Best Travel Earbuds Under £40 in 2026
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Great Alternatives
These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs
Nothing Buds 2
Why we recommend this ▼
The 11mm PMI driver with Dirac Opteo tuning delivers deep bass and clear treble, while 48dB Hybrid ANC with a 5200Hz ultra-wide frequency range blocks a broad spectrum of noise. A 10-minute charge gives 7.5 hours of playback, and the IP55 rating handles workouts and rain without worry. Best for gamers who want low-lag mode and spatial audio, or travelers needing long battery life and adaptive noise cancellation.
JLab GO POP ANC
Why we recommend this ▼
The JLab Go Pop ANC delivers 7-hour earbud runtime and 27 total hours from a case smaller than a credit card, packing active noise cancellation, 10mm drivers, and IP55 sweat resistance into a budget-friendly design. Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint and dual connect allow independent earbud use, while the JLab App adds a customizable EQ and touch control remapping. Best for budget-conscious commuters who need dependable ANC, an ultraportable case, and all-day battery for daily travel.
SoundPEATS C30
Why we recommend this ▼
With LDAC Hi-Res audio and -52dB adaptive hybrid ANC, these earbuds deliver detailed sound from a custom 12mm driver and up to 52 hours of total battery life. Bluetooth 6.0 multipoint, a 6-mic ENC call system that handles wind up to 45km/h, and IP54 durability make them a versatile all-day companion, while the ergonomic pebble design sits comfortably for hours. They're best for budget-conscious commuters and remote workers needing strong noise cancellation and clear calls, though fitness enthusiasts will find the fit and score too loose for workouts.
Soundcore P40i
Why we recommend this ▼
Adaptive ANC with advanced algorithms automatically adjusts to outside noise, while 11mm drivers with BassUp deliver punchy bass in real time. The 2-in-1 charging case doubles as a phone stand, and a 10-minute fast charge gives 5 more hours of playtime. Best for budget-conscious listeners who want long battery life and a versatile case for hands-free media on the go.
Soundcore C40i
Why we recommend this ▼
The 21-hour total battery life, 12mm racetrack dynamic drivers, and a clip-on design with breathable comfort and 0.5mm memory titanium wires offer a durable, all-day audio solution. Physical button controls deliver precise, accident-free operation while AI-enhanced microphones ensure clear call clarity in noisy settings. These earbuds suit runners and fitness enthusiasts who need a stable, open-ear fit that maintains situational awareness during outdoor exercise.
Soundcore P31i
Why we recommend this ▼
LDAC support and 11mm dynamic drivers deliver Hi-Res Audio, while adaptive ANC reduces noise by up to 52 dB for focused listening. The standout feature is real-time AI translation across 100+ languages, paired with a 50-hour total battery life and IP55 water resistance. These earbuds suit frequent travelers and multilingual users who need translation tools, long playback, and durable build quality on the go.
TOZO NC9
Why we recommend this ▼
Hybrid active noise cancelling up to 45dB and 10mm drivers with OrigX Acoustic 2.0 technology deliver deep bass and effective isolation. The earbuds provide 14-hour standalone playtime, a case with an LED battery display, and IPX8 waterproofing for rain and sweat resistance. These are best for commuters and budget-conscious listeners who want customizable sound via a 32-EQ app and reliable call clarity from six ENC microphones.
JLab Go Air Sport EBGAIRSPRTRBLK124
Why we recommend this ▼
8-hour earbud battery and 32-hour case life combine with IP55 sweat resistance and a secure earhook fit for reliable workout performance. Three custom EQ settings and a slim case with built-in USB charging cable add everyday flexibility, while 100% recyclable packaging reflects a sustainable design. These are best for gym-goers and runners needing long battery life and sweatproof reliability, not for audiophiles.
Soundcore P30i
Why we recommend this ▼
The 2-in-1 charging case that doubles as a phone stand is a genuinely practical differentiator, paired with 10mm drivers and BassUp technology for deep, punchy low-end. Adaptive noise cancelling reduces up to 42dB of ambient sound, and the 45-hour total battery life with the case ensures extended use between charges. These earbuds are best for budget-conscious commuters who prioritize bass-heavy music and hands-free video viewing on the go.
Jacuate M79
Why we recommend this ▼
Weighing just 5.3 grams per earbud, the open-ear clip design with Bluetooth 5.4 provides a barely-there fit that avoids ear canal fatigue during all-day wear. The IPX5 water resistance and 24-hour total battery life with the case make it a practical choice for sustained outdoor workouts in any weather. This is best for runners and fitness enthusiasts who need to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to podcasts or music.
Soundcore P20i
Why we recommend this ▼
Oversized 10mm drivers deliver boosted bass, while Bluetooth 5.3 and a compact, lanyard-equipped case provide 30 hours of total playtime with quick 10-minute top-ups. AI-enhanced dual mics ensure clear calls, and the companion app unlocks 22 EQ presets for personalized sound. These earbuds are best for budget-conscious users who prioritize bass-heavy playback and all-day portability over critical music listening.
truefree HD-100
Why we recommend this ▼
Bluetooth 6.0, IP67 waterproofing, and 11mm drivers with spatial audio, plus a 10-minute fast charge for nearly 5 hours of playback, make these neckband earbuds a durable workout companion. Magnetic earbuds snap together for tangle-free carrying, and the Truefree app provides customizable EQ control for personalized sound. Best for budget-conscious runners and cyclists who need reliable 20-hour battery life and AI-enhanced call clarity during outdoor exercise.
TOZO Crystal Pods T11147
Why we recommend this ▼
A transparent crystal-clear charging case and hybrid active noise cancellation with 10mm dynamic drivers and Bluetooth 5.4 create a distinct, feature-rich package. Up to 70 hours of total battery life, a 10-minute quick charge for 2+ hours of playback, and AI real-time translation in 100+ languages add practical utility. They’re ideal for style-focused travelers and commuters who value translation and battery endurance over call quality, which scores a weak 19.1.
Toztnix i9
Why we recommend this ▼
Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, a 35-hour battery, and ENC noise cancellation that suppresses up to 36dB of ambient sound define this neckband earbud. A 30g magnetic, memory-silicone collar snaps shut for tangle-free storage, while IPX5 water resistance and a 10-minute quick-charge yielding 3 hours of playback add practical durability. It’s ideal for fitness enthusiasts who need a secure, sweat-proof fit and reliable call clarity during workouts.
BLXSounds A9PRO-BLACK
Why we recommend this ▼
Equipped with 13.2mm dynamic drivers and triple-layer composite diaphragms, these earbuds deliver powerful bass and balanced sound for their class. The 40-hour total battery life with a dedicated LED charge display and a lightweight 4g per earbud design make them practical for all-day wear. They are best for budget-conscious users needing reliable, long-lasting audio for casual listening and calls in moderately noisy environments.