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The best wireless earbuds between $100 and $150 depend on your phone. iPhone owners should get the AirPods 5 ($129, or $149 with wireless charging), and Android and Pixel owners the Google Pixel Buds 2a ($129). For the strongest noise cancelling on any phone, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are down to $129, and for the best sound, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 launched at $299.95 but were $129.95 on Amazon when we checked. Spending less than $100? See our best earbuds under $100.
Check the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds on Amazon →
How we put this together: picks are based on manufacturer specs and published reviews and measurements (linked below), not hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are the Amazon US prices we saw on October 7, 2026, from listings sold by Amazon unless we say otherwise; they change often. See how we choose products.
True wireless earbuds are the go-to choice for commuters, remote workers and gym-goers. But with prices from about $25 to $200, finding the sweet spot between performance and price can be hard.
This guide covers what matters most (noise cancelling, battery life, comfort, water resistance and phone compatibility) and matches each need with the earbuds that do it best. Whether you use an iPhone, an Android phone or just need earbuds that stay put on a run, there’s a pick for your budget.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Price (Amazon US, Oct 7) | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for iPhone Apple AirPods 5 | $129 / $149 (wireless case) | Open-fit ANC (Apple: up to 50% more noise removed than AirPods 4 with ANC), up to 5 h per charge with ANC, 22 h with case | Check Price |
| Best for Android Google Pixel Buds 2a | $129 | ANC, Tensor A1 chip, up to 7 h with ANC (10 h without) | Check Price |
| Best noise cancelling Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) | $129 (list $179) | Over 80% noise reduction (SoundGuys), 8.5 h per charge, 31.5 h with case, multipoint, wireless charging case, IPX4 | Check Price |
| Best sound Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 | $129.95 (launched at $299.95) | 83% average noise reduction (SoundGuys), aptX Lossless and Adaptive, multipoint, wireless charging, IP54 | Check Price |
| Best for Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | $149.99 (launched at $249.99) | Samsung Seamless Codec (24-bit on Galaxy phones), IP57, Galaxy AI translation | Check Price |
| Best for workouts Beats Fit Pro | $118.69 (list $199.95) | Wingtips, ANC, up to 6 h with ANC plus about 3 extra charges in the case, IPX4 | Check Price |
The picks
Best for iPhone: Apple AirPods 5
Apple’s newest earbuds, with noise cancelling, from $129.
Apple announced the AirPods 5 in September 2026 at $129, or $149 with a wireless charging case (Apple Newsroom). They keep the open fit of the AirPods 4, with no silicone ear tips, and Apple says the new noise cancelling removes up to 50 percent more noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC, with a more natural Transparency mode and richer sound.
The $149 model adds a case that charges on Qi and Apple Watch chargers as well as USB-C, a volume swipe on the stem, and up to 5 hours of playback per charge with ANC (22 hours with the case). They’re made for iPhone: on Android you lose most of the smart features. If you want a sealed fit and the strongest noise cancelling, that’s the AirPods Pro 3, which cost more.
Pros
- Apple’s latest open-ear noise cancelling
- No silicone ear tips
- Wireless charging and volume swipe on the $149 model
- Deep iPhone integration and Live Translation
Cons
- Short battery with ANC: up to 5 hours per charge
- Open fit can’t block as much noise as sealed earbuds
- Most features need an iPhone
Best for Android: Google Pixel Buds 2a
Google’s cheaper Pixel Buds, now with noise cancelling.
The Pixel Buds 2a are the first A-series Pixel Buds with active noise cancellation, and they use the same Tensor A1 chip as the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Engadget praises their detailed, punchy sound and very comfortable fit, and battery life is up to 7 hours with ANC on (10 with it off).
They cost $129 (sold by Amazon when we checked) and work with any Android phone, but they do the most on a Pixel. The savings show in the details: no wireless charging, no volume controls on the buds, and fewer features than the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Pixel owners should also see our best earbuds for Google Pixel guide.
Pros
- Noise cancelling for $129
- Very small, comfortable fit
- Tensor A1 chip and Gemini access
- Up to 7 hours with ANC
Cons
- No wireless charging
- No volume controls on the earbuds
Best Noise Cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)
Bose-level noise cancelling for $129.
The 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds are Bose’s cheaper earbuds, but their noise cancelling isn’t cheap: in SoundGuys’ tests they reduced most noise by over 80 percent, close to premium earbuds that cost twice as much. Bose rates them at up to 8.5 hours per charge and 31.5 hours with the case, and they add multipoint, a wireless charging case and IPX4 sweat resistance. SoundGuys gave them 7.9 out of 10 and praised the sound quality.
They list at $179 and were $129 on Amazon, sold by Amazon, when we checked on October 7, 2026. They work the same on iPhone and Android, which makes them our pick for noise cancelling on any phone.
Pros
- Strong noise cancelling for the price
- Up to 8.5 hours per charge
- Multipoint and a wireless charging case
- Works equally well with iPhone and Android
Cons
- SoundGuys had occasional connection dropouts in testing
- Bulky case
- No hi-res codecs
Best Sound: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Flagship sound and features for less than half the launch price.
The Momentum True Wireless 4 launched at $299.95, so at $129.95 on Amazon (sold by Amazon) they’re the biggest step up in this guide. SoundGuys rated them 8.5 out of 10 for excellent, immersive sound, measured 83 percent average noise reduction and about 7 hours 45 minutes of battery life. They support aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive on compatible Android phones, plus LE Audio and Auracast, multipoint, wireless charging and IP54.
On an iPhone they fall back to AAC, so Android owners get the most from them. SoundGuys found the microphones only average, especially in wind, and the earbuds are large, so they won’t suit every ear.
Pros
- Excellent sound, with aptX Lossless on Android
- Strong noise cancelling (83% in SoundGuys’ test)
- Wireless charging, multipoint, LE Audio
Cons
- Average call quality, weak in wind
- Large earbuds
- Hi-res codecs don’t work on iPhone
Best for Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung’s previous Pro earbuds, down to $149.99.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launched at $249.99 and were $149.99 on Amazon (sold by Amazon) when we checked. On a Galaxy phone they get the Samsung Seamless Codec with 24-bit audio, Auto Switch between Galaxy devices and Galaxy AI interpreter features. SoundGuys praised the sound, build quality and app, and the earbuds are rated IP57.
The trade-offs: SoundGuys measured weaker noise cancelling than other earbuds at their launch price (about 76 percent) and short battery life (about 4.5 hours with ANC on). On a non-Samsung phone, the Bose or Sennheiser picks are better buys. If you just want Samsung earbuds for less, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE (about $95) are in our best earbuds under $100, and our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy covers the newer Buds 4 Pro.
Pros
- Samsung Seamless Codec and Galaxy AI features
- Strong build, IP57
- Sold by Amazon at $149.99
Cons
- Noise cancelling behind the Bose
- Short battery life with ANC
- Most extras need a Galaxy phone
Best for Workouts: Beats Fit Pro
Wingtip earbuds that stay put, with noise cancelling, for under $120.
The Beats Fit Pro use flexible wingtips to stay in place during runs and gym sessions, and add noise cancelling and a transparency mode. Beats rates them at up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling, and the case adds about three more charges. They are IPX4 sweat resistant and work with both iPhone and Android (Expert Reviews).
They list at $199.95 and were $118.69 on Amazon, sold by Woot (an Amazon company), when we checked. Beats has since released the Powerbeats Fit ($159.95 on Amazon), so the Fit Pro are last year’s model; some reviewers find the wingtips press on the ear in long sessions.
Pros
- Wingtips keep them in place
- Noise cancelling and transparency mode
- IPX4, iPhone and Android
Cons
- Older model, sold by Woot
- Wingtips can get uncomfortable
- No wireless charging
Also worth a look
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: the strongest noise cancelling of any AirPods, a sealed fit and a heart-rate sensor, but they cost more than $150. Worth stretching for if you are an iPhone user who flies or commutes a lot.
- Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: replaced by the AirPods 5, so only worth buying at a clear discount.
- Google Pixel Buds Pro (1st gen): older, but often discounted; they have a wireless charging case, which the Pixel Buds 2a lack.
Spending under $100 instead?
Several good earbuds that used to cost $130 or more now sell for under $100, and our former budget picks are in our best earbuds under $100:
- EarFun Air Pro 4: LDAC, multipoint and up to 52 hours with the case, often about $50.
- Soundcore P30i: the cheapest way to get noise cancelling, usually $27–$50.
- JLab Go Sport+: ear-hook workout earbuds for $25–$45.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: Samsung’s budget earbuds with strong noise cancelling, about $95.
- Also under $100 when we checked: the Beats Studio Buds+ ($89.95), Sony WF-C710N ($78) and Soundcore Liberty 5 ($75.99).
What to look for
Choosing true wireless earbuds means weighing a few key factors:
- Noise cancelling (ANC): Look at independent measurements of how much noise earbuds block, not just marketing dB claims.
- Battery life: Consider both earbuds‑only runtime and total playtime with the charging case. Longer life is crucial for commuters and long‑haul travelers.
- Fit and comfort: Ear‑hook designs, silicone tips, and open‑fit styles affect how secure the earbuds feel during workouts or long listening sessions.
- Water and sweat resistance: For workouts, look for IPX4 or higher; IPX5 or IP55 handles heavy sweat and rain.
- Platform compatibility: Seamless integration with iOS, Android, or specific ecosystems (Apple, Google, Samsung) can unlock features like spatial audio, adaptive transparency, or quick pairing.
- Price‑to‑value ratio: Balance the feature set against the price. A budget model with solid ANC may outperform a pricier option that lacks essential features.
Rank these factors by what matters most to you, and the right pair becomes much easier to spot.
Our verdict
Between $100 and $150, the right earbuds depend mostly on your phone. iPhone users get the most from the AirPods 5, and Android users, especially Pixel owners, from the Pixel Buds 2a. For noise cancelling on any phone, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are the pick at $129, and for sound, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are a bargain at $129.95.
Samsung owners get the most features from the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and the Beats Fit Pro are the pick for workouts. Below $100, our budget guide has the EarFun Air Pro 4, Soundcore P30i and Galaxy Buds 3 FE.
If you want over-ear noise cancelling instead, see our best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do true‑wireless earbuds work with both iPhone and Android devices?
Yes. Most true‑wireless earbuds use standard Bluetooth profiles, so they pair with any smartphone. Some features, like spatial audio or adaptive transparency, may be limited to specific platforms.
How important is the IP rating for everyday use?
An IPX5 rating or higher protects against sweat and light rain, making earbuds safe for workouts and commuting in unpredictable weather.
Can I use one earbud at a time for calls while the other charges?
Many models support single‑earbud use, but battery life and ANC performance can vary. Check the product specs to confirm this capability.
What’s the difference between ANC and transparency modes?
ANC reduces ambient noise by generating anti‑noise sound waves, while transparency mode lets external sounds in, letting you stay aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
What are the best AirPods under $150?
The AirPods 5. They cost $129, or $149 with a wireless charging case, and add noise cancelling that Apple says removes up to 50 percent more noise than the AirPods 4 with ANC. The AirPods Pro 3 have stronger noise cancelling but cost more than $150.
What are the best earbuds under $150 for Android?
The Google Pixel Buds 2a ($129) for most Android and Pixel owners, with noise cancelling and a very comfortable fit. For hi-res audio on Android, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 support aptX Lossless and were $129.95 on Amazon in October 2026.
What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds under $150?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024). SoundGuys measured them reducing most noise by over 80 percent, close to premium earbuds, and they were $129 on Amazon in October 2026. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 ($129.95) came close, at 83 percent average reduction, with better sound.
Related guide
Not sure what to prioritize at this price? Read our framework on how to choose wireless earbuds and headphones to match the right features to your phone and how you listen. On a tighter budget, see our best earbuds under $100.
