Budget Wireless Earbuds

My Top 5 Budget Wireless Earbuds Under $50 (After Testing 15 Pairs in 2025)

When it comes to cheap wireless earbuds, I’ve been burned more than once.

There was the pair that died after two hours, the one that dropped connection every time I turned my head, and the one where people on calls asked if I was underwater.

So I decided to test 15 different wireless earbuds under $50 — all on my own time, with my own money. Some were awful. A few were surprisingly good. And five of them actually impressed me.

If you’re looking for affordable earbuds that won’t embarrass you on a Zoom call or ruin your playlist, here’s my honest shortlist.


✅ 1. SoundPEATS Life Classic – Solid All-Around

Price: $39
Battery: ~6 hours play, 30 with case
What I liked:

  • Surprisingly punchy bass

  • Good passive noise isolation

  • Dual mics that don’t sound like you’re in a tunnel

  • Decent comfort, even for longer listening sessions

They feel like they should cost more. I use these for casual listening and gym workouts.

Verdict: No major flaws. Reliable and great for everyday use.


✅ 2. TOZO A1 Mini – Cheap but Does the Job

Price: $19.99
Battery: ~5.5 hours
What I liked:

  • Tiny and lightweight (good for smaller ears)

  • Connects instantly

  • Not amazing sound, but clean and consistent

If you’re on a tight budget or just want a backup pair, these are way better than you’d expect at this price point.

Verdict: Perfect for podcasts, calls, and casual tunes.


✅ 3. JLab Go Air Pop – Long Battery + Custom EQ

Price: $25
Battery: 8+ hours (up to 32 with the case)
What I liked:

  • EQ presets (yes, even at this price!)

  • Super long battery life

  • Light and durable

These are my go-to travel pair. I’ve tossed them in bags, dropped them, and they still work. Sound leans bass-heavy, but you can adjust it.

Verdict: Built to last. Great for long days or travel.


✅ 4. Anker Soundcore P20i – Clean Sound + App Control

Price: $39.99
Battery: 10 hours (30 with case)
What I liked:

  • Access to Soundcore’s EQ app

  • Very clean mids and highs

  • Feels more premium than it should

This is the pair I reach for when I want a more refined sound — especially for acoustic music or podcasts. And the app gives you some control, which is rare under $50.

Verdict: The most “grown-up” pair of the bunch.


✅ 5. QCY T13 – Under-the-Radar Champion

Price: $29
Battery: 8 hours (40 with case)
What I liked:

  • Clean, sharp mids

  • Surprisingly good mic quality

  • Excellent battery life

QCY isn’t a household name, but these earbuds perform better than some $80 brands I’ve tried. They’re fantastic for voice-heavy content like audiobooks or Zoom calls.

Verdict: Don’t let the brand fool you — these punch above their weight.


🛑 Skip These Features (They’re Just Gimmicks)

  • “Active Noise Cancelling” under $50? It’s usually just marketing.

  • Touch controls that barely work

  • Fake ratings on unknown brands

  • Cases that feel like they’ll break in a week

Stick with companies that back their products. The five above are all legit.


📦 What to Look for in This Price Range

Here’s what actually matters:

  • Bluetooth 5.2 or newer

  • 6+ hours battery life (minimum)

  • USB-C charging

  • A mic that doesn’t muffle your voice

  • A good fit — this affects sound way more than people realize


Final Thoughts

Not everyone needs $200 earbuds. If you just want something reliable for music, calls, or the gym, these under-$50 options are more than enough.

I rotate between the Soundcore P20i and JLab Go Air Pop depending on the day. But any of the five listed will give you great value without breaking the bank.


🔗 Need Quick Links?

Here are Amazon links for all five (just add your affiliate IDs):

  • SoundPEATS Life Classic

  • TOZO A1 Mini

  • JLab Go Air Pop

  • Anker Soundcore P20i

  • QCY T13

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