Finding a decent pair of wireless earbuds that won’t set you back hundreds of dollars is easier than ever, but sifting through the sheer volume of options on the market can be overwhelming. I spent three weeks testing twelve different pairs of budget wireless earbuds, all available in Australia for under $100, to narrow down the best picks for everyday listeners.

What I Tested

I focused on earbuds priced between $39 and $99 AUD from brands including JBL, Soundcore, QCY, EarFun, Nothing, and a couple of lesser-known Chinese brands that pop up on Amazon AU regularly. Each pair was tested during commutes on Perth’s Transperth buses, during gym sessions, and at my desk while working.

Top Pick: Soundcore Space A40

At around $89 on Amazon AU, the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are hard to beat. The sound profile is warm and detailed, with surprisingly punchy bass for the price. Active noise cancellation actually works, which is something I can’t say for every pair in this bracket. Battery life sits at about seven hours with ANC on, with the case providing another three full charges.

The fit is comfortable for extended wear. I wore these for a four-hour flight from Perth to Melbourne without any ear fatigue, which is a genuine test of comfort. The app lets you customise the EQ, and the LDAC codec support means you get better-than-average audio quality if your phone supports it.

Runner Up: EarFun Air Pro 4

Coming in at about $79, the EarFun Air Pro 4 offers remarkable value. The noise cancellation is slightly less effective than the Soundcore, but the sound quality is excellent for the price. They support multipoint connection, which means you can have them paired to your phone and laptop simultaneously and switch between them without hassle.

Build quality feels solid. They survived a couple of accidental drops onto concrete without any issues, and the IPX5 water resistance rating held up through several sweaty gym sessions.

Best Under $50: QCY MeloBuds ANC

If your budget is tight, the QCY MeloBuds ANC at around $45 are genuinely impressive. You get active noise cancellation, decent sound, and a compact case. The ANC isn’t going to rival Sony or Bose, but it takes the edge off bus engine noise and office chatter. Sound quality is a clear step below the Soundcore and EarFun, but for under fifty bucks, the value proposition is excellent.

What to Avoid

I won’t name specific brands, but I will say that several of the no-name options I tested from Amazon AU were genuinely poor. One pair had noticeable audio lag that made video watching frustrating. Another had such flimsy build quality that the charging case lid broke within a week. The lesson: stick with brands that have an established track record, even in the budget category.

Buying Tips for Aussie Shoppers

Amazon AU often runs sales on audio gear, and JB Hi-Fi price matches. It’s worth checking both before purchasing. Officeworks also stocks several of these brands and has a solid return policy if things don’t work out.

Keep an eye on whether the earbuds support the audio codecs your phone uses. Most Android phones support LDAC or aptX, while iPhones are limited to AAC. This won’t make or break your experience at this price point, but it’s worth knowing.

The Verdict

For most people, the Soundcore Space A40 is the pick. It does everything well, the app is actually useful, and the sound quality punches well above its price. If you want to save a bit, the EarFun Air Pro 4 is nearly as good. And if you’re on a strict budget, the QCY MeloBuds ANC will surprise you with how capable they are for the money.

I’ll be updating this list as new models come out through 2026. Prices and availability were accurate at the time of testing in January 2026, but do check current pricing before purchasing, as deals come and go quickly in this category.