This review of the best wireless earbuds under $50 compares popular models and highlights the features that make them attractive choices for those who love clean, crisp sound and perfectly sounding music while on the go, relaxing at home, studying, or working. You may find one or more earbuds on this list that suit your needs. You can also use our comparison chart to select the earbuds that are perfect for your preferences.
Each of these models made our list of the top ten best wireless earbuds under $50. Let's jump right in to learn the particulars and to find out the compelling characteristics of the top ten.
How Do We Choose The Best Wireless Earbuds
Here are the features we compared to decide which of these top wireless earbuds under $50 to recommend:
- Earbuds Type
- Sound Quality
- Battery Life
- Water Resistance
- Compatibility
- Best For
Here are the models of earbuds we reviewed.
JBL Vibe Buds
JBL is known for its bass response. These in-ear style earbuds fit snugly to block out any background noise to create that booming bass feel. The batteries in the earbuds last up to 8 hours on a single charge, with the case providing additional charges for a total of up to 32 hours. They can also get a quick recharge of up to 10 minutes from the case for extended listening.
JLab Audio GO Air POP
These earbuds are very fashionable and come in 14 colors. The rechargeable battery provides over 35 hours of total playtime with the charging case. They come with three sets of gel tips for comfort. For the budget-conscious, these are one of the lowest-priced options in the top ten.
Beats Flex
These earbuds are designed for use primarily with Apple devices that utilize Class 1 Bluetooth for enhanced connectivity. They offer up to 12 hours of battery life. They have on-device controls for music playback, telephone calls, and voice assistant activation. The built-in microphone includes a windscreen, which helps to minimize unwanted noise.
TOZO NC9
The TOZO NC9 model stands out for its excellent sound quality and effective built-in noise-cancellation feature. You can use these earbuds in a busy environment and still enjoy clear sound without being annoyed by background noise. The frequency range is 20Hz to 20KHz. They are water resistant and offer a long 40-hour total battery life with wireless recharging. They are compatible with Bluetooth 5.3. They come in six attractive and fashionable colors and offer terrific value.
Skullcandy Dime 3
Skullcandy earbuds are known for their supreme sound. They have a strong bass response, and the high-end is crystal clear. They offer up to 20 hours of total battery life with a rapid recharging system. There is a built-in microphone, and they are compatible with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
TOZO Open EarRing
This model is an open-ear style and is designed for comfort. People who need to be aware of the sounds coming from their surroundings find these earbuds suitable for letting in just the right amount of background noise. It comes with a wireless recharging case with an easy-to-read LED display showing the percentage of charge. The batteries provide up to 40 hours of total use with the case. With advanced Bluetooth 5.4, the wireless range is up to 10 meters (about 30 feet). They come in three colors.
Oppo Enco Air3
These earbuds offer an ultra-low latency of 47ms, which is beneficial for gaming. You can distinctly hear game action with minimal delay and enjoy the experience. A full recharge of the earbuds lasts up to six hours, with the carrying case providing additional charges for a total of up to 25 hours. The battery can be fast-charged, offering up to two hours of listening time from a ten-minute charge. The earbuds are water-resistant, but the carrying case is not.
QCY MeloBuds Pro
This model features six built-in AI-driven microphones and offers strong wind noise reduction and noise cancellation. The earbuds' batteries last for around eight hours, and the carrying case provides another 34 hours for recharging, for a total of 42 hours. The earbuds operate on Bluetooth version 5.3, with an effective range of up to 10 meters (about 30 feet). The included app lets you customize the playback and make separate EQ and volume adjustments for each ear.
Moondrop Space Travel
These earbuds have about four hours of playtime on their rechargeable batteries, and the carrying case adds another 12 hours of charge, totaling 16 hours. The recharge time for the carrying case is about 1.5 hours. The earbuds can recharge in about one hour. They connect using Bluetooth 5.3 and have a range of about 10 meters (30 feet). They work with many devices and mobile phones and are compatible with iOS and Android systems. There is a low latency gaming mode of 55ms. They offer high-quality sound reproduction and noise cancellation with three levels of bass control.
Echo Buds
These earbuds are part of the Amazon Echo line of products that work seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa system. They have a semi-open design to allow you to listen to music and take phone calls while also being aware of your surroundings. They are sweat-resistant. The earbuds' batteries provide up to five hours of charge, and the carrying case has an additional charge for a total of up to 25 hours. Fast charging allows for two hours of use from a 15-minute charge. They have a multi-pairing feature that enables connection to two devices at the same time and automatically switches to the device that is playing audio, such as changing from a phone call to listening to music.
Comparison Chart
Model | Price | Type | Sound Quality Focus | Battery Life | Water Resist (Earbuds) | Compatibility | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JBL Vibe Buds | $49.95 | In-Ear | Bass | 32 hours | IPX4 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bass Sound |
JLab Audio GO Air POP | $24.99 | In-Ear | Balanced | 35+ hours | IPX4 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Budget-Friendly |
Beats Flex | $49.49 | In-Ear | Balanced | 12 hours | No | iOS (Apple H1 Chip) | Apple Users |
TOZO NC9 | $39.99 | In-Ear | High (ANC) | 40 hours | IPX6 | Bluetooth 4.3 | Noise-Cancellation |
Skullcandy Dime 3 | $29.99 | In-Ear | Bass | 20 hours | IPX4 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Rapid Charge |
TOZO Open EarRing | $39.99 | Open-Ear | Clear/Ambient | 40 hours | IPX5 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Comfort |
Oppo Enco Air3 | $26.50 | Semi-Open | Balanced | 25 hours | IPX4 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Gaming |
QCY MeloBuds Pro | $48.98 | Semi-Open | High (ENC/ANC) | 42 hours | IPX5 | iOS & Android | Call Quality |
Moondrop Space Travel | $25.00 | Semi-Open | High (Bass Control) | 16 hours | IPX5 | iOS & Android | Sound Quality |
Echo Buds | $49.99 | Semi-Open | Balanced | 25 hours | IPX2 | Echo Devices/Multi-Pair | Alexa Users |
How to Choose the Right Under $50 Earbuds for You
Many people find satisfaction with any of the earbuds on this top ten list. What is considered the "best" is subjective and depends heavily on an individual's specific needs and preferences.
Here are some other factors to consider.
When and Where to Use
If you plan to use your earbuds in a noisy environment, such as on a commuter train, you will want models with strong noise cancellation. If you travel away from electrical power, such as backpacking, a long total battery life (with the case) will be crucial. If you wear your earbuds while jogging, you will want to consider water resistance to prevent damage from sweat and exposure to the elements.
Personal Earbuds Design Preferences
Beyond sound quality, aesthetic appeal and design are important to many users. Some models offer a range of color choices and are popular for their style.
Personal Earbuds Fit Requirements
Some people are more comfortable with open-ear earbuds that allow more environmental sound in, maintaining situational awareness. Others prefer in-ear models because they create a seal that blocks out most unwanted background noise and often enhances bass. A semi-open design offers a balanced compromise between awareness and sound isolation.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wireless earbuds under $50 ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. By considering factors such as earbud type, sound quality, battery life, water resistance, and how you plan to use them, you can find a pair that offers excellent value and enhances your audio experience without breaking the bank.Explore the features highlighted in our list to discover the perfect earbuds for you.