The good thing about headphones is there are plenty of styles and options to choose from. Earbuds are the most portable, while over-ears usually offer a few more features (and better battery life if they’re wireless). However, if you want the best of both worlds, go for a pair of on-ears. Usually, the best headphones are going to cost you a fortune, but that isn’t the case. These are some of the best on-ear headphones you can get for under $100.
Editor’s note: this list was updated on June 17, 2020 to add relevant links and update information about the Jabra Move Style Wireless Edition headphones.
Related: Best wireless headphones of 2019
The best on-ear headphones under $100 are the Grado SR60e
The Grado name has popped up on some of our lists before, and for good reason. The family-owned business operates out of their warehouse in Brooklyn and makes products well known for sound quality. One of them is the Grado SR60e on-ear headphones.
Grado SR60e
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For less than $100, these are widely considered one of the best bang for your buck open back headphones you can get. The foam padding on the ear cups isn’t the most advanced, but it’s comfortable enough. Because they’re open back you’ll get a great soundstage and the heavy duty cable won’t break anytime soon.
Of course, these aren’t the most portable pair of headphones. They don’t fold at the hinges, they don’t block sound due to their open back construction, and they don’t have an inline mic and remote to control music on portable devices. But if you just want good sound, these are one of the best on-ear headphones you can get.
What you should know about the best on-ear headphones under $100
- Getting the proper fit is just as important for on-ear headphones as in-ear or over-ear models. Unfortunately, since on-ears sit, well, on the ear, it’s more difficult to achieve this. Once you get it right, the benefits of proper isolation will allow for optimal bass response and clarity.
- If you’re looking at any of the wireless models, bear in mind that wired still trumps Bluetooth with regards to audio quality. Of course, sometimes you just can’t put a price on the convenience of cutting the cord. If you’re a die-hard Bluetooth fan, keep an eye out for high-quality codec support.
- Open back headphones aren’t meant for travel since they leak noise like crazy. That said, it’s really more of a feature than a drawback since it facilitates a more realistic perception of sound. Sure, it’s not quite 3D sound, but it’s better than traditionally closed cans.
Travel with the Koss Porta Pro Limited Edition
Looking for the best on-ear headphones with the most portability? The Koss Porta Pro is a classic pair of headphones, and the new limited editions add important features along with their new color options. The retro design hasn’t changed since its first release, and it’s just as practical now as it was then.
Koss Porta Pro Limited Edition
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The headphones have a thin, lightweight frame and plastic ear cups that fold down to a more compact size for travel. These also have a switch on the side that adjusts the firmness of the ear cups for a more comfortable fit. They aren’t the most durable pair of headphones but they come with a hardshell case for protection during transport. What’s more, the limited edition models have a small mic and remote for use with mobile devices.
One thing to note is that these are open back headphones so although they work with mobile devices you’re probably not going to want to use them during your commute unless you want everyone to hear what you’re listening to.
The Jabra Move Style Edition keeps things stylish
The Jabra Move Style rocks a minimalistic design is appealing and the angular yolks are different enough to be eye-catching without looking tacky. If you have larger fingers, the buttons may be a bit difficult to press as they’re rather small, but you can always activate the Google Assistant button to then make basic voice-directed playback controls and perform simple tasks.
Jabra Move Wireless Style Edition
Full Review
This compact pair of wireless on-ear headphones offers solid battery life, permitting just shy of 13 hours of constant playback before requiring a recharge via the included MicroUSB cable. While the headphones operate via Bluetooth 4.0 and only support the SBC codec, SBC has come a long way and Jabra’s in-house tuning provides a surprisingly clear sound.
Assuming you’re able to get a proper fit, the neutral leaning frequency response adapts well to a variety of music types. Unfortunately, external noise attenuation isn’t great, but that’s the case for nearly all on-ear headphones. Also, if you’re looking for something cheaper, the older edition of the Jabra Move Style Edition will get you most of the way, and frequently runs for almost half the price.
Cut the cord and add features with the Sony WH-CH510
One of Sony’s newest additions to its line of headphones, the WH-CH510 wireless on-ear headphones continues the company’s streak of great products with terrible names. These sleek headphones come equipped with swiveling hinges, so they can lay flat on a table or around your neck when you’re not using them.
Sony WH-CH510
These headphones connect to your device using Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC to provide a fast and expansive control. Using the built-in mic, they’re compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, and support hands-free calling. There are also volume and playback control buttons. Unfortunately, the headphones only support SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, so no aptX for those who really want it.
Inside the headphones sit 30mm dynamic drivers and a battery that can last up to 35 hours. The headset charges through USB-C and it even sports a quick charge function, where 10 minutes of charging will get you 90 minutes of playback.
All told, these are reasonably priced on-ear headphones packed to the gills with useful features.
The JBL Tune T500 is a solid entry at a very low price
There’s nothing fancy about the JBL Tune T500, but for under $30, fanciness probably isn’t as important. Audio company JBL has been putting out solid headphones and speakers for years at a variety of prices, and the Tune T500 brings that pedigree to a bargain-level price.
JBL Tune T500
This is a very straightforward pair of wired on-ear headphones. It connects using a 3.5mm cord, and has an in-line control unit with a single universal button. The Tune T500 features a lightweight plastic build, with folding headphone hinges, so they’re great for tossing in a bag or using on the go. There’s not a whole lot more to say about these. They’re simple headphones—just plug them in and listen to music.
Why you should trust us
When picking out the best on-ear headphones, we took into consideration what a variety of consumers may be interested in. We realize that not everyone wants to shell out even $100 on a pair of headphones, hence our best on-ear headphones value pick and the more affordable Jabra Move Wireless being listed.
We test as many products as we can in order to give you a more accurate representation of what’s available.
When it comes to audio, we understand it to be both a subjective and objectively measurable experience. When applicable, we test audio products and bring them out into the real world, too. Ultimately, we want our readers to walk away more knowledgeable about audio and, in this case, enjoy some of the best on-ear headphones around.
