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10 Best Affordable Wired Headphones: Top Picks for 2026 Under $100
When searching for the best affordable wired headphones, it can be a daunting task to find the right balance between sound quality, comfort, and price. Whether you’re a music lover, gamer, or someone who enjoys podcasts, having a reliable pair of wired headphones can significantly enhance your listening experience. In 2026, the selection available on Amazon is extensive, making it easier than ever to find a perfect fit without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 products available on Amazon that exemplify the best affordable wired headphones. Each option is detailed with features, advantages, and downsides, providing you with the information you need to make an informed choice.
1. Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
The Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone is a quintessential choice for sound engineers and audiophiles alike. Known for its incredible clarity and comfort, this headset is perfect for extended listening sessions. With a frequency response of 10Hz – 20kHz, it captures a wide range of audio, making it ideal for both professional and casual use.
Best For: Professional audio monitoring and casual listening.
Product Review: The Sony MDR-7506 provides an exceptional listening experience with its closed-ear design that not only offers comfort but also great sound isolation. The large diaphragm delivers crisp highs and rich lows, making it suitable for both vocal and instrumental playback. Their lightweight construction ensures they are easy to wear for long periods, making them ideal for studio work or marathon streaming sessions.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with precise audio reproduction
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
- Foldable design for easy portability
- Durable build quality
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy bass enthusiasts
- The cable may be prone to tangling
No products found.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Headphones are designed for those wanting a balance between professional studio quality and affordability. Priced competitively, these headphones offer excellent sound isolation and are perfect for both studio monitoring and casual use.
Best For: Studio monitoring and casual listening.
Product Review: The ATH-M30x features 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 15Hz – 22kHz, providing a rich, detailed audio experience. The circumaural design ensures sufficient sound isolation, making them perfect for noisy environments. Additionally, lightweight ear pads made from soft materials guarantee hours of comfortable wear.
Pros:
- Good sound quality for the price
- Comfortable fit
- Collapsible design for portability
Cons:
- Not the best for bass-heavy genres
- Headband may feel tight for some users
- Advanced build quality and engineering
- 40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tuned for enhanced detail, with excellent mid-range definition
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- Convenient single side cable exit
3. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Headphones
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Headphones
The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Headphones are well-regarded for their noise isolation and exceptional sound quality. With a frequency response of 8Hz – 28kHz, they cater to a wide range of audio preferences.
Best For: Professional monitoring and casual music enjoyment.
Product Review: These headphones feature padded ear cups and an adjustable headband that allows for an individualized fit. Their closed-back design naturally reduces external noise, making them ideal for music production or simply tuning out distractions. Their robust construction also means they can withstand daily use.
Pros:
- Amazing noise isolation
- Durable and long-lasting
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- May feel bulky for some users
- Sound quality is more flat compared to others
- High ambient noise attenuation
- Accurate, linear sound reproduction
- Soft earpads for a comfortable fit
- Folding and rotating earcups for space-saving transport
- Tough, single-sided cable
4. Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones
Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones
The Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones are a classic choice that combines portability and great sound quality. Their retro design has a dedicated following for good reason—they deliver exceptional audio performance at an affordable price.
Best For: Casual listening and on-the-go use.
Product Review: With a frequency response of 15Hz – 25kHz, the Porta Pro headphones produce a balanced sound while remaining comfortable for extended wear. They include a collapsible design that makes them easy to carry, making them perfect for travel. The unique adjustable headband also enhances comfort and fit.
Pros:
- Great sound quality for the price
- Lightweight and portable
- Adjustable headband for perfect fit
Cons:
- Not suitable for audiophiles seeking more premium headphones
- On-ear design may be uncomfortable for some
No products found.
5. JBL Quantum 200 Wired Over-Ear Gaming Headset
JBL Quantum 200 Wired Over-Ear Gaming Headset
The JBL Quantum 200 Wired Over-Ear Gaming Headset is designed for gamers who value both performance and comfort. With its clear sound and lightweight build, it’s perfect for long gaming sessions.
Best For: Gaming and immersive audio experiences.
Product Review: Features like 50mm drivers ensure a robust sound experience, whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or engaging in voice calls. The adjustable boom mic is handy for communication throughout gaming. The comfortable padding ensures that wearing them for hours doesn’t become a chore.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Great microphone quality
Cons:
- Wired connection limits mobility
- May not be suitable for portable audio
- JBL QuantumSOUND Signature makes every scene epic and every gamer more competitive. With the help of 50mm drivers, our signature audio delivers the most realistic soundscape for a competitive advantage in any battle.
- Play even longer in memory foam comfort: The lightweight headband and memory foam ear cushions were designed for durability and comfort even during the longest gaming sessions.
- Voice focus directional flip-up boom microphone: Thanks to their flip-up, voice focus directional boom mic with auto on/off and mute features, the JBL Quantum 200 headset lets you rally the troops and opponents with clarity.
- Made for your favorite platforms: The JBL Quantum 200 is compatible via 3.5mm jack with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, Mac and VR. Check the connectivity guide for compatibility.
- Compatible with Windows Sonic Spatial Sound: JBL Quantum 200 headset is designed for full compatibility with the native surround sound system built into Windows 10 PCs and Xbox ONE consoles.
6. AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones
AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones
The AKG Pro Audio K240 Studio Headphones have been a staple for professionals in recording studios for decades. They offer a semi-open design, allowing sound to flow freely while providing a great audio experience.
Best For: Studio applications and casual listening.
Product Review: With a frequency range of 15Hz – 25kHz and 30mm drivers, these headphones deliver accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for mixing and mastering. Additionally, they are lightweight and comfortable, making them a reliable choice for long periods of usage.
Pros:
- Accurate sound reproduction
- Comfortable fit for long use
- Great build quality
Cons:
- Open-ear design may leak sound
- May not provide enough bass for some users
−$29.01
- 55 ohms impedance, plug-in cable
- Self-adjusting headband for optimum fit
- Single cable for ease of use
- Semi-open, circumaural design
7. Focal Listen Professional Over-Ear Headphones
Focal Listen Professional Over-Ear Headphones
Focal Listen Professional Over-Ear Headphones feature a closed-back design that provides excellent sound insulation and quality, fulfilling the needs of both music lovers and professionals.
Best For: Professional and casual listening.
Product Review: With a frequency response of 15Hz – 22kHz, the sound quality stands out in a crowded market. The generous padding on the headband and ear cups enhances comfort, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. Built-in controls allow for quick adjustments without needing to touch your device.
Pros:
- Great audio fidelity with rich bass
- Comfortable for long usage
- Built-in controls for convenience
Cons:
- On the pricier side compared to others
- Heavier than most options
- Exclusive cone technology offering acoustic transparency and excellent dynamics.
- Precision and neutrality.
- Total control over the audio spectrum.
- Excellent isolation and optimal comfort.
- Compact, rigid carrying case.
8. Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Headphones
Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Headphones
The Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Headphones are another top contender in the affordable category, offering great sound quality at a competitive price. Known for their open-back design, they provide a natural sound stage.
Best For: Music lovers and casual users.
Product Review: Featuring 50mm drivers and a frequency response of 12Hz – 35kHz, these headphones excel at producing rich audio. Their lightweight design and padded ear cups make them comfortable for prolonged periods of use, whether you’re gaming, working, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes.
Pros:
- Wide frequency range for great sound quality
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Open-back design may not be suitable in noisy environments
- Not as portable compared to other designs
−$20.01
- 50mm neodymium drivers deliver full spectrum of sound
- 1.5m cable gives you freedom of movement for indoor use
- Comfortable double layered headband cushion, breathable ear cushion for longer wearing comfort
- Finishing of connector: gold-plated, acoustic system: open, Magnet type: neodymium
9. Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2 Wireless Headphones
Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2 Wireless Headphones
The Creative Sound Blaster Jam V2 Wireless Headphones are unique for their compatibility with both wired and wireless connections, offering versatility. They are lightweight and foldable, making them great for travel.
Best For: Versatile use for casual and on-the-go listening.
Product Review: Equipped with large 40mm drivers and up to 22 hours of battery life in wireless mode, these headphones deliver clear audio and a comfortable fit. Plus, they offer an integrated microphone for calls, enhancing their functionality.
Pros:
- Versatile connectivity options
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life in wireless mode
Cons:
- Sound quality can be less clear in wireless mode
- May feel flimsy
−$10.00
- BLUETOOTH 5.0 WITH MULTIPOINT | Upgraded with Bluetooth 5.0 and advanced codecs to bring you a better wireless listening experience with improved audio quality, increased range, and better wireless stability. With multipoint connectivity, you can connect 2 different Bluetooth devices (e.g. your laptop and your phone) to the Sound Blaster JAM V2 at the same time and switch between them seamlessly, without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting
- APTX HD AND APTX LOW LATENCY SUPPORT | There’s no need to sacrifice quality for convenience with the Sound Blaster JAM V2. Enjoy better-than-CD audio quality wirelessly with aptX HD, which delivers 24-bit / 48 kHz audio via Bluetooth, providing you the best wireless music enjoyment. Sound Blaster JAM V2 also comes with aptX LL, which delivers synchronized audio and visuals with negligible lag for the best wireless movie and gaming experience
- BEST AUDIO IN ITS CLASS | With our high-performance 32 mm Neodymium drivers, the Sound Blaster JAM V2 is able to deliver rich and clean audio that is suitable for any kind of listening. Watching an action movie? Pump up the bass with the Bass Boost button and enjoy a more immersive movie experience. You can also make EQ adjustments to suit your own preference with the all-new Creative software when listening in wired mode on your computer
- SUPERIOR VOICE CALL EXPERIENCE | Packed with the brand-new SmartComms Kit, a suite of smart communication features which offers a superior call experience for all your online conferences in wired mode. The Sound Blaster JAM V2 also comes with dual microphones and Qualcomm cVc 8.0 noise cancellation, which work in tandem to pick up your voice accurately while reducing background noise, bringing you clearer voice calls on the go via Bluetooth
- UP TO 22 HOURS PLAYTIME | You don’t have to worry about battery life with the Sound Blaster JAM V2, which is able to last throughout the entire day with up to 22 hours of battery life. When it does run out of juice, you can switch to wired listening via a USB-C cable, or conveniently charge it with the same USB-C cable for 10 minutes and you’re good to go for another 4 hours
10. Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II
Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II
The Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones II promise a superior audio experience, combining the renowned Bose sound quality with comfort. Their around-ear design provides an immersive listening experience.
Best For: Music lovers who value comfort and sound quality.
Product Review: With a frequency response of 18Hz – 23kHz, these headphones deliver powerful audio and deep bass. The comfortable ear cups are perfect for long listening sessions, and they come with a carry bag for portability.
Pros:
- Exceptional audio quality
- Comfortable for extensive use
- Stylish and portable design
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to competitors
- Headband can feel tight for some
−$2.00
- 🎧What You Will Get: A pair of protein leather ear pads, a pair of silicone protective covers, a headband, making your headphones brand new again.
- 🎧COMPATIBLE WITH QuietComfort QC25/SoundLink Around-Ear II (SoundLink AE2)/SoundTrue Around-Ear II (SoundTrue AE2) Headphones only. DO NOT FIT B-ose QC15, QC2, QC35, QC45, B-ose AE1, B-ose AE2, B-ose NC700, or any other B-ose model Headphones.
- 🎧Replacement Ear Cushions: Adopting the High-density foam and high-grade protein leather, our earpads will seal around your ears brilliantly, ensuring you excellent noise isolation and enhanced bass.
- 🎧Replacement Headband: By using 3D printing technology, we have perfectly reproduced the shape of the original headband. Avoid the embarrassment of using the headband wrapping cloth.
- 🎧Earpads Cover Protectors: Our ear covers are made of super slim silicone, protecting your headphones from further breakdown from sweat at the gym while keeping your headphones dry.
Buying Guide: Best Affordable Wired Headphones
When it comes to enjoying high-quality audio without breaking the bank, finding the right set of wired headphones is essential. This guide will help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.
Key Considerations
1. Sound Quality
- Look for headphones that offer clear audio with good bass response, balanced mids, and crisp highs.
- Online reviews and audio tests can provide insights into the sound profile of different models.
2. Comfort and Fit
- Consider the type of earcups: around-ear (over-ear) for comfort and noise isolation or on-ear for a more compact design.
- Padded headbands and ear cushions are vital for long listening sessions. Make sure to check user reviews for comfort experiences.
3. Durability
- A well-built headphone will last longer. Models with reinforced cables or metal hinges are generally more durable.
- Check for warranty options; trusted brands often offer better warranties.
4. Portability
- If you plan to carry your headphones around, look for foldable designs or those that come with a carrying case.
- Weight matters—not too light that they feel flimsy, but also not so heavy that they become cumbersome.
5. Cable Length
- Longer cables can provide more freedom of movement but may be more prone to tangling.
- A standard length typically ranges from 3.5 mm to 1.5 m. If you’re using them with a mobile device, ensure the length suits your needs.
6. Noise Isolation
- Passive noise isolation helps block out background noise. Look for models that fit snugly against your ears for the best effect.
- If you frequently use them in noisy environments, a snug fit is crucial.
7. Compatibility
- Ensure that the headphone jack is compatible with your devices. Standard 3.5 mm jacks are most common, but some may require adapters.
- Check if there’s a built-in microphone for calls or remote controls for convenience, especially if you’re using them with smartphones.
8. Price Range
- Affordable headphones generally range from $20 to $100. Aim for brands known for value, ensuring you get quality sound without spending excessively.
- Look for seasonal sales, discounts, or bundles to maximize your purchase.
Recommended Models
1. Sony MDR-7506
- Price: ~$99
- Features: Foldable design, excellent sound quality, industry standard for professionals.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Price: ~$49
- Features: Comfortable fit, great sound isolation, solid build quality.
3. Sennheiser HD280 Pro
- Price: ~$99
- Features: High passive noise isolation, excellent sound reproduction, durable.
4. Koss Porta Pro
- Price: ~$49
- Features: Retro design, adjustable headband, impressive sound for the size.
5. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92
- Price: ~$30
- Features: Comfortable and lightweight, decent sound, great for travel.
6. Philips SHP9500
- Price: ~$75
- Features: Open-back design, great soundstage, comfortable for long wear.
7. Grado SR80e
- Price: ~$99
- Features: Superb sound quality, handcrafted design, retro aesthetic.
Final Tips
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, test out headphones in-store to assess comfort and sound quality.
- Read Reviews: Take advantage of online reviews and video demonstrations to gauge user experiences.
- Check Return Policies: Ensure you can return the headphones if they don’t meet your expectations.
By considering these factors and exploring the recommended options, you’re well on your way to finding the best affordable wired headphones that fit your needs. Enjoy your listening experience!
