Alex Bracetti

The Technics EAH-AZ40 sounds superb, but it’s missing key features that are standard on other sub-$150 rivals.

The OnePlus Buds Z2 is an entry-level noise-canceller with satisfying performance for the price.

The House of Marley Rebel nails brand hallmarks such as strong sound and sustainable packaging, but other key areas require improvement.

The V-Moda Hexamove Lite is a pair of entry-level buds that don’t live up to brand standards.

The V-Moda Hexamove Pro is a vast improvement over the Lite, though it’s still missing key features.

Strong sound and longer battery life make the 1More ComfoBuds 2 a bargain if you can live with its shortcomings.

The Marshall Motif A.N.C. does a fine job of blending hallmark sound with modern features, granted it could benefit from longer playtimes.

The $199 Jabra Elite 7 Pro isn’t the brand’s best offering, but it’s a great value at a reasonable price.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro Plus has fine sound and call quality, but it’s missing many features.

The JBL UA Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones are a sporty beast with monstrous performance in an indestructible shell.

The $79 1More ColorBuds 2 packages customizable sound and effective ANC into a unique design, but it falls short in some areas.

The Marshall Minor III offers better sound and aesthetics than the AirPods, but the limited feature set makes you question the MSRP.

The LG Tone Free offers several cool perks like dynamic, customized sound and a self-cleaning mode, but certain areas require polishing.

The Jabra Elite 3 undercuts the competition with versatile audio, great call quality, and select features for just $79.

The Razer Hammerhead True Wireless is a welcome upgrade with respectable ANC, THX-certified sound, and RGB lighting at a reasonable price.

The 1More ComfoBuds Pro is a welcome upgrade with better sound and impressive ANC, but not all elements shine.

The Soul Emotion Max might win you over with ANC, bass and comfort, but much of the rest is a letdown.

The Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport is a sturdier, more expensive version of the original with similar performance.

The Jaybird Vista 2 retains the original’s unbreakable design and lively sound, with newly added ANC, but not everything runs smoothly.

The $129 Cleer Ally Plus II offers respectable noise cancellation and sound, though it requires more features and fine-tuning in some areas.