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Best Headphones Under $100

November 13, 2024
Stephanie Valente
Written by
Stephanie Valente
Lead Editor
Reviewed by
Lead Editor

It’s not an exaggeration to admit that I wear headphones everyday for several hours a day. Between my 9-to-5 life and holding down a music obsession since my teens, that’s quite a bit of video calls and streaming. Throw a new interest in podcasts into the mix, and I’m more often reaching for a pair of headphones than not.

So with comfort, easy use (like noise cancellation and mics for taking calls), plus convenience, what’s not to love about over-ear headphones?

While it’s true that some of us might own more than one pair of headphones—for music mixing or the gym—others might want a sturdy pair that can check off a bunch of boxes. And if you’re not in the market for a luxury pair, odds are you’re on the hunt for wallet-friendly headphones.

No matter where the day takes you—or what you do—a rich audio experience is essential. Which brings me to my next point: Finding a reliable pair of headphones for $100 or less. This might seem like a tricky order. 

The good news? There are a lot of options out there for under $100 bucks. From travel-friendly fits and high-fidelity to obvious features like Bluetooth and comfort, the right headphones are out there. Curious? Scroll on and check out our five best picks.

What We Looked For

  • Price: We focused on headphones that deliver great value under $100.
  • Fit: Comfortable designs suitable for extended wear were essential.
  • Connectivity: Reliable Bluetooth connectivity for seamless pairing was a must.
  • Noise Cancellation: Effective noise cancellation to block out distractions enhanced the experience.
  • Special Features: Extra perks like an IPX rating for water resistance added bonus points.
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Featured in this article

Best Everyday Over Ear Headphones
Raycon The Everyday Headphones
$99.99
Best On Ear Headphones Under $50
JBL Tune On-Ear Headphones 510BT
$49.95
Best Earbuds for Deep Bass
JBL Tune Flex
$79.95
Best for Extended Listening Sessions with 70-Hour Battery Life
1More Sono Flow
$74.99
For Streamers and Gamers
Razer Opus X Wireless
$99.99
Best Everyday Over Ear Headphones
 

Raycon The Everyday Headphones

$99.99
  • Long Battery Life: Provides up to 38 hours of listening on a single charge, ideal for continuous daily use.
  • Comfortable Fit: Soft ear pads and an adjustable headband offer extended comfort for hours of wear.
  • Active Noise Cancellation: Effectively reduces background noise for an uninterrupted listening experience.
  • Water Resistance: IPX4 rating makes these headphones resistant to splashes, perfect for workouts or commutes.
Why We Picked It
+

Raycon The Everyday Headphones deliver a balanced mix of comfort, sound quality, and versatility, all while maintaining an accessible price point.

  1. Lightweight construction, combined with an adjustable headband and soft rotating ear pads, offers lasting comfort for extended use, whether at home or on the move.
  2. With Active Noise Cancellation and IPX4 water resistance, these headphones are designed for immersive audio experiences and resilience during workouts or commutes, ensuring adaptability for different environments.

Raycon The Everyday Headphones are well-suited for those seeking comfort, flexibility, and reliable sound quality, making them a strong choice for daily use across various activities.

What Users Say
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  • Comfortable for Long Use: Users frequently mention that the lightweight design and soft ear pads make these headphones comfortable for hours of listening.
  • Effective Noise Cancellation: Many appreciate the Active Noise Cancellation feature, noting how it effectively reduces background noise during calls or while listening to music.
  • Great Sound Quality: The 40mm drivers provide a deep bass and clear audio, which users enjoy for both music and calls.
  • Long Battery Life: The extended battery life is a standout, with users highlighting that they can go multiple days without needing to recharge.
  • Water Resistance for Versatility: The IPX4 rating is well-liked by users who enjoy working out or worry about accidental splashes.
  • Minor Concerns with Fit: Some users have noted that the fit might be a bit tight for larger heads, though the adjustable headband helps mitigate this for most people.
Pros & Cons
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Pros 👍
  • Long battery life allows for multiple days of use without needing a recharge.
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for extended listening sessions.
  • Active Noise Cancellation enhances focus by reducing ambient noise.
  • Foldable design makes them easy to store and carry.
Cons 👎
  • Fit may be tight for users with larger heads.
  • Controls can feel a bit less responsive compared to higher-end models.
  • Lacks customizable EQ settings for personalized sound preferences.
Best On Ear Headphones Under $50
 

JBL Tune On-Ear Headphones 510BT

$49.95
  • Pure Bass Sound: JBL’s signature Pure Bass sound delivers powerful audio for enhanced music enjoyment.
  • Extended Battery Life: Up to 40 hours of listening on a single charge, with a quick 5-minute recharge adding 2 extra hours.
  • Seamless Device Switching: Bluetooth 5.0 lets you switch easily between two devices, so you never miss a call.
  • Comfortable Fit: Lightweight with an adjustable headband, designed for comfortable, extended wear.
Why We Picked It
+

The JBL Tune 510BT wireless headphones offer a compelling mix of sound quality and convenience at an accessible price.

  1. Pure Bass sound provides a rich listening experience, delivering powerful audio for music lovers, gym-goers, or anyone who values clear, full-bodied sound.
  2. Extended battery life of up to 40 hours and fast Type-C charging make these headphones a practical choice for long days or commutes, with a quick charge option for two extra hours of listening in just five minutes.

With adjustable comfort and hands-free voice assistant access, the JBL Tune 510BT headphones combine practicality with reliable audio performance for versatile, everyday use.

What Users Say
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  • Impressive Sound Quality: Users praise the Pure Bass sound for delivering rich, full-bodied audio, enhancing music enjoyment across various genres.
  • Comfortable for Long Wear: Lightweight and adjustable, these headphones fit comfortably, even during extended listening sessions, making them popular for daily use.
  • Reliable Battery Life: Many appreciate the 40-hour battery life, with fast charging as a bonus, allowing quick boosts for uninterrupted listening.
  • Easy Device Switching: With Bluetooth 5.0, switching between devices is seamless, letting users move from phone to computer without hassle.
  • No Noise-Canceling Feature: While the sound is clear, some users mention the absence of noise-canceling as a minor drawback in louder environments.
  • Great Everyday Option: For budget-conscious buyers seeking quality audio, comfort, and convenience, the JBL Tune 510BT has proven a reliable choice.
Pros & Cons
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Pros 👍
  • Long battery life supports extended listening sessions.
  • Quick-charge feature provides 2 hours of play in just 5 minutes.
  • Comfortable, adjustable fit suitable for various head sizes.
  • Easy Bluetooth 5.0 pairing and device-switching capabilities.
  • Built-in controls for convenient access to calls and sound.
Cons 👎
  • Lacks active noise-canceling, which may impact use in noisy areas.
  • Occasional clicking sounds reported when idle.
  • Bluetooth connection may require a restart if issues arise.
  • Sound quality is clear but lacks the depth of higher-end models.
Best Earbuds for Deep Bass
 

JBL Tune Flex

$79.95
  • Customizable Sound: Offers Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient mode for personalized listening.
  • Extended Battery Life: Up to 32 hours of playtime, including quick charge for 2 hours of playback after just 10 minutes.
  • Durability: IPX4 water resistance and sweat-proof design make it reliable in various weather conditions.
  • Clear Calls: Equipped with 4 microphones for hands-free, crystal-clear calls and adjustable voice feedback.
Why We Picked It
+

The JBL Tune Flex earbuds offer a versatile listening experience at an affordable price point.

  1. Active Noise Cancelling, combined with Smart Ambient mode, allows users to minimize distractions or stay aware of their surroundings when needed, making them ideal for commuting or outdoor activities.
  2. With up to 32 hours of battery life and IPX4 water resistance, these earbuds are built to last through long listening sessions and various weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for on-the-go users.

With its blend of convenience, durability, and audio performance, the JBL Tune Flex earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking reliable, everyday earbuds.

What Users Say
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  • Impressive Sound Quality: Many users highlight the rich bass and clear audio, making the JBL Tune Flex ideal for music lovers and podcast listeners alike.
  • Comfortable for Daily Use: While some found the fit slightly tricky at first, most agree the earbuds are comfortable enough for extended wear throughout the day.
  • Long-Lasting Battery: Reviewers appreciate the extended battery life, which lasts up to 32 hours, allowing for uninterrupted listening over multiple days.
  • Durable and Resilient: Users praise the earbuds’ durability, with one user even noting that they survived brief exposure to high heat.
  • Customizable Noise Cancellation: The noise-canceling feature receives positive feedback, though a few users feel it could be stronger in particularly noisy environments.
  • Excellent Value for the Price: Users find the JBL Tune Flex earbuds offer solid performance, combining great features with affordability.
Pros & Cons
+
Pros 👍
  • Long battery life, perfect for extended listening without frequent charging.
  • Customizable noise cancelling for focused listening or ambient awareness.
  • Water-resistant and sweatproof, ideal for outdoor activities and workouts.
  • Multiple microphones ensure clear calls even in noisy environments.
Cons 👎
  • Noise cancellation could be stronger in very loud settings.
  • Fit may require adjustment for some users.
  • Bass-heavy sound may not suit those preferring a more neutral audio profile.
Best for Extended Listening Sessions with 70-Hour Battery Life
 

1More Sono Flow

$74.99
  • Rich Audio Quality: 40mm DLC drivers and LDAC support provide clear, high-resolution sound.
  • Extended Battery: Enjoy up to 70 hours of battery life with noise cancellation off.
  • Noise Cancellation: QuietMax technology delivers effective noise reduction for a focused listening experience.
  • Adjustable EQ: Customize your sound with 12 studio-grade EQ presets via the 1MORE MUSIC app.
Why We Picked It
+

The 1More Sono Flow headphones offer high-quality sound, impressive battery life, and user-friendly features at an affordable price point.

  1. Stunning Audio Quality: Featuring a 40mm DLC dynamic driver and LDAC technology, these headphones deliver clear, rich sound that will bring your favorite music to life.
  2. All-Day Comfort & Battery: With up to 70 hours of battery life and QuietMax noise cancellation, you can enjoy uninterrupted music, making them perfect for long trips or focused work sessions.

With a combination of impressive sound quality and extended battery life, the 1More Sono Flow is a practical choice for those seeking great value without sacrificing performance.

What Users Say
+
  • Solid Sound Quality: Many users appreciate the balanced and detailed audio, especially given the affordable price point.
  • Effective Noise Cancellation: QuietMax noise cancellation works well, although some users note it’s not quite on par with premium models.
  • Long Battery Life: The impressive 70-hour battery life is frequently mentioned, providing extended listening without frequent charging.
  • Comfortable Fit: Users generally find the headphones comfortable for casual use, though a few mention slight discomfort after prolonged wear.
  • Intuitive Pairing: Easy pairing and stable connections are highlights, although the controls can feel awkward for some.
  • Minor Drawbacks: A few users report occasional issues with the app or specific features, but most still view the product as a good budget option.

Overall, users find the 1More Sono Flow headphones offer excellent value for casual listening needs.

Pros & Cons
+
Pros 👍
  • Long battery life for uninterrupted listening (up to 70 hours).
  • High-resolution audio with LDAC support enhances sound quality.
  • Effective noise cancellation helps create a peaceful environment.
  • Comfortable fit, suitable for extended wear.
Cons 👎
  • Noise cancellation isn’t as strong as some premium brands.
  • Controls can be awkward for some users to navigate.
  • Slight discomfort reported by a few users after long listening sessions.
For Streamers and Gamers
 

Razer Opus X Wireless

$99.99
  • Gaming Mode delivers 60ms low-latency connection for synchronized gaming and streaming
  • Active Noise Cancellation helps maintain focus by reducing ambient distractions
  • Bluetooth 5.0 provides extended wireless range with efficient power consumption
  • Custom-tuned 40mm drivers deliver clear audio across highs, mids, and bass ranges
Why We Picked It
+

The Razer Opus X Wireless stands out as a versatile over-ear headphone solution that combines practical features with reliable performance for content creators and casual users alike.

  1. The headset's 60ms low-latency Gaming Mode paired with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity delivers synchronized audio for streaming and gaming sessions, eliminating the common frustration of audio delay during critical moments.
  2. Active Noise Cancellation technology and custom-tuned 40mm drivers work together to provide focused listening, allowing users to stay immersed in their content without ambient distractions.

These wireless headphones present a practical choice for users seeking a balance of gaming-ready features and everyday functionality, particularly appealing to those who switch between content creation, gaming, and general media consumption.

What Users Say
+
  • Sound Performance: Users consistently praise the audio clarity, noting distinct highs and deep bass, though some mention the bass could be stronger at higher volumes.
  • Gaming Experience: The low-latency mode receives high marks for minimal audio delay during gameplay, with several users confirming smooth synchronization for competitive gaming.
  • Comfort Level: Most reviewers report comfortable extended wear for 3-4 hours, though a few mention slight pressure around the ears during longer sessions.
  • Battery Efficiency: Users typically achieve 15-20 hours of playback with ANC enabled, matching manufacturer claims, though battery life decreases with Gaming Mode active.
  • Noise Cancellation: ANC performance effectively reduces ambient noise in most environments, but some users note it's not quite as powerful as premium-tier alternatives.
  • Build Quality: The construction feels sturdy for daily use, though several users mention the plastic build quality reflects the mid-range price point.
Pros & Cons
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Pros 👍
  • Low-latency gaming mode minimizes audio delay
  • Effective noise cancellation for focused listening
  • Reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
  • Clear microphone quality for calls and streaming
  • Versatile for both gaming and general media use
Cons 👎
  • Plastic construction may feel less premium
  • ANC performance falls behind higher-end alternatives
  • Bass response could be stronger at higher volumes
  • Limited customization options compared to competitors

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