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The best earbuds under $150 depend on your phone. iPhone owners should get the AirPods 5, and Android and Pixel owners the Google Pixel Buds 2a. For the strongest noise cancelling on any phone, get the Nothing Ear (3), and two very good earbuds that launched at $150–$200 are now often discounted to around $100: the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro and the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless. Spending less than $100? See our best earbuds under $100.
Check the Nothing Ear (3) 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 makers’ list prices; retailers often sell for less, so check the current price before you buy. We rebuilt this list on October 21 after four earlier picks went over $150 or were only available used. See how we choose products.
True wireless earbuds are the go-to choice for commuters, remote workers and gym-goers. 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 under $150.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for iPhone Apple AirPods 5 | 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 | ANC, Tensor A1 chip, up to 7 h with ANC (10 h without) | Check Price |
| Best noise cancelling Nothing Ear (3) | ANC score 8.2/10 (SoundGuys), LDAC, multipoint, wireless charging, IP54 | Check Price |
| Best value Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro | ANC beat 63% of earbuds (SoundGuys), 5 h 42 min measured with ANC, LDAC, wireless charging, IPX5 | Check Price |
| Most comfortable Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless | Shallow fit, aptX and LE Audio, multipoint, wireless charging, IP54, up to 6 h per charge | Check Price |
The picks
Best for iPhone: Apple AirPods 5
Apple’s newest earbuds, with noise cancelling, well under $150.
Apple announced the AirPods 5 in September 2026, with an optional 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 wireless charging 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 wireless charging 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 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 under $150
- 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: Nothing Ear (3)
Strong noise cancelling and LDAC, usually under $150.
In SoundGuys’ scoring, the Ear (3) earn 8.1 out of 10, and their noise cancelling scores 8.2, better than 69 percent of the wireless earbuds SoundGuys has measured. They support LDAC for higher-quality audio on Android, connect to two devices at once and come in a case that charges wirelessly. SoundGuys lists up to 5.2 hours per charge with noise cancelling on and 22 hours with the case, and they’re rated IP54.
SoundGuys praised the app, the comfortable fit and the noise cancelling, but found the tuning bass-heavy and the microphones muffled, despite Nothing’s “Super Mic” branding.
Pros
- Noise cancelling better than 69% of earbuds SoundGuys measured
- LDAC, multipoint and wireless charging
- Excellent companion app
Cons
- Bass-heavy sound out of the box
- Muffled microphones on calls
- About 5 hours per charge with ANC
Best Value: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
Most of the features of $200 earbuds, often discounted.
SoundGuys rated the Liberty 4 Pro 8.2 out of 10: good sound, noise cancelling that beat 63 percent of the earbuds it measured (cutting low rumble such as engine noise by about 30 dB) and a long feature list, including LDAC, multipoint, a wirelessly charging case and IPX5 water resistance. SoundGuys measured 5 hours 42 minutes per charge with noise cancelling on.
They’re often discounted. The case’s touchscreen is more gimmick than useful, it picks up fingerprints, and SoundGuys found the spatial audio weak.
Pros
- Good noise cancelling for the price
- LDAC, multipoint, wireless charging
- IPX5, the most water-resistant pick here
Cons
- Touchscreen case is a gimmick
- Case is a fingerprint magnet
- Weak spatial audio
Check the Liberty 4 Pro at Soundcore.com ($109.99) →
Soundcore.com code AFSC20: an extra 20% off full-price items (valid through Dec 31, 2026).
Most Comfortable: Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless
Sennheiser sound and a light, shallow fit, at half the launch price.
The Accentum True Wireless are often discounted well below their launch price. In GSMArena’s review they were very comfortable, with a shallow fit that’s easy to wear for hours, a much smaller case than the Momentum True Wireless 4, reliable multipoint and a brighter sound the reviewer liked. They support AAC, aptX and LE Audio (LC3), charge wirelessly and are rated IP54. Sennheiser quotes up to 6 hours per charge; GSMArena got 5 hours 33 minutes using aptX.
The catch is noise cancelling: GSMArena called it average, letting through air conditioning and traffic. The touch controls also trigger easily, and the shallow fit may not stay put on a run. GSMArena said they needed a lower price to stand out; on sale, they have one.
Pros
- Very comfortable shallow fit
- Small case with wireless charging
- aptX, LE Audio and solid multipoint
Cons
- Average noise cancelling
- Touch controls trigger easily
- Not secure enough for running
Also worth a look
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: the strongest noise cancelling of any AirPods, a sealed fit and a heart-rate sensor. They cost more, but they’re worth stretching for if you’re an iPhone user who flies or commutes a lot.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024): our noise-cancelling pick earlier in October, with over 80 percent noise reduction in SoundGuys’ tests. They usually cost more than $150; check the price and buy if they drop well under $150.
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4: excellent sound and aptX Lossless, but usually well above $150 except in sales. See best noise-cancelling earbuds.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: usually above $150 new except in sales. Galaxy owners should see our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy.
- Beats Fit Pro: our former workout pick; on October 21 Amazon listed only used units. For earbuds that stay put on a run, see our best workout earbuds.
- 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?
Two of the picks above are often discounted to around $100. For more, see 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, often discounted.
- Also often under $100: the Sony WF-C710N and Soundcore Liberty 5.
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
Under $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 Nothing Ear (3) are the pick.
If you’d rather spend around $100, the Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro pack in the most features and the Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless are the most comfortable. Prices on earbuds move fast: four of our early-October picks went over $150 within two weeks, so check the current price before you buy.
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 earbuds under $150 right now?
The AirPods 5 for iPhone, the Google Pixel Buds 2a for Android, and the Nothing Ear (3) for noise cancelling on any phone. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro and Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless are often discounted to around $100.
What are the best AirPods under $150?
The AirPods 5. They’re well under $150, with or without the 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.
What are the best earbuds under $150 for Android?
The Google Pixel Buds 2a for most Android and Pixel owners, with noise cancelling and a very comfortable fit. For higher-quality audio on Android, the Nothing Ear (3) and Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro both support LDAC.
What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds under $150?
The Nothing Ear (3). SoundGuys scored their noise cancelling 8.2 out of 10, better than 69 percent of the earbuds it has measured. The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro were close behind. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are stronger still but usually cost more.
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.
