Best Headphones Under $100 (2026) – Full In-Depth Review

If you’ve been hunting for a pair of decent cans without emptying your wallet, you already know the struggle. I’ve been there – scrolling through endless listings, reading conflicting reviews, wondering if those “70% off” tags are actually hiding cheap plastic toys. Over the past few years I’ve tested more budget headphones than I care to count, and honestly? The market has changed. You no longer need to spend $200+ to get clean sound, solid noise cancellation, and build quality that won’t fall apart after three months.

I spent the last six weeks wearing, commuting with, and even sleeping next to (accidentally) some of the most hyped models under $100. I tested them in the US, asked a friend in Toronto to try them out, and even shipped a couple to my cousin in London to get a real UK/EU perspective. Let’s break down the absolute best headphones under $100 that actually deliver in 2026.

How I Tested – And Why My Opinion Might Differ From YouTube

Before we dive into each model, let me explain my testing philosophy. I don’t use frequency graphs alone – graphs don’t tell you if the headband squeezes your skull after an hour. I wore every single pair for at least three full days of mixed use: morning commutes (bus + train), office noise (open plan chatter), gym sessions, and late‑night couch listening. I also made phone calls in windy parks and noisy streets. I wanted to know which ones actually work for real life, not just for a quiet listening room. My focus was on five things: sound clarity, comfort, noise isolation/ANC, microphone quality, and overall durability.

1. Soundcore Space One – The All‑Round Champion

Price: Usually $89 – $99 (often on sale)
Best for: Commuters, office workers, and anyone who wants premium features without the premium price.

I’ll be honest – I went into testing the Soundcore Space One expecting decent specs but “meh” execution. I came out a believer. These are the headphones I now recommend to friends and family who ask, “What should I buy under a hundred bucks?”

Sound Quality: Out of the box, the Space One has a warm, slightly V‑shaped signature – meaning you get punchy bass and clear treble without drowning out the mids. Vocals on podcasts like “The Daily” sounded natural, not boxy. But the real magic is in the companion app. You can run a HearID test – it plays tones into your ears and builds a personal EQ curve. I was skeptical (it felt like a hearing test), but after applying the profile, instruments felt more separated, and the soundstage opened up noticeably. For rock and jazz fans, this is huge.

Noise Cancellation: Let’s talk about the ANC. These use adaptive active noise cancellation, and while they don’t kill jet engine roar like $400 Sony XM5s, they do an incredible job on bus rumble and office chatter. On my morning commute, the low‑frequency hum of the engine almost vanished. High‑pitched noises (like a kid screaming two rows away) are muffled but still audible – that’s normal at this price. There’s also a transparency mode that sounds natural enough to hear announcements without removing the headphones.

Comfort & Build: The Space One uses soft memory foam earpads covered in a protein leather that doesn’t feel sticky. I wore them for a four‑hour flight and forgot I had them on. The headband has enough padding, and the adjustment slider feels sturdy – not wobbly like some cheap plastic models. They fold flat into the included hard shell case, which is a nice bonus at this price.

Call Quality: This is where budget headphones usually stumble. But the Space One’s six microphones (yes, six) do a solid job. I took a call near a construction site, and the person on the other end said I sounded slightly distant but perfectly understandable. Wind noise reduction is decent – not perfect, but good enough for casual calls.

Verdict: If you buy only one pair from this list, make it the Soundcore Space One. It’s the complete package: great sound, effective ANC, comfy fit, and a useful app. It’s the best over‑ear headphones under $100 right now.

2. Sony WH‑CH720N – Lightweight Sony Sound With Decent ANC

Price: $98 – $108 (sometimes dips under $90 during sales)
Best for: Android users, people who prioritize lightweight comfort, Sony fans on a budget.

When Sony released the WH‑CH720N, they took the noise cancellation processor from their high‑end 1000X series and shoved it into a budget body. That sounds like a dream, but there are trade‑offs – and you need to know them before buying.

Sound Quality: The sound signature is classic Sony – clean, detailed, with a slight emphasis on clarity over bass punch. The Integrated Processor V1 (same as in the XM5) handles digital sound processing well. You get support for Sony’s DSEE upscaling, which tries to restore lost details in compressed MP3s. Does it work? Kinda – it makes low‑bitrate Spotify streams sound slightly smoother. For Android users, these support LDAC, which means high‑resolution wireless audio if your phone supports it. On Tidal Masters, I noticed extra detail in cymbals and background instruments.

Noise Cancellation: Here’s where the processor shines. The ANC on the CH720N is better than you’d expect at this weight. It cancels out consistent droning sounds (like airplane engines or AC units) almost as well as the Space One. Sudden noises (like a dog bark) still sneak through, but that’s true for most under‑$100 ANC headphones. The only downside: there’s no automatic wind reduction, so if you walk in gusty conditions, you might hear micro‑phonics.

Comfort & Build: These are the lightest headphones on this list – only 192 grams. You genuinely forget they’re there. However, the plastic feels cheaper than the Soundcore. It’s matte and smooth, but if you squeeze the headband, it flexes a lot. I’m not worried about snapping them, but they don’t feel premium. The earpads are shallower than the Space One’s, so if you have larger ears, they might touch the driver mesh after a couple of hours.

Call Quality: Average. The microphones pick up your voice clearly indoors, but outdoors they struggle with wind. My friend in London said I sounded “underwater” when I called from a breezy park. Not terrible, but not great for frequent outdoor calls.

Verdict: The Sony WH‑CH720N is for the person who wants Sony sound and LDAC in the lightest possible package. Just be prepared for the plasticky build and average mics. It’s still one of the best budget noise‑cancelling headphones under $100 if sound clarity is your priority.

3. Earfun Wave Pro – Ridiculous Battery Life and Big Sound

Price: $70 – $80
Best for: Travelers, forgetful chargers, bass lovers who want LDAC.

Earfun has been quietly dominating the budget audio space, and the Wave Pro is their statement product. When they say “up to 100 hours of playtime,” they’re not exaggerating. I charged these once, used them for two weeks of mixed listening (about 5–6 hours daily), and they still had 40% left. That’s insane.

Sound Quality: The Wave Pro supports LDAC, which is a massive win at this price. With a compatible Android phone, streaming high‑res tracks from Qobuz sounded dynamic and spacious. The default tuning is slightly bass‑forward – enough to make EDM and hip‑hop feel energetic, but not so much that it muddies the mids. If you prefer a neutral sound, you can tweak EQ in the app. Soundstage is wider than the Sony’s, thanks to the 40mm dynamic drivers.

Noise Cancellation: Rated at 45dB depth, which is technically higher than the Sony. In real use, it’s excellent for low‑frequency noise – buses, trains, office HVAC. But I noticed it lets a bit more mid‑range chatter through compared to the Soundcore. That said, at 70–80 bucks, it’s still top‑tier ANC. There’s also a transparency mode, though it sounds slightly artificial (like you’re hearing the world through a microphone).

Comfort & Build: These are bulkier than the Sony but still comfortable. The earpads are plush memory foam covered in soft protein leather. My ears (average size) fit completely inside. The headband has good padding, but the overall weight (around 260g) is noticeable after 3+ hours – not uncomfortable, just present. They fold flat and come with a thick travel pouch, though a hard case would have been nicer.

Call Quality: Decent, with AI noise reduction for the mic. My voice came through clearly in moderate wind, but in heavy city traffic, the other party heard some background roar. Good enough for work calls at home, not perfect for street interviews.

Verdict: The Earfun Wave Pro is the battery king. If you travel a lot or hate charging, get these. The sound quality is fantastic for the price, and LDAC support is the cherry on top. They’re easily among the best wireless headphones under $100 for bass lovers and frequent flyers.

4. Baseus Inspire XH1 – Tuned by Bose for Warmth and Clarity

Price: $55 – $70
Best for: Warmth seekers, fans of Bose sound, budget‑conscious buyers who want a hard case.

Baseus partnered with Bose to tune these headphones, and honestly? You can hear it. The Inspire XH1 has that signature Bose warmth – smooth mids, non‑fatiguing highs, and a relaxed bass that doesn’t boom. It’s a different flavor from the V‑shaped Soundcore and Earfun.

Sound Quality: If you’re into vocals, acoustic music, or podcasts, these are a treat. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman sounded intimate and real – the guitar strings had texture, and her voice felt present in the room. The downside? For heavy bass genres like trap or EDM, they lack punch. You can EQ them in the app, but the physical drivers are tuned for balance, not thump. If you want fatigue‑free listening for hours, this is your pair.

Noise Cancellation: Surprisingly effective for the price. It cuts out the usual low‑end rumble and even reduces some office chatter. It’s not as deep as the Sony or Soundcore, but considering these often dip below $60, it’s impressive. There’s a transparency mode, but it sounds a bit hollow.

Comfort & Build: The headband is padded well, and the earcups rotate flat. They also include a semi‑hard zippered case – a rare inclusion at this price. The plastic feels decent, though the swivel mechanism has a slight wobble. I’ve had them for months with no issues, but don’t toss them around carelessly. The earpads are breathable enough for long sessions.

Call Quality: Average. Indoors, fine. Outdoors, wind noise creeps in. The mics aren’t as sophisticated as the Soundcore’s array.

Verdict: The Baseus Inspire XH1 is the best‑sounding budget headphones under $100 for acoustic and vocal lovers. The Bose tuning is real, and the price is absurdly low. If you prioritize warmth over bass, grab these.

5. CMF by Nothing Headphone Pro – Style, Bass Slider, and Swappable Cushions

Price: $85 – $95
Best for: Trend‑conscious listeners, tinkerers, bass heads who want physical control.

Nothing’s sub‑brand CMF brought something genuinely new to the budget segment: a physical bass adjustment dial and interchangeable ear cushions. It sounds gimmicky, but after testing, I’m convinced it’s useful.

Sound Quality: The default tuning is energetic and fun, with a bass boost that you can literally dial up or down. Turn the knob fully clockwise, and you get a subwoofer‑like thump that rattles your ears (in a fun way). Turn it down, and the sound becomes more neutral. This physical control is rare and lets you adjust on the fly without digging into an app. LDAC support is included, so high‑res streaming sounds detailed. Mids and highs are clear, though slightly overshadowed when the bass slider is maxed.

Noise Cancellation: Solid, on par with the Earfun Wave Pro. It handles engine drone well and cuts out a decent amount of office noise. The transparency mode is clear and natural – one of the better ones in this price bracket.

Comfort & Build: The design is minimalist and cool, with a matte finish and a unique texture on the earcups. The best part? You can buy different color ear cushions and swap them easily – a fun way to personalize them. Comfort is good for 2–3 hours, though the clamping force is slightly tighter than the Sony’s. They fold flat, but no hard case is included.

Call Quality: Average to good indoors, but outdoors the mics pick up wind. The bass slider doesn’t affect calls, thankfully.

Verdict: The CMF Headphone Pro is for the person who wants a unique, customizable look and physical bass control. Sound quality is great, and LDAC is a bonus. They’re one of the most affordable LDAC headphones under $100 with a style twist.

Budget Headphones Under $50 – Are They Worth It?

I also tested a couple of sub‑$50 models (like the Soundcore Life Q20 and Anker A30i) to see if you can go cheaper. Short answer: yes, but with compromises. The Life Q20 has decent bass but muddy mids, and the ANC is weak. Build quality feels cheaper, and the mic is barely usable for calls. If you absolutely can’t stretch to $70–$100, they’ll do. But if you save up a little more, the five models above offer massively better sound, comfort, and features.

How to Choose – Quick Decision Guide

Best overall: Soundcore Space One – best balance of everything.
Lightest with great ANC: Sony WH‑CH720N – for Sony fans and Android LDAC lovers.
Battery monster: Earfun Wave Pro – 100 hours, LDAC, bass‑forward.
Best for vocals/acoustic: Baseus Inspire XH1 – warm Bose tuning, cheap.
Coolest design with bass dial: CMF Headphone Pro – unique, customizable, LDAC.

Final Thoughts – You Don’t Need to Spend More

After weeks of testing, I’m convinced that the best headphones under $100 in 2026 are genuinely good – not just “good for the price.” The Soundcore Space One sits at the top because it does everything well. But depending on your priorities (battery, weight, sound signature), any of the five will make you happy. Skip the overpriced “luxury” brands if you’re on a budget – these cans prove you can have premium features without the premium price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get good noise cancelling under $100?

Yes. The Soundcore Space One and Sony CH720N both offer effective ANC that handles commuting noise well. They won’t silence a plane completely, but they’re more than enough for daily use.

Are cheap headphones durable?

Generally, yes, if you buy from reputable brands. Soundcore, Earfun, and Sony use decent plastics. Avoid no‑name brands with 90% off flash sales.

Do these work with iPhones?

All of them work via Bluetooth with iPhones. However, iPhones don’t support LDAC, so the Sony and Earfun will use AAC, which still sounds great.

Which has the best microphone for calls?

The Soundcore Space One, thanks to its six‑mic array. It handles wind better than the others.

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