lose detail, even in louder settings. And if you rely on precise timing – especially when syncing with video – AptX™ Low Latency support ensures everything stays locked in.
In terms of fit, Sennheiser has made comfort and security a priority. The reinforced ear-hooks and moulded shaping help keep everything where it should be, even during movement. The semi-wireless flat cable cuts out tangling, so you’re not distracted mid-performance.
You’ll get around 10 hours of battery life on a full charge, which is enough for long sessions. But if you do need to go longer, there’s always the included cable to switch over to. Either way, you’re covered.
Extras in the box include multiple ear tip options, a BT connector, and a handy carry pouch – all things that make daily use more practical, whether you’re gigging, mixing, or just listening on the go.
2. JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Earbuds
Key features
- JBL Deep Bass Sound and Ambient Aware technology
- IP54 water and dust resistance
- Stylish stick-open design
Pros
- Up to 32 hours of total battery life
- 12mm drivers ensure a detailed sound
- JBL headphone app offers effortless control
Cons
- May not fit all ear sizes perfectly
For our second choice, we have the reliable JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Earbuds. They are one of the most affordable options on our list and are great if you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that cover all the basics.
These earbuds feature 12mm drivers, giving you a broad, rich sound. They also boast JBL’s Deep Bass Sound to ensure your music packs a punch with enriched low frequencies.
The Ambient Aware technology cleverly blends your music with the sounds of your environment, keeping you connected to the world around you without compromising on your audio experience. This is especially useful in busy settings.
The Wave Flex includes two built-in microphones (one in each earbud) which are positioned optimally so your vocals can be heard with excellent clarity. Thanks to the built-in VoiceAware technology, you can also choose how much of your own voice you hear during calls.
Another unique facet of these earbuds is the TalkThru technology. Once activated via the JBL Headphone app, the music playback volume is significantly lowered, and the microphone sensitivity is increased. This means you can stop to have a quick chat with someone without needing to turn off the music or remove the earbuds.
Speaking of the JBL Headphone app, this is a great companion for creating your own distinctive sound. Once downloaded onto your smartphone, you’ll be able to customise the EQ, manage the volume, and skip songs. The incorporation of Bluetooth 5.2 will also guarantee a stable wireless connection with no disruption.
The comfortable fit of the Wave Flex is designed with everyday use in mind. Plus, they’re easy to insert and remove thanks to their stick-open design.
However, unlike the CX Plus, these earbuds do not come with ear adapters, so they might not be as adaptable to the shape of your ears as many others on the market.
Battery life won’t be a concern as these earbuds offer eight hours of playback, with an additional 24 hours stored in the charging case. That’s a total of 32 hours of listening time on a single charge, ensuring your music, podcasts, or calls are uninterrupted throughout the day.
Build quality is another plus, with the earbuds being IP54 certified. This means they’re resilient against water and dust.
While it may not have Active Noise Cancellation, the JBL Wave Flex True Wireless Earbuds are still a great option if you value a broad sound quality and long battery life.
3. Panasonic RZ-B310WDE Digital Wireless Stereo Earphones with Hybrid Noise Cancelling
Key features
- Hybrid Noise Cancelling
- 10mm drivers with XBS bass boost
- IPX4 rating
Pros
- Stable connection with Bluetooth 5.3
- Touch controls for music and calls
- 16-hour battery life with case
Cons
-
Limited single-charge playback time
If you’re after a budget-friendly set of wireless earphones that manage everyday demands with ease, we recommend the Panasonic RZ-B310WDEs. They boast Hybrid Noise Cancelling to help strip back background sound, so your listening isn’t competing with noisy streets or office chatter, while 10mm drivers and XBS tech provide a pleasingly full sound, with extra weight in the low end. It’s a welcome touch if you prefer a bit more punch in your playback without sacrificing clarity.
Whether you’re listening to music or taking a call, everything remains defined and balanced.
The battery offers up to five hours on a single charge, with the case giving an extra 11 – enough for a standard day’s use. If you’re heading out for longer stretches, the USB-C charging makes top-ups fast and straightforward. Bluetooth 5.3 keeps things stable, so you’re not battling signal drops or lag when switching apps or making calls.
The touch-sensitive controls give you access to key functions like track skipping or noise cancelling without fishing for your phone. And with an IPX4 rating, they’ll handle light rain or workout sweat comfortably, making them a solid choice for regular commuting or gym use.
4. Yamaha TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds
Key features
- Yamaha True Sound with 6mm drivers
- Five EQ Presets via the Headphone Control app
- Listening Care ensures accurate sound reproduction
Pros
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- Crystal-clear calls with Clear Voice Capture
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 allows for diverse connectivity options
Cons
- Plastic Charging Case can wear down quickly
When talking about immersive wireless listening, we had to include earbuds from Yamaha. They’re renowned for their commitment to remarkable audio, and the TW-E3C True Wireless Earbuds are a great example.
Central to their appeal is Yamaha’s True Sound philosophy, an audio principle that focuses on tonal balance and the dynamic contrast between silence and sound. This gives you accurate sound reproduction so you can listen to your music as the artist intended.
Each earbud has a single dynamic 6mm driver, capable of delivering a wide frequency range of 20 Hz – 20 kHz. This means you can listen to a wide range of music genres and still get the same rich sound quality.
As with many of our selections, these earbuds can be controlled using a brand-exclusive mobile app. This Headphone Control app opens up a world of customisation through five different EQ presets, enabling you to alter the vocals, bass, and treble to find the sound you want.
The app also gives you access to various audio settings that will enhance your listening experience. These include an Ambient Mode for filtering background noise into the playback and Listening Care which subtly boosts certain frequencies to make the music more audible and powerful at low volumes.
Plus, if you’re an avid gamer, there’s even a dedicated gaming mode. This function will reduce lagging during gaming or video playback and make sure the sound matches up with the visuals.
Another strength is the purity of your vocals when on a call. The two microphones are fitted with Qualcomm cVc (Clear Voice Capture), so you can be heard even in noisy environments.
With up to 24 hours of total battery life (nine hours from the earbuds plus an additional 15 hours from the charging case), these earbuds will support listening needs throughout the day. The TW-E3C earbuds also feature Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, allowing you to switch seamlessly between devices.
As with our previous pick, these Yamaha earbuds are fitted with touch controls at their side where you can also activate Siri and Google Assistant.
These all-plastic earbuds are designed with comfort in mind. They’re light and come with four ear tip sizes, ensuring a snug fit that caters to various ear shapes.
Finally, the TW-E3C earbuds and charging case are available in six different colours. It should be noted, however, that the charging case’s plastic surface has been known to fade over time.
5. JBL Live Pro 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Key features
- True Adaptive Noise Cancelling
- Six beamforming microphones
- Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection
Pros
- Up to 40 hours of playtime
- Crystal clear call quality
- Comfortable Oval Tubes™ design
Cons
- Limited water resistance (IPX5)
Our second pick from JBL is the Live Pro 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, which claim to be one of the best budget wireless earbuds.
These earbuds offer True Adaptive Noise Cancellation. This actively monitors the environment to adjust the level of noise cancellation in real-time, ensuring that external noises are effectively blocked out.
The Live Pro‘s 11mm dynamic drivers deliver a well-rounded sound profile and an expansive soundstage immediately upon use, which becomes even more pronounced at higher volumes. The earbuds also excel in reproducing bass and vocal accuracy
They don’t quite match the top-tier earbuds such as the Apple AirPods Pro 2, but it’s unlikely you will find any better at this price range.
The earbuds are also great for phone calls, courtesy of six beamforming microphones that are adept at minimising interference from external noise, most notably wind. Combined with VoiceAware technology, you’ll also be able to dictate how much of your voice you can hear in playback.
Much like the JBL Wave Flex, these earphones offer Ambient Aware and TalkThru functions so you can listen to music and make calls whilst remaining aware of your surroundings.
The Multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity allows the earphones to be simultaneously paired to two devices, giving you more flexibility to take calls while you listen to music. However, it just falls short in supporting high-res audio codecs such as aptX HD or LDAC.
Thanks to the Dual Connect and Sync function, you can connect each earbud independently, offering the versatility to use either the left or the right earbud on its own while the other charges.
The compact charging case is also a great feature. Using two magnets, the earphones can securely fit into the case and enjoy an additional 30 hours of charge with ANC, and 40 hours without. The case also serves as a sleek, portable storage space for your earphones when they’re not in use.
Once removed, the earphones offer 10 hours of non-stop, wireless playing.
Using the JBL Headphones app, you’ll be able to select various listening modes, manage the ANC, and also adjust the EQ. Or if you’re looking for a hands-free approach, the Live Pro 2 also offers support for Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa (only on Andriod 6.0 or above).
We also have to mention the Oval Tubes construction. This distinctive design creates a tighter seal within the ear, which not only improves the stability of the earphones but also enhances passive noise cancellation.
6. Technics EAH-AZ40M2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Key features
- Multipoint connection for up to three devices
- Active noise cancelling and beamforming mics
- 6mm drivers
Pros
- Smooth switching between work and personal use
- Clear voice pickup in busy surroundings
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
Cons
-
Moderate battery life per charge
If you’re balancing multiple devices throughout the day, the Technics EAH-AZ40M2 makes the process simple. Multipoint connection lets you stay connected to up to three devices at once, so you can move between calls, meetings, or music without missing a step.
Sound is handled by 6mm drivers housed in a compact acoustic design. The result is clean, balanced audio that reproduces speech and music equally well. Whether you’re listening during a commute or dialling into a conference call, the detail remains consistent and clear.
Active noise cancelling adds a useful layer of focus in louder settings, while beamforming microphones ensure your voice cuts through clearly during calls, even when there’s background noise. This makes them great if you’re chatting to someone on the go, in a busy environment.
Battery life holds up well across a full day – though, there are other options that will give you longer! You’ll get around 5.5 hours of playback with noise cancelling on, and the case brings that total up to 18 hours. Charging is quick and straightforward, helping you stay powered between uses.
Plus, these are comfortable. The design ensures a secure fit, making the EAH-AZ40M2 a good option for extended listening without constant adjustment. Whether you’re juggling devices for work or looking for a daily all-rounder with dependable sound and features, the EAH-AZ40M2 fits smoothly into most routines.
7. Audio Technica ATH-CKS5TW In-Ear Wireless Headphones
Key features
- 45-hour battery life
- Deep, bass-orientated sound
- Comfortable, stable fit with exclusive ear tips
Pros
- Easy operation with Auto Power ON/OFF
- Button controls ensure direct playback management
- Slim charging case with LED lights
Cons
- There is no Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
For our final pick, we’ve gone with the Audio Technica ATH-CKS5TW In-Ear Wireless Headphones.
The charging case is expertly built with a slim profile, so it can be easily carried around in your pocket. At the bottom left side, three LED lights show the charging status of the buds.
This pair of earbuds offers a staggeringly long battery life, so it’s a great choice if you spend most of your time out of the house. You can enjoy up to 15 hours of continuous listening, while the charging case offers an additional 30 hours.
The ATH-CKS5TW’s only take two hours to reach full power so you’ll be able to listen to countless songs and podcasts on a single charge.
Fans of music with heavy bass will love these. Each earbud includes a 10mm driver that delivers thundering low sounds with a broad, detailed soundstage. The mid-range and treble frequencies also aren’t forgotten and remain distinct from the bass, so you get a cohesive sound where every instrument and vocal can be heard.
These earbuds are also really comfy to wear. Specially designed to work with these earbuds, the lightweight tips will rest easy on your ears. There’s also soft silicone 3D loop support that keeps the earbuds in a firm position.
Unlike many of our choices, the earbuds offer button controls as opposed to touch sensors. With only a couple of clicks, you can play/pause the music, control the volume, and flick between songs.
Setting up the earbuds is done through the dedicated Audio-Technica Connect app, which offers many helpful features including a ‘Product Locator’ that will help you find the buds if you’ve lost them.
When paired with your smart devices using Bluetooth 5.0, the ATH-CKS5TWs will also let you answer phone calls. They also benefit from built-in Qualcomm cVc Clear Voice Quality, so your voice can heard without any annoying external interference.
However, there are a few hindrances. There’s no Active Noise Cancellation so you do miss out on the total audio immersion. Even with the passive noise isolation offered by the ear tips, there’s no guarantee the external noise won’t seep into the playback.
The IPX2 water resistance, though effective, offers basic-level protection, especially when compared with other earphones in the price range such as the Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2.
What are the differences between cheap earbuds and more premium earbuds?
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology is a notable difference between budget earbuds and more expensive options. More commonly found in higher-end models, ANC enhances your listening experience by blocking out ambient noise – ideal for travel or busy environments.
Sound quality is another crucial aspect where premium earbuds tend to excel. They often deliver clearer, more balanced audio with superior bass and treble. That said, the market now offers budget earbuds with surprisingly good sound quality, making them a viable option for everyday use.
Battery life varies significantly between models. Premium earbuds usually provide longer playback on a single charge, along with more efficient charging cases. Yet, the gap is narrowing, with many affordable options now offering longer wireless listening time.
While premium earbuds boast advanced features, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy quality sound, effective noise cancellation, and satisfactory battery life – as our list has shown!
Are budget wireless earbuds good for taking calls?
In today’s market, many affordable wireless earbuds are quite capable of taking calls. The key to a satisfactory experience lies in the sound quality and how well the microphone picks up your voice.
Some models excel, offering clear audio that makes conversations easy to follow. However, this varies significantly across different earbuds. Before making a choice, it’s worth checking reviews for insights on call quality.
Remember, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better call quality.
How to choose the best budget wireless earbuds for you
The best budget wireless earbuds depend on several preferences and practical considerations.
First off, decide on your maximum budget. Next, consider what you’ll be using them for. If it’s for casual listening at home or commuting, your needs might differ from someone looking for earbuds to accompany them during workouts. For the latter, stability and comfort in your ears are paramount.
Think about where you’ll be using them. Earbuds designed for outdoor or gym use often boast features like water resistance and secure fits to handle movement and sweat.
Sound quality is another vital aspect. If you’re an audiophile, then you should look for earbuds supporting hi-res audio and codecs that reduce latency, enhancing your listening and viewing experience.
Lastly, battery life can make or break your experience. If you’re always on the go, opt for earbuds with a longer battery life and a compact charging case for easy power boosts.
FAQs
Is it worth buying cheap earbuds?
Cheap earbuds tend to offer value for their cost. They’re a suitable choice for users with a tight budget or those needing a temporary solution. However, they may lack the durability and sound quality of more expensive options, making them a compromise between cost and quality.
Is it better to get earbuds or headphones?
Choosing between earbuds and headphones depends on personal preference. Earbuds are compact and convenient for on-the-go use, while headphones offer superior sound quality and noise isolation, making them ideal for immersive listening experiences.
Do expensive earbuds sound better?
Expensive earbuds generally provide superior sound quality. They often feature advanced audio technology and higher-quality materials, resulting in better sound clarity and bass. However, you can still find plenty of hi-res audio technologies in many affordable models.
Final thoughts
So there you go, that’s our guide to the best budget wireless earbuds. It’s clear that choosing the right pair involves more than just the sound; it’s about understanding your personal listening needs and preferences.
If you want to find out more about wireless listening, it might be worth checking our other articles such as Earbuds vs. Headphones – Which Ones Are Right For You? and Passive vs. Active Noise Cancelling: Which One Do I Need?
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