11 Affordable AirPods Alternatives in the UK: Tried and Tested

In today’s tech-savvy world, wireless earbuds have become an essential accessory for many individuals, offering convenience, portability, and freedom from tangled wires.

Among the most popular wireless earbuds are Apple’s AirPods, known for their seamless integration with Apple devices and sleek design.

However, with a higher price tag, they may not be accessible to everyone. That’s where affordable AirPod alternatives come into play, providing budget-friendly options without compromising quality.

In this guide, we’ll explore 11 affordable AirPods alternatives available in the UK market, highlighting their features, pros and cons, and where to buy them.

Affordable AirPods Alternatives in the UK

1. Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

Price: £119

The Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are a well-known option for those looking for a seamless wireless experience with Apple devices. They feature easy connectivity, decent sound quality, and a compact design that fits comfortably in the ear. While they lack advanced features like active noise cancellation, they offer a reliable wireless experience for everyday use.

Pros:

• Seamless connectivity with Apple devices.
• It has decent sound quality for everyday listening.
• Compact and lightweight design.

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to newer models.
• There is no active noise cancellation to block out external sounds.

Where to buy: Apple Store, Amazon UK.

2. Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

Price: £169

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) offer an upgraded experience with improved sound quality, a MagSafe charging case, and support for spatial audio. While they come at a higher price than the 2nd Generation model, they deliver enhanced audio performance and additional features for a more immersive listening experience.

Pros:

• Improved sound quality compared to previous models.
• MagSafe charging case for convenient charging.
• Spatial audio support for a surround-sound experience.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other alternatives.
• The design is similar to previous AirPods models.

Where to Buy: Apple Store, Currys PC World.

3. Beats Flex

Price: £49

The Beats Flex wireless earbuds offer an affordable option with signature Beats sound quality. They feature Apple’s W1 chip for quick pairing with Apple devices, a comfortable fit, and a budget-friendly price point that makes them accessible to a wide range of users.

Pros:

• Affordable price for a reputable brand.
• Comfortable fit for extended wear.
• Apple’s W1 chip for seamless connectivity.

Cons:

• Average sound quality compared to higher-end models.
• Lacks active noise cancellation for blocking out background noise.

Where to Buy: Amazon UK, Argos.

4. Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2

Price: £79

The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 earbuds offer a balance of affordability and performance. With good sound quality, customizable EQ settings, and a wireless charging case, they provide a compelling option for users seeking a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Good sound quality with customizable EQ settings.
• Wireless charging case for added convenience.
• Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.

Cons:

• Limited water resistance, not suitable for intense workouts.
• Fit may not be secure for all users.

Where to Buy: Amazon UK, Anker website.

5. JBL Free X

Price: £69

The JBL Free X wireless earbuds offer a decent audio experience with a comfortable fit and IPX5 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. While they may not have the most advanced features, they provide reliable performance at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Decent sound quality for music and calls.
• Comfortable fit for extended wear.
• IPX5 water resistance for sweat and light rain protection.

Cons:

• Average battery life compared to competitors.
• Bulky charging case for storage.

Where to buy: JBL UK, Currys PC World.

6. SoundPEATS TrueFree2

Price: £29

For budget-conscious consumers, the SoundPEATS TrueFree2 earbuds offer an affordable option without compromising on essential features. With touch controls, decent sound quality, and a lightweight design, they provide a compelling choice for everyday use.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable price point.
• Decent sound quality for music playback.
• Touch controls for easy navigation.

Cons:

• Limited battery life may require frequent charging.
• Average build quality compared to higher-end models.

Where to buy: Amazon UK, SoundPeats website.

7. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 95

Price: £39

The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 95 earbuds offer a budget-friendly option with good sound quality and IPX8 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. While they may lack advanced features, they provide reliable performance at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price point.
• Good sound quality for music and calls.
• IPX8 water resistance for added durability.

Cons:

• Mediocre microphone quality for calls.
• Limited touch controls compared to premium models.

Where to Buy: Amazon UK, TaoTronics website.

8. ENACFIRE E60

Price: £39

The ENACFIRE E60 earbuds offer an affordable option with decent sound quality and stable Bluetooth connectivity. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of premium models, they provide reliable performance for everyday use at a budget-friendly price point.

Pros:

• Affordable price for budget-conscious consumers.
• Decent sound quality for music and calls.
• Stable Bluetooth connection for seamless pairing.

Cons:

• Bulky design compared to sleeker alternatives.
• Limited touch controls for navigation.

Where to Buy: Amazon UK, ENACFIRE website.

9. TOZO T10

Price: £39

The TOZO T10 earbuds offer a budget-friendly option with good sound quality and IPX8 water resistance, making them suitable for active lifestyles. While they may lack advanced features, they provide reliable performance at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Affordable price for budget-conscious consumers.
• Good sound quality for music playback.
• IPX8 water resistance for durability.

Cons:

• Mediocre microphone quality for calls.
• Limited touch controls for navigation.

Where to buy: Amazon UK, TOZO website.

10. AUKEY EP-N5

Price: £49

The AUKEY EP-N5 earbuds offer an affordable option with active noise cancellation and touch controls for added convenience. While they may not have the most premium sound quality, they provide decent performance for everyday use at a budget-friendly price point.

Pros:

• Affordable price with active noise cancellation.
• Touch controls for easy navigation.
• Decent sound quality for music playback.

Cons:

• Bulky design compared to sleeker alternatives.
• Average sound quality compared to higher-end models.

Where to buy: Amazon UK, AUKEY website.

11. SoundPEATS TrueAir2

Price: £29

The SoundPEATS TrueAir2 earbuds offer an affordable option for those seeking budget-friendly wireless earbuds with essential features. With touch controls, decent sound quality, and a lightweight design, they cater to users looking for a reliable audio experience without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable price point for budget-conscious consumers.
• Decent sound quality for music playback and calls.
• Touch controls for easy navigation and control.

Cons:

• Limited battery life may require frequent charging for extended use.
• Average build quality compared to higher-end models.

Where to Buy: Amazon UK, SoundPEATS website.

Comparing the Options

Now that we’ve explored 11 affordable AirPods alternatives in detail, let’s compare them based on key factors to help you make an informed decision:

Price

• SoundPEATS TrueFree2 and SoundPEATS TrueAir2 offer the most affordable options at £29 each.
• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) and AUKEY EP-N5 are on the higher end of the price spectrum at £169 and £49, respectively.

Sound Quality

• Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 and JBL Free X stand out for their good sound quality and balanced audio performance.
• SoundPEATS TrueFree2 and SoundPEATS TrueAir2 provide decent sound quality at a budget-friendly price.

Features

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) and the Apple EP-N5 offer active noise cancellation for blocking out external sounds.
• Beats Flex and TaoTronics SoundLiberty 95 provide IPX5 water resistance for protection against sweat and light rain.
• Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 and TOZO T10 come with customizable EQ settings for personalized audio preferences.

Connectivity

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) and Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) offer seamless connectivity with Apple devices.
• Beats Flex features Apple’s W1 chip for quick pairing and stable connection.

Design and Comfort

• JBL Free X and TOZO T10 offer a comfortable fit for extended wear.
• Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 and the NACFIRE E60 feature a compact design for easy portability.

Battery Life

• AUKEY EP-N5 and ENACFIRE E60 provide longer battery life compared to other models.
• SoundPEATS TrueFree2 and SoundPEATS TrueAir2 have limited battery life and may require frequent charging.

Conclusion

Choosing the right AirPods alternative depends on your budget, preferences, and usage requirements. If you prioritize sound quality and advanced features like active noise cancellation, options like Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) and the Apple EP-N5 are worth considering despite their higher price points.

On the other hand, if affordability is your main concern without compromising essential features, SoundPEATS TrueFree2 and SoundPEATS TrueAir2 offer excellent value for money.

Ultimately, the best affordable AirPods alternative for you meets your audio needs, fits comfortably, and seamlessly integrates with your devices.

Be sure to consider factors like sound quality, battery life, water resistance, and additional features when making your decision.

Happy shopping for your new wireless earbuds, and enjoy the freedom of wireless audio wherever you go!

FAQs

1. Are cheap AirPod alternatives reliable?

Cheap AirPods alternatives can be reliable, depending on the brand and model. It’s essential to research customer reviews and product specifications to ensure you’re getting a quality product.

2. Do budget-friendly wireless earbuds have good sound quality?

Many budget-friendly wireless earbuds offer decent sound quality for everyday use. While they may not have the most advanced audio features, they provide satisfactory performance for most users.

3. Are affordable AirPod alternatives suitable for workouts?

Some affordable AirPod alternatives come with IPX5 or IPX8 water resistance ratings, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities. Be sure to check the product specifications for water resistance and durability.

4. Do cheap wireless earbuds come with warranties?

Many reputable brands offer warranties on their wireless earbuds, including budget-friendly options. Before making a purchase, check the warranty details provided by the manufacturer or retailer.

5. Can budget-friendly wireless earbuds connect to multiple devices?

Most budget-friendly wireless earbuds support Bluetooth connectivity and can connect to multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Check the product details for compatibility with your devices.