Apple’s AirPods are arguably the most popular true wireless earphones on the market, but it’s not because they’re cheap. The AirPods Pro sell for $249, while the standard AirPods start at $159 and go up to $199 when you add wireless charging (let’s not even get started on the AirPods Max, which are $549 over-ear headphones). If you want a pair of AirPods and can afford them, go for it (though we highly recommend the more expensive Pro model). But keep in mind that it’s possible to save a significant amount of money if you’re willing to buy another brand.
All of the earphones on this list cost under $130. One pair costs just $29. Are any going to have the same wow factor as the AirPods, which seamlessly integrate with your iPhone? Not really, but there are some winners here that can do other things far better. From exercise-focused models with higher water-resistance ratings, to audiophile-friendly pairs with better audio performance, you don’t need to have a pair of AirPods in order to enjoy a high-quality true wireless experience.
Economical for Exercise
Are you going to be sweating a lot or moving around vigorously while using your earphones? The good news is that nearly all true wireless models deliver a very secure fit. The bad news is that not all of them are quite as resistant to water as they might claim to be.
If you’re looking for a pair of water-resistant (or fully waterproof) earphones, a high IP (ingress protection) rating is critical—look for IPX6-IPX8 if you’re going to be wearing them in the rain or need to wash them off under a faucet with reasonable water pressure. Now, the rating can have any number in place of the X and the above criteria still holds true—an IP56 rating has the same liquids protection as an IPX6-rated product. For a deeper dive on this, see our guide to IP ratings.
As mentioned, in-ear fit is another factor to consider. If you find yourself needing to swap out eartips and earfins often to find the perfect fit, you’ll want to focus on a pair that provides a generous array of fit options. More often than not, exercise-focused in-ears ship with eartips that have fins for added stability, or with separate fins and tips that can be mixed and matched in a variety of sizes.
For models geared specifically toward exercise, see our list of the best true wireless earbuds for running.
Affordable for Audiophiles
For the best audio performance, you want a pair of earphones that supports the AptX and AAC codecs. Otherwise, on some phones, you’ll find the earphones defaulting to SBC when they don’t support the mobile device’s native codec. That said, SBC doesn’t sound terrible, and most users probably won’t notice a difference.
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Until every audio manufacturer gets on board with the codec support—and it does cost manufacturers more to deliver AAC/AptX support—judging the drivers’ audio performance is still the best way to gauge which in-ears sound the best. Interestingly, many of the best-sounding pairs we’ve reviewed so far actually lack either AAC or AptX support.
If noise cancellation is important to you, you’ll be happy to know that we’re finally starting to see some solid true wireless models for under $150. Of course, the best noise cancellation is going to cost you far north of $200, but there are still some pairs we consider good enough to make the cut for this list. For more, see our picks for the best noise-cancelling true wireless earphones.
And if all of this is totally above your head, your best bet is to either try out the earphones yourself if possible, or go by the sonic evaluation in our reviews. Every review tells you specifically how the earphones sound on various tracks that range from sub-bass-loaded electronic music to transparently recorded classical compositions.
More Bang for Your Buck
Most true wireless models work with a companion app that helps connect the earphones to your phone. Plenty of apps beef up their appearance by offering the same controls you already have on the earphones themselves. This can add some convenience, but it doesn’t add a layer of control. Some apps offer the ability to make tweaks to certain settings, like assigning your phone’s voice assistant to a shortcut button, or adjusting auto-play/pause when the earphones are placed in your ears or taken out.
Aside from potentially crucial firmware updates, one of the best things an app can do is enhance the listening experience with user-controllable EQ. Not all apps have EQ, but allowing you to tweak the bass or treble to your taste is a huge plus—and apps that have customizable presets are becoming more and more common.
A few manufacturers don’t use a companion app at all, including Apple. Though you can argue that this makes the overall experience easier and more streamlined, we like the added control an app provides. We include a rundown of companion apps and how they work in each of our reviews.
Caring for Cheap Earbuds
Even if you don’t spend a ton of money on your earphones, you should still take good care of them. To that end, see our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and six ways you’re using your headphones wrong.
And if you’re still looking for the perfect pair of earphones and are willing to increase your budget, check out our picks for the best true wireless earbuds overall.
