Best Headphones Under $100: Top Picks for 2025 (5-Minute Review)
Find the best headphones under $100 for 2025. We analyzed 200,000+ Amazon reviews to bring you the top budget picks. Compare wireless, wired, noise cancelling & gaming headphones. Quick 5-minute guide with real user insights. Updated December 2025
Price Note: Prices shown are from our review date (December 22, 2025). Amazon prices change frequently. Click through to see current prices and any available deals.
Our Top Picks
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
$37.99
As of December 22, 2025
Prices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling reduces up to 90% of external noise
- Excellent 4.6-star rating from over 47,000 reviews proves reliability
- 40-hour battery life with ANC on (60 hours in normal mode)
- Fast charging: 5 minutes gives 4 hours of playback
- Customizable EQ with 22 presets via Soundcore app
- Transparency mode lets you hear surroundings when needed
- Dual-device connection for seamless switching
- Hi-Res audio compatible via AUX cable
✗Cons
- Buttons can sometimes be unresponsive or slow to respond
- Fit may be slightly loose for some users
- Battery life is shorter than some competitors (40 hours vs 65+ hours)
- Noise cancelling may not be as strong as premium $300+ models
Key Specs
- Type
- Over-Ear Wireless
- Noise Cancelling
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling
- Battery Life
- 40 hours (ANC on), 60 hours (normal)
- Weight
- 9.1 ounces
- Bluetooth
- 5.0
- Driver Size
- 40mm
- Charging
- USB-C, Fast Charge (5 min = 4 hours)
Who It's For
Perfect for travelers, commuters, or anyone who needs active noise cancelling without spending $200+. Ideal for flights, noisy offices, or daily commutes where you want to block out distractions.
Why We Recommend It
With over 47,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, the Soundcore Q20i consistently delivers premium features at an affordable price. Reviewers consistently praise its noise cancelling performance, with many noting it works as well as headphones costing 3-4x more. One reviewer wrote: 'I would be content to wear and listen to these just as much as I would my BOSE headphones which were way more expensive.' It's the best overall headphone under $100.
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones MDR-ZX110
$12.99
As of December 22, 2025
Prices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- Lowest price in our roundup at just $12.99
- Excellent 4.5-star rating from over 111,000 reviews
- Thick, durable cable that stands the test of time
- Comfortable cushioned earpads for long listening sessions
- Foldable design for easy storage and travel
- Wide frequency range (12 Hz to 22 kHz) delivers deep bass and clear highs
- Swiveling earcup design enhances portability
- No battery needed—always ready to use
✗Cons
- Wired design means you're tethered to your device
- No active noise cancelling (passive isolation only)
- Plastic headband may feel less premium than higher-priced models
- Sound quality is good but not audiophile-grade
Key Specs
- Type
- Wired On-Ear
- Frequency Response
- 12 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 24 ohm
- Cord Length
- 3.94 feet
- Weight
- 9.1 ounces
- Driver Type
- Dynamic Driver
- Plug
- 3.5mm L-shaped stereo mini plug
Who It's For
Perfect for budget-conscious shoppers who want reliable wired headphones without breaking the bank. Ideal for students, travelers, or anyone who prefers the simplicity of wired headphones without battery concerns.
Why We Recommend It
At just $12.99, these Sony headphones offer exceptional value with over 111,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. Reviewers consistently praise their durability and sound quality for the price, with many noting they've lasted for years. One reviewer wrote: 'These headphones are amazing—especially when you consider the price! They are well made, with a thick cable that seems like it will stand the test of time.' It's the best budget headphone under $100.
BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear
$18.02
As of December 22, 2025
Prices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- Exceptional 65-hour battery life—longest in our roundup
- 6 EQ music modes for customized sound
- Ultra-lightweight at only 0.38 pounds (6.3 ounces)
- Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, stable pairing
- Dual-device connection for seamless switching
- Foldable design for easy storage and travel
- Detachable 3.5mm cable for wired mode when battery runs out
- Solid 4.5-star rating from over 48,000 reviews
✗Cons
- Earpads may start peeling after extended daily use (1+ years)
- Buttons can be hard to find and feel similar
- Not completely noise cancelling (passive isolation only)
- Some users report head can get hot and sweaty during long sessions
Key Specs
- Type
- Over-Ear Wireless
- Battery Life
- 65 hours
- Weight
- 6.3 ounces (0.38 pounds)
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Driver Size
- 40mm
- Charging Time
- 2.5 hours
- Special Features
- 6 EQ Modes, Detachable Cable
Who It's For
Perfect for anyone who wants wireless convenience with exceptional battery life. Ideal for long trips, daily commutes, or anyone who forgets to charge devices regularly.
Why We Recommend It
With 65 hours of battery life and over 48,000 reviews, the BERIBES headphones offer exceptional value. Reviewers consistently praise the battery life, with many noting they charge once a week or less. One reviewer wrote: 'I've had these for two years. I use them almost every day, for multiple hours a day. I charge them like once a week or once every two weeks.' At just $18.02, it's the best value wireless headphone under $100.
JBL Tune 720BT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
$44.95
As of December 22, 2025
Prices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- JBL Pure Bass Sound technology for rich, powerful bass
- Excellent 76-hour battery life with speed charge
- Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, stable connection
- Customizable EQ via free JBL Headphones App
- Voice Aware feature lets you hear your voice during calls
- Water resistant design for durability
- Foldable and lightweight for travel
- Strong 4.5-star rating from over 9,400 reviews
✗Cons
- Headband may press down on head and be bothersome for some
- Some users report Bluetooth dropouts (though may be TV/internet related)
- Sound quality is good but not studio-grade
- App requires disconnecting from audio source to adjust EQ
Key Specs
- Type
- Over-Ear Wireless
- Battery Life
- 76 hours
- Weight
- 7.8 ounces
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Driver Size
- 40mm
- Charging Time
- 2 hours (5 min = 3 hours)
- Water Resistance
- Water Resistant
Who It's For
Perfect for music lovers who want the JBL brand name and signature bass sound. Ideal for anyone who values brand reputation and wants reliable wireless headphones with long battery life.
Why We Recommend It
JBL is a trusted audio brand, and the Tune 720BT delivers their signature Pure Bass Sound at an affordable price. With 76 hours of battery life and over 9,400 reviews, reviewers consistently praise the sound quality and brand reliability. One reviewer wrote: 'Higher price doesn't always mean better quality. These are very high quality for a great price! I've had similar headphones that cost 3-4x's more and these sound just as good.' It's the best brand name headphone under $100.
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug
$17.99
As of December 22, 2025
Prices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- Excellent 4.6-star rating from over 21,000 reviews
- Built-in remote controls music, calls, and volume
- Integrated microphone for clear phone calls and FaceTime
- USB-C connection with built-in DAC for lossless audio
- Comfortable one-size-fits-all design
- Zero lag connection (wired)
- Works with all USB-C devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.)
- Reliable Apple quality and build
✗Cons
- Wired design means you can't charge and listen simultaneously
- Smooth earbuds may be difficult to stay in ear if not carefully placed
- Sound can leak at higher volumes
- USB-C port may feel flexible and could bend over time
Key Specs
- Type
- Wired Earbuds
- Connection
- USB-C
- Weight
- 1.12 ounces
- Controls
- Built-in Remote (Volume, Play/Pause, Calls)
- Microphone
- Integrated
- Compatibility
- All USB-C devices
- Special Features
- Lossless Audio via Built-in DAC
Who It's For
Perfect for iPhone and Mac users who want reliable wired earbuds with excellent call quality. Ideal for anyone who prefers wired connection for zero lag and lossless audio quality.
Why We Recommend It
Apple EarPods are a proven choice with over 21,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. Reviewers consistently praise the call quality and reliability, with many noting they're the best wired mic for phone calls, FaceTime, Discord, and Zoom. One reviewer wrote: 'Universal one-size-fits-all earbuds, Zero Lag connection, the best wired mic for phone calls. Listening over a wired connection is always better, and since it's USB-C, it has its own built-in DAC for lossless audio.' It's the best wired earbuds under $100.
JBL Tune 520BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones
$29.95
As of December 22, 2025
Prices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
✓Pros
- Highest rating in our roundup at 4.6 stars from over 9,600 reviews
- JBL Pure Bass Sound for rich, powerful bass
- Excellent 57-hour battery life with speed charge
- Lightweight at only 5.5 ounces
- Voice Aware feature for clear calls
- Customizable EQ via free JBL Headphones App
- Foldable design for easy storage
- Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, stable connection
✗Cons
- Ear area may be slightly small for some users (ears can hurt after extended use)
- On-ear design may not be as comfortable as over-ear for long sessions
- Some users report L/R markings are hard to see
- Not as powerful bass as over-ear models
Key Specs
- Type
- On-Ear Wireless
- Battery Life
- 57 hours
- Weight
- 5.5 ounces
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Charging Time
- 2 hours (5 min = 3 hours)
- Special Features
- Voice Aware, JBL Pure Bass Sound
Who It's For
Perfect for anyone who prefers on-ear headphones for a lighter, more compact design. Ideal for podcasters, creators, or anyone who wants JBL quality in a smaller form factor.
Why We Recommend It
With the highest rating (4.6 stars) in our roundup and over 9,600 reviews, the JBL Tune 520BT consistently delivers excellent performance. Reviewers consistently praise the sound quality and battery life, with many noting they're perfect for podcasting and daily use. One reviewer wrote: 'I love these headphones so much that I went back and purchased another pair just to give away to my community of podcasters!' It's the best on-ear headphone under $100.
Complete Product Comparison
Prices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.
| Product | Best For | Type | Noise Cancelling | Battery Life | Weight | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soundcore Q20i | Best Overall | Over-Ear Wireless | Yes (Hybrid ANC) | 40 hours | 9.1 oz | 4.6⭐ (47K reviews) | $37.99 See Price |
Sony ZX Series | Best Budget | Wired On-Ear | No | N/A (Wired) | 9.1 oz | 4.5⭐ (111K reviews) | $12.99 See Price |
BERIBES Bluetooth | Best Value Wireless | Over-Ear Wireless | No | 65 hours | 6.3 oz | 4.5⭐ (49K reviews) | $18.02 See Price |
JBL Tune 720BT | Best Brand Name | Over-Ear Wireless | No | 76 hours | 7.8 oz | 4.5⭐ (9K reviews) | $44.95 See Price |
Apple EarPods USB-C | Best Wired Earbuds | Wired Earbuds | No | N/A (Wired) | 1.12 oz | 4.6⭐ (22K reviews) | $17.99 See Price |
JBL Tune 520BT | Best On-Ear | On-Ear Wireless | No | 57 hours | 5.5 oz | 4.6⭐ (10K reviews) | $29.95 See Price |
Soundcore Q20i
Best OverallSony ZX Series
Best BudgetBERIBES Bluetooth
Best Value WirelessJBL Tune 720BT
Best Brand NameApple EarPods USB-C
Best Wired EarbudsJBL Tune 520BT
Best On-EarPrices as of December 22, 2025. Check Amazon for the latest price and deals.