How much do you think a good pair of Bluetooth earbuds should cost? The premium audio market is dominated by names like AirPods 3 sells for around $170, Sony LinkBuds S go for about $200, and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds can reach $250 or more. This raises the question: what quality should we expect from a device we carry every day to justify that price — especially when looking for the best budget earbuds?
Today, we hear from tech enthusiast Jeof. After personally using the NearHub MemPod Fit 2 for a week, he came to a conclusion that might change your mind about affordable audio:
"I've tried a few pairs of open-ear earbuds, and honestly, they can be a bit hit or miss. So, I was curious to see how these budget-friendly earbuds would hold up."
Jeof calls the $90 MemPod Fit 2 a "game changer" for comfort, saying it has "insane" battery life that "might just blow you away" and a secure fit that never budged during workouts.
Is this truly one of the best budget open-ear earbuds options on the market, offering a comfortable and safer listening experience without the flagship price tag? Let's dive into the full review and find out!
Unboxing the Best Budget Open-Ear Earbuds: First Impressions and Design
As Jeof shared in his NearHub Mempod Fit 2 review, “Right out of the box, you get a pretty straightforward, no-fuss experience.” Inside, you’ll find the earbuds, a sleek oval-shaped charging case, a USB-C cable, and simple paperwork — everything you need, nothing you don’t.
Although the case is "larger than I'm used to," Jeof praised its premium matte finish and sporty design, noting that it “doesn’t pick up fingerprints and feels much more expensive than it is.” Each earbud weighs just 9.9g, making these lightweight open-ear earbuds not only stylish but also comfortable for long listening sessions.
For a pair of affordable earbuds, the Fit 2 delivers a clean, minimalist aesthetic that stands out among other best budget earbuds in its category.
“Overall, the aesthetic is both clean and sporty,” Jeof concludes.
10x Comfort: Why This Open-Ear Design is a Game Changer
When it comes to comfort, these open-ear earbuds are in a league of their own. Jeof says,
“I wore these for an hour and a half in the gym and literally forgot they were on my ears.”
The open-ear hook design allows a breathable, pressure-free fit — perfect for users who want comfort-focused budget earbuds without sacrificing stability. The flexible memory-wire ear hooks and IP54 water resistance make them ideal for workouts, running, and commuting.
“They didn’t budge at all,” Jeof emphasizes, calling them perfect budget earbuds for active users.
Sound & Call Quality: An Alternative to Best Budget Noise Cancelling Earbuds
“You’re not buying these to replace high-end noise-cancelling headphones, but, for open earbuds, I was genuinely surprised.”
To test the noise-canceling performance of the Mempod Fit 2, Jeof conducted a real-world microphone test. He recorded while standing on his balcony, with cars passing by, kids playing in the park, and even some wind in the background.
Despite the noise, his voice came through clearly, and the earbuds’ microphones did a solid job reducing background chatter and wind interference. While it’s not studio-grade quality, for work calls or on-the-go conversations, these affordable noise-canceling earbuds deliver impressively clear audio—better than expected for their price.
The air conduction technology delivers a natural, spacious sound that keeps you aware of your surroundings — ideal for workouts, commuting, or office use.
While the bass is light (as expected with open-ear designs), the mids and highs are crisp and detailed, making them great for podcasts and casual listening.
In terms of call clarity, the AI ENC noise cancelling dual-mic system shines.
“My voice came through clearly, and the mics did a decent job cutting out background chatter and wind noise,” Jeof reports.
That means your calls sound clear and professional, whether you’re at the gym or outdoors.
The Ultimate Selling Point: Battery Life that Shames Expensive Budget Earbuds
Here’s where the Mempod Fit 2 truly dominates the budget earbuds category.
“The battery life is insane,” Jeof says.
You get up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and a total of 45 hours with the charging case. That’s better than many premium models two or three times the price.
Charging is fast and convenient — “A 10-minute plug-in gives you about an hour and a half of playtime.” With Bluetooth 5.4, the connection remains stable and lag-free, whether your phone is in your pocket or across the room. It also includes a USB-C dongle, allowing effortless connection to both smartphones and PCs with no hassle.
For anyone who values reliability and long battery life earbuds, Jeof confirms that these are “spot-on.”
Final Verdict: The Best Budget Bluetooth Earbuds for Value?
So, are the NearHub Mempod Fit 2 earbuds worth it?
“For a price of $90, these are a fantastic introduction to open-ear audio,” Jeof says.
They deliver:
- ✅ A comfortable open-ear fit perfect for workouts or all-day wear
- ✅ AI ENC call quality for clear communication
- ✅ 45-hour battery life that rivals high-end models
Jeof sums it up perfectly:
“They absolutely nail what they’re designed for — comfortable, safe listening for running, cycling, or just getting stuff done without being cut off from the world.”
If you’re curious about trying Bluetooth earbuds without spending a fortune, the Mempod Fit 2 is one of the best budget earbuds for 2025 — affordable, durable, and surprisingly premium.
FAQs
- Are the budget Bluetooth earbuds good for noisy environments?
They’re not built for full ANC, but the AI ENC noise cancelling mic keeps your calls clear while allowing situational awareness — ideal for workouts or commuting.
- How long is the battery life of the budget earbuds?
Up to 10 hours on the earbuds and 45 hours with the case — excellent for users seeking the best affordable noise cancelling earbuds alternative with long endurance.
- Do the open-ear earbuds stay secure during workouts?
Absolutely. The open-ear hook design and flexible memory wire ensure a stable, comfortable fit during any activity.
- Do the budget bluetooth earbuds work well for phone calls?
Yes — Jeof confirmed that the dual-mic AI ENC system cancels out background noise and wind effectively.
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