Explainer
You can get excellent sound, real noise cancelling and enormous battery life for under $100 in 2026. We ranked every model we've reviewed in this price range by Sonic Score, which combines manufacturer specs, published measurements and thousands of owner reviews into a single number.
1. 1More SonoFlow — best sound under $100
Why it wins: a balanced, detailed tuning that's rare at this price, plus LDAC and a 50-hour battery.
The 1More SonoFlow is the pick for people who care most about how their music sounds. Its noise cancelling is only average, but the tuning is more natural than most rivals and the battery lasts for weeks.
2. Sony WH-CH720N — most comfortable
Why it wins: at 192 g it's one of the lightest ANC headphones you can buy, with good noise cancelling and multipoint.
The Sony WH-CH720N disappears on your head. It's ideal for long workdays, students and glasses wearers. It doesn't fold and feels plasticky, but comfort and convenience are excellent.
3. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 — best noise cancelling
Why it wins: the strongest ANC in this price range, with LDAC, multipoint and a folding design.
The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 has the best noise cancelling of our budget picks. Its default sound is very bass-heavy, so spend a moment in the EQ — after that, it's a superb value.
How to choose
- Sound first: 1More SonoFlow.
- Comfort first: Sony WH-CH720N.
- Noise cancelling first: Anker Soundcore Space Q45.
Need help deciding? Use our compare tool to put any two side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best headphones under $100?
Our top picks are the 1More SonoFlow for sound quality, the Sony WH-CH720N for comfort, and the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 for noise cancelling and battery life.
Can you get good noise cancelling under $100?
Yes. The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 and Sony WH-CH720N both offer genuinely useful ANC that makes commutes and flights noticeably quieter.
Which budget headphone has the best battery life?
The 1More SonoFlow and Anker Soundcore Space Q45 both last up to about 50 hours with noise cancelling on — more than most premium models.
Do budget headphones support high-quality Bluetooth?
Some do. Both the 1More SonoFlow and Soundcore Space Q45 support LDAC, a high-bitrate codec available on many Android phones.
Are budget headphones good for working from home?
Yes. Look for multipoint, so you can connect to your laptop and phone at once. All three of our top picks support it.
Should I buy an older flagship instead?
If you can stretch your budget, a discounted former flagship like the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers stronger noise cancelling and better build quality. Under $100, our picks below are the best you can get.