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11 Best Headphones under $100 (you never heard of) in 2023

Last updated: 2 months ago
8 min read

Here’s the list of the very best headphones under $100 you can get in 2023.

These headphones sound much better than you’d expect and come with the latest features, including noise cancelling, equalization, and multipoint (more under features).

We’ve included all types; over-ear, on-ear, and true wireless headphones.

Check the list:

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Rating Price Type Connection Mic & Controls More info
AKG Pro Audio K361 Best overall
AKG Pro Audio K361
4.3
Under $80
Over-ear, closed-back
Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
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4.6
Under $100
Over-ear, closed-back
Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
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1MORE SonoFlow Best wireless
1MORE SonoFlow
4.2
Under $100
Over-ear, closed-back
Bluetooth 5.0 / 2.5mm
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Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Best noise cancellation
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 noise cancelling headphones
4.6
Under $80
Over-ear, closed-back
Bluetooth 5.0 / 3.5mm
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Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Wired alternative
Sennheiser HD280
4.6
Under $100
Over-ear, closed-back
Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
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Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Best true wireless
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 true wireless earbuds
4.1
Under $100
True wireless, closed-back
Bluetooth 5.0
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Edifier W240TN Best ANC true wireless
Edifier W240TN
4.5
Under $80
True wireless, closed-back
Bluetooth 5.3
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Jabra Elite 45h Best wireless on-ear
Jabra Elite 45h wireless on-ear headphones
4.4
Under $100
On-ear, closed-back
Bluetooth
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Philips SHP9500 Best open-back
Philips SHP9500
4.7
Under $80
Over-ear, open-back
Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
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Sony MDR-7506 Best classic
Sony MDR-7506
4.7
Under $100
Over-ear, closed-back
Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
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Status Audio CB-1 Best studio
Status Audio CB-1
4.4
Under $70
Over-ear, closed-back
Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
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CONTENTS (show more)

    After looking at 32 different headphones under $100 price tag, here are the best you should check out.

    We included the top-rated over-ear and on-ear headphones in the $50-$100 range.

    More earbuds under a budget:

    Best Headphones under $100: The List

    Here are the best headphones under 100$. We picked the top over-ear and on-ear models in the $50-$100 range.

    1. AKG Pro Audio K361

    1st-place BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100
    AKG Pro Audio K361 over-ear headphones

    AKG K361 are the best headphones under $100 for a neutral sound experience.

    Connection icon Connection: WIred – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 50mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 15-28.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 7.7 oz (219g) | Cable length: 4 ft (1.2m) & 9.8 ft (3m) | Features: OFC detachable cables, foldable
    • Super lightweigth
    • Harman target tuning
    • Foldable ear cups
    • Comfortable fit
    • Sound changes based on position

    AKG tuned their K361 based on the Harman target. The result is a beautifully balanced sound with nothing sticking out. Apart from natural performance, the imaging is pinpoint accurate.

    The build quality is where AKG cut some corners. While K361 still feel nice in hand, they’re entirely made of plastic, weighing only 219 grams.

    Over-ear rotating ear cups are big and can swivel to save space if you need to pack them for a trip. Earpads are nicely thick and should provide all-day comfort.

    Big positives are a detachable cable and low impedance at 32 ohms, meaning you can drive K361 with any music device. No wonder why these are our top pick.

    2. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

    2nd-place PROVEN HEADPHONES UNDER $100
    Audio-Technica ATH M40x over-ear headphones folded

    Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are one of the best headphones under $100 (for most people).

    Audio-Technica M40x review

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 15-24.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 35 Ohm | Weight: n/a | Cable lenght: 47 inch (1.2m) + 118 inch (3m) | Features: Detachable cable
    • Balanced sound profile
    • Good bass
    • Professional design features
    • Quality detachable cables
    • Good noise isolation
    • Great value for money
    • Not immediately comfortable for many users (can modify)
    • Cable connecting the ear cups is susceptible to breaking (is detachable)

    Sound quality is the best thing with Audio-Technica M40x. The overall sound signature is balanced but with a punchy, deep and accurate bass.

    Get a headphone amp and make them even more fun to listen to. They’re great headphones for all kinds of music, especially if you use some equalizing to get them close to the neutral sound.

    Passive noise isolation is above average as well. Since these are developed for studio use among other uses, they have very good background noise isolation.

    Durability isn’t bad, either. Mostly plastic design with metal parts comes with folding hinges but that’s also their only weak point. You need to be a bit more careful with the hinges but apart from that, these are solid.

    Also, Audio-Technica designed these with detachable wires that are easily replaceable.

    3. 1MORE SonoFlow

    wireless BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONES UNDER $100 FOR VALUE
    1MORE SonoFlow headphones

    Best wireless headphones under $100.

    They have all the latest modern specs on top of sounding excellent for under $100.

    1MORE SonoFlow review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-40.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 60h (with ANC) | Wireless range: 50 feet (15.2 m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 80min + quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Water resistance: None | Features: App, ANC, ambient sound mode, multipoint
    • Great sound quality (especially after EQ)
    • Comfortable fit with soft pleather earpads
    • Exceptional battery life (up to 50h with ANC)
    • Robust Bluetooth connection with an LDAC audio codec
    • Hard-shell carrying case for improved protection
    • Decent active noise cancelling performance
    • Bright and thinny transparency mode
    • Bloated, muddy sound when in wired mode

    1MORE SonoFlow A/B sound test:

    1MORE SonoFlow Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    1MORE SonoFlow are the headphones to have if you are looking for faithful tuning with good sound quality and LDAC codec for under $100.

    By downloading the 1MORE Music app, you gain access to custom EQ (you can see ours in the full review, it makes the sound better) and features like multipoint.

    Furthermore, headphones pretty successfully reduce ambient noise with active noise cancellation and amplify it ambient sound mode feature.

    Battery life is the most impressive, lasting more than 60 hours with ANC enabled. That, and the fact ear cups are very comfy, makes the SonoFlow an excellent travel companion.

    On the other hand, they aren’t the best headphones for sports due to their relatively gentle fit. Meaning that any exaggerated head movement can make them fly off your head.

    Related: Find best Bluetooth headphones under $100

    Get Free Headphones by Joining Our Giveaway

    Click on the button below to find out this month’s giveaway prize.

    4. Anker Soundcore Life Q30

    anc BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100 FOR NOISE CANCELLING
    Anker Soundcore Life Q30 in a bush

    Best ANC performance under $100.

    Budget headphones use to have a lot of compromises. However, the Life Q30 (successor to Life Q20) represent excellent value for the price, even offering ANC.

    Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 16-40.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 60h (40h with ANC) | Wireless range: 65ft (20m) | Noise cancelling: Yes, hybrid | Charging: 2h + Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: No | Features: ANC, ambient mode, multipoint, mobile app with EQ, NFC
    • Excellent sound quality (after EQ)
    • Great ANC with 3 modes
    • Comfortable fit
    • Companion app with EQ
    • Outstanding battery life
    • The bass isn't very fast
    • Looks bulky on your head

    Anker Soundcore Life Q30 A/B sound test:

    Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    If you’re a fan of bass, the Life Q30 stock sound should suit you well. Of course, downloading the Anker app lets you fully customize the audio, from adding even more bass or making them near neutral.

    The audio quality is excellent, especially for the low price.

    Over-ear earpads are nicely padded with memory foam for maximum comfort. The included carrying case protects the headphone when you throw them in the backpack.

    Their noise-canceling performance is superb compared to the competition. The ambient sound mode is an additional safety feature for when you want to remain aware of your surroundings.

    Not many headphones have such an excellent runtime, providing 40 hours of battery life with noise cancellation turned on.

    Related:

    5. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

    wired BEST WIRED ALTERNATIVE UNDER $100
    Sennheiser HD 280 PRO wired headphones

    Splendid over-ear headphones under $100.

    A good pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear and can output better audio quality than the vast majority of the cans in this price range.

    Sennheiser HD 280 PRO review

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 8-25.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 64 Ohm | Weight: 10.1 oz (285g) | Cable lenght: 118 inch (3m), 51 inch when coiled | Features: /
    • Excellent noise isolation
    • Professional build quality
    • Heavy-duty design
    • Great for monitoring at low volume
    • Heavy coiled cable can strain connectors
    • Padding and fit can be too tight for larger head sizes

    The sound quality is great. The balanced sound signature is perfect for audio professionals who need a more accurate sound reproduction or users who like natural sound.

    Sound engineers will like them, but if you’re a basshead, you should see best bass headphones.

    There’s a lot of expensive headphones that are better but in the sub-$100 price range, you’ll have a hard time finding them.

    HD 280 PRO are comfortable with big over-ear ear cups. The earpads are made from soft faux leather and offer little resistance. The clamping force is just right, too, even if you wear glasses.

    Another great feature is their background noise isolation, it’s very good since these can be used for audio professionals as well.

    The build quality is solid. Plastic is of high quality and inspires confidence. Good durability is just what you’d expect from Sennheiser.

    6. Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus

    true-wireless BEST TWS EARBUDS UNDER $100
    Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus

    Truly wireless earbuds with audio quality for true audiophiles.

    British audio company nailed it on their first try. Melomania 1 Plus are a great pick for an audiophile looking for a truly wireless solution.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 5.8mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 9h + 36h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 2h + quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX | Water resistance: IPX5 | Features: Companion app
    • Even better sound that the predecessor
    • Excellent battery life (9h per charge)
    • Comfortable fit
    • Good build quality
    • Unique design
    • Foam tips required for optimal fit
    • No ANC or Ambient sound mode

    Cambridge Audio is an audiophile company. Therefore they made sure that audio products like Melomania 1 Plus reproduces the music in the most natural way possible. Earbuds output a very balanced sound with exceptional clarity in all frequency ranges.

    They have a longer battery life than most of the competition. If the earbud’s battery depletes, they only need 30 minutes to recharge fully. They come with a wide selection of ear tips. If you want a proper fit, try out the memory foam ones.

    Though they don’t have ANC, for that see best noise cancelling earbuds.

    If you like to exercise, you can rely on IPX5 to protect the earbuds from sweat or water, if you get surprised by rain. Also, if you watch many YouTube videos on your phone, they support aptX Bluetooth codec, which provides a non-lag-watching experience.

    Check out our review of the first-gen Cambridge Audio Melomania 1.

    Want cheap headphones alternative?

    Best cheap earbuds

    7. Edifier W240TN

    true-wireless BEST EARBUDS UNDER $100 FOR NOISE CANCELLING
    Edifier W240TN on a tree

    Best truly wireless earbuds with noise cancellation under $100.

    The Edifier W240TN earbuds show that truly wireless tech is getting cheaper, as these have a lot of quality features.

    Edifier W240TN review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
    Driver size icon Driver size: 10mm woofer + 6mm tweeter
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: True wireless | Battery life: 7h + 14h in case | Wireless range: 40 feet (12.1m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC | Water resistance: IP55 | Features: ANC, app, Game mode, EQ
    • Great sound quality (after EQing)
    • Comfortable & stable fit for long listening sessions
    • ANC and Transparency mode performance rivals the best
    • Solid build quality with an IP55 rating
    • Edifier app packed with features and customizations
    • Average battery life of 6+ hours per charge with ANC
    • ANC makes the sound noticeably bright and thin
    • Mediocre indoor Bluetooth range of around 40 feet

    Hear the Edifier W240TN A/B Sound Test:

    Edifier W240TN Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict

    There’s very little that Edifier W240TN lack. Firstly, earbuds sound really good, especially when you play around with the custom EQ inside the app.

    Furthermore, the Edifier app gives you access to control customizer, Shutdown timer, and ambient sound mode intensity adjustments.

    The latter works really well for boosting outside noises, whereas active noise cancelling does an excellent job of reducing those noises.

    Earbuds can play music for around 6 to 7 hours before needing to recharge. The case holds another 14 hours of battery life. While it supports fast charging, it lacks Qi wireless charging.

    One thing worth noting is that Edifier W240 only support the SBC Bluetooth codec.

    Related:

    8. Jabra Elite 45h

    trophy BEST WIRELESS ON-EARS UNDER $100
    Jabra Elite 45h wireless on-ear headphones

    Best wireless on-ear headphones under $100.

    The Elite 45h are superb on-ears with style.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz
    Type: On-ear | Battery life: 50h | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 1.5h + quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: n/a | Water resistance: No | Features: Mobile app with EQ, foldable
    • Great sound quality
    • Lightweight and portable design
    • Excellent battery life with fast charging
    • Sound leakage
    • On-ear design isn't for everyone

    Small headphones, big sound. They’re fun to listen to, with punchy bass and an ever-so-slight emphasis on highs.

    The elevation in the low end doesn’t overtake the midrange, which stays very natural. You can further customize the sound in the Jabra app.

    The on-ear design has a bad reputation for causing discomfort. Elite 45h are different, providing just enough padding inside earpads and a headband for hours of uninterrupted listening sessions.

    Even though they’re lightweight, they pack a big battery. There are around 50 hours of juice inside them on a single charge, which is more than enough for at least a week of use. Also, fast charging gives you extra 10 hours of playtime in just 15 minutes.

    Get Free Headphones by Joining Our Giveaway

    Click on the button below to find out this month’s giveaway prize.

    9. Philips SHP9500

    trophy BEST OPEN-BACK HEADPHONES UNDER $100
    Philips SHP9500 black headphones

    Best open-back headphones under $100.

    The Philips SHP9500 open-back headphones are comfortable and deliver a clear, wide soundstage.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 50mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 12-35.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Back design: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 11.3 oz (320g) | Cable lenght: 118 inch (3m) | Features: Detachable cable
    • Excellent sound for the price
    • Big soundstage
    • Detachable cable
    • Cushy earpads with breathable fabric
    • Not very portable due to bulkiness and open design
    • Lots of sound leakage

    The clear and balanced sound signature makes these great for producing and mixing music as well as critical listening. The frequency response is 12-35 000Hz, and the open-back, comfortable design means hours of enjoying music without discomfort.

    The breathable, double-layered, plush ear cups are great for listening for long periods of time. The open-backs are known for a more open soundstage compared to enclosed ones. As a result, there’s less noise isolation but makes for better sound.

    Philips SHP9500 have great build quality and gold-plated connectors along with a long 1.5m removable cable. You can use a shorter audio cable if you wish.

    10. Sony MDR-7506

    trophy BEST CLASSICS UNDER $100
    Sony MDR 7506 wired headphones

    Best classic pair of headphones under $100.

    Sony MDR-7506 review

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 10-20.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 63 Ohm | Weight: 8.1 oz (229g) | Cable lenght: 9.8 feet (3m) | Features: Foldable
    • Accurate and powerful sound
    • Lightweight & foldable design
    • Long cable good for studio work
    • Decent noise isolation
    • Fits well with larger head sizes
    • Non-detachable cable
    • Foldable design feels a bit flimsy

    The sound quality is where the MDR 7506 shine. The almost neutral sound signature is very balanced. You’ll hear the music the way it’s supposed to sound while still enjoying its clarity and detail. A great choice for any professional or casual listener.

    Passive noise isolation is above average. The closed design helps these studio headphones to do their job well. Listen and monitor the sound without distractions.

    The build quality is solid too. These foldable headphones might not have the modern weak point fortifications but should serve you long enough to justify the price.

    The coiled cable design itself is very long so these might be only useful for studio monitoring or home use, not so much on the go.

    11. Status Audio CB-1

    trophy BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100 FOR STUDIO
    Status Audio CB-1 wired headphones

    Best studio headphones under $100.

    Status Audio CB-1 review

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm / 6.3mm
    Driver size icon Driver size: 50mm
    Frequency range icon Frequency range: 15-30.000Hz
    Type: Over-ear | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 32 Ohm | Weight: 13.2 oz (374g) | Cable lenght: 9.8 feet (3m) | Features: Detachable cable
    • Close to flat frequency response
    • Comfortable for long listening sessions
    • No-frills design and branding
    • Large 50mm drivers
    • Great performance for the price
    • Construction quality control issues for some units
    • Mids can seem muddy or mushy for some music tracks

    The sound reproduction is very accurate and flat, with a more subtle bass reproduction.

    The flat/balanced sound signature is perfect for any kind of audio work. These are great DJ headphones. But it can also be a lot of fun for regular music listening.

    While professional studio headphones usually cost more than $100 they don’t have to. If you’re just starting your professional audio career and need some affordable gear, the Status Audio CB-1 are a great choice.

    These foldable headphones are big and bulky but also very comfortable to wear. Their deep ear cushions fit securely, even the biggest ears. You can easily wear them for hours without discomfort.

    Outside noise isolation is good due to the closed design and tight-fitting ear pads. After all, these are studio headphones where distractions are unacceptable.

    Honorable Mentions

    Edifier W820NB Plus

    Edifier W820NB Plus headphones

    A fantastic alternative for people who prioritize audio quality over other features. They have a hi-res certification and output a natural, forward sound.

    On top of that, you get ANC, ambient sound mode, and a lengthy battery of 33.5 hours with ANC enabled.

    Edifier W820NB Plus review

    Sennheiser HD 559

    Sennheiser HD 559 wired headphones

    If you’re looking for some high-quality headphones that don’t break the bank then Sennheiser HD 559 are a great pair.

    They have a nice balance of bass, mids, and treble with a great soundstage.

    Sennheiser HD 559 review

    TaoTronics TT-BH22

    TaoTronics TT-BH22 Earcups

    An older model of cheap headphones with noise-canceling are now even cheaper than before and still a solid buy.

    TaoTronics TT-BH22 review

    House of Marley Positive Vibration XL

    House of Marley Positive Vibration XL headphones

    It has a beautifully balanced signature that doesn’t mask vocals or emphasize bass.

    They’re also eco-friendly and can fold up to save space in your bag.

    House of Marley Positive Vibration XL review

    EarFun Free Pro 2

    EarFun Free Pro 2 buds and case

    They add a nice bass punch to every song while retaining clarity and dynamics across the frequency response.

    Also, you’re getting the latest Bluetooth connection version 5.2, a great ANC, ambient mode, and support for Qi wireless charging.

    EarFun Free Pro 2 review

    Shure SE215 PRO

    Shure SE215

    Reliable and legendary pair of in-ear monitors.

    Shure’s beloved in-ear monitors stood the test of time and are still rocking the top spots on best headphone guides. Their wearing style reduces cable noise.

    Check SE215 PRO price

    Grado SR80e

    Grado SR80e side

    Grado is one of the classic audio brands with a following.

    You can expect this classic model to provide high fidelity listening experience with a big soundstage.

    Grado SR80e review

    Read more:

    Here’s more on what you can expect from headphones under $100. Their strengths and weakness compared to more expensive headphones. The budget is enough for good quality headphones with the latest tech. But they aren’t top of the line. Read more in the article.

    1 Comment
    1. Why is the Philips SHP9500 not listed ? It is currently available for $64 from Amazon. Glad to see the M40 is still listed as it will be my next purchase.

      Reply

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