The 6 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 - Winter 2022 Reviews

The best over-ear wireless headphones under $100 that we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. These lightweight Bluetooth headphones have a comfortable fit and a good build quality. Their ANC system blocks out an incredible amount of background noise, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines.

They support multi-device pairing, which is a bit unusual for headphones at this price, and they have a continuous battery life of roughly 44 hours, so you shouldn't need to recharge them every day. You can even use them to listen to audio passively if the battery dies. Their bass-heavy sound profile brings some extra thump and rumble to mixes, which fans of genres like EDM and hip-hop may like, but it can also be customized with a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app.

Unfortunately, their mic's recording quality is just okay and has a sub-par noise handling performance, so they may not be ideal for phone calls, especially outside quiet environments. They leak quite a bit of sound, so if you listen to your music at a high volume, it may bother people nearby. That said, they offer a good range of features, great app support, and outstanding noise isolation, making them the best over-ear Bluetooth headphones under $100 that we've tested.

The best over-ear headphones under $100 for audiophiles we've tested are the Philips SHP9500. They offer a well-balanced, and very neutral listening experience similar to that of more expensive alternatives, with an expansive passive soundstage that should allow you to immerse yourself in your music. They're also comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, with a lightweight design, spacious ear cups, and generous amounts of padding.

While they have a somewhat underemphasized low-bass response that robs some EDM and hip-hop tracks of thump and rumble, the majority of their sound profile is very well-balanced, with clear, detailed vocals and lead instruments as well as bright, present sibilants. They're decently well-built for the price, with a mostly dense plastic construction and detachable, replaceable audio cable.

Unfortunately, they leak quite a bit of audio. The fabric used to line their headband and ear cups also feels somewhat thin and fragile and could tear or show obvious signs of wear following prolonged use. Still, considering their expansive passive soundstage and well-balanced sound profile, these are a great choice for audiophiles on a relatively tight budget.

The best over-ear headphones under $100 for gaming we've tested are the Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset. These over-ears have low wireless latency, so your audio and visuals stay in sync. They also have roughly 17 hours of continuous battery life and have an auto-off timer to help conserve battery life when you're not using them.

They have a comfortable and well-built design. Their excited, v-shaped sound profile helps emphasize sound effects while dialogue and lead instruments are bright. That said, if you prefer a different sound, their companion software offers a graphic EQ to help you adjust their sound. Their boom mic also offers decent overall performance, and it captures your voice clearly, even in a moderately noisy environment.

Unfortunately, they don't block out much background noise, and they leak a lot of audio at high volumes, which could annoy others around you. They're also prone to inconsistencies in bass and treble delivery. You may need to adjust their fit each time you use them to get a more consistent sound. However, if you're looking for customizable gaming headphones, they're sure to please most users.