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10 Best Earbuds Under 100 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, H2 Chip, USB-C Charging

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,456
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
42984 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is stunning, with some pitches even superior to the AirPods Max.
Comfort and Fit
The added ear tips make customizability even better, especially for small ears.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeded expectations, with super-fast charging in both the case and the earbuds.
Noise Cancellation
The Active Noise Cancellation is clearly superior to the first generation.
Durability and Water Resistance
The earbuds are quite durable, surviving drops and scratches while continuing to work flawlessly.
Controls and Features
The hearing aid features are very functional and have helped in several situations.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 delivers high-fidelity sound quality thanks to the H2 chip and custom-built driver, providing clear high notes and rich bass. Its active noise cancellation is advanced, effectively removing background noise, while the Transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings.

The customizable fit with four silicone tips ensures comfortable wear for various ear shapes and creates a reliable acoustic seal. Battery life is strong, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with noise cancellation enabled, and 30 hours with the charging case. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable and quick pairing with compatible devices.

The earbuds are dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP54), enhancing durability for different environments. Touch controls are intuitive and include volume adjustments by swiping the stem, making it easy to manage playback and calls. The Personalized Spatial Audio feature and dynamic head tracking provide an immersive listening experience. However, it's worth noting that while these earbuds offer premium features, they are priced significantly higher than $100, making them less suitable for someone strictly looking for budget-friendly options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,456
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
42984 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is stunning, with some pitches even superior to the AirPods Max.
Comfort and Fit
The added ear tips make customizability even better, especially for small ears.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeded expectations, with super-fast charging in both the case and the earbuds.
Noise Cancellation
The Active Noise Cancellation is clearly superior to the first generation.
Durability and Water Resistance
The earbuds are quite durable, surviving drops and scratches while continuing to work flawlessly.
Controls and Features
The hearing aid features are very functional and have helped in several situations.
#2

Beats Studio Buds - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Compatible with Apple & Android, Built-in Microphone, IPX4 Rating, Sweat Resistant Earphones, Class 1 Bluetooth Headphones - Black

Rating
9.4
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
Controls and Features

Most important from
87562 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancelling on these earbuds is surprisingly effective, even outperforming some over-ear headphones, making them ideal for noisy environments like planes or workshops.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is impressive with deep bass, crisp highs, and a balanced audio profile that enhances music, podcasts, and calls.
Controls and Features
Physical 'clicky' buttons provide tactile feedback that is much more reliable and satisfying than touch controls.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is generally excellent, allowing for hours of wear without discomfort, although some find the in-ear design a bit tight or prone to slipping during intense workouts.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid, easily lasting through long days, and fast charging offers quick playback after just minutes plugged in.
Connectivity
Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.2, pairing seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices.
Durability and Water Resistance
The IPX4 rating makes these earbuds suitable for workouts and light rain, but they are not fully waterproof.

The Beats Studio Buds offer a strong mix of features for true wireless earbuds under $100, especially if you're looking for active noise cancellation and solid sound quality. They deliver balanced and powerful audio thanks to a custom acoustic platform, which makes music and calls clear and enjoyable. Comfort-wise, the three sizes of soft ear tips help achieve a stable and snug fit, although some might find the in-ear design a bit tight over longer use.

Battery life is good, with up to 8 hours of listening on a single charge and a total of 24 hours when using the compact charging case. Fast charging is a plus, giving you an hour of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. Connectivity is reliable with Class 1 Bluetooth 5.2, meaning fewer dropouts and a decent range, compatible with both Apple and Android devices. The earbuds include useful controls like buttons for play, volume, voice assistant, and switching between Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes.

They have an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts and light rain, but they aren’t fully waterproof. One downside is the lack of included USB power adapter, which you need to charge the case. While the ANC is effective for the price, it won’t block out all background noise like more expensive models. These earbuds present a solid choice for wireless convenience, decent noise cancellation, and good sound without a high price tag.

Rating
9.4
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
Controls and Features

Most important from
87562 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancelling on these earbuds is surprisingly effective, even outperforming some over-ear headphones, making them ideal for noisy environments like planes or workshops.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is impressive with deep bass, crisp highs, and a balanced audio profile that enhances music, podcasts, and calls.
Controls and Features
Physical 'clicky' buttons provide tactile feedback that is much more reliable and satisfying than touch controls.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is generally excellent, allowing for hours of wear without discomfort, although some find the in-ear design a bit tight or prone to slipping during intense workouts.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid, easily lasting through long days, and fast charging offers quick playback after just minutes plugged in.
Connectivity
Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.2, pairing seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices.
Durability and Water Resistance
The IPX4 rating makes these earbuds suitable for workouts and light rain, but they are not fully waterproof.
#3

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds - Bluetooth Open Ear Earbuds with OpenAudio for Awareness, Clip-On Design for Comfort, Water Resistant, Up to 48 Hrs of Playtime, Black

Rating
9.1
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
5079 reviews

Sound Quality
Immersive sound mode offers excellent audio quality, but turning it off extends battery life significantly.
Comfort and Fit
The ear clip design is secure and comfortable, making them perfect for running and exercising.
Battery Life
Immersive sound mode offers excellent audio quality, but turning it off extends battery life significantly.
Connectivity
Despite some connection issues, the recent update improved audio clarity and resolved connectivity problems.

For those looking for earbuds under $100, the Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds offer some compelling features, particularly in sound quality and comfort. The OpenAudio technology ensures you get high-quality, private sound while still being aware of your surroundings, which is ideal for outdoor use or when multitasking. The design is comfortable and secure, with a lightweight grip that ensures they stay put during use. Their IPX4 water resistance means they can handle splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts or rainy days.

However, there are a few trade-offs to consider. These earbuds lack noise cancellation, which might be a drawback for users needing to block out background noise. The battery life is decent, with up to 7 hours of playtime and additional charges from the case, though the immersive audio mode reduces this to about 4 hours. Connectivity is a strong point, thanks to Bluetooth multipoint and the ability to switch seamlessly between devices.

The simple button controls are user-friendly, and the Bose app adds extra functionality and updates. Durability seems adequate with the acoustic mesh protecting against moisture and debris. In summary, these earbuds are best suited for those who prioritize comfort, situational awareness, and decent sound quality in an affordable package but may not be ideal for those seeking noise-canceling features or extended battery life in immersive mode.

Rating
9.1
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
5079 reviews

Sound Quality
Immersive sound mode offers excellent audio quality, but turning it off extends battery life significantly.
Comfort and Fit
The ear clip design is secure and comfortable, making them perfect for running and exercising.
Battery Life
Immersive sound mode offers excellent audio quality, but turning it off extends battery life significantly.
Connectivity
Despite some connection issues, the recent update improved audio clarity and resolved connectivity problems.

Buying Guide for the Best Earbuds Under 100

Choosing the right pair of earbuds can significantly enhance your listening experience, whether you're using them for music, podcasts, or calls. When shopping for earbuds, especially under $100, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some essential specs to look out for and how to navigate them to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Sound QualitySound quality is crucial as it determines how good your music, podcasts, or calls will sound. This includes the clarity of the audio, the balance between bass, mid, and treble, and the overall richness of the sound. To navigate sound quality, look for terms like 'balanced sound,' 'deep bass,' and 'clear highs.' If you enjoy bass-heavy music, opt for earbuds that emphasize bass. For a more balanced sound, choose earbuds that highlight clarity and detail across all frequencies.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are important because you'll likely be wearing your earbuds for extended periods. Earbuds come in various shapes and sizes, and some include multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a snug fit. To find the right fit, consider how the earbuds feel in your ears and whether they stay in place during movement. If you plan to use them for workouts, look for earbuds with a secure fit and possibly ear hooks or wings for added stability.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use your earbuds before needing to recharge them. This is especially important for wireless earbuds. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 10 hours on a single charge, with the charging case providing additional charges. If you use your earbuds throughout the day, look for models with longer battery life. For occasional use, shorter battery life may be sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how your earbuds connect to your devices, typically via Bluetooth. The latest Bluetooth versions offer better range, stability, and sound quality. Look for earbuds with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for the best performance. Additionally, some earbuds offer multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, which can be convenient if you frequently switch between your phone and laptop.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation helps to block out external sounds, providing a more immersive listening experience. There are two types: active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation. ANC uses microphones to cancel out ambient noise, while passive noise isolation relies on the earbud design to block noise. If you often use your earbuds in noisy environments, ANC can be very beneficial. For quieter settings, passive noise isolation may be sufficient.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance are important if you plan to use your earbuds during workouts or in various weather conditions. Look for earbuds with an IP rating, which indicates their resistance to dust and water. For example, an IPX4 rating means the earbuds are sweat-resistant, while an IPX7 rating means they can be submerged in water. Choose a level of durability that matches your lifestyle and usage scenarios.
Controls and FeaturesControls and features refer to how you interact with your earbuds, such as play/pause, volume adjustment, and voice assistant activation. Some earbuds have touch controls, while others use physical buttons. Additionally, features like quick pairing, in-ear detection, and customizable sound profiles can enhance your user experience. Consider which controls and features are most important to you and ensure the earbuds you choose offer them.

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