Key Points
- Our top pick for best overall wireless earbuds under $100 is the Sony WF-C500.
- Affordable wireless earbuds bring high-quality sound and convenience within your reach.
- Owning wireless earbuds can significantly enhance your audio experience without breaking the bank.
- Consider sound quality, battery life, comfort, and price when choosing earbuds.
Overview
Wireless earbuds are now a daily essential in our tech-driven lives. They offer us freedom of movement, an enriching audio experience, and serve as a critical communication medium.
Wireless earbuds can enhance your experience, whether you’re into music, movies, fitness, or busy workdays. Finding the ideal pair that balances quality and affordability can feel overwhelming with the plethora of options in the market.
To simplify your search, we’ve curated this list featuring the top wireless earbuds available on Amazon, each priced under $100. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the wireless realm and examine these top-tier choices.
History Computer’s Top Picks for Wireless Earbuds Under $100
$70.99Buy Now on Amazon- The Sony WF-C500 earbuds offer great sound and are the top pick under $100.
- They have unique audio technology for a better listening experience.
- With a 10-hour battery life, they can go up to 20 hours with the charging case.
- They're comfortable and perfect for on-the-go use.
- They're a high-quality, affordable choice for music lovers.
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12/02/2023 07:10 am GMT
$25.00Buy Now on Amazon- The Skullcandy Dime 2 contains high-quality features like mono mode for excellent sound playback.
- These earbuds work best for audio-only applications
- With a 3-hour battery life, they're good for short workouts or commutes but don't support fast charging.
- Although the sound emphasizes lows and high mids, overall sound quality is impressive for the price.
- The Dime 2 is a top choice for those looking for affordable earbuds.
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12/02/2023 07:16 am GMT
$49.99Buy Now on Amazon- The 1MORE PistonBuds Pro earbuds offer a sleek design and superior comfort, making them a standout choice in the mid-range budget.
- They come with a 7.5-hour battery life, extended to 30 hours with the charging case, ensuring prolonged use.
- Reportedly weaker base than other models, but comes with an impressive sound quality overall.
- Their modern design and comfortable fit appeal to those who appreciate looks and fit.
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12/02/2023 07:16 am GMT
$79.00Buy Now on Amazon- The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds boast the best battery life, with 10 hours on a single charge and up to 50 hours with the charging case.
- These earbuds are perfect for on-the-go listeners, offering users wireless charging.
- Despite their affordable price, the A40s deliver exceptional comfort and performance.
- They are great for those wanting high-quality earbuds that won't empty their wallets.
- With their tech-friendly features, the Soundcore Space A40s are ideal for the modern, tech-savvy user.
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12/02/2023 07:20 am GMT
$59.99Buy Now on Amazon- Up to 5.5 hours of battery life, extended to 28 hours with the charging case
- Feature user-friendly on-ear controls for easy song switching, volume adjustment, and call handling
- You can switch between 2 devices with Bluetooth Multipoint
- Bluetooth 5.2 and wireless connectivity
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12/02/2023 10:26 pm GMT
#1 Best Overall Wireless Earbud: Sony WF-C500
- The Sony WF-C500 earbuds offer great sound and are the top pick under $100.
- They have unique audio technology for a better listening experience.
- With a 10-hour battery life, they can go up to 20 hours with the charging case.
- They're comfortable and perfect for on-the-go use.
- They're a high-quality, affordable choice for music lovers.
The Sony WF-C500 is our top pick for the best overall wireless earbuds under $100, thanks to its excellent sound quality, impressive battery life, and affordable price. Sony has again outdone itself with its latest earbuds offering, delivering exceptional audio with 360 Reality Audio and DSEE. The price tag perfectly balances performance and affordability for audiophiles on a budget.
One of the standout features of these earbuds is their impressive battery life. With up to 10 hours of continuous playback, you can enjoy your music for hours without needing to recharge. The included charging case extends the battery life up to 20 hours, making these earbuds perfect for on-the-go listening. Whether commuting, traveling, or working out, the Sony earbuds provide a comfortable and stable fit, allowing you to enjoy your music without interruptions. The Sony earbuds are excellent for high-quality audio and reliable performance without breaking the bank.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great sound: 360 Reality Audio and DSEE provide rich audio. | Lack of more premium features found in higher priced models |
| Long battery life: Up to 10 hours of playback, 20 with charging case. | Basic look: It might not appeal to those wanting a unique design. |
| Affordable: High performance at a reasonable price. | |
| Comfortable: Suitable for commuting, traveling, and workouts. |
Best Earbuds for Budget: Skullcandy Dime 2
- The Skullcandy Dime 2 contains high-quality features like mono mode for excellent sound playback.
- These earbuds work best for audio-only applications
- With a 3-hour battery life, they're good for short workouts or commutes but don't support fast charging.
- Although the sound emphasizes lows and high mids, overall sound quality is impressive for the price.
- The Dime 2 is a top choice for those looking for affordable earbuds.
The most affordable earbuds on this list, the Skullcandy Dime 2 offers remarkable value. These affordable earbuds have high-end features like mono mode and excellent sound quality. While the battery life falls short compared to other options on our list, the Skullcandy Dime 2 is the top choice for budget-conscious music enthusiasts.
These earbuds are not ideal for prolonged video streaming on Android devices due to the lack of a low-latency codec. However, they perform admirably for audio-only purposes with most applications. It is worth noting that initiating the pairing mode manually may require some patience.
Regarding battery life, the Skullcandy Dime 2 earbuds last approximately 3 hours on a full charge. While this may not be sufficient for prolonged listening sessions, it is suitable for short workouts or commutes. The earbuds do not support fast charging, requiring an hour for a full recharge.
Despite its limitations, the Skullcandy Dime 2 delivers an unexpectedly impressive frequency response, featuring a distinct consumer-oriented curve. It emphasizes lows and peaks around 5kHz to 7kHz by over 5dB, which may result in slightly quieter mids. Nonetheless, considering its price, the overall sound quality is commendable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Remarkable value and most affordable on this list. | Short battery life of approximately 3 hours, unsuitable for long listening sessions. |
| Includes features such as mono mode typically found in pricier models. | No support for fast charging; requires about an hour for a full recharge. |
| Good sound quality with a consumer-oriented frequency response. | May not be ideal for prolonged video streaming on Android devices due to the lack of a low-latency codec. |
Best Earbuds for Value: 1MORE PistonBuds Pro
- The 1MORE PistonBuds Pro earbuds offer a sleek design and superior comfort, making them a standout choice in the mid-range budget.
- They come with a 7.5-hour battery life, extended to 30 hours with the charging case, ensuring prolonged use.
- Reportedly weaker base than other models, but comes with an impressive sound quality overall.
- Their modern design and comfortable fit appeal to those who appreciate looks and fit.
The 1MORE PistonBuds Pro stands out with its sleek and portable design, providing superior comfort that matches its excellent value proposition. The earbuds have a reliable battery life lasting for 7.5 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the charging case provides extra power that extends the listening experience to 30 hours. Coupled with noteworthy sound quality, the 1MORE PistonBuds Pro is a great choice in the mid-range budget segment.
As for audio performance, the 1MORE PistonBuds Pro delivers satisfactory sound quality overall. While some users might find the bass slightly underwhelming, it’s a minor drawback considering the earbuds’ comprehensive list of merits. These earbuds balance style, comfort, and performance, making them a go-to choice for those on a moderate budget. The contemporary design and comfortable fit make the 1MORE PistonBuds Pro especially appealing to those who value aesthetics and quality sound performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value for money with included features. | Bass could be more powerful; may not satisfy users who prefer strong bass. |
| Good sound quality balanced with a sleek, comfortable design. | The design might be too minimalistic for some preferences. |
| Decent battery life of 7.5 hours, extending to 30 hours with the charging case. |
Best Earbuds for Battery Life: Anker Soundcore Space A40
- The Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds boast the best battery life, with 10 hours on a single charge and up to 50 hours with the charging case.
- These earbuds are perfect for on-the-go listeners, offering users wireless charging.
- Despite their affordable price, the A40s deliver exceptional comfort and performance.
- They are great for those wanting high-quality earbuds that won't empty their wallets.
- With their tech-friendly features, the Soundcore Space A40s are ideal for the modern, tech-savvy user.
The Anker Soundcore Space A40 unquestionably takes the lead for the best battery-life earbuds. The standout feature is its remarkable battery life, allowing listeners to enjoy up to 10 hours of seamless audio experience on a single charge. This becomes even more impressive when paired with the charging case, as the playback time can be extended to 50 hours. These earbuds are a game-changer for on-the-go music lovers who despise frequent charging. In addition, the Soundcore Space A40 comes equipped with wireless charging capability, further heightening its user-friendly appeal. Delivering the best battery life in the under $100 category, these earbuds are a must-consider.
Anker has equipped the Soundcore Space A40 with wireless charging capabilities, enhancing its practicality for the modern, tech-savvy user. The A40 punches well above its weight, offering extended battery life and exceptional comfort and performance. In terms of value for money, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 is a top contender in the market, making it an excellent investment for those seeking reliable, high-performing earbuds without breaking the bank.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive battery life with 10 hours on a single charge, extendable to 50 hours with the charging case. | Anker, while reputable, may not have the same brand recognition as some competitors. |
| Supports convenient wireless charging. | Sound quality, though good, might not match some higher-end models in the market. |
| Offers a great combination of price, comfort, and performance. |
Best Earbuds for Sound Quality: Jabra Elite 4
- Up to 5.5 hours of battery life, extended to 28 hours with the charging case
- Feature user-friendly on-ear controls for easy song switching, volume adjustment, and call handling
- You can switch between 2 devices with Bluetooth Multipoint
- Bluetooth 5.2 and wireless connectivity
Jabra Elite 4 earbuds offer great sound quality and noise cancellation on a budget. These earbuds impress with their exceptional sound reproduction capabilities, allowing for a listening experience that is both detailed and rich. Regarding battery life, the Jabra Elite 4 also shines, providing 5.5 hours of continuous play on a single charge. When the active noise cancellation is turned off, the charging case boosts the battery life to 28 hours.
Beyond sound and battery life, the Jabra Elite 4 also excels in user-friendly design. The on-ear controls of these earbuds make it easy to switch songs, adjust the volume, and manage calls without taking out your phone. Their comfort-focused design ensures that these earbuds feel as good as they sound, even during extended listening sessions. The Jabra Elite 4 is a formidable contender in the affordable earbuds market, delivering a superior audio experience that doesn’t compromise on any front.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best sound quality under $100 with excellent sound reproduction and active noise cancellation. | Other models in the same price range may offer longer battery life. |
| Intuitive on-ear controls for added convenience. | Active Noise Cancellation reduces battery life when in use. |
| Decent battery life of 5.5 hours on a single charge, extendable to 28 hours with a charging case. |
How to Pick the Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100: Step by Step
Consideration #1: Sound Quality
Sound quality is crucial when choosing any audio device, including wireless earbuds. When searching for earbuds, it’s crucial to prioritize finding ones that provide a clear and balanced sound. Additionally, consider looking for models that offer extra features like active noise cancellation or a customizable equalizer. You can still find earbuds that provide an impressive audio experience when shopping within a budget. For instance, the Jabra Elite 4 and Sony WF-C500 offer excellent sound quality under $100.
Consideration #2: Battery Life
Battery life is another significant factor to consider. A longer battery life on your earbuds means you won’t have to charge them as often, making them more practical for travel or extended use. While some cheaper models might offer limited battery life, there are affordable options with impressive battery durations. For example, the Anker Soundcore Space A40 provides an incredible 50 hours of listening time with the charging case.
Consideration #3: Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit can often be overlooked, but these are important considerations when choosing wireless earbuds, especially for users who plan to use them for long periods. Poorly fitting earbuds can lead to discomfort or even pain over time, and they may also fall out during activities like running or workouts. Look for models with multiple ear tip sizes or adjustable features to ensure a comfortable fit. For instance, the 1MORE PistonBuds Pro is known for its sleek, comfortable design.
Consideration #4: Price
Lastly, price is vital, especially when shopping for wireless earbuds under $100. It’s important to consider sound quality, battery life, and comfort when choosing earbuds, but staying within your budget is equally important. If you’re on a tight budget, the Skullcandy Dime 2 is an excellent choice, while the Sony WF-C500 and the Jabra Elite 4 offer more premium features at the top end of this price range.
What to Know Before Buying Wireless Earbuds Under $100
Before purchasing wireless earbuds for under $100, there are a few things you need to know. First, while many excellent earbuds are in this price range, you might not find the same advanced features and cutting-edge technology as more expensive models offer. Things like advanced noise cancellation or hi-res audio might be compromised in cheaper models.
Also, consider the brand’s reputation and customer reviews. Some lesser-known brands can offer excellent value, but it’s always a good idea to research user reviews and ratings to understand the product’s reliability and performance. This may change depending on the compatibility of the earbuds, although most products today can be used with Android and Apple phones.
Finally, consider what you’ll primarily be using the earbuds for. Long battery life and active noise cancellation might be on your priority list if it’s for commuting or travel. If you use them for workouts or sports, you might want to look for water- and sweat-resistant models with a secure fit. Understanding your specific needs can guide you in selecting the suitable model.
Using Wireless Earbuds Under $100: What It’s Like
Using wireless earbuds under $100 can offer an excellent user experience if you choose wisely. You’ll find that most models offer good sound quality for everyday use, whether it’s listening to music, taking calls, or watching videos. Devices like the Sony WF-C500, Jabra Elite 4, or the 1MORE PistonBuds Pro offer a substantial listening experience that rivals higher-priced models.
Battery life tends to vary but can be impressive, as in the Anker Soundcore Space A40 case, ensuring you’re not frequently interrupted by charging breaks. Plus, the freedom that comes with the cordless experience can be a game-changer, particularly for active users or those tired of tangled wires.
With the proper selection, wireless earbuds under $100 can provide good sound quality, convenience, and comfort that will elevate your audio experience without breaking the bank.
Summary Table
| Rank | Earbuds | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Best Overall | Sony WF-C500 | Great sound, long battery life, affordable, comfortable |
| Best for Budget | Skullcandy Dime 2 | Remarkable value, includes features like mono mode, good sound quality |
| Best for Value | 1MORE PistonBuds Pro | Excellent value for money, good sound quality, decent battery life |
| Best for Battery Life | Anker Soundcore Space A40 | Impressive battery life, supports wireless charging, great combination of price, comfort, and performance |
| Best for Sound Quality | Jabra Elite 4 | Best sound quality, intuitive on-ear controls, decent battery life |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Nor Gal/Shutterstock.com.
