As I’m sure you’re aware, the prices of headphones can vary drastically. If, like many music lovers, you’re not prepared to splash out $500 for audiophile headphones, yet don’t want to settle for subpar quality either, do not despair. There are many excellent top Hifi headphones available for less than 100 bucks. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your listening experience without going broke, here are five of the best high end audiophile headphones for under $100.
In a hurry? The best high-end audiophile headphones under 100 in 2024 are the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Headphones and Sennheiser Pro Audio HD280 PRO Headphones. Both these models are ideal for casual home listening as well as professional studio use.
Best Audiophile Headphones Under 100 Dollars: Quick Comparison
| BEST RATED |
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Headphones
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP  |
Sennheiser Pro Audio HD280 PRO Headphone
| Check Price |
  |
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
| Check Price |
  |
Jabra Elite 45h Wireless Headphones
| Check Price |
  |
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Check Price |
Top Headphones For Audiophile For Less Than $100 2024: Reviews
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Best Rated
With state-of-the-art engineering and robust construction, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x professional-grade studio headphones steal the top spot.
These audiophile headphones boast impressive sound quality, build, and comfort, making them the best all-rounder for just under $100.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a cheaper version of the ATH-M50x. While it doesn’t look quite as impressive aesthetically, the audio quality is still excellent.
They are tuned flat for super-precise sound monitoring across all frequencies and have a low impedance of 35 ohms. What’s more, as they are very sensitive, you do not need a DAC.
These headphones feature 40-millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils along with a circumaural, contouring ear cup design for total sound isolation in noisy environments.
They also have a 90-degree swivel design, ideal for one-ear monitoring. Furthermore, the soft padding on the headband and ear pads allows you to wear them all day without any discomfort.
Pros
- Excellent frequency response
- Neutral mix ideal for professional use as
- Foldable and portable
- Lots of padding for increased comfort
- Very well built
Cons
- The included cable is very long and thick
2. Sennheiser Pro Audio HD280 PRO Headphones
Runner Up
The Pro Audio HD280 headphones from industry leader Sennheiser feature an extended frequency response of 8-25,000 Hz for warm and natural-sounding audio reproduction.
The 64-ohm impedance makes them a versatile pair of headphones, ideal for home and studio use.
Furthermore, they have a closed-ear design with up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound, giving excellent noise isolation.
The headphones have a functional collapsible design, allowing you to fold them down to a compact size. Combined with this are swiveling ear cups for maximum flexibility.
They give a tight yet comfortable fit, but they are a little on the heavy side.
Overall, the Pro Audio HD280 headphones give transparent, neutral, and engaging sound output.
Plus, if you need to focus in loud environments, these are a perfect choice, thanks to their high ambient noise attenuation and aggressive noise isolation.
Pros
- Versatile – perfect for home and office
- Extended frequency
- They produce accurate, linear sound reproduction
- Top-notch noise isolation
- Unique collapsible design
Cons
- A bit heavy
3. Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
Best Professionals Headphones Under $100 For Studio Use
If you’re a music producer, editor or creator, looking for the most powerful, detailed sound, look no further.
The Sony MDR 7506 Professional large-diaphragm headphones are the most high-quality yet affordable headphones for professional studio use in 2024.
These studio-grade headphones boast Neodymium magnets and 40-millimeter drivers, along with a closed-ear design and outstanding external noise elimination.
They are also super comfy and lightweight, so they never feel obstructive, even when wearing them all day.
Moreover, they come with a long coiled cable that allows you to move around your mixing table with ease as you work.
The MDR 7506 headphones have a wide frequency response of 10 to 20,000 Hz, delivering equal focus on all frequencies for clean audio editing.
In addition, they give crystal-clear highs, present mids, and an extended low-end for accurate audio monitoring, mixing, and editing.
Pros
- Supreme sound quality
- Wide frequency response
- Excellent noise isolation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Earpads can get a bit hot
4. Jabra Elite 45h On-Ear Wireless Headphones
Best Wireless Audiophile Headphones Under $100
If long cables get in your way, you need a high-quality pair of wireless headphones like these Jabra Elite 45h headphones with Bluetooth Connectivity.
These wireless headphones have an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours.
Plus, a quick 15-minute charge will give you 10 hours of playback, so you’ll never be without your personal speakers.
These Jabra Elite headphones use 40m drivers for a more expansive sound experience. There is also a customizable equalizer so you can adjust your music to your preferences.
Alternatively, the MySound function will automatically adjust the headphones to your individual hearing profile.
These headphones are ideal for on-the-go use as you can easily connect to your phone for calls and audio thanks to the 2-microphone technology.
They are also compatible with voice assistants. Furthermore, the soft, memory foam ear cushions create a mold around your unique ear shape for ultimate comfort.
Pros
- No wires!
- Long battery life and rapid charging
- 40mm drivers for expansive sound
- Customizable equalizer
- Voice assistant compatibility
Cons
- No jack output/ no option for wired connection
5. Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best Value For Money Headphones Under $100
Despite their low price tag, the Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones can pretty much do it all.
The Q30’s 40mm drivers deliver hi-res audio with thumping bass and crisp treble that extends up to 40kHz for crystal-like clarity.
These headphones feature advanced noise cancellation technology, using dual noise-detecting microphones to detect and filter up to 95% of low-frequency ambient noise.
There are also three modes of noise cancellation to choose from: Transport, which minimizes airplane engine noise; Outdoor, which blocks out traffic and wind; and Indoor, which focuses on reducing chatter.
What makes the Q30 headphones even more impressive is their wireless connectivity, allowing you total freedom of movement as you listen to your favorite tunes.
In addition, the long-life battery gives 40 hours of playtime with noise cancellation on and up to 60 hours with it off.
What’s more, you’ll never be without battery as a quick 5-minute charge gives 4 hours of playback.
Pros
- Active noise cancellation with three modes
- Wireless connectivity
- 40mm drivers for crystal clear sound
- Long battery life with fast charge time
- Rotatable ear cups for the perfect fit
Cons
- No aptX support
HiFi High Quality Headphone Under 100 Bucks FAQ
What Are The Best Sounding Headphones Under $100?
If you want the best audio quality for a mid-range price, look for headphones with 40mm or higher drivers and vast frequency response. Check out these Best Audiophile Headphones Under 300 Dollars in 2024
40mm drivers deliver an expansive hi-res sound, magnifying the bass and treble. Moreover, a frequency response such as 10-25,000 Hz will allow you to hear the most delicate details in your music.
Are Wireless Headphones Worth it?
Some people have a strong preference about whether they want their tech wireless or not. However, if you’re not sure what’s best for you, consider your usage.
For example, you will likely find wireless headphones more convenient if you use headphones while traveling and out and about.
On the other hand, suppose you want audiophile headphones for music production. In that case, headphones with a long, thick cable will most likely be sufficient.
What’s more, with a cord, you’ll never have the problem of having to wait for your headphones to recharge before getting back into action.
Final Thoughts About The Best Sounding Audiophile Headphones Under 100 Dollars
As you can see, you can easily enjoy a pair of the best high end headphones for less than 100 bucks.
To sum it up – the top rated 2024 Hifi audiophile headphones for under 100 dollars are the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Headphones, which give professional-grade audio quality.
However, if you prefer your tech wireless, you’ll love the Jabra Elite Wireless Headphones.
Dave Pearson is a Canadian musician, sound editor, and audiophile. He is also the founder and owner of the website SoundProofGeek. On SoundProofGeek, Pearson offers advice and resources on audio equipment, including how to assess and improve audio quality, how to troubleshoot and repair audio equipment, and how to improve the music listening experience.
Table of Contents