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Best headphones under $100
July 31, 2025
If you’re a frequent visitor, you already know headphone prices can range from a mere $20 to an “insurmountable college debt” level. Today, we’re talking about what lies between the two extremes — the best headphones under $100. Whether you’re looking to get some work done in a studio or just enjoy good sound quality for less, we have you covered with some of our favorite headphones.
What's new?
- This article was updated on July 30, 2025, for a near-complete re-write with more contemporary picks.
- This list was updated on December 19, 2024, to update language, links.
- For more options, check out our list of the best cheap headphones, the best headphones under $50, and the best wireless earbuds under $100.
Anyone interested in delving deeper into the world of audio for less money or anyone prone to breaking nice things should check out these headphones for under $100. We’ve listed everything from studio headphones to wireless/wired headphones to account for anyone interested in upgrading their current setup.
The short answer:
Below are our picks for the best headphones under $100, but without going into the weeds.
The best overall:
The alternative pick:
The retro pick:
The wired pick:
The studio pick:
The on-ears pick:
Hold up! A quick note:
This list is for headphones only, and not earphones. There are tons of really great wired IEMs and wireless earbuds that would normally have shown up here, but are on their own lists.
The long answer:
Given that there’s not much of a relationship between sound quality and price, it’s not all that surprising that there are lots of options under $100 that will sound great to you. However, what features you need might be the deciding factor, and that’s a little tougher to unravel. Here’s a more detailed look at our picks.
For under $100, the JLab JBuds Lux are crazy good value
The JLab JBuds Lux ANC punches well above its weight, offering exceptional value for under $100. These over-ear headphones feature active noise cancelation that does a decent job of hushing ambient noise, especially in the higher frequencies. While the ANC performance can’t match premium models, it’s impressive for the price.
The sound quality is quite good, with an overall MDAQS score of 4.5/5, lauding the headphones’ faithful timbre and immersive experience. They have an emphasized bass response and boosted treble that can help counter environmental noise during commutes.
Other highlights include a 44-hour battery life, USB-C audio support, and a companion app with EQ and customization options. The JBuds Lux ANC may lack advanced features like head tracking, but they nail the fundamentals at a stellar price, making them one of the best budget ANC headphones you can buy.
The Edifier W830NB are also excellent headphones
If what you really need is inexpensive headphones with ANC, the Edifier W830NB might be your best bet. Though it’s not going to make you forget $500 ANC headphones or anything, these headphones do a great job at attenuating noise on their own. Additionally, they offer fairly decent sound and battery life.
The headphones also sport Multipoint connectivity, and can be used in conjunction with the Edifier Connex app for more functionality. In terms of bang for buck, the only reason this didn’t take the top spot is because of the JLab’s more fleshed-out offering, but most wouldn’t see a huge difference between the two. You can’t go wrong with either here.
The Koss PortaPro are timeless classics
The main tradeoffs you’d have with these headphones is the fact that they’re semi-open, so they don’t block out much noise. However, not everyone wants to completely drown out the world around them. If you’re trying to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music, or you just don’t need to compete with a jackhammer every day: these could be a good pick for you.
The ATH-M30x has good sound quality
The ATH-M50x is a top pick for many, but the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x doesn’t fall too far behind. From the enthusiast to the professional, the ATH-M30x will sate most hi-fi appetites. If you’re interested but want the option of a wireless version, Audio-Technica offers that, too.
Thanks to the rotating ear cups, the headphones lay flat against the chest when inactive, which is always handy. Generally speaking, the headband is comfortable with just enough padding. However, if you aren’t into the synthetic feel, you may have a differing opinion. The ATH-M30x provides more subtle bass reproduction than the ATH-M50x. This strikes a balance between a more sound engineer-oriented frequency response and a consumer headset.
Audio-Technica designed these headphones with one purpose in mind: listening to music. Anyone needing headphones with a built-in mic will want to check other picks or gaming headsets. Overall, if you prefer an ever-so-slight emphasis in the mids and vocals, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the ATH-M30x as our pick for the best headphones under $100. Listeners wanting something similar with more low-end should try the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro.
If you’re in the studio, grab the Sony MDR-7506
In this corner, weighing in at 230g, is the Sony MDR-7506. The 1985 inception of these classic headphones came out under the model number MDR-V6. Six years later, the world met the MDR-7506, which had slight aesthetic and functional changes from the V6. The MDR-7506 has proven it can keep up with modern standards while maintaining a retro, professional look. These are classic, which is why you’ll find them on many lists, such as best over-ear headphones.
Although these work in any context, the Sony MDR-7506 is intended for studio monitoring and audio mixing. Fortunately, if you want to expose it to natural light, folding hinges make transport a breeze. In general, it’s a reliable and legendary pair of headphones under $100 with that “it” factor. The long 3-meter cable is great for studio use but may need tying up to avoid comical unwieldiness while out and about.
If this pair of headphones seems a bit out of place, it’s probably because our staff has decades of experience with them, and they still hold up today. They can be found in classrooms, studios, and even some speech labs. If you’re looking for headphones under $100 that have proven many times over that they last for years on end, this is the pair of headphones to buy.
The JBL Tune 520BT is small enough to fit in most bags
If you need something that can block out some sound while performing fairly well, the JBL Tune 520BT is an excellent on-ear option. Connecting to iOS and Android devices alike over SBC and AAC, the Bluetooth headphones are very basic. However, the Tune 520BT nails said basics.
That said, battery life is utterly insane, at 60 hours and 32 minutes on our test protocol, so you shouldn’t have to worry about topping up very often. This is good, because the USB-C port is in a place that makes listening while charging impossible.
The best headphones under $100: Notable mentions
- 1MORE SonoFlow ($99.99 at Amazon): The 1MORE SonoFlow are good-sounding, feature-rich headphones that won’t break the bank. Commuters and travelers will enjoy the ANC, long battery life, and plush ear pads. Experienced listeners will enjoy decent sound and EQ options.
- AKG K240 Studio: These are a great option for anyone working on a shoestring budget ($56 at Amazon) who can’t afford to compromise sound quality. The semi-open design promotes accurate sound reproduction. Low bass response is lacking, so if you want a more neutral response across the frequency spectrum, keep looking.
- AKG K371: Costing just a bit more than the budget’s threshold ($176 at Amazon), these are excellent-sounding closed-back headphones.
- Audio Technica ATH-M20x: These are Audio-Technica’s entry-level studio headphones, ideal for people who prefer neutral sound without breaking the bank ($49 at Amazon).
- Anker Soundcore Life Q20: These are on the cheaper end of the spectrum, and build quality is not the absolute best, but for only $59 at Amazon that they sound decent with some noise canceling is impressive.
- Audio Technica ATH-M40x: For those looking to upgrade, this pair of headphones is a step up from the ATH-M30x. It features a balanced sound signature for accurate sound reproduction for $99 at Amazon.
- Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro: This pair of supra-aural cans is meant for the studio but doesn’t need to be confined there. The ear cups are small and light enough to take with you too. Find a set for $67 at Amazon.
- Grado SR60x: These headphones are still made in Brooklyn and yet sell for only $99 at Amazon. With a surprisingly comfortable on-ear fit, the lightweight headphones relay your audio on a nice wide soundstage. However, the bass isn’t a major feature here, and the open-backs limit case use. Still, these are worth a look.
- JBL Live 660NC: Usually, these sell for a few bucks above the $100 threshold ($149 at Amazon), but they offer some added active noise canceling alongside Bluetooth capabilities, which might be what you’re looking for.
- Pioneer HDJ-CUE1BT: With the flexibility of wired or wireless connectivity, this no-frills set of headphones is oriented toward DJs with articulating ear cups and onboard mics. It sells for $99 at Amazon.
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro: This pair of headphones attenuates external noise effectively and has a very neutral-leaning frequency response that is perfect for mixing. However, some people find the clamping force of the headband a bit intense. Find it for $87 at Amazon.
- Sennheiser HD 350BT: Not the newest kid on the block, the HD 350BT still offers some ANC and a solid selection of codecs. Some folks find the ear cups don’t have enough room to fit properly as over-ears. Still, for Sennheiser quality sound, check it out for $86 at Amazon.
- Sennheiser HD 559: These open-back headphones have Sennheiser’s signature good sound and comfortable fit. They sell for on the product’s website.
- Sennheiser HD 569: Sporting closed backs, you can take the HD 569 out of the house without disturbing others. They do not fold down, but the price is reasonable ($99 at Amazon).
- Skullcandy Hesh ANC: For the bass fans out there, these offer exaggerated bass frequencies, noise canceling, and wired or Bluetooth connectivity for a low price of $85.99 at Amazon.
What you should know about the best headphones under $100
Headphones come in all shapes and sizes, but an uncompromising seal is necessary for proper bass. We’ve laid out the most important points covering the differences between on-ear and over-ear headphones. For more in-depth information, make sure to head over to our headphone buying guide.
What’s the difference between on-ear and over-ear headphones?
On-ear headphones sit directly on your ears. They negotiate a healthy balance between portability and quality sound. As the name implies, they rest neither around nor within the ear, so they’re not as comfortable, and the seal isn’t the greatest. If you wear glasses, on-ears typically aren’t your friend. However, some do a better job than others, like the Koss Porta Pro Limited Edition.
Over-ears generally offer the best sound quality, thanks to larger drivers and a consistently good seal to your head. They also do the best job of reproducing spatial cues by using our ear anatomy in a natural way, by sitting around them and exposing the entire pinna to sound waves.
Should you get closed-back or open-back headphones for under $100?
Closed-back headphones isolate well and are primarily used for commuting and travel or where outside noise would ruin your music. The closed rear chambers can cause unwanted resonances which cloud the midrange details. Cans like the Sony WH-1000XM5 do a great job combatting this. Conversely, open-back headphones do not isolate at all. This is fine if you’re listening in a quiet room, but it will sound terrible when traveling or commuting. Quiet environments are where this breed shines.
Take the necessary steps to prevent hearing loss
Hearing loss comes in all varieties and can negatively impact an individual’s emotional well-being. In order to prevent this altogether, we suggest finding a proper fit with your headphones. Doing so will keep external noise out, making you feel less inclined to turn up the volume to dangerous levels. If you have a few more dollars to spare, you may want to consider premium active noise canceling headphones, as they further protect you from the chances of developing noise-induced hearing loss.
Do you need Bluetooth or a headphone jack?
Let’s face it: Bluetooth is where the market has headed, and increasingly, we see headphones full of batteries, which isn’t great for the planet. At least those batteries can power helpful inventions like ANC. However, all that tech doesn’t change the truth that your headphone jack still relays the best audio quality. Granted, we know that cutting the cords feels liberating, and it’s useful since our phones generally don’t have any other particularly convenient means of connecting to headphones. Fortunately, every pick on our list that is Bluetooth capable can also plug in.
The myriad of Bluetooth codecs can be confusing, but the basic things you need to know go like this: if you have an iPhone, you want the AAC codec, and if you have Android, you ideally want aptX (or similar) or LDAC. Android devices still work with AAC, so don’t worry, but it’s just not always the best for sound quality and latency with Android. There’s more to it, and some exclusive codecs work best with specific devices, but that’s the short version.
How we choose the best headphones under $100
We do our best at SoundGuys to directly test as many audio products as possible, but alas, we, too, are only human. While testing every audio product in the world is nearly impossible, we research as many candidates as we can if we’re unable to test something directly. Fortunately, with this “best headphones under $100 list,” we were able to directly test each of the top picks, allowing us to speak candidly about our experiences here and in the in-depth reviews.
If a product made it as one of the best-wired headphones under $100, it’s because we earnestly feel it’s one of the best in its class.
Why you should trust SoundGuys
We work day and night (well, the night part mainly because we work remotely) to ensure we’re able to keep tabs on the ever-changing world of audio. What’s in today may not be in tomorrow, and our collective years of experience empower us to easily distinguish the diamonds in the rough from, well, the rough.
It’s not just about the subjective experience here, though. Audio is both a subjective and a quantifiable phenomenon. In recognizing that, we also perform objective, in-house testing on an array of audio products. All we want is for you to enjoy what you’re listening to, and none of us see a penny, nickel, or dime from partnerships or referral purchases. What’s more, no writer at SoundGuys may benefit from guiding readers toward one product or another.
Frequently asked questions about the best headphones under $100
Yes, DVD and CD players usually have a 3.5mm port. So long as your headphones have a 3.5mm cable, as most headphones do, you should be able to use them just fine.
The Audio Technica ATH-M40x offers several improvements over the ATH-M30x. For starters, the M40x features a detachable cable for easy headphone storage and transport—a well-loved feature by musicians who are constantly traveling. The M40x also features a greater frequency response range for improved treble clarity, allowing for a better audio mixing experience.
Closed-back headphones are characterized by their ability to isolate noise, allowing users to focus on their content—though at the expense of sound quality. Meanwhile, open-back headphones can reproduce sounds more accurately, with a stereo image that is comparable to studio monitors. However, open-back headphones don’t isolate any noise, which may be annoying for other people in the same room as you. For a more comprehensive explanation, check out Chris’ article explaining the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones.
The size of a headphone’s driver is only part of the equation. The reason larger drivers are generally believed to be better is that bass response is easier to reproduce, something that is welcomed by the general consumer market. The drawback to larger diaphragms is that the flexibility and rigidity become more variable the bigger the driver gets. Consequently, treble reproduction becomes an issue (in terms of accuracy). This is why it’s important to have good audio engineers who can account for this or completely different setups (e.g. balanced armature) altogether.
While $50 headphones might serve basic audio needs, stepping up to headphones under $100 opens a world of possibilities for a variety of audio preferences. So, they’re good, but not the best.
For truly premium audio quality and features such as active noise cancelation, you’ll need to look beyond the under $100 range. High-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 can offer a significantly superior listening experience but come at a higher price point.
Yes, pricier headphones often come with perks like larger drivers for better sound quality, better seals for bass reproduction, and potentially active noise cancelation. However, our list proves you can still get great sound and features for under $100.
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