Top 3 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 in 2025
Find the Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100 in 2025: Budget-Friendly Wireless Picks
If you’re on the hunt for the best over-ear headphones on a budget in 2025, you’ve come to the right place! Finding high-quality headphones that don’t break the bank can be a challenge, especially when you’re looking for budget wireless headphones with great sound, comfort, and performance. In this article, we’ll review three top contenders: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, EarFun Wave Pro Bluetooth Headphones, and Sony MDR-M1 Studio Headphones. Each product offers its unique features, pros, and cons, so let’s dive in and find out which one suits your needs the best.
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with Wireless Noise Cancelling and Spatial Audio
Key Features:
- Wireless Noise Cancellation: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are equipped with Bose’s renowned noise-canceling technology, making them perfect for blocking out distractions in noisy environments like airplanes or crowded offices.
- Spatial Audio: Provides an immersive listening experience by delivering 360-degree sound, enhancing movies, music, and gaming audio.
- Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life: These headphones offer up to a full day of usage on a single charge.
- Built-in Microphone: Ideal for hands-free calling and using voice assistants, with clear voice quality.
- Comfortable Over-Ear Design: Soft earcups and adjustable headband ensure comfort even during long listening sessions.
- A SUPERIOR LEVEL LISTENING EXPERIENCE: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with spatial audio let you live an immersive experience that makes your music more real than ever; CustomTune technology delivers sound tailored to you
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: These noise cancelling headphones come with Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode, which combines full noise cancellation and immersive audio of Bose
- NITID CALLS: Microphones focus on the sound of your voice, and the noise-cancelling headphones with microphone filter out background noise, for clearer phone calls than any other headset Bose
- RESEARCHED DESIGN, MAXIMUM COMFORT: The over-ear noise cancelling headphones have soft ear cushions that hug your ears, a headband that evenly distributes pressure and premium materials, for a unique style
- Bluetooth wireless headphones: Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 allows connection with your device up to 10 m away; SimpleSync allows synchronization with Bose smart soundbar, so you can listen to your TV at the volume you like
- 24 HOURS AUTONOMY: Enjoy extended listening with up to 24 hours of battery life (up to 18 hours with immersive audio). And with a charge of just 15 minutes you can get up to 2.5 hours of music (up to 2 with immersive audio)
- CONNECTION AND CONTROL: Touch controls on each ear cup allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, answer calls and switch to another mode, as well as turn the Bluetooth headphones on and off with simple head movements
- BOSE APP: Download the Bose app to get the latest software updates. Enjoy optimal operation with all the latest features and always up to date technology.
Pros:
- Industry-leading noise cancellation.
- High-quality spatial audio for immersive sound.
- Long-lasting battery life (24 hours).
- Comfortable fit for extended use.
- Premium build quality with great durability.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive (though still under $100 with discounts).
- Spatial audio feature might not be fully compatible with all devices.
Why It’s Worth Buying: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are perfect for those who prioritize noise cancellation, immersive sound, and comfort. They offer an excellent mix of performance, battery life, and audio quality, making them ideal for both everyday users and those who travel frequently. If you’re willing to stretch your budget just a little bit, these headphones provide exceptional value.
Battery Life
Noise Cancelling
Bluetooth Multipoint
Headphone Type
WaterResistant
No
Price
$$$
Full Review
2. EarFun Wave Pro Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation
Earfun Wave Pro
Key Features:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The EarFun Wave Pro offers effective ANC, allowing you to block out external noise and enjoy music in peace, whether you’re at home or in a noisy environment.
- Hi-Res Audio with LDAC Support: These headphones support high-resolution audio, ensuring superior sound clarity and richness.
- 80 Hours of Battery Life: One of the standout features of the EarFun Wave Pro is its massive battery life, offering up to 80 hours of playback on a single charge.
- 5 Microphones for Clear Calls: The headphones come with five built-in microphones that improve call quality by minimizing background noise.
- Customizable EQ: The adjustable EQ lets you personalize the sound to match your preferences.
Pros:
- Great value for money with impressive sound quality.
- Excellent battery life (80 hours) for long trips or extensive use.
- ANC feature works well in most environments.
- Clear call quality with five microphones.
- Customizable sound with the EQ feature.
Cons:
- ANC performance may not be as strong as high-end models.
- The fit may not be as comfortable for users with larger heads.
Why It’s Worth Buying: If you’re looking for a pair of budget wireless headphones that offer both active noise cancellation and impressive sound quality, the EarFun Wave Pro is a fantastic choice. With 80 hours of battery life and Hi-Res audio support, it stands out in the budget category, making it a solid option for users who prioritize long-lasting performance without compromising on audio quality.
Sony MDR-M1 Studio Headphones – Wired, Ultra Wideband Playback
Sony MDR-M1
- Introducing the MDR-M1 Sony for you: Designed for music creators and sound engineers, the MDR-M1 delivers precise, well-balanced studio quality sound with exceptional comfort.
- ULTRA-WIDE BAND PLAYBACK – Enjoy high-resolution audio and 5Hz to 80kHz playback thanks to a specially designed driver unit that ensures precise and balanced performance, ideal for professional use.
- CLOSED ACOUSTIC STRUCTURE: Closed headphones are structured for high noise isolation, eliminating ambient noise and leakage, making them ideal for studio recording and mixing on the go.
- MADE WITH COLLABORATION: Developed with leading sound engineers in the industry, these studio headphones ensure an authentic and enriching music experience.
- EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT: The ear cups are equipped with thick, low-elastic padding for a stable and leak-proof fit. The lightweight design (216g) ensures comfort during long sessions. Replaceable earcups increase longevity.
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: The MDR-M1 includes two high quality detachable cables (φ3.5mm) of different lengths and a screw adapter for φ6.3mm stereo jack.
Key Features:
- Wired Connectivity: Unlike the previous two models, the Sony MDR-M1 headphones are wired, providing a stable and uninterrupted connection for those who don’t mind the lack of wireless functionality.
- Ultra Wideband Playback: These headphones offer an ultra-wide frequency range, ensuring highly detailed and natural sound, perfect for studio or audio production environments.
- Comfortable Over-Ear Design: The large, padded earcups provide a comfortable fit for long listening sessions, ideal for studio work.
- Durable Build: Designed for professional use, these headphones are built to withstand extended use without compromising on performance.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound clarity with ultra-wide frequency response.
- Ideal for music production, mixing, or critical listening.
- Comfortable and durable design.
- Affordable compared to other studio headphones.
Cons:
- Wired design may limit mobility and convenience.
- Lacks wireless functionality or noise cancellation features.
Why It’s Worth Buying: The Sony MDR-M1 Studio Headphones are the go-to choice for those who need reliable, high-quality headphones for studio use or critical listening. While they are wired, the sound clarity and build quality make them a great investment for budget-conscious users looking for top-tier audio performance. If you’re not concerned about wireless capabilities, these headphones will give you excellent sound at a fraction of the price of other high-end studio headphones.
Factors to consider when buying over-ear headphones
Budget
Before anything else, you’ll want to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on new over-ear headphones. The quality of value-priced headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable headphones for less than $100. The premium models, which offer better build quality and performance, tend to cost $300 or more — sometimes much more, upwards of $650.
Noise canceling: Yes or no?
The majority of over-ear headphones feature active noise canceling. It does slightly affect sound quality, so if you’re an audio purist, you may want to go with a model that doesn’t have noise canceling. You can also sometimes save some money by getting non-ANC headphones, although noise canceling is becoming a fairly standard feature.
Wired or wireless
Most headphones these days are Bluetooth wireless headphones. You still tend to get the best sound going the wired route. Many wireless headphones also come with a headphone cable for wired listening (and some offer USB-C Audio using a USB-C cable). We have a few headphones on this list that are wired-only.
Fit, aka comfort
It’s key that the headphones you buy fit your head well. They should offer a comfortable fit that’s snug yet not too snug. Ideally, you want headphones you can wear over a day with minimal breaks.
Durability
You want headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.
Maximize performance and features for your budget
You want the best-sounding headphones with the best noise canceling, call quality and features for whatever you’re able to spend.
Return policy
It’s critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer’s remorse. Some people who are having trouble deciding between two models sometimes buy both, try them out for a few days and then return one.
Product Comparisons: Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs. EarFun Wave Pro vs. Sony MDR-M1 Studio Headphones
| Feature | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | EarFun Wave Pro | Sony MDR-M1 Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Wireless (Bluetooth) | Wireless (Bluetooth) | Wired |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 80 hours | N/A |
| Sound Quality | Spatial audio, excellent clarity | Hi-Res audio, customizable EQ | Ultra-wide frequency range |
| Comfort | Over-ear, plush earcups | Over-ear, comfortable fit | Over-ear, padded earcups |
| Best For | Travelers, commuters, music lovers | Long-duration use, ANC lovers | Studio professionals, audio engineers |
| Price | $99 (on sale) | $89 | $79 |
Which One Should You Buy?
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Best for those who prioritize noise cancellation and wireless connectivity. If you need a versatile pair of headphones that perform well during travel or at work, the Bose option is a great choice.
- EarFun Wave Pro: Ideal for budget-conscious users who need ANC and long-lasting battery life. These headphones are perfect for commuters, travelers, and those who enjoy long listening sessions.
- Sony MDR-M1 Studio: A perfect choice for audio professionals or music enthusiasts who need wired, high-quality sound for studio work or critical listening.
Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2025: Buying Guide
Introduction
The world of over-ear headphones continues to evolve in 2025, with more options offering high-quality sound at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for the best over-ear headphones on a budget, wireless ANC options, or great headphones under 50, this guide will help you navigate the best choices for your needs.
Selection Criteria
We evaluated the headphones based on:
- Sound quality: Crisp highs, deep lows, and balanced mids.
- Noise cancellation: Effectiveness in blocking external noise.
- Comfort: Fit for long listening sessions.
- Battery life: For wireless models.
- Price: Budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on quality.
Top 5 Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2025
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Best for: Noise cancellation and wireless performance.
- Pros: Excellent ANC, spatial audio, great comfort.
- Cons: Slightly higher price point.
- EarFun Wave Pro
- Best for: Long battery life and ANC on a budget.
- Pros: 80 hours of battery life, customizable EQ.
- Cons: ANC not as strong as premium models.
- Sony MDR-M1 Studio
- Best for: Audio professionals needing wired connectivity.
- Pros: Ultra-wide frequency, excellent for studio use.
- Cons: Wired connection limits mobility.
- Anker Soundcore Life Q30
- Best for: Budget ANC headphones.
- Pros: Excellent ANC, good sound quality.
- Cons: Not as durable as premium options.
- JBL Quantum 800
- Best for: Gamers.
- Pros: Immersive sound, great microphone for calls.
- Cons: Not as comfortable for long durations.
Final Recommendation
For budget wireless headphones, the EarFun Wave Pro offers the best combination of features, including ANC, long battery life, and great sound quality. If you’re looking for studio-quality sound, the Sony MDR-M1 Studio is unbeatable. Bose QuietComfort Ultra is perfect for those who want the best noise-canceling wireless headphones under $100.
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