By Tyler Hayes
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Having the most pristine audio quality in headphones or a speaker is nice, but sometimes it's equally as nice to have good sound without spending too much money. In recent years I've been quite surprised that you can find some really decent audio devices that fit within most budgets. Below is a list of some of the best Bluetooth earbuds, speakers and headphones that don't cost more than $100.
Consider that it might be worthwhile to purchase two specialized earbuds for dedicated activities instead of spending more on a single pair. If you're buying wireless earbuds to use to go running, for example, you'll want to prioritize physical media buttons or a more secure fit over the largest driver delivering the most pounding bass. The same is true for the overall size of a speaker that will need to be packed away in a travel bag.
If you're looking for one device that can do it all while sounding amazing, you'll need to raise your budget beyond the $100 price, but as long as you're not too picky you should have a lot of choices available. As always, the prices may fluctuate over time.
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Tribit StormBox Micro 2
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The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a compact speaker that's geared toward being taken out on an adventure, rather than partying at home. The small size is perfect for packing in a backpack or tucking into a large pocket. Its sound capability far exceeds its small stature, and I have constantly been impressed with its volume, even in wide-open outdoor spaces. The speaker's water-resistant exterior also helps keep it active no matter where you take it.
The StormBox Micro 2 isn't a slouch when it comes to bass or sound quality. It has the capability to dig deep and pump out some low-end bass. Don't expect the world from this tiny speaker, but it's a great option when you can't bring a bigger speaker along for the ride.
Buy at Tribit for $59.99.
Phiaton BonoBuds
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The Phiaton BonoBuds have plenty of convenient features, such as active noise cancellation (ANC), touch controls, an ambient mode, a long battery life, Bluetooth 5.2 for better connectivity and IPX4 water resistance. It's also really nice that all of these features are packed into earbuds that fit in a very compact charging case.
I think the BonoBuds sound full and really nice. The earbuds use 12 millimeter drivers to produce their rich tones. I was also pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the earbuds are to wear for extended periods of time.
Buy at Phiaton for $69.99.
Skullcandy Budweiser Dime Earbuds
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If your goal is to spend as little money as possible, you should be looking at the Skullcandy Dime wireless earbuds. (The Budweiser edition ups the price a little in favor of a unique color scheme.) There aren't too many features for the low cost, but these do have a total of 12 hours of battery life when using the charging case.
The Dime earbuds are also IPX4 water-resistant, so they are fine to wear at the gym or while working up a sweat. I leave mine paired to an elliptical machine and use them to watch shows. The sound is more than fine for that. Plus, the low price means I'm not worried if they get lost or broken.
Buy at Skullcandy for $34.99.
Soundpeats Mini Pro
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The Soundpeats Mini Pro include ANC, 7 hours of battery life and noise reduction technology for voice calls. The earbuds themselves are petite, and the charging case is slim enough to fit easily in a front pants pocket.
The sound quality is middle of the road. I wish the Mini Pro had more punch to them, but they aren't bad. The earbuds fit neatly inside my ears and are very lightweight, making them great for listening to a long podcast.
Buy at Amazon for $59.99.
Shokz OpenMove
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The Shokz OpenMove headphones are a good choice for people who don't want to put anything directly into their ears. The OpenMove rely on bone conduction technology, which transmits sound through your cheekbones instead of through your ears. These headphones get 6 hours of battery life and can handle voice calls with an integrated microphone.
Bone conduction headphones are great for keeping your ears free to hear your surroundings. They also work well to avoid ear fatigue if you're wearing them for hours at a time.
Buy at Amazon for $79.95.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
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The Wonderboom 2 from Ultimate Ears is only a little bit bigger than a baseball but has impressive volume for its size. It packs in quite a few neat features, such as carrying an IP67 dust and waterproof rating. Since it isn't afraid of the water, it can float in a pool if need be. UE calls the speaker drop-proof, so it should be able to take a beating, too.
I have a Wonderboom 2, and it's great to use in the backyard or at the park. I never worry about its being damaged, and it can provide enough volume to be heard in open spaces.
Buy at Ultimate Ears for $99.99.
JBL Clip 3
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The JBL Clip 3 is a very specialized Bluetooth speaker. It will work to play music while sitting on your dining room table, but it's meant to be taken outside. The small device features a built-in carabiner clip, so it can attach to a backpack, fence, tree branch or anything else. Despite its size, it can play music for 10 hours before it needs to be recharged.
The speaker prioritizes size over volume, but it should still be able to provide music while on a picnic blanket, for example. The Clip 3 is a fun Bluetooth speaker for kids and adults.
Buy at JBL for $49.95.
1More Piston Fit
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Even in 2022, I think that there's still a place for wireless earbuds that have a cable attached. The necklace style is great for pulling the earbuds out of your ears and letting them dangle without losing them. The 1More Piston Fit might have a dated look, but they're under $50, and plenty of reviews cite really good audio quality for the price.
The Piston Fit earbuds have an 8-hour battery life and physical media buttons, and the earpieces magnetically connect to each other. Having a cable around your neck might not be right for every circumstance, but don't dismiss these too quickly.
Buy at 1More for $39.99.
Soundcore Life Q30
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For people wanting over-the-ear headphones, be sure to look at the Soundcore Life Q30. They feature hybrid ANC to help keep out the noise and 40 hours of battery life to listen with that setting turned on. The headphones have 40 millimeter drivers to push high-quality sound right into your ears. Overall, I'm a big fan of Soundcore products for their music reproduction quality.
The Q30 earcups use protein leather and memory foam in the padding to help facilitate long listening times. The lightweight plastic should also help with their comfort while wearing.
Buy at Amazon for $79.99.
Tribit MoveBuds H1
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Tribit advertises using its new MoveBuds H1 while surfing because they are IPX8 waterproof. Bluetooth won't work while completely submerged underwater, but surfing is a sport with the goal is to stay above the water most of the time. Pair these earbuds with a cellular Apple Watch and they could be the ultimate surfing companion.
The MoveBuds H1 have a staggering 15 hours of music playback per charge rating and can get 50 hours on top of that using the battery in the charging case. I've been pleased with both the sound quality of these earbuds as well as the secure fit that the ear hooks provide.
Buy at Tribit for $89.99.
Jabra Elite 3
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I've said it in previous reviews, but I think Jabra is the most underrated audio manufacturer right now. The company produces great-sounding devices for a reasonable cost. Their headphones and earbuds are also always comfortable, too. That brings me to the Jabra Elite 3.
This entry level model includes 7 hours of battery life along with a case that can fast charge when it gets low. These earbuds don't have ANC; though sticking something into your ears can be isolating, the Elite 3 utilize microphones for HearThrough so you can be better aware of your surroundings. Last, the earbuds are IP55 rated for dust and water protection. The Elite 3 would probably be my choice for wireless earbuds meant to be used for music, voice calls and anything else that comes up.
Buy at Jabra for $79.99.
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