Best Headphones under 100 in 2024 – Best Top 5

The word “the best” of each person is not the same. So it’s hard to pick the best headphones under 100 dollars.

To reduce your search time for information and more convenience and easy to pick the best headphones under 100.

The reviewsbestheadphones.com have searched and collect cheap headphones that cost less than $100 with a brief review and non-biased.

Now, Look at the short information comparison table. Then I will provide a full review of the top 5 that I think are the best headphones under $100. I hope that this information helps your decision.

Best Headphones Under 100 – Compare Specs & Features

1. Philips Audio SHP9500 Review – Best Open-Back Headphones Under 100

The Philips SHP9500 is one of the best headphones under 100 when you are looking for critical listening. They are incredibly comfortable and have a solid yet lightweight build that feels durable. They are not casual headsets that can be utilized outdoors, but they deliver a fine, well-balanced sound, or par with much pricier open-back headphones.

In terms of design and comfort

Now first things first, the Philips SHP9500 headsets are very comfortable. The headband is generously soft and padded. The suspension design of the headband fits rightly on your head and doesn’t exert any pressure. You can adjust the headband at your convenience. One more thing that impressed us is the durability as well as the sturdiness of the headband.

The earpads are big and well-padded. They’re covered with moisture-wicking material, though; they’re not as plush and soft as the earpads of the DT990 Pro headphones.  The earpads of the headphones are interchangeable or adjustable. All in all, they’re comfortable for long sessions and do not feel tight on your ears.

The Philips SHP9500 is one of the most comfortable and reliable headphones on the market now. We wore them for long sessions experiencing any discomfort in our heads or ears.

Philips Audio SHP9500 Review – How is the build quality?

The Philips SHP9500 headphones are well-built and durable headphones but feel slightly too PLASTICKY. The headband and ear cups withstand multiple drops without getting damaged. The headband particularly is reinforced with a thin metal structure that should be able to handle a fair amount of physical pressure.

However, the fabric covering the padding feels simply tear-able and will show some signs of wear than leather. The swiveling ear-cups are also a weak mark being relatively narrow also susceptible to breaking under moderate pressure. If you want something that seems and feels slightly premium and very durable, check out the similarly performing Philips Fidelio X3 or the Philips Fidelio X2HR.

The Stability

Philips SHP9500 headphones are not intended to be used while doing workouts. They have the common basic listening model construct, which means they are great and cumbersome with decent height, depth, and width. They’ll most likely slip off your head whenever used during running or during any activity. They’ll remain up during casual listening sessions, yet they are not going to be steady enough to use while moving around outside.

On the upside, the wire is separable and will detach on the off chance that it gets snared on something. So let’s stick to a few other models while reducing those calories!

Is the Philips Audio SHP9500 great for portability?

The Philips SHP9500 headphones are not portable. They’re pretty massive and you can’t fold them. Furthermore, the ear cups also do not stay flat leaving no scope to save some space. The size makes these Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo headphones not ideal for carrying around, particularly if you’re a frequent traveler, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40X would be more suitable for you.

While you can carry them in your travel bag or backpack, there is no way the headphones will adjust into your handbag. And, even if you try adjusting them, you will end up damaging them; also our experts are very much disappointed as the Philips SHP9500 was not sent with a pouch or case.

How about SHP9500’s sound quality?

The Philips SHP9500 comes with a 50mm driver that gives ultra-clear sound. The bass is not that great, you will spot enough presence in the mid-bass, though if you’re a big bass fan, you can check out other bass headphones. The MIDS are not visible very clearly, nevertheless, they are not fake-sounding.

The treble is correct on the mark, forward and bright. It just sounds like how it’d. Since the MIDS are not highly empowering, the vocals sound great. The highs are finely placed as well as peak frequencies are somewhat tapered for gentle sound delivery.

In simple words, the Philips SHP9500 headphones sound good to the ears. The sound stage is average for over-the-ear models. All in all, the sound is pretty good for the price. Due to the open back shape, the model hardly offers any isolation below 1 kHz frequency. Also, they’re loud, and the sound leaks between 300 to 20 kHz.

Philips SHP9500 Review – Pros & Cons

Philips SHP9500 Open-Back Under $100 – Final Verdicts

After the Philips SHP9500 review, I found headphones can be an excellent purchase for less money. The headphones are fine enough for casual or at-home use. Although they’re not up on the mark when it comes to sound, they’re quality headphones for regular use. The Philips SHP9500 headsets offer well-balanced sound, something you would not find in most headphone models on the market. Overall, I’ll definitely recommend these headphones when it comes to critical listening.

Where to buy Philips Audio SHP9500

2. SENNHEISER HD 559 Review – Best Sennheiser Headphones Under 100

The SENNHEISER HD 559 headphones have a transducer for truly great sound performance, the open-back headphone is the perfect choice for listeners looking for an optimal blend of all-around performance and quality for individual entertainment. It serves up a satisfying rich bass. The SENNHEISER HD 559 offers decent wearing comfort thanks to the big ear cups as well as soft replaceable ear pads. We sent them to our lab for SENNHEISER HD 559 review to find out if they are worth the price.

How about HD 599’s design?

The design and wearing comfort are at SENNHEISER’s usual top level and the matt black finish with silver-grey elements is also attractive. However, it’s clear that compared to the more luxurious models, you’ve to accept slight compromises. For instance, in its place of the caring grille on the outside of the HD 559, here there’s only a fabric casing.

The headband of this open design is finely padded. The length of the headband can be nicely adjusted. The cups have the familiar velour padding that can even be replaced if essential. The wire is routed on 1 side through a replaceable, three-meter wire that’s sufficiently long and ends with a 6.3mm audio jack plug. However, the omission of an adapter to the 3.5mm format is rather without need frugal.

The ear cups of the SENNHEISER HD 559 themselves can’t be rotated, but they can be moved slightly which ultimately leads to a permanently secure and comfortable fit. The SENNHEISER cannot fool here. The clear-cut design doesn’t include any other additional; they are obviously for use in the home as well as mainly intended to be utilized as the output of a stereo system, but of course, the headphone also works with a computer or any audio interface on a PC.

Sennheiser HD 599 Review – Durability

Top-quality build, and components but not very compact! These SENNHEISER HD 559 headphones are made to be used in and around the office and home. While there are various storage cases available separately, SENNHEISER HD 559 does not fold flat. That can cause strain in a few commuting environments.

SENNHEISER HD 559 headphones were made for home use. Overall the build quality is fine and there are some reports of construction flaws and damage beyond normal wear and tear. This pair of SENNHEISER HD 559 is a relatively new number of HD series. This lineup is well known for its excellent reliability and quality performance.

These open-back headphones are below $100, how’s comfort?

Bigger ear cups and ultra-soft velour cushions provide a comfortable fit. SENNHEISER’s iconic style provides dependable comfort for long-session use. The earpads are oversized and covered in ultra-soft velour fabric that softly resets around the full ear. You can simply replace them if they get worn out. Along with excellent open-back construction, other functions make these over-ear models extremely comfortable and comfortable to wear.

SENNHEISER’s E.A.R. design helps to blend the physical and audio experience so you feel like you are listening in the room. A wide and padded headband decreases any stress points on the head. Though, these around-ear headsets can feel tight for big heads or when wearing them over a cap, particularly when new, with time the headband clamping stress will soften and become more comfortable.

Sennheiser HD 599 Review – The Sound Performance

The SENNHEISER HD 559 is a model for those looking for exceptional value. The E.A.R design, the headphone provides the 1^st step into the home of audiophile sound reproduction. The around-ear, best open-back headphone under 100 delivers natural tonal balance with an amazing spatial performance for listening to music, gaming, and more things. Great wearing comfort is provided by big ear cups adjusted with plush velour ear cushions.

• MIDS

Suffering from the little compression in the upper mid (a recurring theme we are seeing with several SENNHEISER headphones), the SENNHEISER HD 559 mightn’t do some vocals justice, but the complete of the mid-range remains widely intact, with adequate detail and fine clarity.

• High End

Not essentially relaxed or bright, the SENNHEISER HD 559 skimps on the highest notes while keeping plenty of detail as well as contrast in the rest of the high end. The sound is articulate and sharp, but without being unpleasant or piercing.

• Low End

In the low end, the sound quality of the headphones is distinguished by relatively rich detail, and deep and resounding bass. In spite of that highlighted bass, the control of the headphones is not lacking, and the bleed is kept to a minimum.

Some things about Sennheiser HD 599’s strengths and weakness

Sennheiser HD 599 Open-back Review – Final Verdicts

All in all, after SENNHEISER HD 559 review – The entry-level model from the HD series by SENNHEISER provides a thoroughly nice performance. For an attractive price under 100, you get a well-balanced, designed headphone with impressive wearing comfort and made for home and office use with stereo systems.

Where to buy Sennheiser HD 599

3. Sony MDR7506 Review – High-Quality & Best Headphones Under 100

These Sony MDR7506 headphones have long been a favorite choice of recording studios and many other sound experts. The main fact is that a product does not survive with this level of fame and longevity without any reason. So, let’s get the Sony MDR7506 review underway and see why these are the best large-diaphragm headphones under 100.

Sony MDR 7506 Review – Design and Build Quality

The Sony MDR7506 headphones have a simple over-ear shape that feels slightly mild but will work for most. The understated, full black color scheme is highlighted by a couple of branding logos. The ear cups are big and oval and the wide headband is soft padded and covered in faux leather-like stuff. They seem slightly cheap and would not stand out in a crowd but the minimal, studio aesthetic and simple design will please some listeners.

The build quality of Sony MDR7506 headphones feels mediocre at best. They have a thin metal structure that somewhat strengthens the build, and they are very lightweight with dense enough plastic to withstand some falls without any damage.

Though, these headphones feel slightly cheap. The rest of the shape is slightly plastic made for their price and creaks slightly when putting on the headsets. The hinges are relatively weak, as well as the wiring is a little exposed and’d get damaged via regular use. They are decently built just not as reliable as some other models even within a similar price tag.

Sony MDR 7506 Review – The Comfort

Sony MDR7506 headphones are best for long listening hours because they feel so light. These foldable headphones rest softly on the head with only the slightest bit of pressure on the ear pads. The headband formation is great for big head sizes because it does not clamp too much. It’s also very adjustable for small heads and still feels secure.

The ear cushions of the headphones are adequate and not very shallow, but they’re not ultra-plush like a few other premium-quality headphones can feel. A closed-back ear cup shape works well for noise isolation and to control external noise. This is best for singers as well as other recording artists.

Excellent Noise Isolation

Noise isolation is very good with these headsets. Even at a reasonable volume level, I found that Sony MDR7506 does a remarkable job of jamming out the surrounding sound around me. So, I have a difficult time hearing what is going on besides whatever I am listening to.

How well the Sound Performance of the Sony MDR 7506?

These headphones are best for use in the pro studio as well as for critical listening.  With neodymium magnets, 40mm drivers, these cans produce quite a massive sound. Sound quality is great for everyday listeners if that is what you want.

Bass is rich but not all aggressive or rich. Mids sit right where they need to without making a muddy mix in the typical crossover regions. Highs might look bright for some, but they’re decently well-balanced, particularly for live sound, monitoring, and recording needs.

While this pair of headphones is not completely flat or audiophile-grade cans, they’re rightly suited for casual and professional listeners. The classic model deserves a top rank on your list if you need a trustworthy piece from a very light package that’s ideal for just about any critical listening environment.

Portability and User Friendliness

The Sony MDR7506 headphones fold up impressively small but give only a soft bag to utilize as a carrying case. When traveling with MDR7506 you either have to be careful about where you adjust them or pick up a durable carrying case.

The headphone lens into its wired simplicity, not providing any kind of controls of additional features, we do like that coiled wire offers a few literary flexibilities, but otherwise, these Sony MDR7506 are about as exposed-bones as it gets.

Main Features

Though the wire of the headphones is not removable, it’s pretty long enough, plus it has gold connectors. The coiled wire measures about 6ft coiled and 9.8ft stretched out. This is a good choice for desktop use and in recording studios but is not great for all portable or smart mobile users. The cord material is flexible and very thick. Some coiled cords can feel slightly heavy and bulky, but this wire does not have that issue. A soft carrying bag and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter are also included.

Sony MDR 7506 Review – Pros & Cons

Sony MDR-7506 Large Diaphragm Headphones – Final Verdicts

The conclusion of my Sony MDR7506 review – the headphones offer a great but specific type of listening experience. If you love super clarity and detail in higher frequencies of your music, these Sony MDR7506 headphones are a great choice. If not, you’d likely pass on these.

Where to buy Sony MDR7506

4. Anker Liberty 4 NC Review –  A Balancing Act of Performance and Convenience

As someone who’s been constantly on the hunt for high-quality, affordable true wireless earbuds, the Anker Liberty 4 NC caught my eye when they hit the market. Anker, known for its reliable and cost-effective tech, has made a name for itself in the audio space with products that punch above their weight. The Liberty 4 NC is no different in that respect. In this review, I’ll take you through my experience with the earbuds, balancing both the standout features and some of the areas where they may not quite hit the mark.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Opening the Liberty 4 NC’s sleek, compact box immediately sets the tone. Inside, you’re greeted with the earbuds nestled in a slim charging case, accompanied by a small bundle of ear tips in different sizes, a USB-C charging cable, and a quick start guide. Anker’s packaging is minimalist, and while it doesn’t scream luxury, it feels well-organized and practical—like the brand itself.

The earbuds themselves have a modern, understated design with a subtle matte finish. They’re comfortable to the touch, and though they aren’t the most compact pair of true wireless earbuds out there, they’re still small enough to be discreet and portable. The charging case, too, is lightweight but solid, and it magnetically clicks shut with satisfying precision.

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to comfort, the Liberty 4 NC strikes a decent balance. I found them comfortable enough for long listening sessions, thanks to their ergonomic design and soft silicone ear tips. The in-ear fit is snug but not overly intrusive, which made them a good choice for both casual use and exercise. The earbuds come with a variety of tips, and after a quick swap, I found the right size for my ears. The seal they created was solid, which contributed to both better sound isolation and enhanced noise cancellation performance.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds – The Sound Quality

Sound quality is, of course, the heart of any true wireless earbuds, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC offers a performance that will please most listeners—though there are some nuances to consider. Right out of the box, the sound signature is clear but a bit on the brighter side, with the mids and highs standing out a bit more than the bass. While the bass isn’t lacking by any means, it feels more subdued compared to other earbuds in its class, such as the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, which delivers a more robust, fuller low-end thanks to its larger drivers and enhanced tuning.

That said, after experimenting with the customizable equalizer settings in the Soundcore app, I was able to achieve a much more balanced sound profile in the Liberty 4 NC, which made a noticeable difference. The highs became crisp and detailed without being overbearing, and the mids—particularly for vocals—sounded rich and clear. The bass, though still not as thunderous as the Liberty 4 Pro, became punchier, providing a more dynamic listening experience that worked well across a variety of genres.

While the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC may not satisfy deep bass lovers in the same way that the Pro version might, it still holds its own in terms of overall clarity and soundstage. The separation between instruments is solid, and the sound feels open without being too sterile. For most casual listeners and those who prefer a well-rounded sound over excessive low-end rumble, the Liberty 4 NC strikes a sweet spot, offering a compelling audio experience without the premium price tag of its higher-end sibling.

Noise Cancellation

The “NC” in the name stands for Active Noise Cancellation, and while it doesn’t match the absolute best in the industry (like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 or Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II), it does a respectable job. The Liberty 4 NC excels at filtering out consistent background noise like hums from an air conditioner or chatter in a café. However, it struggles a bit with sudden, higher-pitched noises—like a child’s scream or a car honking—which the premium models handle more smoothly.

The transparency mode is solid, too, making it easy to tune back into your surroundings when needed without needing to remove the earbuds. It’s not as natural as the best I’ve used, but it gets the job done, and that’s what matters most.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one of the Liberty 4 NC’s standout features. With ANC turned on, I was able to get about 10 hours of playback, which is impressive for a pair of earbuds in this price range. The charging case holds an additional four charges, giving you a total of around 50 hours of listening time—plenty for long flights or daily commutes.

Fast charging is another win here: just 10 minutes of charging gives you around 4 hours of playtime, which is a lifesaver when you’re running short on time. USB-C charging and wireless charging methods are another modern touch that makes the whole process more convenient, and the case itself doesn’t feel like it’s going to break after a few months of use, which is a pleasant surprise.

Connectivity and Features

Anker’s Soundcore app is a useful addition to the Liberty 4 NC experience. It’s intuitive and offers customization options for sound, ANC, and controls. The earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth 5.3, which ensures a stable and reliable connection throughout my testing. I didn’t experience any drops or lag, whether I was streaming music, watching videos, or taking calls.

Speaking of calls, the Liberty 4 NC offers decent call quality, though it’s not perfect. The dual microphones do a good job of picking up your voice in a quiet environment, but if you’re walking in a windy area or in a noisy setting, your voice might come through a little muffled. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if call quality is a priority for you.

Criticisms and Areas for Improvement

While the Liberty 4 NC offers a lot of value for the price, there are a few areas where it could be improved. For one, the touch controls are a bit finicky. I had to get used to the taps and swipes, as they didn’t always register as expected, and the lack of physical buttons made them feel less intuitive. Also, while the overall build is solid, the earbuds can feel a little plasticky, which could be a turnoff for some who prefer a more premium feel.

Another minor issue is the lack of advanced features like multipoint pairing (connecting to two devices at once), which is a feature that’s becoming more common in mid-range earbuds. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for everyone, it’s something to consider if you tend to switch between devices frequently.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds – Pros & Cons

Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Review – Final Thoughts

The Anker Liberty 4 NC isn’t going to dethrone the top-tier brands in the true wireless space, but for the price, it offers a lot of value. With solid sound quality (once you fine-tune it), impressive battery life, reliable ANC, and a comfortable fit, it ticks most of the boxes that matter for everyday users. The touch controls and build quality could be improved, but overall, these are small compromises for what is a very competent pair of earbuds.

If you’re looking for a solid pair of noise-canceling earbuds without breaking the bank, the Liberty 4 NC is definitely worth considering. It’s an excellent example of Anker’s ability to deliver performance and quality at a price that most people can afford.

Where to buy the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds

5. Sony WH-CH720N Review – Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

The Sony WH-CH720N is an affordable addition to Sony’s lineup of noise-canceling headphones. Positioned below the premium WH-1000XM5, they provide a blend of solid noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable design at a more budget-friendly price. But how do they stack up in terms of sound quality, comfort, and features? Let’s dive into a detailed review.

Design & Build Quality: 8/10

The WH-CH720N headphones have a clean, minimalist design that feels lightweight yet solid. While not as premium as their high-end counterparts, they still look and feel well-made. The earcups have a matte plastic finish with smooth curves and a simplistic aesthetic. The headband is also lightweight, and the padding is decent enough for long listening sessions. The earcups are slightly smaller compared to some competitors, but they still offer a comfortable fit.

The build quality is sturdy, though the headphones have a less luxurious feel compared to the WH-1000XM5 or other high-end models. The materials used are more utilitarian, but given the price point, it’s a reasonable trade-off.

Comfort: 9/10

Comfort is one of the standout features of the WH-CH720N. The memory foam ear cups mold nicely to your ears, creating a good seal without being too tight or causing discomfort over long periods. Weighing only 192 grams, these headphones are light enough for hours of use without significant strain. Whether you’re using them for commuting, working out, or on long flights, the comfortable design ensures you won’t feel fatigued quickly.

Sound Quality: 8/10

For a budget-friendly model, the WH-CH720N punches above its weight in terms of sound quality. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, and the mid-range is clear and articulate. High frequencies are crisp but might feel slightly recessed compared to premium models. These headphones do a solid job with most genres, from pop to classical to podcasts, though audiophiles may want to look for something more refined.

Sony has equipped the WH-CH720N with their custom audio technology, and while it lacks the same depth and detail of their higher-end models, it’s more than enough for most everyday listeners. The 30mm drivers inside are a noticeable improvement over other budget noise-canceling headphones.

Noise Cancellation: 7/10

The WH-CH720N features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, but it’s not as advanced as what you’ll find in Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 or Bose’s QuietComfort models. Still, the ANC is quite effective at cutting out ambient noise like chatter, air conditioning, or engine hum on a plane. It’s not going to block out every sound in a crowded environment, but it does a solid job for the price.

You also get an Ambient Sound Mode, which lets some external noise in, making it easier to hear announcements or conversations when you need to. While not as sophisticated as the premium models, the noise-canceling performance on the WH-CH720N is still impressive for its class.

Battery Life: 9/10

One of the strongest points of the WH-CH720N is its exceptional battery life. Sony claims up to 35 hours of playback with ANC turned on, which is quite impressive. In real-world usage, it easily lasts a full day of commuting or extended listening sessions without needing a recharge. And if you’re in a rush, just 10 minutes of charging can provide up to 1.5 hours of playback time—an incredibly handy feature when you’re on the go.

Connectivity & Features: 8/10

The WH-CH720N offers Bluetooth 5.0 for stable wireless connectivity, and it supports both SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring good sound quality when paired with compatible devices. They also feature a multipoint connection, allowing you to pair them with two devices simultaneously, which is a nice touch.

The headphones don’t offer the more advanced features of the premium Sony models, like the custom EQ or automatic adaptive sound control, but they do support the Sony Headphones Connect app, which gives you access to basic settings like ANC control, sound modes, and a simple equalizer. They also have physical buttons for volume control and playback, which some users prefer over touch-sensitive controls.

Sony WH-CH720N Review – Pros & Cons

Sony WH-CH720N Review – Final Thoughts

The Sony WH-CH720N is among the best headphones under $100, offering a fantastic balance of features, performance, and value. With impressive comfort, solid noise cancellation, and excellent battery life, they’re a great choice for anyone looking for reliable wireless headphones without breaking the bank. While they may not match the top-tier sound quality or noise-canceling performance of Sony’s flagship models, they deliver an outstanding experience for the price. For commuters, travelers, or everyday listeners, the WH-CH720N offers one of the best overall packages in the budget category, making it a standout option for those seeking high-quality audio on a budget.

Where to buy Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

 

There are plenty of great headphones on the market that price below 100 dollars. I can’t write them all on the site. I will try to update the list of best headphones under 100 frequently for the readers to check the list best. And these are some good headphones under $100 that compare specifications and features.

Great Headphones You May Interest!