Finding the best Bluetooth headphones at a budget price is not easy. There are a lot of very poor products out there, with many of them making claims for the performance that cannot be justified. However, there are, though, some very good options from quality manufacturers.
Of course, budget headphones can never be as good as the big money models. But for those who want a cheaper option, or are prone to break headphones easily due to an active lifestyle, there are some good options
Whatever you need them for, we will try and cover every option. So, let’s have a look at the best Bluetooth headphones under $100 and find the perfect pair for you…
Contents
- Top 10 Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100 In 2023 Reviews
- 1 Sennheiser HD 4.40 Around Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
- 2 Soundcore Anker Liberty Air True-Wireless Earphones
- 3 JLab Audio JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Bluetooth Earbuds
- 4 Letscom Wireless Headphones, Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds IPX7 Waterproof Workout Earphones
- 5 Jabra Move Style Edition, Black – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- 6 TaoTronics TT-BH071 Wireless Earbuds
- 7 Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 8 Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones
- 9 JBL Live 400BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones
- 10 Soundcore Spirit X 2023 Version Wireless Sports Earphones
- Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100 Buyers Guide
- So, What Are The Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100?
Top 10 Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100 In 2023 Reviews
1
Sennheiser HD 4.40 Around Ear Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
Here is an audio manufacturer that needs little introduction. They are recognized as being one of the premier companies, especially for headphones. You will find their products in many recording studios around the world. They don’t only work at the high end, though. They also produce premium range equipment, and we are looking at the HD 4.40 headphones here.
Sennheiser is known for its sound quality, but they also are known for their high quality of the build. This set of headphones is built in typical Sennheiser fashion with a plain and simple, but very attractive design is the first thing you notice. Elegant might be a word to describe them.
At just over seven and a half ounces, they are also lightweight to wear. The cups swivel and the headband design allows them to be folded away when not in use.
Comfort is an essential element of the design of these headphones, and the thickness of the padding around the ears demonstrates that. They are super comfortable on the ears and being an around-ear design; this is an important feature. The fully adjustable headband is also padded but not quite as much. This maybe could have done with a little more.
Controls are located on the right ear cup. There is a volume and power switch and also playback. The microphone is designed to fit unobtrusively into the ear cup. You can take calls and change tracks at any time.
With Sennheiser, you can always count on the sound to be at least adequate, and these are good. Higher frequencies are not overplayed, and the bass is set at a level where it does not muddy the mids. The overall sound does not reach the level of their more expensive models, but is more than adequate.
The frequency response is 18-22,000 Hz, and there is a decent SPL at 113dB. Included is a micro USB cable and of course, Bluetooth connectivity with efficient pairing using NFC with a range of 30 feet. Set at an attractive price point, they are good value. They are certainly one to consider as the best headphones under $100, as well as one of the best Sennheiser headphones you can get for the price.
Pros
- Quality build and sound performance.
- Elegant design and some good control features built-in.
Cons
- The headband might need some extra padding.
2
Soundcore Anker Liberty Air True-Wireless Earphones
If you are not familiar with Anker audio, they are involved in a wide range of manufacture in the audio industry. They have offices and centers in the US and the UK, Denmark, Japan, and China.
With this product, they have designed a set of earphones with a case that also acts as a battery charger. If you can recall the Apple Airpod, it is not a dissimilar idea.
The build is small and compact, which is a plus as they will fit neatly in your pocket. The charger and most of the fittings are made of plastic. This does give them a rather vulnerable feel in the hand.
It is the charger where the similarities to the Airpod are most evident. Drop the earbuds into their case, and they charge automatically. The buds will not be affected by sweat and light moisture.
In use, we wouldn’t say that they are noise-canceling, but external noise is greatly reduced. Microphone and use in calls are quite good with clear communication. Pairing is good, and you gain good contact. Once you have been connected, they will pair automatically the next time you use them.
The controls are not the easiest to operate. There is a touch-sensitive design that involves tapping and double-tapping. In some operations holding a button-down is necessary. Not so easy when in use. Battery power is not so great either. You get five hours from a single charge. There is an LED display giving battery condition status.
Despite what we see as some potential operational problems, the sound is quite good. The microphone is clear, and connections are stable. You are given five sets of ear tips to help you get a good fit. They are not expensive and good value in the best Bluetooth headphones under $100 category.
Pros
- The sound is quite good.
- Cost-effective price.
Cons
- Not the easiest to operate.
- They feel a little cheaply made.
3
JLab Audio JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Bluetooth Earbuds
Another company with the clever idea of keeping your earbuds in a case. Then making the case a battery charger so you can store them away and renew the charge. These are from Jlab Audio and are nicely designed for convenience of use.
They are made from sturdy plastic, so do not feel vulnerable to the touch, and they operate with no wires or cables. They come in a plastic case that again is well-made that acts as the charger.
A good feature is that when you take the buds out, they automatically pair and connect. In fact, the connection is so fast that they will have paired before you actually get them in your ears.
If you want to use them in a reasonably mild activity, they have an IP 55 rating. This is to demonstrate they will be to handle sweat and natural moisture. Probably not rain and the elements, though.
Controls are placed on the buds, and a gentle push gives you what you need. Sound creation, activating the mic, or taking calls are a simple operation. Similarly, answering calls and linking to voice assistants Some of the info on this product states 4.2 Bluetooth connection, but it is actually 5.0.
Battery life is not so good, with only four hours from one charge for each bud. Also, when in use, calls and external conversations only appear on one side. Extra ear tips and some varying sized fins are included to get the comfort right.
They are a good set of earbuds, not noise canceling though a good fit will reduce external noise. They have three sound settings and control to give the bass a boost, so the sound options are good, making them a good pair of Bluetooth headphones for under $100.
The case, though, as we said, is plastic. It is quite sturdy, but as it is, your charger, extra care is needed.
Pros
- Good design and quite well made.
- It has some good built-in features.
Cons
- Battery life is a little low.
4
Letscom Wireless Headphones, Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds IPX7 Waterproof Workout Earphones
Letscom is a Japanese company that builds a variety of Audio with fitness-related products. They have representatives in the US, Denmark, and the UK. One of the product lines they manufacture for the fitness environment is their wireless workout headphones.
They are made from durable plastic and are designed and built for use with physical activity. They have been given an IPX7 water-resistant rating. The design uses a Nano-coating that protects against fitness induced sweat and moisture. They will also be protected against light rain. This makes them good for exercise routines that may include outside use.
They have Bluetooth 5.0, which is a big asset. This should give you quick and stable connections. They will give you up to 15 hours of battery life from one charge. Should you run out of charge, it has a quick charge facility. This will provide a 1-2 hour boost. They have the standard operating distance of about 30 feet. They are very light, weighing only four ounces.
The sound they produce is not so impressive, which is a shame. A flat bass and a top that has too much treble. They have 11mm speakers in each bud made from copper that delivers a crisp sound. A little bass-heavy possibly bit that seems to be the norm with fitness buds and phones.
There is a one-button control located on the frame of one earpiece and offers the usual options for volume, music, and calls. The sound for calls is good. One big plus is that these phones are actually noise canceling when you get a good fit.
They are a decent product made even better by a very cost-effective price. They come with a portable case.
Pros
- Decent build quality and some good features.
- Very good price point.
Cons
- Sound not so good
5
Jabra Move Style Edition, Black – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Jabra Audio is part of the GN Group based in Denmark. They specialize in producing a range of high-quality listening devices. With headphones being just one of these product lines.
When you see a product with Danish design, then you know you are going to get absolute quality. They have a concise and simple design, which some might say is understated. We would just say they are Scandinavian. No fuss, just get the job done. They are built from tough plastic with a metal frame for the adjustable headband Made to be durable and to last.
Well padded ear cups for their over the ear design and a lightweight headband. These can be used for lengthy periods with no fatigue at all.
The sound is one area where these excel. The sound is sharp without having too much treble. It is deep and warm without having too much bass. The uncluttered mids are clear and defined. This sound is created by Jabra’s own Digital Signal Processing design,’ giving you a great sound for music and for any calls you may receive.
Button-operated controls give you access to all the control functions you need. You can, therefore, control your calls and your music at the touch of a button. Connect to Bluetooth and activate the built-in mic. All with simple operations. They will give you 14 hours of use from a single charge and up to 12 days on standby.
So we have looked at what could be the top Bluetooth headphones for under $100. Let’s try and find something we don’t like. Not much, really. The ear cups don’t swivel, so they are not so good for storage, but that is about it.
For what they are, they are not expensive. They represent a durable, comfortable, and well-designed set of headphones.
Pros
- Simple, understated, elegant design.
- Well made with some very good features.
Cons
- Not so easy to store away.
6
TaoTronics TT-BH071 Wireless Earbuds
Chinese company TaoTronics manufactures a range of conventional headphones, earbuds, and earphones, specially designed for sports use. To some, they may not be the first you might think of, but their products are proven and worth considering.
The design is nice and efficient, and they have been made so that they are very comfortable. Made from a good grade of plastic, they do not feel weak in the hand and are sturdy. They have a very sleek look with their black finish. Because they are made from plastic, they are not heavy at about five ounces.
With these products, one of the critical areas is the controls. With these earbuds, they have an easy to operate the in-line controller. This will provide all the controls you need. They have an IPX6 rating for water-proofing. This includes a coating that will protect them against sweat and moisture and even light rain.
They are Bluetooth 5 compatible, and that includes HD Audio Codec aptX. This delivers a high-quality streaming sound. Also fitted is CVC 8.0 noise cancellation technology. This ensures that any unwanted external sounds are filtered away. This makes calls clear and uncluttered for a good reception at both ends when in conversation.
A clever innovation is a magnetic design installed in the earbuds. When not in use, you can just place them together for a convenient way to carry until you use them again. While the battery life is a continuous 18 hours from a single charge. However, the sound quality is not the best you will hear, but at the price point, is acceptable.
Neat and tidy and well designed, they have a very competitive price point — good value and certainly one of the best Bluetooth headphones under $100.
Pros
- We made with good features and easy controls.
- Very cheap price point.
Cons
- The sound quality lets them down a bit.
7
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Anker is a Chinese company. Their main business is involved with the manufacture of phones and other device charging accessories. They also design and manufacture headphones and speakers under the name of Soundcore. They have subsidiaries in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, as well as their main center in Shenzhen.
Soundcore is known to produce some good quality equipment. They seem to have excelled themselves with these headphones. An over-ear design that is understated but very attractive is the first thing you appreciate. Then you realize the quality of the build. They are not heavy at just nine ounces, but they feel very substantial.
The sound is very good…
40mm dynamic drivers that produce a powerful bass but still maintain the high frequencies drive the sound. Double-pressing the play button in use will give you a further bass boost.
They are made to be comfortable and for hours of use. Soundcore have used memory foam for the ear cups. These fit gently to your ear shape. The headband has an interesting design, the joints rotate, and this changes the earcup angle to fit your head comfortably. This also assists in the noise cancellation process providing a tight seal.
They may not be the best headphones for sleeping, but they are more comfortable than most.
They have Bluetooth 5 capability. Life Q20 will connect with your mobile device and give you a stable and continuous connection. The built-in mic using a voice enhancement provides a clear sound, Battery life is approximately 40 hours, and they have a 5-minute quick charge facility.
The noise cancellation is worth a quick mention. Mic detectors are used to identify and reduce unwanted ambient sounds. The efficiency is excellent and even reduces airplane noise.
These are impressive. The build quality, the look, and the feel in the hand make you think you have an expensive set of phones. The sound will appeal to some people, but they are a little bass-heavy for some users.
At this price point, though, they could be the best Bluetooth headphones for under $100.
Pros
- Great style and well-built.
- A very cost-effective price.
Cons
- Sound is quite bass-heavy for some.
8
Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Skullcandy is a US company that have their center in Utah. They manufacture a variety of audio-related products, including headphones. They also produce earphones, mp3 players, and other devices that are hands-free.
The build quality is quite good. They are essentially plastic, of course, as the vast majority of headphones are. These, though, have a headband that has a metal base that is well-padded for durability. The ear cups also have plenty of padding to ensure comfort in use. However, the headband is rather short, which can make a comfortable fit difficult for some.
We think there may be an issue with some over the color, though. Royal Blue will be rather bright for some who prefer a more conservative style.
The sound is decent, powered by 40mm drivers. The controls are designed for simplicity. There are just three control buttons. These will handle your incoming calls and also perform the usual functions for music, play, pause, skip tracks, etc.
Bluetooth connections are adequate, and the connection quite consistent. The microphone performance is nothing to write home about but adequate, That’s is probably what these headphones are really about, being adequate, they don’t really excel in any area, but they are just quite good and acceptable in all of them.
They do, though, have a battery life of 12 hours, which is quite good. The battery will recharge in two and a half hours.
Not the best Bluetooth headphones you will find. But at the price point, decent value for money.
Pros
- Cost-effective price.
- Quite a good sound and with a good battery life.
Cons
- The headband is a little short for some wearers.
9
JBL Live 400BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones
JBL has a history of producing high-quality audio equipment. In days past, their speakers especially were considered top quality. They started life as a US company just after the second world war. More recently, they have been acquired by Harman industries who are themselves owned by Samsung. They are still headquartered in Los Angeles.
These on-ear headphones are packed with extras and facilities. They are well-made from durable plastic but with some metal in the design. Aluminum extenders add strength, and the headband is covered with a comfortable fabric.
The ear cups have plenty of padding, and so a comfortable fit is assured. One nice touch design touch is that the earcups fold swivel and fold inwards for storage after use. They might be in the budget range of headphones, but they feel substantial.
40mm drivers push the sound along, which is high-powered, but we have to say not the best you will hear. They are a little bass-heavy, which tends to drive out the mids.
Battery performance is very good, giving you up to 24 hours of use from the re-chargeable unit. It has hands-free calling from the built-in mic. It has an ambient aware control. One-touch will let you hear more of what is going on around you. A good feature if you need to hear instructions.
It also has another control called Talk-Thru. This allows you to lower the volume inside the phones to have a conversation without removing them. There is built-in access to Alexa and google assistant.
Lots of extras but only an average sound by JBL standards. They are at the higher end price-wise of what we might call a budget range.
Pros
- Comfortable fit and durable build.
- Some good extra features.
Cons
- Sound quality not as good as some others in the same price range
10
Soundcore Spirit X 2023 Version Wireless Sports Earphones
Another set of earphones under the brand name of Soundcore from Anker Products. These are specifically designed to be used in a sports-type environment.
If there is something you need from a set of headphones during physical activity, it is stability. These are designed to make a good fit. The ear hooks are made from Flex-form and are adjustable. They are designed to fit tightly to make sure they won’t move around or, worse, fall off.
They have an IP68 protection rating. This covers both dust and waterproofing. They will cope easily with sweat and moisture and even running in the rain; however, they actually go a bit further than that. They also have a built-in seal that is impermeable to liquids. This means that they could handle complete submersion in water. Unwanted moisture will not damage the internals of these headphones.
They are not quite the best waterproof headphones, but really good when you consider the price.
Battery life is good, giving you up to 18 hours of use, and they have a fast charge facility. If your batteries should need a charge, you can get 3 hours from a 10-minute fast charge.
Sound-wise they are designed for the gym or running. That means heavyweight bass. The drivers are powerful, and so they deliver a real thumping sound. They are designed with what is known as Bass-up technology. This will naturally boost the bass where the headphones think it needs it. Sound-wise not to everyone’s taste, it must be said. However, this does make them one of the best workout headphones and earphones.
They do what they are designed to do, and at this price, you can’t really go wrong. They could be the best Bluetooth headphones under $100 for running.
Pros
- Durable and stable build quality.
- Good battery life and cost-effective price.
Cons
- Very bass-heavy won’t suit some people.
Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100 Buyers Guide
This is not an easy thing to achieve. There are a lot of options out there. A lot of companies that are making budget phones and also making some quite unrealistic claims about their performance. You never really know until you try them. Sometimes that is too late. There are though some real high-quality phones that are available. Manufactured by people with good reputations who know what they are doing.
First, though before you go looking, there are some decisions to make…
What Will You Use Them For?
There may be a variety of reasons for buying Bluetooth headphones. Some may use them just for commuting or maybe on lunch break. If so, you will require something with very low overspill of sound and possibly noise cancellation. They will also need to be very portable and have a decent battery life to last all day.
If they are for use running or in the gym, there are a different set of requirements. They will need moisture protection to guard against sweat and maybe even rain, and they will need a tough build and be able to withstand the activity level. They will also need to be easy to operate during the activity. Complicated or non-user-friendly controls then are out. Most importantly, they will need to be secure in the ear whilst also being reasonably comfortable.
You might, though, just want then for home. Just to listen to some music or something on a computer. Comfort and sound quality will then be important, especially for lengthy use.
Whatever the use you require, we have looked at options that cover all. There are some very good Bluetooth headphones under $100.
Are you looking to spend a little more?
If you’re interested in buying a pair of Bluetooth headphones and your budget extends to more than $100, then please check out our in-depth reviews of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones.
So, What Are The Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100?
For us, we were looking for an elegant, understated design and style. Not for the gym or running, maybe for the commute or just at home. Good battery life and of course, a good sound. We, therefore, decided that the best Bluetooth headphones under $100 were the…
Great styling and performance at a great price.
Our choice for the best Bluetooth headphones under $100.