How to choose the best wireless earbuds under £100 in 2026

Choosing a pair of wireless earbuds under £100 in 2025 feels strangely more overwhelming than choosing a premium pair. With expensive earbuds, the decision is often simple: you know the big brands, you know what to expect, and you’re basically buying convenience with a bit of bragging rights. But in the sub-£100 category, the landscape looks very different. It’s louder, faster, and infinitely more competitive, a space where dozens of brands are fighting to deliver “flagship-level features” without the flagship price. And honestly, this is also the price bracket where most people actually spend their money.

Over the past year, the quality of budget earbuds has jumped in a way that even seasoned audio reviewers didn’t expect. Features that used to be locked behind £200-£250 price tags, things like adaptive ANC, LDAC support, smarter microphones, and long-lasting batteries, have quietly slipped into the under-£100 market. At the same time, buyers have become more demanding. People want something that works during their commute, at the gym, on work calls, and while winding down at night, and they want all of that without constantly tweaking settings or worrying about the buds cutting out mid-song.

But here’s the truth no one likes to say out loud: a lot of earbuds in this price range are good on paper and disappointing in real life. Specs can look impressive, yet the sound feels flat. Battery claims don’t always match real-world performance. ANC often works fine indoors but collapses the moment you step onto the bus or the Tube. And some Amazon favourites with thousands of five-star reviews end up breaking in three months because the charging pins wear out or the case hinge gives up. Real users complain about these things constantly, on Reddit threads, Amazon reviews, and Quora posts where people ask, “Why do budget earbuds never last?”

So the question isn’t just “Which earbuds are the best under £100?” The real question is: “How do you choose earbuds in 2025 without falling for marketing hype, and still walk away with something that genuinely fits your life?”

Because the truth is, the “best” earbuds under £100 depend heavily on who you are. A commuter has different needs than a gym-goer. Someone who works from home prioritises microphone clarity more than someone who only cares about bass. Someone with small ears needs lighter buds; someone who listens for six or seven hours straight needs strong battery life, not just numbers on a box.

This guide is built for real consumers, not spec-sheet readers. It combines technical clarity with thousands of real user insights from everyday people who live with these earbuds daily. Before we get into the top picks, it’s important to understand what actually matters when choosing earbuds in this price range and how to avoid the common mistakes people make. Let’s start there.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS UNDER £100 IN 2026

When you look at the endless list of earbuds under £100, it’s easy to feel lost. Every product page claims the same things: “deep bass,” “crystal-clear calls,” “all-day battery,” “premium ANC.” After a while, the claims blur together, and you start wondering whether there’s any real difference at all. But once you dive into what real people say — commuters who post rants on Reddit, Amazon reviewers who write essays after testing them on the bus, or Quora users who ask “why does ANC not work outside?” — clear patterns emerge. Budget earbuds can be fantastic value, but only if you know exactly which specs matter and which ones brands quietly exaggerate.

Let’s break down what actually influences the experience.

1. Sound Quality – Forget the Buzzwords, Look for the Structure

Brands love throwing in lines like “deep bass,” “hi-fi sound,” or “premium acoustics,” but these words mean nothing unless backed by:

Driver size and material (most good buds under £100 use 10–12mm drivers)
Tuning (V-shaped for bass lovers, balanced for everyday listeners)
Codecs (AAC for iPhone, LDAC or aptX for Android makes a noticeable difference)

Real-world feedback shows a clear trend:
People don’t mind spending £50–£90 if the earbuds sound fun. Not clinical. Not sterile. Fun. Something they can enjoy on the Tube or while walking home at night.

On Reddit, you’ll often see comments like:

“I don’t care if it’s not audiophile. I just want good bass and clarity without spending £200.”

So when choosing, pay less attention to the claims and more to what users say about the tuning.

2. ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) – The Most Overpromised Feature in Budget Models

In 2025, ANC has finally become respectable under £100, but not all ANC is equal.

Here’s what real users are finding:

Indoors: Most earbuds handle background hum easily.
Commute: Only a handful do well against bus engines or Tube noise.
Wind: This is where cheap ANC collapses. Even £200 earbuds struggle, so under £100 it’s a gamble.

If ANC is important to you, don’t settle for any random brand that claims “hybrid ANC.” Look at:

How users describe its effectiveness
Whether it reduces engine rumble
Whether the sound changes dramatically when ANC is turned on

Many Amazon reviewers say things like:

“ANC works great at home but barely reduces traffic noise.”

This is normal for the price – so choose based on honest feedback, not marketing.

3. Comfort & Fit – Possibly the Most Underrated Element

A £70 pair with perfect sound means nothing if your ears hurt after 20 minutes. Comfort varies wildly, and what fits one person might fall out of another’s ears immediately.

Key things to consider:

Weight (4–5 grams per bud feels best)
Shape (stubby buds suit small ears; stem-style can feel more stable for calls)
Ear tips (brands that include multiple tip sizes win big on comfort)

Real users complain most about:

Ear fatigue
Buds falling out while walking
Bad seal → bad bass + bad ANC

If you know you have small or sensitive ears, shop somewhere with a flexible return policy because comfort is the one thing you can’t predict from a spec sheet.

4. Battery Life – Ignore the Marketing Claims

Every brand promotes “10 hours of playtime.” Real-world testing paints a different picture:

5–7 hours with ANC on
7–9 hours without ANC
30–40 hours with the case

If you’re someone who wears earbuds for long work sessions, look for:

8h+ playtime
Fast charging (10 minutes → 2–3 hours use)
USB-C only (micro-USB at this point is a red flag)

Reddit is full of people saying things like:

“My buds die halfway through a shift.”

So battery life is more important than flashy features.

5. Call Quality – The Make-or-Break Factor for Remote Workers

Mic quality is where ultra-cheap buds fall apart.

What matters:

Three or more mics per bud
Noise reduction algorithms
Wind resistance (look for user feedback!)

If you take work calls outside, prioritise:

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Nothing Ear (a)
Soundcore Life P3

Amazon reviews consistently mention clearer calls on these compared to £20 budget sets.

6. Durability – Sweat, Rain & Case Quality

Budget earbuds fail most often due to:

Charging pins wearing out
Case lids breaking
Sweat damage

Look for:

IPX4 minimum if you commute
IPX5–IPX7 for gym or outdoor use

And always check recent reviews — durability complaints tend to build up quickly.

7. App Features – EQ Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Think

Good EQ control can turn “okay” earbuds into impressive ones.

Soundcore, EarFun, and Nothing lead this category with:

Custom EQ
Multiple presets
ANC modes
Find-my-earbuds features

Cheap Amazon brands rarely offer this, and it shows in the listening experience.

8. The Real Rule: Buy Based on Your Lifestyle, Not Specs

Specs tell part of the story. Real-world context tells the rest.

Ask yourself:

Do I commute daily?
Do I work from home and need strong mic performance?
Am I sensitive to fit?
Do I prefer bass-heavy sound?
Do I go to the gym often?

Your answers matter more than any “top 10” list.

PRODUCT 1: Nothing Ear (a) – The Best All-Rounder Under £100 in 2026

Nothing Ear (a) — The Best All-Rounder Under £100 in 2026

If there is one earbud that consistently surprises people in the under-£100 category, it’s the Nothing Ear (a). It doesn’t matter whether you’re scrolling through Reddit threads, checking Amazon reviews, or listening to tech reviewers who’ve tested hundreds of earbuds – the Ear (a) keeps coming up in the same breath as far more expensive models. And the biggest reason is simple: it delivers a genuinely premium experience without pretending to be something it’s not.

The design itself sets the tone. Transparent, slightly futuristic, lightweight – the kind of earbuds you notice, but not in an obnoxious way. People with smaller ears often mention how surprisingly well they fit; they sit gently, seal quickly, and don’t require constant readjustment. On Reddit, one comment summed it up nicely: “They just disappear in my ears.” That’s a comfort experience many sub-£100 earbuds never manage.

Then there’s the sound. Nothing tuned the Ear (a) with an 11mm driver that leans toward a lively, energetic signature. It’s not “audiophile neutral,” but it’s fun. Bass feels deep but controlled, vocals sit forward just enough, and there’s a sense of airiness that cheap earbuds usually lack. Android users get the biggest upgrade thanks to LDAC support, which noticeably boosts clarity and separation if your phone supports it. Even iPhone users say the Ear (a) feels fuller and richer than similarly priced AirPods alternatives.

ANC is another area where Nothing punches above the price. In real-world use – buses, coffee shops, offices – it performs better than you’d expect for something around £70–£90. It won’t silence the Underground, but it removes enough low-frequency noise to make music more immersive and podcasts easier to follow. Many users describe the ANC as “shockingly good for the money,” especially compared to budget models that only claim ANC on paper.

Battery life is equally respectable. You get around 8–9 hours per charge (depending on ANC), and more than 40 hours with the case. Fast-charge support means a quick 10-minute top-up gets you through a commute.

But what people love most is the ecosystem polish. The Nothing X app is clean, intuitive, and reliable, no cluttered menus, no random connection glitches. Features like adaptive ANC, personalised sound profiles, low-lag mode for gaming, and a solid “Find My Earbuds” option make the Ear (a) feel premium.

Ideal For:
Commuters, students, office workers, Android users (LDAC advantage), and anyone wanting one pair that handles everything without compromise.

Pros:

Energetic, enjoyable sound signature
Strong ANC for the price
Comfortable fit for most ears
LDAC support (Android)
Great app and user experience
Long battery life and fast charging

Cons:

ANC still not flagship-level
Case can scratch if tossed around
Bass-forward tuning may not suit neutral listeners

PRODUCT 2: EarFun Air Pro 4 – The Budget ANC Champion That Feels Like a Mini-Flagship

EarFun Air Pro 4 — The Budget ANC Champion That Feels Like a Mini-Flagship

EarFun has quietly become one of the most trusted names in the budget audio world, and the Air Pro 4 is the clearest example of why. People don’t buy EarFun for the hype, they buy it because Reddit users, tech reviewers, and thousands of Amazon buyers swear the brand consistently overdelivers. And the Air Pro 4 is one of those products that makes you wonder how something this polished still sits under £100.

The first thing people notice is the sound. EarFun uses a 10mm wool-composite driver that delivers a surprisingly refined presentation. The tuning isn’t overly V-shaped or muddy like a lot of cheap earbuds. Instead, the Air Pro 4 sounds clean, lively, and balanced with a warm tilt. You get plenty of bass for gym sessions and commuting, but mids stay clear and vocals never disappear behind the low end, a common complaint for this price bracket. On Reddit, you’ll often see comments like: “Best £70 I’ve spent. These sound way more expensive than they have any right to.”

Where the Air Pro 4 truly stands apart is ANC performance. EarFun’s adaptive noise cancellation is shockingly effective, especially for sub-£100 earbuds. In everyday use, it handles engine rumble, office chatter, and café noise far better than many mainstream brands in the same range. It’s not Bose-level, but several reviewers have said it edges close to mid-range ANC earbuds from Samsung and Sony. People commuting on buses and suburban trains frequently mention that switching on ANC creates an immediate sense of calm, exactly what budget ANC is supposed to do but rarely achieves.

Comfort is another winning point. The buds are lightweight, shaped to sit securely without digging in, and come with a good selection of ear tips. Many users with smaller ears specifically praise EarFun for creating designs that don’t cause ear fatigue even after a couple of hours.

Battery life is solid too: around 7–8+ hours depending on volume and ANC, with the case pushing total time to over 30 hours. Fast charging means a quick top-up before heading out is often enough for the entire day.

The app experience is far better than people expect for the price. You get fully customisable EQ, adjustable ANC modes, gaming mode, and touch control mapping, features some £150 buds still don’t include. And unlike cheap brands where the app feels like an afterthought, EarFun’s app is stable, clean, and regularly updated.

Ideal For:
Commuters, ANC lovers, students, gym users, and anyone who wants premium performance without premium pricing.

Pros:

Excellent ANC for under £100
Balanced, warm, enjoyable sound
Very comfortable fit
Strong battery life + fast charging
Reliable app with full EQ customisation
Great value compared to competing brands

Cons:

Case feels a bit plasticky
ANC can struggle in heavy wind
Not as bass-heavy as Soundcore if you prefer a “club” sound

PRODUCT 3: Soundcore Life P3 – The Fun, Feature-Packed Crowd Favourite Under £70

Soundcore Life P3 - The Fun, Feature-Packed Crowd Favourite Under £70

Blue Soundcore Life P3 — The Fun, Feature-Packed Crowd Favourite Under £70

If there’s one pair of earbuds that constantly pops up in Reddit comment sections, YouTube reviews, and Amazon “best budget earbuds” lists, it’s the Soundcore Life P3. They’re the definition of a crowd-pleaser, the kind of earbuds people recommend to friends, cousins, coworkers, and anyone who asks, “What’s something good under £70?” Not because they’re perfect, but because they’re reliable, fun to listen to, and loaded with features normally found in pricier models.

Let’s start with the sound. The Life P3 are undeniably tuned for enjoyment. They have that classic Soundcore signature, warm, punchy bass, lively highs, and enough clarity to make everyday listening feel exciting. You won’t mistake them for analytical studio monitors, but that’s the point. These are feel-good earbuds. Gym-goers love them for the energy. Commuters like the fullness that cuts through environmental noise. On Reddit you’ll see lines like:

“If you like bass, just get the P3. Nothing else under £70 hits like these.”

And the beauty is: if the default tuning isn’t your style, the Soundcore app gives you full control. You get a complete EQ panel, dozens of presets, and even custom profiles built by creators and headphone enthusiasts. Very few earbuds under £100 offer that level of tuning freedom.

ANC is surprisingly competent. It won’t outclass EarFun’s Air Pro 4 or the Nothing Ear (a), but for the price, it handles low-frequency hum and daily distractions well. Many users say it’s enough to make podcasts listenable on buses and trains, which is realistically what most people need. Transparency mode is also above average, helpful when crossing roads or having a quick chat without taking the buds out.

Battery life lands in the “great for the price” category. Expect around 7 hours per charge depending on ANC, and up to 35 hours with the case. Fast charging is reliable, giving meaningfully usable time after a short plug-in. Comfort is another consistent win: the stem-style design sits lightly and securely, making them suitable for long listening sessions and workouts.

Call quality is respectable for indoor use. Outdoors, like most budget buds, wind can cause distortion, but everyday users still rate them above average compared to other sub-£70 models. Six microphones with Soundcore’s AI noise reduction help maintain clarity in Zoom calls and voice notes.

Where the Life P3 really shine is value stacking. Wireless charging, gaming mode, Find My Earbuds, multi-mode ANC, a strong app, and a stable connection, this combination at this price is why these earbuds have built a loyal fanbase.

Ideal For:
Bass lovers, gym users, everyday listeners who want fun sound, students, and anyone wanting maximum features without stretching past £70.

Pros:

Fun, bass-rich tuning
Excellent EQ options via Soundcore app
Good ANC for the price
Strong comfort for long usage
Wireless charging case
Stable Bluetooth and reliable performance

Cons:

Bass-heavy by default (requires EQ if you prefer neutral sound)
ANC weaker than EarFun and Nothing
Case can feel slightly bulky in pockets

PRODUCT 4: Sony WF-C500 – The Sound-Purist’s Choice for Under £100

Sony WF-C500 — The Sound-Purist’s Choice for Under £100

The Sony WF-C500 are a strange pair in the best possible way. They don’t chase trends. They don’t try to impress you with overloaded features or flashy gimmicks. They don’t have ANC, and they don’t pretend to be something they’re not. Instead, Sony focused on getting the fundamentals right, and that’s exactly why these earbuds have held their place as a favourite in the sub-£100 category long after countless trendy releases faded into obscurity.

If you’re someone who values pure, balanced, reliable sound, the WF-C500 are the kind of earbuds that quietly win you over. Real users often describe them with unexpectedly warm praise, saying things like:

“These sound better than buds that cost double.”
“No ANC, no nonsense – just clean audio.”

Sony has always understood tuning, and the WF-C500 carry that DNA even at a budget price. They deliver a crisp, controlled low end that never muddies vocals or drowns instruments. Mids are clear and natural, and the treble is detailed without being harsh. They won’t rattle your head with bass like the Soundcore Life P3, but they also won’t fatigue your ears with sharp highs. This is sound designed for people who want to hear music as it was meant to be heard, not as a wall of boosted frequencies.

Comfort is another area where Sony nailed the experience. The WF-C500 are small, rounded, and among the lightest earbuds in this price range. People with smaller ears especially appreciate them because they sit gently without pushing or stretching the ear canal. Many buyers say they forget they’re wearing them after a while, a rare compliment for budget earbuds. The compact pebble-shaped case also slips into pockets easily, something gym-goers and commuters love.

Battery life is solid: about 10 hours from the buds and around 20 with the case. While this isn’t the longest total time in the lineup, the impressive bud-only battery life makes them great for long work sessions, flights, or binge-listening days.

Connectivity is stable and predictable, exactly what you want from a brand like Sony. The companion app lets you lightly customise EQ, adjust button settings, and update firmware. Not as fancy as Soundcore or Nothing, but clean and functional.

The biggest drawback? No ANC. And in 2025, when even £40 earbuds claim noise cancellation, that can make the WF-C500 feel “basic” at first glance. But here’s the twist: many users prefer them because they skip ANC, avoiding the muffled pressure feeling some people dislike in budget hybrid ANC systems.

Ideal For:
Listeners who value clean, balanced sound; people with small ears; office/home listeners; those who want something comfortable and reliable without ANC complications.

Pros:

Clean, natural Sony sound quality
Extremely comfortable and lightweight
Great bud-only battery life
Very stable connection
Compact, pocket-friendly case

Cons:

No ANC
Case battery life is modest
Lacks advanced features compared to newer budget models

PRODUCT 5: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE – The Best Sub-£100 Choice for Samsung & Android Users

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE — The Best Sub-£100 Choice for Samsung & Android Users

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are one of those earbuds that feel like they were designed with a very specific mission: give everyday Android users a reliable, polished, and genuinely enjoyable listening experience – without crossing the £100 barrier. And in a market full of chaotic budget releases, the Buds FE stand out for being stable, consistent, and predictable in all the ways that matter.

Let’s start with the sound. Samsung didn’t try to reinvent anything; instead, they built on a mature tuning approach that balances warmth, clarity, and punch. The bass has presence without overwhelming the mids, vocals sit forward enough to be engaging, and there’s a crisp top end that enhances detail without becoming sharp. Users often describe the sound as “easy to enjoy,” which is exactly the experience you want for long commutes and everyday use. They aren’t bass cannons like the Soundcore Life P3, but they’re far cleaner and more refined than most buds in this price range.

Where the Buds FE really shine is in noise cancellation. For under £100 (and frequently under £80 during sales), the ANC performance is genuinely impressive. Real users mention noticeable reductions in train rumble, bus noise, and consistent background hum. They’re not competing with the Bose Ultra or Sony 1000XM series, but that isn’t the point. They excel at the kind of noise reduction that makes podcast voices clearer, music richer, and commutes less overwhelming. Transparency mode is also surprisingly natural, making it easy to stay aware without removing the earbuds.

Comfort is a mixed story, but mostly positive. Samsung included flexible wingtips that help the buds lock in securely. People with active lifestyles love this; the buds simply stay put even during brisk walks or gym sessions. However, those with smaller ears sometimes report needing to adjust the wingtips for the best fit. Once adjusted properly, the Buds FE are light, secure, and wearable for hours at a time.

Battery life is decent, though not class-leading. Expect around 6 hours with ANC on and up to 20–21 hours with the case. It’s enough for a full day of use, especially when combined with fast charging.

Where these earbuds absolutely dominate is integration, especially for Samsung phone owners. The Buds FE unlock seamless pairing, automatic device switching, SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec), spatial features, and deeper controls through the Galaxy Wearable app. Even non-Samsung Android users still get great app support, EQ settings, and firmware updates, something many budget brands fail to offer consistently.

The one weakness? The IPX2 rating. They can handle light sweat and mild drizzle but aren’t ideal for heavy rain or intense workouts. Still, unless you run in the rain regularly, this isn’t a deal-breaker.

Ideal For:
Samsung phone users, Android users who want stable performance, commuters needing reliable ANC, office workers, and anyone wanting a polished ecosystem experience without spending a fortune.

Pros:

Very good ANC for the price
Clean, balanced, enjoyable sound
Seamless integration with Samsung phones
App support with EQ + firmware updates
Secure fit with wingtips
Reliable mic quality for calls

Cons:

IPX2 rating is low
Battery life is average
Fit may require adjusting for smaller ears

PRODUCT 6: EarFun Air 4 Pro – The “Quiet Performer” With Polished ANC and a Surprisingly Mature Sound

EarFun Air 4 Pro — The “Quiet Performer” With Polished ANC and a Surprisingly Mature Sound

EarFun has built a reputation for squeezing serious performance into modest price tags, and the EarFun Air 4 Pro is arguably one of the strongest examples of that philosophy. If the Air Pro 4 is the brand’s “big value” crowd-pleaser, the Air 4 Pro feels like the more refined, grown-up sibling, quieter in personality, but more consistent in areas that matter to real users.

The first thing that stands out is the sound signature. Instead of going heavy on bass like many budget earbuds, EarFun opted for a cleaner, more controlled tuning on the Air 4 Pro. The low end is tight rather than boomy, mids come forward with clarity, and treble maintains enough sparkle to keep things engaging without tipping into harshness. This makes the Air 4 Pro perfect for people who want a balanced, natural presentation — the kind of sound that feels comfortable across genres rather than overwhelming. Many reviewers describe them as “surprisingly mature,” which is a rare compliment in the sub-£100 space.

What truly elevates these earbuds is the ANC performance. While not quite as aggressive as the Air Pro 4, the Air 4 Pro delivers quieter, more stable cancellation that feels smoother and less pressured inside the ear. This is something real users mention often, the ANC isn’t just strong, it’s comfortable. It reduces low-frequency noise, softens engine rumble, and cuts down environmental distractions in a way that feels effortless. For people who dislike the “ear pressure” sensation common in cheaper ANC buds, the Air 4 Pro is a breath of fresh air.

Comfort is another consistent highlight. These have a lightweight, rounded ergonomic shape that fits naturally in the ear, making them ideal for long study sessions, office work, or relaxing at home. People with sensitive ears repeatedly praise the comfort levels, often saying these are the first budget earbuds they can wear for hours without irritation.

Battery life sits in the solid mid-range: around 6–7 hours with ANC, stretching toward 30 hours with the case. Not the longest on the list, but very stable and predictable, which is more important for everyday use. Fast charging also helps keep downtime minimal.

The EarFun app continues to outshine most budget competitors, offering custom EQ, ANC modes, game mode, and reliable firmware updates. Connectivity is stable, multipoint support works better than expected, and touch controls are responsive without accidental triggers.

Call quality is a “good, not great” area, perfectly usable indoors, but wind reduction outdoors can be hit-and-miss. Still, most users find them more than adequate for meetings, voice notes, and everyday calls.

Ideal For:
People who want clean, balanced sound; those sensitive to harsh ANC pressure; students; remote workers; and listeners who prefer refinement over boominess.

Pros:

Smooth, balanced, mature sound signature
Comfortable, pressure-free ANC
Great comfort for long sessions
Stable multipoint connection
Reliable app with strong EQ options
Lightweight and travel-friendly

Cons:

Call quality can dip outdoors
Battery life is good but not class-leading
Bass lovers may find them too restrained

PRODUCT 7: Soundcore P20i – The Ultra Budget King That Outsmarts Its Price Tag

Soundcore P20i — The Ultra-Budget King That Outsmarts Its Price Tag

The Soundcore P20i are the kind of earbuds that make you pause for a second and question the entire budget earbud market. How can something that often sells for £20–£30 sound this good and feel this complete? It’s almost absurd. And that’s why these earbuds have become a staple across Reddit’s budget headphone threads, YouTube “Best Under £30” lists, and Amazon UK’s daily best-sellers. They’re the definition of “cheap but genuinely good,” a rare bargain that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Let’s start with the sound, because that’s where the P20i shock most people. You expect thin, plasticky audio at this price, but instead you get deep, punchy bass, warm mids, and a surprisingly enjoyable top end. The tuning leans heavily into a “fun-first” style: lively, energetic, and bold. Gym users especially love them because the bass gives music momentum, and the seal is strong enough to stay consistent even during movement. Some reviewers even compare them to more expensive Soundcore models, saying the P20i hold up better than they should for something this cheap.

One thing that makes these earbuds so appealing is the Soundcore app support, a luxury almost no competitor in this price range offers. You get full EQ control (with dozens of presets), firmware updates, and even a “Find My Earbuds” feature. For under £30, that’s almost unheard of. This is where cheap Amazon brands lose: they might offer slightly more battery on paper, but without EQ, you can’t fix their mediocre tuning.

Battery life is another pleasant surprise. You get around 10 hours per charge and up to 30 hours with the case, which puts them on par with earbuds twice the price. Fast charging gives you a few hours of playtime from a short top-up, making them ultra-convenient for everyday use.

Build quality is solid for the price, lightweight buds, a compact case, and an IPX5 water resistance rating, meaning sweat, gym sessions, and rainy walks aren’t a problem. Many users buy these as “beater earbuds” for rough use, travel, and outdoor runs, and they hold up far better than expected.

Call quality is decent indoors but understandably weaker in windy environments. Still, for taking voice notes, joining casual calls, or using them for work-from-home scenarios, they get the job done reliably.

But the real magic of the P20i is simplicity. They connect instantly, sound fun right out of the box, stay stable during movement, and rarely drop connection. Nothing feels over-engineered. Nothing feels fragile. They’re “grab-and-go” earbuds for people who just want something that works.

Ideal For:
Gym users, students, commuters on a budget, outdoor walkers, “backup pair” buyers, and anyone who wants solid performance for minimal money.

Pros:

Shockingly good sound for the price
Strong bass and energetic tuning
Great battery life
IPX5 water protection
Full Soundcore app support (EQ, presets, firmware, Find My Earbuds)
Extremely affordable

Cons:

Call quality drops outdoors
No ANC
Not for neutral or audiophile listeners

PRODUCT 8: 1MORE PistonBuds Pro – The Hidden Gem for Clean Sound and Surprisingly Strong ANC

1MORE PistonBuds Pro — The Hidden Gem for Clean Sound and Surprisingly Strong ANC

The 1MORE PistonBuds Pro are the kind of earbuds people discover almost by accident, a friend’s recommendation, a Reddit comment buried in a long thread, or a YouTube reviewer who casually mentions, “By the way, these sound better than they should.” They aren’t the loudest brand in the room, and they definitely aren’t flooding social media with flashy ads. But quietly, consistently, they’ve earned a reputation as one of the most impressive sub-£60 earbuds for people who value clean sound, effective ANC, and an elegant, understated design.

Let’s talk sound first, because this is where 1MORE shines. Unlike many budget earbuds that boost the bass to hide tuning weaknesses, the PistonBuds Pro go for a more refined approach. They use a 10mm dynamic driver tuned by Luca Bignardi, a Grammy-winning audio engineer and it shows. The result is a balanced signature: warm lows, natural mids, and crisp but not piercing highs. Vocals feel intimate and accurate, and instruments have a pleasant separation that rarely exists at this price. Many reviewers say these earbuds “sound like a thoughtful piece of audio engineering, not a mass-produced budget product.”

ANC performance is another surprise. 1MORE’s QuietMax technology manages to reduce low-frequency noise — bus engines, café hum, air conditioner rumble, far more effectively than most earbuds in this class. It’s not at the level of Bose or Sony, but in the sub-£100 segment, it holds its own against competitors like the EarFun Air Pro 4 and Nothing Ear (a).

On Reddit and Amazon, users repeatedly comment things like:

“I didn’t expect the noise cancellation to actually work this well.”
This is especially noticeable on public transport, where cheaper ANC models tend to crumble.

Comfort is another strength. The buds are lightweight, compact, and shaped to fit snugly without causing pressure. This makes them perfect for long listening sessions, whether you’re studying, working from home, or simply relaxing. Many users with smaller ears prefer the PistonBuds Pro because they don’t protrude excessively and feel natural after an hour or two.

Battery life is respectable: about 5–7 hours depending on ANC use, with around 20–28 hours total via the charging case. Not the longest on this list, but reliable and consistent. Fast charging ensures you always get enough juice for your commute or workout without waiting.

Call quality is above average for the price. Indoors, voices sound crisp and clean. Outdoors, wind can occasionally interfere, but noise reduction algorithms do a decent job keeping voices intelligible.

What makes the PistonBuds Pro stand out is subtle sophistication. They don’t scream for attention. They just quietly deliver, refined sound, functional ANC, dependable comfort, and an overall experience that feels more premium than the price suggests.

Ideal For:
Listeners who prefer balanced, natural sound; students; office workers; people with smaller ears; and anyone who wants clean audio and real ANC without spending close to £100.

Pros:

Clean, balanced tuning with strong vocal clarity
Surprisingly effective ANC for the price
Lightweight and very comfortable
Good indoor call performance
Understated, premium-feeling design
Great value for under £60

Cons:

Battery life is average
Not ideal for heavy bass lovers
App is simpler compared to Soundcore/Nothing

USAGE COMPARISON – WHICH EARBUDS ARE BEST FOR YOUR REAL LIFE?

Choosing earbuds isn’t just about specs, it’s about how they fit into the rhythm of your day. Two people can buy the same pair and walk away with completely different experiences simply because their lifestyles demand different things. A commuter wants silence. A gym-goer wants grip and bass. A remote worker wants crisp microphone clarity. A student wants something comfortable enough to wear for hours without thinking about it.

Below is a realistic, lived-experience comparison based on how people actually use earbuds in 2025.

For Commuters (Trains, Buses, Everyday Travel)

Best picks:

Nothing Ear (a)
EarFun Air Pro 4
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

If you spend a chunk of your life on public transport, ANC matters more than anything else. The Nothing Ear (a) gives you strong, adaptive cancellation with energetic sound that cuts through ambient noise effortlessly. The EarFun Air Pro 4 delivers the best noise reduction for the money — many users say it nearly rivals mid-tier Sony models. The Galaxy Buds FE fit securely thanks to their wingtips and offer some of the cleanest ANC in this price range, making them perfect for tube rides or noisy buses.

Avoid:
Soundcore P20i — no ANC, not ideal for drowning out loud commutes.

For Gym & Outdoor Workouts

Best picks:

Soundcore Life P3
Soundcore P20i
EarFun Air 4 Pro

If you want bass-driven motivation, the Soundcore Life P3 is the clear winner. It’s punchy, energetic, and simply fun, perfect for cardio, weight training, or long outdoor walks. The P20i is the surprising budget hero here; with IPX5 water resistance and strong bass, they’re ideal for sweaty sessions or rough outdoor use.

The EarFun Air 4 Pro is the comfort-first choice, secure fit, lightweight feel, and stable sealing make it great for steady-paced workouts or long training sessions.

Avoid:
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, the IPX2 rating isn’t ideal for sweat-heavy workouts.

For Long Workdays, Studying & All-Day Comfort

Best picks:

Sony WF-C500
EarFun Air 4 Pro
1MORE PistonBuds Pro

Comfort becomes the hero here. The Sony WF-C500, with their small, featherlight design, disappear in your ears, that’s why students and office workers swear by them. The EarFun Air 4 Pro’s pressure-free ANC and balanced tuning make them great for long listening at moderate volumes. The 1MORE PistonBuds Pro follow a more natural sound profile that’s easy on the ears over many hours.

If your goal is to wear earbuds for 3–5 hours at a stretch, these are your safest options.

For Work Calls, Video Meetings, and Voice Notes

Best picks:

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Nothing Ear (a)
Soundcore Life P3

Microphone quality is tricky in cheap earbuds, but these three stand out. The Buds FE offer excellent clarity indoors, with Samsung’s processing helping keep your voice clean even when typing or walking around. The Nothing Ear (a) handle voice tones well and maintain consistent clarity. The Life P3 are surprisingly strong for Zoom/Teams calls, thanks to their 6-mic array.

Avoid:
Soundcore P20i, usable indoors, but not reliable outdoors.