The Best Budget Wireless Earbuds of 2023

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These cheap earbuds carry surprisingly big sound.

Apple's second-generation AirPod Pros may be the most ubiquitous wireless earbuds, but like all sought-after tech, they cost a pretty penny. Not everyone can afford them, or, for some of us, afford to lose another pair.Luckily, the smart tech features we love with higher-end earbuds are now commonplace across the headphone market—and yes, even in the case of budget items. Some cheap wireless earbuds offer active noise-canceling and pass-through listening while providing crisp, clean sound. If you’re on the hunt for new wireless earbuds that won't break the bank, consider one of these pairs that cost a third of the market's big brand best.

We've got you covered when it comes to sweet ear candy. Check our picks for the best wireless headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and tower speakers.

You shouldn't expect amazing quality from the cheapest earbuds on the market. Suspiciously low-priced goods often rely on poorly made parts that break easily, resulting in products that stop working mere weeks after purchase. Look for items manufactured by reputable budget brands, such as Soundcore and Skull Candy, when searching for value-forward earbuds. We don't recommend buying any earbuds for less than $30 unless you’re content with replacing them sooner rather than later.

The part of a speaker that vibrates to produce sound is called a diaphragm, and a driver diameter measurement indicates its size. Theoretically, larger driver sizes produce louder sound, but that's not always the case, as driver quality varies between builds. A well-constructed 11-mm driver, for example, can be much louder than a poorly made 15-mm driver. Driver sizes for earbuds typically fall between six and 15 mm. If you’re looking for louder sound, reach for larger driver sizes, but note that things like build quality and the position of the driver in your ear can affect the overall volume.

The quality of your earbuds' Bluetooth connection relies on the version it runs. The newest iteration is Bluetooth 5.3, released in 2021, which adds a more stable connection to devices as well as a faster pairing rate. Earbuds capable of a Bluetooth 5.3 connection transmit audio the fastest.

Vital for working out or commuting in the rain, earbuds with water resistance safeguard against electrical damage from liquids. The ingress protection rating shows an electrical device's level of protection against dust and water. IP ratings include two digits, the first representing protection against dust and solids and the second liquids. The higher the digit, the better the protection, with zero meaning no protection and six meaning full protection.

Most wireless earbuds have an IP rating of IPX4, lacking protection against dust and holding up against light sweat or water splashes. If you’re working out and building up a sweat, look for devices with an IP rating of at least IPX5, which resist light rain and water.

We found the best budget wireless earbuds on the market by checking out dozens of recommendations from sites like CNN Underscored, IGN, and Tech Radar. We also consulted our own buying guides for headphones and earbuds and considered any budget picks for inclusion. We skimmed hundreds of products across major retailers and read through even more user reviews, using our experiences with budget headphones to avoid anything poorly made. This guide includes products from the most reliable and reputable budget brands with an eye on quality, value, features, and more.

Styled after Apple's AirPods, these impressive earbuds deliver powerful sound, reliable connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancelation, and even ambient sound, which some critics say rival premium sets at double or triple the cost.

Previous iterations of EarFun's Air Pro series have topped critic lists, including our best gear of 2020, due to their expansive features and impressive sound. Users say these budget earbuds rival any major brand name, and the sound quality is incredible.

Some critical reviews point out somewhat laggy touch functionality, but still recommend these buds for their surprisingly competent features.

//sadly, this product has sold out -- can you replace with a similar product and update the copy to reflect? I think basically the same model is available here//

The newest earbuds on this list are also the greatest pair you can buy on a budget. Styled after Apple's AirPods, these impressive earbuds deliver powerful sound, reliable connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3, active noise-cancelation, and even ambient sound, which some critics say rival premium sets at double or triple the cost.

Previous generations of EarFun's Air Pro series have topped critic lists, including our best gear of 2020, due to their features and impressive sound. The latest edition improves on them in every way. The addition of the newest Bluetooth tech means connectivity is fast and seamless, and its noise-cancelation is the best of any device on this list.

Users say these budget earbuds rival any major brand name, and the sound quality is incredible. Some critical reviews point out somewhat laggy touch functionality but still recommend these buds for their surprisingly competent features.

The Elite 3 is a budget version of the Beats Studio Buds, providing crisp, clean sound and up to 28 hours of battery life (with the charging case) at half the Beats price.

Although these don't support active noise-canceling—something Studio Buds provide—they have potent drivers that rival the big brands, delivering clear sound, clean mids, and blasting bass.

There's a companion app with these buds so you can adjust EQ settings, plus four built-in microphones help bring clarity to your voice during calls. User reviews of the Elite 3 point out how helpful the "listen through" feature is for paying attention to surroundings and that the sound, battery, and mic quality are incredible.

If you’re looking for the best quality wireless earbuds at the lowest possible cost, the Anker Lid P2i is your pick. This set packs punchy sound thanks to its 10-millimeter oversized drivers, and features two preset EQ modes for custom listening: one for highlighting vocals for podcasts, and another that pulls out thumping lows for music.

Anker's earbuds also feature AI that automatically adjusts sound levels for the best noise reduction possible. Users say they can't believe how excellent quality is for its price.

Those standouts aside, the P2i lacks some of the smarter features found in pricier earbuds, like active noise-canceling and pass-through listening. Some users also point out that its case feels cheap and flimsy, though its charging and battery life are terrific. It also only has two microphones, making call quality subpar.

For folks who listen to EDM, hip-hop, and other bass-heavy genres, the Life P3 is a great choice. These pack punchy bass that support even the lowest of frequencies, which is an impressive feat for a pair of earbuds. They even have a BassUp mode to boost those lows further.

The Life P3 has a claimed battery life of 10 hours per bud, plus an additional 40 with the wireless charging case, three noise-canceling modes, and AI-enhanced call performance that cuts background noise. Users point out that the inclusion of five silicone ear tips makes finding that perfect fit a cinch, and its companion app is sleek and easy to use.

Workout mavens need something sweat-resistant and well-fitting for gym time.

The Sport X10 earbuds provide exactly that, with an IPX7-rated build capable of surviving at least 30 minutes of underwater submersion, making these great for combating sweat or even running in the rain. They also have 210-degree rotatable ear hooks that secure your buds in place when you’re in motion.

Like other budget-friendly headphones and earbuds from Anker, these pair with a companion app that lets you customize your EQ and control settings. They also have a BassUp feature that amplifies bass for intense lows. Several user reviews say these buds are excellent for workouts and comfortable for all-day wear.

Wireless headsets aren't usually recommended for gaming due to latency, but the Mini Pros are an exception. The Game Mode feature provides ultra-low latency for quick syncing between screen time and audio. That means when you’re gaming online, you don't have to worry about significant lag and you can react quickly when things get intense.

The Mino Pros feature noise cancelation, a transparency mode, and fast connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2. They’re also water- and sweat-resistant for gaming and workout sessions alike. User reviews point out that they offer solid sound and value, though some say the fit isn't very comfortable.

Skullcandy's Grind true wireless earbuds have remarkable battery life with up to nine hours of continuous use per ear and an additional 31 with the charging case.

This pair has a built-in voice assistant for hands-free control and a "Stay-Aware Mode" that allows for transparent hearing. The sound quality is just fine, but a companion app allows you to control settings to block out sound and access an EQ.

While these have pass-through listening, they don't have active noise-canceling. Critical reviews also point out that quality is inconsistent, with some reporting mixed results with battery life depending on usage and volume and a fragile wireless case. Still, users say these are simple to use and enjoy its app functionality.

Kevin Cortez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, and Runner's World. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he's an expert in men's style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He was most recently the style editor for a leading product-recommendation site and previously covered music and podcasting at Mass Appeal, Genius, and The A.V. Club. His work can also be seen in WSJ, Leafly, Input, and Vulture. He enjoys reading graphic novels, birding, and taking long, meandering walks in his spare time.

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