The best cheap headphones under $100

Sennheiser 350 BT Marshall Major III Bluetooth Anker SoundCore Life Q30 Audio-Technica ATH-M40x FAQReviews

Headphones are an essential accessory that often goes hand in hand with a smartphone or computer. We take it on ourselves when traveling, but we also use it at home so as not to disturb others. Discover our selection of the best cheap helmets.

The best cheap Bluetooth headphones in 2022

The option for small budgets 8 /10

Anker Soundcore Life Q30

The test 79 € The choice of the moment

Sennheiser HD 350 BT

79 € The most vintage

Marshall Major III Bluetooth

97 €

Whether it is a travel companion or a device to be used at home only, headphones have several advantages over a pair of headphones. Headphones isolate better from outside noise, generally offer better sound reproduction thanks to their large transducers and are above all more comfortable during long listening sessions.

However, we must admit that our attention is most often focused on the high-end models. They are the ones who benefit from the latest innovations and the best sound. In return, they also cost several hundred euros. But not everyone has the budget or inclination to spend so much on a headset. Fortunately, there is a wide choice of quality helmets sold at reasonable prices! Here you will find a selection of Bluetooth and wired headsets within reach of all budgets.

Want headphones and still don't want to go broke? Read our comparison of cheap wireless headphones. If you want an overview of the market, head to our guide to Bluetooth headsets! And if true wireless headphones are more to your liking, we also have a dedicated comparison.

Sennheiser HD 350 BTThe choice of the moment

Product sheetAmazon 79 €Available at 79 € on Amazon

The Sennheiser 350 BT headphones are only a few months old, but are already establishing themselves as a reference in devices under 100 euros. In particular because it displays a long list of compatibility with current codecs, which other much more expensive headsets do not necessarily do. As such, the Sennheiser 350 headphones are compatible with the AAC, AptX and AptX Low Latency codecs. Thanks to the latter, you can watch movies and series without noticing any lag between sound and image. It also supports the Bluetooth 5.0 standard.

On the ears, the Sennheiser 350 BT does not disappoint. First, because it displays a beautiful sound reproduction, relatively well balanced. On the other hand, we note a somewhat messy sound at high volume as we explain in our video below.

The headphones are of the circum-aural type, which means that the ear cups surround the ears. This naturally offers good passive insulation, and also good comfort since the headphones do not put direct pressure on the ears.

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Finally, the Sennheiser 350 BT benefits from a major advantage: its comfortable autonomy of 30 hours according to the manufacturer. The battery can be recharged quickly using the headset's USB-C port. The Sennheiser 350 BT is almost faultless, however we regret the quality of the integrated microphone. The Sennheiser 350 BT headphones are available at a price of around 99 euros, in black or white.

Where to buy the Sennheiser HD 350 BT at the best price? See more offers

Jabra Move Style EditionA neat look

Product sheetAmazon 75 €Available at 75 € on Amazon

The Jabra Move Style headset is one of the most stylish in our selection. This one displays a relatively minimal style, which has the advantage of going everywhere. A certain simplicity that does not come at the expense of comfort: the headband and the pads do not hurt during prolonged listening. The Jabra Move Style doesn't take advantage of a long list of compatible codecs, but it does take advantage of multipoint Bluetooth. An extremely practical feature if you juggle between smartphone and computer music.

The Jabra Move Style is a supra-aural headset, the pads sit on the ears. Passive noise reduction is therefore not at the same level as over-ear headphones. On the other hand, the sound quality is there, with a clear sound reproduction and very present bass. The announced autonomy is about 14 hours and it charges in micro-USB. The Jabra Move Style is therefore not the most enduring, but the lightest of our selection with a weight of 162 grams.

Where to buy the Jabra Move Style Edition at the best price?

Marshall Major III BluetoothThe most vintage

Product sheetAmazon 97 €Available at 97 € on Amazon

The Marshall Major III is the latest iteration of the amp brand's popular headphone. In its third version, the Marshall Major says goodbye to the cable to switch to Bluetooth (aptX compatible). This is not the only difference with previous models, since comfort has been greatly improved. The pads are much nicer and the headband takes on a more traditional shape. It folds easily and can therefore be easily stored in various bags without risk of breakage.

Overall, the sound quality of the Marshall Major III Bluetooth is satisfactory in the bass and treble range, with a little less precision in the midrange. On the other hand, they are very powerful headphones, but we do not recommend prolonged listening at high volume. The volume is also controlled from a joystick button that performs all the functions: on and off the headphones, playlist control, call from the voice assistant, etc. Finally, count on a battery life of at least 30 hours. It's excellent, but does it forgive the presence of a micro-USB port? Your turn to judge.

Launched in 2018 at a price of 150 euros, the Marshall Major III Bluetooth headphones are now trading around 80 euros. A much better deal than when it came out. Where to buy the Marshall Major III Bluetooth at the best price?

Soundcore Life Q30The budget option

8 /10 Product sheetSee the testAmazon Marketplace 79 €Available at 79 € on Amazon Marketplace

Anker continues its diversification work beyond its charging-related products and therefore arrives with active noise reduction Bluetooth headphones under the 100 euro mark. A few moments are enough to notice that the finish has been the first victim of the cost hunt. If the design is rather attractive, the plastics used are rather cheap and not always well adjusted. We also sometimes hear cracking in normal use.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q30 headphones //Source: Frandroid

Fortunately, once on the ears, things improve. Anker tries here to offer us a balanced signature and it is a generally successful bet, even if we notice a certain lack of precision. The app provided will let you adjust the rendering more finely according to your tastes.

It is above all the active noise reduction which pleasantly surprises, with unprecedented efficiency at this price level. Another strong point: its autonomy, which exceeded 45 hours with active noise reduction.

Despite some flaws, we can only warmly recommend this helmet to small budgets, especially since it is very regularly the subject of promotions. You will find his complete test here.

Where to buy the Soundcore Life Q30 at the best price?

Audio-Technica ATH-M40XThe best for home

Product sheetAmazon 88 €Available at 88 € on Amazon

These Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones feature the most functional look of our selection. It is primarily intended for use in the studio, so it ignores Bluetooth in favor of the jack cable. A sacrifice that is made for the benefit of sound quality: the ATH-M40x has precise and neutral sound reproduction. It is therefore a helmet particularly recommended for people wishing to listen to their favorite piece as the artist thought.

With a circum-aural design, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x can be worn for long hours without feeling too much pressure on the ears and head. It comes with two different jack cables: a spiral cable that can go up to 3 meters and a second more classic 3 meters. However, we regret the lack of control over the cable or the headphones.

Where to buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40X at the best price?

Choosing the right cheap headphones

What concessions should I make with a helmet under 100 euros?

Headphones under $100 can't compete for audio quality with higher-end products that typically sell for over $250. It is therefore necessary in the first place to make some concessions on the sound, even if over the years, the latter has greatly improved. In this price range, it is also almost impossible to find active noise reduction. On the other hand, you will find comfortable headphones, with or without wires and sometimes with a worked design. If you have a bigger budget, you can check out our guide to the best Bluetooth headphones.

My smartphone does not have a jack, how do I connect my headphones to it?

If you don't want a Bluetooth headset, nothing beats a good old wired model. Still, the jack is becoming increasingly rare these days. In theory, no worries, the vast majority of smartphones are sold with a USB/Lightning adapter. If this is not the case or you cannot find it, don't worry, a new one will only cost you a few euros.

How did we make this selection?

We first selected the helmets on the price criterion, trying to offer various options corresponding to different uses and tastes. Some helmets in this selection have been handled by the editorial staff. When this is not the case, we carry out a press review of the various tests that may have appeared with our colleagues in order to condense the information and suggest products that will not disappoint you.

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