Best Wireless Earbuds Under $150 in 2025: Sony, JBL, and Beats Compared

In 2025, the real sweet spot for value sits right under $150, where you get strong sound, reliable battery life, and solid noise cancellation without paying Apple or Bose prices. The challenge is picking the right pair.

This guide breaks down three of the strongest players in this price range: Sony WF-C700N, JBL Live Beam 3, and Beats Studio Buds+. Each one brings a different strength better ANC, better comfort, or better bass so the goal here is simple: help you find the one that matches how you actually use earbuds day to day.

1. Sony WF-C700N — Best All-Round Choice

Sony’s mid-range earbuds have always delivered more than their price tag, and the WF-C700N line continues that trend. You get reliable noise cancellation, clean sound, and a comfort level that rarely appears in this price bracket.

Sound Quality

Sony tunes these with balance rather than heavy bass. Vocals sit cleanly, and the details stay intact even at lower volumes. If you enjoy soft pop, podcasts, acoustic music, or daily listening, Sony gives you a smooth, fatigue-free sound.

Noise Cancellation

The ANC is good not flagship good, but definitely better than most earbuds under $150. It cuts air conditioner hum, bus noise, and low background chatter. Perfect for commuting or working in a café.

Comfort & Fit

Sony’s lightweight oval design makes these some of the easiest earbuds to wear for long stretches. If you’ve struggled with ear fatigue before, these are a safe pick.

Battery Life

• About 7.5 hours with ANC

• Around 10 hours without

• And the case gives two additional charges

Reliable and predictable.

Best For

People who want a balanced, reliable pair with no weak spots.

2. JBL Live Beam 3 — Best for Bass Lovers

JBL has built a reputation around bold sound, and the Live Beam 3 carries that signature proudly. If you like deep, punchy bass without distortion, these are built for you.

Sound Quality

The bass is rich without drowning out mids. Dance, hip-hop, pop, and upbeat playlists all sound energetic. JBL’s app lets you tweak EQ more aggressively than Sony or Beats, which makes these fun to customize.

Noise Cancellation

The ANC is solid for the price, especially for low-frequency sounds. It’s good enough for trains and road noise but not as strong for higher voices or sudden sharp sounds.

Comfort & Fit

These sit slightly deeper in the ear canal, which improves isolation but may not suit every ear shape. The silicone tips help seal in bass nicely.

Battery Life

• Up to 10 hours per charge

• The case extends it to nearly 40 hours total

JBL consistently outperforms other brands when it comes to endurance.

Best For

People who want powerful bass and long battery life without paying premium prices.

3. Beats Studio Buds+ — Best for Apple Users on a Budget

Beats has grown beyond its old reputation for “too much bass.” The Studio Buds+ offer a more refined tuning with clean mids and better clarity while keeping some of the signature low-end energy.

Sound Quality

The sound has more warmth than the Sony earbuds and more balance than older Beats models. They’re great for everyday listening and movies because of their strong stereo imaging.

Noise Cancellation

ANC is impressive for the price. It won’t touch the AirPods Pro 2, but it handles public transport noise and engine hum well.

Apple Compatibility

This is where Beats shines:

• Instant pairing

• Find My support

• One-touch switching

• Hands-free Siri

Android users aren’t left out either there’s still fast pairing and full codec support.

Battery Life

• Around 8 hours per charge

• Case takes it to about 30 hours total

Best For

iPhone users who want seamless Apple-friendly earbuds without paying premium prices.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Should You Buy?

Use this quick cheat sheet:

Choose Sony WF-C700N if…

You want clean sound, balanced tuning, comfort, and dependable ANC.

Choose JBL Live Beam 3 if…

You love deep bass, long battery life, and customizable EQ.

Choose Beats Studio Buds+ if…

You’re an iPhone user who wants smooth integration without paying AirPods Pro prices.

All three earbuds are strong choices, but picking the right one depends on your routine and sound preference. Under $150, each of these brings value that used to cost far more just a few years ago.