Why “Bass + Music” earbuds under £150 are tricky in 2026
If you’re buying earbuds for music and bass, most lists mislead you with two shallow signals: driver size and ANC dB numbers. In 2026, that’s not enough — because the same earbud can sound like two different products depending on seal, codec, and whether ANC is on.
Here’s the consumer truth people don’t say out loud:
- Seal is your bass. If the tips don’t seal, you lose sub-bass first — and no EQ can truly restore it. That’s why “these have no bass” complaints often equal “bad fit,” not bad tuning.
- ANC can change the sound. Some models reduce treble and bass when ANC is enabled, shrinking soundstage and making the sound feel “closed in.” OnePlus Buds 4 users explicitly mention ANC affecting treble/bass and stage.
- Codec reality matters. Features like LDAC / aptX Lossless / LHDC are phone-dependent. If your phone doesn’t support the codec (or doesn’t handle it reliably), you won’t hear the benefit — and you might get more dropouts instead of “better sound.”
- Battery aging is the hidden cost. Most earbuds are non-repairable, and battery capacity can noticeably drop after 18–24 months (especially if you live with heat + daily charging). The “best value” isn’t always the cheapest — it’s the one that still feels enjoyable a year from now.
- The sweet spot you asked for (bass + clarity) is a tuning challenge: you want sub-bass extension without mid-bass bleed into vocals. That’s why some “bass monsters” impress for 10 minutes… then feel tiring or muddy.
So this guide is built around what you actually want: strong, satisfying bass for music, but still clean vocals and detail — under £150 in the UK.
Product Reviews
1) OnePlus Buds 4 — “Bass + clarity with real tuning control”
Why they’re popular in 2026: They hit that rare middle where bass feels serious, but vocals still stay clean — and the EQ changes feel meaningful.
Key specs (high-impact):
- Dual drivers: 11mm woofer + 6mm tweeter
- Battery claims vary by mode; OnePlus quotes up to 45 hours total (AAC, ANC off)
- UK Amazon listing highlights 55dB ANC, LHDC 5.0, 45H playtime
How they sound (what you’ll feel):
- Sub-bass: Strong, with “growly” low-end character that bass lovers chase (users describe sub-bass focus).
- Mid-bass: Punchy — the fun part — but usually not the “mud blanket” type unless you push EQ too far.
- Vocals/clarity: This is why they’re special for the price. Reddit reviewers mention clear treble + punchy bass and meaningful EQ improvements.
The hidden consumer details most sites skip:
- ANC can alter sound. Users report ANC can reduce treble and bass and shrink soundstage — so your “best sound” mode might be ANC off or a lighter ANC setting.
- EQ matters more than usual. Multiple users say the earbud’s “real sound” shows up after EQ/Bass Boost tuning — this is not a “set it and forget it” product if you’re picky.
- If you’re a basshead + clarity person (you), this is the exact profile it serves: you can keep bass heavy but still protect vocals by not over-inflating mid-bass.
Who should buy:
- You want music-first earbuds with strong bass but still clean vocals
- You like tweaking EQ just a bit to “lock in” your taste
- You want one pair that works for gym + commute + daily
Who should avoid:
- You want the same sound regardless of ANC mode
- You hate tweaking settings and just want “perfect out of the box”
2) CMF Buds Pro 2 — “The bass is insane… but you must tame it”
CMF Buds Pro 2 are a classic 2026 crowd-favorite because the value is outrageous — people see the feature list and feel like they’re cheating the price.
Key specs:
- 50 dB hybrid ANC (Nothing/CMF official)
- Dual drivrs: 11mm + 6mm (official)
- Amazon UK listings emphasize 50dB ANC, spatial audio, 6 HD mics, and very high review volume.
How they sound:
- Bass: Big, heavy, and very “present.” Reddit reviews repeatedly call the bass powerful; some say it can get overpowering or muddy until EQ is adjusted.
- Vocals: Surprisingly clear for the price, but you can still get that “bass crowding the mids” feeling if you max bass.
- Treble: Usually smoother than many aggressive budget buds, which helps avoid fatigue.
The hidden consumer details:
- Potential QC / charging quirks show up in longer-term user posts (e.g., one side charging issues). This doesn’t mean it will happen to you, but it’s common enough to influence how you buy: choose a retailer with easy returns.
- These are “fun-first” — one Reddit reviewer literally says “not for audiophiles,” and orchestral can sound bad to them. That’s an important reality check if you listen beyond bass-forward genres.
Who should buy:
- You want maximum bass impact for the money
- You commute/travel and want strong ANC on a budget
- You’re okay adjusting EQ to prevent muddiness
Who should avoid:
- You want more “studio clean” clarity than fun bass
- You don’t want any risk of QC annoyance — you’d rather pay slightly more for brand-stability
3) EarFun Air Pro 4 — “The feature monster that’s weirdly grown-up”
This is the one that surprises people because it sounds and behaves like a higher tier product, especially if you have a phone that supports its better codecs.
Key specs (official + credible reviews):
- EarFun highlights Qualcomm SoC + Bluetooth 5.4, plus aptX Adaptive and next-gen audio features.
- Amazon UK: aptX Lossless, LDAC, Bluetooth 5.4, 52H playtime, 6-mic AI call, wireless charging.
- Independent coverage notes next-gen features + very long battery life in the newer Plus model family; EarFun has been pushing translation + Auracast features too.
How they sound:
- Bass: Strong and “robust,” with the kind of low-end that feels energetic in modern music.
- Clarity: Better than you’d expect at the price because of how the tuning and driver behavior is managed — it doesn’t immediately collapse into mush.
- Calls: EarFun’s “AI call” positioning shows up consistently, and reviewers talk about mic performance being reliable for the price.
Hidden consumer details:
- Codec benefits depend on your phone. aptX Lossless / LDAC are great, but only when your phone supports them well. Otherwise you may end up on AAC/SBC anyway.
- Gaming nuance: Some reviews mention latency limitations depending on platform/app mode — important if you do PC gaming.
- EarFun is a “value engineering” brand: you get insane spec-per-pound, but you’re buying less brand prestige than Sony/Beats.
Who should buy:
- You want the best spec stack under £150
- You care about battery + features and still want fun sound
- You like the idea of modern Bluetooth features
Who should avoid:
- You want the simplest “plug and play” experience with minimal settings thinking
- You prioritize brand warranty experience above all else
4) Nothing Ear (a) — “The stylish all-rounder that feels premium for less”
This is a mainstream-popular pick because it does the basics well and looks/feels like something above its price.
Key specs:
- Nothing states up to 5 hours combined playback under specific conditions.
- Amazon UK listing highlights Bass Enhance Algorithm and very high review volume.
How they sound:
- Bass: Controlled and “consumer-friendly.” Not the deepest slam compared to OnePlus/CMF, but satisfying and not boomy.
- Vocals: Clearer than many bass-heavy buds because the tuning aims for balance.
- Daily use: The appeal is “no drama” — you don’t feel like you’re fighting the sound.
Hidden consumer details:
- If you’re a true basshead, these might feel “nice” rather than “addictive.”
- The big win is comfort + mainstream tuning — they’re easy to recommend to anyone.
Who should buy:
- You want a balanced sound with enough bass for most music
- You want strong daily usability and a product that feels “considered”
- You want a safer choice if you don’t want tuning experiments
Who should avoid:
- You want sub-bass that makes you grin every track (OnePlus/CMF/EarFun are more that)
5) Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — “The travel + ANC + bass bargain”
Soundcore has a loyal fanbase because they chase features hard — and these are built for people who want silence + impact without flagship prices.
Key specs (official):
- Soundcore lists Adaptive ANC 2.0, LDAC, and up to 40h playtime (marketing).
- Many third-party reviewers discuss the tuning flexibility and comfort improvements vs older versions.
How they sound:
- Bass: Typically strong and “thick,” and you can tune it heavily.
- Clarity: Depends on EQ choices. With careful tuning, you can keep vocals present.
- ANC: One of the reasons people buy it — especially commuters.
Hidden consumer details:
- Soundcore often has lots of modes/features, which is great, but it means you should spend 10 minutes inside the app or you’ll never unlock the best sound.
Who should buy:
- You want ANC + bass as a lifestyle tool (office, commute, flights)
- You like having control (EQ, profiles)
Who should avoid:
- You want the most “natural” mids without touching settings
6) JBL Live Pro 2 — “The ‘reliable mainstream’ pick with big battery”
JBL is popular because it tends to be forgiving, punchy, and stable.
Key specs (official):
How they sound:
- JBL “signature” usually means enjoyable bass presence and an easy-listen tuning.
- These are less “audiophile picky,” more “always decent.”
Hidden consumer details:
- If your ears are sensitive to fit, stability may depend on tips because there aren’t always extra stabilizers — always buy from a place with returns.
Who should buy:
- You want battery confidence + an easy mainstream sound
- You want a “won’t annoy me” product
Who should avoid:
- You want the deepest bass slam of this list (CMF/OnePlus/EarFun lean stronger)
7) Samsung Galaxy Buds FE — “Best when you live inside Samsung”
These exist to be the practical, stable daily driver for Samsung users.
Key specs (official):
- Samsung quotes up to 30 hours (ANC off) / 21 hours (ANC on) with case.
- Codec behavior is Samsung-ecosystem optimized; independent reviewers note codec limits and how it behaves across non-Samsung devices.
How they sound:
- Balanced, clean enough, bass present but not wild.
- Works best if you want “consistent and safe.”
Hidden consumer detail:
- If you’re not on Samsung, you might not get the same “best version” of performance — ecosystem products do that.
Who should buy:
- Samsung phone owner who wants stable everyday earbuds under £150
- You value comfort + reliable ANC over bass extremes
Who should avoid:
- You’re chasing “basshead excitement” as the #1 goal
8) Beats Studio Buds+ — “Cross-platform simplicity with surprisingly good comfort tech”
These are popular because they’re one of the few “works with everything” options that doesn’t feel cheap.
Key specs (official):
- Beats states up to 36 hours total battery and 9 hours per bud (conditions apply), plus ANC/Transparency.
- They also mention vents designed to relieve pressure (comfort detail many brands ignore).
How they sound:
- Balanced, punchy enough, easy to like — not the deepest bass on this list, but satisfying.
Hidden consumer detail:
- Comfort pressure relief can matter a lot if you get ear fatigue from sealed ANC buds (a real problem for some people).
Who should buy:
- You want easy pairing and simplicity across Android + iPhone
- You value comfort and “no weird tuning surprises”
Who should avoid:
- You want the heaviest bass possible
Usage Comparison: Which one keeps you happiest day-to-day?
If your #1 is Music + Bass + Clarity (your “both” preference):
- Top pick: OnePlus Buds 4 (best balance of slam + clean vocals, plus meaningful EQ control).
If your #1 is “Insane bass impact” and you’ll EQ to tame it:
- Top pick: CMF Buds Pro 2 (value monster, but can get muddy if you push bass too far).
If you want the “spec king” under £150 with modern codecs + battery:
- Top pick: EarFun Air Pro 4 (especially if your phone supports the codecs well).
If you want balanced + premium feel without thinking too much:
- Top pick: Nothing Ear (a).
If you want commute/travel ANC and don’t mind app tuning:
- Top pick: Liberty 4 NC.
Consumer Specs & Decision Sheet
| Earbuds (UK under £150) | Drivers | ANC claim | Codecs (headline) | Battery headline | Water rating | Real “consumer” best for |
| OnePlus Buds 4 | 11mm woofer + 6mm tweeter | up to 55dB (listing) | LHDC 5.0 (listing) | up to 45h (brand/listing) | — | Bass + clarity sweet spot; EQ actually matters |
| CMF Buds Pro 2 | 11mm + 6mm dual | up to 50dB | (varies; LDAC often highlighted) | up to 43h (product page) | IP55 often listed | Max bass value; strong ANC; buy with easy returns |
| EarFun Air Pro 4 | Qualcomm QCC3091 | (marketing varies) | aptX / modern BT features | Amazon: 52h | — | Feature beast + strong sound for price; great if codecs work well on your phone |
| Nothing Ear (a) | 11mm dynamic | — | (varies) | up to 42.5h | — | Balanced mainstream sound + comfort + style |
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | — | Adaptive ANC 2.0 | LDAC | up to 40h | IPX4 | Commute/travel ANC + punchy tuning; great app control |
| JBL Live Pro 2 | — | True Adaptive ANC | — | 40h (10+30) | — | Reliable all-rounder with big battery + wireless charging |
| Galaxy Buds FE | — | ANC | Samsung ecosystem codecs | 30h off / 21h on | — | Best if you’re on Samsung; stable daily driver |
| Beats Studio Buds+ | custom transducer | ANC | — | up to 36h total | — | Cross-platform ease + comfort pressure relief |
Buying Guide: How to pick the right one for YOU
If you’re buying for music and bass, stop thinking “which has the biggest driver?” and start thinking in three layers:
Layer 1: Your ear seal (this decides bass).
If you don’t seal, you won’t get sub-bass — period. So you want a model with either (a) great stock tips, or (b) compatibility with aftermarket tips. When people say “no bass,” half the time they’re using the wrong tip size. The smartest move is buying from a retailer with easy returns, testing seal for 2–3 days, and swapping tips before judging.
Layer 2: ANC behavior (this decides whether sound stays enjoyable).
Some earbuds sound incredible until you switch ANC on — then you feel the stage collapse and highs soften. OnePlus Buds 4 users mention ANC can reduce bass/treble and stage, so if you’re picky about sound, you must test both ANC on and off and decide what you’ll actually live with daily.
Layer 3: Codec + phone compatibility (this decides whether “Hi-Res” is real).
If you’re on Android, you can benefit from codecs like LHDC/LDAC/aptX depending on your device. If you’re on iPhone, you’re usually living in AAC — so don’t overpay for codec marketing. This is why EarFun Air Pro 4 can be a monster for the right Android phone, and just “good” on others.
So what should you buy?
- If you want bass + clarity, and you want to enjoy every genre without regret: OnePlus Buds 4 are the safest “music-first” choice because the dual-driver setup and EQ control are built for that balance.
- If you want maximum bass thrill for cheap: CMF Buds Pro 2 — but be ready to EQ and buy with a return policy.
- If you want specs + battery + modern codecs: EarFun Air Pro 4 is the “smart buyer” pick under £150.
6) FAQs
Q1: Which earbuds here are best for a “basshead but still clear vocals” person?
OnePlus Buds 4 are the best match for that specific taste because they’re repeatedly described as bass-leaning but still clear, and users praise the EQ/Bass Boost control for shaping sub-bass without wrecking vocals.
Q2: If CMF Buds Pro 2 have insane bass, why not always pick them?
Because “insane bass” can turn into muddy bass depending on track and EQ. Even fans note bass can overpower and needs tuning. Also, longer-term posts mention occasional charging quirks — so it’s a brilliant deal, but not the “least risky” purchase.
Q3: Are EarFun Air Pro 4 actually good, or just spec marketing?
They’re genuinely strong value. EarFun’s official page and Amazon listings show modern Bluetooth and codec support, and recent reviews highlight strong ANC and huge battery for the price. The real caveat is codec compatibility — your phone determines how much of that promise you actually get.
Q4: Does ANC always improve the experience?
Not always. ANC reduces noise, but can change sound signature and soundstage. Some OnePlus Buds 4 users specifically say ANC reduces treble/bass and stage — meaning you may prefer a lighter ANC setting or off for “best sound.”
Q5: What’s the smartest way to buy to avoid regret?
Buy from a place with easy returns, test for 3 things:
- seal (bass)
- comfort after 60–90 minutes
- sound with ANC on + off
Then decide. It’s the fastest way to avoid the “great on day one, annoying on day five” problem.
