9 Best AirPod Alternatives for Every Budget in 2024

With their seamless connectivity, portable charging cases, and wireless design, Apple AirPods have become one of the most popular true wireless earbuds options. However, their premium price point of $150-200 isn’t feasible for everyone. Luckily, the best AirPod alternatives available that deliver great sound, battery life, and features at more budget-friendly prices. In this roundup, we’ll review the top AirPods and AirPods Pro alternative earbuds across a range of budgets. Whether you want comfort, sports-readiness, or simply the best value, there are plenty of choices for AirPods on a budget.

1. Skullcandy Dime 2 : Budget Pick

The Skullcandy Dime 2 earbuds deliver impressive wireless performance considering their affordable sub-$30 price point. The charging case provides an additional 9 hours, for a total of 12 hours of battery life. While not the longest runtime, it’s reasonable for the price. The Dime 2 earbuds are compact and lightweight, with a secure fit aided by gels tips in multiple sizes.

They include a built-in microphone in each bud for taking calls. Audio quality is fairly balanced, with punchy bass that’s solid if not mind-blowing. For budget-conscious buyers who want basic wireless functionality for music and calls, the Dime 2 gets the job done. With this its one of the cheapest AirPods Alternative.

2. EarFun Air : Best Value

The EarFun Air earbuds are priced around $50 yet manage to deliver features and audio that compete with far more expensive models. You get a mammoth 35 hours of total battery life, with 7 hours per charge in the earbuds themselves. This is partly thanks to the efficient Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Sound quality impresses across the frequency range, with crisp highs, nicely balanced mids, and surprisingly deep bass response from the 6mm drivers.

The 4 built-in mics ensure your calls come through clearly. And the IPX7 waterproof rating means you can rock these worry-free during intense workouts. If you want great wireless sound and functionality without a premium price, EarFun Air is easily one of the best values on the market.

3. Sony WF-1000XM4: Top Noise Cancelling

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds dominate the premium wireless market, with superb active noise cancellation, audio fidelity, and features. Powered by Sony’s dedicated integrated processor V1, the noise cancelling performance is undisputedly class-leading. It uses dual microphones in each ear and advanced digital processing to block ambient noise.

The expansive, accurate sound matches the noise cancelling, making these a blissful listen. You get up to 8 hours per charge, fast charging, and a polished design with Qi wireless charging case. Extras like high-def LDAC codec support, intuitive touch controls, and customizable EQ in the app make the WF-1000XM4 a joy to use. If your budget accommodates, they deliver on all fronts.

4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II : Most Comfortable

Engineered for all-day comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II live up to their name thanks to a highly customizable fit system. Bose includes multiple sizes of stability bands and eartips in the box so you can mix and match to find your ideal fit. Once settled in place, the soft silicone tips stay luxuriously comfortable even during multi-hour listening sessions without causing fatigue.

But the QC Earbuds II deliver more than just supreme comfort – they also provide adjustable noise cancellation powered by Bose’s proprietary electronics. With up to 6 hours of listening per charge, Qi wireless charging support, and IPX4 sweat/water resistance, the QuietComfort Earbuds II are built to keep you happily listening all day long in total comfort.

5. Bose Sport Earbuds : For Fitness

The Bose Sport Earbuds are engineered specifically for exercise and active lifestyles. Their molded tips keep them locked in place during any workout thanks to wings and eartips that come in three sizes. With an IPX4 rating, they shrug off sweat and light rain if you get caught in a downpour on an outdoor run.

Audio delivers punchy bass and crisp highs that provide motivation when you need that extra push. Battery life gives you 5 hours per charge, which is decent though not exceptional. For gym rats, runners, and athletes wanting wireless audio that can keep up with their active routines, the Sport Earbuds are an excellent choice.

6. Beats Powerbeats Pro : Seamless iOS Integration

For iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV users who want truly wireless earbuds that integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, the Beats Powerbeats Pro are tough to beat. They feature Apple’s H1 chip for instant Bluetooth pairing, 9 hours of battery life, and earhooks to keep them stable during workouts.

Thanks to the H1 chip, you also get hands-free “Hey Siri” activation and automatic iCloud syncing across devices. The sound leans toward punchy bass and bold vocals rather than a flat studio monitor profile. Call quality is excellent with beamforming mics that reduce wind noise. For those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Powerbeats Pro deliver great wireless audio and connectivity. With this features it’s one of the best AirPods Alternatives.

7. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 : Audiophile Pick

With superbly natural, high-fidelity sound, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are a top choice for discerning ears. Sennheiser tuned these earbuds using high-end audiophile components to deliver expansive frequency response and lifelike tonality across genres. If you want a flatter, more accurate representation than bass-heavy consumer earbuds, these deliver.

Extras like a genuine 28 hours total battery life, Qi wireless charging case, and advanced noise cancellation make them great for travel and commuting too. Via the app, you can customize the EQ and controls. For critical listening rather than workouts, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 impress.

8. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : Best Features

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro stands out by packing unique features into Samsung’s typically well-built true wireless earbuds package. Active noise cancelling leverages AI to adapt to ambient noise for superior isolation. 360 Audio simulates surround effects from movies and music with head-tracking. Samsung partnered with AKG to tune the drivers for lively sound across the spectrum.

Battery life reaches 8 hours per charge, with wireless charging on the case. Hands-free Bixby support, fast pairing with Galaxy devices, and waterproof IPX7 rating provide added convenience. If you want cutting-edge functionality with great sound, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro deliver.

9. Jabra Elite 7 Pro : Great Call Quality

Optimized for calls and voice, the Jabra Elite 7 Pro use a suite of mics and advanced digital signal processing to make your voice come through clearly. Jabra’s MultiSensor Voice technology uses bone conduction sensors to isolate your voice from ambient noise during calls and speaking. An adjustable transparency mode lets you pipe in sound from your environment when needed.

Music quality, while not audiophile-grade, benefits from the same crisp microphone signal chain. With up to 30 hours total battery life and IP57 dust/waterproofing, the Elite 7 Pro are great all-around earbuds with superb call and voice performance.

Conclusion

While the iconic AirPods may still top many wishlists, there are fantastic wireless AirPods alternatives available at every price point. Whether you prioritize budget price, sound quality, battery life, or workout-friendly design, there’s an option to suit your needs while saving some cash versus the AirPods. Any of these 9 picks deliver a great listening experience. Choose the model that aligns best with your budget and feature wishlist.

In case you missed!

• Best Bone Conduction Headphones: A Revolutionary Way to Listen to Music
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 3: The Best Wireless Earbuds
• Best Bluetooth Speakers : Portable and Waterproof
• How to Find Airpod Case That Is Lost or Missing