Best Budget Earbuds Under $50

TL;DR: The Soundcore P40i packs adaptive ANC with –21.12 dB attenuation, 11 mm drivers and up to 12 hours of playback per charge, all for $41.98.

What really stands out is the –21.12 dB adaptive ANC combined with a bass‑boosted 11 mm driver, giving you a noticeable drop in ambient noise while still delivering a punchy low‑end. The earbuds also hold a 12‑hour battery life on a single charge and reach a total of 60 hours when the charging case is included, which is far beyond the 7–9 hour ranges you’ll find on most of the other six contenders.

Within this roundup, the P40i is the heaviest at 0.12 pounds, edging out the EarFun Air (≈0.108 pounds) and the lighter JLab and Xiaomi models, which sit under 0.10 pounds. It’s also pricier than the rest of the group, but that extra cost brings features like a 2‑in‑1 case that doubles as a phone stand, HearID EQ customization via the Soundcore app, and six microphones with an AI call algorithm for clearer voice chats.

Users consistently praise the marathon‑long battery and the convenience of the wireless‑charging case, while professional reviewers note the solid –21 dB noise reduction, ideal for commuting. On the flip side, the heavy bass boost (+10.66 dB low, +12.51 dB mid) can sound boomy on complex tracks, and many mention that the earbuds feel a bit loose in larger ear canals, leading to occasional slip‑outs.

Best for: Audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality and advanced features

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $41.98

TL;DR: The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play deliver a 10 mm driver, 36‑hour total battery life and ultra‑light 3.6 g earbuds for under $20, making them a solid budget pick despite a single‑driver sound signature.

What really stands out is the combined 36‑hour battery life when the case is full, plus a 10‑minute fast‑charge that adds about 3 hours of playback. The earbuds themselves hold 57 mAh and run 7.5 hours on a single charge, while the charging case packs a 600 mAh battery. At just 3.6 g per earbud and a total weight of 40.0 g, they feel almost weightless in the ear.

Compared with the six other contenders, these buds are lighter than the Soundcore P40i and EarFun Air, yet a touch heavier than the ultra‑light JLab Go Air Pop+. Their total playtime outlasts the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Black (30 hours) and the EarFun Free 2S (23 hours), and it matches the JLab Go Sport+’s roughly 35‑hour claim. The 10 mm driver sits between the 6 mm driver of the JLab Go Sport+ and the 11 mm unit in the Soundcore P40i, offering a middle‑ground sound profile. The case is more compact than the EarFun Air’s larger shell, and the Bluetooth 5.4 low‑latency link gives a steadier connection than the older 5.1 found in the JLab Go Air Pop+.

User sentiment repeatedly praises the marathon‑lasting battery and the comfort from the 3.6 g weight, noting that AI‑enhanced noise reduction keeps calls clear even in bustling cafés. Professional reviewers also highlight the low‑latency Bluetooth 5.4 and the intuitive customizable touch gestures. On the downside, listeners mention that a single 10 mm driver can’t deliver the depth of dual‑driver rivals, and the lack of active noise cancellation or a transparency mode limits usefulness in noisy environments.

Beyond the headline specs, the buds support five preset EQ modes that you can tweak via the companion app, feature an IPX4 splash‑resistant rating, and run on a 16 Ω impedance with a rated power of 5 mW. The specs list the Bluetooth range at 10 m, with a maximum transmission distance of about 33 ft (≈10.1 m), covering most indoor and commuter scenarios.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You need active noise cancellation, premium sound fidelity, or an ambient mode for situational awareness

TL;DR: The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Black pack a 14.2 mm driver, dual‑mic wind‑cancelling calls and up to 30 hours total playtime for $24.75, but they lack ANC and have modest per‑earbud battery life.

What really stands out is the 14.2 mm dynamic driver, which reviewers note delivers a bass‑heavy, low‑distortion sound signature. The earbuds also feature dual‑mic noise reduction that can cancel wind up to 4 m/s, and they offer 6 hours of playback on a single charge with a total of 30 hours when the case is fully topped up. At 0.09 pounds, they're light enough for all‑day wear.

Compared with the six other budget contenders, the Redmi Buds 6 Black have the largest driver – bigger than the 6 mm driver in the JLab Go Sport+, the 7 mm unit in the EarFun Free 2S, the 10 mm driver in the Redmi Buds 6 Play, and the 11 mm driver in the Soundcore P40i. They are heavier than ultra‑light options like the JLab Go Air Pop+ and the JLab Go Sport+, but lighter than the Soundcore P40i (0.12 lb) and the EarFun Air (0.11 lb). Battery life per earbud (6 hours) trails the 7‑hour offering of the EarFun Free 2S and the 7.5‑hour run of the Redmi Buds 6 Play, while the total 30 hours falls short of the 35‑hour totals of the JLab models and the 60‑hour total of the Soundcore P40i. On the connectivity side, the Buds 6 Black use Bluetooth 5.4, a step ahead of the 5.1 used by the JLab Go Air Pop+.

User feedback consistently praises the clear call quality thanks to the dual‑mic system and the long‑lasting total battery life, which many note is strong for a budget earbud. However, users frequently mention sound leakage from the open‑ear design, and commuters don’t like the lack of active noise cancellation. Professional reviewers also highlight the stable Bluetooth 5.4 link and the ultra‑low latency mode at 90 ms, which helps with casual gaming.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The JLab Go Sport+ offers IP55‑rated, ear‑hook‑secured earbuds with 35+ hours of total playtime, quick‑charge capability, and a comfortable fit for under $25.

What really stands out is the IP55 sweat‑ and splash‑proof rating combined with a sport‑earhook design that keeps the 6 mm dynamic drivers snug during vigorous activity. The case holds enough juice for 35+ hours of total Bluetooth playtime, and a 10‑minute quick‑charge burst adds roughly an hour of listening.

Compared with the six other earbuds in this roundup, the Go Sport+ is heavier than the ultra‑light JLab Go Air Pop+ (≈0.00066 lb) and the EarFun Free 2S (≈0.0088 lb), and even a bit heavier than Soundcore’s P40i (≈0.12 lb). Its total playtime matches the Go Air Pop+ (≈35 hours) and exceeds most rivals—Xiaomi Redmi Bud 6 Black (≈30 hours) and EarFun Free 2S (≈23 hours)—but falls short of Soundcore’s 60‑hour claim.

Users appreciate the long‑lasting battery and secure fit, but the 4.1‑star rating from over 26 k reviews signals a modest level of satisfaction. Review notes highlight the reliable connection via Bluetooth 5.3, support for Google Fast Pair, and the JLab app’s custom EQ presets, and review notes occasionally mention the lack of active noise cancellation.

Best for: Active users who need a secure, sweat‑proof earbud with long battery life for workouts and outdoor activities.

Avoid if: You prioritize the lightest possible design or a higher overall user rating.

TL;DR: The EarFun Free 2S offers a 7 mm driver, IPX7 sweat resistance and 23 hours of total playback for $31.34, but its 4.1‑star rating trails some rivals.

What really stands out is the 7 mm driver paired with a full 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response, promising clear mids and highs for everyday listening. The earbuds pack a 40 mAh battery that delivers up to 7 hours of music on a single charge, and the charging case extends total playtime to 23 hours. A quick‑charge burst of just 10 minutes adds roughly 2 hours of playback, while the full charge takes about 1.5 hours.

Compared with the seven other picks, the Free 2S sits in the mid‑price band and is heavier than the JLab Go Air Pop+ and Go Sport+ (both under 0.001 lb) but lighter than the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Black, EarFun Air, Soundcore P40i and Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play, which all exceed 0.09 lb. Battery life is respectable: JLab Go Sport+ lists 9 hours per earbud and JLab Go Air Pop+ offers 9 hours total, while the Xiaomi model gives 6 hours and Soundcore pushes 12 hours. So the Free 2S lands between the lower‑end and the high‑end options.

Reviewers frequently praise the IPX7 rating for surviving sweaty workouts and the fast‑charge convenience, but they also note the 4.1‑star average and occasional connectivity hiccups. The 14,782 reviews suggest a solid user base, yet the rating falls below the 4.4‑star scores of several competitors. The ergonomic in‑ear design and 18‑month warranty get highlighted as positives, while the modest driver size and weight of 4 g (0.0088125 lb) serve as trade‑offs against larger‑driver, longer‑play models.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: For $24.88, the JLab Go Air Pop+ delivers 9 hours of playback per charge, 35 hours total, IPX4 splash resistance and three EQ presets, and has earned a 4.4‑star rating from over 18 k reviewers.

What really stands out is the battery endurance – the earbuds hold 540 minutes (9 hours) on a single charge and the charging case adds another 1 500 minutes, giving a total of 2 100 minutes (35 hours) before you need to plug in. That kind of runtime is rare at this price point and comfortably exceeds the 6‑hour playtime of the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Black and the 7‑hour runtime of the EarFun Free 2S.

When you line the Go Air Pop+ up against the six other contenders, it remains one of the lightest options and the only one that lists an IPX4 water‑resistance rating. The JLab Go Sport+ offers the same 9‑hour per‑earbud runtime but weighs 0.0009 lb, while the Soundcore P40i pushes 12 hours of playback and sits at the top of the weight range. In short, the Go Air Pop+ gives you long listening time, a splash‑proof design and a feather‑light feel without the premium price tag of the higher‑end models.

Everyday users appreciate the reliable Bluetooth 5.1 connection, the touch‑control interface and the companion app that lets you toggle three built‑in EQ presets (Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost). Professional reviewers note the solid performance‑to‑price ratio and the convenient Fast Pair feature. On the flip side, listeners report that the treble can become harsh at higher volumes, some users report inconsistent bass response, and the built‑in microphone struggles in noisy environments – a common trade‑off for earbuds that don’t include active noise cancellation.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The EarFun Air delivers solid bass, IPX7 water resistance and a comfortable fit at $39.99, but its lack of ANC and higher price keep it from being the cheapest option.

Weighing in at 0.108 lb, the EarFun Air feels sturdy enough for active use while still being light enough for all‑day wear. Its price tag of $39.99 places it toward the premium side of the sub‑$50 earbud field, and the 4.2‑star rating from 17,031 reviewers signals generally positive reception.

Compared with the six other earbuds in this roundup, the Air is heavier than the JLab Go Sport+ (0.0009 lb), JLab Go Air Pop+ (0.00066 lb), Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Play (0.099 lb) and Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Black (0.095 lb), and only the Soundcore P40i (0.12 lb) feels a bit bulkier. Its price is also higher than many of the budget‑focused models, which means you’ll pay more for the extra build quality and water‑resistance features.

Reviewers consistently praise the earbuds for their “meaty and very punchy” bass and the secure, medium‑sized eartips that stay put during workouts. Professional editors note the stable Bluetooth 5.0 link and that the four‑mic array keeps calls clear even in noisy gyms. Users also like the long‑lasting charge, which can stretch to a full day of listening, though the lack of active noise cancellation and a companion EQ app are common complaints, especially for commuters or audiophiles seeking finer sound control.

Best for: Active users who value water resistance, solid bass and reliable call quality and are willing to spend a bit more for those perks.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $39.99.