This article used to review the SoundWhiz BioniQ, a cheap pair of true wireless earbuds sold mainly through online marketplaces. The BioniQ is gone: Amazon no longer lists it, and the SoundWhiz website is now a domain for sale. The need it filled has not gone away, though. Plenty of people want a pair of earbuds with no wires at all, a pocket-sized charging case and decent sound, without paying premium prices.

The good news is that budget true wireless earbuds have improved a lot. Features that were rare at this price a few years ago, such as Bluetooth 5.x, app EQ, fast charging and even active noise cancellation, now show up on models that cost less than $40. Below are five budget true wireless earbuds you can buy today, listed from cheapest to most expensive, with what owners and reviewers like and dislike about each.

Updated September 2026: product availability, specs and prices re-checked.

1. JLab GO Air POP

The JLab GO Air POP is one of the cheapest true wireless earbuds from a well-known brand, at about $25 on JLab’s store (September 2026). JLab calls it its smallest package, and the buds weigh 3.7 g each. The company rates them at more than 8 hours per charge and over 32 hours in total with the case. A 10-minute charge adds about an hour of play.

You can use either earbud on its own, and there are three EQ presets you can switch with the touch sensors. The charging case has a built-in USB-A cable, so you don’t need to carry a separate one. The buds are rated IPX4 for sweat and splashes.

Pros

• Very low price for a name brand, with a two-year warranty
• Long rated battery life for the size
• Either earbud works alone

Cons

• Older Bluetooth 5.1 and SBC codec only
• Built-in USB-A charging cable, not USB-C

2. Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds

Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds cost about $28 on Skullcandy’s site (September 2026). Skullcandy built them around one goal: full, clear sound instead of a long feature list. They still have touch controls, a microphone in each earbud and three EQ modes for music, movies and podcasts.

Skullcandy rates them at 8 hours in the buds plus 12 more from the case, for 20 hours in total. A 10-minute charge gives about 2 hours of playback. They are rated IPX4 for sweat and water.

Pros

• Simple, sound-first design from an established brand
• Fast charging, with 2 hours from 10 minutes
• EQ modes built in, no app needed

Cons

• Shortest total battery life on this list
• Only basic IPX4 water resistance

3. Soundcore P20i

Anker’s Soundcore P20i lists at about $40 on Soundcore’s store (September 2026) and is often discounted. It uses 10 mm drivers tuned for boosted bass. Soundcore rates it at 10 hours per charge and 30 hours with the case, and 10 minutes of charging gives 2 hours of play.

The Soundcore app adds 22 EQ presets, a gaming mode and customizable touch controls. You can also use a single earbud. The buds are rated IPX5, and the case has a lanyard loop. Customer reviews on Soundcore’s site often praise its value for money and sturdy build.

Pros

• Big 10 mm drivers and punchy bass
• Full app support with many EQ presets
• IPX5 rating and Bluetooth 5.3

Cons

• No active noise cancellation
• Bass-forward tuning won’t suit everyone

4. TOZO NC9

The TOZO NC9 (the upgraded version) sells for about $40 on TOZO’s store (September 2026). It adds active noise cancellation, which TOZO says reduces ambient sound by up to 45 dB. That figure comes from the manufacturer, so treat it as a best case.

TOZO rates the NC9 at up to 60 hours of total playtime with the case. The TOZO app offers 32 EQ presets, and six microphones with ENC help with call clarity. It is rated IPX8, the highest water resistance on this list, and it uses Bluetooth 5.3.

Pros

• Active noise cancellation at a budget price
• Very long rated total battery life
• IPX8 water resistance

Cons

• ANC claims are the manufacturer’s own; budget ANC is usually weaker than premium models
• TOZO lists no hi-res codec such as LDAC

5. SOUNDPEATS C30

The SOUNDPEATS C30 is the most feature-rich pick here, at about $40 on SOUNDPEATS’ store (September 2026). It supports Hi-Res audio over LDAC, which Android phones can use for higher-quality Bluetooth sound. It also has hybrid ANC that SOUNDPEATS rates at up to 52 dB, plus a transparency mode.

SOUNDPEATS rates it at 10 hours per charge, and 10 minutes of charging gives 3 hours. Six microphones with AI noise reduction handle calls, and it uses Bluetooth 6.0 with an IP54 dust and water rating. The case has a metallic finish.

Pros

• LDAC Hi-Res codec support
• Hybrid ANC with transparency mode
• Newest Bluetooth version on this list

Cons

• LDAC only helps with Android phones that support it; iPhones don’t
• ANC figures are the manufacturer’s own

What to Look For

At this price, check four things. The first is battery life, both per charge and with the case. Next is the water rating: IPX4 handles sweat, while IPX5 and above cope better with rain. Then decide whether you need ANC for commuting or flights. Last, check app support, which lets you adjust the sound and controls. Also check that the earbuds work on their own, one at a time, if you like to keep one ear free.

Related reading

• Best Budget Bluetooth Headphones in 2026: 5 MPOW 059 Alternatives
• 10 Best Bone Conduction Headphones in 2026

Conclusion

The SoundWhiz BioniQ may be gone, but cheap true wireless earbuds are better than ever. For the lowest price, the JLab GO Air POP and Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds cover the basics well. The Soundcore P20i adds app control and bigger drivers. If you want noise cancellation, the TOZO NC9 and SOUNDPEATS C30 bring it for about $40. Keep your earbuds in their case when you are not using them, and a budget pair can last a long time.