You don't have to spend loads on a new pair of headphones — these 3 pairs cost less than $100 and sound great

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Want a new pair of headphones? Save some money with the sub-$100 options

1More SonoFlow SE held against a colorful backdrop
(Image credit: Future)

There are loads of reasons you might want a pair of the best cheap headphones. Maybe you're strapped for cash, but still want some musical accompaniment on the way to work. Perhaps you're worried about taking your more premium pair out of the house. Or maybe you're looking for a quick gift for someone who wants some new cans.

Whatever the case, there are plenty of cut-price options that still pack in a bunch of features. I've tested some of the best around and gathered them all together so I can help you save a few bucks.

All of the headphones below cost less than $100, and they all sound great. They even come with active noise cancellation (ANC) so that you can relax on your commute.

1More Sonoflow SE

1More SonoFlow SE on a table with a phone

(Image credit: Future)

Let's start with the cheapest pair on the list. The 1More Sonoflow SE cost around $50, but they still have plenty of features that make them well worth adding to your backpack. They've got ANC, for one, and it's amongst the best for the price point. Train rides become more comfortable, buses less stressful, and you won't have to listen to the traffic if you walk to work.

70 hours of battery life is incredibly impressive, so you won't be constantly hopping from wall outlet to wall outlet. They sound good too, with some great clarity in the highs and a detailed sound signature. They're comfortable, understated and easy to control thanks to the simple buttons on the earcups.

For $50, you're not going to do much better than the Sonolfow SE. Just remember that they don't come with a protective case, so you might want to be a bit more careful when you fit them into your backpack.

1More Sonoflow SE
1More Sonoflow SE: was $49 now $44 at Amazon

70 hours of battery life, solid sound quality and a comfortable fit. What more could you ask for when you're paying $50? A protective case would be nice, but then we'd be nitpicking — they're a great pair of headphones for a great price.

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Moondrop Edge

Moondrop Edge

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Ignore the slightly off-putting anime girl noises they make when you turn the ANC on and off, and the Moondrop Edge are a spectacular pair of headphones for a very good price. My favorite bit is the audiophile-style sound signature, which focuses on detail and clarity instead of bass response. Don't get me wrong, they're not going to please your audio-mad uncle who has tens of thousands invested in his HiFi, but it's a refreshing change.

They're comfortable too, thanks to a very lightweight and soft foam. The design might not be for everyone, and the build isn't the best I've seen, but they're more than serviceable for the price. ANC is good, letting you listen to your music in busy environments.

48 hours of battery life is plenty. They're one of the best-sounding pairs of headphones for under $100 — if you're interested in getting the best audio performance for less, they're a great pair of cans.

Moondrop Edge
Moondrop Edge: $89 at Amazon

For $90, you get a very well-judged sound profile and a supremely comfortable fit. Compromises have been made in build quality, but at least the battery life is solid at 48 hours. I love my pair — and those looking for excellent sound for a bargain price will too.

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Soundcore Space One

Anker Soundcore Space One held in hand

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

My mom loves her pair of Space One headphones. They're comfortable for one, with a well padded headband and soft earcups. She's been able to wear them for long periods as a result, without wanting to pull them off her head and throw them across the room. She also likes the 40 hours of battery life, and soft carry bag that comes in the box.

They're packed full of features as well. ANC is good, blocking out plenty of noise — including me, when I go to annoy my mom while she's working. Codec support is excellent, including LDAC for some hi-res wireless listening. Call quality is perfect for professional calls, and the voice isolation means you can call from anywhere.

They sound good, look even better, and come in under that crucial $100 price point.

Souncore Space One
Souncore Space One: was $99 now $89 at Amazon

For $99 you get a wonderful headphone package. Great sound, excellent call quality, and 40 hours of battery life. They're comfortable as well, and the soft carry bag they come with is very useful indeed.

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Tammy Rogers
Tammy Rogers
Audio Editor

Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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