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The Best Headphones Under $100

Updated April 2026·Experts: nytimes, RTINGS, PCMag

Best Overall Wireless Earbuds

EarFun Air Pro 4

$50-$80

If you want one pair of earbuds under $100 that does everything well, the EarFun Air Pro 4 is it, the ANC performance at this price is genuinely shocking.

What holds up

  • Noise cancellation rivals earbuds costing 2x the price
  • Dual-device Bluetooth connectivity for seamless switching
  • AuraCast compatibility for future-proofing
  • Compact charging case and lightweight design

What to know

  • True wireless earbuds may not suit those who prefer over-ear comfort
  • Lesser-known brand compared to Sony or Bose
  • Limited long-term user ownership data vs. established brands
What people say
The EarFun Air Pro 4 true wireless earbuds pack great sound, excellent noise cancellation, and features like dual-device Bluetooth connectivity and AuraCast compatibility into a conveniently tiny package, all for under $100.
Wirecutter
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Best Over-Ear

Soundcore Space One

$50-$80

The Space One is the over-ear headphone to beat under $100, Wirecutter and RTINGS both land on it, which almost never happens at this price point.

What holds up

  • Comfortable fit for extended wear sessions
  • Long battery life outperforms most competitors in class
  • Good overall sound quality for the price
  • Solid build quality for a budget headphone

What to know

  • Sound quality doesn't match premium ANC headphones from Sony or Bose
  • ANC performance is decent but not class-leading
  • Plastic build feels budget-tier up close
What people say
This affordable pair of over-ear headphones sounds good, is comfortable to wear, and has a long battery life.
Wirecutter
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Best Budget ANC Over-Ear

Anker Soundcore Life Q30

$40-$70

RTINGS tested hundreds of headphones and landed on the Q30 as their top over-ear pick under $100, that kind of rigorous lab testing carries real weight for ANC performance claims.

What holds up

  • Lightweight and well-built for the price
  • Active noise cancellation for commuting and focus
  • Wireless Bluetooth with solid range
  • Anker's reputation for reliable budget audio gear

What to know

  • Sound signature may be too bass-heavy for audiophiles
  • Microphone quality is average for calls
  • Comfort can degrade on longer listening sessions
What people say
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.
RTINGS.com
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Best for Gaming

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

$70-$100

85 hours of battery life in a gaming headset under $100 is almost absurd, Turtle Beach has been making gaming headsets forever and the Stealth 600 Gen 3 is their best budget effort yet.

What holds up

  • Exceptional 85-hour battery life, best in class at this price
  • Comfortable over-ear design for long gaming sessions
  • Wireless connectivity for tangle-free gaming
  • RTINGS top pick after rigorous testing

What to know

  • Designed primarily for gaming, not ideal for music listening
  • Microphone quality is functional but not studio-grade
  • Bulkier design not suited for commuting or travel
What people say
The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 (Gen 3) is the best gaming headset under $100 we've tested. These comfortable over-ears last an amazing 85
RTINGS.com
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Best True Wireless ValueNothing Ear (a)

Nothing Ear (a)

$50-$80

Nothing Ear (a) is the rare budget earbud that looks premium, if you're tired of boring black earbuds and want something that turns heads without paying AirPods prices, this is your pick.

What holds up

  • Distinctive transparent design stands out from generic budget earbuds
  • Respectable noise cancellation for the price
  • Bass-leaning audio that suits pop, hip-hop, and electronic music
  • Competitive pricing against similarly spec'd rivals

What to know

  • Bass-heavy tuning won't satisfy neutral or analytical listeners
  • Nothing app ecosystem is less mature than Sony or Jabra
  • Call quality is average compared to pricier options
What people say
The Nothing Ear (a) true wireless earphones offer a striking design, respectable noise cancellation, and bass-leaning audio for an affordable price.
PCMag
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