Best Earbuds Under 150 USD in 2025 – Tested and Approved

Best Earbuds Under $150 in 2025 – Tested and Approved

If you’ve been following Dapper & Groomed for a while, you’ll know that reviewing earbuds and audio gear has become a big part of what I do here. Music is a huge part of my daily life — whether it’s walking the dog through the streets of my market town, working from home with a playlist in the background, or simply enjoying a few tracks in the evening to switch off. I’m not really a podcast guy, so when I test earbuds, my focus is always on how they perform with music.

When it comes to choosing the right pair, here’s what I value most: the design and overall look (because yes, style matters), the case (both the feel and how practical it is), how easy the setup is, the sound quality, and how loud they can go without distortion. I also pay close attention to whether there’s any noticeable delay while watching YouTube videos — something a lot of people forget to check. Battery life, on the other hand, isn’t a huge priority for me. I rarely wear earbuds for long hours, so as long as they last a decent session, I’m happy.

Over the past months, I’ve had the chance to test some fantastic earbuds, all under the $150 mark. Each one offers something different, from powerful sound to clever features and sleek designs. In this post, I’ll share my personal top five, with honest impressions based on how I actually use them day to day.

As someone who reviews audio gear regularly and uses it daily, these are the five earbuds I believe stand out in 2025 under $150.

1. Edifier NeoBuds Plus

For me, one of the very best earbuds at this price point — and a pair that works beautifully with both iPhones and Android devices — is the Edifier NeoBuds Plus. I’ve said it before: I really like Edifier’s sound signature. Edifier has a real talent for making earbuds that combine great sound with stylish design and solid build quality, all while keeping the price accessible.

The NeoBuds Plus (read the full review here) tick all the right boxes. They support Hi-Res Wireless audio, which is something you don’t usually find at this price. Battery life is more than solid for my usage, and the active noise cancellation is impressive, offering up to -48dB reduction depth. That’s more than enough to block out background noise whether you’re commuting, working in a café, or just trying to focus at home.

But what really makes them stand out is the sound. They have that distinctive warm Edifier tuning — rich bass, smooth mids, and enough detail to make every track enjoyable without sounding harsh. These aren’t earbuds that try to be clinical or overly sharp; they’re made for people who actually enjoy listening to music.

The case is another highlight. It has a sleek design, and I love the small LED light effect while charging. Even better, you can customize the light color and other settings through the Edifier Connect app — a nice little touch that makes them feel more personal. Comfort is excellent as well; I can wear them for long listening sessions without any irritation.

Honestly, if you ask me right now which earbuds are the best you can buy under $150, the NeoBuds Plus would be my answer. They combine premium features with everyday usability, and they look good while doing it.

👉 Check the Edifier NeoBuds Plus on Amazon here

2. Apple AirPods 4 (Standard Model)

I’ll be honest: I’ve never been the biggest AirPods fan. But I completely get the appeal — especially if you’re an iPhone user. The truth is, no other earbuds integrate with Apple devices as seamlessly as the AirPods 4.

Setting them up with an iPhone or iPad couldn’t be easier; open the case, and they’re ready to go. The Find Myintegration is fantastic, and trust me, I’ve already had to use it more than once to track down a missing earbud. It’s one of those small features that ends up being a lifesaver.

When it comes to performance, the sound quality is good. Not the best on this list, but perfectly fine for everyday listening. Where AirPods really shine is call quality. If you’re someone who takes work calls or FaceTimes a lot, these are excellent. The touch controls are also some of the most responsive I’ve used, making them very intuitive day-to-day.

Battery life is just fine, nothing groundbreaking, and the case is well designed and reliable. But there is one big issue — fit. These aren’t made for every ear shape. Personally, I’m fine with them, but my wife can’t use AirPods at all; they just won’t stay put and constantly fall out, which is beyond frustrating.

That being said, the AirPods 4 absolutely deserve a spot on this list. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, they are without doubt the easiest option, with reliable performance, excellent calls, and that unbeatable Apple integration.

👉 Check the Apple AirPods 4 on Amazon US

3. Google Pixel Buds 2A

Back when I had my Pixel 6A, my earbuds of choice were the Google Pixel Buds Pro. They fit perfectly, sounded great, and worked seamlessly with the Pixel, especially with Google Assistant. Fast-forward to 2025, and Google has just launched the Pixel 10 series alongside the Pixel Buds 2A — the new affordable option in their lineup. And let me tell you, they’re much more than a “budget” pair.

The first thing that strikes me is the case. Google still makes the best earbud case on the market, in my opinion. Opening and closing it is oddly satisfying, and it feels premium every single time. The earbuds themselves are comfortable, they fit securely, and they look great.

Sound quality is good — clear and balanced with enough bass to keep things interesting. The active noise cancellation is surprisingly strong for the price point, and it makes them more versatile whether you’re commuting, working, or just listening at home.

But the real star here is the integration with Google Gemini (yes, goodbye Google Assistant). You can literally ask Gemini to create a YouTube playlist for you while on the go, which makes the experience feel futuristic and incredibly useful. For anyone who lives inside the Google ecosystem, this feature alone makes the Pixel Buds 2A worth considering.

If you have a Pixel phone, or really any Android device, the Pixel Buds 2A are an excellent choice. They’re stylish, practical, and tightly woven into the Google experience — exactly what you’d expect from the company behind Android.

👉 Check the Google Pixel Buds 2A on Amazon US

4. QCY Melobuds Pro

QCY might not be as well-known as Apple, Google, or Edifier, but it’s actually part of the Xiaomi group — which explains why the brand consistently delivers stylish, well-made products at unbelievable prices. I had the pleasure of reviewing (read here) the QCY Melobuds Pro, and I have to say, they completely blew me away for what they cost.

If your budget is on the lower end but you still want a pair of earbuds with style, good active noise cancellation, solid audio quality (compatible with LDAC Hi-Res Audio), long battery life, and everyday comfort, these are the ones to get. And here’s the kicker: they come in at under $50.

Honestly, at this price point, you just can’t get any better. In fact, I’d argue that even some earbuds priced much higher struggle to compete with what QCY has pulled off here. The fit is secure and comfortable, the controls are simple to use, and the sound profile has that distinctive QCY touch — fun, engaging, and warm.

Now, to be clear, the Melobuds Pro won’t sound like top-of-the-line Sony or Bose models — but that’s not the point. For under $50, these are incredible value, and if you’re looking for an affordable way to enjoy great sound with proper ANC, I can’t recommend them enough.

👉 Check the QCY Melobuds Pro on Amazon US. Available at QCY.com (here)

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

If you don’t have an iPhone, there’s a pretty good chance you’re using a Samsung smartphone. The last Samsung I personally owned was the Galaxy S10+, and back then my earbuds of choice were the Galaxy Buds+ — great sound, great fit, and the perfect companion for anyone in the Samsung ecosystem. My wife is still using her Galaxy Buds Live today, and let’s be honest: that quirky “pea” design was (and still is) pretty incredible.

Fast forward to now, and Samsung’s most affordable option is the Galaxy Buds FE. Don’t let the price fool you — these earbuds are a fantastic choice for anyone with a Samsung phone. They look stylish without being an AirPods copycat, they deliver surprisingly strong sound quality, and they integrate beautifully with Samsung devices.

One standout feature is live translation, which works seamlessly if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem. It’s not just a gimmick; it genuinely adds to the usefulness of these earbuds if you travel or work in multilingual environments. At under $100, the Buds FE strike an excellent balance between price, performance, and ecosystem integration.

If you’re a Samsung user and want earbuds that just work without breaking the bank, the Galaxy Buds FE are a perfect choice.

👉 Check the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE on Amazon US

Conclusion

Choosing the right pair of earbuds under $150 really comes down to your lifestyle and the devices you use every day. Whether you’re in the Apple, Google, or Samsung ecosystem — or you’re looking for an affordable but surprisingly premium option from brands like Edifier or QCY — there’s something on this list for you. I’ve tested each of these myself, and they all deliver in their own way, from sound and comfort to those little details that make the listening experience more enjoyable.

Jerome

About the author:

Jerome is a men’s lifestyle blogger and independent product reviewer with over 12 years of hands-on experiencetesting and reviewing men’s skincare, grooming products, fragrances, and wellness items. He has also worked within the healthcare sector, which informs his responsible approach to skincare, acne care, ingredients, and safety. Before becoming a full-time content creator, Jerome spent 20 years working in technical and sound roles within the entertainment industry, providing additional expertise when reviewing audio products such as headphones, earbuds, and speakers. He is the founder of Dapperandgroomed.com, a US-focused men’s lifestyle website.