Best Budget Wireless Earphones or EarBuds under $80 in 2022

scrimshaw on 31/03/2022 - 15:09
Last edited 31/03/2022 - 15:10

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 2022?

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)

We asked this question last year in 2021, and the clear winner of the poll is SoundPEATS TrueAir2 with a massive 180 votes.

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

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Poll Options expired

This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2022. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.
Electrical & Electronics 1MORE Active Noise Cancelling Earphones Anker Bluetooth Earphones Earphones Lenovo SoundPEATS SoundPEATS Life TOZO Vivo What Should I Buy Xiaomi

Comments

  • dust on 31/03/2022 - 16:07

    For those who have both, I'm curious what the difference would be between the TrueAir2 compared to one of the more expensive variety, particularly the microphone performance for phone calls.

  • Fergy1987 on 31/03/2022 - 16:26
    Suggested 1MORE ComfoBuds Pro

    Bought the Comfobuds and found them great for the price.

    • dust on 31/03/2022 - 16:35

      (You can suggest it as a poll option.)

  • Doy on 31/03/2022 - 17:14
    +1

    SoundPEATS True Air 3 is definitely an upgrade, so unsure how/why True Air 2 is in the lead.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 31/03/2022 - 18:24
      +1

      Probably because a lot of us haven't upgraded from the TrueAir 2's that we love.

    • dust on 31/03/2022 - 19:00

      What's better in the 3?

      • Doy on 31/03/2022 - 21:31

        Shorter stem, smaller/more ergonomic case, better sound quality, auto-pause when removing from ear. More you can find on Reddit threads and YouTube vids.

        Much of a muchness in reality, and maybe the 2 even offers better value, but if we’re talking best <$80 the 3 is a step up.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2022 - 12:00

          I've had 3 and returned to 2.

          The metal pins that are at the bottom of the case loosen up in time and the pod(s) won't charge unless in a specific position or pressed upon.

          • furyou on 05/11/2022 - 23:22

            @[Deactivated]: I seem to have that problem with the 2 now, after 1.5yr use.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 01/04/2022 - 09:56
        -1

        Not personal experience, but from many reviews, the mic is far better (which I personally rarely use so haven't bothered upgrading)

    • SEasternCry on 28/04/2022 - 15:11
      +1

      Initially I was buying the True Air 2 from ebay, and they sent me the Air 3 instead XD.

    • simon 84 on 13/07/2022 - 11:52
      +1

      Just purchased Air3 in this Prime Day event at price $41.99. Looking forward it.

    • 4foxache on 11/10/2022 - 13:07

      I've got both and easy True Air 3 is better… I find the sound better than the True Air 2 and that's saying something. They also connect faster when you take them out of the case. For mine the TA2 is good, the TA3 is better.

  • Doy on 31/03/2022 - 17:15
    +1
    Suggested SoundPEATS Air3

    Adding to poll.

  • 786 on 31/03/2022 - 17:50
    Suggested Lenovo LP40

    Lenovo LP40

    https://a.aliexpress.com/_vq5YSi

  • mapax on 31/03/2022 - 18:13
    +1
    Suggested HERILIOS BH079

    They seem to be rebranded TaoTronics SoundLiberty 79. At one point they were only $18 and more recently they have been $20-$25.
    The only thing I’m not impressed with is fit and whilst they seal well they dislodge easily, however it’s likely my ears as most earbuds dislodge easily for me.

    • Kuzdog on 06/04/2022 - 11:50

      I have these too. Amazing value for money. Great battery life and sound quality.
      Mixed results for call quality. They do sometimes come loose and adjusting them turns the sound up or down… sometimes redials your last call if you play with it too long.
      They will work with only one earpiece too which is handy (either one). I bought a second pair when on sale as a back up. Been using my current set for around 2 years. I would recommend these for budget in-ear buds.

      • mapax on 06/04/2022 - 16:53

        When adjusting them I just press on the metallic bit and rest my index finger on the top near the silicone band and it doesn’t mess with the volume or anything.

  • silentsoar on 31/03/2022 - 18:35
    Suggested KZ E10

    KZ E10 - They aren't the smallest or lightest, but comfort is high, and they have extremely good sound for the price point.

  • Quarn on 03/04/2022 - 21:19

    I have the TrueAir 2s but recently bought the SoundPeat T3, better sound, proper ANC and rubber earpieces.
    T3 for the win.

  • HappyPooPants on 05/04/2022 - 14:35
    Suggested Anker Soundcore Life P2 Mini

    Cheaper and seem to have real reviews.
    I personally got the P3 for $89 the other week and are a GREAT buy, though no longer on sale and are over $80 :(

  • Jenko1 on 08/04/2022 - 13:32
    Suggested Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2

    The life dot 2 connects effortlessly to both phone and Garmin watch (something my previous buds have struggled the do) , great sound, stays in on my runs. Slight negative is the lack of noise cancellation when mowing. Can purchase for a tad over $40 on special.

  • NothingButPoor on 10/04/2022 - 17:42

    What? I don't get it, for my SoundPEATS TrueAir2, I always have connection issues:
    1. Not automatically connect when I take it out of the case, have to pair it again
    2. Connects while it's in the case
    3. Volume is really quite on loudest setting
    Make it pretty much useless to be honest!

    • Steptoe on 11/04/2022 - 15:46

      Warranty claim?

  • Moderatorscrimshaw on 12/04/2022 - 14:49

    For the people suggesting an option, if you suggest something but then delete your comment right afterwards your submissions will be deleted or rejected, since it is assumed you are retracting that suggestion. You must provide a reason for suggesting that product.

  • colaman on 15/04/2022 - 10:21

    One can only vote the best if they have tried the rest.

  • So Was Red on 05/05/2022 - 20:08

    SoundPEATS T2 are the best I've ever tried for use under a motorbike helmet

  • Kkuba on 14/05/2022 - 13:55

    Can someone please make a recommendation for me?

    I have had the SoundPeats Truengine V2 for a very long time, and I love them. They are not perfect (in terms of reliability/connecting first time etc), but once connected, they are awesome.

    I thought I had lost them, so I ordered a set to replace them, their replacement: the Truengine V3, and these were awful from an ergonomics perspective. They did not sit snug in the ear, and just felt like they were about to fall out all the time. The actual bud did not protrude far from the body of the earphone, which meant it did not go deep enough into the canal to create a seal, and outside noise would leak in.

    I love the V2s because they create such a good seal that they are very good at supressing external noise, and their sound quality is very good for music.

    The V2s are getting a bit tired, I think battery life is beginning to suffer, so I am looking for a replacement.

    Can anyone suggest anything based on the above, around the same price range? I think the most important factor would be the ear bud design, and ensuring good sound quality. Phone call quality is not an important factor.

  • jonathonsunshine on 15/05/2022 - 11:40

    I bought a pair of "SoundPEATS TrueAir2", hate them, they kept falling out of my ears. Not jogging or anything, just sitting on the train, they'll fall out eventually. Forget trying to eat something with them in. Maybe thats just my ears.

    I'd have bought some of those silicone "hook" things, but I thought I'd have to take them on and off everytime I wanted to put them in the case.

  • takloohaivan on 16/05/2022 - 12:20

    Why does Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 price vary from $129 on kogan to $209 on Samsung official website and anywhere around $150 on ebay or amazon?

    most of these websites mention AU stock. Is it better to buy them from Samsung website when on discount rather than kogan, ebay or amazon or any other seller?

    • scrimshaw on 16/05/2022 - 12:23
      +1

      Kogan sells imported stock and imported Samsung stuff isn't covered by manufacturer warranty, so you'll need to deal with Kogan for RMA's.

      Imported buds are slightly cheaper than local stock, but you generally shouldn't pay more than $120~$140 for them. They're currently $219 from JB, but much cheaper at $154 on Bing Lee (and on the eBay store, coupons may apply)

  • Nillionaire on 22/05/2022 - 23:22

    Question: Is the Air3 the successor to TrueAir2 or are they different lines?

  • Jono258 on 30/05/2022 - 12:20

    I upgraded to soundpeats Air 3 from TrueAir2, next Amazon sale I am going back to the 2s, do not like the new case on the 3s

  • swalloweda on 05/06/2022 - 10:22

    Got fed up with the Soundpeats Air 2's somewhat inconsistent touch controls, so I decided to upgrade to the Air 3.
    Somehow they are even worse. Touch them to adjust and they switch off, take one out and they pause (yay!) and switch off when I put it back in. Adjust anything with touch control and it's a lottery whether it works at all, or just switches off.

    Random pauses, drop-outs and switching off without any clear reason, maybe when hair touches them?
    A few days of frustration and I'm sending them back. The Air 2s are a dream in comparison.

    • CodeXD on 18/07/2022 - 13:33

      I got a pair of air3 from prime day.

      The only issue I have from your list is they auto pause when you take it out of your ear. This 'feature' is listed in the manual but is super annoying when watching a twitch video.

      I've never had it switch off when trying to adjust bud position or touch control.

      Did you end up returning it or did it get better?

      EDIT: looked into the issue and you can turn off in-ear detection from soundpeat app! Now it doesn't pause my videos when I take off the buds!

  • ESEMCE on 17/06/2022 - 17:32

    FIIL T1 lite stand out if all you want are fantastic sounding and very comfortable earphones.
    Microfiber is ok too.
    $50 on AliExpress.

  • ChipsChicky on 18/06/2022 - 12:32

    VIVO TWS 2 - Bluetooth Multipoint (Connects to and switches between 2 devices without the need of unpairing from 1st device and and pairing again to 2nd - You can connect to laptop and mobile at the same time, just pause the video on Laptop and Play something on Mobile and it will start giving output from Mobile and vice-versa)

  • ChipsChicky on 18/06/2022 - 12:33
    Suggested Vivo TWS 2

    This one should be included for comfortable fit, long battery life and Bluetooth multipoint.

  • pauza on 21/06/2022 - 10:30
    +1
    Suggested Haylou W1

    Haylou W1 - the reviews seem good. Haven't used them yet, but they arriving in a few days
    ~$50 on AliExpress

  • ESEMCE on 21/06/2022 - 11:12
    +1
    Suggested FIIL T1 Lite

    Just about all the FIIL earbuds fit this bracket, but perform in at least the next tier.

  • johndoh89 on 03/07/2022 - 23:09

    Got the Yamaha tw-e3a from JB Hifi for $79

    Pretty happy with them.

  • Yorkshire-Man on 04/07/2022 - 06:27

    The Anker Life P3 are easily the best pick for this year, hard to get but eBay has them direct from Anker. The sound quality, battery life & microphones are easily the pick of this year (lol, sad to say I've purchased half of the list).

    They really do excel, you won't regret it.

  • Ciderfizz44 on 06/07/2022 - 10:23
    Suggested Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Lite

    Great budget buds with excellent call quality. Battery life could be better.

  • undadog on 10/07/2022 - 20:03

    i am always on the lookout for great earbuds. for me, microphone stability, clarity and battery life is most important as I use my earbuds mainly for calls. Anyone have any suggestions?

    has anyone tried these earbuds from catch.com.au?
    https://www.catch.com.au/event/mbeat-x3-true-wireless-blueto…

  • Cisco123 on 16/07/2022 - 18:44
    Suggested SoundPEATS Mini Pro

    Really impressed by ANC performance!!

  • eatwell365 on 18/07/2022 - 04:55
    Suggested TOZO NC2

    Picked up @Amazon $42. It’s Taotronics. Like the treble and bass. In ear detection. Transparent mode.

  • dontbeatightarse on 18/07/2022 - 08:27
    -1

    SoundPEATS H1 but you forgot the H2 in the list which are under $80.

  • ace310 on 02/08/2022 - 07:32
    Suggested QCY T13

    QCY T13 has a nice audio quality, decent battery, low latency and are comfortable to wear.

  • apokalypsez on 09/08/2022 - 12:42

    i got both SoundPEATS Air3 and TrueAir2…seems Air3 abit better in term of quality but one really negative thing about soundpeats is touch control hard to do and if in bed on the sideways it turn off…beside touch control thing i could recommend to anyone.

    • CodeXD on 09/08/2022 - 12:44

      I have air3. The soundpeats app on Android can disable 1 tap touch control as well as the in ear detection (it auto pauses music/videos if you remove a bud)

      • apokalypsez on 09/08/2022 - 12:47

        thanks..gonna try it, it's freaking annoying as hell.

  • apokalypsez on 09/08/2022 - 12:48
    +1

    i tried those on ear styles like QCY T13 and there's so many out there, i just feel uncomfortable and have to go with air3 styles…

    i'm really happy with SoundPEATS Air3 and TrueAir2

  • JenifZ on 10/08/2022 - 18:24

    Vivo TWS 2
    Nice noise canceling.👍

  • donbot on 07/09/2022 - 15:34

    I've got from a set of Huawei Freebuds 3 to Soundpeats Air3 - and predominantly use them for phone calls. Had to replace as the battery on the Freebuds 3 was shot after 2.5years of heavy use.

    I'm getting a lot of people saying that I'm muffled on the phone whereas never was before. I wonder if others are reporting the same issue?

  • lazy0971 on 14/09/2022 - 20:03
    Suggested SoundPEATS T3

    Decent ANC and cheap price. Good battery too. Love it!

  • Chippps on 25/09/2022 - 04:16

    Any over ear recommendations?

  • Thank-you God for on 02/10/2022 - 10:29
    Suggested TOZO A1

    With over 31,000 positive reviews on Amazon, sensational deep BASS, how have this God-like earbuds not recommend yet?! It's better than the normal air pods just for just under $30.

  • dust on 21/11/2022 - 14:28
    +1
    Suggested SoundPEATS Life

    Cheap SoundPeats with ANC.

  • bomer on 07/12/2022 - 10:14
    Suggested Soundcore a40

    These are freaking great.

  • dr on 13/12/2022 - 13:31
    Suggested Truefree A1

    TrueFree A1

    Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09ND6FZ7S

    When I saw SoundPeats Air 2 I thought these are my headphones, then after checking my Amazon order history I realized mine are TrueFree - they look like twins (and possible the same actual headphones). I bought 2nd pair after losing 1st one on a trip. IMO they sound better and are more comfortable than 1MORE ComfoBuds Pro which I also own.

    P.S. Moderator, I tried adding this one as a voting option, but it does not appear for some reason. Please consider this as voting nomination

  • chriaj2689 on 15/12/2022 - 19:15

    If you use it for a lot of sport /sweaty activity TrueAir 2 has a tendency to have the connectors failing charge after a while. Have had this on multiple pairs that were used for sport. The ones used for work meetings have been great.

  • Evoke on 02/01/2023 - 18:54

    Bit late to the party, but i have Mifo wireless earbuds, picked them up for $50 when they discounted old stock when the newer model came out, been very happy with them and the battery lasts along time, very well made and the case is aluminium so feels nice and solid.

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