Quick answer

The Dime 3 is the better budget earbud: it costs USD 26.24, delivers 20 hours of total battery, and includes Tile tracking and Bluetooth 5.3. The Riff Wireless 2 is a wireless on-ear headphone, not a true wireless earbud, so choose it only if you prefer a headband fit and don't need a charging case. For most shoppers looking for cheap wireless earbuds, the Dime 3 is the smarter pick.

Price and battery: what you actually get for your money

At USD 26.24, the Dime 3 undercuts most true wireless earbuds while still offering 20 hours of total battery. That total comes from the earbuds plus the charging case, so plan to dock them between uses. The Riff Wireless 2 is a wireless headphone that sits on your ears with a headband, which means no charging case and a different battery routine. If you want the lowest upfront cost and a pocketable case, the Dime 3 is the clear budget pick.

Fit and stability: earbud vs on-ear headphone

The Dime 3 is a compact true wireless earbud, so it disappears into your pocket and works with a phone, tablet, or laptop over Bluetooth 5.3. The Riff Wireless 2 rests on your ears with a headband, which can feel more secure for long listening sessions but is bulkier to carry. If you move a lot, the Dime 3's in-ear design stays put during light activity, though it is sweat and water resistant rather than fully waterproof. For heavy sweating or rain, step up to the Push ANC Active, which has fully waterproof construction and low-profile ear hangers.

Features that matter day to day

The Dime 3 includes a built-in microphone for calls and Tile tracking technology, so you can ring your earbuds if they go missing. The Riff Wireless 2 is built for wireless listening without a case, which suits desk work and commutes where you keep it around your neck or on your head. Neither model offers active noise canceling. If you need to block out traffic or gym noise, the Push ANC Active adds 4-mic active noise canceling and adjustable Stay-Aware Mode, but it costs more.

Trade-offs to weigh before you buy

  • Price vs features: The Dime 3 costs USD 26.24 and covers the basics well. The Riff Wireless 2 is a wireless headphone with a headband, so you pay for a different form factor, not more earbud features. Pick the Dime 3 if budget is the priority.
  • Battery and charging: Dime 3 gives 20 hours of total battery with a charging case. The Riff Wireless 2 has no case, so you charge the headphone itself. The Dime 3 suits pocket carry; the Riff Wireless 2 suits desk or bag storage.
  • Water resistance vs waterproofing: Dime 3 is sweat and water resistant, which handles light rain and workouts. Push ANC Active is fully waterproof and adds noise canceling. Choose Push ANC Active if you sweat heavily or run in the rain.

Product facts

  • Dime® 3: Dime 3 true wireless earbuds come with 20 hours of total battery, a built-in microphone, sweat and water resistant construction, Tile tracking technology, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. You get a low-cost earbud with enough battery for a few days of commutes, plus tracking if you misplace them.
  • Push® ANC Active: Push ANC Active is a zero-compromise active earbud with comfortable, low-profile ear hangers, fully waterproof construction, adjustable Stay-Aware Mode, and 4-Mic Active Noise Canceling. If you need noise canceling and a fit that stays put during sweaty workouts, this is the upgrade path from the Dime 3.

Which one fits you?

Best for

  • Shoppers who want cheap wireless earbuds under $50 with a charging case
  • Commutes, calls, and light workouts where sweat and water resistance is enough
  • Anyone who wants Tile tracking to find misplaced earbuds

Not for

  • Listeners who prefer an on-ear headband fit instead of in-ear buds
  • Heavy sweaters or swimmers who need fully waterproof construction
  • Anyone who needs active noise canceling for loud environments