10 Best Affordable Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 stand out with their comfortable in-ear design featuring a refined shape and shorter stems, making them stable for daily use. Thanks to the H2 chip, these earbuds deliver clear sound with personalized spatial audio, offering an immersive listening experience that feels like you're surrounded by sound. Call quality also benefits from voice isolation, which helps keep your voice clear even in noisy places. Battery life is strong with up to 5 hours on a single charge and a total of 30 hours using the compact USB-C charging case, which is smaller and easier to carry than before.

Connectivity is seamless, especially with Apple devices, allowing quick pairing, effortless sharing of audio, and hands-free Siri control—even with head gestures. While the AirPods 4 use sound isolation rather than full active noise cancellation, they still block out a fair amount of background noise, suitable for most environments. The earbuds and case are rated IP54, meaning they're resistant to dust, sweat, and water splashes, so they can handle workouts and light rain without trouble. Controls are intuitive with quick-press options for music and calls, plus smart sensors that pause your audio when you remove them.

These earbuds come at a higher price point than many budget options, which might be a consideration if you’re mainly after basic functionality. Also, their noise isolation isn't as thorough as active noise cancellation found in some competitors. If you use an iPhone or Apple ecosystem, these AirPods offer a seamless and premium experience. For users looking for affordable earbuds with great comfort, excellent sound quality, and smart features, they are a compelling choice—though not the cheapest option in the category.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a strong choice for anyone looking for affordable earbuds that don’t compromise on premium features. Their standout strengths include excellent sound quality enhanced by AI-driven adaptive noise cancellation and sound optimization, which means they automatically adjust audio to suit your environment and personal fit—great for immersive listening whether you’re commuting or at home. Comfort has been redesigned, so these earbuds should stay snug without causing ear fatigue during long use.

Battery life is solid, offering about 6 hours per charge with an additional 20 hours from the charging case, which also supports wireless charging for convenience. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.4, providing a stable connection up to 10 meters. Controls are intuitive with customizable touch commands, making it easy to manage music and calls without reaching for your phone. Durability is decent with water resistance and a sturdy plastic build, suitable for everyday use. The inclusion of a 2-year warranty adds extra peace of mind.

There are a few minor drawbacks to consider: while these earbuds deliver noise cancellation, they may not fully match the effectiveness of more expensive models. The charging time of a bit over two hours could be longer than some competitors, and the relatively small earbud size might not fit everyone perfectly despite the improved design. Also, the advanced features like real-time translation are fun but may not be essential for all users. If your priority is a balanced mix of sound quality, comfort, and smart features at a reasonable price, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a compelling option worth considering.

The JBL Tune Buds are a solid choice if you want budget-friendly true wireless earbuds with impressive features. Their 10mm drivers deliver JBL’s signature Pure Bass Sound, which means the music should feel lively and punchy—great for everyday listening. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, they offer stable connections and allow you to use just one earbud or share audio with another person, which is a nice modern touch.

Comfort-wise, these earbuds come with three sizes of ear tips, helping you find a good fit, and their lightweight design makes them comfortable for extended wear. They also feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which works well to reduce background noise, and smart modes like Ambient Aware and TalkThru that let you hear outside sounds when needed—helpful for safety and quick chats. Battery life impresses here, with up to 48 hours total when including the charging case (12 hours per charge plus 36 more in the case). Even with ANC turned on, you still get a solid 10 hours from the earbuds and 30 more from the case. Quick charging means just 15 minutes of charge gives you 4 hours of playback, which is convenient on the go.

Call quality benefits from the 4-mic setup, providing clear and crisp voice pickup, so phone conversations should be clear even in noisy environments. Controls are touch-based, allowing easy management of music and calls without fumbling for your phone. On the durability front, these earbuds are water and dust resistant, making them suitable for light workouts or outdoor use, though they’re not fully waterproof for heavy sweat or rain. The JBL Tune Buds provide excellent sound, long battery life, and useful features for an affordable price, making them a great fit for everyday users looking for true wireless earbuds with solid noise cancellation and reliable call quality.