Headphones, Tech News and Articles
Best Budget-Friendly Headphones Under $100 for Audiophiles
Sep
Are you an audiophile on a budget? Do you love great sound but don’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck! Gone are the days when you had to spend a fortune to get high-quality headphones. Today, there are plenty of awesome options under $100 that will make your ears happy without emptying your wallet.
In this post, we’ll dive into the world of affordable headphones that punch above their weight. We’ll look at different types, compare features, and help you find the perfect pair for your needs. Whether you’re into deep bass, crystal-clear highs, or a balanced sound, we’ve got you covered.
Why Trust Our Picks?
Before we jump in, let’s talk about why you should trust our recommendations. We’ve spent hours researching, testing, and comparing dozens of headphones. We’ve read countless reviews from both experts and regular users. Plus, we’re audiophiles ourselves, so we know what to look for in terms of sound quality, comfort, and durability.
We’ve focused on headphones that offer the best value for money. These aren’t just cheap headphones – they’re affordable options that deliver impressive sound quality and features usually found in more expensive models.
Types of Headphones: Which One’s Right for You?
Before we get to our top picks, let’s quickly go over the main types of headphones you’ll find in this price range:
- Over-ear headphones: These cover your entire ear and usually offer the best sound quality and noise isolation. They’re great for home use but can be bulky for travel.
- On-ear headphones: Smaller than over-ear, these sit on your ears. They’re more portable but might not be as comfortable for long listening sessions.
- In-ear headphones (earbuds): The most portable option, perfect for on-the-go use. They can deliver surprisingly good sound but might not be as comfortable for everyone.
- Wireless headphones: These come in all the above types but without the wires. They offer more freedom of movement but might sacrifice some sound quality compared to wired options.
Now, let’s dive into our top picks for the best budget-friendly headphones under $100!
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: The All-Around Champion
Get the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
First up, we’ve got the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. These over-ear headphones are a favorite among audiophiles and music producers alike. Why? Because they offer a nearly flat sound profile, which means you hear the music as it was meant to be heard.
Key Features:
- Excellent balanced sound
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Durable build quality
- Detachable cable
The ATH-M40x delivers clear, detailed audio across all frequencies. The bass is punchy without being overwhelming, the mids are rich and full, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. If you listen to a wide variety of music genres, these headphones are a great choice.
One of the best things about the ATH-M40x is how comfortable they are. The padded headband and ear cups mean you can wear them for hours without discomfort. They’re also built to last, with a sturdy design that can handle daily use.
The detachable cable is a nice touch – if it ever gets damaged, you can easily replace it without buying a whole new pair of headphones. Plus, you get two cables in the box: a coiled one for studio use and a straight one for on-the-go listening.
The only downside? They don’t fold up for easy storage, so they’re not the most portable option. But if you’re mainly using them at home or in a studio, that shouldn’t be a problem.
2. Philips SHP9500: Open-Back Wonder
Next up, we have the Philips SHP9500. These are open-back headphones, which means the ear cups are designed to let some sound in and out. This creates a more natural, spacious sound that many audiophiles love.
Key Features:
- Wide, natural soundstage
- Very comfortable design
- Excellent clarity and detail
- Great value for money
The SHP9500 offers a listening experience that’s hard to beat at this price point. The open-back design creates a wide soundstage, making you feel like you’re listening to speakers in a room rather than headphones. This is great for classical music, jazz, and acoustic performances.
The sound quality is impressive, with clear highs, detailed mids, and a balanced bass. They’re not bass-heavy, so if you’re a bass head, these might not be for you. But if you appreciate hearing all the subtleties in your music, you’ll love these.
Comfort is another strong point for the SHP9500. The large ear cups and light weight mean you can wear them for hours without fatigue. The breathable design also keeps your ears cool during long listening sessions.
Keep in mind that open-back headphones aren’t great for noisy environments or if you don’t want others to hear what you’re listening to. They’re best for quiet, at-home listening where you can really appreciate their spacious sound.
3. 1More Triple Driver In-Ear: Earbud Excellence
Get the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones
If you prefer earbuds, the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear headphones are hard to beat. Don’t let their small size fool you – these pack a serious audio punch.
Key Features:
- Triple driver technology for detailed sound
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options
- Inline remote and mic
- Stylish design
The “triple driver” in the name refers to the three separate drivers in each earbud: two balanced armatures for the highs and mids, and a dynamic driver for the lows. This setup allows for more detailed and balanced sound than you’d typically find in earbuds.
The result? Rich, full-bodied audio that’s impressive for earbuds in this price range. The bass is deep and punchy, the mids are clear and present, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. Whether you’re listening to hip-hop, rock, or classical, these earbuds deliver.
Comfort is also a strong point. The 1More comes with a variety of ear tip sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your ears. The angled nozzles help them sit comfortably in your ear canal.
The inline remote and mic are handy for taking calls or controlling your music on the go. And let’s not forget the sleek design – these earbuds look as good as they sound.
4. Anker Soundcore Life Q30: Wireless Wonder
Get the Anker Soundcore Life Q30
For those who want to cut the cord, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offers amazing value. These wireless over-ear headphones pack in features you’d expect from much pricier models.
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Long battery life (up to 40 hours with ANC on)
- Customizable EQ via app
- Comfortable design
The standout feature of the Q30 is its active noise cancellation. It does a great job of blocking out ambient noise, making these perfect for commuting or working in noisy environments. There are even multiple ANC modes for different situations.
Sound-wise, the Q30 delivers a fun, energetic audio experience. Out of the box, they’re a bit bass-heavy, which is great for pop and hip-hop. But if that’s not your style, you can use the companion app to adjust the EQ to your liking.
The battery life is impressive – up to 40 hours with ANC on, and even longer with it off. A quick 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of playtime, perfect for those times you forget to charge overnight.
Comfort is another strong point. The padded headband and ear cups make these suitable for all-day wear. They’re also foldable, making them more portable than some other over-ear options.
5. KZ ZSN Pro X: Budget Audiophile IEMs
Last but not least, we have the KZ ZSN Pro X. These in-ear monitors (IEMs) offer seriously impressive sound quality at a budget-friendly price.
Key Features:
- Hybrid driver setup for detailed sound
- Detachable cable
- Comfortable fit
- Great value for money
The ZSN Pro X uses a hybrid driver setup – a dynamic driver for the lows and a balanced armature for the highs. This allows for detailed, well-balanced sound that’s impressive for the price.
The audio quality punches well above its weight class. You get clear, detailed highs, present mids, and tight, controlled bass. They’re particularly good for genres like rock and metal, where you want to hear all the instruments clearly.
The detachable cable is a nice touch at this price point. If the cable gets damaged, you can replace it without buying new earphones. It also means you can upgrade to a better cable in the future if you want.
Comfort is good, with a shape that fits nicely in most ears. They come with several sizes of silicone tips to help you find the best fit.
While they don’t have fancy features like wireless connectivity or noise cancellation, they focus on what matters most: sound quality. If you’re after the best possible audio on a tight budget, these are worth considering.
How to Choose the Right Headphones for You
With all these great options, how do you choose? Here are a few things to consider:
- Sound preference: Do you like bass-heavy sound, or do you prefer a more balanced profile?
- Intended use: Will you be using them mainly at home, or do you need something portable for commuting?
- Comfort: If you’ll be wearing them for long periods, comfort should be a top priority.
- Features: Do you need wireless connectivity? Active noise cancellation?
- Build quality: If you’ll be using them daily, look for durable options that can stand up to regular use.
Remember, the “best” headphones are the ones that suit your needs and preferences. It’s worth trying out a few different pairs if you can, or at least reading user reviews to get a sense of how they perform in real-world use.
Caring for Your Headphones
Once you’ve found your perfect pair, you’ll want to keep them in good shape. Here are a few tips:
- Clean them regularly: Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe down the exterior. For earbuds, clean the tips carefully to remove earwax buildup.
- Store them properly: Use the included case if you have one, or get a headphone stand for over-ear models.
- Be gentle with the cables: Avoid yanking on the cords or wrapping them too tightly.
- Keep them dry: Avoid using headphones in rainy conditions or while sweating heavily.
- Use the right volume: Listening at very high volumes can damage both your hearing and your headphones over time.
Conclusion
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get great sound. Whether you prefer over-ear headphones, earbuds, or something in between, there are plenty of excellent options under $100. From the all-around excellence of the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x to the wireless convenience of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30, there’s something for every audiophile on a budget.
Remember, the key is to find headphones that match your listening preferences and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to try out different options or read lots of reviews before making your choice. Your perfect audio companion is out there – and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
Happy listening, fellow audiophiles!
