The best cheap wireless earbuds in Australia 2024

Hero image for best cheap wireless earbuds showing the Sony WF-C500 displayed on a concrete surface
(Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future)
Buying advice you can trust

We literally test hundreds of earbuds a year. This gives us heaps of knowledge about the market, and huge experience in assessing sound quality and weighing up the most important features for buyers, so you can rest assured that the models covered in this list deliver on sound quality despite their affordable price tag.

For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide 

In these financially challenging times, shopping for the best cheap wireless earbuds in Australia that balance great performance and price is the most important criteria. 

But what constitutes 'cheap' in Australia? For us, it hovers around the AU$150 mark, at the absolute maximum. Anything less is a steal. Fortunately, when it comes to delivering sweet music into your ears, you actually have a fair amount of choice around this price point. 

You do have to remember you're still going to need to make some compromises to keep the costs low and that some of these may have an influence on sound quality. Just because these models are cheap, though, it doesn't mean that they skimp on features. In some cases you may get models with active noise cancelling (ANC), but you don’t always need extra features to become one of the best cheap wireless earbuds around. 

Read on to find the pick of the best cheap wireless earbuds available to buy right now.

Top 3 best cheap wireless earbuds

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Best value with ANC: 1More PistonBuds Pro

Best value with ANC: 1More PistonBuds Pro
At AU$85, these are the best value wireless earbuds with ANC in our opinion. ANC is effective at the price, and the 'buds are a win for consumers looking for great performance in a stylish and affordable package.

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Best overall performance: Sony WF-C500
Sony's WF-C500 earbuds may not wow you with their looks, but arguably these are the best wireless earbuds under AU$150 (most Australian retailers have them marked up for AU$149, but you can find them for around AU$100 in some instances). 

Music sounds punchy but should you want to tweak the sound, there’s the Equalizer feature in the Sony Headphones Connect app. These don't have ANC, but battery life is respectable and they come with 360 Reality Audio and DSEE support. 

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Best value basic earbuds: OnePlus Nord Buds
The OnePlus Nord Buds make for excellent value over in the US, and while they may cost a tad more than a direct currency conversion here in Australia at AU$79, they're still an attractive proposition, especially for OnePlus conformists and commuters who desire quality true wireless performance for less. Sound is dynamic and bass heavy at times, but the EQ customization helps balance things out. The controls work without a hitch and Fast Charging is a bonus.

The best cheap wireless earbuds to buy right now

The 1More PistonBuds Pro wireless earbuds resting on a pillowTop Pick

(Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future)
Entry-level ANC earbuds that surpass expectations at the price

Specifications

Size: 0.6 x 0.7 x 0.8 inches (per bud)
Weight: 4.5g (per bud), 30g (charging case)
Battery life (rated): Up to 7.5 hours; 30 hours (charging case)
Bluetooth range: 32 feet
ANC: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Effective ANC for the price
+
Energetic sound
+
Attractive, compact design
+
Responsive touch controls

Reasons to avoid

-
Bass heavy on some tracks
-
Battery life could be better
-
Weak call quality

The PistonBuds Pro are a win for budget-conscious consumers who desire outstanding ANC and sound in a stylish, affordable package. Are they going to have the AirPods Pro 2 quaking in their boots? No, but they are easily one of the best AirPods alternatives that can be had for a third of the price. 

The downside? Battery life isn’t anything to write home about, nor is call quality. But these shortcomings are forgivable when factoring in the audio and noise cancellation these buds deliver, which is what you're most likely going to be buying them for, right?  In fact, they do more than enough to satisfy (especially at the AU$90 price) giving the Piston Buds Pro mass appeal. 

Read our full 1More PistonBuds Pro review.

The OnePlus Nord Buds resting on plaid fabricbest value awards badge

(Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future)
Value buds that deliver big on sound

Specifications

Size: 1.9 x 0.8 x 0.92 inches (per bud)
Weight: 4.82g (per bud), 41.7g (charging case)
Battery life (rated): 7 hours; 30 hours (charging case)
Bluetooth range: Not specified
ANC: No

Reasons to buy

+
Rich, customisable sound
+
Useful battery life with powerful quick charging
+
Dependable call quality and connectivity
+
Reliable touch controls

Reasons to avoid

-
Poor wind noise reduction on calls
-
Bass heavy on some music tracks

At AU$79, the Nord Buds serve up a performance that belies their price, and they'd make a great purchase for OnePlus conformists and commuters who desire quality true wireless performance for less. These buds have a 4-mic array with AI noise reduction, 12.4mm titanium drivers, mobile app compatibility with personalization tools, and proprietary Flash Charge technology. OnePlus mobile users may receive special software perks, but the solid controls, strong audio performance, and sufficient battery life remain consistent across all platforms. 

Sound is dynamic and bass heavy at times, but the ability to customise frequencies helps balance things out. The controls work without a hitch, comfort is pleasant, and Fast Charging is clutch for recharging in short time spans. The noise reduction on calls could be better, but the Nord Buds' pros outweigh any cons to make it a must-own for budget-conscious earbud users everywhere.

Read our full OnePlus Nord Buds review. 

The Sony WF-C500 displayed on a concrete surfaceTop Pick

(Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future)
Upmarket features and sound quality at a great price

Specifications

Size: 1.2 x 1.1 x 0.9 inches (per bud)
Weight: 5.4g (per bud), 35g (charging case)
Battery life (rated): 10 hours; 20 hours (charging case)
Bluetooth range: 70 feet
ANC: No

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful bass
+
360 Reality Audio and DSEE support
+
Lengthy playback time
+
Works with Sony Headphones Connect app
+
Strong connectivity

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks some features found on Sony's upmarket models
-
Charging case only holds two additional full charges
-
No touch controls

Sony's WF-C500 earbuds may not wow you with their looks, but arguably these are the best wireless earbuds under AU$150. Music sounds punchy and although their profile might not be as depth-filled as Sony’s WF-1000XM4 (which should be expected given the price difference), you can expect powerful lows and crisp highs, along with under-emphasised mids. Should you want to tweak the sound, there’s an Equalizer feature in the Sony Headphones Connect app that allows you to manually adjust frequencies or select from nine presets that prioritise different sonic elements, depending on the music genre or content.

The WF-C500 isn’t perfect, though, with slightly impractical controls that can inflict some discomfort when attempting to activate, and mediocre capacity from the charging case. However, these are trivial complaints when factoring in the level of sound Sony has managed to engineer into these tiny buds, and they're a bargain-priced model that really shouldn't be overlooked.

Read our full Sony WF-C500 review.

Edifier W240TN packaging box placed on top of a closed laptop

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Great-sounding value earbuds with ANC

Specifications

Size: 0.9 x 0.6 x 0.9 inches (per bud); 2.3 x 1.08 x 1.6 inches (charging case)
Weight: 11.6g (both buds), 39.6g (charging case)
Battery life (rated): Up to 8.5 hours; 25.5 hours (charging case with ANC off)
Bluetooth range: 100 feet
ANC: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Detailed, dynamic soundstage
+
Effective ANC 
+
Attractive, durable design
+
Reliable battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited touch control customisation
-
Weak call quality
-
No wireless charging 

The Edifier W240TN are a fine-looking and sounding pair of wireless earbuds. They're pretty well featured, although not everything works quite as well as we'd like. For an ANC model at the price of AU$100, though, performance is strong and you get detailed sonics thanks to the dual dynamic drivers that deliver a wide and compelling sound, and effective noise cancellation.

We weren't sold on call quality or wind resistance when on the move, but these sorts of compromises are to be expected for wireless earbuds this affordable. Battery life is very respectable as is connectivity, and the overall comfort and craftsmanship make them well worth their asking price.

Read the full Edifier W240TN review.

The JLab Go Air Pop held in hand

(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
The best wireless earbuds under AU$50

Specifications

Size: 0.9 x 1 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 3.7g (per bud), 27.5g (charging case)
Battery life (rated): 8 hours; 32 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet (9 metres)
ANC: No

Reasons to buy

+
Satisfactory sound at price 
+
IPX4-rated water resistance
+
Respectable battery life
+
Custom EQ settings

Reasons to avoid

-
Poor call quality
-
Unreliable controls

The Go Air Pop is one of the most affordable pair of true wireless earbuds you're going to find, especially when you factor in the list of features on offer. These include water resistance, a choice of EQ settings and even a case with a built-in charging cable. To put into comparison just how affordable they are, when we tested the cheapest headphones on Amazon, even the no-name brands didn't produce true wireless models that were this affordable.

Even so, this is much better than bargain bin fare. While you can tweak the EQ, the default sound has plenty of bass, and the lightweight design actually avoids some of the comfort issues we had with the JBuds Air. Battery life is good too, although while JLab claims 8+ hours per earbud, we achieved closer to 7 hours of normal use per charge. But, for AU$50, this is perfectly acceptable. 

Read our full JLab Go Air Pop review. 

The EarFun Air connected to a smartphone

(Image credit: EarFun)
A winning balance of form, function and fashion

Specifications

Size: 2.1 inches x 2 inches x 1.3 inches (charging case)
Weight: 5.35g (per bud), 59.87g (including charging case)
Battery life (rated): 7 hours, 35 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 50 feet (15 metres)
ANC: No

Reasons to buy

+
Good sound quality
+
Wireless charging
+
Noise-cancelling mics

Reasons to avoid

-
Fit may not be right for all
-
Fiddly touch controls

The EarFun Air might look like some of the better fake AirPods out there, but they offer much more performance, so much so our colleagues at What Hi-Fi? bestowed a prestigious Award upon them in 2020. 

Music sounds top-notch with the sound signature having powerful bass that lays a strong foundation for clear vocals and instruments to shine. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures that your connection with devices remains stable within a 50-foot radius. IPX7 certification and Sweatshield technology also protect the buds from sweat and can handle submersion in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. You even get the added benefit of wireless charging as part of the package as well.

The controls can act up at times and the fit can be a bit fussy with some ear shapes, but don’t let these shortcomings put you off as the EarFun Air earbuds really are worth a closer look. 

Read our full EarFun Air review.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 outside of their charging case

(Image credit: Future)
An AirPods clone with more functionality

Specifications

Size: 2 x 2.2 x 1 inches
Weight: 59g (buds and charging case)
Battery life (rated): 7 hours; 28 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 35 feet (12 metres)
ANC: No

Reasons to buy

+
Big bass sound
+
Adaptive listening features
+
Wireless charging
+
Good call quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Fiddly touch controls

The Anker Liberty Air 2 earbuds can fluctuate in price between retailers, but you'll rarely need to part with more than AU$100 to nab them. And you should definitely consider them, as they share a similar eye-catching design to the AirPods, and are an enticing and affordable alternative. 

Anker's four-mic system does a solid job with noise reduction and voice recognition and makes them a great buy for use on calls. Bass has more boom than the AirPods, which is something hip-hop and rock fans will appreciate, while the companion app also lets you tweak the sound profile to suit your preference. It’s pretty cool to see Anker include wireless charging as well.

Design-wise, the Liberty Air 2 definitely feels more premium than Apple’s buds, and the bundled tips provide a satisfyingly secure fit; the more expensive AirPods Pro comes with tips (regular AirPods don’t). Our only complaints here are that the charging case feels flimsy and the touch controls could be more responsive.

Read our full review of the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2.

The Skullcandy Dime displayed on a brick floor

(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
Another top set of cheap wireless earbuds below $70

Specifications

Size: 1 x 1 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 32g (buds and charging case)
Battery life (rated): 3.5 hours; 12 hours (with charging case)
Bluetooth range: 30 feet (9 meters)
ANC: No

Reasons to buy

+
Superb sound for the price
+
Water resistance
+
Compact charging case
+
Secure fit

Reasons to avoid

-
No app
-
Impractical controls
-
Battery life was shorter than stated in our tests

They're not the outright cheapest pair of true wireless earbuds on this list, but the Skullcandy Dime wields far better sound quality than even the most optimistic bargain-hunter might expect. Combine that with IPX4-rated water resistance, the same as what you get on the premium AirPods Pro, and the Dime is an instant low-cost champion.

Granted, there are still some imperfections, like the fiddly touch controls and the short battery life: expect only about 3 hours of playtime per charge. But if you want the biggest sonic bang from the smallest pile of bucks, look no further.

Read our full Skullcandy Dime review.

The Anker Soundcore Life P3 rested on a log

(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
The best cheap earbuds with active noise cancellation

Specifications

Size: 1.5 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 4.5g (per bud), 54.5g (charging case)
Battery life (rated): 7 hours (ANC off); 35 hours (with charging case and ANC off)
Bluetooth range: 49 feet (15 metres)
ANC: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable ANC
+
Lots of features
+
Good battery life
+
Water-resistance rated at IPX5

Reasons to avoid

-
Unreliable touch controls

The Soundcore Life P3 is one of the more costly pairs of earbuds on this list at around AU$130, but in return you do get full active noise cancellation. Anker doesn't just use this as a buzzword term, either, as the ANC actually works reasonably well; there's no sense that it was thrown in with a bunch of cut corners.

In fact, the Soundcore Life P3 is a commendably feature-rich set of buds in general, offering a customisable EQ, Gaming Mode, and even a "Superior Sleep" mode to listen to as you drift off. Battery life is pretty good too, especially if you switch off ANC to maximize efficiency.

Read our full Anker Soundcore Life P3 review.

How to choose the best cheap wireless earbuds for you

Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best cheap wireless earbuds. Many cheap models have listed prices of less than AU$150, but with sales and discounts at online retailers, you can easily bag a bargain for even less. You may even find more expensive earbuds have their prices significantly discounted, too, but because these aren't guaranteed, we haven't listed them in this article. 

Any money you save on your earbuds purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear. So pay attention to rated battery life and whether any carrying case comes with the earbuds to provide additional power. You'll also want to see what reviews from both professional testers and people who bought the earbuds have to say about sound quality. That goes for both listening to music via the earbuds as well as fielding phone calls.

How well wireless earbuds fit your ears can vary from person to person. But some models come with additional tips and fins to offer something approaching a customised fit. Without the right fit, you're not going to be able to take full advantage of your earbuds' audio capabilities. 

How we test the best cheap wireless earbuds

When rating the best cheap wireless earbuds, we look not only at price but also design, sound quality and battery life. We also consider how easy it is to pair earbuds with a smartphone and what kind of controls are accessible through the device.

In terms of audio, we listen to many sample tracks that span a number of genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, R&B, and electronic, while assessing volume levels and how easy the earbuds are to drive. Movies, podcasts and video games are also used where necessary. We also make phone calls to assess both call quality and microphone performance. 

Find out what we listen for during our testing process and how to get the best headphone sound for you.

During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for hours at a time throughout the course of a week. Reviewers will make note of battery life and how well it matches the rated battery life provided by earbud makers. 

As with the best wireless headphones, we evaluate earbuds based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded an Editor's Choice badge. 

For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.

Contributions from: Alex Bracetti

Next: Have more to spend? Check out the best wireless earbuds

If you're undecided about what headphone style is right for you, then take a look at our guide to the best cheap headphones overall, which includes over-ear models. Or if you've decided that you definitely want active noise cancelling then you need to take a look at the best noise-cancelling headphones to get a complete picture of the all the top-rated ANC models we've tested.

More: Find out why Tom's Guide audio editor says I'd still choose wired headphones over wireless.

Lee Dunkley
Audio Editor

As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

With contributions from
  • jeffadair
    I agree with most all of your recommendations with one little caveat...because these headphones are practically disposable (i have yet to keep any more than a year or two), I would like to read what your opinion would be on the best really cheap wireless earbuds...like the ones you can get on Wish and Temu. I have more than a few pairs of these and just switch around with them...no real favorites. They all sound just fine to me (I'm not an audiophile), just a guy who wants something to listen to at the gym or Starbucks.
    Reply