Best Headphones Under $100

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide features headphones we’ve personally researched and compared based on expert reviews from RTINGS, SoundGuys, What Hi-Fi?, and TechRadar. All recommendations include real Amazon links with current pricing, detailed specifications, and honest pros/cons to help you make the best decision for your budget.

What You Can Expect Under $100:

• ✅ Active noise cancellation (ANC)
• ✅ 35-70 hour battery life
• ✅ Bluetooth 5.0+ connectivity
• ✅ Companion apps with EQ
• ✅ Comfortable over-ear designs
• ✅ Multipoint connectivity

What You Won’t Get:

• ❌ Premium materials (mostly plastic builds)
• ❌ Advanced codecs like LDAC (except 1MORE)
• ❌ Flagship-level ANC performance
• ❌ Wear detection sensors
• ❌ Wireless charging cases

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Best Overall: JLab JBuds Lux ANC

Unbeatable Value at $79

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 | Price: $79 | Buy on Amazon

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The JLab JBuds Lux ANC are the new kings of budget headphones, delivering flagship features at an unbeatable price. At just $79, they offer 44-hour battery life, effective ANC, spatial audio support, and a premium app experience that rivals headphones costing 3-4x more.

Key Specifications

• Battery Life: 70 hours (ANC off), 44 hours (ANC on)
• Driver Size: 40mm dynamic drivers
• Weight: 270g (lightweight)
• ANC: Hybrid active noise cancellation
• Codecs: SBC, AAC
• Special Features: Spatial Audio, 10-band EQ, Google Find My

Why They’re Our Top Pick

Outstanding Battery Life
With 44 hours of playback with ANC enabled (70+ hours without), the JBuds Lux ANC outlast most competitors in this price range. Quick charging provides additional playback from just 10 minutes of charging.

Effective Active Noise Cancellation
The hybrid ANC system does a respectable job of reducing ambient noise, especially mid and high frequencies. While it can’t match $300+ headphones, it’s impressive for $79 and perfect for commuting, studying, or working in moderately noisy environments.

Excellent Sound Quality for the Price
Rated 4.5/5 by SoundGuys’ MDAQS algorithm, the JBuds Lux ANC deliver surprisingly good audio. Bass is punchy without overwhelming, mids are clear, and treble is present. The 10-band EQ in the JLab app lets you fine-tune the sound to your exact preferences.

Premium Features

• Spatial Audio support (Dolby Atmos, Windows Sonic, Tempest 3D)
• Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices simultaneously
• USB-C audio for wired, higher-resolution listening
• Cloud Foam ear cushions provide all-day comfort
• Be Aware Mode for transparency when needed
• Google Find My integration to locate lost headphones

Sound Profile

Out of the box, the sound emphasizes bass and treble—perfect for pop, EDM, and hip-hop. The JLab app provides three presets (Signature, Balanced, Bass Boost) plus a customizable 10-band EQ to tailor sound to your taste.

Who Should Buy

• Students needing affordable, long-lasting headphones
• Commuters wanting good ANC without premium pricing
• Budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on features
• Anyone seeking the best all-around value under $100

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Exceptional 44-hour battery life (ANC on)
• Effective ANC for the price
• Excellent sound quality (4.5/5 MDAQS score)
• Spatial Audio support
• Comprehensive 10-band EQ
• Multipoint connectivity
• USB-C wired audio option
• Comfortable Cloud Foam cushions
• Google Find My integration
• Foldable, compact design
• Unbeatable $79 price

❌ Cons:

• Plastic build feels budget-friendly
• No carrying case included
• No LDAC codec support
• No wear detection
• ANC not flagship-level

Current Price: $79 (regularly $89)

🛒 Check Current Price on Amazon

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Best Value: 1MORE SonoFlow

Premium Features at Budget Price

⭐ Rating: 4.4/5 | Price: $80 | Buy on Amazon

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The 1MORE SonoFlow punch well above their weight, offering premium features like LDAC codec support and 50-hour battery life—features typically reserved for headphones costing $200+. Tuned by Grammy winner Luca Bignardi, these headphones deliver excellent sound quality for the price.

Key Specifications

• Battery Life: 70 hours (ANC off), 50 hours (ANC on)
• Driver: 40mm DLC (diamond-like carbon) drivers
• Weight: 250g
• Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC (Hi-Res Audio certified)
• ANC: QuietMax noise cancellation

What Makes Them Special

LDAC Support – Rare Under $100
The SonoFlow are one of the few budget headphones supporting LDAC—Sony’s high-quality codec that transmits 3x more data than standard Bluetooth. This allows wireless hi-res audio streaming, a feature you won’t find on most sub-$200 headphones.

Impressive 50-70 Hour Battery
With 50 hours of ANC playback (70 without), you’ll charge these once every 2-3 weeks with moderate use. Fast charging provides 5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes.

Grammy Winner-Tuned Sound
Luca Bignardi’s tuning delivers balanced, slightly warm sound with good detail retrieval. The bass is present but not overwhelming, mids are clear, and treble is adequate. The app’s graphic EQ allows extensive customization.

Who Should Buy

• Audiophiles on a budget wanting LDAC codec
• Music enthusiasts seeking quality sound under $100
• Travelers needing marathon battery life
• Value seekers who want premium features

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• LDAC codec support (Hi-Res Audio)
• Exceptional 50-70 hour battery life
• Good sound quality for price
• Effective ANC
• Hard carrying case included
• Graphic EQ customization
• Fast charging (5 min = 5 hours)
• Grammy winner-tuned sound

❌ Cons:

• Plastic build quality
• Transparency mode sounds artificial
• Wired mode disables ANC
• ANC weaker than premium models

🛒 Check Current Price on Amazon

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Best ANC: Anker Soundcore Space One

Strongest Noise Cancellation Under $100

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $99 | Buy on Amazon

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The Anker Soundcore Space One deliver the strongest active noise cancellation in the sub-$100 category, with 2x stronger voice reduction than previous models. If blocking out the world is your priority, these are your best bet.

Key Specifications

• Battery Life: 40 hours (ANC on), 55 hours (ANC off)
• ANC: Advanced ANC with 2x voice reduction
• Codecs: LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Special Features: HearID personalized EQ, LDAC support

What Makes Them Best for ANC

2X Stronger Voice Reduction
Anker’s upgraded ANC system specifically targets human voices—the hardest frequency range to cancel. This makes the Space One ideal for open offices, coffee shops, and anywhere with background chatter.

LDAC Support + HearID
Like the 1MORE SonoFlow, these support LDAC for hi-res audio. The HearID feature creates a personalized sound profile based on your hearing test—unusual in this price range.

Excellent Call Quality
Six microphones with AI noise reduction deliver clear call quality even in noisy environments—perfect for remote work and frequent calls.

Who Should Buy

• Office workers needing to block distractions
• Students studying in noisy environments
• Anyone prioritizing ANC over all else
• Android users who want LDAC support

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Strongest ANC under $100
• 2x better voice reduction
• LDAC codec support
• HearID personalized sound
• Excellent call quality
• 40-hour battery (ANC on)
• Comprehensive app control
• Comfortable fit

❌ Cons:

• $99 price (highest on this list)
• Sound quality slightly behind JLab
• Slightly heavier than competitors

🛒 Check Current Price on Amazon

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Best Battery: Anker Soundcore Life Q30

60-Hour Marathon Battery Champion

⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $80 | Buy on Amazon

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The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are the battery life champions, delivering an incredible 60 hours of playback with ANC enabled. If you hate charging headphones, these are your answer.

Key Specifications

• Battery Life: 60 hours (ANC on), 75+ hours (ANC off)
• ANC: Hybrid active noise cancellation with 3 modes
• Driver: 40mm dynamic drivers
• Special Features: Multiple ANC modes, custom EQ

Why Choose the Q30

Unbeatable 60-Hour Battery
With 60 hours of ANC playback, you’ll charge these once a month with average use. This is the longest battery life in the under-$100 category.

Triple ANC Modes
Three specialized ANC modes—Transport (for planes/trains), Outdoor (for traffic), and Indoor (for offices)—optimize noise cancellation for different environments.

Comfortable All-Day Wear
Memory foam ear cups with protein leather provide comfortable all-day wear without fatigue.

Who Should Buy

• Travelers on long international flights
• Anyone who hates frequent charging
• Commuters with lengthy daily trips
• Budget buyers wanting proven performance

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Industry-leading 60-hour battery
• Three specialized ANC modes
• Comfortable memory foam cups
• Custom EQ in app
• Multipoint connectivity
• Excellent value at $80
• Proven reliability

❌ Cons:

• Older model (launched 2020)
• No LDAC support
• Design less modern
• Sound quality decent but not exceptional

🛒 Check Current Price on Amazon

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Best for Sony Fans: Sony WH-CH720N

Budget Sony with Premium DNA

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $99 | Buy on Amazon

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The Sony WH-CH720N bring Sony’s legendary sound quality and features to the budget category. With DSEE upscaling, excellent ANC, and 35-hour battery life, these feel like a premium Sony experience at 1/4 the price.

Key Specifications

• Battery Life: 35 hours (ANC on)
• Weight: 192g (ultra-lightweight)
• ANC: Sony V1 processor with Integrated Processor V1
• Special Features: DSEE upscaling, 360 Reality Audio, multipoint

What Makes Them Special

Sony V1 Processor
The same chip used in premium Sony headphones provides excellent ANC performance and DSEE audio upscaling that restores detail to compressed music.

Ultra-Lightweight Design
At just 192g, these are among the lightest wireless headphones available, perfect for all-day wear without fatigue.

360 Reality Audio
Support for Sony’s spatial audio technology provides an immersive listening experience with compatible streaming services.

Who Should Buy

• Sony fans on a budget
• Commuters wanting lightweight comfort
• Music lovers who stream compressed audio
• Anyone seeking brand reliability

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Sony quality at budget price
• Ultra-lightweight (192g)
• DSEE audio upscaling
• 360 Reality Audio support
• Excellent ANC with V1 chip
• 35-hour battery life
• Multipoint connectivity
• Great call quality

❌ Cons:

• $99 price point
• Plastic build
• No LDAC (despite being Sony)
• No carrying case

🛒 Check Current Price on Amazon

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Headphones Under $100 Buying Guide

What to Expect at This Price Point

Headphones under $100 in 2025 offer incredible value. You’ll get features that were premium-only just 3-4 years ago:

Standard Features:

• Active noise cancellation (ANC)
• 35-70 hour battery life
• Bluetooth 5.0+
• Companion apps with EQ
• Multipoint connectivity
• Comfortable designs

Trade-offs:

• Plastic construction (vs. metal/premium materials)
• Basic codecs (except 1MORE with LDAC)
• Good but not flagship-level ANC
• No advanced sensors (wear detection, etc.)

Key Decision Factors

1. Priority: Battery Life

Choose: Anker Soundcore Life Q30 (60 hours) or JLab JBuds Lux ANC (44 hours)

2. Priority: Sound Quality

Choose: 1MORE SonoFlow (LDAC codec) or Sony WH-CH720N (DSEE upscaling)

3. Priority: Noise Cancellation

Choose: Anker Soundcore Space One (strongest ANC) or Sony WH-CH720N (V1 processor)

4. Priority: Overall Value

Choose: JLab JBuds Lux ANC (best feature-to-price ratio)

5. Priority: Brand Reliability

Choose: Sony WH-CH720N or Anker models (proven track records)

Battery Life Comparison

ModelANC OnANC OffAnker Life Q3060 hours75+ hours1MORE SonoFlow50 hours70 hoursJLab JBuds Lux ANC44 hours70+ hoursAnker Space One40 hours55 hoursSony WH-CH720N35 hours50 hours

Sound Quality Rankings

Based on MDAQS scores and expert reviews:

1. JLab JBuds Lux ANC – 4.5/5 (best for price)
2. 1MORE SonoFlow – 4.3/5 (LDAC advantage)
3. Sony WH-CH720N – 4.2/5 (DSEE helps)
4. Anker Space One – 4.0/5 (good but not exceptional)
5. Anker Life Q30 – 3.9/5 (decent for age)

ANC Performance Rankings

1. Anker Soundcore Space One – Best voice reduction
2. Sony WH-CH720N – V1 processor advantage
3. JLab JBuds Lux ANC – Solid hybrid ANC
4. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 – Good with mode options
5. 1MORE SonoFlow – Adequate but weakest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can $100 headphones really have good ANC?

Yes! Modern budget headphones feature effective ANC that blocks ambient noise, especially lower frequencies like engine rumble and air conditioning hum. While they won’t match $400 flagships in creating complete silence, models like the Anker Space One and Sony WH-CH720N provide 70-80% of premium ANC performance at 1/4 the price.

Best Budget ANC: Anker Soundcore Space One, Sony WH-CH720N, JLab JBuds Lux ANC

How long do budget headphones last?

Quality budget headphones should last 2-3 years with normal use. The main limitation is battery degradation—lithium-ion batteries retain about 80% capacity after 300-500 charge cycles. Since budget models have exceptional battery life (40-70 hours), you’ll charge less frequently, potentially extending lifespan.

Most Durable: Anker models (proven track record), Sony WH-CH720N (brand reliability)

Is LDAC worth it under $100?

Absolutely! LDAC transmits 3x more data than standard Bluetooth, allowing wireless hi-res audio. The 1MORE SonoFlow and Anker Space One are the only sub-$100 models with LDAC—exceptional value for audiophiles on a budget.

LDAC Options: 1MORE SonoFlow ($80), Anker Soundcore Space One ($99)

Do I need an app for budget headphones?

Not required, but highly recommended. Apps provide:

• Custom EQ to tailor sound
• ANC mode adjustments
• Firmware updates
• Battery monitoring
• Control customization

All our top picks include comprehensive apps.

Can I use budget headphones for working out?

Most over-ear headphones aren’t ideal for exercise—they’re too bulky and trap heat/sweat. For workouts, consider budget earbuds with IPX4+ rating instead. However, the lightweight Sony WH-CH720N (192g) could work for light exercise or walking.

Are there good wired headphones under $100?

Yes! If you don’t need wireless, consider:

• Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT ($79) – Studio sound, also wireless
• Audio-Technica ATH-M30x ($69) – Pure wired studio monitors
• Sennheiser HD 280 Pro ($99) – Professional monitoring

Which headphones have the best microphone under $100?

Best for calls: Sony WH-CH720N (multiple mics with Sony processing) and Anker Soundcore Space One (6 mics with AI noise reduction)

Do budget headphones support multipoint?

Yes! All our top picks support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously (phone + laptop). This was premium-only a few years ago.

All support multipoint: JLab JBuds Lux ANC, 1MORE SonoFlow, Anker Space One, Anker Life Q30, Sony WH-CH720N

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Final Recommendations

Best Overall Value

JLab JBuds Lux ANC ($79) – Unbeatable feature-to-price ratio
Buy on Amazon

Best for Audiophiles

1MORE SonoFlow ($80) – LDAC codec + Grammy winner tuning
Buy on Amazon

Best for Noise Blocking

Anker Soundcore Space One ($99) – Strongest ANC under $100
Buy on Amazon

Best for Long Trips

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 ($80) – 60-hour battery champion
Buy on Amazon

Best Brand Name

Sony WH-CH720N ($99) – Sony quality at budget price
Buy on Amazon

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Conclusion

Finding excellent headphones under $100 has never been easier. Whether you prioritize battery life (Anker Life Q30), sound quality (1MORE SonoFlow), ANC performance (Anker Space One), or overall value (JLab JBuds Lux ANC), there’s a perfect option for your needs and budget.

Our Top Pick: The JLab JBuds Lux ANC at $79 offer the best combination of features, performance, and price. With 44-hour battery life, effective ANC, spatial audio support, and excellent sound quality, they’re nearly impossible to beat at this price point.

Remember: Don’t expect premium materials or flagship-level performance. But for everyday listening, commuting, studying, and casual use, these budget headphones deliver 80-90% of the premium experience at 25% of the cost.