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? At this price point, there’s actually a solid market.
What should I look for in a pair of $100 (or less) headphones?
To begin with the obvious, price is one of the biggest factors. But, there’s a few other elements in play too.
Here’s what to consider:
- Price
- Fit
- Connectivity
- Noise cancellation
- Special features (i.e. IPX rating)
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.
Customer Review |“I use these headphones every day and they work great. Their battery life lasts a long time (I have used them for three days without charging) and the sound quality is great too. Plus, they’re super comfortable and soft on your ears.” - Victoriya
If you’re searching for a pair of over-ear headphones, check out Raycon. These foldable headphones come with an IP rating of 4 (which is great if you accidentally get stuck in the rain), this device prizes comfort for all-day use whether you’re walking around or sitting in a video call. The headphones are adjustable and come with soft rotating ear pads. Noted for its high-res audio, the set also has noise cancellation and 40mm drivers for a deep, pure sounding bass.
Adjustable, comfortable
Large or bulky size
Customer Review |“I bought these for the gym, I had to replace my Beats headphones which broke, I didn’t feel like spending an arm and a leg buying headphones just for the gym. These were good prices and looked nice, so I decided to take a try. They actually work perfectly, canceling all noise in the gym, including the annoying music they play and people trying to annoy me with conversation. Very easy to use and fit comfortably. Well worth the money.” - K619
On a budget? No worries—this JBL set is just what you need. Clocking in at under $50, these audio-rich headphones are water resistant, switch wirelessly between devices (think from computer to phone), come with easy controls and a pure bass sound addition. What’s not to love? Personally, I use these headphones and the battery life is remarkable. Plus the adjustable headband and the voice assistant button makes my runs so much smoother and comfortable (whether I’m running indoors or outside).
Battery life, sound quality, comfort
Sound quality is good but not high-end
Customer Review | “Was a little skeptical because I haven't really heard of this brand besides the big speakers I see all the time. Exceeded expectations. The noise canceling is jarring at first because you don't expect it to work as well as it does in these little buds. The audio quality is great.” - Kyle G.
These earbuds may be small but they are mighty (and under $80!). In fact, they’re designed with JBL Bass Sound for a deeper listening experience, active noise canceling with Smart Ambient (aka, they can detect audio noise like nature, cars honking, construction, etc.), multiple microphones for crisp calls, a long battery life, and they’re water resistant. Sounds like a win-win.
Battery life, sound quality, comfort
Battery life is 6 hours with Active Noise Cancelation
Customer Review | “At 70 hours, the battery life is incredible. Works exactly as advertised. They pair easily, with a stable connection that isn’t overly sensitive to interference. They don’t have a particularly premium feel, but they’re lightweight, rugged, and I find them very comfortable.” - J. Adams
Yes, you can score a pair of headphones for less than $80 that does all of the things. The 1More Sono Flow over-ear set comes with plenty of bells and whistles like high-res sound boosted with a 40mm DLC dynamic driver (frequency response can reach up to 40kHz), noise cancelation, adjustable EQ setting, and a very impressive battery life.
Battery life, high-res sound
Mixed reviews on call quality
Customer Review | “Very happy with headphones! Very comfortable, hear great!! Great price!!!” - Diane
Streamers, rejoice. There’s a solid headphone option for all of your needs. Make TikToks on the fly, go live, and kick back and scroll through some videos with the Razer Opus X Wireless. These over-ear headphones feature a broader Bluetooth range with a lower power consumption. And you can activate Gaming Mode which is perfect for gamers everywhere and the low latency connection is ideal for watching or streaming videos to boot.
Active noise cancelation, battery life, and auto-off feature
Mixed reviews on call quality
