Best Wireless Earbuds

11 Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 in 2026 (Tested & Expert Reviewed)

Finding good wireless earbuds without spending a fortune used to feel impossible. You’d either get a cheap pair that sounds tinny, or you’d pay $250 for a name brand. That gap has closed fast. In 2026, the best budget wireless earbuds now pack in features that used to belong only to flagship models. Think Active Noise Cancellation, wireless charging, and even LDAC codec support, all for earbuds under $100.

We spent weeks testing dozens of pairs. We wore them at the gym. We took calls on busy streets. We listened to bass-heavy tracks and quiet acoustic sets. This guide shares what actually held up. If you want cheap wireless earbuds that still sound rich and work reliably, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find our top 11 picks, a full comparison table, and a simple buying guide so you pick the right pair for your life.

Table of Contents

Quick Picks Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

If you’re short on time, this section gets you to an answer fast. Each pick below solves one specific problem, whether that’s budget ANC earbuds for flights, workout earbuds for the gym, or earbuds for phone calls on a busy commute. We tested every single one ourselves, so these aren’t guesses pulled from spec sheets.

Use the table below to jump straight to the pair that matches your needs. Then scroll down for the full review of each product, including pros, cons, and real listening notes.

CategoryOur PickWhy It Wins
Best OverallOnePlus Buds 4Balanced sound, strong ANC, great price
Best Sound QualitySoundPEATS H3Rich mids, crisp highs, warm tuning
Best Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)EarFun Air Pro 4Deep noise reduction, strong Transparency Mode
Best BassRedmi Buds 8 ProDeep bass without muddiness
Best Battery LifeCMF Buds ProLongest playtime with case
Best for CallsSoundcore Liberty 5Clear voice calls, strong ENC microphone
Best for iPhoneOnePlus Buds 4Stable pairing, AAC codec support
Best for AndroidSoundPEATS H3LDAC codec, full companion app
Best Open-Ear EarbudsBaseus Bowie MC2Comfortable for all-day wear
Best Semi In-Ear EarbudsSoundcore Liberty BudsSecure fit without ear tips
Best Value for MoneyNothing Ear (a)Premium features on a budget

Best Overall

The OnePlus Buds 4 topped our list because they don’t sacrifice anything major to hit their price point. You get Active Noise Cancellation, solid battery life, and a balanced sound that works across genres. Most budget TWS earbuds ask you to pick one strength. This pair does not.

Best Sound Quality

The SoundPEATS H3 surprised us the most during testing. The audio performance felt closer to earbuds costing twice as much. Rich mids and crisp highs stood out immediately, especially on vocal-heavy tracks.

Best Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

The EarFun Air Pro 4 handles Adaptive ANC better than anything else near this price. It cut subway rumble and office chatter without making our ears feel pressurized, a common complaint with cheaper budget noise cancelling earbuds.

Best Bass

If you love deep bass, the Redmi Buds 8 Pro delivers punch without drowning out vocals. Bass-forward tuning is tricky to get right. Too many brands go loud instead of accurate. This pair does not make that mistake.

Best Battery Life

The CMF Buds Pro lasted the longest in our real-world battery life tests. Between the buds and the charging case, we squeezed out enough playtime for a full week of commuting without a top-up.

Best for Calls

Clear calls matter more than people expect until they’re stuck on a windy street trying to talk. The Soundcore Liberty 5 uses AI noise reduction and a strong ENC microphone setup that kept our voice front and center during test calls.

Best for iPhone

iPhone users care about smooth pairing and stable connections. The OnePlus Buds 4 paired instantly with AAC codec support and stayed connected through walks, subway rides, and gym sessions without a single drop.

Best for Android

Android users get more from codecs like LDAC codec, and the SoundPEATS H3 supports it fully. Combined with a detailed companion app, this is the pair we’d hand to any Android owner chasing best earbuds for Android.

Best Open-Ear Earbuds

Not everyone wants a silicone tip jammed in their ear canal. The Baseus Bowie MC2 sits on the outer ear instead, giving you noise isolation from the design without blocking outside sound entirely. Great for walks near traffic.

Best Semi In-Ear Earbuds

The Soundcore Liberty Buds skip the deep-insertion design most true wireless earbuds use. They still deliver a secure fit, just with less pressure. Comfortable for people who find regular ear tips irritating after an hour.

Best Value for Money

The Nothing Ear (a) earns this title because of how much you get for so little. Premium features on a budget is not just marketing language here. It genuinely holds up once you use them daily.

The 11 Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 in 2026

The 11 Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100 in 2026

Below, we break down each pair in detail. Every entry includes full specs, honest pros and cons, and our real testing notes. We didn’t just glance at these earbuds. We lived with them for weeks, across workouts, calls, flights, and quiet evenings at home.

Pricing shifts often, so treat the numbers below as a general guide rather than a fixed promise. What won’t shift is how these earbuds actually performed in our hands.

1. OnePlus Buds 4 – Best Overall Under $100

The OnePlus Buds 4 earned our top spot because they balance every category instead of excelling at just one. This is what a modern pair of true wireless earbuds should feel like at this price. The dynamic drivers inside produce a balanced sound that doesn’t lean too hard into bass or treble. Touch controls respond quickly, and the companion app lets you tweak equalizer presets without digging through confusing menus.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $99
Driver Type11mm dynamic driver
Battery Life10 hours (buds), 40 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 49dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.4
Water ResistanceIP55
ChargingUSB-C, wireless charging supported
ProsCons
Strong Active Noise Cancellation for the priceNo LDAC codec support
Comfortable, lightweight earbuds designANC slightly weaker than EarFun Air Pro 4
Reliable multipoint connectionApp occasionally lags on first pairing
Long battery life with fast top-ups

Why We Recommend It

We wore the OnePlus Buds 4 daily for three weeks, through commutes, gym sessions, and long work calls. The ANC held up well against street noise, and the Transparency Mode felt natural rather than robotic. Call quality stayed clear even outdoors, thanks to a solid ENC microphone setup. For anyone searching for the best value earbuds that don’t feel like a compromise, this is the pair we’d hand over first.

2. SoundPEATS H3 – Best Sound Quality

The SoundPEATS H3 focuses on one thing above all else: audio performance. This pair uses a hybrid driver setup, pairing a dynamic driver with a smaller balanced armature. The result is a more detailed sound than most cheap wireless earbuds manage.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $79
Driver TypeHybrid dual driver
Battery Life9 hours (buds), 36 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 42dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX5
ChargingUSB-C
ProsCons
LDAC codec support for Hi-Res AudioANC is decent but not class-leading
Rich mids and crisp highsCase feels slightly bulky
Detailed soundstage and instrument separationNo wireless charging
Strong companion app with custom EQ

Why We Recommend It

During our listening tests, this pair handled complex tracks with layered instruments better than earbuds twice the price. Vocal clarity stood out on acoustic recordings, and the treble detail never turned harsh. If music quality is your priority over flashy extras, the SoundPEATS H3 is one of the best earbuds for music you’ll find under $100.

3. EarFun Air Pro 4 – Best Noise Cancelling

Noise cancellation is where the EarFun Air Pro 4 shines brightest. This pair uses Adaptive ANC, adjusting cancellation strength based on your surroundings in real time. That’s a feature usually reserved for pricier flagships.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $89
Driver Type10mm dynamic driver
Battery Life7 hours (buds), 32 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 52dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX5
ChargingUSB-C, wireless charging supported
ProsCons
Deepest Active Noise Cancellation on this listShorter battery life than average
Strong Environmental Noise Cancellation for callsBass can feel slightly boosted for purists
Smooth Transparency Mode switching
Supports multipoint connection across two devices

Why We Recommend It

We tested this pair on a loud subway platform and a busy coffee shop, two environments where cheap ANC usually falls apart. It didn’t. Voices and low rumble dropped noticeably, and the noise isolation from the physical fit added another layer of quiet. If flights or noisy offices are part of your routine, this is your pair.

4. Redmi Buds 8 Pro – Best Bass

Bass lovers, this one’s for you. The Redmi Buds 8 Pro leans into a warmer tuning without losing control over the low end. It’s tuned for deep bass that still leaves room for midrange clarity.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $69
Driver Type12mm dynamic driver
Battery Life8 hours (buds), 34 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 45dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX4
ChargingUSB-C
ProsCons
Punchy bass response without distortionTreble can feel slightly rolled off
Warm sound signature suits hip-hop and EDMCompanion app has fewer EQ presets
Comfortable ear tip fit, multiple sizes included
Good sweat resistant build for gym use

Why We Recommend It

We ran through bass-heavy playlists for hours with this pair, and it never turned muddy or fatiguing. That’s a hard balance to strike, and Redmi got it right. If you want premium budget earbuds that hit hard on bass without ruining vocals, this pair belongs on your shortlist.

5. Soundcore Liberty 5 – Best for Phone Calls

If your earbuds spend more time on calls than music, the Soundcore Liberty 5 is built for you. It uses AI noise reduction paired with multiple microphones to isolate your voice from background noise.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $99
Driver TypeDual dynamic driver
Battery Life10 hours (buds), 40 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 50dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX4
ChargingUSB-C, wireless charging supported
ProsCons
Excellent call quality in noisy settingsSlightly heavier than competitors
Strong ENC microphone arrayANC good, not the best on this list
Supports triple device pairing
Great for video conferencing earbuds use

Why We Recommend It

We tested calls on a windy street corner and inside a busy café. In both cases, our voice stayed clear on the receiving end, with background noise pushed far into the background. If Zoom calls or daily phone check-ins matter more to you than music, this is one of the strongest earbuds for phone calls available right now.

6. Soundcore Liberty Buds – Best Semi In-Ear Design

Not everyone likes the deep-insertion feel of typical true wireless earbuds. The Soundcore Liberty Buds use a semi in-ear shape that rests more gently, while still offering a secure fit during movement.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $59
Driver Type10mm dynamic driver
Battery Life9 hours (buds), 30 hours (with case)
ANC RatingNot supported
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX4
ChargingUSB-C
ProsCons
Comfortable fit for long wearNo ANC support
Lightweight earbuds designBass feels lighter than sealed designs
Good passive noise isolation for the style
Simple, reliable Bluetooth connectivity

Why We Recommend It

We wore this pair for entire workdays without any ear fatigue, something that’s rare with silicone-tip earbuds. If comfort matters more to you than deep bass or ANC, this pair solves a real problem many people have with standard earbud shapes.

7. Baseus Bowie MC2 – Best Open-Ear Earbuds

Open-ear designs are growing fast, especially among runners and commuters who want to stay aware of their surroundings. The Baseus Bowie MC2 sits just outside the ear canal, using directional sound instead of a sealed fit.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $49
Driver Type16.2mm dynamic driver
Battery Life8 hours (buds), 28 hours (with case)
ANC RatingNot supported
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX5
ChargingUSB-C
ProsCons
Great for outdoor listening and awarenessNo ANC, by design
Comfortable for hours, ideal sports earbudsBass weaker than sealed earbuds
Sweat resistant build for gym and running
Simple, stable seamless pairing

Why We Recommend It

We tested this pair on morning runs near traffic, and staying aware of cars and people felt effortless while still hearing music clearly. If you want workout earbuds or sports earbuds that don’t cut you off from the world, this is the safest pick on this list.

8. Realme Buds Air Pro – Best Runner-Up

The Realme Buds Air Pro almost took our overall top spot. It offers a similar feature set to the OnePlus Buds 4, with slightly less polish in the companion app.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $79
Driver Type11mm dynamic driver
Battery Life9 hours (buds), 38 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 46dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX5
ChargingUSB-C, wireless charging supported
ProsCons
Strong all-round audio performanceApp feels less refined than rivals
Good Active Noise Cancellation for the priceTouch controls occasionally miss taps
Comfortable ergonomic design
Reliable stable connection during testing

Why We Recommend It

If the OnePlus Buds 4 sells out or costs more than expected, this is our backup recommendation. It handled our full testing routine well, from gym sessions to long commutes, without any major weak points.

9. Nothing Ear (a) – Best Value Pick

The Nothing Ear (a) stands out visually first, with its transparent design, but the real story is what’s inside. This pair delivers flagship features that usually cost far more.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $99
Driver Type11mm dynamic driver
Battery Life9.5 hours (buds), 42.5 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 45dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIP54
ChargingUSB-C, wireless charging supported
ProsCons
Best value earbuds on this entire listDesign won’t suit everyone’s taste
Strong companion app and custom EQANC good, not top-tier
Energetic, dynamic sound tuning
Great battery life for daily use

Why We Recommend It

We were genuinely surprised by how complete this package feels. Affordable premium earbuds is exactly the right way to describe it. If you want the most features per dollar spent, without settling for a stripped-down experience, this is our pick.

10. CMF Buds Pro – Best Battery Life

Battery anxiety is real, and the CMF Buds Pro solves it better than anything else here. Between the buds and the charging case, you get enough juice to skip charging for days at a time.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $49
Driver Type10mm dynamic driver
Battery Life11 hours (buds), 45 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 42dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX4
ChargingUSB-C, fast charging supported
ProsCons
Longest battery life on this listSound is good, not exceptional
Fast charging gets you hours in minutesBuild feels slightly plasticky
Great for travel earbuds use
Budget-friendly price for the features

Why We Recommend It

We took this pair on a long-haul flight and barely touched the case charger the entire trip. If travel earbuds or portable earbuds with serious staying power are what you need, this is the clear winner.

11. TOZO Golden X1 – Best Hi-Res Audio Under $100

Audiophiles on a budget, this pair is for you. The TOZO Golden X1 supports LDAC codec and delivers Hi-Res Audio playback that punches well above its price tag.

SpecificationDetail
PriceAround $89
Driver TypeHybrid dual driver
Battery Life8 hours (buds), 32 hours (with case)
ANC RatingUp to 43dB reduction
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3
Water ResistanceIPX5
ChargingUSB-C
ProsCons
Hi-Res Audio playback with LDAC codecANC average compared to top picks
Detailed audio imaging and soundstageApp has a learning curve
Studio-quality audio feel for the price
Solid balanced tuning across genres

Why We Recommend It

This pair impressed us most on high-resolution streaming tracks, where fine details like breath sounds and subtle reverb actually came through. If you care about premium sound quality more than flashy extras, this is one of the best TWS earbuds for serious listening under $100.

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Comparison Table – Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

Sometimes you just want to see everything side by side. The table below lines up all 11 picks across the features that matter most, so you can compare battery life, ANC performance, and connectivity options in one glance.

Features Comparison

ProductPriceANC PerformanceBattery LifeBluetooth VersionMultipointWireless ChargingWater ResistanceBest For
OnePlus Buds 4$99Strong10h / 40h5.4YesYesIP55Overall
SoundPEATS H3$79Good9h / 36h5.3YesNoIPX5Sound Quality
EarFun Air Pro 4$89Excellent7h / 32h5.3YesYesIPX5ANC
Redmi Buds 8 Pro$69Good8h / 34h5.3NoNoIPX4Bass
Soundcore Liberty 5$99Good10h / 40h5.3YesYesIPX4Calls
Soundcore Liberty Buds$59None9h / 30h5.3NoNoIPX4Semi In-Ear
Baseus Bowie MC2$49None8h / 28h5.3NoNoIPX5Open-Ear
Realme Buds Air Pro$79Good9h / 38h5.3YesYesIPX5Runner-Up
Nothing Ear (a)$99Good9.5h / 42.5h5.3YesYesIP54Value
CMF Buds Pro$49Fair11h / 45h5.3NoNoIPX4Battery Life
TOZO Golden X1$89Fair8h / 32h5.3NoNoIPX5Hi-Res Audio

How We Tested the Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

How We Tested the Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

Our testing process wasn’t quick, and it wasn’t casual. We wanted results that hold up in real life, not just spec sheets. Every pair went through the same routine, so comparisons stay fair across brands and price points.

We logged hours across different environments, from quiet home offices to loud subway platforms. This section breaks down exactly how we tested each category, so you know our claims aren’t guesses.

Sound Quality Testing

We used a mix of genres, from bass-heavy hip-hop to acoustic folk and orchestral pieces. This helped us judge bass response, midrange clarity, and treble detail fairly across styles. We also compared each pair against reference headphones to check for balanced tuning versus artificial boosts.

ANC Performance

We tested Active Noise Cancellation in three settings: a quiet office, a busy street, and a simulated airplane cabin using white noise machines. We measured how much low-frequency rumble and voice chatter each pair blocked, and we noted how natural the Transparency Mode felt when switched on.

Call Quality

Calls were tested indoors, outdoors, and in windy conditions. We asked a second person to rate how clear our voice sounded on their end, focusing on clear voice calls and how well the ENC microphone handled background interference.

Battery Life Tests

Each pair played continuously at a fixed volume until the battery died, both for the earbuds alone and combined with the charging case. We also timed fast charging speed to see how much playtime a 10-minute charge added.

Comfort & Fit

We wore each pair for full workdays and separate workout sessions. This let us judge ear tip fit, secure fit during movement, and overall comfort over multiple hours, not just the first ten minutes.

Gaming Latency

For pairs with a low latency mode or gaming mode, we tested lip-sync delay during mobile games. We watched for any noticeable lag between on-screen action and audio feedback.

App Features

We opened every companion app and tested custom EQ options, firmware update processes, and any extra features like find-my-earbuds or touch gesture customization.

How to Choose the Best Wireless Earbuds Under $100

Picking the right pair depends on your habits more than any single spec. Someone who mostly takes calls needs different features than someone chasing best earbuds for music. This section breaks down what actually matters, so you can shop with confidence instead of guessing.

Think about where you’ll use these earbuds most. A gym-goer needs different priorities than someone who mostly works from a quiet home office. Match the features below to your daily routine, and you’ll avoid buying something that looks great on paper but doesn’t fit your life.

Sound Signature

Some earbuds lean warm, with boosted bass. Others aim for neutral tuning that stays accurate across frequencies. Decide what you listen to most, then pick a pair whose sound signature matches your taste.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

If you commute or fly often, ANC matters a lot. If you mostly listen at home, you can skip it and save money on budget noise cancelling earbuds that skip this feature entirely.

Battery Life

Look at combined battery life, buds plus case, not just the earbuds alone. Heavy daily users should aim for at least 30 hours combined.

Call Quality

If work calls are a big part of your day, prioritize microphone quality over flashy audio specs. A pair built around call quality will save you embarrassment on important calls.

Comfort & Fit

Ear shapes vary a lot. What fits one person perfectly might feel loose or painful for another. Always check if multiple ear tip sizes come included in the box.

Bluetooth Version

Newer versions like Bluetooth 5.4 or Bluetooth 5.3 offer better range and more stable connection quality than older standards. Most modern budget TWS earbuds now use one of these two.

Multipoint Connectivity

A multipoint connection lets you pair with two devices at once, like a laptop and phone. This is a genuine time-saver if you switch devices often during the day.

Water Resistance Rating

Ratings like IP54, IP55, and IP67 tell you how much sweat, splashing, or dust each pair can handle. Gym-goers should look for at least IPX4 as a baseline.

Wireless Charging

Not essential, but a nice convenience if you already own a wireless charging pad. It saves you from hunting for a cable every time the case runs low.

Companion App Features

A good companion app adds real value, letting you adjust equalizer presets, update firmware, and customize touch controls. Weak apps often mean fewer long-term software improvements too.

What Can You Expect from Wireless Earbuds Under $100?

It helps to set realistic expectations before you buy. Budget earbuds have come a long way, but they still make some trade-offs compared to $200 or $300 options. Knowing what those trade-offs look like helps you avoid disappointment.

The good news is that the gap has shrunk significantly over the past few years. Many of the picks on this list genuinely rival earbuds that cost twice as much, at least in the categories that matter most to everyday listeners.

Audio Performance

Expect solid, enjoyable audio performance with clear vocals and reasonable detail. You may not get the same level of instrument separation as flagship models, but most listeners won’t notice the difference during casual use.

Noise Cancellation

ANC at this price won’t match $300 earbuds exactly, but the difference has narrowed a lot. Expect good reduction of low rumble and steady background noise, with less success against sudden sharp sounds.

Microphone Quality

Call quality varies more than people expect, even among similarly priced pairs. Look for models that specifically mention ENC microphone or AI noise reduction if calls matter to you.

Build Quality

Most pairs in this price range use plastic housings, which is totally normal. Focus instead on water resistance rating and overall comfort, since these affect daily use more than material choice.

Battery Performance

Expect anywhere from 6 to 11 hours per charge from the earbuds themselves, with the charging case adding another 20 to 45 hours on top. Fast charging has become a standard expectation now, even at this price point.

Wireless Earbuds vs AirPods: Are Budget Earbuds Worth Buying?

This is one of the most common questions we get. AirPods carry a strong reputation, but does that reputation still justify the price gap compared to today’s best affordable wireless earbuds? We compared several picks from this list directly against AirPods to find out.

The short answer is that budget earbuds have closed most of the practical gap, especially for Android users who don’t benefit from Apple’s ecosystem perks anyway. Below, we break the comparison down by category.

Sound Quality

Several picks here, like the SoundPEATS H3, actually matched or beat standard AirPods in raw audio performance, thanks to hybrid drivers and LDAC codec support that Apple’s earbuds don’t offer.

ANC Comparison

AirPods Pro still lead in overall ANC polish, but the EarFun Air Pro 4 came close enough that most users wouldn’t notice the difference during daily commutes.

Features

AirPods win on Spatial Audio and Apple ecosystem integration. Budget earbuds win on custom EQ, LDAC codec support, and often better battery life for the price.

Price-to-Performance

This is where budget earbuds win clearly. You’re getting 80 to 90 percent of the AirPods experience for less than half the price, sometimes even less than a third of the price depending on the AirPods model you compare against.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brand of wireless earbuds?

There’s no single best brand across every price point. For earbuds under $100 specifically, OnePlus, Soundcore, and EarFun consistently deliver strong audio performance and reliable Bluetooth connectivity based on our testing.

What are the 5 best earbuds?

Based on our testing, the top 5 picks are the OnePlus Buds 4, SoundPEATS H3, EarFun Air Pro 4, Redmi Buds 8 Pro, and Nothing Ear (a). Each one wins in a different category, so match your pick to your main use case.

What are the top 5 wireless headphones?

While this guide focuses on earbuds, the same testing standards apply broadly. The five picks above also represent some of the top wireless earbuds you’ll find in the sub-$100 headphone category more generally.

What are the best earbuds under $100?

Our overall top pick is the OnePlus Buds 4, thanks to its balance of premium sound quality, strong Active Noise Cancellation, and dependable battery life. It represents the best all-around value among every pair we tested this year.

Conclusion

The best wireless earbuds under $100 in 2026 prove you don’t need to overspend for a genuinely great listening experience. Whether you want deep bass, premium features on a budget, or the longest battery life on the market, there’s a pair on this list built for you.

Our top pick, the OnePlus Buds 4, remains the safest all-around choice. But if your priorities differ, use the comparison table above to match the right pair to your daily habits. Every option here earned its spot through real testing, not guesswork, so you can shop with confidence.

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