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

The best over-ear headphones under $100 that we've tested so far are the Mixcder E9 Wireless. They may not be the best in any particular aspect, but for such a low price, you're still getting a full-featured pair of headphones that still manages to perform decently. Even though they're mostly made of plastic, the overall build quality is acceptable, as the headband and hinges are reinforced with metal, giving them a very sturdy feel. If durability is a concern, there's a hard carrying case that's included in the box to keep them safe for transport.

When it comes to sound, budget wireless headphones have become increasingly better over time, and these headphones are no exception. They're somewhat bass-heavy, but they don't sound boomy in any way. The mids and the treble are a bit uneven and lack detail, but the overall sound signature is quite pleasing and should satisfy those who like bass-heavy music. Unfortunately, without any mobile companion app support, the sound can't be customized. Mixcder did manage to squeeze in active noise cancelling, though, and they're not bad. The ANC is able to block out noise across the entire frequency range, with only the mids slightly underperforming. This feature will cost a bit of battery life, however, but you'll still get over 18 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and they can be used while charging.

All-in-all, getting a decent pair of headphones at a low price is possible, and these definitely fit the bill. 

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 critical listening 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 are great-sounding over-ear headphones. They do a very good job of reproducing video game soundtracks and effects accurately, which is helpful especially if you enjoy multiplayer games. 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. 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.