Do you dream of crystal-clear music but cringe at high price tags? We all want great sound, but fancy headphones can cost a small fortune. Finding a fantastic pair without emptying your wallet feels like a treasure hunt, right?
The sub-$100 headphone market is huge and confusing. So many brands shout about features, but how do you know what’s actually good? You worry about poor sound quality, weak build, or quick breakages. Paying less shouldn’t mean settling for less enjoyment.
This guide cuts through the noise. We tested the best budget options so you don’t have to waste time or money. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which headphones deliver amazing value for under one hundred dollars.
Let’s dive in and discover your next favorite pair of affordable audio companions!
Top Headphones Under 100 Recommendations
No. 1
Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth 6.0 Headphones 120H Playtime 6 ENC Clear Call Mic, Over Ear Headphones Wireless with Hi-Res Audio Comfort Earcup Low Latency ANC Headphone for Travel Workout
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling & 40mm Powerful Sound: Powered by advanced hybrid active noise cancelling with dual-feed technology, TAGRY A18 over ear headphones reduce noise by up to 45dB, effectively minimizing distractions like traffic, engine noise, and background chatter. Equipped with large 40mm dynamic drivers, A18 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones deliver bold bass, clear mids, and crisp highs for a rich, immersive listening experience anywhere
- Crystal-Clear Calls with Advanced 6-Mic ENC: Featuring a six-microphone array with smart Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), TAGRY A18 bluetooth headphones accurately capture your voice while minimizing background noise such as wind, traffic, and crowd sounds. Enjoy clear, stable conversations for work calls, virtual meetings, online classes, and everyday chats—even in noisy environments
- 120H Playtime & Wired Mode Backup: Powered by a high-capacity 570mAh battery, A18 headphones deliver up to 120 hours of listening time on a single full charge, eliminating the need for frequent recharging. Whether you're working long hours, traveling across multiple days, or enjoying daily entertainment, one charge keeps you powered for days. When the battery runs low, simply switch to wired mode using the included 3.5mm AUX cable and continue listening without interruption
- Bluetooth 6.0 with Fast, Stable Pairing: With advanced Bluetooth 6.0, the A18 ANC bluetooth headphones wireless offer fast pairing, ultra-low latency, and a reliable connection with smartphones, tablets, and computers. Experience smooth audio streaming and responsive performance for gaming, video watching, and daily use
- All-Day Comfort with Foldable Over-Ear Design: Designed with soft, cushioned over-ear ear cups and an adjustable, foldable headband, the A18 ENC headphones provide a secure, pressure-free fit for all-day comfort. The collapsible design makes them easy to store and carry for commuting, travel, or everyday use. Plus, Transparency Mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones, keeping you safe and connected while enjoying your audio anywhere
No. 2
JBL Tune 770NC - Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 5.3, Up to 70H Battery Life with Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable & Foldable Design (Black)
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Adaptive Noise Cancelling means zero distractions whether you’re studying or getting lost in the music. If you want to hear the world around you, activate Ambient Aware and TalkThru in the JBL Headphones app.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio: Wirelessly stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound. In the JBL Headphones app select Audio mode for the best sound quality or Video Mode to ensure the sound and visuals of your movie/game are in sync. Available via OTA update
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: JBL Tune 770NC headphones feature renowned JBL Pure Bass sound—the same that powers the most famous music venues all around the world.
- Customize your listening experience: Download the free JBL Headphones App to tailor the sound to your taste by choosing one of the pre-set EQ modes or adjusting the EQ curve according to your content, your style, your taste.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: Easily control your sound and manage your calls from your headphones with the convenient buttons on the ear-cup. Hear your voice while you're talking, with the help of VoiceAware.
No. 3
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth, 40H Long ANC Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Big Bass, Customize via an App, Transparency Mode (White)
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in airplanes, trains, or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
No. 4
JBL Tune 720BT - Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with JBL Pure Bass Sound, Bluetooth 5.3, Up to 76H Battery Life and Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable and Foldable Design (Black)
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: The JBL Tune 720BT features the renowned JBL Pure Bass sound, the same technology that powers the most famous venues all around the world.
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 technology: Wirelessly stream high-quality sound from your smartphone without messy cords with the help of the latest Bluetooth technology.
- Customize your listening experience: Download the free JBL Headphones App to tailor the sound to your taste with the EQ. Voice prompts in your desired language guide you through the Tune 720BT features.
- Customize your listening experience: Download the free JBL Headphones App to tailor the sound to your taste by choosing one of the pre-set EQ modes or adjusting the EQ curve according to your content, your style, your taste.
- Hands-free calls with Voice Aware: Easily control your sound and manage your calls from your headphones with the convenient buttons on the ear-cup. Hear your voice while talking, with the help of Voice Aware.
No. 5
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset with Microphone and Alexa Built-in, Black New
- SONY’S LIGHTEST WIRELESS NOISE CANCELING HEADBAND EVER: Weighing just 192g, our lightest overhead wireless headphones with Noise Canceling yet, for incredible comfort without compromising on technology.
- DUAL NOISE SENSOR TECHNOLOGY: Take noise canceling to the next level with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, so you can fully immerse yourself in the music.
- ALL DAY COMFORT: Super comfortable and lightweight design.
- SMART FEATURES: Adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound control features tailors sound to suit the environment around you.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 35-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for up to 1 hour of playback).(USB Type-C Cable included
No. 6
Beats Solo 4 - Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, Up to 50-Hour Battery Life, Ultra-Lightweight Comfort, Powerful and Balanced Sound, Apple & Android Compatible - Slate Blue
- Custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers for powerful Beats sound.
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking.
- Ultralight ergonomic design for all-day comfort. Flex-grip headband and ergonomically angled, adjustable ear cups for a stable fit.
- UltraPlush ear cushions are designed for comfort and durability.
- Up to 50 hours of battery life.
No. 7
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone and up to 50 Hours Battery Life with Quick Charging, Blue
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends.(USB Type-C Cable included)
- HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App.
- LIGHT & COMFORTABLE: The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
No. 8
Soundcore Q30 by Anker, Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Multiple Modes, Hi-Res Audio, Custom EQ via App, 50H Playtime, Comfortable Fit, Bluetooth, Multipoint Connection
- Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology: Maintain your focus with Life Q30’s hybrid active noise cancellation. Dual noise-detecting microphones pick up and filter out up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sound to ensure nothing distracts you from your music.
- Ultimate Noise Cancellation Experience: Customize Life Q30’s noise cancellation with 3 modes—Transport minimizes airplane engine noise, Outdoor reduces traffic and wind, and Indoor dampens the sound of busy offices with people talking in the background. Note: ANC is not compatible with an AUX Cable connection.
- Hi-Res Music: Hear every detail of your favorite songs thanks to Life Q30’s 40mm drivers. The highly-flexible silk diaphragms reproduce thumping bass and crisp treble that extends up to 40kHz for improved clarity.
- 50-Hour Playtime: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones play up to 50 hours of music in noise cancelling mode. Standard mode extends the playtime to 70 hours, while a short 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of listening.
- Pressure-Free Comfort: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones have ultra-soft protein leather earcups with memory foam padding to fit snugly over your ears. The lightweight build also ensures they’re comfortable for long listening sessions.
The Budget Breakthrough: Your Guide to Headphones Under $100
Finding great sound without emptying your wallet is totally possible. Headphones under $100 offer fantastic value. This guide helps you pick the best pair for your needs.
Key Features to Hunt For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in your listening experience.
Sound Quality and Drivers
- Driver Size: Look for drivers (the speaker parts) that are 40mm or larger, especially in over-ear models. Bigger drivers often move more air, giving you deeper bass.
- Frequency Response: A wider range (like 20Hz to 20,000Hz) means the headphones can play both very low rumbles and very high whistles clearly.
Connectivity and Battery Life (For Wireless)
- Bluetooth Version: Aim for Bluetooth 5.0 or newer. Newer versions offer a more stable connection and use less battery power.
- Battery Life: For wireless models, check for at least 20 hours of playtime. Quick charging is a bonus feature.
Comfort and Build
- Fit Type: Decide if you want over-ear (cups cover your whole ear), on-ear (pads rest on your ear), or in-ear (earbuds).
- Controls: Easy-to-reach buttons for volume and skipping tracks improve daily use.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used affect how long your headphones last and how comfortable they feel.
- Earpads: Protein leather or soft memory foam feels best during long listening sessions. Fabric pads breathe better but can wear out faster.
- Headband Frame: Metal reinforcement inside the headband adds durability. Plastic is lighter but can snap if bent too hard.
- Cable (If Wired): A braided cable resists tangling better than a standard rubber one.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all budget headphones are created equal. Pay attention to what boosts performance and what holds it back.
Quality Boosters
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): While rare under $100, some models include basic ANC. This feature blocks out background noise, letting you hear your music better, especially on buses or in cafes.
- IP Rating: If you plan to exercise, look for an IPX4 rating or higher. This means the headphones resist sweat and light splashes.
Quality Reducers
- Overly Boomy Bass: Cheap headphones often boost the bass too much. This makes music sound muddy instead of clear. Read reviews to see if the bass is balanced.
- Poor Microphone Quality: If you take many calls, check user feedback on the built-in mic. A weak mic makes your voice sound distant.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use your new headphones most often.
- Commuting and Travel: Look for good passive noise isolation (a tight seal around the ear) or basic ANC. Portability (foldable design) is key here.
- Gaming and Workouts: Low latency (minimal delay between video and sound) matters for gaming. Durability and sweat resistance are essential for workouts.
- Casual Listening at Home: Comfort reigns supreme. Over-ear models with soft padding are usually the best choice for long, relaxed sessions.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Headphones Under $100
Q: Can I get good noise cancellation under $100?
A: You can find basic Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on some models. True, high-end ANC is usually more expensive, but budget ANC helps reduce constant low-level noise.
Q: Are wired or wireless headphones better in this price range?
A: Wired headphones usually offer slightly better pure sound quality for the same price because they don’t need batteries or complex wireless chips. Wireless offers freedom of movement.
Q: How do I know if the fit will be comfortable?
A: Comfort is subjective. Read user reviews specifically mentioning long-term wear. Over-ear headphones generally offer more adjustable clamping force.
Q: What should I do if the bass sounds too strong?
A: First, check if your phone or music app has an equalizer setting. You can manually turn down the low frequencies there. If not, you might need to choose a different model known for balanced sound.
Q: Is Bluetooth 5.0 necessary?
A: It is highly recommended. Bluetooth 5.0 gives you better range and uses less battery than older versions like 4.2.
Q: What does “IPX4” mean for headphones?
A: IPX4 means the headphones are protected against splashing water from any direction. They are safe for sweating during a workout.
Q: Should I worry about latency (sound delay) with budget wireless headphones?
A: Yes, low latency matters for watching videos or gaming. Look for models that specifically mention a “low latency mode” or use modern Bluetooth codecs.
Q: What is the main benefit of over-ear headphones over earbuds under $100?
A: Over-ear models generally provide better passive noise isolation and often house larger drivers, leading to fuller sound.
Q: Are these headphones durable enough for backpack travel?
A: Durability varies. Prioritize models that fold up neatly and have metal components in the headband structure for better protection against drops and pressure.
Q: If I only listen to podcasts and audiobooks, what feature should I focus on?
A: Focus primarily on microphone quality (if you need to talk back) and excellent long-term comfort, as sound fidelity is less critical for spoken word.