Without our earbuds, we’re not sure where we’d be. Whether it’s working out at the gym, getting some work done, taking a walk or anything merely needing a convenient pair of headphones that can fit in our pocket, it’s always come in handy. With how many pairs of headphones and earbud brands flooding the market, which pairs are the best to take a look at? What about the best models for under $100? Let’s check it out.
How to choose your earbuds under $100
- Your exact budget – We’re not necessarily looking at high-end and fancy headphones here. It’s great you’ve been able to narrow down your search of earbuds to under $100, however that still covers a decent range. Are you looking for cheaper, under $50 earbuds? Or perhaps earbuds hovering near that $100 mark? The middle? Extremely low with earbuds under $20? It’ll all depend on the cash you have hand, as well as what you’re willing to spend once you come across the perfect pair.
- Wired or wireless? It’s always a decent debate for those looking to grab a pair of headphones or earbuds, especially in this day and age where wireless technology dominates the highlights of products (especially pairs of cans). You can check out our best wireless earbuds article for some more options, but typically we stay towards corded when it comes to buds (although it really depends on your uses, which is listed next). We did include both types in here.
- Your use? We know earbuds are pretty much versatile when it comes to overall use, but we have a few standards if you have specific intentions with them. For example, we recommend getting some earbuds with a control station if you’re exercising, or a wireless pair if you intend to run (with fins). Other uses could include studying or working (sound isolation is key there).
- Color/aesthetic options – It’s not a must, however we know many who prefer some aesthetics when it comes to their earbuds. Others will stick to merely the standard black. To our avail, many of the models in here give us a variety of options when it comes to looks and coloring.
The best earbuds for an under $100 budget
Shure SE215-K
To kick off the list, we had to go with a Shure headphone since they’re not only one of our favorite brands but hold a high reputation for overall construction and quality of their gear. This is an earbud marked under $100 MSRP with a dynamic micro driver and enhanced bass. It has a detachable cable with a formal wire that enables the user to have a secure and easy replacement. It also has a comfortable fit and sound isolating sleeves in multiple sizes that can provide up to 37db in isolation. They have a low profile shape, are lightweight and are optimized for the nozzle angle. They are designed to rest comfortably in the ears and the configuration is over the ear to keep the cable out of the way. These are very solid and we’d recommend grabbing them unless you’re looking for something wireless.
Photive PH-BTE70
These are one of the best pairs of earbuds under $100 that are wireless. in our opinion. They’re comfortable and fit securely in the ears so there is no need to keep adjusting it. Photive has been designed these to stay in one place and they have great sound quality for its volume. It delivers some clear acoustics and decent bass for a pair of earbuds. They can also charge quickly and they deliver up to 6 hours of playtime, which isn’t a crazy long amount of time but suitable for earbuds. It can be paired with the latest smart phone or watch via Bluetooth. They are simple to use and have a decent wireless range, connecting up to 33 feet wirelessly. We’d say take a good look at these for wireless earbuds under $100 — the user reviews speak for themselves.
Bose SoundSport
Everybody knows that Bose brand name tag. These are superb earbuds just under $100 (double check to see, sometimes it hovers in and out of the range) if you plan on working out or running. This type of earbud is resistant to sweat and they can stay comfortably and securely in place (with the little fins attached as seen in the photo). You can use these earbuds to control calls and music as you wish with the control center as well. They offer the technology to deliver natural and crisp sounds as reported by users around the internet. You can get the sport inspired case that will match the color of the headphones separately. These are just another solid pair of earbuds under $100 to take a look at, especially if you’re an exercise junkie like we are.
SoundPEATS QY7
These earbuds feature Bluetooth 4.1 that gives total freedom for the advanced, pure sound with signal plus technology that delivers some great audio performance. These are one of the cheapest earbuds we have in here and just about the lowest we’ll go, so if you’re looking for a super budget-friendly pair, here it is. They’re sweat proof, ergonomic and lightweight. The design has been optimized to achieve the maximum comfort while it can easily match any active lifestyle that you may be involved in like hiking, camping, cycling, jogging and running. The earbuds offers 5 hours of premium quality play which is a little less than others but can still get the job done. They offer rich bass and acoustic highs with an incredible balance. The built-in microphone will let the user achieve high quality sounds with a hands free phone conversation. It is fully compatible with Android smartphones, Samsung Galaxy, iPad and 6S plus — any smart device, really. The package contents include a USB charging cable and ear cushions.
Otium Wireless
Buy in US | UK
These are earbuds we hadn’t heard of before reading about all of the reviews. They are wireless as well and are great to use when in the gym, biking, hiking, jogging and running. They can stay in your ears with a comfortable ear hook as seen in the photo. They offer decent sound quality for the price through their Bluetooth connection. It can last over 8 hours when the music plays with a full battery charge, so a bit more as compared to the previous models listed. It charges faster to full charge and has a light indication for charging and is easy to use with the technology that allows you to take incoming calls with its relatively clear microphone quality. They also have buttons that can be used for skip and play or to pause on the music tracks or to play without having to reach for the phone. They can work in a range of up to 30 ft for the Bluetooth in an open space — just another solid wireless earbuds under $100 to check out.
Panasonic RP-HJE120K
You know how we said a few earbuds ago they’d be the cheapest we’d go? Well, this changed our mind. Just take a look at the price point — but hear us out first before you dismiss it. It comes with three sets of earbuds which ensure a comfortable and customized fit that will not slip out. It has nine pretty nifty color options with color matching cords that can let any person complement their mood, accessories and outfit. The earbuds have been designed with ‘ergofit’ to offer the comfortable fit and wear. You can enjoy listening to music with the snug and soft earbuds which will conform at once in the ears. They’re obviously not giving you crazy studio headphone quality but they get the job done if you only want to spend a few bucks on them. The length of the cord is 3.6 foot and it can be threaded comfortably through a backpack, bag or jacket as well.
Sony MDRXB50AP
These Sony earbuds have powerful sounds that are generated through the neodymium magnet that delivers a deeper and more powerful bass that can complement the popular music genres of today. The tightly sealed acoustic design may allow for a high level of sound isolation, and it helps with the reproduction of the powerful and extended bass response. It is integrated with a microphone and a multifunction button that makes it the perfect companion to have with your smartphone. The Android users are able to enjoy the convenient and smart key app for added control functionality that is based directly on the phone. The hybrid silicone earbuds can offer long lasting comfort and it is designed for reducing ambient noise.
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23
We’re pretty labeled as Audio-Technica nerds by now, but of course proudly and for a reason. These are noise cancelling earbuds that reduce the distracting noise up to 90 percent (that’s at least the number they market — it’s still solid regardless). They also offer the signature sound that makes Audio-Technica hold their reps for pro audio quality. It has been engineered to offer a comfortable listening environment in any area that has ambient noise. These earphones have a miniature microphone in each ear piece. The electronics in the control box will create a noise cancellation wave that is up to 180 degree out of the phase of the ambient noise — pretty advanced, right? The wave will effectively act like a noise eraser. It will cancel out the annoying sounds which surround us without having to diminish the audio that the person is listening to. If you literally wanted noise-cancelling earbuds for under $100 or less, try these!
JayBird BlueBuds X
These earbuds are designed with that excellent, Jaybird-famous technology. Aside from perhaps Beats by Dre, they’re pretty heavily marketed but for all good reasons. These may be hovering below or above $100, so we’re apologizing in advance if they aren’t quite a hundred even. Be sure to double check the websites and see who’s offering them cheaper but we’ve seen the mostly at $100 and lower. They offer 8 hours of playtime and ‘SignalPlus technology’ to use for skip free music outdoors. These also made our exercise and working out headphones article. They’re one of the best wireless earbuds under $100 if they’re still listed at the time you’re reading this. Grab them if you are able to afford them.
Panasonic RP-TCM125K
Here’s our last pair of earbuds under $100 in the article and yet another appearance by Panasonic. These earphones offer a nice combination of comfort and style and most importantly high quality sound for its price. It has three included sets for the ear pads so that you can enjoy the right fit. You can get a perfectly customized fit that will not slip away. You can also choose from five color options with the matching cords to offer the best mood and right style you’d like. It delivers great, clear sound which is dynamic and can help to keep you from hearing any unwanted outside noise. The earbuds will not make the ears sore, and you do not need to use a big size but the medium or the small tip can be perfect since it will seal the ear canal and you do not have to squeeze too much inside. The earbuds allow you to enjoy your music in style while you shut out the noise of your surrounding environment. If you’ve made it down this list so far, make up your mind already!
