Best Over Ear Headphones Under $100

Since earbuds rose to popularity in the ’90s, they have been the go-to device for mobile listening. As of late, though, full, over the ear headphones have been gaining popularity again. The reason is no secret. Earbuds may be convenient, but they simply can’t give you the same sound experience that a full, over-ear headphone can.

Not all headphones are created alike. We’ve taken a look at some of the best over ear headphones under 100 dollars and compiled a list of our top picks. We’ll let you know how to get the most bang for your buck, as well as provide you with the pros and cons of each model.

Comparison Table

Product	Image	Price
[amazon link=”B000NUYW92″ title=”JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones ” /]	[amazon fields=”B000NUYW92” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B000NUYW92” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B00NCSIN4W” title=”Skullcandy Hesh 2 ” /]	[amazon fields=”B00NCSIN4W” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B00NCSIN4W” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B00001WRSJ” title=”Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones with CCAW Voice Coil ” /]	[amazon fields=”B00001WRSJ” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B00001WRSJ” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B077XT82DD” title=”Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones ” /]	[amazon fields=”B077XT82DD” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B077XT82DD” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B00J0BXPD4″ title=”Avantree Audition Bluetooth Over-the-Ear Headphones ” /]	[amazon fields=”B00J0BXPD4” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B00J0BXPD4” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B00ZGNX8XC” title=”Symphonized Wraith 2.0 Over-the-Ear Headphones ” /]	[amazon fields=”B00ZGNX8XC” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B00ZGNX8XC” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B003LPTAYI” title=”Sennheiser HD 202 ” /]	[amazon fields=”B003LPTAYI” value=”thumb” image_align=”center” image=”https://gosoundshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/51m1paXOVL._SL1280_.jpg”]	[amazon fields=”B003LPTAYI” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B0001ARCFA” title=”AGK 240 Studio ” /]	[amazon fields=”B0001ARCFA” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B0001ARCFA” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B019U00D7K” title=”Cowin E7 ” /]	[amazon fields=”B019U00D7K” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B019U00D7K” value=”button”]
[amazon link=”B00HVLUR54″ title=”Audio Technica ATH M40x ” /]	[amazon fields=”B00HVLUR54” value=”thumb” image_align=”center”]	[amazon fields=”B00HVLUR54” value=”button”]

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we dive into our list of the best over ear headphones under 100 dollars, let’s knock out some of the most common questions regarding headphones and their features.

What Are Over Ear Headphones?

Simply put, over ear headphones are any headphones that fit snugly over your entire ear, as opposed to earbuds that fit inside your ear.

What Do They Do?

Over ear headphones allow you to listen to your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook while blocking out some (or all) of the sounds surrounding you. Some even come with a built-in microphone that allows you to make or accept calls, or chat with other players if you use them for gaming.

How Does It Work?

Headphones work just like stereo speakers, but on a smaller level, delivering sound to just the listener and (ideally) nobody else in their vicinity. Some headphones are good at keeping sound from “leaking” to the user’s surroundings. They feature a construction that blocks ambient noise from reaching the listener; others have active noise canceling technology that blocks virtually all outside sound.

Where Can You Buy Them?

Headphones can be found just about anywhere, from Walgreens and CVS to electronics stores like Best Buy, and big-box retailers like Wal-Mart and Target. Of course, these days plenty of shoppers prefer browsing online from the comfort of home, and all the products reviewed here are currently available on Amazon.

How We Reviewed

While sound quality is the most important factor in choosing a good pair of headphones, the models on this list all offer high-quality sound. What sets them apart from each other is style — from elaborate wood and metal designs to minimalist plastic models — as well as comfort, durability, and extra features. 

A built-in microphone is definitely a plus since headphones are increasingly used for a wide range of activities, not just passively listening to music. Bluetooth capability is also a huge factor. Although some users like to plug in to listen to their favorite tunes, being able to have some mobility, as well and not having to mess with wires, can be a big advantage when shelling out money for a pair of headphones.

What We Reviewed

• JVC HARX300
• Skullcandy Hesh 2
• Sony MDRV6 Studio
• Mpow 059
• Avantree Audition
• Symphonized Wraith 2.0
• Sennheiser HD 202
• AGK 240 Studio
• Cowin E7
• Audio Technica ATH M40x

[amazon link=”B000NUYW92″ title=”JVC HARX300 Full-Size Headphones ” /]

[amazon box=”B000NUYW92″]

Features

The JVC HARX300 is a large, closed-back headphone that favors comfort over style. The pliable headband and ample ear padding ensures that you’ll be listening in comfort, and the 40mm driver helps to keep the sound as faithful to the original as possible. It’s hard to beat the value packed into the HARX300. Of course, a lower pricing point does mean some quality issues will come up, but they’re hard to beat for the price.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Affordable
• Good sound quality for the price

Cons

• Sound quality is not top-notch
• Not very durable
• Connections can come loose
• No Bluetooth

Warranty

It comes with a one-year warranty.

[amazon link=”B00NCSIN4W” title=”Skullcandy Hesh 2 ” /]

[amazon box=”B00NCSIN4W”]

Features

While Skullcandy is known as much for style as it is for quality, these simple Bluetooth over ear headphones offer an incredibly simple design. Boasting a 15-hour battery life (with backup aux cable), Supreme Sound technology and a comfortable fit, the Hesh 2 packs a lot of quality into a simple, sleek package. While they don’t feature a noise-canceling feature, their construction naturally blocks out most surrounding noises.

Pros

• High-quality sound
• Thick ear padding
• Blocks out most ambient noise

Cons

• Limited connection range compared to higher-priced models
• Some users don’t find the dense foam comfortable
• Charging port is prone to breaking down
• Some complaints about low-quality stitching on ear pads

Warranty

It comes with a one-year warranty.

[amazon link=”B00001WRSJ” title=”Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones with CCAW Voice Coil ” /]

[amazon box=”B00001WRSJ”]

Features

The Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones give you a classic look and feel with high-quality wired-in sound. The 40mm drivers and large speakers provide for near-studio quality sound at a reasonable price. Users consistently praise the crispness of the mids and highs and the warmth of the bass. While they lack Bluetooth connectivity, these headphones are ideal for at-home use, or anywhere you don’t mind being plugged in.

Pros

• Sound quality is about the best for this price range
• Uncharacteristically clear mid- and upper-range clarity
• Large ear pads for better comfort

Cons

• No Bluetooth
• Faux leather padding can get warm and uncomfortable
• Cable can come loose

Warranty

It comes with a 90-day labor warranty and a 1-year parts warranty.

[amazon link=”B077XT82DD” title=”Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones ” /]

[amazon box=”B077XT82DD”]

Features

For the listener on a budget who is frequently on the go, the Mpow 059 Bluetooth headphones have just about everything you could ask for. The Bluetooth is obviously great for mobility, and the built-in microphone allows you to make and receive calls without having to switch to another device. Users frequently praise the sound, considering the price range. While these headphones won’t give you studio-quality sound or 100% noise cancellation, for the casual listener.

Pros

• Bluetooth
• Microphone for making calls
• Up to 20 hours listening time

Cons

• Audio can lag behind the video when watching shows
• Microphone is prone to break

Warranty

It comes with an 18-month warranty.

[amazon link=”B00J0BXPD4″ title=”Avantree Audition Bluetooth Over-the-Ear Headphones ” /]

[amazon box=”B00J0BXPD4″]

Features

The Avantree Audition headphones come with a unique look and affordable price. They boast 40mm drivers, a fairly comfortable fit, and good volume range. The biggest concern with these headphones is that the sound leaks considerably, so if you’re in a crowded place you will need to be aware of the volume.

Pros

• Bluetooth
• Lightweight
• Unique style
• Good sound quality for the price

Cons

• Could use more padding
• Significant sound leak

Warranty

It comes with a two-year warranty.

[amazon link=”B00ZGNX8XC” title=”Symphonized Wraith 2.0 Over-the-Ear Headphones ” /]

[amazon box=”B00ZGNX8XC”]

Features

The Wraith 2.0 headphones from Symphonized are instantly eye-catching. Their unique wooden earphone housing isn’t just for show; the speaker housing is made from real wood, and the headband is metal, not plastic. Available in both wired and wireless versions, these headphones aren’t just stylish but provide outstanding sound quality for the price point.

Pros

• Unique style
• Durable materials
• Great highs, mids, and bass

Cons

• Wired version has issues with microphonics
• Sound can be muffled
• Somewhat heavy due to materials used

Warranty

It comes with a one-year warranty.

[amazon link=”B003LPTAYI” title=”Sennheiser HD 202 ” /]

[amazon box=”B003LPTAYI” image=”https://gosoundshack.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/51m1paXOVL._SL1280_.jpg”]

Features

If the elaborate style of the two models reviewed above isn’t your thing, you might opt for the minimalist design of the Sennheiser HD 202. Weighing only 4.5 ounces, these headphones offer great sound quality in a small, light package. Known especially for their rich bass, the HD 202 is everything you could want in a lightweight, wired headphone.

Pros

• Good sound, especially the bass
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Minimal sound leakage

Cons

• Cable is not detachable and can’t be replaced on its own
• Small ear cup size may not suit all users
• Not foldable, can be difficult to transport

Warranty

It comes with a two-year warranty.

[amazon link=”B0001ARCFA” title=”AGK 240 Studio ” /]

[amazon box=”B0001ARCFA”]

Features

The AGK 240 Studio is an upgraded version of the AGK 240 Monitor and combines a unique look with a solid, durable design and high-quality sound. The Studio is aptly named, as these headphones look and feel like you’re working in a recording studio, even if you’re just listening to your favorite music at home.

Pros

• Unique look
• Big ear cushions
• Detachable cable

Cons

• 30 mm drivers (as compared to the now common 40 mm drivers)
• Bass can come across as flat compared to other models
• Ear cushions are thin and can be uncomfortable

Warranty

It comes with a three-year warranty.

[amazon link=”B019U00D7K” title=”Cowin E7 ” /]

[amazon box=”B019U00D7K”]

Features

The Cowin E7 is one of the most versatile models on this list. These headphones can be used either wired or with Bluetooth and have a built-in microphone for convenience. They are more adjustable than most other models, allowing for significant comfort. The Cowin E7 is also one of the few models that offer active noise canceling technology.

Pros

• Sleek, modern design (available in black, purple or blue)
• Can be used either wired or with Bluetooth
• Built-in mic for making calls or gaming
• Very comfortable and adjustable
• Good sound for the price

Cons

• Shiny finish collects fingerprints
• Significant sound leakage
• Heavy (13 ounces) and somewhat bulky — not ideal for moving while listening

Warranty

It comes with an 18-month warranty.

[amazon link=”B00HVLUR54″ title=”Audio Technica ATH M40x ” /]

[amazon box=”B00HVLUR54″]

Features

At the high end of our price range, the Audio Technica delivers the best sound on this list. These wired headphones don’t waste time on elaborate styling, but simply deliver high-quality sound and a durable design. With an adjustable headband and swiveling cups, it’s easy to find a comfortable fit for hours of listening. The Audio Technica headphones are designed with the music lover in mind, and they definitely deliver.

Pros

• Durable yet comfortable
• Comes with two detachable cables — one straight and one coiled
• Excellent sound quality at all ranges

Cons

• Wired only — no Bluetooth
• Lackluster design
• Hinges can crack

Warranty

It comes with an 18-month warranty.

The Verdict 

Over the ear headphones have made a comeback in recent years due to their superior performance over earbuds. Since then, there has certainly been no shortage of models to choose from. While we can’t tell you which model will suit your particular needs, we feel that th ese ten represent some of the best over ear headphones under 100 dollars. For versatility, we definitely prefer the Cowin E7 for the wired or wireless option, comfort and adjustability, and ability to take calls or use it for gaming.

For pure sound quality, it’s hard to beat the Audio Technica ATH M40x. For style, the prize definitely goes to the Symphonized Wraith 2.0, with an honorable mention to the Avantree Audition. With so many great headphones on this list, it really comes down to your personal preference. Take a look at the different models, decide on your price range, and get ready to plug in (or pair) and start listening. Enjoy!