What Are the Best Headphones Under $100 In 2025?

Let's be honest - good headphones shouldn't cost you a month's rent. Whether you're binge-watching Netflix, jamming out to Spotify, or grinding through those endless Zoom calls, your ears deserve better than those cheap earbuds that came with your phone.

Introduction: Why Choosing the Best Headphones Under $100 Matters

The good news? The sub-$100 headphone game has absolutely exploded in recent years. We're talking active noise cancellation, wireless freedom, and sound quality that'll make you question why anyone spends $300+ on headphones. From the best wireless earbuds for Android users to solid best headphones under 50 options, this sweet spot delivers incredible value.

Here's the thing - with so many options out there, from best wireless earbuds under $100 to best budget bluetooth earbuds for daily use, even best wireless headphones under 200 that stretch your budget, finding the right pair can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, I've got you covered.

Part 1: Key Factors to Consider Before Buying Budget Headphones

1. Sound Quality: What Actually Matters

Look, you're not going to get studio-reference quality at this price point, but you can get damn close. Focus on headphones with drivers between 40-50mm for over-ears or 6-12mm for earbuds. The sweet spot is finding that balanced sound - not too bass-heavy, not too tinny.

2. Comfort: Because Your Ears Matter

If they hurt after 30 minutes, they're not worth it. Period. Over-ear headphones should feel like a gentle hug, not a vice grip. For earbuds, make sure you get multiple tip sizes - a proper seal is everything for both comfort and sound quality.

3. Battery Life: Don't Get Stranded

Wireless headphones should give you at least 20-30 hours of juice. Anything less and you'll be constantly hunting for chargers. Pro tip: look for fast-charging features - 15 minutes plugged in should give you several hours of playback.

4. Noise Cancellation vs. Isolation

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in budget headphones isn't magic, but it's getting pretty impressive. It works best on consistent, droning sounds like airplane engines. For everything else, good passive isolation (a tight seal) often works better.

Part 2: Types of Headphones Under $100

1. Over-Ear Headphones

The comfort kings. Best sound quality, great for long listening sessions, but not exactly pocket-friendly.

2. On-Ear Headphones

The middle child - more portable than over-ears, better sound than most earbuds, but can get uncomfortable during marathon sessions.

3. In-Ear Earbuds

The best budget earbud headphones category has come a long way. Perfect for commuting, working out, or when you need to be discreet. When shopping for wireless earbuds for laptop computers, make sure they support low-latency codecs.

For Android users, the best wireless earbuds for Android usually include features like Google Fast Pair and optimized codecs. Some people prefer bluetooth earbuds no rubber tips - these rest outside your ear canal instead of sealing inside.

in ear headphones for running

4. Gaming Headsets

These prioritize clear communication and positioning. Most include headphones with built in mic functionality that's actually decent for team chat.

Part 3: Best Budget TWS and Wireless Options

Best TWS Earbuds Under $100

When comparing tws earbuds price to performance, these three absolutely nail it:

1. Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro ($80)

These little beasts pack serious punch. The ANC actually works, the app lets you customize everything, and they sound way more expensive than they are. Battery life hits 32 hours total - perfect for long trips.

2. Sony WF-C700N ($70)

Sony's budget ANC earbuds that don't suck. Clean sound, reliable connectivity, and that Sony app magic for tuning. Great as wireless earbuds for laptop computers thanks to stable Bluetooth.

3. JBL Live Pro 2 TWS ($90)

Solid all-rounders with that signature JBL sound. Battery life is decent, and they actually stay in your ears during workouts.

Best Wireless Earbuds with Long Battery Life

Need marathon listening? These champions deliver:

Edifier TWS1 Pro: 12 hours per bud, 42 hours total (insane!)
Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro: 8+24 hours
Mpow X3: 8+27 hours

Top Over-Ear Wireless Picks

What are the best wireless headphones under $100? These three dominate:

1. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless ($60)

The undisputed champion. ANC that rivals $200 headphones, 40-hour battery life, and build quality that'll last. If you buy one pair from this entire list, make it these.

2. Sony WH-CH720N ($85)

Sony's baby ANC headphones with that classic Sony sound signature. The app customization is killer, and 35-hour battery life keeps you going.

3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 ($95)

Stretches the budget but worth every penny. These are the wireless version of studio favorites - neutral sound, bulletproof build, and audiophile-approved tuning.

Best Open Ear Headphones Under $100

1. FreSound Inspiration Open Earbuds ($69)

Here's something completely different - earbuds designed specifically for creators and artists. These aren't your typical open-ear headphones. FreSound nailed the comfort game with super-soft liquid silicone that weighs just 8.7g per earbud. You literally forget you're wearing them.

what are fresound open earbuds

What makes these special? Dr. Li (an acoustic expert) custom-tuned the frequency response, and those 12mm BioCore™ drivers with Fiber Bio-Diaphragms deliver surprisingly rich sound for open-ear design. The Directional Acoustics Technology is genius - it creates a private sound bubble around your ears while minimizing leakage. Perfect for creators who need to stay aware of their surroundings while working.

Battery life hits 8 hours per charge, 30 hours total with the case. Plus, IPX5 waterproofing and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. If you're a designer, artist, or anyone who needs environmental awareness without sacrificing audio quality, these are game-changers.

2. Shokz OpenRun Pro ($85)

Bone conduction magic - you hear your music AND the world around you. Perfect best affordable gym headphones for runners who need situational awareness. 10-hour battery, waterproof, and surprisingly good sound for the tech.

3. JBL SoundGear Sense ($75)

These sit just outside your ears. Comfortable all day, decent sound, and you'll never miss that important announcement.

Best Wired Headphones Under $100

Audiophile Favorites from Best Headphone Brands

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x ($70)

The little brother to the famous M50x. Balanced sound, detachable cables, and built like tanks. These are what audio engineers actually use.

2. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro ($85)

German engineering at its finest. Crazy good isolation, neutral sound, and they'll outlast your car. Perfect for home studios or just critical listening.

3. Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro ($65)

Lightweight monitoring headphones that don't compromise on sound. Great for long sessions without the weight penalty.

4. Philips SHX50 ($35)

The ultimate budget champion. Among the best headphones under 50, these punch way above their weight class. Balanced sound, decent build, incredible value.

Best Non-Noise Cancelling Headphones

Some people just don't want ANC. Maybe it's the battery drain, maybe it's the slight processing artifacts, or maybe you just want to hear what's happening around you.

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ($85)

The gold standard. No bells, no whistles, just pure, unadulterated sound quality. These are non noise cancelling headphones done right.

2. Philips Audio SHP9500 ($75)

Open-back design means zero isolation but incredible soundstage. Perfect for home listening when you want that "speakers in a room" feeling.

Best Gaming Headphones Under $100

Top Gaming Picks

1. HyperX Cloud II ($65)

The people's champion. Comfortable for 8-hour gaming marathons, decent mic, and works with everything. Virtual 7.1 actually helps in competitive games.

2. SteelSeries Arctis 7P ($90)

Wireless gaming done right. Low latency, great comfort, and that retractable mic is chef's kiss. Works across all platforms.

3. Razer Barracuda X ($75)

Cross-platform warrior. Use it wired or wireless, detachable mic, and surprisingly balanced sound for music too.

Comparison Table: Best Headphones Under $100

Model	Type	Wireless	ANC	Battery	Price
Anker Q30	Over-ear	✓	✓	40h	$60
ATH-M40x	Over-ear	✗	✗	/	$70
Sony WH-CH720N	Over-ear	✓	✓	35h	$85
Liberty 3 Pro	TWS	✓	✓	32h	$80
HyperX Cloud II	Gaming	✗	✗	/	$65
Shokz OpenRun Pro	Open-ear	✓	✗	10h	$85
FreSound Inspiration Open Earbuds	Open-ear	✓	✗	30h	$69

Part 4: Expert Tips: Make Your Budget Headphones Last

Storage Matters: Get a case or hook. Throwing them in a bag is asking for trouble.

Clean Regularly: Alcohol wipes for pads, compressed air for grilles. Your ears (and nose) will thank you.

Cable Care: Don't wrap cables tight around the headphones. Coil them loosely or use the figure-8 method.

Battery Health: For wireless models, don't constantly drain to zero. Charge when you hit 20-30%.

Firmware Updates: Check the manufacturer's app regularly. Updates often improve performance and add features.

Part 5: FAQs About Best Headphones Under $100

1. Are cheap headphones worth it?

Absolutely, if you buy smart. The best headphone brands like Sony, Audio-Technica, FreSound, and Anker deliver incredible value under $100. Avoid no-name brands on Amazon - stick to established players.

2. Do headphones under $100 have good bass?

Hell yes. The Anker Life Q30 and most closed-back over-ears deliver satisfying bass without being muddy. And the open-ear headphones like FreSound Open Earbuds are equipped with expert-custom tune for a balanced and immersive sound. Best budget bluetooth earbuds often emphasize bass since that's what most people want.

3. Which is better: wired or wireless under $100?

Wired gives you better sound-per-dollar since you're not paying for Bluetooth tech and batteries. But wireless convenience is hard to beat. Even best headphones under 50 wired options can sound amazing. Best budget bluetooth earbuds offer great value when you need that wireless freedom.

4. Can you get noise-cancelling headphones for under $100?

Yes! The Anker Q30 and Sony WH-CH720N both offer effective ANC under $100. Not quite Bose-level, but surprisingly close for the price.

5. Are gaming headphones under $100 good for music?

Most gaming headsets are tuned for clarity and positioning rather than musical enjoyment. But models like the FreSound Inspiration Open Earbuds and Razer Barracuda X work well for both. If you want one headphone for everything, go with a good all-rounder instead.

6. How long should budget headphones last?

With decent care, expect 2-4 years from quality budget headphones. Wired models often last longer since there's less to break. The best headphone brands usually honor their warranties too.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Headphones Under $100 for You

Here's the bottom line - the headphone market under $100 is absolutely stacked with great options. Whether you need best wireless earbuds under $100 for daily commutes, best budget bluetooth earbuds for the gym, or best open ear headphones under $100 for situational awareness, there's something perfect for your needs and budget.

The key is knowing what you actually need. Android users should grab the best wireless earbuds for Android with optimized features, while fitness enthusiasts need best affordable gym headphones with sweat resistance. People doing lots of calls need headphones with built in mic that actually works, and laptop users need wireless earbuds for laptop computers with solid connectivity.

Stick to the best headphone brands with proven track records. Whether you're shopping headphones under 50 on a tight budget, comparing tws earbuds price options, or hunting for wireless earbuds with long battery life, always read real user reviews. For those preferring non noise cancelling headphones or bluetooth earbuds no rubber tips, there are specific models designed just for you. The best headphones under $100 are the ones that match your lifestyle - comfort and daily usability matter just as much as sound quality.