I prefer these under-$100 Soundcore earbuds to Apple AirPods

As an iPhone user, I tried to buy into the hype of Apple's earbuds, but they just don't work for me. As I've learned, their one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for everyone. I find them to be too big, and rather than keeping me tuned into my music, I spend more time tracking down a lost AirPod that's fallen out of my ear.

After losing two pairs of AirPods (yes, two), I gave up on Apple's earbuds. For a long time, I wrote off all earbuds, instead opting for over-ear headphones. But over-ear headphones are bulky, not ideal for working out, and difficult to store. So, is there a great, affordable alternative to AirPods? Yes, and I found it. Let's talk about the Soundcore P41i earbuds.

Earbuds that actually fit

Basic AirPods don't come with the option to customize the ear tips; for that, you'll have to get a pair of the more expensive AirPods Pro. Soundcore's P41i earbuds possess both affordability and a custom fit. The P41i comes with five different ear tips: extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. As someone with smaller ears, I appreciated the extra-small ear tips, which made the P41i earbuds have a secure and snug fit.

The buds have a far more secure fit than AirPods. While wearing the P41i buds, I was never concerned about the earbuds falling out, especially when exercising or out running errands. Not to mention a better fit means better sound quality and less audio leakage.

To shop for an adjustable fit on a pair of AirPods, you'll need to opt for the AirPods Pro 3, which cost $239. Meanwhile, the P41i buds are just $79.99.

Easy connectivity for both iOS and Android

The biggest perk of AirPods, and why so many iPhone and iOS users go for the earbuds, is their seamless connectivity that doesn't require an app. Simply open the case, put in the earbuds, and you're ready to start listening. Well, the P41i can do that too.

While Soundcore does have its own app, it's not required to use these earbuds unless you're looking to adjust the audio settings. Once you initially set them up through the Bluetooth settings on your device, they'll stay connected. That means, just like AirPods, you can open the case, put in the buds, and be ready to go. Additionally, the Soundcore P41i supports multi-device pairing, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your phone and laptop.

A charging case that's also a charger

Most earbuds these days come with a charging case specifically designed to recharge your earbuds when not in use, but few charging cases are also equipped to serve as a charger. The Soundcore P41i comes with a built-in USB-C adapter. This means you can easily charge the entire case without scrambling to find a cord, or charge your phone on the go via reverse charging. Inside the charging case is also a small stand for you to prop up your phone on if you want to watch a show on the go. For those with older iPhone models that have a Lightning port, there's an option to buy a Lightning adapter with the earbuds.

Yes, they sound good too

OK, I've done a lot of talking about the P41i earbuds as an affordable alternative to AirPods, but how do they sound? Compared to top-tier earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Ultras or the Technics AZ100s, the P41i's audio quality is not that elite. The earbuds are perfectly suitable, able to deliver music and podcasts accurately and clearly, but I wouldn't say they elevate the music. Active noise cancellation keeps out the hubbub so you can focus on your music.

Having used Apple's basic AirPods, I believe the P41i earbuds are comparable. Like AirPods, they won't be for the audiophile, but rather for the person prioritizing affordability, convenience, and ease.

A worthy AirPods alternative under $100

I've already mentioned the price, but it's worth stating again just how affordable these headphones are. The Soundcore P41i earbuds cost $79.99, which is $50 less than the AirPods 4, but with more benefits, including ear tips. Even if you upgrade to the P41i earbuds with a Lightning adapter, it's only $10 more.

Apple AirPods 4 reached a more affordable price of $69 during Black Friday 2025, but if you can't wait to buy AirPods until Prime Day or Black Friday 2026, the P41i earbuds are an affordable alternative. They sound good, connect to your phone easily, and fit ears far better than standard AirPods do.