The 6 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 - Spring 2020
Reviews

The best over-ears under $100 we've tested so far are the Mixcder E9. They have a pretty solid design that looks and feels surprisingly high-end compared to other wireless headphones we've seen in this price range - they even come with a nice hard carrying case. Their controls are simple and easy-to-use, and they're quite comfortable too.

These headphones have a pretty good active noise cancelling feature, which can be helpful if you work in a busy office or commute to work everyday. Their fairly well-balanced sound lends itself well to most genres of popular music, and they have also have solid 18-hour battery life, so you can enjoy your favorite tracks all-day long.

While fans of EDM and hip-hop will appreciate their punchy bass, they lack a bit of detail in the treble range, so they're not ideal for brighter genres like classical or even some rock music. Their noise cancelling also isn't quite as good as that of other headphones under $100 we've tested, like the Anker SoundCore Space NC Wireless, but they provide better value for the price overall.

The best over-ear headphones under $100 for critical listening that we’ve tested so far are the Philips SHP9500. They’re very comfortable open-back headphones that feel reasonably well-made, especially for their price. They come with a detachable cable and have a simple, utilitarian aesthetic that works well overall.

They have a well-balanced, neutral sound with good bass, a nearly flawless mid-range, and great treble. Some may find they sound a bit bright, but those who like classical, jazz, or rock music may prefer this. They have a spacious soundstage and are comfortable enough to wear for hours, which is great.

Although they're balanced enough for most music genres, fans of EDM or hip-hop may find them lacking in thump and rumble due to their open-back design. The Superlux HD 681 have a semi-open design which can create a bit more bass, but they feel very cheaply made and aren’t as comfortable as the Philips. Although these headphones don’t feel as premium as some of the higher-end audiophile headphones out there, they feel better-built than the Superlux and are overall very good critical listening headphones for their price.

If you’re a PC or a PS4 gamer looking for the best over-ear headphones under $100 for gaming, then get the Logitech G533. They’re comfortable, well-built gaming headphones that utilize a USB dongle to provide a low-latency wireless experience.

These over-ears do very good job of reproducing video game soundtracks and effects accurately, which is important to a great gaming experience. These headphones are compatible with the Logitech G HUB, which provides numerous customizable features like an EQ, surround sound effects, and microphone settings. Their battery lasts for 17 hours of continuous playback and they have an auto-off timer that can be adjusted in the G HUB.

While a wireless design is great for gaming, it’s a bit disappointing they can’t be used wired. They have a decent microphone, but it doesn’t perform as well as that of the wired Logitech G433 Gaming Headset. They're also rather bulky and don’t feel like the sturdiest headphones. That said, they’re still a good choice for gamers who like to be able to customize their gaming headset and don’t mind a wireless-only design.