Finding earbuds that sound good, stay put, and do not turn every phone call into a struggle is harder than it looks. Battery claims can be generous, noise cancellation varies widely, and a comfortable fit matters more than another feature buried in an app.
This guide to the Best best earbuds under 100 covers nine genuine wireless options, from simple JBL and JLab models to noise cancelling earbuds with adjustable sound and multipoint connections. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is our top pick, with the Soundcore P30i close behind for its unusual phone-stand case and strong feature set.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Noise cancelling | Battery | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | Best overall | Adaptive ANC, up to 98.5% noise reduction | 10 hours, 50 with case | Frequent travelers and commuters |
| 2 | Soundcore P30i Green | Best feature set | Adaptive ANC up to 42dB | 10 hours, 45 with case | Everyday listening and video |
| 3 | Nothing Ear (a) | Best for sound tuning | Smart ANC up to 45dB | 42.5 hours with case | Listeners who like customization |
| 4 | TOZO NC9 | Best waterproof option | Hybrid ANC up to 45dB | 60 hours | Workouts and outdoor use |
| 5 | JBL Vibe Beam | Best simple JBL pick | Passive isolation | 8 hours, 32 with case | Bass-focused casual listening |
| 6 | JLab Go Air Pop+ | Best compact option | Be Aware mode | 9+ hours, 35+ with case | Small cases and active users |
| 7 | Fhumsh A10 | Best for secure workouts | ENC call noise reduction | 8 hours, 50 with case | Running and gym sessions |
| 8 | HAOYUYAN BX17 | Best battery claim | ENC call noise reduction | 15 hours, 80 with case | Long stretches between charges |
| 9 | Soundcore P30i Black | Best alternate finish | Adaptive ANC up to 42dB | 10 hours, 45 with case | Buyers who prefer the black version |
1. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: Best Overall
Pros
- Adaptive noise cancellation responds to surroundings
- LDAC and adjustable EQ support detailed listening
- Multipoint connection and wear detection
- Six microphones support clearer calls
Cons
- IPX4 protection is modest for serious workouts
- ANC reduces single-charge battery life
- Fit and seal still determine how effective the noise cancellation feels
Best for: commuters, travelers, and listeners who want the most capable all-rounder.
The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the pair we would keep for daily use because it covers the most important jobs without feeling like a specialist product. It is comfortable enough for long listening, has a useful case, and gives you proper control over both noise cancellation and sound. The presentation is lively rather than flat, with enough bass to make pop, electronic music, and podcasts feel full.
Its 11mm drivers support a crisp, detailed sound, while LDAC can transfer more audio data with compatible devices. The HearID 2.0 system and adjustable equalizer are more useful than a handful of fixed sound modes because they let you correct the balance to suit your ears. There are also 22 presets if you would rather choose a starting point than build a profile from scratch.
Noise cancellation is the main reason to choose it over the JBL Vibe Beam or JLab Go Air Pop+. Adaptive ANC 2.0 adjusts to both your ear canal and the surrounding environment, and Soundcore claims noise reduction of up to 98.5%. That figure is not a guarantee that every sound disappears, but the system is designed for the low, constant noise of travel and busy commutes. Transparency mode helps when you need to hear people or traffic.
Battery life reaches 10 hours in normal mode, or 8 hours with ANC active, with the case extending those figures to 50 and 40 hours respectively. Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection, auto play and pause, and six beamforming microphones make it a stronger work companion than the cheaper models here. IPX4 water resistance is the clear limitation. Skip it if you need substantial protection from rain or heavy sweat, but choose it if you want the most complete feature set in this group.
2. Soundcore P30i Green: Best Feature Set
Pros
- Charging case doubles as a phone stand
- Adaptive ANC reaches up to 42dB
- 10mm drivers and BassUp support punchy sound
- Four microphones assist with calls
Cons
- ANC cuts battery life to 6 hours per charge
- Bass-heavy tuning is not for every listener
- Case is less pocket-friendly when used as a stand
Best for: people who watch video on a phone and want noise cancellation without a complicated setup.
The Soundcore P30i Green is the most inventive pair in the list. Its charging case opens into a phone stand, which sounds like a novelty until you are watching a show on a tray table, at a desk, or in a hotel room. It will not replace a tablet stand, but it is a genuinely handy extra and gives this model a clear identity.
Sound comes from 10mm drivers with Soundcore BassUp processing. The result should suit listeners who want a strong low end for modern music and films. Bass enhancement can make spoken content feel less clean than it does on the Liberty 4 NC, so this is not the first choice for someone who prefers a restrained or analytical presentation.
The adaptive active noise cancellation system is rated to reduce noise by up to 42dB. It detects external sound and chooses a cancellation level, while transparency mode lets outside audio through when needed. Four microphones and an AI call algorithm focus on voice pickup, giving it a more convincing call feature list than the JBL Vibe Beam.
Battery life reaches 10 hours without ANC and 6 hours with it. The case takes total listening time to 45 hours, or 25 hours with ANC, and a 10-minute charge adds two hours of use. Bluetooth 5.4 handles pairing and automatic reconnection. The Liberty 4 NC has better sound customization and a longer ANC runtime, but the P30i is the more appealing choice for phone viewing and straightforward everyday use.
3. Nothing Ear (a): Best for Sound Tuning
Pros
- 11mm driver gives bass real depth
- Smart ANC adapts to the ear seal
- Dual-device connectivity supports phone and laptop use
- Low Latency Mode helps with gaming and video
Cons
- Some features require the Nothing X app
- ChatGPT integration requires a Nothing series phone
- ANC battery figures are not specified here
Best for: listeners who want a distinctive sound and useful software controls.
The Nothing Ear (a) stands out because it treats sound as something to shape rather than accept. Its 11mm driver is designed for deeper bass, with additional vents to give the driver more room to move and reduce distortion. That makes it a fun choice for rhythm-heavy music, while the app gives you more control than a basic pair with only a generic bass mode.
Its smart active noise cancellation is rated at 45dB and monitors the seal between the earbud and ear canal. If it detects leakage, it adjusts cancellation intensity. There are three cancellation levels, along with adaptive control through the Nothing X app. A good seal remains essential, but the system is more thoughtful than simply switching one fixed ANC level on and off.
Calls are another strength. The earbuds use six microphones, a dedicated talk microphone, and an airflow channel in the stem to reduce wind interference. Dual-device connectivity lets you move between a laptop and phone, and Low Latency Mode is useful for games and video when timing matters. The 42.5-hour total playback claim applies with ANC off, so listeners using noise cancellation will need to expect less.
Fast charging is unusually useful: 10 minutes can provide up to 10 hours of playback with ANC off. The weakness is that the most interesting features are tied to the app, and ChatGPT access requires a Nothing series phone. The Liberty 4 NC offers broader sound controls, but the Ear (a) is the more characterful option for buyers who like bass, customization, and a visually distinct design.
4. TOZO NC9: Best Waterproof Option
Pros
- IPX8 water resistance suits demanding outdoor use
- Hybrid ANC and transparency mode
- Six earcap sizes help with fit
- 32 EQ options provide extensive sound control
Cons
- Bluetooth range claims do not replace a stable fit
- ANC and transparency performance depend on the ear seal
- App controls may be more than casual listeners need
Best for: active users who want strong water resistance and extensive app tuning.
The TOZO NC9 is the practical sports pick. Its IPX8 water resistance is the strongest protection claim in this group, making it better suited to sweat, rain, and accidental splashes than the IPX4 Soundcore Liberty 4 NC or IP54 JBL Vibe Beam. Water resistance does not make earbuds indestructible, but it gives the NC9 a useful advantage for outdoor routines.
The audio system uses 10mm drivers and TOZO’s OrigX Acoustic 2.0 technology. The tuning emphasizes bass while aiming to preserve clarity for calls, video, and music. Six replacement earcap sizes are included, which is more important than it may sound. The right seal affects comfort, bass response, and ANC more than another processing feature does.
Hybrid ANC can reduce outside noise by up to 45dB, while transparency mode helps you remain aware of your surroundings. Six microphones support call noise reduction, and Bluetooth 5.3 is designed for low-latency listening within a claimed 15-meter range. Those features make it flexible for commuting, remote work, and exercise.
The app is unusually broad, with 32 EQ options and controls for bass, music style, and noise cancellation. Battery life reaches 60 hours in total, though the supplied information does not state the single-charge figure. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is a better choice for multipoint and high-detail wireless audio, but the NC9 is the one to choose when water resistance, fit options, and customization carry more weight.
If your main concern is blocking office and travel noise, the difference between modes matters as much as the headline number. Our guide to how different noise reduction systems affect everyday listening can help clarify that trade-off.
5. JBL Vibe Beam: Best Simple JBL Pick
Pros
- Strong bass from 8mm drivers
- Comfortable closed ergonomic design
- VoiceAware lets you hear your own voice
- IP54 earbuds resist dust and water
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Charging case is rated only IPX2
- Shorter single-charge runtime than several rivals
Best for: listeners who want familiar JBL bass and uncomplicated controls.
The JBL Vibe Beam is refreshingly direct. Put the earbuds in, connect them, and you get the familiar JBL approach of a lively low end without having to build a sound profile. Its 8mm drivers and closed design reinforce bass, making these a natural fit for pop, hip-hop, and exercise playlists.
There is no active noise cancellation, so the Vibe Beam relies on its in-ear seal and closed design to keep external sound at a distance. That is a meaningful step behind the Soundcore P30i, Liberty 4 NC, Nothing Ear (a), and TOZO NC9 on trains, planes, and busy streets. In a quieter office or at home, the simpler design is less of a concern.
Battery life is up to 8 hours in the earbuds and 32 hours with the case. A 10-minute speed charge adds two hours, which is useful when you forget to charge before leaving. VoiceAware lets you adjust how much of your own voice you hear on hands-free stereo calls, a small feature that can make conversations feel more natural.
The earbuds carry an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, while the case is rated IPX2. That distinction matters if the case will live in a gym bag or encounter rain. The JLab Go Air Pop+ is smaller and offers more listening time per earbud, but the JBL Vibe Beam is a better fit for someone who specifically wants punchy JBL sound without app-heavy features.
For readers comparing different wireless designs, the main question is often how much sound and convenience change without a cable. The Vibe Beam makes that transition easy, provided active noise cancellation is not a priority.
6. JLab Go Air Pop+: Best Compact Option
Pros
- Small case and lightweight earbuds
- EQ3 offers Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost modes
- Be Aware mode keeps surroundings audible
- Automatic connection and Google Fast Pair
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Case includes an integrated USB charging cable
- Fewer advanced call features than the top picks
Best for: commuters, runners, and anyone who dislikes bulky charging cases.
The JLab Go Air Pop+ is built around convenience and size. The case is smaller than a credit card, and JLab says the earbuds are 15% smaller and 40% lighter than the earlier Go Air design. That makes them particularly easy to carry for a run, a gym session, or a day when a conventional case feels too large.
The sound is adjustable through the JLab app, with Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost presets. This is less sophisticated than the Liberty 4 NC or Nothing Ear (a), but it gives listeners a sensible choice between a livelier presentation and a more even balance. Three tip sizes help establish the seal needed for clear sound.
Each earbud provides more than 9 hours of playtime, and the case adds more than 26 hours for a total of more than 35 hours. Bluetooth 5.3 handles automatic connection, while Google Fast Pair simplifies setup on compatible Android devices. Be Aware mode brings in ambient sound, which is useful outdoors and when you need to hear an announcement.
The obvious compromise is the absence of active noise cancellation. If you need to reduce engine rumble, choose the Soundcore P30i or Liberty 4 NC instead. The JLab Go Air Pop+ is the cleaner recommendation for someone who values a small case, automatic pairing, basic EQ, and a simple listening routine.
7. Fhumsh A10: Best for Secure Workouts
Pros
- Earhooks help keep the earbuds secure
- IPX7 protection suits intense exercise
- LED display shows case and earbud levels
- Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-device pairing
Cons
- Earhook design is less discreet
- ENC is for call noise reduction, not active listening ANC
- Sound features are less refined than Soundcore options
Best for: runners and gym users who prioritize stability over a low-profile shape.
The Fhumsh A10 is designed for movement first. Reinforced earhooks and three sizes of gel tips give it a more secure approach than the JBL Vibe Beam or JLab Go Air Pop+. The hooks add bulk, but they are useful when ordinary earbuds loosen during intervals, cycling, or high-intensity training.
The 13mm drivers aim for a large, energetic sound, with a claimed latency below 0.05 seconds for games and films. Bluetooth 5.3 is rated for connectivity up to 15 meters, and the product information describes support for dual-device pairing. These features make the A10 more versatile than its workout styling suggests.
Each earbud provides up to 8 hours, while the case brings total use to 50 hours. The case has an LED display showing the levels of both earbuds and the case from 0 to 100%, which is more informative than a single row of lights. Type-C charging takes about 1.5 hours for a full charge according to the product details.
IPX7 waterproofing, a mesh barrier, and internal nano-coating are intended to protect against sweat. The ENC microphones focus on call clarity, including in wind, but ENC should not be confused with active noise cancellation for music. Choose the Fhumsh over the HAOYUYAN BX17 if earhook security matters more than maximum stated battery life.
8. HAOYUYAN BX17: Best Battery Claim
Pros
- Up to 15 hours per charge
- Case claims up to 80 hours total
- Soft earhooks and three tip sizes
- IPX7 water resistance
Cons
- No active noise cancellation for music
- Larger sports design is not ideal for everyone
- Battery figures depend on listening conditions
Best for: users who want to minimize charging and prefer an earhook fit.
The HAOYUYAN BX17 is the battery specialist. It claims up to 15 hours from the earbuds and up to 80 hours with the case, along with eight full recharges. Those are unusually large figures for this category, and they make the BX17 appealing for travel, long work shifts, or anyone who regularly forgets charging routines.
Its 14.3mm drivers are intended to produce punchy bass and clear treble. The in-ear acoustic structure and balanced air pressure design aim to limit leakage, while ENC is used to reduce background noise during calls. As with the Fhumsh A10, this is call-focused noise reduction rather than ANC that actively quiets the listening environment.
Soft earhooks, three ear tip sizes, and IPX7 water resistance point toward sports use. The case has a dual LED display that shows battery levels when opened or closed, and Type-C fast charging makes topping up straightforward. Touch controls cover music, calls, and volume.
The large battery claim is its strongest reason to buy, but it is not the most polished audio or call platform here. Soundcore P30i offers actual active noise cancellation, and JLab Go Air Pop+ is less conspicuous in the ear. Pick the BX17 if you want a secure sports fit and long stretches away from a charger, not if a compact design or advanced ANC is your first concern.
9. Soundcore P30i Black: Best Alternate Finish
Pros
- Charging case works as a phone stand
- Adaptive ANC up to 42dB
- 10mm drivers with BassUp
- Bluetooth 5.4 and four microphones
Cons
- Same ANC battery limitation as the other P30i
- Bass-focused tuning is not the most neutral
- Case stand design adds bulk
Best for: shoppers who want the P30i feature set in a black finish.
The Soundcore P30i Black is the same core design as the green P30i listed above, with the black finish as the distinguishing detail in this set. Its appeal comes from the combination of useful extras and uncomplicated controls. The case becomes a phone stand, and the earbuds provide transparency mode alongside active noise cancellation.
The 10mm drivers and BassUp processing favor a full, punchy presentation. That suits films and bass-driven playlists, although the Nothing Ear (a) offers more involved sound shaping and the Liberty 4 NC has the broader audio toolkit. Bluetooth 5.4 supports one-step pairing and reconnection to the last paired device.
ANC is rated to reduce noise by up to 42dB, with adaptive processing that chooses a level based on external sound. Battery life is up to 10 hours without ANC and 6 hours with it, while the case extends total listening to 45 hours or 25 hours with ANC. A 10-minute charge provides two hours of playback.
The four-microphone call system is useful for routine conversations, but the P30i is not the strongest reason to choose this model over the other P30i entry. Pick the black version if that finish suits your gear or if the listing is the one you prefer. Otherwise, the Liberty 4 NC remains the more complete Soundcore option, while the P30i wins on its phone stand.
How to choose best earbuds under 100
The right pair depends on the way you listen most often. Start with noise control and fit, then consider battery behavior, call hardware, and app support.
Noise cancellation
Active noise cancellation uses microphones and processing to reduce outside sound, especially steady engine and air-conditioning noise. The Liberty 4 NC, Nothing Ear (a), P30i, and TOZO NC9 have ANC, while the JBL, JLab, Fhumsh, and HAOYUYAN models rely on passive isolation or call-focused ENC.
A higher decibel claim does not guarantee better results for every ear. Seal, ear shape, and the type of noise all matter. Transparency mode is also important because good earbuds should let you hear announcements, traffic, or nearby conversation without removal.
The best noise cancellation is useless if the ear tips cannot maintain a comfortable seal.
Fit and water resistance
A secure fit affects bass, clarity, and ANC performance. Earhooks on the Fhumsh A10 and HAOYUYAN BX17 are useful for exercise, while the JLab Go Air Pop+ takes a smaller, less conspicuous approach. Multiple tip sizes are helpful when standard earbuds loosen or cause pressure.
Water protection varies considerably. The TOZO NC9 has IPX8 protection, the Fhumsh A10 and HAOYUYAN BX17 have IPX7, and the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds have IP54 protection. The Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is rated IPX4. These ratings describe resistance to water exposure, not immunity to damage from every workout or immersion.
Battery life
Look at both earbud runtime and case runtime. The P30i reaches 10 hours without ANC, the Liberty 4 NC reaches 10 hours in normal mode, and the JLab Go Air Pop+ exceeds 9 hours per earbud. Noise cancellation usually reduces the single-charge figure, as shown by the P30i dropping to 6 hours and the Liberty 4 NC to 8 hours.
Fast charging can matter more than a very large case number. JBL adds two hours after 10 minutes, Soundcore P30i adds two hours after 10 minutes, and Nothing Ear (a) claims up to 10 hours after 10 minutes with ANC off. Treat long total figures as a guide rather than a promise for every volume and listening mode.
Sound and equalization
Driver size alone does not predict sound quality, but it can help explain the tuning goal. JBL uses 8mm drivers, the Soundcore P30i and TOZO NC9 use 10mm drivers, and the Liberty 4 NC and Nothing Ear (a) use 11mm drivers. Fhumsh and HAOYUYAN emphasize larger drivers and punchy bass.
EQ support gives you a way to correct sound that is too bright, thin, or bass-heavy. Liberty 4 NC has HearID 2.0, a fully adjustable EQ, and 22 presets. TOZO offers 32 EQ options, while JLab includes Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost modes. The simpler JBL Vibe Beam is better for listeners who want to choose earbuds and start listening.
Calls and connections
Microphone count is only part of call quality, but it is a useful clue. Liberty 4 NC and TOZO NC9 use six microphones, Nothing Ear (a) uses six microphones plus a dedicated talk microphone, and P30i uses four microphones with AI processing. The Fhumsh A10 and HAOYUYAN BX17 use ENC for call noise reduction.
Multipoint or dual-device support helps people who move between a computer and phone. Liberty 4 NC supports multipoint, Nothing Ear (a) supports dual-device connectivity, and Fhumsh describes dual-device pairing. Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4 helps with current device compatibility, but it does not fix a poor fit or guarantee uninterrupted performance in every environment.
Frequently asked questions
Do these earbuds all have active noise cancellation?
No. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, Soundcore P30i, Nothing Ear (a), and TOZO NC9 include active noise cancellation. JBL Vibe Beam and JLab Go Air Pop+ use passive isolation, while the Fhumsh A10 and HAOYUYAN BX17 describe ENC for calls rather than ANC for music.
Which pair is best for commuting?
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the strongest commuting choice because it combines adaptive ANC, transparency mode, long battery life, and multipoint connection. Soundcore P30i is a good alternative if the phone-stand case is useful to you.
Which earbuds are best for running?
The Fhumsh A10 and HAOYUYAN BX17 use earhooks to improve stability during movement. The TOZO NC9 is also a strong option for outdoor exercise because it combines a secure in-ear fit with IPX8 water resistance.
Can I use the earbuds for phone and laptop calls?
Several models support switching between devices. Liberty 4 NC has multipoint, Nothing Ear (a) supports dual-device connectivity, and Fhumsh A10 describes dual-device pairing. Other models may require disconnecting from one device before connecting to another.
How important is the charging case battery display?
A display makes it easier to know when the case or either earbud needs charging. Fhumsh A10 and HAOYUYAN BX17 show detailed levels, while the other models may use simpler indicators or rely on a connected phone.
Are ENC and ANC the same thing?
No. ANC is designed to reduce outside sound while you listen. ENC usually processes microphone input to reduce background noise for the person on the other end of a call. Earbuds with ENC can still allow outside noise into your music.
Which model has the most customizable sound?
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers HearID 2.0, a fully adjustable EQ, and 22 presets. TOZO NC9 provides 32 EQ options, while Nothing Ear (a) also offers advanced equalizer controls through its app.
The bottom line
The Best best earbuds under 100 start with the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. It has the most complete balance of adaptive ANC, customizable sound, multipoint connection, call hardware, and battery life. Choose the Soundcore P30i instead if the built-in phone stand and simpler feature set are more useful to you.
For exercise, the TOZO NC9 offers the strongest water-resistance claim, while the JLab Go Air Pop+ is the easiest to carry. The Nothing Ear (a) is the more interesting pick for listeners who want adjustable sound and dual-device support.
If you are undecided, choose the Liberty 4 NC for everyday listening, or the TOZO NC9 when water resistance is your first priority.
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