7 Great Wireless Earbuds That Are Cheaper Than AirPods

The whole Apple AirPod frenzy seemed to go from zero to hundred overnight. It was almost out of nowhere that friends, colleagues, and basically everyone on the internet began sporting the minimal shiny buds, as if they all had magically landed under their pillows. By now, any sight of that dangly old cord just screams vintage.

While we can’t deny the greatness of Apple's AirpodsPro (an upgrade from the tech giant’s first game-changing, first generation model), spending nearly $250 a something this small can burn quite the hole in your pocket. And after deducting this number from your bank account, the beauty of the H1 easy-pairing chip for automatic connection seems less appealing.

How to Spot Fake AirPods

When you type in “Apple AirPods” in the search bar on Amazon, chances are you’ll find a plethora of exact duplicate options for a fraction of the price. While this seems tempting, purchasing from a non-reputable seller can be sketchy. Users have reported faulty, knockoff AirPods that look like the real deal in photos, but arrive different in person. Not only do these “fake AirPods” have different Bluetooth technology (kiss the H1 chip goodbye), but they are also typically larger in size, have less charge and zero bass.

Better AirPod Alternatives

If you’re aiming for earbuds with the AirPod look, it is possible to score quality AirPods alternatives for less. We have spent days of researching reviews on cheap AirPod alternatives from Amazon, and have tested countless models to bring you the 8 top off-brand AirPods. From colorful styles that stand out to the best AirPod clones, we narrowed it down to the top-performing minimal earbuds across sound quality, battery life, ergonomics and design—all for under $100.

If you’re prone to losing a bud, working with a tight budget, or just want an extra pair of cheap wireless earbuds, we found the best AirPods alternatives you can buy for cheap on Amazon. Or, if you're an anti-Apple person, consider this list the best cheap wireless earbuds for Android users, too.

Join the cult without really joining the cult, and stash a pair or two of these babies in your car, gym bag, and pockets. You never know when you'll need to tune out to music, tune into a hands-free phone call, or entertain yourself with a podcast. It's much better to stay prepared at all times by adding any one of these to your arsenal of tech gadgets.