The 8 best budget headphones weve tested under $100
If you’re on the hunt for high-quality headphones that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck. With the rise of budget-friendly audio brands, it’s now possible to enjoy features like active noise cancellation, Hi-Res Audio certification, and multi-device pairing for under $100. Gone are the days when you had to compromise on sound quality or essential features to save a few bucks. Leading the charge in this budget revolution are brands like 1More, Anker, and JBL, which are proving that you can get impressive audio performance without the hefty price tag typically associated with premium headphones.
For instance, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a benchmark for sound quality and noise cancellation, they come with a steep price of $450. In contrast, many budget options offer comparable functionality at a fraction of the cost, making them a smart choice for savvy shoppers, especially with Black Friday around the corner when deals are likely to be even sweeter. The article highlights that some budget models can even outperform pricier competitors in certain areas, such as battery life and sound clarity, while also addressing common issues like the condensation problems reported by Apple AirPods Max users.
When comparing budget headphones to their higher-end counterparts, it’s essential to note that while you may sacrifice some premium features—like spatial audio or advanced voice technologies—many budget models still deliver exceptional sound and comfort for extended wear. The article emphasizes that cheaper does not always mean inferior, and with careful selection, consumers can find headphones that pack a punch without the premium price tag. As the holiday shopping season approaches, this guide serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to score a fantastic deal on quality audio gear.
If you want to cheat the system a bit and get your hands on incredible, crisp sound from a pair of headphones under $100, we’ve got you. You no longer need to choose between a cheap pair of headphones and incredible features like
active noise cancellation
, Hi-Res Audio certification, and multi-device pairing.
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Mashable will send the best Black Friday deals directly to your phone — how it works
Sure, you might be doing an IRL side eye emoji regarding the class-leading
Sony WH-1000xM6 headphones
— unveiled at the start of summer — but those things will
cost you $450
. Don’t bother dishing out that much money when you can get headphones for a fraction of the price (with much of the same functionality) or, better yet,
noise-cancelling headphones
that carry longer battery life and a stronger sonic punch than the
AirPods Max
. Speaking of which, did you know that users were previously reporting that their
Apple
headphones suffered ”
condensation death
” after being exposed to moisture buildup? Fortunately, our wireless headphones suggestions are all models you can wear for lengthy stretches — without stressing about their impending expiration date.
What are the best budget headphones?
If you’re still an Apple loyalist when it comes to headphones, stick with us for a sec. You’ll soon discover that these top picks from popular budget audio brands like 1More, Anker, and JBL are giving the market’s best a run for their money. We even have a bargain entry from
Sony
that’s well worth a look.
Don’t believe it? You’ll want to see for yourself by reading our reviews of the best headphones under $100 below — especially as
Black Friday approaches
, and your odds of scoring an even
better
deal on our picks go up.
What differentiates budget vs. higher-end headphones?
In case we weren’t clear enough before, cheaper does not mean worse by any means (and vice versa) when it comes to headphones. Not always, at least.
Yet, the general trend still stands that the “higher-end” a pair of headphones is, the more likely you are to get better sound quality (aka undistorted bass), more playtime, and state-of-the-art features like adaptive ANC.
Budget headphones are known to leak sound more often than their pricier alternatives, and they’ll likely have fewer extras, like spatial audio for immersive 3D sound and TalkThru technology (which amplifies your convo buddy’s voice while reducing music volume instantly) featured in some of JBL’s flagship headphones.
Nonetheless, we made it our mission to find headphones —
both on-ear and over-ear models
— that aren’t “higher-end” in price and borrow a lot of standout functionality from their more expensive counterparts.
