These are the best budget earbuds you can get in 2025

A few years ago, buying decent wireless earbuds for under $100 meant living with a lot of trade-offs. Sound quality was often underwhelming, active noise cancellation was rare, comfort was hit-or-miss, and the controls could feel like a guessing game. However, that’s no longer the case in 2025.

Today’s budget earbuds come with features that punch well above their price tags. Almost all the models mentioned in this list offer overall great sound quality, and some even include AI-powered tricks you’d typically only see in flagship earbuds.

So here are five of the most interesting budget earbuds you can get right now.

OnePlus Buds 4

The OnePlus Buds 4 are unapologetically ambitious for a pair of budget earbuds. Available in Zen Green and Storm Grey, they buds have a dual driver setup of an 11mm woofer with a high-end ceramic-metal diaphragm and a 6mm flat tweeter. 

With this, OnePlus claims the buds can cover a frequency range from 15Hz all the way to 40kHz. You also get support for Hi-Res Audio and the LHDC 5.0 codec, which allows streaming at up to 1Mbps and 24-bit/192kHz resolution. 

More useful to everyday listeners is the Buds 4’s adaptive ANC. OnePlus says it cancels noise up to 55dB across a 5,500Hz range, and there’s an adaptive mode that adjusts between transparency and full noise-canceling depending on your environment. 

For calls, it has a triple-mic setup and AI Clear Call algorithm, and it also includes features like real-time AI translation (limited to select OnePlus phones), OnePlus 3D Audio, and personalized sound tuning. 

Anker Soundcore P40i

Anker is no stranger to the earbuds game, and it knows how to make a great pair of earbuds, whether in budget or premium. As for the budget, the Soundcore P40i may be its best value-focused pair. 

Selling for around $50, they come with six sizes of eartips for a snug fit and offer a surprisingly complete package: ANC, transparency mode, multipoint Bluetooth, solid call quality, and powerful bass.

They are bass-heavy by default, but not sloppy or bloated. You still get clarity and a surprisingly wide soundstage. The Soundcore app also lets you tweak EQ settings if you want something more neutral or brighter. It’s not studio-grade audio, but for this price, the tuning is impressive.

One of the P40i’s most clever features is the charging case. It can double as a stand for your phone. You can flip the lid and prop your device up to make it stable. 

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Samsung Galaxy Buds Core

Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds Core in June 2025 as a more affordable alternative to its premium earbuds, but they still manage to include some standout features. For starters, they come with ANC and a “new dynamic driver” that delivers deep bass and richer sound. 

The buds have a three-mic system for calls that Samsung claims is best in its class. But perhaps the most headline-worthy feature is Galaxy AI’s Interpreter mode, which brings two-way, real-time translation directly to your ears. 

They’re also IP54-rated, have touch controls, and support auto-switching between devices within the Galaxy ecosystem. The buds can last up to 35 hours without ANC and around 20 with it. The Buds Core come in black or white and pair best with Galaxy phones, though they’ll work with other Android devices as well.

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Apple AirPods 4

 The sole Apple listing on this list is the AirPods 4. Launched at a base price of $129, these earbuds are currently enjoying a solid discount on Amazon, where you can get them for around $90.

The AirPods 4 come in two models: a base version and an ANC version, which also adds wireless charging and a speaker in the case for easier tracking. The pricier model is the more interesting of the two; it’s the first open-style earbud (without silicone tips) with effective active noise cancellation.

Open earbuds usually sacrifice bass and sound isolation, but Apple’s tuning keeps things surprisingly balanced. The sound quality is impressive for this design, and the call quality is excellent.

They also include Apple’s H2 chip for improved efficiency and connectivity, along with Spatial Audio support and intuitive pinch controls. They’re a particularly good choice for those who dislike in-ear tips or want to stay more aware of their surroundings, especially during commutes or workouts.

The only downside of AirPods 4 (for some) could be their fit. They may not fit securely in all ears. And if you’re after stronger ANC or better passive isolation, the AirPods Pro 2 remain the better pick. 

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Beats Solo Buds

The Beats Solo Buds are the cheapest option in the Beats lineup, and that shows in a few ways. There’s no ANC, no sensors for auto-pause, and—oddly—no battery in the case. 

That last part means you’ll need a USB-C cable and an external power source to charge the buds if they’re inside the case, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Still, they get the basics right. They’re lightweight, sound decent, and perform well on voice calls, nearly matching the pricier Studio Buds Plus in that area. And despite the minimalist case, battery life is strong. You’ll just have to remember to keep them charged the old-school way.

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