The 7 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 (June) 2023

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best over-ear headphones under $100!

At Oasthar, we understand the importance of finding high-quality headphones without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve meticulously researched and compiled a list of the top over-ear headphones that provide exceptional sound, comfort, and value, all within an affordable price range.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of over-ear headphones, exploring their key features, benefits, and what sets them apart. We’ll also present our top recommendations and comparisons, aiming to provide you with the most valuable insights to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

Also check out my picks for the best earbuds, the best cheap earbuds, Best Headphones Under $200, and the Best Budget Wireless Headphones.

So, let’s dive right in!

The Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 you can buy today.

Discover the Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 with our detailed buying guide, including pros and cons, as well as an FAQ section. For additional information and updated pricing on the mentioned products, be sure to check the Amazon Product links provided with each product.

(Disclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.)

1. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless

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The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless headphones offer an impressive set of features at an affordable price. With a sleek design featuring a black satin finish and a touch of gold on the earcups, these headphones look refined and stylish. They are also available in ‘Midnight Blue’ and ‘Sakura Pink’ for those who prefer a more colorful option. Priced at around $80, the Life Q30 headphones provide great value for the money.

When it comes to performance, the Life Q30 headphones deliver excellent sound quality with customizable audio options. They feature three levels of effective noise cancellation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music without being disturbed by external sounds. The battery life is impressive, providing up to 40 hours of playtime with noise cancellation enabled. The headphones also offer convenient controls, including physical buttons and touch-sensitive surfaces, making it easy to adjust volume, play/pause audio, and switch between noise cancelling modes.

Who should buy Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless?

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless headphones are an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers who want a versatile and reliable pair of headphones. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or frequently travel in noisy environments, these headphones deliver a great listening experience. With their comfortable design, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation, they provide value for both casual and avid users. If you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Life Q30 headphones are worth considering.

2. Jabra Elite 45h

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The Jabra Elite 45h is a remarkable pair of wireless on-ear headphones that offers impressive features and sound quality at an affordable price. Priced at just $79 / £69 / AU$99, these headphones provide excellent value for money. They come with Bluetooth 5 connectivity, 40mm full-range dynamic drivers, and a comfortable design featuring faux leather and memory foam earpads. The Elite 45h also offers voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri and can be customized through the Jabra Sound+ control app.

When it comes to performance, design, and features, the Jabra Elite 45h stands out. They deliver weighty and balanced sound, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience. The headphones boast an impressive battery life, allowing for extended usage without worrying about recharging. The design is stylish and comfortable, thanks to the combination of memory foam earpads and winningly un-creaky plastic. Additionally, the Elite 45h supports voice control and provides a useful app for further customization.

Who should buy Jabra Elite 45h?

The Jabra Elite 45h is an ideal choice for general consumers looking for reasonably priced headphones. It offers great microphone quality, long battery life, and a portable design. Commuters will appreciate its unobtrusive design, bass-heavy sound, and extended battery life. Furthermore, remote workers who frequently engage in conference calls will find these headphones highly beneficial for their needs.

3. Razer Barracuda Wireless

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The Razer Barracuda Wireless is an impressive wireless gaming headset that offers excellent value for its price. Priced at $99.99, it provides a comfortable fit, solid build quality, good sound, and an excellent microphone. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity in the 2022 model makes it even more versatile, allowing it to connect to various devices without the need for a transmitter. The Barracuda X retains its performance, price, and design from the previous version, making it an easy choice for budget-conscious gamers in need of a wireless headset.

In terms of performance, design, and features, the Razer Barracuda Wireless excels. It maintains the same physical appearance as its predecessor, with plain plastic cups and an unassuming design. The earcups feature memory foam padding covered in breathable fabric, providing comfortable wearing even during long gaming sessions. The headset offers a range of controls and connections, including a power button, volume wheel, mic mute switch, and USB-C port for charging. It’s a well-rounded package that delivers on both comfort and functionality.

Who should buy Razer Barracuda Wireless?

The Razer Barracuda Wireless is an ideal choice for gamers looking for an affordable wireless headset that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its budget-friendly price, combined with its solid performance, comfortable design, and versatile connectivity options, make it suitable for gamers on a tight budget. Additionally, the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity expands its usability beyond gaming, allowing users to connect it to their phones, PCs, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who enjoys gaming on multiple platforms, the Barracuda Wireless offers a compelling option.

4. JBL Tune 760NC Wireless

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JBL Tune 760NC Wireless is a remarkable pair of wireless headphones that delivers exceptional sound quality and advanced features. With a sleek design and comfortable fit, these headphones offer a premium listening experience. The active noise-canceling technology allows you to immerse yourself in your music without any distractions. Priced competitively, the JBL Tune 760NC Wireless headphones offer excellent value for money, making them an attractive option for music enthusiasts on a budget.

When it comes to performance, design, and features, the JBL Tune 760NC Wireless headphones exceed expectations. The sound quality is rich and well-balanced, ensuring every note and beat is reproduced with clarity. The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out unwanted ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music in peace. The headphones are lightweight and ergonomically designed for long-lasting comfort. Additionally, the built-in controls and voice assistant compatibility enhance the overall user experience, providing convenient access to various functions.

Who should buy JBL Tune 760NC Wireless?

The JBL Tune 760NC Wireless headphones are perfect for individuals who value high-quality audio and desire a stylish and comfortable listening experience. Whether you are a music lover, frequent traveler, or professional, these headphones cater to a wide range of users. The active noise cancellation feature makes them particularly suitable for those who want to block out external noise during long flights or commutes. With their competitive pricing and impressive performance, the JBL Tune 760NC Wireless headphones are a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable and feature-packed wireless headphone option.

5. Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless

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Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless is a premium wireless headphone option that offers impressive sound quality and a comfortable design. With an adjustable headband and plush memory foam ear cups, these headphones provide a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. The active noise-canceling feature allows for a more immersive audio experience by blocking out unwanted background noise.

In terms of performance, the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless headphones deliver exceptional audio quality with rich, well-balanced sound. The hybrid active noise-canceling technology effectively reduces external distractions, allowing you to focus on your music or calls. The headphones also support high-resolution audio playback, providing a more detailed and immersive listening experience. The intuitive touch controls on the ear cups make it easy to navigate through your music and adjust volume. The foldable design and long battery life make them ideal for travel and daily use.

Who should buy Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless?

These headphones are suitable for anyone who values high-quality sound and wants the convenience of wireless connectivity. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or someone who needs to make important calls on the go, the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless headphones have you covered. The comfortable fit and advanced features make them a great choice for both leisure and professional use.

6. Sony MDR-7506

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The Sony MDR-7506 is a professional-grade headphone that has stood the test of time. With its unchanged design since the 1990s, it exudes a charming retro aesthetic with its utilitarian plastic and vinyl construction. The package includes the headphones and an adapter for the 3.5mm jack. Priced at a reasonable range, organizations in need of reliable headphones and enthusiast producers will find great value in the MDR-7506.

When it comes to performance, design, and features, the Sony MDR-7506 delivers. These headphones offer a well-balanced, precise sound that is highly regarded by audio professionals. They are lightweight and comfortable, making them suitable for extended use. The accurate frequency response across the spectrum ensures an accurate representation of audio, making them ideal for musicians, audio engineers, and music enthusiasts alike.

Who should buy Sony MDR-7506?

The Sony MDR-7506 is a versatile headphone suitable for a range of users. Its durability, comfort, and fantastic sound quality make it an excellent choice for recording sessions and music students. Whether you are a professional in need of reliable headphones or an avid music listener, the MDR-7506 is a solid investment that will last for years.

7. Philips SHP9500

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The Philips SHP9500 is a high-quality pair of over-ear headphones known for their excellent sound performance and comfort. Priced affordably, these headphones offer great value for the price. The design features a utilitarian matte black color scheme with a metal frame, giving them a premium look. The large ear cups and well-padded headband ensure a comfortable fit, although the ear cup padding may feel slightly cheap compared to the rest of the build quality.

In terms of performance, the SHP9500 delivers impressive audio quality with a neutral and treble-focused tuning. The soundstage feels spacious, and the headphones offer satisfying imaging and detail retrieval. They are easy to drive and responsive to EQ adjustments. However, some users have mentioned that the cable could be better, and there may be a slight sibilance issue. The headphones also lack substantial sub-bass, but overall, they provide a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.

Who should buy Philips SHP9500?

The Philips SHP9500 is recommended for individuals who are setting up a personal, at-home studio and need quality sound for creating music soundtracks. They are not designed for portable use and may not be suitable for using while on the go due to sound leakage. However, for home studio use, these headphones offer great sound quality, affordability, and comfort.

You may also like: 7 Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100

Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 Buying Guide for 2023

When it comes to over-ear headphones, they offer superior comfort and sound quality compared to other types like in-ear or on-ear headphones. If you’re on a budget and looking for the best over-ear headphones under $100, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Over-Ear Headphones

Sound Quality

One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing over-ear headphones is their sound quality. Look for headphones that deliver clear, balanced, and accurate audio reproduction across different frequencies. A good frequency response range and low distortion are indicators of high-quality sound.

Comfort and Fit

Since over-ear headphones cover your entire ears, it’s essential to ensure they are comfortable to wear for extended periods. Look for headphones with adjustable headbands, plush ear cushions, and lightweight designs. The fit should be snug but not too tight, providing a comfortable listening experience without causing discomfort.

Durability

Investing in durable over-ear headphones is important to ensure they last long and withstand daily wear and tear. Look for headphones made from sturdy materials like metal or high-quality plastics. Reinforced cables and hinges add to their longevity, making them suitable for regular use.

Wired vs Wireless

Over-ear headphones come in both wired and wireless options. Wired headphones offer a reliable connection and don’t require battery charging. On the other hand, wireless headphones provide freedom of movement and convenience, but they need to be charged regularly. Consider your preferences and usage scenarios when deciding between the two.

Noise Isolation

If you want to enjoy your music without external distractions, consider over-ear headphones with good noise isolation. Closed-back designs and thick padding can help in blocking out ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your audio content.

Top Features to Look for in Over-Ear Headphones

Frequency Response

The frequency response of headphones indicates the range of frequencies they can reproduce. Look for headphones with a wide frequency response range (20Hz – 20kHz is ideal) to ensure they can reproduce low and high-frequency sounds accurately.

Impedance

Impedance measures how much power is needed to drive the headphones. For portable devices like smartphones or tablets, headphones with low impedance (16-32 Ohms) are suitable. Higher impedance headphones (32-100 Ohms) may require a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal performance.

Driver Size

The size of the drivers inside the headphones directly affects their sound quality and performance. Larger drivers generally offer better bass response and overall audio reproduction. Look for headphones with driver sizes around 40mm for a balanced sound.

Connectivity Options

If you opt for wireless headphones, consider the available connectivity options. Look for headphones with Bluetooth compatibility and support for multiple devices. Some headphones also offer wired connections as an alternative, providing flexibility for different situations.

Battery Life (for wireless headphones)

If you choose wireless headphones, battery life is an important consideration. Look for headphones that offer a long-lasting battery, preferably with quick charging capabilities. This ensures you can enjoy your music or other audio content without frequent interruptions.

Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 FAQ

Conclusion

Finding the perfect over-ear headphones under $100 might seem like a tough choice given the multitude of options out there. But don’t worry, I’m here to help! Just keep in mind a few things: sound quality, comfort, durability, and your own preferences. Taking these factors into account will guide you towards an informed decision. It’s always a good idea to read reviews, compare features, and if you can, give the headphones a try. Rest assured, with the right pick, you’ll be able to experience top-notch audio without emptying your wallet.