Best Budget Wireless Earphones or EarBuds under $80 in 2021

scrimshaw on 05/03/2021 - 16:02
Last edited 05/03/2021 - 16:02

Moderators at OzBargain have decided to run yearly polls to decide the best products in popular categories that get asked repeatedly in the forum. Our aim is to have a central thread where users can vote on the items, suggest options and also change their vote throughout the year. The polls will end once the year is over.

Question

What are the best Budget Wireless BT earbuds in 2021?

Some of the things you need to consider apart from their sound quality:

  • Battery life of both the charging case and earbuds
  • Size of the charging case
  • How well the buds fit in your ear, comfort, could you wear it while jogging or exercising
  • The quality of the microphone for clearer phone calls
  • Active noise cancelling or passive noise isolation
  • Water resistance (for sweaty workouts)

Remember: You can change your votes at anytime, and suggest more than 1 product over the course of the poll.

How do I suggest products to What Should I Buy polls?

If you have a product that you would like to suggest for the poll (that is currently not in the Poll Options), you'll need to make a top-level comment (i.e. not replying someone else's comment) and fill up "Suggestions" text box just above your comment:

Suggestion box

Do try to make a sensible suggestion (e.g make sure the item is still available to purchase) and include a brief argument as to why you would recommend the product. You can only suggest 1 product at a time.

Poll Options expired

This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2021. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.
Electrical & Electronics Active Noise Cancelling Earphones Anker Bluetooth Earphones Earphones OnePlus QCY SoundPEATS TaoTronics What Should I Buy Xiaomi

Comments

  • kiitos on 05/03/2021 - 16:43
    +4
    Suggested SoundPEATS TrueAir2

    Airpod-like, decent sound, small charging case, and around $40

    • SmokeyTheCorgi on 13/03/2021 - 15:02
      +4

      Very, very surprised at the sound quality. These are VERY good headphones for the price.
      There are just a few minor things that annoy me:
      - The case needs to have power to actually "turn off" the headphones. If your case runs out of battery and you put the headphones into the case expecting them to turn off, they DO NOT and you are still paired to your device (And will eventually run out of power on the headphones)
      - The charge port is on the side, so it's just a little disorienting for me where I can open the case from.
      - I'm personally not a fan of the hard tips (on other headphones as well) as they always fall out.

      All in all though, amazing headphones for the price.

    • maruko on 21/03/2021 - 13:53
      +1

      Honestly not that impressed. Ended up buying airpods.
      Pros - auto connect, semi-in-ear, compact, low price
      Cons - They sometimes lose connection to one ear, they can have sync issues with some devices.

    • G-rig on 06/04/2021 - 21:31

      Except they are noticeably bigger than airpods and hurt your ears, had to send mine back to Amazon.
      Fairly personal though, just a heads up. They did sound good and handy case/features for the price.

    • RedHab on 11/04/2021 - 19:39

      They are great. The only downside is the touch sensitivity. You can drop a call or skip a track just by accidentally touching them. It would be good if you could turn this off.

      • G-rig on 14/04/2021 - 22:58

        Yes, there is always something not perfect with whichever model :)
        for the price you wouldn't worry about it too much (except with comfort, they were too big for my ears).
        Ended up getting some Sony wh-1000xm4

    • phamaroo on 02/06/2021 - 18:32

      I'd return mine if I could. The left side does not at all stay in my ears, mostly because of the matte texture, and when I adjust them I inadvertently activate the touch controls. I don't experience near the same thing with AirPods as they are smooth and don't have touch controls. Makes the TA2s unusable. I'll buy a $15 alternative off Aliexpress next time.

      Have bought some foam covers to try and fix the problem; hopefully the earbuds will still fit in my ears.

    • onlinepred on 03/09/2021 - 10:30

      Why is everyone rating these against airpods? These sound significantly worse, are less reliable, have connection issues, and the mic's are terrible.

    • j ck on 10/02/2022 - 17:04

      bought a pair a year ago, did not last long and touch controls where terrible, would definitely no recommend. now using nothing ear (1) which are a vast improvement even considering the price jump.

  • jayboi on 05/03/2021 - 17:33
    Suggested Xiaomi Redmi Airdots 3

    You can find the newly released Xiaomi redmi airdots 3 for under $80 and they’ve got great sound quality and are well integrated with Xiaomi phones, they are also quite futureproof as they have Bluetooth 5.2 which is quite amazing for the price and they have ear detection.

  • MaccasAU on 05/03/2021 - 19:09
    Suggested KZ S1 S1D

    this would be cool to add

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000459372112.html?aff_fsk=_…

    • MaccasAU on 05/03/2021 - 19:09

      KZ S1 S1D

  • toughen on 05/03/2021 - 21:51
    +1
    Suggested QCY T5

    Usually I'm a Xiaomi/KZ fan, but after reading reviews I ended up buying a the QCY T5 earbuds and I can't justify spending more money on earbuds. I've read all the articles where they prove that headphones/speakers don't "wear-in" but I swear that when I got them I was initially disappointed but after a few hours of playback I was really impressed (even after going back to my Piston 3's.

    This site is a goldmine - https://www.scarbir.com/truewireless

    • shiggaz on 14/03/2021 - 18:53

      Thank you! That site is awesome!!

  • sss333 on 08/03/2021 - 19:20

    Anyone got suggestions for best budget wired ones?

  • monkp on 09/03/2021 - 18:44
    Suggested Sennheiser Momentum Free

    Bought one from the previous deal back in January. Now back in stock @ $70 delivered.

    It doesn't have V-shaped sound profile so you either hate it or love it. However it's a keeper for me.

  • capslock janitor on 10/03/2021 - 13:45

    Idk but glad I'm here, a relo was looking for one, so this is timely

  • cenakhoa on 10/03/2021 - 17:38

    Considering last deal price was $101 due to the 85t introduction this ear phone should be in the list. Decent brand, durable materials, multiple mics to reduce noice

    • scrimshaw on 10/03/2021 - 18:01

      It really needs to be "regularly" available at $80 or less to be considered a budget option. When I created this poll, the $80 price ceiling was already kind of stretching it. $100 is most likely not budget by normie definitions.

      Feel free to vote / suggest it at the sub $250 poll here

  • onlinepred on 12/03/2021 - 15:47

    I got Samsung live buds for $89 off FB marketplace new in box. Easily the better buy from these if you fork out just $10-20 more.

  • deepdag on 14/03/2021 - 18:56

    Which one would be good for calls. I'm always on the road and need best call quality. So far always stuck to Plantronics.

  • gibspmuh on 14/03/2021 - 22:21

    The Sony WI-C600N Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones on clearance for $49 are a bargain -
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SONY-Wireless-Noise-Cancelling-I…

    I picked up a pair previously and even though they're neckband style they're relatively unobtrusive and sound good too. They've got them in silver and blue at the same price as well.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SONY-Wireless-Noise-Cancelling-I…

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SONY-Wireless-Noise-Cancelling-I…

  • tomlikesbeetroot on 15/03/2021 - 00:38

    I went for the Taotronics as a replacement for my airpods pro (which incidentally were also a replacement for my sony wf-1000mx3 (yeah I suck at not losing small things))

    I'm happy with them.
    This site is also good for comparing options https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews

  • Belistic on 18/03/2021 - 13:02
    Suggested Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds

    $79 currently on ebay. Can't fault them… (I had a $50 ebay plus voucher to use, so even better value).

    It was my last resort after trying numerous others, before I gave into getting airpods.

  • Geoff-bargain on 24/03/2021 - 09:11

    I just bought TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79 and while they are pretty good - sound seems good, though I mostly listen to podcasts and radio so I'm probably not the right person to judge audio quality, what annoys me is the large led that seems to flash a lot. Trying to use them at night when my wife is trying to sleep can be a bit annoying. I'm going to look into unplugging the led.

  • JSki on 25/03/2021 - 13:03

    Anyone got any advice wanting a set of earbuds with best Microphone quality for work calls?

    • AncientWisdom on 07/11/2021 - 15:11

      I've got the new Google Pixel A buds and everyone seems happy.
      For a cheaper option (an old ozb favourite) I've used these for years for working remotely and they're very good:
      SoundPEATS QC30

      I made the mistake of trusting the brand and bought the True engine 3 SE, and EVERYBODY always complain that they can't hear me clearly.

  • dan76n on 31/03/2021 - 06:32
    Suggested SoundPeats Trueshift 2

    I’m using Soundpeats Trueshift 2’s and they work really well.
    I wear them running and have not even thought about them falling out.
    The big bonus with these is the charging case can also charge your phone and it’s not just a gimmick as it has the capacity to do so.
    Downside is the case is bigger than others.
    My bigger gripe with all Soundpeats is they will only automatically connect to the last device so if you have them paired to your phone and tablet and use them with you phone, the next time you use them with your tablet you need to hit connect in the tablets settings.
    Had an issue with one ear and after trouble shooting Soundpeats replaced for me so after service team are great.

  • opelcalibra on 31/03/2021 - 19:01
    Suggested Tronsmart Onyx Ace

    Very happy with mine, got them on sale at 28 AUD.
    Aptx certified, great battery life and 4 mics.

    Used extensively for work whole walking and sound quality has been excellent

    • m0tyrider on 21/08/2021 - 15:37

      Have found these to be great sound quality, but mine struggle to hold charge and sometimes don't even charge. This is the second pair ive had. Sadly cannot recommend them.

  • oadvdotcom on 01/04/2021 - 00:47
    Suggested AWEI T29

    It's very clear for me, perfect fit in ear

  • belongsinforums on 04/04/2021 - 11:06
    +1

    Probably need categories like best for music, best for calls, best for comfort, best for value, best if money isn't a factor. Airdots are decent but terrible for calls

  • usbc activist on 12/04/2021 - 21:04
    Suggested Creative Outlier Air V1

    The V1 is just $60 now. Great value for money even with any drawbacks

  • urahara on 18/04/2021 - 17:30

    Havent been much on deal , but price is almost the same eevry where which is around $129
    Has active noise cancellation and solid base.
    https://www.scarbir.com/tws/edifier-tws-nb2-review

  • shiggaz on 07/05/2021 - 08:57

    I ended up buying the Mpow M30 from Aliexpress for $30. They are pretty nice. Found them through the website in this post: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/10172373/redir

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000943456120.html?spm=a2g0s…

  • 4foxache on 21/05/2021 - 23:45

    Soundpeats TrueAir2 easily the best budget option, honourable mention for the QCY T5 buds also good but not quite the same level.

  • Ziaina on 31/05/2021 - 18:06

    Recently have owned Soundpeats TrueAir2, the only issue I have is with the unintended touch on the top of the bud where its actually quite annoying…

  • hamwhisperer on 12/06/2021 - 09:05

    Feel like this poll should be run every 6 months to be honest. The market is moving quickly.

    • scrimshaw on 12/06/2021 - 13:58

      you're not permanently locked into a choice after voting, if you've decided that something else is better and deserves attention feel free to suggest it in the comments, write why you like it and it'll be presented as a new choice that people can vote on. (If it isn't already in one of the suggested options). You can also revoke the vote and place it on something else

      There are also random encounters on the Ozb front page that remind people once in a while to return to the poll to (re)vote

  • pformag on 19/07/2021 - 12:30
    Suggested SoundPEATS Q

    SOUNDPEATS Q

    Much better the the trueair, fits better, and sound better.

  • Chippps on 01/08/2021 - 09:34

    Thinking of getting the SoundPEATS True Air 2 but my ear doesn't always like those type of buds.

    It's also not a fan of in ear.

    Anyone got any suggestions?

  • MatrixM on 09/09/2021 - 08:15

    Think this should be redone after the amazon cull, lot of deals aren't as frequent now. Any suggestions on ANC? My first experience is with the Soundpeats T2 which were pretty great for the half price i got them, though volume is a little low and now the left earbud is defective with ANC (hoping for a replacement)

    • hamwhisperer on 09/09/2021 - 10:18

      Also need some people to be allowed to discuss the Jabras without endless downvotes.

  • tchcrat on 12/11/2021 - 17:55

    Edifier tws NB330/ NB2 Pro has the right balance of sound quality + ANC + Comefort

    If ANC is not needed any Lenovo earbuds wiht 12/13mm drivers for in the $15-25 range has enough sound quality to match any above avereage earphones. Which one to choose mostly depends on one's own ear shape and preference of sealed vs open style of earphones. eg: LP1s, HT38,HT92 etc etc

    KZ/CCA/TRN also have couple of DD+BA hybrid TWS IEMs in that price range.

  • tchcrat on 12/11/2021 - 17:56

    For overear comfort with option for wired and BT use

  • tchcrat on 12/11/2021 - 17:57

    For overear comfort with ANC

  • 786 on 31/12/2021 - 00:03
    Suggested Lenovo LP40

    Lenovo LP40 (https://a.aliexpress.com/_vtqomB)

  • isaw on 04/01/2022 - 13:17

    Trying to find some TWS earphones (shank style) with ANC and a wireless charging case. I seem to be failing badly! Does something currently exist?

  • revheadgl on 25/01/2022 - 09:53

    SoundPEATS Air3.

    The fit and sound is b$gger all different than my mates Airpods. Just a 1/5 of the price.

    • StonedWizard on 27/03/2022 - 12:20

      Do you have any recommendations on what a product, if I'm willing to spend more money than the Air3?

      • revheadgl on 27/03/2022 - 14:10

        Sorry, I cant really help as I have not listened to many earbuds and I only use them occasionally anyway.

        I guess the Apple Airpods 2nd Gen are the most expensive ones I have listened too and I liked them. To me, the Air3's really aren't too much different in fit and sound. But my hearing somewhat damaged so it'snot likely that I will pick on a lot of differences.

  • jolt on 09/03/2022 - 16:28

    Which of these have the best microphones for phone calls?

  • StonedWizard on 27/03/2022 - 12:20

    Is there an updated 2022 list?

    • scrimshaw on 27/03/2022 - 12:22

      Coming soon in April.

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