Aren’t we all disgruntled with the hanging of wires around our necks? As earphones and knots go hand-in-hand, Twitter users had wired headsets held up as an object of ridicule.
A tweet making a mockery of this age-old gear read – “How to tie the strongest knot ever:
- Put some headphones in your pocket
- Wait one minute”.
As earphones continue to play an indispensable role in our daily lives, we at Techzib had a hunch exploring some of the best alternatives to wired headsets, the wireless earbuds. With plenty of options to choose from, we have curated a list of the best earbuds under $10.
But first, let us discuss what separates wireless earbuds from the wired ones.
True Wireless Earbuds
True Wireless earbuds are wireless earphones without the use of a hardware wire linking the two earpieces. Both the earbuds remain separated and are connected to devices like smartphones or laptops. The wireless headphones are in some way connected, but the true wireless earbuds require no access to a jack.
These earbuds fit into each ear, allowing you to listen to music without agonizing about tangled wires.
How do these wireless earbuds work?
First-time users find it hard accessing wireless earbuds. These earbuds arrive with gesture support, which lets you perform actions like control volume, accept and reject calls.
Why choose wireless earbuds over wired?
There are a handful of reasons to select wireless earbuds over the wired headsets. Following we list a few:
- Tangle-free: wireless earbuds offer complete freedom from cables or neckbands connecting the two earpieces.
- Effortless Pairing: This modern on-the-go gear allows smooth, hassle-free pairing between devices. Once paired with a device, they auto-connect the next time they are switched on.
With few features of the wireless earbuds discussed, here are the ten best earbuds under $100 to buy in 2019.
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Best Earbuds Under $100 in 2019
1. Creative Outlier Air
Topping our list is the Outlier Air from Creative. The Outlier Air is handy workout gear for every gym freak who loves humming to energetic sound.
Outlier Air is Creative’s first in the true wireless in-ears lineup. These earbuds boast a 30-hours battery life along with a 10-hour playtime straight out of the box.
The Outlier Air sports AAC and aptX codec over Bluetooth; also are IPX5 water-resistant. In comparison to other available wireless earbuds, the Outlier Air will not let you experience occasional dropouts.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability ” link=”https://amzn.to/33XFPbJ” ][i2pros]Stable wireless connection
A battery that lasts forever
IPX5 water-resistant[/i2pros][i2cons]Wobbly buttons
Plastic quality
Issues with the charging case[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Optoma NuForce Be Free 6
Optoma’s NuForce is an all-round wireless earbud that fits while you are on the run or strolling around the streets. Similar to the Outlier Air, NuForce too comes with sports-friendly IPX5, but not efficient enough to take them in a pool.
The NuForce assures an incredible battery life lasting up to 6 hours; also arrives with a pocketable charging case. Optoma’s NuForce BE Free 6 is induced with an omnidirectional mic that obliterates noise for seamless voice conversations.
These earbuds are indeed the go-to gear for running in the rain or sweating it out in the gym.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability ” link=”https://amzn.to/2QrPWl9″ ][i2pros]Crisp and clear sound
A pocket portable charging case
AAC audio codec compatibility[/i2pros][i2cons]Average Battery life
Fiddly like fitting
Buttons get pressed accidentally
Ordinary noise-cancellation[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. JLab JBuds Air
Third on the list is JLab’s JBuds Air. JLab is built, keeping in mind the jostling life of athletes as it also the official audio sponsor of Major League Soccer.
The JBuds Air are IP55-certified water-resistant that prevents moisture and dirt from sticking on the earbuds. Although these earbuds come at a great price, the comfort and sound quality is ordinary.
JBuds Air offers 6+ hours of battery life for each earbud with an on-the-go portable charging case that does a handy job.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability” link=”https://amzn.to/35a1cH5″ ][i2pros]Best buy for this price
Comes with a set of Cush Fins
IP55-certified[/i2pros][i2cons]Calls supported only with the right earbud
Cranky to ears after regular use
Average sound quality[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Anker Soundcore Liberty Air
Anker’s Soundcore Liberty Air earbuds are affordable, comfortable, and a better alternative if you cannot afford the Apple AirPods.
These earbuds are equipped with Graphene-Enhanced Sound technology that transmits accurate sound and flawless clarity. With the Soundcore Liberty Air, you get a 5-hours of playback from a single charge.
With a case as small enough that sits comfortably in your palms, it also slides in your pockets with ease. This indeed is a better alternative to Airpods, an ultra-lightweight, and a crystal-clear call experience.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability” link=”https://amzn.to/2Qsctyo” ][i2pros]Comfy fit
Reasonable price
Great charging case
Good noise isolation
IPX5 certified[/i2pros][i2cons]Build quality disappoints
Missing volume controls
Charges only via micro-USB port[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Jabra Elite 65t
Plastic-built Jabra Elite 65t is an excellent blend of build and durability. The Jabra Elite 65t is another excellent alternative to the AirPods.
The Jabra Elite 65t holds an IP55 rating, allowing you to wear them during rains but again no swimming with these. The Elite 65t is infused with a 4-microphone technology that aid in delivering exceptional calling solutions.
The Elite 65t has a remarkable battery life up to 5 hours with just a single charge; however, with our testing, it did last more than 5 hours. The sound quality remains to be a big dud.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability ” link=”https://amzn.to/2KuXNdS” ][i2pros]Subtle design
Astounding battery life
IP55 rated
Auto-connects to phone[/i2pros][i2cons]Average sound quality
Shaky earbuds
The microphone is a bit shabby[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Skullcandy Indy
The Skullcandy Indy is an earbud with an excellent fit, good noise isolation, and even better volume control. Indy is Skullcandy’s second in their wireless earbuds lineup, and thus the design seems to be a significant gamechanger.
The Skullcandy Indy is infused with Bluetooth 5.0 that has these earbuds future-ready. Indy’s charging case is a massive letdown as it features a micro-USB port, which considering phones these days use Type C or Lightning charger.
Certified with IP55, the Skullcandy Indy will not let you whine about sweat and dust.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=” What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability” link=”https://amzn.to/2D5f2i9″ ][i2pros]Affordable
Good noise isolation
Battery life remains to impress[/i2pros][i2cons]Plastic built and the quality is substandard
No great access to control
Re-pairing with other devices is a bit sluggish[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. Monoprice True Wireless
Budget-friendly Monoprice True Wireless earbuds are perhaps the best buy for everyday listeners. The build quality is entire of plastic, which still gives out a sophisticated and minimalistic look.
This arrives with a 500mah portable charging case that oozes out charge up to 15 hours. Also, these earbuds are IPX4 that come with controls that don’t trouble you while listening.
The Bluetooth connectivity impresses as it effortless plays songs from up to 30 feet away. Another impressive part about this if one or both earbuds out of the case, they auto-pair with the last paired device.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability ” link=”https://amzn.to/2NUCC7f” ][i2pros]Minimalistic and sleek design
Auto-connect with the last device
Pocket-friendly (Price)[/i2pros][i2cons]Sluggish connectivity
Ordinary sound quality
Sluggard charging[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Rowkin Ascent Micro
Ascent Micro is an IPX5-certified that stands firm against sweat during heavy workouts. These earbuds are small and, once removed from the case, turn on automatically. The Rowkin Ascent Micro fails to offer a long battery life, with just 3.5 hours of music and calls on a single charge.
The touch controls might leave you in a muddle, but once handy when you get used to it. Generally, there were no connection issues as these connect through Bluetooth 5.0, offering a range of up to 25 feet.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability ” link=”https://amzn.to/2OtjbSi” ][i2pros]Value for money earbuds
Touch controls
Good noise isolation
[/i2pros][i2cons]Irritates after long use
Battery not impressive
Missing apX and AAC[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. Sol Republic Amps Air 2.0
Budget constraints but an ardent bass-lover? Fret not, the Sol Republic Amps Air 2.0 offers powerful, vivid bass and does not cost much.
In comparison to its predecessor, the Sol Republic Amps Air 2.0 is enhanced with better connectivity, and supported by Bluetooth 5.0. Although these earbuds are IPX4-certified, they work fine in moderate workouts.
These earbuds come with a large and sturdy 2200mAh charging case. The case consists of LED lights that turn red while charging.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability” link=”https://amzn.to/2OmMWUD” ][i2pros]Clear and powerful bass
Amazing battery life
Budget-friendly
[/i2pros][i2cons]No access to volume or navigation controls
Subpar resistance rating
Misfit to ears[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10.TOZO T10
With a score of almost five on Amazon, the TOZO T10 acquires the last spot on this list of best earbuds under $100.
These earbuds from TOZO are supported with the latest Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to make calls with zero interference. Given that it is well below the $100 range, T10 still delivers exceptional sound quality while listening to music and making calls.
For this price, T10 manages an IPX8 rating that works fine during heavy gym sessions and in the rain. These earbuds last for over 3.5 hours; however, the charging case allows an extension of up to 9 hours.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-s-down” show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”What we liked” cons_title=”What we didn’t like” button_icon=”icon icon-cart-4″ link_text=”Check Price & Availability ” link=”https://amzn.to/2rWURR5″ ][i2pros]Best fit during workouts
Water/sweat-resistance rating of IPX8
8mm speaker driver[/i2pros][i2cons]Does not come with extra ear tips
Sub-par microphone[/i2cons][/i2pc]
CONCLUSION
It is always special to own the latest piece of technology, as wireless earbuds let you enjoy music without the pesky wires.
With a variety of options available, our checklist here will help you in buying the best in the market. For under $100, these aforementioned wireless earbuds offer high-quality experience and extreme comfort.
If we’ve missed out on something, write to us in the comments section below.