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The Mpow X3 was one of our top budget true-wireless earbuds picks in 2020. It's now down to $23 at Walmart.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
David Carnoy
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The Mpow X3.

David Carnoy/CNET

Mpow once did brisk business on Amazon with its budget earbuds. But it got booted from Amazon because it was one of several vendors reported to have solicited positive user reviews in exchange for gift cards. And while that's hardly admirable behavior, here's the thing: We've tried this product -- the Mpow X3 -- and felt good about recommending it when it cost $50. Now it's down to $23 at Walmart.

I don't know how long it will last at this price, since this is a third-party vendor on Walmart and supplies are probably limited. If you miss out on the $23 price, it's available from a second vendor for $24.42 and a third for $30, which are also decent deals. It appears to be on closeout and is on sale on Mpow's own site for a little more than $50.

Read more: Best cheap true-wireless earbuds for 2021

The Mpow X3 true-wireless earbuds sound quite good for their low price and are decent for making calls. Their noise-canceling isn't great, but it is fairly effective. The buds are fully waterproof so they're good for workouts.

At some point, a new white version became available that offered some small upgrades like slightly better battery life and a new transparency mode, as well as improved connectivity. I assume this is the original X3, but I can't confirm exactly what iteration it is.