The 5 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 - Black Friday 2024

The best over-ear headphones under $100 that we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. These lightweight, well-built headphones are a good option if you're looking for all-around casual use. They have a comfortable fit and have about 44 hours of continuous battery life to get you through long flights or a few days at work. Their ANC system can be set to different modes to target different types of noise. Using 'Transport' mode, they have outstanding noise isolation that does a good job blocking out rumbling engines and background chit-chat, making them the best ANC headphones on this list.

Out of the box, their V-shaped sound profile brings out the thump, rumble, and boom in your audio, while voices and lead instruments are bright. This sound is well-suited for genres like rock and pop and can be adjusted with a graphic EQ and presets in the headphones' companion app. Unfortunately, the ANC affects the headphones' sound quality, and when the ANC is off, the audio sounds thinner and more hollow. The headphones also leak quite a bit of audio, so if you're listening to music at the office, people nearby might hear it. If you work in a quiet place, you might prefer the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones Wireless. They leak much less audio but have a shorter battery life and weaker ANC performance.

If you use headphones to watch videos on your phone or computer, you might prefer the Razer Opus X Wireless. They have a 'Gaming Mode' that lowers their latency, especially with iOS devices and PCs, so your audio stays in sync when watching TV or playing a game. They have a sturdy design and a comfortable fit for most people. You can't use them passively when the battery dies, but they have a long continuous battery life. We measured 68 hours of playback time, far exceeding their advertised 30 hours.

While their lime green look may not be for everyone, they also come in white and pink colorways to better suit your style. Out of the box, their sound has extra boom and punch in the bass range, but mixes can also sound muddy. They lack more robust sound customization features like an EQ, but you can choose between a few EQ presets in the companion app, which gives you some control over the sound profile. Unfortunately, their ANC feature doesn't perform nearly as well overall as the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless', and they struggle to block out bass-range noise like rumbling engines. Still, they do a good job if you want to reduce distractions like background chit-chat or a computer fan.

The best over-ear Bluetooth headphones under $100 for calls that we've tested are the JBL Tune 760NC Wireless. These headphones fluctuate in price, but if you can find them for under $100, they offer a better microphone performance than the other options listed here. The integrated mic makes your voice clear and natural and does a decent job of separating it from ambient sound, so distractions like traffic outside your window or a humming A/C unit won't disrupt calls very much. Their onboard controls allow you to answer and end calls without pulling out your phone. Unfortunately, their ANC feature doesn't have the best performance, so if you work in a busy office, you might prefer the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. They have a comfortable design but can feel tight, especially if you have a large head.

The 760NC have a long continuous battery life of more than 40 hours, which is more than enough to get you through several workdays without recharging. They also have a well-balanced sound profile, with a balanced mid-range that ensures voices are detailed and clear. That said they lack companion software and customization features. If those options are important to you, consider the JBL Tune 770NC Wireless. The 770NC function very similarly to the 760NC and have an app that lets you customize their sound with a graphic EQ and presets. Unfortunately, the 770NC's microphone is a touch worse than the 760NC's. Still, on the whole, these two pairs of headphones perform comparably.

If you want a pair of headphones you can plug and play without worrying about charging, look at the Logitech G433. These wired headphones are primarily for gaming and can be a little tricky to find in stock. However, if you can get your hands on them, they're versatile and have a non-descript design, making them a solid budget-friendly option for casual-use headphones. They have a decently well-built, comfortable design. You can customize their well-balanced sound profile with a graphic EQ and presets in the headphones' companion software. Unlike the other picks on this list, such as the Razer Opus X Wireless, they also support virtual surround sound, which can help make your audio more immersive.

The headphones have a boom mic with an impressive overall performance, so your voice sounds clear and understandable over the phone, even with some noise in the background. When you're not using the mic, you can detach it to give the headphones a more casual look. Also, unlike most gaming headsets, they come with a separate cable with in-line controls for calls and music, which is helpful when using them for work or listening to music at home. However, they aren't intended for use in noisy places since they only block out a little ambient sound. They also leak a lot of audio, so people nearby can hear your music if you turn up the volume.

If you're looking for dedicated headphones for listening to music, look at the Philips SHP9500. These are the best audiophile headphones under $100 that we've tested, and unlike the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, they're wired and have an open-back design. As a result, they create a more spacious and immersive soundstage than closed-backs like the Anker. Of course, you lose out on the freedom wireless Bluetooth connections bring you.

These very comfortable over-ears have a well-balanced sound, ensuring vocals and instruments are clear and natural in mixes. They lack a little thumpy, rumbly bass, but the mid and treble ranges are almost flat, vocals don't sound honky, and sibilants and cymbals aren't piercing. They're not designed to block out a lot of background noise, though. If you want headphones for music that block out a little more background sound and leak less audio, you might prefer the closed-back Sony MDR-7506. Although they're more pricy, their sound packs a bit more low-end thump, and they bleed less audio at high volumes. On the flip side, the Sony's soundstage feels less immersive, and they're not as comfortable.