Top 3 Best Wireless Headphones Under $100 Of 2024
Wireless headphones are a great option for listening to audio on the go. They allow us to move about freely without being tied to the audio source and do away with any wires that all too often become tangled. These types of headphones have become quite popular, partly due to their ease of use and partly due to manufacturers phasing out headphone jacks.
If you're in the market for a solid pair of wireless headphones but don't want to break the bank, then this article is for you! We'll look at the top 3 wireless headphones that fit within a $100 USD budget.
The Top 3 Best Wireless Headphones Under $100 Are:
Of course, any list of this nature is inherently subjective. However, I firmly believe these are the best options within a $100 price cap.
Since we're having a discussion within the context of a price cap, I figure I should leave a link to a related My New Microphone article: Are Expensive Headphones (Or Cheap Headphones) Worth It?
What Makes A Great Wireless Headphone?
Though the term “best” is subjective, we should still list the criteria used to determine what makes a great pair of wireless headphones.
- Comfort: this is perhaps the simplest yet most important criterion of any headphone. Though highly subjective, specifications such as weight; contact pressure; earpad shape/material; stiffness, and the overall dimension play a role in comfort. We should also consider the amount of heat that could get trapped around the ears during longer listening sessions.
- Battery life: because wireless transmission requires power, wireless headphones will require batteries. The amount of time it takes for the battery to drain from fully charged is an important factor to consider.
- Wireless specifications: do the headphones use the Bluetooth protocol or some other type of wireless transmission? Will they be compatible with your current set up? These are questions worth asking.
- Frequency response: a great pair of headphones should be able to reproduce the full audible spectrum from 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz with clarity.
Noise cancelling is also an important thing to consider when choosing wireless headphones. Note that passive noise-cancelling ties into the fit of the headphones and whether they are closed-back or not. Active noise cancelling further reduces noise with active feedback/feedforward mic/speaker systems.
With that, let's get into our top 3 best wireless headphones for under $100!
To learn more about wireless headphones before we jump into the best models under $100, please consider reading the following My New Microphone articles:
• How Bluetooth Headphones Work & How To Pair Them To Devices
• How Do Wireless Headphones Work? + Bluetooth & True Wireless
Related articles:
- Top 5 Best Wireless Earphones/Earbuds Under $100
- Top 5 Best Wireless Earphones/Earbuds Under $200
- Top 5 Best Wireless Headphones Under $200
- Top 5 Best Wireless Headphones Under $500
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Status Audio BT One
Next up is the affordable Status Audio BT One.
The Status Audio BT One is a supra-aural (on-ear) closed-back headphone. It has Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology with apt-X and a wireless range of 25 feet. Expect quick pairing, secure connections and low latency with these headphones.
The battery life of these headphones is 30 hours on a full charge. Charging is made possible via USB-C.
If a Bluetooth wireless connection is not possible, either due to the audio device or dead batteries, the BT One includes a 3.5mm cabled connection option as well.
The stylish BT One is designed with the idea to bring analog sound to a wireless headphone. Status gets it done at an affordable price.
The 40mm dynamic drivers reproduce audio accurately across the entire audible frequency spectrum (20 Hz – 20,000 Hz).
A built-in microphone allows for calls and voice assistants with ease. A series of buttons on the earcup offers call, VA, volume, on/off and pairing controls.
The BT One is compact and slim-fitting. The earpads keep things comfortable, though there are certainly better options when it comes to overall comfort.
Key Specifications:
- Transducer Type: 40 mm Dynamic
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 97 db +/- 3db
- IP Rating: no info
- Open/Closed-Back: Supra-aural/Closed-back
- Weight: 155g
- Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 5.0
Cowin E7 Pro
Second last is the well-received Cowin E7 Pro.
The Cowin E7 Pro is a circumaural (over-ear) closed-back headphone that features Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology and active noise-cancellation (ANC) technology.
To learn more about closed-back headphones and active noise cancellation, check out my articles The Complete Guide To Open-Back & Closed-Back Headphones and Passive Vs. Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones, respectively.
The battery life of these headphones is rated as 30+ hours on a full charge for playback and ANC, though it's lower when both are engaged. A 4-hour charge time of the lithium battery is made possible via micro-USB.
If a Bluetooth wireless connection is not possible, either due to the audio device or dead batteries, the micro-USB cable can transfer audio from the device to the headphones.
The E7 Pro's proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers are capable of producing a deep, accurate bass response along with clear and accurate mids and highs. With a rated frequency response of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz, this headphone will reproduce all the audible frequencies for the listener.
For more info on frequency response, check out my article What Is Headphone Frequency Response & What Is A Good Range?
The active noise-cancellation circuit, when engaged, does a great job of reducing low-end rumble from the listener's experience. Low frequencies, which have long wavelengths, are easier to tune out with ANC. Don't expect the headphones to block out high-frequency noise or more transient sources (talking, snoring, music, etc.).
These lightweight headphones have great sound for their price, and their soft ear cushions make them rather comfortable. Just be careful with wear-and-tear as these headphones are a bit below average in terms of durability.
Key Specifications:
- Transducer Type: 45 mm Dynamic
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: no info
- IP Rating: no info
- Open/Closed-Back: Circumaural/Closed-back
- Weight: 0.8 oz.
- Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 4.0
Sony WH-CH510
Last but not least is the Sony WH-CH510 from the well-known Japanese company Sony.
The Sony WH-CH510 is a supra-aural (on-ear) closed-back headphone with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology and a wireless range of 30 feet. The compatible Bluetooth profiles are A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP.
The 35-hour battery life of these headphones makes them an excellent choice at home and on the road. A full charge (from fully depleted) takes about 4.5 hours to complete via USB-C.
These headphones actually come in well below the $100 limit set in this article. They are the top “budget pick” of these already-budget headphones.
The 30mm drivers (with Ferrite magnets) offer great sonic detail across bass, mid and high frequencies. These drivers are designed into compact swivel-ready ear cups to improve fit and portability/storage.
To learn more about dynamic drivers and driver size, check out my articles The Complete Illustrated Guide To Moving-Coil Dynamic Headphones and What Is A Good Driver Size For Headphones? respectively.
The slim, adjustable headband completes the lightweight frame. For such an inexpensive pair of headphones, the WH-CH510s are pretty comfy.
Easy-to-use buttons include functions to play, stop or skip through tracks and adjust the volume. Additional controls allow users to turn the headphones on/off; make or take calls, and engage voice assistants.
Key Specifications:
- Transducer Type: 11.82 in Dynamic with ferrite magnets
- Impedance: no info
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: no info
- IP Rating: no info
- Open/Closed-Back: Supra-aural/Closed-back
- Weight: 4.66 oz
- Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 5.0
Sony
Sony is featured in My New Microphone's Top 13 Best Headphone Brands In The World.
Former Top Wireless Headphones Under $100 Picks
Here are headsets that used to be on this list and the reasons they are no longer.
Jabra Elite 45h (Discontinued)
Let's begin our discussion with the popular Jabra Elite 45h (discontinued).
The Jabra Elite 45h is a supra-aural (on-ear) closed-back headphone with Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology.
The supported Bluetooth profiles are:
- HSP v1.2
- HFP v1.7
- A2DP v1.3
- AVRCP v1.6
- PBAP v1.1
- SPP v1.2
Jabra's Elite 45h can even be paired to two devices at the same time.
These headphones offer an incredible battery life that lasts up to 50 hours on a full charge. Fast charging via USB-C gains 10 hours of listening time in just 15 minutes of charging.
Jabra's Elite 45h features 40mm dynamic headphone drivers, which are big given the headphone's on-ear design. These drivers deliver superb sound given the price point across the entire audible frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
Note that, in speak mode, the Elite 45h will only have a bandwidth of 100 Hz to 8,000 Hz, given the nature of voice calls.
For calls to be possible, the headphones must have built-in microphones. The Elite 45h features 2 MEMS microphones and 2-microphone call technology that helps to cancel background noise, helping you to be heard. Use these mics to make or take calls and engage voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa).
Though on-ear headphones are notorious for putting uncomfortable pressure on the listener's ears, the PU leather-covered memory foam earpads offer listeners a good deal of comfort, especially during longer listening sessions.
The lightweight design improves comfort even further. The compact, foldable nature of the headphones makes them easy to store and transport.
Real buttons are included on the earcup to control the following:
- Answer/end call
- Reject call
- Volume control
- Track control
- Play/pause music
- On/Off
- Pairing
Use the Elite 45h headphones with the Jabra Sound+ App to customize the EQ of the headphones to fit your preferred frequency response. Jabra's MySound option, which is part of the app, tests the user's hearing and automatically produces the optimal settings specific to that test.
Jabra offers a 2-year warranty against rain and dust with their Elite 45h headphones.
Key Specifications:
- Transducer Type: 40mm Dynamic
- Impedance: no info
- Frequency Response:
- 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (music mode)
- 100 Hz – 8,000 Hz (speak mode)
- Sensitivity: no info
- IP Rating: no info
- Open/Closed-Back: Supra-aural/Closed-back
- Weight: 160g
- Wireless/Wired: Bluetooth 5.0
- Microphone: 2x MEMS|100 Hz – 10 kHz
Sennheiser HDR 120 (Discontinued)
Sennheiser is a world-renowned German audio equipment manufacturer. Their Sennheiser HDR 120 (discontinued) get a certain spot on this list.
The Sennheiser HDR 120 is a supra-aural (on-ear) open-back headphone with RF wireless technology. It works with the following wireless headphone systems: RS 115, RS 117, RS118, RS 119, RS 119-II, RS 120 and RS 120-II.
This headphone takes 2 AAA batteries (Sennheiser strongly recommends rechargeable batteries). A typical operating time of 20 hours can be expected with the HDR120 headphones.
The HDR120 comes with Sennheiser's TR 120 transmitter.
So this headphone is a bit different from the others on this list because it doesn't use Bluetooth. Its need for a separate transmitter makes it less universal and less portable than Bluetooth options, but its performance-to-price ratio puts it on this list.
Ensure you adjust the receiver channel on the headphone with the Tune control to match it with the transmitter!
Other on-headphone controls include volume up/down and on/off.
Note that these wireless headphones do have a 3.5mm audio jack in order to connect to audio devices by cable. A purchase of the HDR 120 includes an audio cable and a 3.5mm to 6.35 (1/4″) adapter.
The Sennheiser HDR 120 headphones boast a detailed reproduction of sound with a strong bass response. These headphones are a great wireless option for TV/home cinema and music applications.
The HDR 120 is a comfortable headphone with easily replaceable earpads. For such an affordable headphone, it's rather durable, and with spare parts at the ready, this unit should last users a long time, especially if it's kept indoors.
Key Specifications:
- Transducer Type: Dynamic
- Impedance: 24 Ω
- Frequency Response: 22 Hz – 19,500 Hz
- Sensitivity: no info
- IP Rating: no info
- Open/Closed-Back: Supra-aural/Open-back
- Weight: 230 g
- Wireless/Wired: RF wireless 864 MHz (Additional headphone for wireless headphone systems RS 115, RS 117, RS118, RS 119, RS 119-II, RS 120, RS 120-II)
Choosing the right headphones or earphones for your applications and budget can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Headphones/Earphones Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next headphones/earphones purchase.
Other Top Headphones/Earphones Articles
Here are additional My New Microphone articles regarding the best headphones/earphones by type, application, and price:
• Top 5 Best Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitors
• Top 5 Best Balanced Armature In-Ear Monitors Under $500
• Top 5 Best Bone Conduction Headphones
• Top 5 Best Circumaural (Over-Ear) Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Circumaural (Over-Ear) Headphones Under $200
• Top 5 Best Circumaural (Over-Ear) Headphones Under $500
• Top 5 Best Closed-Back Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Closed-Back Headphones Under $200
• Top 5 Best Earphones For Sleeping Under $250
• Top 3 Best Earphones For Swimming Under $200
• Top 5 Best Electrostatic Headphones
• Top 10 Best Headphones/Earphones For Hiking
• Top 5 Best Headphones Under $50
• Top 5 Best Headphones For Podcasting Under $100
• Top 5 Best Headphones For Podcasting Under $200
• Top 5 Best Moving-Coil/Dynamic Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Moving-Coil/Dynamic Headphones Under $200
• Top 5 Best Moving-Coil/Dynamic Headphones Under $500
• Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Earphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Earphones Under $200
• Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $200
• Top 5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $500
• Top 5 Best Open-Back Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Open-Back Headphones Under $200
• Top 5 Best Open-Back Headphones Under $500
• Top 5 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
• Top 5 Best Supra-Aural (On-Ear) Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Supra-Aural (On-Ear) Headphones Under $250
• Top 5 Best Supra-Aural (On-Ear) Headphones Under $500
• Top 5 Best Wireless Earphones/Earbuds Under $100
• Top 5 Best Wireless Earphones/Earbuds Under $200
• Top 5 Best Wireless Earphones For Running Under $50
• Top 5 Best Wireless Earphones For Running Under $100
• Top 5 Best Wireless Earphones For Running Under $200
• Top 5 Best Wireless Headphones Under $200
• Top 5 Best Wireless Headphones Under $500
Leave A Comment!
Have any thoughts, questions or concerns? I invite you to add them to the comment section at the bottom of the page! I'd love to hear your insights and inquiries and will do my best to add to the conversation. Thanks!
This article has been approved in accordance with the My New Microphone Editorial Policy.
