Are budget wireless earbuds actually good?

Yes — dramatically better than they were three years ago. Features once exclusive to $150-200 earbuds (LDAC, ANC, wireless charging, 40+ hour battery) are now common under $50. The main limitations vs premium earbuds are ANC depth, call microphone quality in wind, and long-term build durability. For most casual listening needs, budget earbuds are completely adequate.

What is LDAC and do I need it in budget earbuds?

LDAC is Sony's hi-res Bluetooth codec that transmits up to 990kbps — nearly 3x more data than standard AAC. You'll hear the difference with high-quality source files (lossless FLAC, Apple Lossless) and a discerning ear. For Spotify or Apple Music at standard quality, LDAC makes little practical difference. If you listen to lossless music on Android, LDAC earbuds like the Soundcore Life P3 are a genuine upgrade.

How long do budget wireless earbuds last?

Most budget earbuds from reputable brands (Soundcore, JLab, JBL) last 18-24 months of daily use before battery capacity degrades noticeably. The charging case batteries tend to outlast the earbuds. At sub-$50 prices, many users treat them as semi-disposable — if they wear out, buying another pair of the same model or an upgrade is easy to justify.

Best Budget Wireless Earbuds 2026