Noise cancelling, hi-res codecs and 40-plus hours of battery used to cost well over $100. This price band now covers most of it. The six pairs below list between $52.99 and $99.99 on Amazon, and all of them work with Android.
Everyone has their own preferences, and there is something here for everyone. By the brands' own figures, total battery runs from 25+ hours with the JLab to 60 hours with the Soundcore P40i. The $99 end of the range adds hi-res codecs such as LDAC, aptX Lossless and LHDC, while the cheaper pairs focus on size, battery life and everyday ANC.
JLab JBuds Mini ANC: best for tiny size
JLab says the JBuds Mini ANC are the smallest true wireless earbuds from any major headphone brand, at 3.14g per earbud. The case is 50% smaller than before and clips onto your keys with an included keychain clip.
JLab lists active noise cancellation with a Be Aware transparency mode, plus EQ4 sound, a customizable EQ and Lab Spatial Audio in the JLab app. It quotes 7+ hours per earbud and 25+ hours in total, with 10 minutes of charging giving 1 hour of playback.
Key specs
- Price: $52.99 on Amazon at the time of writing
- ANC: yes, with Be Aware transparency mode, per JLab
- Battery: 7+ hours per earbud, 25+ hours with the case, per JLab
- Durability: IP55 dust and sweat resistance, 2-year warranty
- Weight: 3.14g per earbud
Soundcore P40i: best for budget ANC
Soundcore says the P40i pairs adaptive noise cancelling with 11mm composite drivers and BassUp tuning. It quotes 12 hours per charge and 60 hours with the case.
For calls, Soundcore lists six microphones with an AI algorithm. The case doubles as a phone stand, which is handy on a desk or a train table.
Key specs
- Price: $59.99 list
- ANC: adaptive, per Soundcore
- Drivers: 11mm composite with BassUp, per Soundcore
- Battery: 12 hours per charge, 60 hours with the case, per Soundcore
- Calls: six microphones with an AI call algorithm
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro: best for battery life
OnePlus says the Nord Buds 3 Pro use hybrid ANC reaching up to 49dB, driven by a 12.4mm titanium-coated diaphragm. Battery is the headline: OnePlus quotes up to 44 hours with ANC off and 20 hours with it on.
OnePlus also says 10 minutes of charging gives up to 11 hours of playback, which is useful when you forget to top up overnight.
Key specs
- Price: $79.99 list
- ANC: hybrid, up to 49dB, per OnePlus
- Driver: 12.4mm titanium-coated diaphragm
- Battery: up to 44 hours with ANC off, 20 hours with ANC on, per OnePlus
- Fast charge: 10 minutes for up to 11 hours, per OnePlus
Nothing Ear (3a): best for customizing your sound
Nothing says the Ear (3a) use a 12mm driver with ANC up to 45dB and Hi-Res support. The Nothing X app includes an 8-band EQ, so you can tune the sound yourself.
Nothing also lists Bluetooth 6.0, a low latency mode for video and games, and Clear Voice Technology for calls.
Key specs
- Price: $99.00 list
- ANC: up to 45dB, per Nothing
- Driver: 12mm, Hi-Res support
- Sound: 8-band EQ in the Nothing X app
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0, low latency mode
EarFun Air Pro 4+: best for codec support
EarFun says the Air Pro 4+ combine a 10mm dynamic driver with a FeatherBA balanced armature, running on a Qualcomm QCC3091 chip. That opens up Snapdragon Sound with aptX Lossless, plus LDAC, LC3 and LE Audio, which is a long codec list for the money.
EarFun lists adaptive hybrid ANC under its QuietSmart 3.0 branding, and Bluetooth 6.0.
Key specs
- Price: $99.99 list
- Drivers: 10mm dynamic plus FeatherBA balanced armature
- Chip: Qualcomm QCC3091
- Codecs: aptX Lossless, LDAC, LC3, LE Audio
- ANC: adaptive hybrid (QuietSmart 3.0), per EarFun
Moto Buds 2: best for hi-res audio
Motorola says the Moto Buds 2 support Hi-Res Audio over LHDC, along with Spatial Audio and Dynamic ANC. Six microphones handle calls.
Motorola quotes up to 11 hours per charge and 48 hours with the case, and the buds are water-repellent.
Key specs
- Price: $99.99 list
- Audio: Hi-Res Audio over LHDC, Spatial Audio
- ANC: Dynamic ANC, per Motorola
- Battery: up to 11 hours per charge, 48 hours with the case, per Motorola
- Calls: six microphones
Verdict
If you want the smallest pair and the lowest price, the JLab is the pick. The Soundcore P40i is the cheaper way into adaptive ANC, and the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro suits anyone who hates charging. The Nothing Ear (3a), EarFun Air Pro 4+ and Moto Buds 2 sit at the top of the range, with the EarFun and Moto aimed at people who care about codecs and hi-res playback.
It will be worth seeing how the brands' battery and noise cancelling figures hold up in real-world use. Street prices on Amazon change often and can sit below these list prices, so check the current price before you buy, and keep an eye out for promotions.
