The best headphones under $100 in 2024 offer affordable sound for back-to-school
Headphones and earbuds can be pricey purchases. But here's a secret: you don't need to spend an entire paycheck on a pair that serves up crisp audio and a host of fantastic features. Whether you're gearing up your kids to go back to school in style or you're outfitting yourself with some new tech, you've got plenty of options for affordable headphones. We've curated some of the best headphones under $100 here for you to shop.
Surprisingly, many budget-friendly earbuds and headphones come with some of the same features usually found in high-end models, including active noise cancellation to block out the world when it's time to study or waterproof options for wearing at the gym or football practice. There are even some that we'd recommend specifically for phone calls, because your favorite student needs to keep in touch throughout the school year.
Whether you or your student need new headphones for online classes, studying accompanied by your favorite music, catching up on podcasts or audiobooks or staying motivated between lectures, you can find great sound quality without breaking the bank. Check out our top picks for the best headphones and wireless earbuds under $100 to start the school year off right.
What are the best headphones under $100?
- Best overall headphones under $100: Soundcore by Anker Life Q30
- Best noise-canceling headphones under $100: EarFun Wave Pro
- Best earbuds under $100: Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
- Best workout headphones under $100: Treblab Z2
- Best workout earbuds under $100: Soundcore C30i
- Best headphones for calls under $100: JBL Tune Flex
- Best headphones for kids under $100: Puro Sound Labs JuniorJam Plus
- Best gaming headset under $100: Logitech G535 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset
Best overall headphones under $100: Soundcore by Anker Life Q30
If you're not familiar with Anker and its amazing headphones, it's time to get acquainted. We absolutely love these for all of their features, reliability and high-quality construction. They're sleek, they perform well, and they're consistently under $100 -- all positives that went into our decision to name them our favorite at this price point.
These over-the-ear headphones offer crystal-clear audio with thumping bass and crisp treble, so any type of music you see fit to listen to comes out bright and immersive. That's all thanks to the Life Q30s' 40mm drivers. Voices -- on calls and podcasts -- also come through nicely.
As far as noise cancellation goes, the Life Q30s use dual microphones to filter up to 95% of ambient sound. You can customize your listening experience by using three different modes: indoor, outdoor, and transport, which change the way that sound comes in.
These headphones promise up to 40 hours per charge in noise-canceling mode and up to 60 hours in standard mode. Charge them for five minutes to get a boost of four more hours.
For a pair of headphones under $70, it's so impressive what you get with what Anker's managed to do here. These are your best bet in terms of affordable cans by far and then some. Right now, you can get them for just $68 when you clip the on-page coupon to save 15%.
Best noise-canceling headphones under $100: EarFun Wave Pro
These surprisingly capable headphones offer some of the best noise cancellation you'll find at this price point. The inexpensive EarFun Wave Pro over-the-ear headphones sound like you paid easily double the price for them, and they have many of the features of more premium headphones.
They sound fantastic, with 40mm drivers that complement crisp highs and great mids, with crunchy bass that never intrudes. You'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of musical genres without getting tinny, weird sounds behind the music you choose to listen to.
But where these headphones really shine is in the noise-canceling department. With 45 decibels of noise cancelation and five microphones that monitor various frequencies, you can consider outside noises squelched. Put these on and focus only on your music. The ANC effects rival even pricier options like Bose or Apple, and it's exciting to see that in a cheaper pair of headphones.
Plus, you can change and customize the cans' EQ options with the accompanying EarFun app, which is quick and simple to use. You can even switch between two devices while listening using the app. Pair that with a fabulous 80-hour playtime, and you'll get headphones that can go toe to toe with any of the top brands.
Currently, you can save 20% on these headphones by clipping the on-page coupon that will be applied during checkout.
Best earbuds under $100: Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)
These AirPods are an older, no-frills model, but they're consistently available under $100. This makes them the only Apple AirPods you can get under $100, and they're still more than great as far as wireless earbuds go.
For Apple users, AirPods are the most seamless earbuds around. They connect instantly whenever needed, with special effortless pairing to Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks.
The wireless charging case provides more than 24 hours of battery life. And the low-latency wireless connection enables immersive entertainment. It's easy to see why these continue to be a hit, often selling out, despite newer versions on the market.
While they work with any Bluetooth audio device, Apple gadgets get the best experience. If you want an affordable option in terms of earbuds, these older AirPods make an excellent everyday wireless earbud for just about any use case.
Currently, these AirPods are 38% off their normal price of $129, which makes them just $80.
Best workout headphones under $100: Treblab Z2
Don't let the fear of sweat or water shorting out your headphones keep you from enjoying music at the gym. These Treblab headphones have you covered. They're IPX4 water-resistant and sweatproof, so you're covered, even when you're engaged in some seriously grueling workouts.
Pop these headphones on at the gym and enjoy your music, even with noises and chatter going on at your fitness center. Their active noise-cancellation features can help block out conversations, grunts, and other noises that keep your eyes away from the prize: finishing your workout and getting out.
They're comfortable, too, with ultra-soft earcups that swivel and don't apply pressure to your ears, so you have one less body part to think about getting sore while you're exercising. And with a 35-hour playtime, you're covered for workouts all week long and then some.
Don't throw on just any headphones and have them short out because they're too wet. Grab these and know that you'll be covered no matter how hard you decide to go for the day.
You can get these headphones for just $75 after clipping the on-page coupon for $15 off.
Best workout earbuds under $100: Soundcore C30i
Hands down, our top pick for wireless earbuds you should wear while working out or participating in any rigorous activity is the Jabra Elite 8 Active, however, they're priced at $200. A less expensive option -- and one that offers a unique open-ear and clip-on design -- are the new Soundcore C30i by Anker wireless earbuds.
These are IPX4 rated for water resistance. They're constructed using a non-deforming, hard-shell material with a design that clips onto your ear instead of needing to be placed within it. This provides a secure fit, plus keeps you situationally aware of what's happening around you.
These earbuds feature 12mm × 17mm racetrack drivers that are coupled with a titanium-coated diaphragm. This combo allows them to generate consistently clear audio. On their own, the earbuds have a battery life of up to 10 hours, but with the included charging case, you get up to 30 hours of playtime before an external power source is needed. You also get multipoint connectivity and onboard touch controls.
The Soundcore C30i earbuds are offered at a value-oriented price of just $70. What's noticeably lacking are spatial audio, Dolby Atmos support and active noise cancellation, however. If that's not a dealbreaker, they offer great audio at an even better price.
Best headphones for voice calls under $100: JBL Tune Flex
If you plan on taking calls while out and about, take the JBL Tune Flex buds with you. These sweat-proof and water-resistant headphones have everything you need for a smooth, hassle-free conversation when you leave the house.
These small but mighty buds use 12-millimeter drivers atop the same stick form factor as Apple AirPods, but they slide into your ears a bit more readily. They deliver loud, pumping bass and treble you can feel, as well as clear-sounding voices for calls and other types of media.
They do offer noise cancellation with two microphones to help improve how much sound is blocked out, with an ambient mode to let important sounds in. There's also the interesting "TalkThru" feature, which mutes everything in the background for you to take a call if you happen to need to jump on the phone.
They're equipped with four microphones too, so no one has to keep asking you what you said again and again. The "VoiceAware" feature even lets you choose how much of your own voice you hear in the buds, a feature rarely seen even in higher-priced options.
With a promised 32 hours of battery life, you can chat the day away. Just charge the buds up for 10 minutes to get two more hours of playtime.
These earbuds are currently just $70, which is 30% off their original price of $100.
Best headphones for kids under $100: Puro Sound Labs JuniorJam Plus
Younger students heading back to school may need a pair of headphones for homework time or chilling out after a long day of learning. These over-the-ear headphones resemble a pair that grown-ups might wear, and they come with a slew of features to protect little learners' ears, too.
These headphones will automatically limit volumes over 85 dB to keep your kids' ears safe, but they sound fantastic. They claim to block 87% of ambient noise as well, so even though they regulate volume they still offer sound that your little one can appreciate whether they're working or spending time watching something fun after a long day at school.
Kids can listen to these headphones up to 30 feet away from their computer or electronic devices thanks to their Bluetooth connectivity and they last up to 22 hours per charge. Plus, they're comfortable and durable and come in a series of fun, kid-approved colors.
You can get these kid-friendly cans for just $79.
Best gaming headset under $100: Logitech G535 Lightspeed wireless gaming headset
School can be grueling. Help your student (or yourself) unwind with a different pair of headphones: a gaming headset. We all know gaming is a big part of relaxing after a difficult day, and whether you're in high school or college or stuffing your brain with knowledge in general, gaming is a great way to let off steam. This wireless headset can help you do that and communicate with buddies with crystal-clear audio.
Game with private audio or hear every footstep in multiplayer games while your friends strategize in your ear with this versatile headset. It's compatible with multiple platforms and it's small and lightweight enough to wear for long gaming sessions. Plus, it offers up to 33 hours of battery life with long-range Bluetooth so you can wander away from your game while chatting if needed.
The plush ear cups have one-ear controls to turn up the game or music as well as a flip-up microphone that can easily mute you while you're handling other things. Plus, its 40mm drivers mean great stereo sound so you can stay abreast of what's going on.
Best of all, this headset is just $88 (reduced from $130), so it's affordable like the rest of the headphones on this list. And if you want to use it to listen to music or podcasts while on your PC or console, you can do that as well.
