Excellent headphones under $100 is harder to find than you might think. Here at WIRED, it’s part of our job to listen to music all day, often on high-end and expensive models. We’ve got a list of bus test shows, for you to check out, for dance parties – we’re into it. But believe it or not, we love to try the cheap stuff in there. It’s like a treasure hunt to find the one that carries the most money in technology. And they are getting better every year.
This does not mean that our work is done; retailers are still flooded with cheap headphones noise cheap, so we’ll listen and change our picks every few months. While you’re looking for the next perfect pair, be sure to check out our many buying guides, including the Best Wireless Headphones, the Best Wireless Headphones, and the Best In-Ear Headphones.
Updated November 2022. Added Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT and JLab Go Air Pop.
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