TWS earbuds are no longer luxury items. From students to seniors, almost everyone now wants wireless freedom for music, calls, and YouTube. And if you’re on a budget, you’ve likely come across offers for TWS earbuds under ₹500.
Sounds like a dream, right?
But if something feels too good to be true—it often is. So today, we’ll break down whether these ultra-cheap earbuds are worth your money and what to expect (or not expect) before you hit “Buy Now.”
What Are TWS Earbuds?
TWS stands for True Wireless Stereo, a technology where:
- Each earbud connects independently via Bluetooth
- There are no wires, even between the left and right buds
- A charging case stores extra power and keeps them safe
This setup became popular thanks to Apple AirPods, but today it’s everywhere—from premium brands to budget-friendly models under ₹500.
Why Are So Many People Searching for TWS Earbuds Under ₹500?
Because budget matters.
Not everyone wants to spend ₹1,500–₹3,000 on Bluetooth earphones. For casual use like:
- Watching reels and YouTube
- Attending online classes
- Light phone calls
…people are curious to know: Can something under ₹500 do the job?
And platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and even local markets advertise such deals heavily.
But here’s the reality check.
The Harsh Truth: What You’re Really Getting for ₹500
Let’s be upfront—there are compromises.
What You Might Get:
- Basic mono or stereo sound
- Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0 connection
- Playback time of 1–2 hours per charge
- A plastic charging case (sometimes working)
- Very lightweight build
What You Won’t Get:
- High-quality mic for clear calls
- Deep bass or balanced mids/highs
- Long battery life
- IPX water resistance
- Real Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Warranty or brand support
Most ₹500 earbuds are rebranded imports. They use generic model numbers like “TWS-170” or “Mini TWS,” with no actual company backing them.
What Are “170 TWS” Earbuds?
Many people search for or see ads for 170 TWS earbuds. So, what are they?
- “170” is not a brand—it’s just a model code
- Used by multiple sellers to sell the same-looking products
- No consistent quality control or specifications
They usually have a flashy plastic design and claim things like “Hi-Fi Sound” or “20 hrs battery” but in reality, they struggle to deliver even 2 hours of playback.
Real-World Use: Can ₹500 TWS Be Used Daily?
We tested 3 different models from Flipkart and Meesho around the ₹500 price range. Here’s what we experienced:
- One had decent sound but couldn’t hold charge after 4 days
- Another had working Bluetooth, but the mic barely picked up our voice
- One worked OK for YouTube and offline music, but had serious lag in gaming and calls
Conclusion: They may function, but don’t expect stability or comfort. And return options are rare.
So, Who Should Consider Buying These?
Cheap TWS earbuds under ₹500 might work for:
- School kids for short online lessons
- Senior citizens who just want to listen to FM or bhajans
- Backup users—those who lost their main earphones
- Tech testers or reviewers trying budget content
If your needs are non-critical, and you just want something cheap and disposable, you can take the risk.
But serious users—especially those who take frequent calls or love music—should invest slightly more.
TWS vs Wired Earphones: A ₹500 Showdown
Let’s compare what ₹500 gets you in wired earphones vs TWS earbuds.
| Feature | Wired Earphones (₹500) | TWS Earbuds (₹500) |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Good clarity & bass | Flat, often distorted |
| Battery Required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Mic Performance | Crisp, reliable | Often muffled or weak |
| Comfort | Lighter & more secure | Bulky and hard plastic |
| Durability | 6–12 months | 1–2 weeks or less |
| Delay in Audio | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (video/audio sync issues) |
Conclusion: If wireless is not a must-have, you’ll get much better value with wired earphones under ₹500.
Common Red Flags to Avoid
When shopping for ultra-cheap TWS earbuds, be on the lookout for these traps:
- Fake Reviews – Some listings have 5-star reviews copied from other products.
- No Brand Name – If you can’t even find the brand’s website, skip it.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Claims – “Hi-Fi sound,” “20 hours battery,” and “ANC support” under ₹500 is simply not possible.
- Low Return Rate – Always buy from a seller with return/replacement options.
- No Charger or Cable – Some don’t include a charging cable to cut costs.
Always read buyer-uploaded images and videos before making a decision.
Under ₹1000 – Way Better TWS Options Exist!
If you can extend your budget by just ₹300–₹500, you’ll unlock TWS earbuds with:
- Real stereo audio
- Stable mic quality for calls
- 5–6 hours playback per charge
- Brand support and returns
Some popular picks:
- pTron Bassbuds Duo (~₹799)
- boAt Airdopes 161 (~₹999 on sale)
- Zebronics Sound Bomb 1
- Noise Pop Buds (entry-level but reliable)
TWS vs ANC – What’s the Difference?
Another common doubt buyers have is the difference between TWS and ANC.
| Feature | TWS | ANC |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | True Wireless Stereo | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Refers To | Design (no wires) | Feature (blocks outside sound) |
| Common In | All wireless earbuds | Mid-range and premium models |
| Available Under ₹500? | Yes (basic) | ❌ No chance |
So no—don’t fall for ₹500 TWS claiming “ANC.” It’s almost always fake.
Can You Sleep With TWS Earbuds?
Yes, but it depends.
If you’re lying on your back and listening to soft music or white noise, budget TWS can help.
But be aware:
- Hard plastic designs may cause discomfort
- Earbuds can fall off easily
- Cheap models lack auto-pause or sleep features
For sleeping, look for flat, soft-tip designs like realme Buds Q or Soundcore Sleep A10 (higher budget).
Are TWS Safe for Your Ears?
Yes, if used properly.
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Keep volume under 60%
- Take breaks every hour
- Avoid long listening sessions with poor-quality earbuds
- Use proper-fitting silicone tips to reduce pressure
Poor-quality TWS may have unbalanced drivers or harsh treble, which can cause discomfort or even minor pain.
Are They Good for Gifting or Resale?
You may be thinking of gifting TWS earbuds under ₹500 as party favors, return gifts, or giveaways. That can work—as long as:
- You inform the receiver they are for casual use only
- You test them beforehand
- You’re okay if 1–2 pieces don’t work
For resale or local markets: These types of earbuds are often bought in bulk for resale at ₹600–₹700, but returns and complaints are common, so do it with caution.
Student Use Case: Is ₹500 Enough?
Many school and college students want budget earbuds for:
- Online classes
- Watching tutorials
- Listening to music while studying
While ₹500 TWS may work for very light use, we recommend students save up for models like:
- pTron Bassbuds Duo (~₹799)
- Zebronics Sound Bomb 1
- boAt Airdopes 121v2
These options provide better mic clarity, battery life, and Bluetooth stability—essential for online learning.
Can ₹500 TWS Earbuds Handle Bass or Gaming?
Sadly, no.
Cheap earbuds usually have:
- Weak drivers (10mm or smaller)
- Lack of tuning for bass response
- Audio delay due to outdated Bluetooth chipsets
In gaming, especially PUBG or Free Fire, the sound delay ruins the experience. Gunshots and footsteps may come half a second late, which is critical in competitive play.
For music, bass is barely there. Vocals may sound tinny or harsh at high volume.
If sound quality matters to you, it’s better to explore budget wired options or go up to ₹1000+ in TWS models.
If you’re still unsure which ultra-budget TWS earbuds are worth considering, YouTuber Technical Sky has done the legwork for you. In his video, he shares a list of some of the best TWS earbuds under ₹500 available online—highlighting their real-life performance, what to expect, and where they fall short. It’s a practical, no-hype roundup that’s perfect if you want a visual walkthrough before buying.
All credit goes to the Technical Sky YouTube channel for curating and testing these picks.
How Long Do ₹500 TWS Earbuds Last?
Realistically:
- Playback time: 1 to 2 hours
- Case charging: 2 to 3 full charges max
- Battery degradation: Starts within 1–2 weeks
- Product lifespan: Around 1 month (in most cases)
Compare that to ₹1000 models, which can last 4–6 months easily with better usage.
Real-Life Experience: Testing ₹500 TWS Earbuds for a Week
To give you a clearer idea, we tested two popular budget models (named TWS-170 and i7S TWS) from online platforms.
Here’s what we noticed:
- Day 1–2: Bluetooth pairing was smooth, but one earbud often lagged behind the other. Sound was okay for YouTube or voice notes.
- Day 3: Battery life was noticeably dropping. A full charge now gave only around 50–60 minutes of playback.
- Day 5: Call quality became frustrating. The person on the other end kept asking “Can you repeat that?” due to poor mic pickup.
- Day 7: One earbud completely stopped charging. The case wasn’t holding a charge either.
Verdict: The earbuds worked, but barely. They were okay for casual use, but not something you’d want to rely on every day.
Quick Buyer Tips
- Search by brand, not just “TWS under ₹500”
- Read recent user reviews—especially those with photos
- Avoid flashy claims like “Hi-Fi Bass” or “ANC”
- Choose sellers with return policy
- Look for micro-USB or Type-C ports—missing ports = fake design
- Test mic quality with a WhatsApp call before daily use
Top 5 TWS Earbuds Under ₹500 You Can Actually Buy
Looking for TWS earbuds that won’t empty your wallet? We’ve handpicked 5 budget-friendly options under ₹500 that offer surprising value for casual use. Don’t expect flagship performance—but for the price, they’re worth a look!
Check out these earbuds and see which one fits your style and needs the best:
- Nu Republic Epic X4
- HP H150 Wireless in Ear Earbuds
- TRIGGR Kraken X2 Gaming Earbuds
- pTron Bassbuds Gomax
- Kratos Cube Ear Buds
Pro tip: These are great for gifting, light music, and short calls. Just make sure to read recent user reviews before you hit ‘Buy’!
Alternatives Worth Considering
If your ₹500 budget is non-negotiable:
- Consider wired earphones with mic (boAt BassHeads 100, JBL C50HI)
- Look at refurbished audio gear from 2GUD or Flipkart Renewed
- Search local offline markets (sometimes better build at the same price)
Final Verdict: Are TWS Earbuds Under ₹500 Worth It?
Answer: Only if your expectations are very low.
These are not for serious use, but they can work for basic, short-term needs.
If you’re okay with:
- Mediocre sound
- Weak battery
- Minimal call quality
…you can try them out. But most people are better off saving ₹500–₹800 more and getting a decent entry-level model from trusted brands.
FAQs About TWS Earbuds Under ₹500
Q1. Is TWS worth buying at ₹500?
Only for very basic use. Don’t expect clean sound or long battery life.
Q2. Can I sleep with TWS earbuds?
It depends. Most cheap earbuds are not designed for sleep and can be uncomfortable if you sleep sideways.
Q3. Are these earbuds safe for ears?
If you use them at low volume and take breaks, they’re safe. But poor sound tuning and harsh treble may cause discomfort.
Q4. Do TWS earbuds under ₹500 support calling?
Most do, but the mic is often weak. Don’t rely on them for work or meetings.
Q5. What about battery life?
Expect 1–2 hours per charge. Charging cases offer 6–8 hours total backup, but quality varies.
Q6. Can I use ₹500 TWS earbuds for Zoom or online classes?
You can, but expect poor mic clarity and dropouts. Most students report that their voice sounds distant or unclear.
Q7. Are they waterproof or sweatproof?
No. Budget models usually don’t have any IP rating, so avoid using them during workouts or rain.
Q8. How do I know if the battery is real?
Most under ₹500 earbuds don’t mention battery mAh clearly. Some fake models claim 1000mAh but deliver only 100–200mAh. A good sign is a proper LED indicator or Type-C charging.
Q9. Do both earbuds work together?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Cheaper models often sync one bud with the phone and the second one with the first earbud, which creates sync issues.
Q10. Can I use only one earbud at a time?
Most models support mono mode, but battery drain is uneven and may cause one earbud to die faster than the other.
Final Thoughts: Should You Really Buy TWS Earbuds Under ₹500?
Let’s sum it up honestly.
Buy them if:
- You want to experiment or test TWS experience
- You need a temporary, backup pair
- You’re buying bulk gift items with no long-term expectation
Avoid them if:
- You care about sound quality
- You take regular calls or meetings
- You’re gifting someone expecting real performance
- You want your product to last beyond a few weeks
Bottom line: These earbuds are not built to impress—they’re built to function. Barely.
For a better long-term experience, a budget of ₹800–₹1000 opens the door to actual brand value, customer support, and enjoyable audio.
Summary
Ultra-budget earbuds serve a basic purpose, but they’re not long-term solutions. Save up just a little more and get something that won’t let you down when you need it most.
Related Reads on AudioPick.in
- Best Neckbands Under ₹1000 – 2025
- Bluetooth Earbuds vs Neckbands – Which One to Choose?
- Can You Sleep with Earbuds? Complete Guide
Have Questions?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or DM us on Instagram @audiopick.in
We’ll be happy to help you pick the right pair!
About the Author
Hari Prasad is the editor of AudioPick.in and a lifelong audio enthusiast. He writes detailed, honest reviews and guides to help everyday users pick the right gear without tech jargon. His personal interest in Bluetooth audio, neckbands, and codecs comes from testing dozens of devices over the past few years.
