True wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds are the must-have audio accessory for anyone who listens to music or podcasts on the go. Over the years, TWS earbuds have improved in both quality and price. Technology that once seemed like a luxury is now so affordable virtually anyone can jump in. Check out our picks for the best budget true wireless stereo earbuds.
1. Best Overall: JLab GO Air POP
Price: $24.99
The JLab Go Air Pop earbuds are a reputable TWS earbud option at a bargain basement price. For about $25, you can still enjoy an expansive range of features without breaking the bank.
Like many other two wireless stereo earbuds, the JLab Go Air Pops come with MEMS microphones for clear phone calls, an ultra-small design, and a 30-foot steaming range. Additionally, the built-in charging cable increases portability, while the 8-hour battery life gives you an entire workday of use.
As far as sound quality is concerned, JLab offers three proprietary EQ3 sound profiles to tailor your listening experience to your preferences. Finally, these earbuds come with a 2-year warranty and multiple ear tip sizes for optimum comfort.
Pros
- Use earbuds individually or together thanks to dual connect
- Available in a variety of colors
- Small case with built-in charging cable is great for travel
- 100% recyclable packaging
Cons
- Difficult to operate touch controls
- IPX4 waterproof rating
Good to know: you can clean your earbuds to improve their performance.
2. Best for Gamers: Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Active
Price: $29.99
If you’re not familiar with Xiaomi, there’s a good chance you live in the United States. The Chinese tech giant is less than 15 years old, but has been making a huge splash in mobile markets worldwide. Their ethos revolves around offering excellent products at the lowest price point possible, and the Redmi Buds 4 Active are no exception.
The Redmi Buds 4 Active features a low latency mode, which is crucial to avoid audio lag while gaming. The Xiaomi Earbuds app allows you to adjust the latency setting of your earbuds. The app also provides information about the earbuds, such as battery status.
Additionally, the Redmi Buds contain a 12mm dynamic driver for better bass and instant Bluetooth pairing on Android devices thanks to Google Fast Pair.
Pros
- Fast charging available
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Latency adjustments beneficial for gamers
- Can check battery status via app
- Noise cancellation for phone calls
Cons
- IPX4 waterproof rating
- 5-hour battery life
- Touch controls can be clunky
3. Best Moisture Protection: Anker Soundcore Life P2
Price: $39.99
Anker has established itself as a manufacturer of quality yet affordable tech. One of their most successful forays has been in the audio field, and Anker’s Soundcore Life P2 earbuds are just as great as other iterations of this model.
Featuring a similar design to the Apple AirPods, the Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds have a stem hanging out of your ear. They have an impressive IPX7 rating, one of the highest in the budget headphone market. This means they will withstand submerging at a 1-meter depth for 30 minutes. This is a great feature for those wanting their earbuds for sweaty or outdoor workouts.
According to Anker, the Soundcore Life P2 earbuds will crank out tunes for eight hours per charge, and the case provides an additional 32 hours of battery life. In addition, Anker’s cVc 8.0 vocal enhancement and noise suppression technology means they boast a nuanced sound profile.
Pros
- Two microphones per earbud for enhanced noise suppression
- Fast charging available
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Up to 40 hours of charge time with case
- Automatically pairs after initial connection
Cons
- On the larger side
- Sound quality not the best for phone calls
- Lacking bass
Also helpful: you can charge your new earbuds, your smartphone, and your smartwatch simultaneously with multi-device charging stations.
4. Best for the Environment: Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds
Price: $24.99
You might be on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be environmentally minded. Skullcandy’s Smokin’ Buds are composed of 50% recycled plastics, and all of their packaging is 100% recyclable.
The Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds have been ergonomically designed to give their users the most comfortable and secure fit possible. This helps with passive noise cancellation and prevents sound leakage, so you can crank your tunes without worrying about disturbing those around you.
The Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds use Skullcandy’s proprietary Supreme Sound technology to deliver high-quality audio. There are 3 EQ modes available: music, movies, and podcasts, to enhance your listening experience further.
Pros
- Made from recycled plastic
- Secure fit
- Designed in the USA
- 3 EQ modes
- Fast charging available
- 8-hour battery life
Cons
- IPX4 waterproof rating
- Charging case only provides 20 hours of additional charge
- Not compatible with the Skullcandy app
5. Best Lightweight Option: Tozo A1
Price: $19.99
If size is a concern, don’t look past the Tozo A1 mini wireless earbuds. Boasting a weight of only 3.7 grams, these true wireless stereo earbuds are super lightweight and fit discreetly in the ear. The Tozo A1 minis come with five pairs of ear tips ranging from XS to XXL, so you’ll find a comfortable fit.
In addition to their small size, the Tozo A1s come with an impressive range of features. Bluetooth 5.3 allows for low latency listening, and the ORIGX enhanced bass profile helps to boost lower frequencies.
Battery life is on the shorter side at 5.5 hours, so if you’re a heavy earbud user, these might not be the right option. But for a compact option with sturdy Bluetooth connectivity, the Tozo A1 mini earbuds are a good pick.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design
- Stable connection over long distances
- ORIGX enhanced bass profile
- Small charging case, great for travel
- Automatically pairs after initial connection
- Range of color options
Cons
- 2-hour charge time
- Eartips are difficult to change
- Only 5.5 hours of battery life
Tip: listen to calming sounds in your true wireless stereo earbuds to relieve stress during the workday.
Are True Wireless Stereo Earbuds For You?
TWS earbuds are quickly becoming one of the must-have audio accessories. With more and more manufacturers cranking these headphones out, the price keeps lowering. If you’re looking for a more premium option, check out our picks for the best earbuds with active noise cancellation. Or, if you are an iPhone user but can’t stomach the price tag of AirPods, check out some of the best AirPod alternatives available today.
Image credit: Unsplash
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