The best headphones and earphones under 100 euros: discover the most affordable models

Are you looking for cheap headphones or earphones? But you don't want to sacrifice the audiophile experience, the comfort of your ears and the challenge of modern options like noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity? You are in the right place.

Headphones and earphones are like works of art: while the real connoisseurs can spend a fortune on them, for most people the budget models work just as well. In the art market, there is a big difference between the value of a finger painting and a Picasso - with a happy medium between the two. The same goes for our audio products.

At TechRadar, we are committed to covering all the latest, most powerful and often the most expensive technologies. However, to counterbalance all this top-of-the-range equipment, we are diligently looking for items offering satisfying, even surprising performance, at a price that is accessible to as many people as possible. The best budget headphones and earphones are part of this constant quest.

So you'll find every entry-level, class-leading pair of headphones and earphones below. Good news: they are all available for around 100 euros or less in 2022. Some will even cost you less than 50 euros.

our selection

What affordable headphones or earphones to buy in 2022?

1.Earfun Air Pro

The best cheap noise canceling headphones

Technical characteristics

Type of earphones: closed, dynamicWeight: 5.3 gDiaphragm: 10 mmFrequency response: N/ASensitivity: N/AImpedance: N/AAutonomy: 9h (earphones), 23h (box)Wireless range: 10 meters

Why buy it

+Pleasant audio balance+Effective noise cancellation

Why wait

- No app with equalizer - The case is a bit bulky

In this price range, the Earfun Air Pro headphones shine against the competition. They are distinguished by their superior design and excellent audio capabilities - worn in particular by the specialist Edifier -, and show a high level of competence in active noise cancellation. This allowed us to block out the sounds of a busy street, and even a washing machine at home. An audio transmission function is also present for those times when you need to communicate with your close environment.

In terms of sound quality, the Earfun Air Pro headphones are definitely winners. They provide a pleasurable listening experience for music lovers, with warm, prominent bass and energetic sound. Infrared sensors automatically pause your music if the headphones are removed from your ears. With clean, angular lines, these headphones are never garish. You can carry them with you on the train or at the office, discreetly.

Read our full review: Earfun Air Pro

2. 1More Triple Driver

The best cheap in-ear headphones

Technical characteristics

Headphone type: closed, dynamicWeight: 23 gFrequency response: 20 - 40,000 HzSensitivity: 99 dBImpedance: 32 OhmsCable length: 1.2 meters

Why buy it

+High sound quality+Pleasant design+Unparalleled value for money

Why wait

-Low end controls

Up to half the price of the headphones playing in their category, the 1More Triple Driver do not skimp on performance. On listening, each piece of music is extremely detailed with a good sense of space. We were surprised to perceive each instrumental layer with great clarity.

Although they don't feature any active noise-canceling technology, the headphones have more than enough noise isolation to drown out any audio pollution during your commutes outdoors and on public transport.

There is very little to fault the Triple Drivers for. The design, no doubt: their cable is rubbery and the remote control is a little scary because of its fragility. But we are not dealing with a cheap design for all that. And, we can't repeat it enough: it's unlikely to find in-ear headphones from this range this economical.

Read our full review: 1More Triple Driver

3.SoundMAGIC E11BT

Best Budget Headphones for Podcast Lovers

Technical characteristics

Type of headphones: closedWeight: 24.7 gFrequency response: 20 - 20,000 HzSensitivity: 100 dBImpedance: 42 OhmsAutonomy: 20 hours

Why buy it

+Fantastic price+Stylish design+Ergonomic and comfortable ear tips

Why wait

-The highs can be aggressive

The SoundMagic E11BT are an extremely capable pair of wireless in-ear headphones, and given their low price, it's really hard to fault them. The audio quality offered here is fantastic as well as their design is elegant. But above all, they remain comfortable to wear thanks to their ergonomic tips and their discreet neckband that you will never feel, including during long running sessions or sports training. Thanks to their IPX4 rating, they should also resist sweat - ideal for advanced athletes. The sound insulation is quite good, cutting out distracting noise within your surroundings. A plus if you have decided to listen to your favorite podcasts on public transport. Also, we didn't experience any connectivity issues when pairing the E11BTs with a smartphone. Real child's play.

Read our full review: SoundMagic E11 BT

4. Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0

The best cheap True Wireless headphones

Technical characteristics

Type of headphones: closedWeight: N/AFrequency response: 20-20,000 HzDiaphragm: 6 mmSensitivity: N/AImpedance: N/AAutonomy (in-car): 10 hoursAutonomy of the charging case: 70 hoursWireless range: N/ANFC: no

Why buy it

+Extremely low price+Balanced sound+Great battery life

Why wait

-The design is a bit banal

After its remarkable PurePlay Z3 (formerly called Tevi), the young audio brand Lypertek does it again with an upgrade that is still as affordable as ever. Since the premium model of Lypertek is indeed accessible for less than 100 €. In return, you get some notable improvements like LDX Mode which widens the soundstage and especially the bass. Ambient mode adapts to the external environment, but we'll wait for a next iteration to appreciate its full glory.

The fact that a pair of this stature can compete with the other more expensive competitors in this ranking is hard to believe. Still, with its USB-C charging, hugely balanced soundstage, equally astonishing battery life - it tops out at 80 hours with the case on -, and handy water resistance, these headphones tick a lot of boxes. high end. Without putting on your shoulders a budget too difficult to bear.

Read our full review: Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0

5. Sony WH-CH510

The best on-ear headphones at a low price

Technical characteristics

Headphone type: closed, dynamicWeight: 132 gFrequency response: 20 Hz -20,000 Hz Diaphragm: 30 mmSensitivity: 99 dbImpedance: 32 OhmsAutonomy: 35 hoursWireless range: 10 metersNFC: N/A

Why buy it

+Solid sound stage+Great battery life+Light and compact

Why wait

-No 3.5mm jack

Looking at Sony's WH-CH510, it's amazing how wireless on-ear headphones can come at such a low price. What make us naturally suspicious about its audio quality or that of its design. And yet this model offers decent sound, We might believe A psychological price that would trend wireless in-ear headphones could cost as little, not to mention a pair that offers decent sound with a balanced profile, a USB port -C, a light structure and a battery life of 35 hours as shock assets.

Of course, if you're looking for headphones at this price point, you're probably willing to make some sacrifices. By opting for the WH-CH510, you will forget about most of these compromises such as the absence of an analog input. Indeed, you will have to dial without a jack but if you have a recent smartphone, this is an option that you have already skipped. In addition, its plastic composition can weaken it, but it guarantees in return a more comfortable wearing of the head.

Don't expect the superb spatialization of the ten times more expensive Sony WH-1000XM4 either. However, the WH-CH510 supports most musical genres with precision and fluidity - it just lets a few saturations pass on very high-pitched pieces.

Read our full review: Sony WH-CH510

6.JBL Tune 750BTNC

The best cheap over-ear headphones

Technical characteristics

Type of helmet: closedWeight: 220 gFrequency response: 20 Hz -20,000 HzDiaphragm: 40 mmAutonomy: 22 hours

Why buy it

+Good sound quality+Strong active noise cancellation

Why wait

-No waterproofing-Average battery life

JBL is a popular name in the world of Bluetooth headphones and speakers, and with good reason. With a reputation for reliability, consumers know what they can expect from the brand: good sound quality for a decent price.

That's what we discovered with the JBL Live 650BTNC last year. Today, the JBL Tune 750BTNC is ready to succeed it as a high-end, inexpensive on-ear headphone.

The JBL Tune 750BTNC sounds great and looks great, and it's very comfortable, reliable, and easy to use. It lacks waterproofing and a few minor features - but at this price it would be hard to complain.

Read our full review: JBL Tune 750BTNC

7.Philips PH805

The best cheap noise canceling headphones

Technical characteristics

Headphone type: closed, dynamicWeight: N/AFrequency response: 7 - 40,000 Hz Diaphragm: 40 mmSensitivity: 90 dBImpedance: 16 OhmsBattery life: 30 hoursWireless range: 10 meters

Why buy it

+Nice design+Good battery life+Punchy, controlled and detailed sound

Why wait

-Lack of dynamism in high definition

The Philips PH805 today offers exceptional value for money. It's a wireless headset featuring premium Bluetooth 5 connectivity, with true Hi-Res Audio playback. The powerful bass, the fidelity of the mids and clearly highlighted highs draw a completely dynamic and very pleasant soundstage outdoors, thanks to the decent active noise cancellation. This is provided by two microphones, each located on an earpiece.

The Philips PH805 is also equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery, allowing it to deliver up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. It is a more than sufficient proposal to accompany you in transport, to the office or to school, without any discomfort. At less than €100, it's the ideal alternative for audiophiles on a budget.

Read our full review: Philips PH805

8. Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro

The best affordable professional headphones

Technical characteristics

Headphone type: closed, dynamicWeight: 196 gCable length: 1.25 mFrequency response: 5 Hz - 35,000 HzSensitivity: 119 dbImpedance: 34 Ohms

Why buy it

+Clear, balanced sound at all levels+Durable design

Why wait

- Minimal noise isolation - Equalizer won't appeal to everyone

Beyerdynamic manufactures a lot of equipment for audiophiles and audio professionals, some of it at a premium price. Its DT 240 Pro model is just as attractive by ensuring high-level sound and a solid composition made to last for a few years. All for a price below the professional market. This studio headphone also competes closely with other - now inexpensive - ambassadors from Audio-Technica, such as the popular ATH-M40X or the wireless ATH-SR5BT.

While its soundstage covers a narrower spectrum than high-end models, bass, midrange, and treble are incredibly clean and well-balanced. Bass is easy to pick up without being loud, with a subtle punch at higher volumes. The mids and highs are linked together clearly, without one register ever being amplified in relation to the other. It therefore offers essential neutrality to take care of your audio or video recordings and easily eliminate ambient noise. The DT 240 Pro is thus a derisory but essential cost for anyone trying to develop their podcast show or YouTube channel.

Read our full review: Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro

Choosing the right headset / earphones

To write this buying guide, we tested, listened to and compared more than 25 headphones and earphones of all categories, shapes and sizes. The most promising models were placed head-to-head to determine the "best cheap product". Sound fidelity is clearly the most determining element - but we also make sure to take into account comfort, design and other major characteristics such as connectivity or noise reduction.

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Like most people, we prefer our music rich in detail and well balanced. We can live with music that's a little warm with an emphasis on the mids and highs, but we like to feel the bass all the time. Additionally, it's important to look for headphones or earphones with reasonable battery life if they fit into the Bluetooth category, sturdy and durable construction that will stand up to the trials of daily commutes, and comfortable padding to help make those sessions more enjoyable. longer listening.

Keep in mind, however, that testing these headphones/earphones will, at least on some level, be subjective, and our taste in tonal balance might not match yours (or our head size or shape). of our ears). Nevertheless, we have done our best to remove subjectivity from the equation and can present to you, thanks to our expertise, the best headphones and earphones under 100 euros. In other words, without any pain for your wallet.