Best Earbuds Under $100
Sound quality is often one of the most important factors in choosing headphones, after all, good sound is the reason we listen to music and audiobooks in the first place. But for most consumers cost also plays a big role. We want decent sound, but can’t always drop a ton of cash to do so. That’s why searched for the best earbuds under 100 dollars then compiled this reference guide to help you decide which pair are right for you.
Here, we’ll share our favorites, explain their characteristics, and thoroughly review our top five. You’ll get excellent sound quality without putting a hole in your pocket.
The Guide to Best Earbuds Under 100 Bucks
1) Beats Powerbeats3 Wireless
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Wireless & easy to charge
- In-ear earbud
- Closed-back design
- Comes with wireless charging case
Cons
- Lacks a noise canceling feature
2) The Everyday – Raycon Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Great design & affordable price-point
- Bluetooth 5.0 with easy pairing
- HD Sound
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Expensive
3) Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2
Pros
- Easily scratched
- Exceptional build quality
- Noise reduction technology
- Can be integrated with Bluetooth 5.0
- Low price
Cons
- Charge via USB cable
- Rough midrange sound
- Charging case too small for foam ear tips
- Touch-sensitive controls lack rigidity
- Gimmicky companion app
- Substandard onboard mics
4) Beats BeastSX True Earbuds Wireless
Pros
- High quality wireless earbuds
- Robust sound quality
- Quick to fully charge
- Long battery life
Cons
- Several charges needed
- Price
5) Skullcandy Plush Active
Pros
- Bluetooth v5.0 technology
- Stylish design is compact and light
- Easy charging via charge case
- Full 360 degree sound
Cons
- Connecting cable needs to be more robust
6) Panasonic Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Easy and fast connectivity
- IPX7 water-resistant and sweatproof
- Very robust sound quality
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Reviews suggest long-term battery life and comfort may be in question
Styles of Headphones
Headphones come in a variety of styles. Each one offers a unique set of pros and cons depending on where you plan to use them.
Over-ear. Over-ear headphones, also called circum-aural, consist of large cans that fit around your entire ear with a cushion that rests against your head. They create a nearly complete seal that does a good job at keeping pretty much all sound separated. It keeps what you’re listening to from seeping outside, and outside noise from bothering what you’re listening to.
They’re the style of choice if you expect to be in noisy environments such as public transportation where you want to make sure no outside sound filters in. They’re also an excellent choice for use in quiet places like the library because your music won’t disturb your neighbors.
On-ear. On-ear headphones are sometimes called supra-aural, and similar to over-ear styles. Both have large cans with a thick cushion but these fit a bit differently. The pads of on-ear headphones rest atop your outer ear instead of enveloping your whole ear. It’s possible for some sound to leak past the headphones.
On-ear headphones are good to use when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, like when out for a run. They’re also suitable when it’s okay for sound to leak.
Earbuds. Unlike the other choices that fit outside of your ears, these small devices fit directly inside your ear. When fitted properly in-ear headphones keep sounds separated just as well as the over-ear style.
Everyone’s ear canals are shaped differently so brands offer several tips so that you can find the one that creates a good seal. Loose buds leak and alter sound while tight ones pinch and become painful.
The in-ear style is your first choice during traveling or whenever portability is important. Once you find the right size eartip they’re another option when you really need to keep noise outside.
Open-back versus Closed-back
Headphones are characterized by the housing of its earcups: open-back or closed-back. Each has a different effect on the way sound is heard through the unit.
Open-back earbuds have slits or holes in the outside of the cans. This allows sound and air to travel freely through the earbuds. They’re not appropriate for use near other people because ambient sound and music are not separated. Listening to open-back headphones is like having a stereo playing within a room you are located in. You can hear the music around you, but you also hear everything else.
Closed-back earbuds are opposite of open-back and have no slits to allow the transfer of sound. This makes them suitable for any environment. Because these block outside noise so well sounds feel like they are inside your head. Listening to music through closed-back earbuds sound like nothing exists except music.
Top 5 Best Earbuds Under 100 Bucks Reviews
TOZO T6 appeals to your desire for sophisticated aesthetics and extra options with its T6.
The design of the T6 is simple but definitely not subdued. The buds themselves are fairly small but feature a bright chrome and black finish. Its beveled edge adds an even more decisive touch.
A-Audio made sure to include a couple options on the T6 that will come in handy for the mobile user. The built-in microphone and remote make it easy to toggle between phone calls and music. Next to the microphone are the unit’s volume controls. We found the controls both easy to reach and easy to operate.
Listening to the TOZO T6 was an absolutely pleasant experience and satisfies your every need. It’s not audiophile grade sound, of course, but nonetheless well-balanced.
Your search for the best earbuds under $100 is over if you like the TOZO T6.
The S5 by SoundPeats is a powerful hitter within a small unit. Its light durable construction combined with awesome sound makes the S5 an easy contender for one of the best earbuds for under $100.
Instead of the usual cord that dangles under each ear of regular earbuds, the S5 fits a bit differently. Its cord wraps over the top and down the back of your ear. This arrangement seems weird at first but is actually quite comfortable because it distributes weight so evenly. The buds didn’t feel at all like they would fall out of our ears. Additionally, the cables are completely flat so they stay tangle free.
SoundPeats created a full soundstage that does justice to any genre of music. Its closed-back design accentuates bass without sacrificing quality high tones. The S5 even performs well during live and acoustic performances.
S5 by SoundPeats is a well-built affordable product.
Bose SoundTrue secured our third spot for the best earbuds under $100 with its economical SoundTrue. The SoundTrue upholds Bose’s high standards of build and sound quality.
The first things you notice about the SoundTrue are its prominent ear hook and bright colors. Most earhooks are thin pieces of plastic prone to pinching and moving. But Bose’s large surface sits comfortably; balancing the weight of the buds. Bose stepped out of its typical uniform scheme by making the SoundTrue available in a variety of colors.
Bose decided to keep the soundstage and signature they’re known for. And that’s by no means a bad thing. You’ll experience a clean balanced soundstage that doesn’t lack in low tones. High notes shine through without sounding canned. And there’s no distortion at high volume like some budget styles.
Bose continually hits the mark and the SoundTrue is no different. If you’re after clarity then this is your choice.
Tagry Bluetooth headphones features a minimalist construction that is environmentally friendly as well as budget friendly.
The Tagry design consists of a simple plastic barrel and PVC-free eartips. Tagry’s long cable is more than ample enough to be comfortable. It’s long enough to conceal under clothes and has enough extra so that your mobile device is maneuverable.
The sound signature of the Tagry is acceptable for its price-point. The wood design gives more resonance than plastic or metal units allowing for a natural bass sound. It also keeps the highs from sounding as harsh as expected. Some distortion is apparent at high volume but it was a volume that would be too high to listen to for long anyway.
Overall, Tagry Bluetooth earbuds are a decent alternative to the iPods of today.
The JBL Tune 225TWS is reminiscent of professional monitors in both styling and sound. With tens of thousands of products sold, JBL nailed this set of earbuds for the insane price to quality quotient.
Like professional in-ear buds, these are constructed of a rectangular housing and angled eartip. The plastic housing is glossy reflective plastic but somehow still maintains a subdued appearance. Smooth rubber cords dangle lightly from each side.
JBL did not skimp on sound quality or soundstage either. It features a robust range and acceptable bass. It emphasizes mid-range tones but not at a loss to other sounds.
The JBL Tune 225TWS’ easy styling and superb sound make this a great option for anyone.