On-Ear Headphones

If you're looking for barebones on-ears that just work, it's hard to make a case against the JBL Tune 520BT. It sounds decent, is affordable, and does exactly what's on the label. It's just gravy that its modern electronics grant the use of features like Find My, rapid charging, and Fast Pair.

A cross between studio and consumer headphones, the DT 240 PRO are a worthwhile investment.

The Marshall Major IV is a rare example of decent comfort from a set of on-ear headphones. It's lightweight, portable, and has a long playback time. The brass colored button is fun to use too. While it does not isolate noise particularly well, and the sound is rather hyped, it's silly simple to use.

The Marshall Major V headphones are a fun, rock-and-roll-inspired option for casual listeners who don't need ANC. With plush ear pads, long battery life, and wireless and wired listening options, the Major V headphones still have plenty to offer.

The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support.

The Jabra Elite 45h are stellar on-ear headphones for casual listeners who prioritize compactness and microphone quality above everything else. Despite some sound quality drawbacks, these are some of the best on-ear headphones under $100.

The Koss Porta Pro Limited Edition boast the same basic design as the original Koss Porta Pro headphones, but this time around there's a new colorway and integrated mic/remote module.

This is not the set of headphones you buy because you want bang for your buck. There are a very narrow range of needs these headphones suit, and you'd be better served waiting for these to go on sale before considering them.

The Pioneer HDJ-CUE1BT makes for a good—but not great—pair of DJ headphones that can go with you from the listening booth to the train and back again.

The Sony WH-CH530 are affordable wireless on-ears that sound far better than their price suggests, with strong passive isolation and future-ready LE Audio and Auracast support. They don't fold and have no wired listening option, but at $69.99, they're easy to recommend to anyone who doesn't need noise canceling.

The JBL Tune 510BT is affordable and compact, making it a great companion for a commute, so long as you don't need active noise canceling. If you wear glasses or have ear piercings, the on-ear design might not be comfortable, since the ear cups will squish your ears.

The JBL Tune 500 delivers an impressive result considering its supremely budget-oriented price tag. It's got a litany of issues, but in terms of being a decent pair of headphones that's easy to pick up and use without worrying too much, it's actually pretty nice.