Best On-Ear Headphones Under $100 That Sound Like $500!

To be honest, when a low-priced pair of Best On-Ear Headphones is promised quality sound, it is hard to believe.

However, the audio industry has come on to such an extent that what would have previously cost you 500 dollars should be available even in devices that cost less than 100 dollars.

As a result of better chipsets, improved drivers, and streamlined designs, nowadays there are many budget brands providing on-ear headphones at a premium quality that do not make your wallet cry.

Then how to be sure which headphones are authentic ones? This is what the guide is all about.

We are swimming in the depths of the best-performing on-ear headphones at the lower end of the price range, and yet they sound as good, feel as well built, look as good, and can perform the same functions as high-end headphones at the higher price range of around $500.

No matter what your interest is being a bass junkie, a podcast enthusiast, or someone who has to listen to something on daily commutes—the guide will serve your purpose nonetheless.

The result is real-world use information, sound tests, and specification demystification in human language.

Well, because, to be truthful, we do not simply want specs; we want something that sounds and feels great. Get ready to be blown away by the affordable audio equipment. So, let’s get on to it.

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Key Features to Look for in Budget On-Ear Headphones

Sound Quality and Drivers

It is all about sound. You desire loud bass, highs, and mid ranges, but they should not distort. The headphones to find in the under-$100 category should have drivers up to 30mm-40mm.

Often uncontrolled bass and rough audio are replaced by more regulated bass and jitter-free audio with composite drivers (such as PU+PEEK).

JBL and Edifier brands are well employed in doing it on a modest budget.

Frequency response is another important feature to look out for. The broader frequency (such as 20Hz to 20kHz) guarantees a more congruent sound.

Even Spotify tracks can be heard like live concerts with the help of some headphones, which offer virtual surround or spatial sound.

Noise Cancellation Technology

ANC used to be a preserve of over $300 models; however, it is not the case now. Hybrid or adaptive ANC is now present on brands such as Philips and JBL at the $100 and under mark.

Hybrid ANC: The second method involves inward- and outward-facing mics to cancel sound, ideal during the commute or a concentrated working day.

There are also such modes as Smart Ambient or Awareness that allow environmental sound in. Very useful when you want to move outdoors, being safe while walking or biking.

Battery Life and Charging Options

No one desires to recharge his/her headphones daily. Models that can provide 30-100+ hours of playtime are to be sought.

With over 100 hours of processing, the Marshall Major V kills it out of the park, but most others still have good figures, such as JBL taking 65 or TREBLAB U5 doing 55.

Blazing charging is a game-changer too. An increasing number of them provide 4-5 hours of uninterrupted playtime on a 5-minute charge.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort is the success or failure of the listening experience. Its lightweight construction (less than 200 g) and earpads made out of memory foam and soft leatherette will not make long-term listening sessions a torture.

Idiot-proof headbands and convertible forms are also considerations, in case you are on the move all the time.

On-ear headphones only need to exert only the sufficient pressure. When it is too tight, it becomes a headache.

Too loose, and they fall off. The likes of Beats and Edifier brands are achieving that sweet spot.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Multipoint Pairing

Bluetooth 5.0 and above (such as 5.2 or 5.3) have a further range and more reliable connections.

You have to have multipoint pairing if you frequently switch from one gadget to another, say, your laptop to your phone.

There’s also a sweet bonus to be able to pause the music when you remove the headphones automatically.

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Top 10 Best On-Ear Headphones Under $100

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1. Edifier WH500 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

The Edifier WH500 is disguised as a beast. The thing is, don’t be deceived by its cost; it produces sharp, high-quality sound that most mid-range headphones could only dream of.

With 30 mm of composite dynamic drivers made of polyurethane and PEEK material, the WH500 provides deep and immersive bass without missing the high notes or pure mids.

Even when you are streaming your favorite playlist or getting into the immersion of a gaming session, you’ll feel every beat, kick, and drop.

Edifier has performed exceptionally well in tuning the headphones to offer a dynamic listening experience, particularly to genres such as hip-hop, EDM, and pop.

The soundstage is very wide, which is quite surprising given the fact that most on-ear headphones have a weakness when it comes to soundstage. Here you will not have that claustrophobic feeling of being squeezed in.

Whatever you’re doing, whether immersing yourself in music or filtering out noise, the WH500 emits a surprisingly high-end sound.

With a weight of only 172 grams (0.38 lbs.), the WH500 is almost featherlight. They are therefore ideal during long listening sessions.

The movable headband is not too tight, so you can adjust it, and the ear cushions are soft, and they are shaped to fit your ears.

They are not too heavy on the ears and share the pressure equally, thus no strain—even when you do a marathon listening or studying.

The plastic frame is well constructed and not cheap. It does not look luxurious at first sight, but when it comes to ergonomics and comfort in daily use, it scores all the right points.

Battery & Connectivity

This is where the WH500 actually shines. You might not need to charge it more than one working week at a time since it has as much as 40 hours of playback. And should you need to charge it up fast, it also has fast charging over USB-C.

Another good point is connectivity. Bluetooth 5.2 facilitates a stable connection guarantee and provides dual paired devices.

This implies that you will be able to receive phone calls without interrupting calls on your laptop, and this is a productivity booster.

Key Features

• 30mm composite drivers for powerful bass and clean treble
• Up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge
• Lightweight at just 172g
• Bluetooth 5.2 with dual-device pairing
• Customizable sound via Edifier Connect app

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Surprisingly detailed sound for the price
• Ultra-lightweight and comfortable
• Dual device connection is super convenient
• App-based EQ tuning

Cons:

• No ANC support
• Design may feel basic for some

Best For

They are most appropriate when it comes to the price-conscious audience that requires quality lightweight headphones and is willing to sacrifice audio quality to achieve better battery life, increase it, and be capable of adjusting the sound to a personal preference.

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2. Marshall Major V On-Ear Headphones

Marshall is legendary for the sound they produce with classic rock, blues, and alternative music.

The Major V delivers that grunt, that spirit-crushing sound straight to your eardrums with its booming bass, luscious mids, and clear highs.

It is set to music that requires a sense of life. The bass is not muddy but bold, and the vocals cut through delightfully.

And the M-button, which is customizable and lets you instantly access your EQ settings or Spotify Tap or even your voice assistant, should also not be forgotten. This degree of individualization at this price tag is unfortunate.

The foldable yet rough-cut design of the Major V is an indication of the rock and roll heritage of the brand.

These headphones are modeled after some classy vinyl, coupled with some metal accents and a familiar logo insert, which makes them look much more expensive than they are. They are durable and easy to break down to be placed in a backpack or messenger bag.

Weighing 186 grams, they are compact and durable at the same time. Its texture also is high-quality, and the thick ear cushions make them sturdy and able to wear them over long periods.

Battery and charging

Prepare yourself for 100+ hours of wireless playtime. Right, got it right. This is almost 2 weeks of usage on a full charge.

And you don’t have to sit with the cables next time you need to charge them up because you have wireless charging.

A dream come true, whether you are a traveler, DJ, or the person who hates charging gadgets, this type of longevity is what you have been wishing for.

Key Features

• Delivers Marshall’s iconic sound signature with powerful bass and crisp highs
• 100+ hours of battery life
• Customizable M-button for EQ, Spotify Tap, or voice assistant
• Wireless charging supported
• Foldable, rugged build with classic rock-n-roll aesthetic

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Industry-best battery life
• Iconic design and sound profile
• M-button adds versatility
• Strong build quality

Cons:

• No ANC
• Slightly bulkier compared to other on-ear models

Best For

Its battery life, design, and immersive sound make it an excellent choice for the user who values these features.

They are ideal for those who have no need for ANC and wish to get performance as a traveller or audiophile.

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3. JBL Live 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones

The JBL Live 670NC is immersion. It has 40mm drivers and JBL Spatial Sound that transforms regular sound into surround sound. The result? An indulgent movie-like experience regardless of what device you are on, laptop or phone.

The most remarkable thing about it is its True Adaptive Noise Cancelling. This technology allows auto-adjusting using four noise-sensing mics, unlike a basic ANC, and it works in any environment. The JBL works in real time whether you are in a busy cafe or at home.

You are also able to change to Smart Ambient mode when required to hear the outside world, in the case of airport announcements or to maintain awareness during your walk.

Performance of the battery is no slouch either. It has up to 65 hours of playback (or 50 with ANC) and is built to be used by power users.

A fast charge option lets you have 4 hours of play after 5 minutes of charge with this device, which is ideal in case of mornings when you are late.

Its technological cred comes in the form of type-C USB charging alongside Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio. You receive a low latency mode, sound quality, and a stable connection.

Comfort & Auto-Pause

The auto-play/pause feature is a good detail—put the headphones off, and the music is paused.

When they get them on again, it starts up afresh. It may not sound like a big deal, but it is very helpful in everyday life.

The item is lightweight and also does not strain the head, being built comfortably and with soft padding, as well as an adjustable headband.

You will even be able to wear them for hours without any discomfort points or excessive heating.

Key Features

• 40mm drivers with JBL Signature and Spatial Sound
• True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient
• Up to 65 hours of playtime
• Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support
• Auto play/pause and quick charge via USB-C

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Fantastic ANC and ambient awareness
• Great sound depth and spatial presence
• Long battery life with fast charging
• Auto-pause feature adds convenience

Cons:

• Larger form factor may not suit small heads
• LE Audio needs OTA update to activate

Best For

The best choice for users wishing to have high-quality ANC, immersive sound, and up-to-date features without breaking the bank.

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4. Philips H6509 Wireless Headphones

Philips does not disappoint with the H6509, which gives real-time Adaptive Noise Canceling Pro, which even adapts to interference caused by the wind. This model can also be changed into modes with the app or the built-in settings, depending on the environment.

The sound-wise allowance of audio is to the point of detailing with the body of bass, making the 40 mm drivers powerful. The versatility will enable playing different genres of music, from mellow acoustic to banging beats, due to the dynamic tuning. The sound is amazing, which is not surprising, based on the price.

A dedicated microphone will make the calls clear, and there is noise reduction that eliminates background chatter, which is a tremendous advantage to work-at-home or off-site professionals.

With the Philips application, you can adjust parameters such as sound modes, power-off timers, and EQ profiles. An easy interface makes the app easy to use, and the fact that it offers real-time customization is an additional bonus that is characteristic of $300 earphones.

You also have the option to turn on low latency mode for video content, a necessity on YouTube or Netflix or gaming.

Battery K & Multipoint

The insane 70-hour battery life (without ANC) is another thing. It lasts more than 50 hours even with ANC on.

You can get 3 hrs of playing time with a 5-min quick charge, which makes it ideal even when you forget to charge it overnight.

Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity is a nice detail that allows you to remain in two connections simultaneously, smoothly switching between music and calls without any delays.

Key Features

• Adaptive noise cancellation with Awareness Mode
• Up to 70 hours of playback
• 40mm dynamic drivers for rich audio
• Bluetooth 5.3 with dual device connectivity
• Dynamic Bass Boost via Philips App

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Class-leading battery performance
• Detailed sound with strong bass
• Great for phone calls
• Sleek and foldable design

Cons:

• Lacks advanced EQ presets
• App UI can be clunky

Best For

Perfect for those who work remotely, are in school, and/or travel and need their battery to last and have superior quality with ANC.

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5. TREBLAB U5 Hybrid ANC Headphones

The Treblab U5 is an outstanding stereo speaker with hybrid active noise cancellation of up to 30 dB that will be appreciated in the noisy gym and during a flight.

Its 40mm drivers deliver thick, rich bass that gets things pumping when you are cranking out the music or doing your cardio exercises.

The call clarity of the four-mic arrangement is also quite impressive, so in case you are a multitasking type of person that requires both music and meetings in the same device, this model is a good choice.

The U5 is a sporty model with IPX4 certification, meaning it is sweatproof and it can withstand hard training. The soft ear cushioning and a lightweight frame allow you to wear it over a long period without any strain.

It also has a hard carrying case, which qualifies it to be gym-bag friendly.

Enjoy up to 55 hours of battery life with USB-C fast charging, so you can always stay tuned to your next session.

The short charge lasts you hours of playback, and thus you can be sure that you can forget to charge it overnight.

Key Features

• Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (up to 30dB)
• 40mm drivers with punchy bass
• Up to 55 hours of battery life
• IPX4 sweat resistance for workouts
• Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connection

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Solid ANC performance
• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Great for workouts and travel
• Clear mic quality for calls

Cons:

• Slightly bass-heavy
• Lacks app support

Best For

Ideal as a fitness functionality headphone, travel companion, and as an all-rounder pair of headphones with ANC below 100 dollars.

You can also read: Best Wireless On-Ear Headphones Under $50 – Insane Value!

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6. VOKALEN Hyper Pro Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones

The VOKALEN Hyper Pro is characterized by adaptive ANC, which allows disrupting as much as 99 percent of background noise.

This tech passed lab tests and is a game-changer in case you are the type to frequently change scenery, say, between a noisy coffee shop and a cacophonous subway.

You can listen to your audiobook, work, and concentrate in any other way because they form a soundproof shell that you rarely find at this price.

The full ability to tune out all the background noise without losing out on the sound quality makes this model one of the most interesting immersive models out there below the 100 dollar price range.

Throw in a clear-as-a-bell call ratio using its in-built mic, and it is not only good at listening, but it is also a good meeting and chatting device.

It impresses with being careful about high-res audio. The headphones output sound at 24-bit/96kHz via USB-C wired connection, and it is studio-level quality, which is usually in chemistry in pro headphones.

The personalized EQ through the Vokalen Connect application is an additional personal touch.

Whether it is booming bass, a flat mix room, or content creation reference, it’s your choice.

It has a full-bodied signature sound—bass, but not boomy, and clean highs, but not too sharp. It can work on orchestral melodies to lo-fi bass beats.

Battery Life and Travel Design

It has 60 hours of battery life, meaning that you do not have to think about charging even during long-term journeys.

And if you want to top it up, it also charges quickly with USB-C. It has a durable shell, is handbag-sized, foldable, and lightweight, and is ideal to stuff in a backpack or a carry-on headphone.

The mesh ear cushions allow breathing without heating up or causing fatigue of the ears.

These are headphones designed for people who travel or study, anyone who is always on his/her feet.

Key Features

• Adaptive ANC that blocks up to 99% of ambient noise
• High-resolution audio with 24-bit/96kHz USB-C wired support
• 60 hours of battery life per charge
• Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint pairing
• Breathable mesh ear cushions for extended comfort
• Vokalen Connect App for EQ and ANC customization

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• One of the best ANC performances under $100
• Audiophile-level wired audio via USB-C
• Comfortable for long listening sessions
• Dual-device pairing for easy multitasking
• App support for tailored audio experience

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier than compact models
• App requires a short learning curve

Best For

Travellers, commuters and audio aficionados who want an immersive sonic experience with professional ANC levels and tuning options. Perfect for anyone who likes to customize their listening experience.

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7. TREBLAB Z2 Active Noise Cancelling Workout On-Ear Headphones

The TREBLAB Z2 is designed in case you are into workouts. It has a responsive feedback ANC which dampens sounds by upto 19dB.

This is best used at the gym, outdoor running or simply to zone out when at a loud place. It is not as forceful as other top ANC system, however, it works magnificently in reducing interruptions when it comes to gym enthusiasts.

It maintains your listening habit secret and distraction-free with a good passive isolation via an over-ear construction. There is no longer background noise that can ruin your mood while working out.

Bluetooth 5.3 ensures the wireless experience is rock solid whereby there is no drop out at all even with strenuous movement.

IPX4 will protect your headphones against sweat or light rain, which is a necessity to any gym-goer or any person who likes to spend time outdoors.

The incorporated unidirectional microphone will also give you very clear calls. Handling a meet-up or sitting in on a Zoom call, you are never lost in the crowd.

Long Play Time and Comfort

The Z2 gets you through the day with 35 hours of pick-up and go playtime and USB-C charging. The ear cushions are soft and swiveling ear cups ensure the fitting but not heating and pressure.

Its quality is very good at its price; nothing is cheap and flimsy. These headphones will not disappoint whether you are trying to pump some iron or when you are flying to the opposite side of the globe.

Key Features

• Up to 35 hours of playtime with quick USB-C charging
• Active Feedback ANC for background noise reduction
• Bluetooth 5.3 and IPX4 water resistance
• Swivel ear-cups and extra-soft cushioning
• Integrated mic and voice assistant compatibility

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Built tough for workouts and outdoor activities
• Lightweight yet durable
• Good ANC performance for gym environments
• Long battery life and quick charging
• Voice assistant and call-ready mic

Cons:

• Bass-forward sound may not suit all genres
• No app-based EQ customization

Best For

The best thing about them is they are well-suited to fitness enthusiasts, gym users, and outdoor joggers alike.

Z2 is your best choice when you do not want ANC to negatively affect your comfort as you carry out activities.

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8. Philips PH805 Active Noise Canceling On-Ear Headphones

The Philips PH805 is a performance-oriented headphone with Hi-Res audio certification, which makes it among the most accurate-sounding headphones below $100.

These headphones are crystal clear with excellent treble and strong bottom-end response courtesy of 40mm neodymium drivers.

The ANC canceling noise is done through the noise canceling (ANC), which breaks down noise and other conversations.

Whether you are in your library or in an open office, it is useful in isolating sound without muffling your audios.

An awareness mode that makes you aware of your surroundings is also available when required.

The headphones are delivered with a minimalistic and yet elegant design. They are travel-friendly or commuter-friendly because of the rotating ear cups, memory foam padding, and foldable frame.

Battery capability is also good, with 30 hours in no-ANC mode and 25 hours when ANC is switched on.

It only needs 2 to charge fully, and the cable that came with the 2.5mm-to-3.5mm can utilize it when you need to be in wired use. This is especially useful when you are long on the road.

USB‑C & App Features

The PH805 features USB-C rapid charging and app-based optimization to enable the user to modify the sound modes and power state.

It is an outstanding omnium-gatherum among people who think (and feel) equally about fidelity, battery life, and comfort.

Key Features

• 40mm neodymium drivers deliver Hi-Res audio
• Active Noise Cancellation with Awareness Mode
• 30 hours of battery life, 25 with ANC on
• Foldable and portable design
• Included 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable for wired Hi-Res audio

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• True Hi-Res certified audio for audiophiles
• Balanced sound profile with powerful bass
• Comfortable over-ear cushioning
• Wired mode for lossless listening
• Quick 2-hour charge time

Cons:

• Wired Hi-Res requires compatible source devices
• Slightly outdated Bluetooth version (5.0)

Best For

Great for music lovers, travelers, and professionals wanting Hi-Res performance and ANC in a foldable, portable package. Excellent for both wired and wireless listening.

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9. Beats by Dr. Dre Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

They are the preferred headphones by iPhone users. With the built-in W1 chip, there is an easy setup, smooth transition between Apple devices, and jaw-dropping battery performance. You will have 40 hours of use, and with Fast Fuel tech, you will have 3 hours of use after a 5-minute charge.

For anyone who is heavily in the Apple matrix, this is plug and play.

Love bass? The Solo3 will then be your favorite. The bass-focused sound also defines Beats headphones, although they are able to achieve clear vocals and highs.

These headphones can deliver the club beat in a portable set of pop, rap, EDM, and more.

And even with the bass sound, it never feels heavy or muddy, and this is owed to the well-balanced acoustics.

Comfort & Fit

As far as comfort is concerned, the Solo3 has cushioned ear cups that one can wear all day.

The on-ear controls are also intuitive and allow you to answer and receive calls, change volume, and activate Siri without touching the phone.

The construction is very good, exciting, robust, and admittedly good-looking. Albeit slightly higher than others in this list, it regularly goes on sale to below the 100-dollar price mark and becomes an offer that can hardly be surpassed.

Key Features

• Apple W1 chip for seamless iOS pairing
• 40 hours of wireless playtime
• Fast Fuel charging: 3 hours playback from a 5-minute charge
• Iconic Beats sound—deep bass, crisp vocals
• On-ear controls with voice assistant access

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
• Reliable Bluetooth connection
• Long-lasting battery with quick charge
• Trendy, stylish build
• Rich bass ideal for modern genres

Cons:

• No ANC
• Might be too bass-heavy for some users

Best For

Best for Apple users, commuters, and bass enthusiasts. Great everyday headphones that combine style, sound, and stamina.

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10. Skullcandy Icon ANC Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Skullcandy wins in the aspect of battery performance. Playback time of up to 60 hours is afforded when ANC is turned off.

It can be hit or miss, especially with such big batteries where you need to charge them for a long time, but in the case where you want to have a flash battery, the rapid charging ability will provide you 4 hours of listening pleasure in a 10-minute charge.

It is an ideal device when it comes to individuals who are busy all the time or those that forget to recharge.

This is what makes the Icon ANC perfect when it comes to preparing for long journeys or even participating in marathons or even having to charge the headphones every week.

Whether you are breaking a sweat in the gym or in the rain, the IPX4 rating will take care of it all.

The Stay-Aware mode can be adjusted, which is great when you are running or on a bike, as you can still listen to your music and allow the ambient sound inside as you listen to your music to be safe at all times.

It is quite a considerate feature, which is not very common at this price range.

Fully Customizable via Skullcandy App

Skullcandy has an app that introduces a lot of customization capabilities. When it comes to EQ options, you can customize the settings, a re-mapping of keys, and even see battery power.

This will be a massive incentive point in case you would prefer the ability to adjust your gear according to your personal specifications.

In terms of design they are slim, easy to fold and highly travel-able. In search of a feature-rich pair of fun headphones that would not sacrifice quality, the Icon ANC is one of the best affordable headphones above 100 and below 100 dollars.

Key Features

• 60 hours of total battery (ANC off), 4 hours with a 10-minute charge
• IPX4 sweat and water resistance
• Adjustable Stay-Aware Mode for ambient listening
• Fully customizable via Skullcandy App
• Lightweight and foldable

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Massive battery capacity
• App support allows deep personalization
• Good ANC and ambient awareness
• Great value for daily commuters and casual users

Cons:

• Average mic quality
• Soundstage isn’t as wide as premium models

Best For

It’s ideal for daily commuters, students, and tech-savvy listeners who want style, control, and solid performance in a budget-friendly package.

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Best On-Ear Headphones for Specific Uses

Best On-Ear Headphones for Noise Cancellation

On the front of blocking out the world, JBL Live 670NC and VOKALEN Hyper Pro are the best.

The True Adaptive Noise Cancelling of an and four-mic JBL adapts in real time to your surroundings, and the adaptive ANC of a VOKALEN cuts up to 99 percent of noise around you.

The two also have ambient options so that you can listen to what is going on in the environment when they are necessary without removing the headphones. They are ideal for when flying, commuting or even in a hectic dorm.

Best On-Ear Headphones for Battery Life

Marshall Major V is 100+ hours of wireless playtime and leaves the competition behind. Not only is it impressive, but also it is insane.

This is by far the best solution when you focus on the people who dread having to charge their gadgets every now and then.

It’s wireless charging friendly as well, and you can customise its M- button, and it is practical, robust and hell-cool.

Best On-Ear Headphones for Workouts

Searching for headphones to match your burpees, deadlifts and running? TREBLAB Z2 is action oriented.

Its IPX4 waterproofing, plus good fit and safe earlock antecedents makes it fit even during the wildest exercise.

The ANC translates to no more suspicious grunts in the gym ruining your concentration.

Best On-Ear Headphones for Style

To those people who consider headphones as an accessory, Beats Solo3 and Skullcandy Icon ANC are a perfect compromise between appearance and usefulness.

Beats is the exemplification of style, and Solo3 follows the path. A minimalistic design is sleek, and stylish.

Skullcandy in its turn has that street style, city vibe with strong coloring and customized with an app.

Best On-Ear Headphones for Calls and Meetings

Want to be crystal-clear on Zoom or telephone calls? The Philips H6509 offers you a sophisticated noise reduction in mic, whereas the TREBLAB U5 has been set with four inner mics to produce a spotless voice sound.

Both models have the multipoint pairing model as well, which means you do not have to go searching through your bag to find the phone to make a call or switch meetings.

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Final Verdict – Best Pick Based on Overall Performance

JBL Live 670NC would be our winner in the below-$100 category, in case we had to choose (one) in that range.

It puts all the features and aspects together, such as sound quality, comfort, battery life, ANC and smart features in a neatly constructed structural package.

It is your all in one headphone that is fit at work, play and travel.

That said, here are our top recommendations by category:

• Best Overall: JBL Live 670NC
• Best Battery Life: Marshall Major V (100+ hours)
• Best for Fitness: TREBLAB Z2
• Best Noise Cancellation: VOKALEN Hyper Pro
• Best Value for Features: Edifier WH500

No matter your budget or preference, this list proves you don’t need to spend $500 to get mind-blowing audio and rich features. These headphones redefine what “budget” can really do.

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Conclusion

There was a time when good sound came with a hefty price tag. At this time, brands have made the field even.

Ranging from audiophile on-ear headphones to a casual listeners to remote workers, the market is dripping with on-ear headphones that will leave the big-guns feeling insecure.

Every one of the 10 headphones we reviewed has some kind of unique feature, such as monstrous battery life, customizable EQ settings and gym-worthy designs.

The trick here is to know what you want and then correspond that with the features of the most importance. Avoid the hype that is costly.

Pick up a set of these headphones that cost less than 100 dollars and give your ears something worth 500 at a price much lower.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are cheap headphones worth buying if you want premium sound?
Absolutely. Many brands now offer budget headphones with premium features like ANC, custom EQs, and long battery life. It’s all about knowing where to look and what features you prioritize.

2. Can $100 headphones really offer noise cancellation?
Yes, and quite good noise cancellation too. Models like the Philips H6509 and Vokalen Hyper Pro use hybrid or adaptive ANC to block out ambient noise just like high-end models.

3. What’s the average battery life of these headphones?
On average, you’ll get 30 to 60 hours of playtime, depending on whether ANC is on. Some, like the Marshall Major V, go over 100 hours!

4. Which model is best for travel?
The JBL Live 670NC and Philips PH805 offer the best mix of comfort, ANC, and battery life—perfect for long-haul flights or daily commutes.

5. Are these good for phone calls or virtual meetings?
Yes. Most models now include high-quality microphones and noise reduction algorithms, making them great for Zoom calls, meetings, or phone conversations.