The 6 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 - Winter 2021 Reviews

The best over-ear headphones under $100 for casual use that we've tested are the Mixcder E9 Wireless. These comfortable over-ears have a decently versatile overall performance that can please many different listeners. They're decently well-built and comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling a lot of fatigue.

They have a very neutral, balanced sound profile that's suitable for lots of different audio content, though they may also sound a bit dark or dull. Thanks to their ANC feature, they have good noise isolation, making them a solid choice for listening to music during your commute or while working in a noisy office. Also, they last for over eighteen hours off of a single charge, so you don't have to worry about recharging them regularly.

Unfortunately, these headphones don't offer any sound customization features, so you can't tweak their sound to your liking. Also, like many models in this price range, their overall build is a bit plasticky and doesn't feel the most durable. However, if you're looking for a solid pair of noise cancelling headphones for casual use, they're a solid choice.

The best over-ear headphones under $100 for audiophiles we've tested are the Philips SHP9500. They offer a well-balanced, 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, even by the standards of other open-back headphones. 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 that we've tested are the Logitech G533. These wireless gaming over-ears are comfortable enough to wear throughout long gaming sessions and feel fairly well-built. They last about 17 hours on a single charge and function via a proprietary USB dongle that allows for low latency wireless audio.

Out-of-the-box, they have a slightly bass-heavy sound profile that should add extra emphasis to sound effects in more action-heavy games without totally overwhelming in-game dialogue or music. That said, if you're not a fan of their default sound profile, you can customize it via a graphic EQ in Logitech's G HUB companion software, which also grants you access to mic volume adjustment, surround sound options, and control remapping for the headphones' multi-function button. Meanwhile, their boom microphone delivers decent recording quality and does a great job of isolating speech from background noise.

Unfortunately, they aren't Bluetooth-compatible and don't offer any sort of wired support, so they can't be used with Xbox One consoles. They also leak a lot of audio and let in quite a bit of background noise, so they aren't the best choice for using in a crowded environment. Issues aside, these are a great option if you're looking for a highly customizable pair of gaming headphones for a relatively low price.