Hey, Alex here from Headphones Me. Let’s talk. You love the idea of AirPods—the convenience, the little white case, the seamless connection. But then you see the price tag, and suddenly, that love gets a little complicated. If you’re searching for the Best Cheap Airpod Alternatives, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to sell a kidney to get a fantastic true wireless experience anymore. The market is packed with options that deliver a huge chunk of that Apple magic for a fraction of the cost. But how do you sort the gems from the junk? That’s what I’m here for. Let’s dive in and find you a pair of earbuds that your ears and your wallet will thank you for.
Why Even Look for an AirPod Alternative?
Honestly, it boils down to one word: value. Apple makes a great product, but you’re definitely paying a premium for that logo. For the price of one pair of AirPods Pro, you can often get two, sometimes even three, pairs of excellent alternatives that come surprisingly close in performance.
The best cheap Airpod alternatives aren’t just knock-offs. They’re thoughtfully engineered products from reputable audio brands that focus on delivering the features that matter most: solid audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and all-day battery life. You just have to know what to look for.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Airpod Alternatives
After spending countless hours testing—on noisy subway commutes, during sweaty gym sessions, and in the quiet of my studio—I’ve narrowed it down to a few standout models that consistently punch way above their weight class.
1. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: The ANC Champion
Anker’s Soundcore brand has become a giant in the budget audio space, and for good reason. The Liberty 4 NC is a prime example of why.
- Audio Quality: These earbuds sound good. Out of the box, they have a consumer-friendly, slightly V-shaped sound signature (meaning boosted bass and treble), which makes pop and electronic music really come alive. But the real magic is in the Soundcore app. It offers a feature called HearID, which runs a quick hearing test to create a custom EQ profile just for your ears. It’s a level of personalization you rarely see at this price. They also support the LDAC codec for higher-resolution audio with compatible Android devices.
- Noise Cancellation: This is where they truly shine. I took these on a recent flight from New York to LA, and I was floored. The adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to the level of noise around you, and it did a phenomenal job of silencing the low-frequency drone of the jet engines. It’s not quite on par with top-tier models from Sony or Bose, but for the money, it’s absolutely phenomenal and a game-changer for commuters.
- Battery Life & Features: You’re looking at up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC off, and the case holds another 40 hours. That’s a staggering 50 hours total. They also feature Bluetooth multipoint, so you can connect to your phone and laptop simultaneously—a feature even some premium earbuds lack.
According to Johnathan Carter, an audio engineer with 15 years in the industry, “What Anker is doing with their driver technology and digital signal processing at this price point is remarkable. The ability to tune the sound so precisely with HearID gives users a taste of the pro-audio experience without the pro-audio cost.”
2. The EarFun Air Pro 3: The All-Around Workhorse
If you need a pair of earbuds that does everything well without breaking the bank, the EarFun Air Pro 3 should be at the top of your list. They are a fantastic example of a well-rounded, affordable alternative.
- Audio Quality: The Air Pro 3 earbuds are powered by 11mm wool composite drivers, which deliver a warm, inviting sound. The bass is present but not overpowering, and the mids are clear, making them great for everything from podcasts to rock music. They also support aptX Adaptive, which is a huge plus for Android users, offering a stable, low-latency connection that’s great for watching videos or gaming.
- Comfort and Design: They have a stemmed design similar to AirPods Pro, which many people find helps with stability and call quality. They come with a generous selection of ear tips, so finding a secure seal is easy. I wore these for a 4-hour work session and almost forgot they were there. With an IPX5 water-resistance rating, they can easily handle a sweaty workout or a light rain shower.
- Connectivity and Calls: The microphone quality is surprisingly clear for a budget model. I took several calls while walking down a busy city street, and the person on the other end said they could hear me clearly, with most of the background noise filtered out. The connection was rock-solid throughout my testing.
3. JLab Go Air Pop: The Unbelievably Budget-Friendly Pick
Okay, what if your budget is really tight? I’m talking under $30 tight. The JLab Go Air Pop is your answer. It’s easy to be skeptical at this price, but these little guys are the real deal and one of the best cheap Airpod alternatives for those on a shoestring budget.
- What you get: You get over 8 hours of battery in the earbuds and another 24 hours from the incredibly tiny case. The case even has a built-in USB-A charging cable, which is super convenient. They’re feather-light and comfortable, and they come in a bunch of fun colors.
- Where are the compromises? Let’s be realistic. You’re not getting active noise cancellation or a super-detailed, audiophile-grade sound. The sound is bass-forward and fun, but it can lack clarity in the high-end. The microphones are just okay for calls in a quiet room. But for listening to music at the gym or podcasts on your walk, they are an absolute steal. They prove you don’t need to spend a lot to cut the cord.
What Key Features Define the Best Cheap Airpod Alternatives?
When you’re shopping, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of specs. Here’s what you should actually focus on.
How’s the Sound Quality on a Budget?
The sound quality on budget earbuds has improved dramatically. Many now offer larger dynamic drivers and support better Bluetooth codecs.
- Codecs Matter: A codec is the digital language your phone and earbuds use to communicate. The standard is SBC, which is fine but can be a bit lossy. Look for AAC support, as it performs much better with iPhones (it’s the same one AirPods use). For Android users, aptX or LDAC are fantastic bonuses that offer higher-quality streaming.
- Custom EQ is a Game Changer: Many of the best options come with a companion app that lets you tweak the equalizer (EQ). This allows you to tailor the sound to your personal taste, boosting the bass for the gym or enhancing vocals for podcasts.
Is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Any Good?
Yes, but it’s important to manage expectations. Budget ANC is excellent at cancelling out low, constant rumbles—think airplane cabins, train noise, or the hum of an air conditioner. It’s less effective at blocking out sudden, high-pitched sounds like people talking or a baby crying. For daily commutes and office focus, it’s more than good enough and a feature absolutely worth having.
Can They Last All Day?
Absolutely. Battery life is one area where many cheap AirPod alternatives actually beat Apple’s offerings. It’s common to see earbuds offering 6-8 hours of playback on a single charge (with ANC on), with the charging case providing an additional 20-30 hours. Always check two numbers: the earbud-only battery life and the total battery life with the case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can cheap AirPod alternatives connect easily to an iPhone?
A: Yes, absolutely. While you won’t get the instant pop-up pairing animation that Apple’s H1/H2 chip provides, the process is still incredibly simple. You just open your Bluetooth settings and tap to connect once. After that, they will connect automatically every time you take them out of the case.
Q: Is the sound quality of these alternatives really comparable to AirPods?
A: In many cases, yes, and sometimes it’s even better, especially if you value customizable EQ. AirPods are tuned to have a safe, balanced sound that pleases most people. Many alternatives offer a more dynamic, exciting sound out of the box and give you the tools to adjust it to your exact preferences.
Q: What is the biggest sacrifice when buying a budget alternative?
A: The biggest trade-offs are typically in the “smart” features and ecosystem integration. You’ll miss out on seamless device switching across Apple products, Spatial Audio with head tracking, and the ultra-polished user experience. Microphone quality for calls can also be a step down from premium models.
Q: Are these cheap earbuds good for making phone calls?
A: They have gotten much better. Most mid-range alternatives now use multiple microphones per earbud combined with AI algorithms to isolate your voice from background noise. While they might not be as crystal-clear as AirPods Pro in a windy environment, they are perfectly suitable for most daily calls in moderately noisy places.
Q: Will I get features like wireless charging and multipoint connection?
A: You’d be surprised! Features that were once exclusive to high-end models are now common in the budget space. Many of the best cheap Airpod alternatives, like the Soundcore and EarFun models mentioned, offer both Qi-compatible wireless charging and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity.
The Final Verdict
The truth is, the gap between premium earbuds and budget-friendly options is smaller than ever. You no longer have to accept tinny sound, spotty connections, and terrible battery life just to save some money. The best cheap Airpod alternatives offer a compelling, feature-rich experience that makes you question why you’d ever need to spend more.
Whether you’re a commuter seeking silence with the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC, an all-around user who needs the reliability of the EarFun Air Pro 3, or someone on a tight budget who will be delighted by the JLab Go Air Pop, there’s an amazing option waiting for you. Give one of them a try—your ears will be happy, and your bank account will be even happier.