The 4 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 - Spring 2025

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 if you're looking for all-around casual use. They have a comfortable fit and have about 44 hours of continuous battery life to get you through long flights or a few days at work. Their ANC system can be set to different modes to target different types of noise. Using 'Transport' mode, they have outstanding noise isolation that does a good job blocking out rumbling engines and background chit-chat, making them the best ANC headphones on this list.

Out of the box, their V-shaped sound profile brings out the thump, rumble, and boom in your audio, while voices and lead instruments are bright. This sound is well-suited for genres like rock and pop and can be adjusted with a graphic EQ and presets in the headphones' companion app. Unfortunately, the ANC affects the headphones' sound signature, and when the ANC is off, audio can sound boomy and hollow. The headphones also leak quite a bit of sound, so if you're listening to music at the office, people nearby might hear it. If you work in a quiet place, you might prefer the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones Wireless. They leak much less audio but have a shorter battery life and weaker ANC performance.

The best over-ear Bluetooth headphones under $100 for calls that we've tested are the JBL Tune 760NC. These headphones fluctuate in price, but if you can find them for under $100, they offer a better microphone performance than the other options listed here. The integrated mic makes your voice clear and natural and does a decent job of separating it from ambient sound, so distractions like traffic outside your window or a humming A/C unit won't disrupt calls very much. Their onboard controls allow you to answer and end calls without pulling out your phone. Unfortunately, their ANC feature doesn't have the best performance, so if you work in a busy office, you might prefer the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, our top pick. They have a comfortable design but can feel tight, especially if you have a large head.

The 760NC have a long continuous battery life of more than 40 hours, which is more than enough to get you through several workdays without recharging. They also have a balanced sound profile, with a mid-range that ensures voices are detailed and clear. That said, they lack companion software and customization features. If those options are important to you, consider the JBL Tune 770NC. The 770NC function very similarly to the 760NC and have an app that lets you customize their sound with a graphic EQ and presets. Unfortunately, the 770NC's microphone is a touch worse than the 760NC's. Still, on the whole, these two pairs of headphones perform comparably.

If you're looking for headphones that deliver a solid wireless gaming experience at an affordable price, then the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless could be right up your alley. These comfortable headphones have a balanced default sound that's well-aligned with our target curve. A slight boost in the high-bass allows footsteps to be clearly discerned in your in-game mix, and these headphones have a reasonably wide soundstage that helps you immerse yourself in whatever you're playing. Their built-in mic also does a solid job of rendering your voice in a natural and detailed way, so you can stay in the loop with your teammates.

While they feature a low-latency performance using their wireless dongle, there's no option to use them wired. There's no ANC feature, so they're best used in a controlled environment like a dedicated gaming room. That's probably for the best anyway, as you can't detach the mic for a more casual look if you decide to wear them outside. Their 35 hours of battery life will be enough to get you through some serious marathon gaming sessions, too, without constantly reaching for the charging cable. If you're looking for a longer battery or want the option to use your headphones wired, check out the Razer BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed Wireless. They have over double the battery life and work via wired USB with PC and PlayStation, but the headphones aren't compatible with any Xbox consoles, which is a dealbreaker if you're on Team Green.

You can also check out our picks for the best budget and cheap gaming headsets for more inexpensive, gamer-centric headphone picks.

If you're looking for dedicated headphones for listening to music, look at the Philips SHP9500. These are the best audiophile headphones under $100 that we've tested, and unlike the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, they're wired and have an open-back design. As a result, they create a more spacious and immersive soundstage than closed-backs like the Anker. Of course, you lose out on the freedom wireless Bluetooth connections bring you.

These very comfortable over-ears have a well-balanced sound, ensuring vocals and instruments are clear and natural in mixes. They lack a little thump and rumble in the bass, but the mid and treble ranges are almost flat, vocals don't sound honky, and sibilants and cymbals aren't piercing. They're not designed to block out a lot of background noise, though. If you want headphones for music that block out a little more background sound and leak less audio, you might prefer the closed-back Sony MDR-7506. Although they're more pricy, their sound packs a bit more low-end thump, and they bleed less audio at high volumes. On the flip side, the Sony's soundstage feels less immersive, and they're not as comfortable.