The best last-minute headphone stocking fillers under $100
We’re nearing the end of 2025, and with that comes the mad rush to purchase gifts. Thankfully, plenty of headphone deals remain available online with next-day delivery if you’re in a bind. To that end, here are three of the best headphones under $100 to consider for your family and friends this year.
The best future-proofing: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
The JLab JBuds Lux ANC have remained one of our favorite budget headphones here at SoundGuys. For $79.99 on Amazon, you get future-proof USB-C audio and enough breathable padding to enjoy long listening sessions. The ear cups collapse for smaller storage, and the multifunction button is ideal for controlling several parameters. Battery life lasts over 44 hours per charge, while a 10-minute boost yields four hours of additional listening time. The JBuds Lux ANC have surprisingly good sound quality for their price, scoring 4.5 overall in our MDAQS tests. Their noise cancellation isn’t the best, but you can still expect the cans to attenuate roughly 50-75% of low environmental noise. Downloading the JLab app unlocks a 10-band EQ, a volume limiter, adjustable ANC modes, and automatic firmware updates.
Read our full JLab JBuds Lux ANC review.
The best features: CMF Headphone Pro
Nothing’s valiant CMF Headphone Pro over-ear debut are currently available for $79 on Amazon (20% off). These cans last over 43 hours, while a 5-minute boost yields several hours of listening time. Active noise cancellation is surprisingly good for the price, attenuating most environmental sounds by approximately 81%. The headphones have a sound quality that skews towards the bass-heavy, emphasizing frequencies below 400Hz. This is ideal for bass heads, but the 3-band custom EQ does little to help those wanting to tame the low-end. However, the CMF Headphone Pro support Bluetooth 5.4 and the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs. The last allows high-quality wireless audio transfers up to 24-bit/96kHz. The headphones also support fast pairing, Multipoint connectivity, personalized sound profiling, and wired audio via the 3.5mm jack.
Read our full CMF Headphone Pro review.
The best for ANC: Anker Soundcore Space One
The Anker Soundcore Space One deliver luxury features for just $99.99 on Amazon. Part of their superiority stems from having excellent noise canceling, making most noises sound one-quarter as loud. The soft silicone padding is ample, the headband clicks into various sizes, and the ear cups swivel and fold for easier transport. The headphones support automatic ear detection, and you can cover the left ear cup to activate transparency mode. The battery life clocks in at just under 43 with ANC enabled, while a 5-minute boost yields four hours of listening time. You also receive Bluetooth 5.3 with the LDAC codec, Auracast, and Multipoint connectivity. The Soundcore app unlocks tons of advanced features, including an 8-band custom EQ, Ambient Sound mode, and HearID Sound. Unfortunately, their default U-shape frequency response may not appeal to every listener.
Read our full Anker Soundcore Space One review.
Best headphones under $100: Notable mentions
The JBL Live 670NC fold conveniently for easier storage.
- JBL Live 670NC (): On-ear headphone fans will appreciate the JBL Live 670NC for their ultra portability, 55 hours of listening time, and excellent sound quality. They also have ANC, although it does less well compared to some rivals.
- Monoprice BT-600ANC (): Those wanting superior ANC should consider the Monoprice BT-600ANC. These quell low-frequency sounds by 20-30dB and last over 36 hours per charge. They also support multi-device pairing, the aptX HD codec, and are compact for commutes. Unfortunately, they have middling default sound quality.
- OneOdio Focus A6 (): The OneOdio Focus A6 run Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC and a new Channel Sounding feature. They also last over 40 hours per charge, quell noises by 79% with ANC, and have a sound quality with sensible bass reproduction.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT (): The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT are ideal for those wanting a pair of no frills headphones. There are minimal controls on the left ear cup, no ANC, and no wired audio connections. However, you receive long battery life, a comfortable fit, and sound quality with minimal distortion.
- Anker Soundcore Life Q30 (): The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offer excellent value for money. Noise cancellation is decent, sound quality is good for bass heads, and the microphone handles calls well. The battery lasts over 46 hours, and the 3.5mm input is handy for wired listening.
What you should know about the best wireless headphones under $100
The BT-600ANC supports aptX HD, AAC, and wired playback.
Cheaper wireless headphones often have to forego flagship features to keep their prices low. Consequently, you may need to live without creature comforts, such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and Bluetooth Multipoint. Affordable headphones also often omit wired connectivity, particularly USB-C audio. Some cheaper manufacturers put minimal effort into their companion apps, if they have one at all. This means you may not receive a comprehensive in-app EQ, high-quality Bluetooth codecs, or regular firmware updates.
How we test wireless headphones
We tested the Alienware Pro using the Bruel & Kjaer 5128
We take extra time to consider how most people actually use headphones. This includes their shape, portability, and connectivity, as well as testing frequency responses, isolation, and battery life. We use our in-house Bruel & Kjaer 5128 dummy head for this. For example, we test frequency responses by playing sine sweeps through the headphones and logging the results. We test isolation similarly by playing a sample of shaped noise at 90dB(SPL) (measured at the eardrum), once with the headphones off and another with the headphones on, subtracting one measurement from the other. To test the battery, we use shaped noise and a real-time analyzer to find the setting needed to output consistent audio peaking at 75dB(SPL). We then play our music test track on an infinite loop until the battery depletes entirely and log the result.
Why you should trust SoundGuys
I found the headphones comfortable to wear during travel.
Our team of audio experts brings decades of combined experience in sound engineering, product testing, and industry analysis. As such, SoundGuys takes integrity very seriously, and we pride ourselves on our ability to demonstrate our work and justify our picks for the best headphones under $100. Everything that we recommend has been subjected to our objective measurements and hands-on experiences.
