10 Reviews: Best On Ear Headphones Under 100 (Mar 2023)
An on-ear headphone is the best answer if you feel the over-ear is too big and the in-ear is too small. Check the best on-ear hearing devices below without breaking the bank!
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A. Wahyu
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updated on
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price $34.95 - $99.99
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Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
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Plantronics |
2
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Skullcandy |
3
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Status Audio |
4
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JBL |
5
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Philips |
6
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Beats |
7
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GRADO |
8
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Avantree |
9
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ADIDAS |
10
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Jabra |
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Product Name | BackBeat 500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones | Riff Wireless On-Ear Headphone | BT One Wireless On-Ear Headphones | LIVE 400BT | Audio SHP9500 | Ep Wired On-Ear Headphones | SR80e Prestige Series | Alto Clair | RPT-01 | Elite 45h |
Features | The most affordable | Comfy for prolonged use | Easy to use | Enjoy and aware at the same time | No more low-battery warning | It features a built-in mic | Classic but cool | Stands out in any environment | Perfect for daily exercise | Hear and be heard better |
Color | White, Grey | 6 options | JetBlack, Umber | 5 options | Black | 4 options | Black | Black | 3 options | 4 options |
Frequency response | 50-20,000Hz | 20Hz-20Khz | 20Hz-20Khz | n/a | 12-35.000Hz | n/a | 20-20,000kHz | 20Hz-20KHz | n/a | 10Hz-20kHz |
Sensitivity | n/a | 98 dB | n/a | n/a | 101 dB | n/a | 99.8 dB | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Impedance | n/a | 32 ohm | 32 ohm | n/a | 32 ohm | n/a | 32 ohm | 32 ohm | n/a | n/a |
Driver | 40 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm | 50 mm | n/a | 44 mm | 40 mm | n/a | 40 mm |
Battery life | 18 hours | 12 hours | 30 hours | 24 hours | No battery | No battery | No battery | 16 hours | 40 hours | 50 hours |
Noise-cancelling | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | n/a | n/a | Yes |
price | $34.95 | $39.99 | $69.00 | $69.95 | $73.00 | $80.08 | $99.00 | $69.99 | $99.99 | $99.99 |
Buy at | view product on Poly view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Skullcandy view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Status Audio view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on JBL view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Philips view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Beats view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on GRADO view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Avantree view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Adidas view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Jabra view product on Amazon view product on eBay |
What’s great about a headphone is that it shields you from the outside world so you can hear more of the music that matters. It will instantly pull you from the bustle of the city to the drone of an airplane to the immersive music or the hypnotic story-telling on the podcast. If you can’t decide between in-ears and over-ears, it might be a sign that your ears are craving an on-ear pad. Luckily, we’ve scoured every corner of the internet to find the best on-ear headphones for under $100. Yep, you read that right. Plus, the low price-tag doesn’t sacrifice quality at all, so if you’re on the market for one, it’s better to check them out.
Table of contents
Product list
- Plantronics BackBeat 500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones: The most affordable
- Skullcandy Riff Wireless On-Ear Headphone: Comfy for prolonged use
- Status Audio BT One Wireless On-Ear Headphones: Easy to use
- JBL LIVE 400BT: Enjoy and aware at the same time
- Philips Audio SHP9500 : No more low-battery warning
- Beats Ep Wired On-Ear Headphones: It features a built-in mic
- GRADO SR80e Prestige Series: Classic but cool
- Avantree Alto Clair: Stands out in any environment
- ADIDAS RPT-01: Perfect for daily exercise
- Jabra Elite 45h: Hear and be heard better
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's dive into the questions!
How to choose the best headphones for me?
With countless options on the market, to make your search easier, you have to narrow it down first by determining what type you need: in-ears, on-ears, or over-ears. After that, ask yourself: do you want wireless or wired? Then you can focus on features such as sensitivity (choose one that has around 110 dB/mW; don’t pick anything lower than 85 dB/mW), impedance (the standard is 16 Ohms; the lower, the better), and frequency response (generally 20 Hz-20000 Hz).
What is the difference between a headphone and a headset?
Headphones and headsets are basically two devices that are both used for speakers. The basic difference lies in the microphone. If a headphone is designed using two simple speakers that are attached to a band, the headset is the same, except that it has a microphone attached to it that lets you talk. Don’t the headphones have a mic? Well, it has an integrated mic that is not attached or visible, and mostly used for listening to audio files.
Which is best for me: a headphone or a headset?
First things first, the answer depends on your purpose. If you need a device mainly for listening to music or other sounding experiences, a headphone will make a perfect pick. Whereas, if you require clarity in talking, a headset is a great deal.
Should I get a wireless or wired headphone?
Wireless headphones are great if you have high mobility and don’t want to deal with tangled cables that often get stuck and interfere with your movements. That’s why most people wear this when exercising, jogging, on public transport, or playing games without having to sit close to the TV. Meanwhile, the wired one is ideal for those who work for a longer duration, such as desktop users, DJs, or music mixing artists. That way they can focus on working with good clarity without worrying about low battery. Which one is best for you? It’s on you.
10 Reviews: Best On Ear Headphones Under 100 (Mar 2023)

1.Plantronics
BackBeat 500 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The most affordable
Let’s start with the lowest priced product on this list. The Plantronics BackBeat 500 is priced under $40, comes with a battery life of 18 hours, you can spend the whole day listening to your favorite podcasts. Despite the budget-friendly price, this headshell delivers the right audio balance and a deep, rich sound over a Bluetooth connection. You can stream up to 10 meters from a Bluetooth-compatible device so there’s no need to deal with annoying cables.
I have had my Backseat 500 for about 6 weeks now. With them paired up with my Samsung S7 Active most of the time. Besides listening to music we have used them when watching Direct tv live and movies and also the Indy 500 while at the speedway. We are wearing them at the pool right now and plan to give them a workout at the beach next week. These are comfortable so no more ear buds for me
by NewAgent45
Color | White, Grey |
---|---|
Frequency response | 50-20,000Hz |
Sensitivity | n/a |
Impedance | n/a |
Driver | 40 mm |
Battery life | 18 hours |
Noise-cancelling | No |

2.Skullcandy
Riff Wireless On-Ear Headphone
Comfy for prolonged use
Available in multiple color options, the Skullcandy Riff Wireless On-Ear Headphones are also equipped with soft cushioned earcups that make them comfortable in prolonged use. For its price, this listening device has an impressive sound. Not to mention the collapsible, flat-folding design, making it a loyal non-human companion that is ready to immerse you in music.
I use these in bed at night to watch videos while my wife is sleeping as well as being out and about (biking, walking, etc) Very good on airplane. Excellent bass quality. Soft earpieces are comfortable and keep ambient noise out, but do not disturb seat-mates. Charge last long time, but recharge time is short. Excellent.
by weld-it-all
Color | 6 options |
---|---|
Frequency response | 20Hz-20Khz |
Sensitivity | 98 dB |
Impedance | 32 ohm |
Driver | 40 mm |
Battery life | 12 hours |
Noise-cancelling | No |

3.Status Audio
BT One Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Easy to use
Let’s move to the Status Audio BT One that offers a full 30 hours of battery life which means there’s little chance for you to run out of power on the go. The BT One relies on a 40mm driver to deliver your favorite music with crystal clearness. The premium materials married with timeless design elements offer a decent build quality and a comfortable fit. This device control scheme is basic but easy to use, even when you’re on the move.
Fit my big head great, not to tight. Sound is good, I'm not really picky about sound, but as far as I can tell, they sound great. Great battery life. Very happy with these headphones.
by K. Kopas
Color | JetBlack, Umber |
---|---|
Frequency response | 20Hz-20Khz |
Sensitivity | n/a |
Impedance | 32 ohm |
Driver | 40 mm |
Battery life | 30 hours |
Noise-cancelling | No |

4.JBL
LIVE 400BT
Enjoy and aware at the same time
JBL excels not only with their speakers but also their headphones. The JBL LIVE 400BT is no exception. The coolest feature of this device is in The TalkThru mode which automatically drops the music level down when you talk so you don’t need to remove your headphones first. other than that, you can still listen to your surrounding with the help of the Ambient Aware button. You can remain aware without having to say goodbye to music.
Took a little while to break these in for comfort, but I love them. Have been using them daily for about half a year now, and am definitely a fan of adaptive aware for times where I need to be a little more aware of my surroundings, and with the ability to connect of voice assistants and read out notifications, it feels like an integrated life. Battery will typically last ~2 days or more. However, DON'T download the companion app, as it constantly tracks your location and depletes you phones battery
by Forrest Tree
Color | 5 options |
---|---|
Frequency response | n/a |
Sensitivity | n/a |
Impedance | n/a |
Driver | 40 mm |
Battery life | 24 hours |
Noise-cancelling | No |

5.Philips
Audio SHP9500
No more low-battery warning
In number five we have the Philips Audio SHP9500 which comes with an open-back design that delivers a clear, wide soundstage. Since this is a wired headphone, you don’t have to worry about the battery running out or bothering to charge it. What’s more, the breathable, double-layered, cushioned ear cups are great for listening for long periods of time. It is perfect for watching long TV series or diving into your favorite tunes all day long.
I use this mostly for video editing. The sound is very balanced and natural. It lacks on the audio cancellation cause it's an open back headset however if you're in an audio isolated or quiet place you will not feel it's an issue. The fit is great on my head and ears. No issues at all and the build quality is very good. I recommend it for an open back headset.
by Kareem
Color | Black |
---|---|
Frequency response | 12-35.000Hz |
Sensitivity | 101 dB |
Impedance | 32 ohm |
Driver | 50 mm |
Battery life | No battery |
Noise-cancelling | No |

6.Beats
Ep Wired On-Ear Headphones
It features a built-in mic
The Beats EP was created for those who take a lot of phone calls and need a good microphone to ensure you’re heard clearly. It features a built-in microphone in the RemoteTalk cable to pick up the phone, control music, as well as and activate Siri. This passive noise-canceling device delivers superior wireless audio while dampening the sound around you, letting you enjoy what matters most: the music.
These beats are everything they claim to be. They're light weight, comfortable, and sound great. I've owned several beats headphones and they have all hurt my ears because of their weight. These headphones don't fold but the price and quality are awesome.
Color | 4 options |
---|---|
Frequency response | n/a |
Sensitivity | n/a |
Impedance | n/a |
Driver | n/a |
Battery life | No battery |
Noise-cancelling | Yes |

7.GRADO
SR80e Prestige Series
Classic but cool
Looking for something classic? Put the GRADO SR80e Prestige Series on your priority list because the classic but cool design is hard to miss. Of course, with the open-back pads, you won’t get any noise cancellation, but instead, you can experience a great soundstage. Using it all day is no problem with its soft pads and lightweight construction that pampers your ears whether you’re gaming or jamming.
I am not a religious man, but as soon as I put these on, angels descended from the heaven and ever so gently molested my ears with sounds I have never been blessed with before that very moment. Thank you to what ever deity graced us with the power to make such great things.
Color | Black |
---|---|
Frequency response | 20-20,000kHz |
Sensitivity | 99.8 dB |
Impedance | 32 ohm |
Driver | 44 mm |
Battery life | No battery |
Noise-cancelling | No |

8.Avantree
Alto Clair
Stands out in any environment
What makes the Avantree Alto Clair stand out is the detachable boom microphone to accommodate crystal clear sound quality for all of your personal and professional calls. This wireless on-ears headphone is decently comfortable and lightweight, with a design that stands out in any environment. Also, you’ll never experience any lip-sync delay, thanks to the aptX Low Latency technology.
Excellent headphones, good sound, the presence of a microphone on the headband and an additional plug-in microphone. Connect directly to two devices, for example, you can simultaneously listen to music and monitor calls from your phone and answer calls. I recommend to everyone.
by G***v
Color | Black |
---|---|
Frequency response | 20Hz-20KHz |
Sensitivity | n/a |
Impedance | 32 ohm |
Driver | 40 mm |
Battery life | 16 hours |
Noise-cancelling | n/a |

9.ADIDAS
RPT-01
Perfect for daily exercise
This one comes from a brand that has long been producing sports gear: Adidas. In terms of design, the Adidas RPT-01 has a sporty feel, making it perfect for your daily exercises. This hearing device has a battery life of 40 hours, which should be more than enough to get you through a couple of days without needing to be recharged. Moreover, the knitted headband and ear cushions can even be removed and washed after particularly sweaty sessions.
I love this headphones so far, I sweat a lot on the gym and the detachable parts to wash is why I pick them, it cancel external sounds fine, only when I’m with the music on pause I can hear the people talking, and the music quality is great too. The battery life is excellent, I have use them for almost an entire week at the gym and it drops less than 10 percent of battery life.
Color | 3 options |
---|---|
Frequency response | n/a |
Sensitivity | n/a |
Impedance | n/a |
Driver | n/a |
Battery life | 40 hours |
Noise-cancelling | n/a |

10.Jabra
Elite 45h
Hear and be heard better
The Jabra Elite 45h has a simple and lightweight build that can be folded up nicely and offers a monster 50 hours of playtime. It features 2-microphone call technology that makes you hear and be heard much better than ever, ideal for daily use. What’s more, at an affordable price, you can connect it with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. The Jabra Elite 45h will definitely take your daily routine to the next level.
I prefer on-ear to over-ear headphones, and that was a factor for me; given the price I wasn't expecting what I got. However (as said in other reviews and implied by the manufacturer), the sound output of these is comparable to MUCH more expensive headphones. It may be superior. I didn't need ANC for the use I had for these (gym, walking), and that may be reflected in the cost. No problem with initial Bluetooth setup or the Android app.
by David C
Color | 4 options |
---|---|
Frequency response | 10Hz-20kHz |
Sensitivity | n/a |
Impedance | n/a |
Driver | 40 mm |
Battery life | 50 hours |
Noise-cancelling | Yes |
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Conclusion
Phew, we’ve finally covered the ten best wireless headphones under $100. Oh yes, we chose all of the products above based on their quality, features, and the number of positive reviews from users. Hopefully, you will soon find the product that best meets your needs. Thank you for stopping by!