Maxell Maxell Black HP-100 Supra-aural Lightweight on-ear Review
The Maxell HP-100 headphones cost less than a lunch combo. We tested them to see if that's a deal or a disaster. Here's the blunt truth about what $7 actually buys you.
The 30-Second Version
These are $7 headphones that sound like $7 headphones. Buy them only if your alternative is using a tin can and a string.
Overview
Let's be real: the Maxell HP-100 is a $7 pair of headphones. That's the one thing you need to know. They're a basic, wired, open-back on-ear set from a brand you probably remember from cassette tapes. They're not trying to compete with your AirPods Max. They're a cheap, functional tool for when you need to plug something in and hear it, and our data shows they're squarely in the bottom half of the pack for sound, comfort, and build. They exist, and they're cheap.
Performance
Honestly, nothing surprised us. The performance is exactly what you'd expect for the price. The 90dB sensitivity is fine, but the open-back design means sound leaks out and you hear everything around you. Our percentile rankings put sound quality in the 38th percentile, which means a lot of headphones sound better. They're not for critical listening, and the mic quality is predictably terrible, landing in the 36th percentile. They make sound. That's about it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- They cost less than a fast-food meal.
- They're incredibly lightweight.
- The headband adjusts to fit a wide range of head sizes.
- The foam pads are soft for short periods.
Cons
- Sound quality is mediocre and leaks everywhere. 22th
- The build feels flimsy and cheap. 27th
- The 6-foot cord is non-detachable and feels like a trip hazard. 33th
- They're useless for calls or any noisy environment.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | On-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Open |
Audio
| Driver Type | Maxell Black HP-100 Supra-aural Lightweight on-ear Stereo Headphones |
| Sensitivity | 90 |
| Codecs | Open-air headphonesIdeal for all portable stereos, boom boxes and cassette playersAdjustable headband |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
Value & Pricing
At $6 to $8, the value proposition is simple: they're disposable audio. If you need a pair of headphones for a kid's school project, a backup for a garage computer, or something to throw in a drawer and forget about, the price is right. But if you plan to use them for more than an hour a week, you'll quickly wish you spent $20 more.
vs Competition
Comparing these to the Sony WH-1000XM6 or AirPods Max is like comparing a skateboard to a sports car. The real competition is other ultra-budget wired headphones. Even then, they lose. Brands like Monoprice or Panasonic offer closed-back options at similar prices that won't annoy everyone around you with sound leakage. If you're even considering wireless or noise-cancelling competitors, you're in a completely different budget universe where these shouldn't be on your list.
| Spec | Maxell Maxell Black HP-100 Supra-aural Lightweight on-ear | Sony Sony - WH-1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Cancelling | Apple AirPods Max Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bose QuietComfort headphones Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | On-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Maxell Black HP-100 Supra-aural Lightweight on-ear Stereo Headphones | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | - | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | - |
| Impedance Ohms | - | 48 | 16 | - | 32 | - |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 24 |
Common Questions
Q: Are these good for listening to music?
Not really. They're open-back and leak sound, so you'll hear everything around you and everyone will hear your music. The audio quality is very basic.
Q: Can I use these for phone calls or gaming?
No. The microphone is terrible (36th percentile in our tests), and the open design means your game audio will feed back into your mic, annoying your friends.
Q: Will they fit a big head?
Surprisingly, yes. The adjustable headband has a wide range. Comfort over long periods is another story, but they'll physically fit.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for headphones to actually enjoy music, podcasts, or games, skip these. Go get a pair of wired IEMs like the Moondrop Chu II for the same price range, or spend $30 on a decent over-ear set. If you need something for Zoom calls, run away.
Verdict
We can't recommend the Maxell HP-100 for any kind of regular, enjoyable listening. They're a last-resort purchase. If you absolutely must have headphones for under $10 and you don't care about sound quality, privacy, or durability, these will technically work. For everyone else, save up a little more. A $25 pair of IEMs or on-sale wired earbuds will be a life-changing upgrade.