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5 Best Over-the-Ear Headphones Under $100 2025 in US

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Experienced product tester and reviewer with 5+ years, providing unbiased reviews and ensuring product quality.
Updated

Main Features

  • Hybrid active noise cancellation
  • Hi-Res audio
  • Up to 40 hours of playtime
  • Comfortable memory foam ear cups
  • Fast charging

Product Overview

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones have been engineered to deliver an exceptional audio experience. These over-the-ear headphones feature hybrid active noise cancellation, which significantly reduces ambient noise, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your music, podcasts, or calls.

The 40mm dynamic drivers provide Hi-Res sound, ensuring every detail of the audio is clear and precise. The headphones are also designed for comfort, with memory foam ear cups and a lightweight frame that can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.

The battery life of the Soundcore Life Q20 is another standout feature, offering up to 40 hours of playtime with noise cancellation enabled, and up to 60 hours in standard mode. This makes them perfect for long trips or daily commutes.

Additionally, the headphones support fast charging, providing up to 4 hours of listening time from just a 5-minute charge. The built-in microphone ensures clear calls, and the foldable design makes them easy to store and carry.

PROS
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Comfortable design
CONS
  • No advanced app features

Product Specifications

  • Driver Size 40mm
  • Battery Life Up to 40 hours (ANC on), 60 hours (ANC off)
  • Weight 9.3 ounces
  • Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0
  • Microphone Built-in

Main Features

  • Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation
  • Comfortable ear pads and adjustable sliders
  • 30mm drivers for clear sound
  • Up to 35 hours of battery life
  • Quick charge feature

Product Overview

Sony's WH-CH710N headphones are designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The adjustable metal sliders and soft oval-shaped ear pads provide a secure and comfortable fit, making them great for extended listening sessions.

Equipped with Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation (AINC), these headphones automatically adapt to your surroundings to ensure the best noise-canceling performance possible.The WH-CH710N also delivers high-quality audio with 30mm drivers that produce clear and well-balanced sound.

The headphones offer up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge, and the quick charge feature provides up to 60 minutes of playback with just a 10-minute charge. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, and the simple one-touch connectivity with NFC enables easy pairing with your devices.

PROS
  • Comfortable fit for long use
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Solid battery life
  • Quick charge capability
CONS
  • Lacks advanced sound customization

Product Specifications

  • Driver Size 30mm
  • Battery Life Up to 35 hours
  • Weight 7.8 ounces
  • Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
  • Microphone Built-in

Main Features

  • Advanced active noise cancellation
  • 40mm drivers with deep bass
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life
  • Quick charge function
  • Ergonomic and foldable design

Product Overview

Tribit's QuietPlus 50 headphones stand out for their impressive battery life, making them perfect for extended use without frequent recharging. These headphones feature advanced active noise cancellation technology that effectively reduces ambient noise, ensuring a peaceful listening experience.

The 40mm drivers deliver powerful and deep bass, providing a rich and immersive audio experience.The QuietPlus 50 offers up to 30 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge, and the quick charge function provides up to 4 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.

The ergonomic design includes soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband for comfortable wear. Additionally, the foldable design makes them easy to carry and store, perfect for travel. The built-in microphone ensures clear hands-free calls, and Bluetooth 5.

0 connectivity offers a stable and seamless connection with your devices.

PROS
  • Long battery life
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Powerful bass
  • Comfortable to wear
CONS
  • May be bulky for some

Product Specifications

  • Driver Size 40mm
  • Battery Life Up to 30 hours
  • Weight 8.8 ounces
  • Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0
  • Microphone Built-in

Main Features

  • Hybrid active noise cancellation
  • 40mm large-aperture drivers
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life
  • Quick charge feature
  • Comfortable and foldable design

Product Overview

The Mpow H19 IPO headphones are an excellent budget option for those seeking quality sound and noise cancellation without breaking the bank. These headphones feature hybrid active noise cancellation that effectively reduces ambient noise, making them ideal for commuting or studying.

The 40mm large-aperture drivers deliver balanced and high-fidelity sound, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience.With up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, the H19 IPO headphones are perfect for daily use.

The quick charge feature provides up to 2 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. The headphones are designed for comfort, with memory foam ear cushions and an adjustable headband that ensures a snug fit.

The foldable design makes them easy to carry, and the built-in microphone supports clear hands-free calls. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensures a stable and quick connection with your devices.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Good sound quality
  • Comfortable fit
CONS
  • Build quality could be better

Product Specifications

  • Driver Size 40mm
  • Battery Life Up to 30 hours
  • Weight 8.1 ounces
  • Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0
  • Microphone Built-in

Main Features

  • Advanced active noise cancellation
  • 40mm drivers with deep bass
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life
  • Quick charge feature
  • Comfortable and foldable design

Product Overview

The TaoTronics SoundSurge 60 headphones are specifically designed for travelers who need a reliable and comfortable pair of headphones. These headphones feature advanced active noise cancellation technology that effectively reduces background noise, making them ideal for use on planes, trains, or in busy environments.

The 40mm drivers deliver high-quality sound with deep bass and clear highs, ensuring an immersive audio experience.The SoundSurge 60 offers up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, making them perfect for long trips.

The quick charge feature provides up to 2 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge. The headphones are designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft protein ear pads and an adjustable headband that ensures a snug fit.

The foldable and lightweight design makes them easy to carry and store, and the built-in microphone supports clear hands-free calls. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity ensures a stable and seamless connection with your devices.

PROS
  • Great for travel
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Good sound quality
  • Comfortable fit
CONS
  • Bass might be overwhelming for some

Product Specifications

  • Driver Size 40mm
  • Battery Life Up to 30 hours
  • Weight 7.7 ounces
  • Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0
  • Microphone Built-in

Sound Quality

Sound quality is paramount when selecting headphones. Under $100, you'll find a variety of options that offer balanced sound profiles. Look for headphones with clear mids, solid bass, and crisp highs. Reading expert reviews and user feedback can provide insights into the sound signature of different models. Some headphones may emphasize bass, which is ideal for genres like hip-hop and electronic music, while others might offer a more neutral sound that's suitable for a wide range of music styles.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to wear the headphones for extended periods. Over-the-ear headphones should have cushioned ear cups that fit snugly around your ears without causing discomfort. Adjustable headbands are also important to ensure a good fit. Materials like memory foam and breathable fabrics can enhance comfort by reducing pressure and heat buildup.

Durability and Build Quality

Even at a lower price point, you can find headphones that are well-constructed and durable. Look for models with sturdy headbands and robust ear cup mechanisms. Detachable cables can also be a plus, as they are easier to replace if they get damaged. Checking customer reviews can help you gauge the long-term durability of a pair of headphones.

Noise Isolation

While active noise cancelling (ANC) technology is rare in this price range, many over-the-ear headphones offer decent passive noise isolation. This is achieved through the design of the ear cups, which should seal well around your ears to block out ambient noise. This feature is particularly useful if you plan to use the headphones in noisy environments.

Additional Features

Some headphones come with extra features that can enhance your listening experience. These might include built-in microphones for taking calls, on-ear controls for adjusting volume and playback, or even folding designs for easier portability. While these features are not essential, they can add value depending on your needs.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

Choosing headphones from a reputable brand can often ensure a higher level of quality and reliability. Brands like Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, Sony, and JBL have good track records for producing quality headphones in this price range. Additionally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as this can provide peace of mind in case of any defects or issues.

Popular Models to Consider

  1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: Known for their solid build and excellent sound quality, these headphones offer a balanced audio profile that's great for various music genres. They also feature swiveling ear cups, making them easier to store.

  2. Sony MDR-7506: These headphones are praised for their clear and detailed sound, making them a favorite among audio professionals and enthusiasts. They are also lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions.

  3. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro: Offering good noise isolation and a well-balanced sound, these headphones are durable and provide a comfortable fit for extended use.

  4. JBL Tune 500BT: If you prefer wireless headphones, the JBL Tune 500BT offers Bluetooth connectivity, good sound quality, and a comfortable design at an affordable price.

Final Tips

  • Try Before You Buy: If possible, try the headphones in-store to get a feel for their comfort and sound quality.
  • Check Return Policies: Make sure the retailer has a good return policy in case the headphones do not meet your expectations.
  • Read Reviews: Both expert reviews and customer feedback can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of the headphones you’re considering.

By focusing on these key aspects, you can find a pair of over-the-ear headphones under $100 that delivers great performance and comfort, enhancing your overall listening experience.