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Our leading recommendations at a glance. Each card links to its primary retailer.
Looking for the best headphones under $100? At this price closed-back studio headphones come into their own, and the best wired in-ear monitors score among the highest on the whole site. Wireless headphones are available too, but they give up a lot of accuracy for the convenience.
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Best Over-Ear Under $100
The best over-ear headphone under $100, a closed-back studio monitor at $90, is the Mackie MC-250: $89.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 83 for a closed-back headphone is strong, and bass from 60 to 200 Hz is about 1 dB above target for a slightly warm, full low end. Treble from 6 to 16 kHz is within 0.1 dB of target. At 38 ohms and 100 dB sensitivity it runs fine from a phone, and the closed back keeps leakage down. It is a wired design at 265 g.
Cons: A 5 dB dip near 4.8 kHz and presence about 2.5 dB under target make vocals and snare snap sound a little recessed. Sub-bass is about 4 dB under target under 60 Hz. The warm tilt of minus 0.45 may sound dull for listeners who prefer a brighter sound.
Full Mackie MC-250 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.95 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 83 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.45 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -7.7 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +15.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 50 Hz | -14.8 dB | 0.42 |
| Peak | 419 Hz | +5.7 dB | 1.71 |
| Peak | 905 Hz | -2.0 dB | 1.42 |
| Peak | 4,207 Hz | +4.5 dB | 4.10 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +0.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 8,939 Hz | -1.7 dB | 3.53 |
| Peak | 5,862 Hz | -2.6 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 1,892 Hz | +1.7 dB | 4.71 |
| Peak | 1,370 Hz | -0.7 dB | 3.02 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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A close alternative with a slightly warmer tilt, at $78, is the Yamaha RH5Ma: $78.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 82 with extra bass, 2.5 dB above target from 60 to 200 Hz, gives a warm, punchy sound with a bit of body in the low mids. At 163 g with 32 ohms and 98 dB/mW, it is light, closed-back and easy to drive from a phone or laptop.
Cons: Treble is about 5.6 dB above target, with a peak near 8.9 dB at 8.4 kHz, so cymbals and sibilance can be sharp. A 7.5 dB dip near 4.3 kHz recesses vocal presence, and sub-bass below 60 Hz is about 4.6 dB low. The deviation of 2.4 dB is among the least even in its group.
Full Yamaha RH5Ma review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.44 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 82 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.12 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (163 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.8 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +7.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 77 Hz | -5.9 dB | 0.62 |
| Peak | 863 Hz | +4.6 dB | 2.37 |
| Peak | 8,259 Hz | -4.7 dB | 2.01 |
| Peak | 2,447 Hz | +2.1 dB | 2.39 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +2.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 4,968 Hz | -3.5 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 4,244 Hz | +2.5 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 444 Hz | -1.8 dB | 4.31 |
| Peak | 329 Hz | +0.5 dB | 2.10 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
For an open-back with a wider sense of space, at $95, check out the Philips SHP9500: $94.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A preference score of 80 and a deviation of only 2.2 dB make the open back response smooth for the money, with bass from 60 to 200 Hz and the lower mids within half a dB of target. It is very easy to drive at 32 ohms and 101 dB sensitivity, so a phone runs it fine, and it weighs just 320 g. It costs far less than most headphones with a comparable score.
Cons: Sub-bass is about 9 dB below target under 60 Hz, so electronic and cinematic bass lacks rumble and slam. Presence is lifted about 2.3 dB, and a 6.7 dB peak near 6.2 kHz followed by a 4 dB dip near 7.7 kHz adds some edge to vocals and cymbals. The open back leaks sound and gives no isolation.
Full Philips SHP9500 review and specifications →
| Back | Open |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.17 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 80 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.47 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (320 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -6.4 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +6.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,734 Hz | -5.7 dB | 2.84 |
| Peak | 110 Hz | -3.0 dB | 0.81 |
| Peak | 2,130 Hz | +3.7 dB | 2.76 |
| Peak | 412 Hz | +1.0 dB | 1.39 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,113 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.07 |
| Peak | 7,370 Hz | +2.1 dB | 5.98 |
| Peak | 4,477 Hz | -1.7 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 3,566 Hz | +1.3 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Best In-Ear Under $100
The best in-ear monitor under $100, at $65, is the Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED: $64.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A Harman score of 86 at an entry-level price delivers a well-balanced response with a smooth 1.1 dB deviation. Bass and mids track the target closely, and the dual dynamic driver design runs easily from a phone at 17.5 ohms and 117.5 dB per volt. It outscores the Tin HiFi T3 Plus by a clear rating margin at a similar cost. It is a good fit for listeners who like a warm, bass-forward sound.
Cons: Presence from 3 to 6 kHz sits about 2.2 dB below target, so vocals and snare attack can sound a little recessed. A 3.9 dB dip near 10.3 kHz and sub-bass about 1.4 dB light mean cymbals lack some shimmer and the deepest bass has less rumble. It is wired only with no mic or remote listed.
Full Truthear x Crinacle Zero RED review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.10 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm + 1 x 7.8mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40.5kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 86 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 17.5 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 117.5 dB/Vrms |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.08 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -2.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,163 Hz | +2.2 dB | 2.44 |
| Peak | 341 Hz | -1.0 dB | 1.46 |
| Peak | 70 Hz | +1.0 dB | 0.61 |
| Peak | 1,284 Hz | -0.6 dB | 2.04 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -1.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 2,432 Hz | +0.7 dB | 2.98 |
| Peak | 3,588 Hz | -0.6 dB | 3.06 |
| Peak | 8,541 Hz | +1.1 dB | 3.84 |
| Peak | 769 Hz | +0.2 dB | 3.01 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
For a single-driver set with a smooth, balanced tuning, at $59, consider the Tin HiFi T3 Plus: $59.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives a preference score of 77 with a smooth response, a standard deviation of only 1.78 dB around the target. A single 10mm dynamic driver at 32 ohms and 105 dB sensitivity runs easily from a phone or dongle. It scores well above the Tin HiFi T4, which has a lower rating at a higher price.
Cons: The tilt of negative 0.41 means a slightly warm balance, so listeners who want a brighter, airier sound may find it relaxed. It has no built-in microphone, so it cannot take calls. It is wired only, with no wireless or noise cancelling features.
Full Tin HiFi T3 Plus review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.78 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 77 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB @ 1kHz, 0.179V |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.41 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.1 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,867 Hz | +5.9 dB | 1.01 |
| Peak | 163 Hz | -2.4 dB | 0.78 |
| Peak | 683 Hz | +2.7 dB | 0.84 |
| Peak | 3,057 Hz | -2.6 dB | 0.39 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -4.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 6,000 Hz | +2.0 dB | 5.50 |
| Peak | 4,522 Hz | -1.6 dB | 4.73 |
| Peak | 3,143 Hz | +0.9 dB | 3.42 |
| Peak | 1,530 Hz | -0.3 dB | 2.49 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
If You Need Wireless
The best-measuring wireless over-ear under $100 is the Soundcore Space One at $85, which adds noise cancelling. It rates well below the wired picks above, so choose it only if you need Bluetooth or noise cancelling; see every wireless headphone ranked.