Wireless earbuds are consistently among the best-selling products on AliExpress in Europe, and the UK is no exception. We sorted the catalogue by real order numbers and picked 7 models that people buy by the tens of thousands: from inexpensive Lenovo earbuds for a few pounds to Baseus with active noise cancellation and open-ear clips. All specs come from the product listings, and prices are as of 29 October.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, the site earns a small commission from AliExpress, and the price you pay stays the same.
How we chose
The main criterion is popularity. The selection includes models with several thousand sales and a positive review rate of 96% or higher. We tried to pick well-known brands and official stores where possible: such products carry less risk of a fake, and warranty questions are easier to sort out.
Before you buy, decide on three things. First, whether you need active noise cancellation (ANC). It helps on public transport and in the office, but costs more. Second, the shape. In-ear models isolate sound better, while open designs and clips keep you aware of your surroundings and are more comfortable for long wear. Third, what you will use them for. Gaming calls for low latency, and calls need plenty of microphones and voice noise cancellation (ENC).
Budget models under £10
1. Lenovo LP40 Pro
The sales leader of the selection, with almost 30,000 orders. These are compact in-ear buds with Bluetooth 5.4 and touch controls. They are pitched as all-rounders for music, calls and sport. For the price this is one of the safest buys: the model is hugely popular, there are a great many reviews, and they make it easy to see what to expect.
Price on 29 October: £6.49
Sold: 29418+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
2. HTC NE79
An interesting newcomer with Bluetooth 6.0 and an LED display on the case that shows the charge level. The manufacturer claims AI translation in 135 languages via the app, plus ENC noise cancellation for calls. Treat translation as a nice bonus rather than a replacement for a real translator, but it could come in handy when travelling.
Price on 29 October: £7.23
Sold: 14510+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
3. Lenovo GM2 Pro
A model for people who game on their phone. The listing mentions a low-latency mode and two operating modes, one for games and one for music. Around 14,600 sales suggest that the formula of “cheap and no audio lag” is in demand. They also work as everyday earbuds.
Price on 29 October: £6.04
Sold: 14643+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.4%
View on AliExpress
With active noise cancellation
4. Baseus Bass EP10 NC
One of the most popular ANC options in the budget segment. Baseus claims noise reduction of up to 43 dB, Bluetooth 6.0 and four microphones with ENC for calls. The link leads to the brand’s store. It is a good choice if you want some quiet on the Tube or the bus but do not want to pay flagship prices.
Price on 29 October: £15.64
Sold: 17487+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.8%
View on AliExpress
5. Baseus EP10 Pro ANC
The upgraded version of the same line. Noise cancellation is claimed at up to 50 dB and is adaptive, meaning the earbuds adjust it to your surroundings. The listing mentions six microphones, Bluetooth 6.0, the LDAC codec and IP55 protection. If the price gap to the EP10 NC does not bother you, the Pro is the better pick for calls and noisy places.
Price on 29 October: £23.77
Sold: 13211+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.6%
View on AliExpress
6. QCY MeloBuds Pro
QCY is known for good value, and the MeloBuds Pro is one of its best-selling models. It offers hybrid ANC up to 46 dB, LDAC support for high-resolution audio, six microphones, a sensor that pauses music when you take an earbud out, and up to 34 hours of battery life according to the manufacturer. LDAC is useful for owners of Android phones that support it. The link leads to the official QCY store.
Price on 29 October: £27.83
Sold: 11378+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.4%
View on AliExpress
Open-ear headphones
7. Baseus Bowie MC2 Air
Clip-on earbuds that hook onto the edge of the ear and leave the ear canal open. This format is popular for running, cycling and city walks, when you need to hear traffic and people around you. They offer Bluetooth 6.0 and four microphones with ENC. This is the most expensive model in the selection, but the format is special: they are comfortable to wear for hours and do not press on the ear.
Price on 29 October: £34.79
Sold: 11556+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.4%
View on AliExpress
Which one to pick
If you just want good everyday earbuds without overspending, start with the Lenovo LP40 Pro. It is the best-selling model and has the lowest price here. For gaming on your phone, the Lenovo GM2 Pro with its low-latency mode is the logical choice.
If you travel on public transport a lot, go for ANC models. The Baseus Bass EP10 NC is the cheapest way into noise cancellation, while the EP10 Pro and QCY MeloBuds Pro offer more microphones and stronger noise reduction.
For sport and walks where you need to hear your surroundings, take a look at the Baseus Bowie MC2 Air clips.
Tips before you buy
- Check the variant on the listing. One page often sells different versions and colours, and the price in the headline may refer to the most basic one.
- Read reviews with photos. They show best which box and case actually arrive.
- Do not expect miracles from budget ANC. It handles the drone of transport well, but voices nearby come through more noticeably.
- Watch the 11.11 sale. Earbuds are traditionally among the most popular items in November, and prices on them often drop.
