You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent pair of wireless earbuds. These days, options under $100 are everywhere — but so are the risks of buying something that doesn’t live up to its promises. From battery life letdowns to poor audio quality, the wrong pick can cost you more in frustration than dollars. So how do you find earbuds that actually perform well, without getting sucked into flashy marketing? Start with the Basics — What Matters to You? Think about where and how you’ll use them. · Are they for workouts? Then fit and water resistance matter. · Using them on commutes or calls? You’ll want good microphones and noise isolation. · Just casual listening at home? You might care more about comfort or battery life. The goal is to match features to your lifestyle. This is where many people overpay — chasing features they’ll never use. Brand Hype ≠ Value A recognizable brand name doesn’t always mean better sound. There are plenty of lesser-known companies offering excellent quality at half the price. What you want is consistency: stable Bluetooth connection, decent sound range, and reliability over time. That said, stick to brands that at least have a reputation for standing behind their products. Customer service and warranty coverage matter — especially in this price range, where build quality can be hit-or-miss. Don’t Obsess Over Specs Many earbuds boast about “dynamic drivers” or “enhanced bass modes.” These can be helpful, but they’re often more about marketing than real-world performance. What’s more important is: · Battery life: Look for at least 5 hours on a single charge and 15–20 hours with the case. · Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 or higher is now standard — anything less can lead to dropped signals. · Controls: Touch controls sound futuristic, but they can be a pain. Some users prefer physical buttons for reliability. Read User Reviews — the Right Way Here’s a trick: Don’t just look at star ratings. Dig into the 3-star reviews. These tend to be the most honest. People share small issues that might be deal-breakers for you but not others (like earbuds falling out during exercise, or weak bass). And if every review sounds too polished or vague? It might be padded with fake reviews. Use a review checker tool or filter by “Verified Purchase” when possible. Be Wary of Unrealistic Claims Earbuds under $100 can be excellent, but they won’t have the same noise cancellation or studio-grade sound as $250 models. If a brand says otherwise, it’s exaggerating. Stick with realistic expectations, and you’re far less likely to be disappointed. Final Thought There are great wireless earbuds out there for under $100 — the key is avoiding the trap of overhyped promises. Prioritize the features you actually need, do a little research, and you’ll walk away with a product that fits both your ears and your budget.