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Best wireless headphones under $100 of 2021
Finding the best wireless headphones under $100 can be a difficult task - but it doesn't have to be! We've gone ahead and compiled a list of top-rated headphones that won't break the bank. So if you're looking for high-quality sound without high prices, this is your go-to guide.
We often use wireless headphones for noisy commutes and listening to music wirelessly at home. But here are some additional features to look for while purchasing Bluetooth headphones under $100.
- Battery Life
- Noise-Cancellation
- Design
Long battery life is important for any Bluetooth headphones. Otherwise, you'll be charging them frequently and they won't be the best option if they're not ready to go when you need them. Investing in a long-lasting pair of Bluetooth headphones will ensure that you stay connected longer and avoid inconvenient disruptions during meetings, video games, and music or podcast listening.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in your favorite album or the game you’re playing, noise-canceling headphones will be your choice. Look for a pair that blocks out low frequencies, like street traffic or office chatter. If you are looking to reduce ambient noise in your surroundings, look into active noise-cancelation technology. This uses microphones on each ear cup to pick up outside sounds and emit reverse waves through the speakers which cancel them out before they reach your ears!
Design is one of the major factors in choosing headphones, especially for those who like to work out at the gym or listen while they're commuting! Some wireless models come with convenient features such as sweat resistance so there's no need to worry about them getting damaged from perspiration during workouts. Others have ear hooks that fit securely around the ears so they won't fall off even when running or jogging outdoors. Choosing between over-ear or on-ear headphones really depends on your preference. If you want more noise cancellation and better sound quality, over-ear headphones are your best bet. On the other hand, if portability is most important to you then on-ear headphones will suit your needs perfectly!
Summary:
- Treblab Z2: Overall top pick
- Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT: Best for sound profile modifications
- Anker Soundcore Liberty Air: Best true wireless headset
- Jabra Move: Best for premium build and amazing sound
- Skullcandy Grind: Best for wireless and wired connection options
- TaoTronics BH040: Best for Active Noise cancelling technology
- BeatsX: Best for iOS
- Jaybird Tarah: Best for water resistance
If you’re looking for the best wireless headphones under 100 dollars, you probably decided to go wireless in the first place. However, it is still easy to get confused considering the variety of models on the market. Which one serves the best my lifestyle? Will I feel comfortable when the workout gets tougher and I start sweating? Should I opt for a complete noise isolation or I’d better hear surroundings?
Best
TREBLAB Z2
Best headphones under $100
Hyper-HD aptX Sound Quality
Our best wireless workout headphones come with Advanced Sound 2.0 Technology and aptX high-performance neodymium-backed 40mm speakers.
Ultra Premium Materials | Super Soft Ear Pads
They’re super-comfortable, made of high-end, ultra-soft materials that mold to the natural shape of your ear for a custom fit.
In this article, you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions and get a clear understanding of the characteristics to go after in wireless headsets with such price point. Also, the list provided in the piece, can give you an exact idea which one to buy. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Here’s a comparison table for you to have a complete grasp of the subject:
Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT
- Comfortable
- Swivel ear cups
- Lightweight
- Sennheiser CapTune app for sound profile adjustment
- Equalizer
- Up to 23 hours of battery life
- Uneasy controls
- No noise canceling
Best for sound profile modifications
- Active noise cancellation mode
- Fully immersive sound
- Adjustable ear cups
- Splash- and sweat-resistant
- 35H of listening time
- ANC feature results in a slight battery drain
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air
- Latest Bluetooth 5.0
- SBC and AAC audio codecs
- Up to 20 hours of playtime (if carrying the case)
- Basic controls on buds
- No volume control
- No higher level audio codecs (aptX, HD, LDAC)
Jabra Move
- Amazing Sound
- Lightweight
- Reliable materials
- 8-hour battery lifespan
- SBC audio codec
- Outdated Micro USB charging
Skullcandy Grind
- Cable options
- In-line remote for calls
- Excellent sound with deep bass
- 15-hour battery life
- Soft ear-cups
- Lightweight
- Not compact and portable
- No noise isolation
TaoTronics BH040
- ANC
- Decent sound
- 20-30 hours of battery life >
- A bit heavy
- Unclear calls
Jaybird Tarah
- IPX7 water-resistant
- Portable
- Companion MySound app
- Customizable sound
- Tight, snug fit
- Short battery life
- No noise cancelling
BeatsX
- Lightweight
- Ideal for iOS
- Fast Fuel charging
- 8 hours of playback
- Dominant bass
- Not favorable for Android
Treblab Z2: Overall top pick
Without overstating it, Treblab Z2 are totally worth the money. For some, these headphones are best for the detail-rich sound that generates a prodigious boost through 40mm drivers. For others, they are the only option to make it through the hurly-burly of activities or a nerve-racking din. Whatever type of people you belong to, the Z2 will catch your eye as they are way more than just wireless headphones with a mic under $100.
The most noteworthy things about Treblab Z2 revolve around audio quality and active noise cancellation. But there’s more to this pair. The Z2 fit so well that you can unintentionally get them mixed up with a pillow. Once on, the headphones make the most of the softness in the ear pads and rotating cups. You can’t help but admire it.
If you’re a globetrotter, gym geek, or just hate staying at home, you may also want to pamper yourself with Treblab Z2. They are splash-resistant and run for up to 35 hours until they need to be recharged. Admit it: you seldom come across the best over-ear wireless headphones under $100 like the Z2. That’s because truly exceptional things are exceptionally rare.
+ Pros:
- Active noise cancellation mode
- Fully immersive sound
- Adjustable ear cups
- Splash- and sweat-resistant
- 35H of listening time
- Cons:
- ANC feature results in a slight battery drain
Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT: Best for sound profile modifications
These are the best wireless over ear headphones under 100 dollars mainly thanks to their “sound” abilities. They have a restrained, sleek design and are quite comfortable. Because of being lightweight and having rotating ear-cups, they do not cause any head fatigue. In the meantime, the ear cups themselves might be small for large ears.
Their biggest asset is the ability to adjust sound profile with Sennheiser Captune app, which contains a variable Equalizer. That way, you can tailor the sound by your preferences - drive more bass or add more treble.
The Sennheiser HD feature Bluetooth 4.0, which provides unbreakable connection with the source. Its aptX audio codec also adds to a great sound reproduction from both iOS and Android devices. As for the battery life, the brand claims it provides up to 23 hours of playback.
+ Pros:
- Comfortable
- Swivel ear cups
- Lightweight
- Sennheiser Captune app for sound profile adjustment
- Equalizer
- Up to 23 hours of battery life
- Cons:
- Uneasy controls
- No noise canceling
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air: Best true wireless headset
Among budget wireless headphones, these ones come with a solid pack of features. Their sound is overemphasised in treble at high range, which becomes particularly clear when vocals and instruments are being played. The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air also apply SBC and AAC audio codecs, which are universal and work equally well for the audio streaming from both iOS and Android.
The headset features Bluetooth 5.0 - the latest version that allows even more seamless connection. They have primary controls, such as forward and back, play and pause. Unfortunately, there’s no volume control, which is not convenient, especially when you run.
As for the design, it is in-ear, which allows fixing the buds firmly in the ear. Moreover, they come with three sizes of ear-tips. Thus, anyone can find their perfect fit.
Fundamentally, this kind of headsets offer no more than 7 hours of battery life. The Anker headphones provide up to 5 hours on a single charge and extra 15 hours from the charging case. It is super portable so that one might consider that they actually all 20 hours ahead. But then the case is discharged, a user needs a Micro USB to charge it.
+ Pros:
- Latest Bluetooth 5.0
- SBC and AAC audio codecs
- Up to 20 hours of playtime (if carrying the case)
- Primary controls on buds
- Cons:
- Volume control
- No higher level audio codecs (i.e., aptX)
Jabra Move: Best for premium build and amazing sound
These might be boldly named the best wireless on ear headphones under 100 dollars thanks to a cheap price tag and meantime great design, reliable build, and many other features. The headset is made of aluminium and leather - enough solid build for feeling confident in them. They are also super lightweight and snug.
As for the battery life, they promise to last for up to 8 hours. The Jabra Move features SBC audio codec, which is unfavorable when it’s about Bluetooth latency. The sound is rich, with driving bass, clear mids and treble.
However, to charge them, a user needs a Micro USB cable. It is not that fine if their smartphone was bought within the last two years. Otherwise, a modern USB-C connector works well with such devices. Instead, one will need to go for another cable to charge the Jabra Move.
+ Pros:
- Amazing Sound
- Lightweight
- Reliable materials
- 8-hour battery lifespan
- Cons:
- SBC audio codec
- Outdated Micro USB charging
Skullcandy Grind: Best for wireless and wired connection options
They can be added to the list of the best wireless headphones under $100 thanks to different cable options, microphone, and in-line remote on one of the cables. Thus, you can use them wirelessly or wired. They are pretty comfortable due to a lightweight headband and soft ear cups.
The sound is excellent with deep bass. The battery life is about 15 hours. Their biggest asset is in-line remote allowing to make calls and play music even when the battery is dying.
However, if not in use for a long time, the battery is running out. That’s why there’s a need to turn them off manually. Unfortunately, they are not compact and portable, which is common for such type of headphones.
+ Pros:
- Cable options
- In-line remote for calls
- Excellent sound with deep bass
- 15-hour battery life
- Soft ear-cups
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- Not compact and portable
- No noise isolation
TaoTronics BH040: Best for Active Noise cancelling technology
Amongst the best over ear wireless headphones under $100, this pair stands out for sure thanks to the Active Noise Cancelling technology. It is designed to protect the listening experience of a user. ANC picks ambient noise and processes it in a way so that the listener does not hear anything and feels isolated. The headphones with ANC are ideal for flights and other crowded places. You’ll hear the buzz when passing by the construction site but the noise will be significantly reduced.
The sound is detailed and pleasant, with strong bass and clear mids. However, they are quite heavy so that they might not be good for traveling. After an hour of using, there’s been some pressure noticed over the head. Additionally, calls seem a little bit far away.
As for the battery lifespan, you can expect 20-30 hours. The number of hours always depend at what volume you listen to music. Another advantage of the TaoTronics BH040 is the multipoint connection - the ability to connect to a few devices at the same time.
+ Pros:
- ANC
- Decent sound
- 20-30 hours of battery life
- Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Unclear calls
BeatsX: Best for iOS
This pair falls under the best wireless headphones 2019 under $100 because of remaining a best seller with such an affordable price tag. Lightweight, they have a minimalist, in-ear design.
They feature Apple’s W1 chip - just like the first gen AirPods. So, they pair in seconds with iOS devices and maintain an unbreakable connectivity to let users enjoy high-quality calls and audio streaming.
The battery life is about 8 hours with a 5-min Fast Fuel charging providing extra 2 hours of playtime. The sound is needs to be more detailed since intense low might howl down vocals and instruments. However, bass-related genres sound awesome in these headphones. If you’re after classical music and looking for an extended sound profile, this pair is definitely not an option.
+ Pros:
- Lightweight
- Ideal for iOS
- Fast Fuel charging
- 8 hours of playback
- Cons:
- Dominant bass
- Not favorable for Android
Jaybird Tarah: Best for water resistance
These wireless sport headphones under $100 is a perfect choice for those who run outside or whose workouts are intense. They feature IPX7 water resistance rating, which means they withstand heavy jets of water. This headset is also super portable and while on break between exercises, a user might wear them around the neck.
The audio reproduction is quite neutral until you link them with a companion MySound app. It enables a variable EQ and the bunch of community presets. So, you can choose the desired sound profile.
On the flip side, the battery lasts for 6 hours. So, after using them for the whole day, make sure you charged them before the gym. However, they feature an auto-off timer to save power, when not in use. The headset also provides a tight, snug fit and stays firm in the ears even during tough workouts.
+ Pros:
- IPX7 water-resistant
- Portable
- Companion MySound app
- Customizable sound
- Tight, snug fit
- Cons:
- Short battery life
- No noise cancelling
Conclusion
Before making any choice, make sure you do know your needs and wants. Each of these models stand out for some particular characteristics that might influence your preference. For example, the Sennheiser HD are super light for comfy workouts, Jabra Move will serve for long thanks to a robust build, whereas Jaybird Tarah has MySound app to customize the sound. However, you can treat yourself to a wireless pair that blends it all – Treblab Z2. Its price is out of proportion to its features, but it’s still a reality.
You might be interested in:
Treblab xFIT vs Samsung Gear Iconx vs Apple AirPods - our detailed comparison.
FAQ
What are the best wireless headphones under 100?
If you're looking for a great pair of headphones that won't break the bank, check out the Treblab Z2 headphones. They offer incredible sound quality and features for under $100, and they're perfect for people who want to get the most out of their music.
The Treblab Z2 headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, so you can easily stream your music from any compatible device. They also come with a built-in microphone, so you can take calls without having to fumble with your phone. And best of all, they provide up to 35 hours of continuous playback on a single charge!
What is the very best behind-the-neck headphones under 100?
There are a lot of great headphones on the market these days, but when it comes to finding the best ones for working out, I think the behind-the-neck style is really hard to beat. They're secure and snug so they won't fall off during your most intense workouts, and they stay hidden so you don't have to worry about them bouncing around or getting in the way.
I've tried a lot of different models over the years, and my personal favorite are the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds 2 Wireless headphones. They're lightweight and durable, and they sound great too. Plus, they come in a variety of colors so you can pick the one that best matches your style.
What are the best headphones for music under 100?
We would recommend the Audio-Technica ATH-M40X headphones. They are a great value for the price, and they deliver great sound quality. The ATH-M40X headphones have been praised by many audio professionals and critics as being some of the best headphones under 100 dollars. They provide accurate sound reproduction, and they are designed to be comfortable for long listening sessions.
What are the best JBL headphones under 100?
JBL Live 460NC is the best JBL headphones under 100 because they offer great sound quality, noise cancellation and comfort. They are perfect for everyday use and long listening sessions.
The headphones feature ear-cup mounted controls that let you manage your music without ever having to take your phone out of your pocket. They also come with a built-in microphone so you can take calls without having to fumble with your phone. The JBL Live 460NC Wireless are the perfect headphones for anyone looking for great sound quality and noise cancellation at an affordable price.
What is the best noise-canceling headphones for under 100?
We would recommend the Treblab Z2 headphones. They are affordable and have great noise-canceling capabilities.
The headphones feature Active Noise Canceling (ANC) technology that eliminates outside distractions and allows you to focus on your music. They also include a built-in microphone that allows you to take calls without having to remove the headphones. And, best of all, they come with a travel case for easy portability.
Which headphones are the best for multi-platform under 100?
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 headphones are the best for multi-platform under 100 because they're lightweight and durable, with a clear and balanced sound. They're also comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, making them perfect for gaming or watching movies.
What is the best open-back headphones under 100?
The best open-back headphones under 100 would have to be the Sennheiser HD 800 S. They are an update to the classic HD 800, which were some of the most popular open back headphones on the market.
The HD 800 S offer a number of improvements over the original model. They have a more comfortable design, with memory foam ear pads that make them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They also sound better, with a wider frequency response and improved clarity.
Finally, they are also more affordable than the original HD 800, coming in at under $100. If you're looking for some of the best open-back headphones on the market, then the Sennheiser HD 800 S are definitely a great choice.
What is the best over-the-ear wired headphones for under 100 dollars?
The best over-the-ear wired headphones for under 100 dollars are the Phillips SHP9500. They provide great sound quality and are very comfortable to wear. They also come with a variety of different features, such as noise-canceling and a built-in mic, that make them perfect for use in both personal and professional settings.
Are headphones under $100 any good?
Headphones under $100 can compete with headsets of the higher price tag. The pack of features doesn’t particularly suggest breaking the bank account of the user. The cost is defined by the brand, integrated latest innovations, the distribution company and so on. Over the years, the market saw multiple decent brands arising and providing competitive products to the customers.
Do headphones under $100 have Bluetooth?
If you decide to go wireless, you can find Bluetooth headphones under $100. Herewith, wireless models might include wired connection with the source. There are also only wired options coming with Micro USB cable or Type-C connector.
Which Bluetooth profiles are supported?
Usually, wireless headphones support Bluetooth versions from 4.0 to 5.0. The quality of the connection differs respectively.
What is the maximum communication range of the Bluetooth connection?
The maximum signal range is 328 feet or 100 meters. However, the most popular signal range of Bluetooth headphones is 33 feet or 10 meters.
Do headphones under $100 have noise-canceling?
Headphones under $100 might and might not feature noise-canceling technology. The latter differs by the type of noise processing: passive noise isolation, active noise canceling, and hybrid type of noise reduction.
Do these earbuds come with a case?
Best wireless earbuds come with a charging case. Usually, it is very portable, which allows charging the buds and prolong the battery life on the move.
Can wireless headphones do multiple device pairing?
Wireless headphones might feature multipoint connection. It means that the headset can save up to 7 devices but be connected to two devices at a time.
