rabbit.reviews

The Best Earbuds Under $100

Updated April 2026·Experts: CNET, soundguys, scarbir, RTINGS

Best Overall

The EarFun Air Pro 4 is the clear community favorite, Reddit users and expert reviewers alike keep landing on this one, and the specs back it up. If you only buy one pair of earbuds under $100, this is it.

What holds up

  • Strong ANC performance, improved over previous Air Pro 3
  • Up to 11 hours battery life (7.5 hours with ANC on)
  • Lightweight and comfortable fit with good seal
  • Excellent sound quality for the price

What to know

  • ANC not quite at premium flagship level
  • Less brand recognition than Sony or JBL
  • No wireless charging mentioned at this price tier
What people say
For me it's the Earfun Pro 4. The sound quality for the price is hard to beat.
Reddit user
Best ANC Performance

If blocking out the world is your priority, the Liberty 4 NC punches well above its price. Anker has quietly built one of the best ANC earbuds under $100, and the community knows it.

What holds up

  • Best-in-class ANC for the under-$100 price range
  • Feature-rich companion app with EQ and customization
  • Long battery life with ANC enabled
  • Comfortable half-in-ear design

What to know

  • Sound signature is somewhat bassy, not neutral
  • ANC falls short compared to premium flagships
  • Newer Liberty Buds model may outperform it in some areas
What people say
Earfun Air Pro 4 and OnePlus Buds 3 and Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are also good contenders.
Reddit user
Best Sound Quality

If you care more about how music sounds than brand names, the Capsule3 Pro+ is your pick. The xMEMS driver tech is genuinely special at this price, SoundGuys called it the best-sounding budget earbud they've tested.

What holds up

  • xMEMS drivers deliver best-in-class sound quality for the price
  • Detailed, accurate audio reproduction
  • ANC included alongside premium sound
  • Strong value for audiophile-leaning listeners

What to know

  • Less brand recognition, harder to find in stores
  • ANC may not match dedicated ANC-focused competitors
  • Smaller community of users for troubleshooting tips
What people say
Among all the budget earbuds we've tried, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ has the best sound quality, thanks to its xMEMS drivers.
SoundGuys
Best for Workouts

The JBL Tune Buds are the workout earbud that doesn't make you compromise. You get real ANC, real waterproofing, and real battery life, JBL's reliability at a price that won't hurt if you lose one at the gym.

What holds up

  • Waterproof design built for exercise and sweat
  • Active noise cancellation for gym and commute use
  • Long battery life for extended workout sessions
  • Adjustable EQ via companion app

What to know

  • Bass-forward sound signature won't suit everyone
  • Bulkier design compared to more minimal competitors
  • ANC not as strong as Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
What people say
The JBL Tune Buds are a complete package, they offer active noise cancellation, a waterproof design, a bass-forward sound signature, long battery life, and an app with an adjustable EQ.
PCMag
Best Budget Pick

CMF (Nothing's sub-brand) has built something genuinely impressive here. The Buds 2 Plus offers adaptive ANC with wind reduction at a price where most brands are still figuring out basic noise cancellation.

What holds up

  • Adaptive noise canceling with wind reduction mode
  • IPX4 water resistance for outdoor use
  • Long battery life for the price
  • More features than comparable name-brand options

What to know

  • CMF is a newer sub-brand with less proven long-term reliability
  • Less community support and user reviews than established brands
  • App ecosystem less mature than Anker or JBL
What people say
With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, and good ANC with additional wind reduction and adaptive noise canceling, these earbuds offer more features than most name brands at this price.
SoundGuys