5 great headphones that cost $100 or less
Sometimes a great set of headphones—or, actually, the lack of them—is all that's standing between you and acoustic bliss. One way to shop is to look at celebrity-endorsed models that convey a social statement, but a big name typically adds more to the price tag than to the quality of the sound. The truth, is you don't need to spend a ton of money to great a great set of 'phones.
If you're on a really tight budget, check out our earlier blog post highlighting a number of models that cost just $50 or less. But if you can spend between $50 and $100, consider this list of can't-lose headphones that should please your ears and wallet. (You may just have to look elsewhere to elevate your social status.)
1. Grado Prestige SR80i, $100. We've already waxed poetic about the sound quality of Grado's Prestige-series flagship, the $295 SR325e. But the SR80i, an on-ear model, will get you two thirds of the way along that sonic highway for about a third of the cost. In fact, it's the least expensive model in our Ratings with excellent sound. If you have even less money to spend, the $80 Grado SR60i model is another great choice, with very good sound.
2. Onkyo IE-FC300, $100. Many of us prefer a smaller, more portable model. This Onkyo earphone, which combines elements of in-ear earphones and earbuds, delivers very good sound quality. Unusual for an in-ear model, it has a detachable cable that can be replaced if it fails. The only choice you really need to make is whether to get it in black, white, red, or violet.
Find the right model for your needs and budgets with our headphones buying guide and Ratings.
3. Bose IE2, $100. We've long recommended Bose noise-canceling models, but none fit within our budget here. This in-ear model, which has very good sound and a warm overall character, does. In-ear models don't always stay in place, but the IE2's wing-shaped StayHear extenders can help keep the earphones securely fitted in the ear, even during rigorous head movements.
4. Razer Adaro In Ear Analog, $80. Many in-ear earphones fade out of sight once they're inserted into the ear. Not the Razer Adaro, which has a flat, lime-green cord that demands some attention. Fortunately, its relatively low price and very good sound justify the look. The more staid-looking black earpieces have aircraft-grade aluminum shells.
5. JBL by Harman J46BT, $80. It's hard to find a wireless Bluetooth headphone that's affordable and decent sounding. This in-ear model from JBL covers both bases, offering very good sound and a price well below our threshold. The earpieces have angled sound nozzles that comfortably fit in the ear, and the earphones come with small and large stabilizing sports cushions that help keep them in place during sports and other activities.
Note that the prices we have listed are current, but we're just about to head into the pre-Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales season—and if this year's sales are like last year's, headphones will be discounted widely. We'll be monitoring all the Black Friday deals, so keep checking back for our latest updates.
—James K. Willcox
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