Even when you’re running out the door, you need the essentials: phone, keys, wallet, and of course, earbuds. They’re a modern-day necessity, as you can pop them in to take a call (farewell, Bluetooth headsets) or listen to music on your commute. Plus, they’re compact compared to over-the-ear headphones, which are bulky and can’t just slide into your pocket.
But for such a small product, they seriously add up. Apple AirPods Pro costs $249.95, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds come in at $299. But you don’t need to spend nearly $300 for a solid pair of earbuds; you don’t even need to pay $100. Among all the earbuds we’ve tested — which is an extensive list — we have a few favorite budget-friendly picks.
What’s considered budget?
Budget is a relative term, so for this list, we’re looking at earbuds under $100. Our top pick here is the Apple AirPods (2nd generation), which technically have an MSRP of $129, but we have yet to see them at that price on Amazon since before March. Usually, you can find them hovering between $89 and $99.
While those top our list, most of the headphones in this guide cost around $50. Going the budget route might mean making compromises but not sacrifices. For under $100, you can still get active noise cancellation and self-charging cases.
