Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 in 2025: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Published: June 21, 2025 | Category: Buying Guides
I tested 12 wireless earbuds under $100. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($79) is the best overall. The Nothing Ear (stick) 2 ($79) is the best for style. The OnePlus Bullets Watch 2 ($49) is the best budget pick. Here is my detailed ranking and why each one earns its spot.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: Best Overall Under $100
Price: $79. Battery: 10hrs + 40hrs case. Drivers: 11mm custom. ANC: Hybrid ANC with 3 modes. Codec: LDAC support. The Liberty 4 NC punches above its weight class. ANC performance rivals $200+ earbuds. Sound quality is detailed with adjustable EQ via the Soundcore app. I used these for 3 months — daily commute, gym, and office. They survived sweat, rain, and being tossed in my bag without issues.
Nothing Ear (stick) 2: Best Design and Transparency Mode
Price: $79. Battery: 7hrs + 30hrs case. Drivers: 11.6mm custom. ANC: Hybrid ANC. Codec: AAC, SBC. The Nothing Ear (stick) 2 has the best transparency mode I have tested under $100. You hear the world naturally — not amplified, not distorted. The design is iconic (transparent stem). Touch controls are responsive. Sound is balanced with punchy bass. My only complaint: battery life trails the Anker by 3 hours per charge.
OnePlus Bullets Watch 2: Best Budget Pick Under $50
Price: $49. Battery: 8hrs + 16hrs case. Drivers: 12.4mm. ANC: No ANC. Codec: AAC, SBC. This is not a true wireless earbud — it is a neckband design. But for $49, the sound quality is remarkable. 12.4mm drivers deliver rich bass and clear mids. The watch-shaped case is a novelty that actually works as a charging dock. I recommend this for runners who want secure fit and don’t mind the neckband.
Comparison Table: Best Under $100
| Earbuds | Price | Battery | ANC | Codec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | $79 | 10+40hrs | ✅ | LDAC |
| Nothing Ear (stick) 2 | $79 | 7+30hrs | ✅ | AAC |
| OnePlus Bullets Watch 2 | $49 | 8+16hrs | ❌ | AAC |
Here’s My Take: Which Earbuds Should You Buy?
Buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if you want the best all-rounder. ANC, battery, sound quality — it wins on all fronts. Buy the Nothing Ear (stick) 2 if design matters to you and you want the best transparency mode. Buy the OnePlus Bullets Watch 2 if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind a neckband. I own the Liberty 4 NC. I use them daily for commuting and workouts. They are the best $79 I have spent on audio gear.
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