Best Headphones under $100 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

56.9 Commute Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 60h
Why we recommend this

The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver a wide 5Hz–32kHz frequency response and studio-monitor tuning, backed by a 60-hour battery life for all-day sessions. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.0, a low-latency mode, and a lightweight 216g build with professional-grade earpads add flexibility and lasting comfort. This is best for home studio monitoring and mixing where accurate, extended listening and solid passive isolation outweigh middling call performance.

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Great Alternatives

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Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT

48 Commute Score
on-ear Wireless 40mm 60h
Why we recommend this

A massive 60-hour battery with a 10-minute quick charge for 3.5 hours of use gives the Audio-Technica ATH-S220BT marathon endurance, paired with 40mm dynamic drivers for clear on-ear audio. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.0 pairs to two devices simultaneously, Google Fast Pair simplifies Android setup, and the lightweight 179g on-ear design with padded earcups adds comfort. Best for casual listeners and multi-device users seeking nonstop battery life, though the 45.4 call score makes it less suited for frequent phone calls.

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Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M20xBT

41.6 Commute Score
over-ear Wireless 40mm 60h
Why we recommend this

Featuring 40mm drivers with a 5Hz–32kHz response, closed-back isolation, and a 60-hour battery, these headphones deliver studio-friendly clarity. Multipoint pairing and a rapid 10-minute charge for three hours of use add versatility for continuous critical listening. They’re best suited for home studio monitoring and DJ cueing on a budget, where long wear and clean isolation matter.

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Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M20xBT headphones
Price $89

Audio-Technica ATH-AD ATH-AD500X

28.7 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 53mm
Why we recommend this

The 53mm drivers with CCAW voice coils and open-back design deliver a 5Hz–25kHz frequency response and naturally spacious imaging. Weighing just 235g, the self-adjusting 3D Wing Support and honeycomb aluminum casing provide a fatigue-free fit for marathon listening. These wired headphones are best for home listeners prioritizing detailed, airy sound and enduring comfort, not for taking calls on the go.

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Audio-Technica ATH-AD ATH-AD500X headphones
Price $85

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xWH

28.7 Commute Score
over-ear 40mm
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Audio-Technica R-Series ATH-R30X

28.6 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 40mm
Why we recommend this

The open-back design and 40mm dynamic drivers spanning 15Hz–25kHz create a wide soundstage with natural clarity and low distortion. At just 210g with velour earpads and an adjustable headband, it ensures all-day comfort, while its rugged build withstands daily studio use. This is ideal for home studio owners and budding audio engineers needing an accurate, uncolored reference for mixing and critical monitoring.

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Audio-Technica SonicPro ATH-AVC400

28 Commute Score
over-ear 53mm
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Audio-Technica SonicPro ATH-AVC400 headphones
Price $49

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

23 Commute Score
on-ear Wired 40mm
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Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

21.7 Commute Score
on-ear Wired 40mm
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Best Headphones under $250 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT

77 Commute Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 90h
Why we recommend this

With a 90-hour battery, 3-minute quick charge yielding 2.5 hours of use, and digital hybrid noise-cancelling via 40mm drivers, it’s built for endurance. Foldable and lightweight at 258g, it also offers Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint, a hear-through mode, and a wired 3.5mm option with in-line mic. It’s ideal for commuters and travelers needing extended battery life and effective ANC more than studio-grade audio.

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Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT

57.5 Commute Score
on-ear Wireless 45mm 38h
Why we recommend this

The 45mm dynamic drivers and Hi-Res Audio certified 5Hz-40kHz response deliver studio-accurate sound, backed by a 38-hour battery life on a single charge. Its lightweight 185g on-ear design and closed-back isolation provide a comfortable, travel-friendly fit, with multipoint Bluetooth and NFC for seamless switching. They’re best for critical listeners and studio users who need long battery and noise isolation over call performance.

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Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT headphones
Price $130

Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50XBT2

48.3 Commute Score
over-ear Wireless 45mm 50h
Why we recommend this

Proprietary 45mm drivers and a dedicated amplifier deliver the same studio-reference sound as the wired ATH-M50x, while a 50-hour battery and 10-minute quick-charge give 3 hours. Multipoint Bluetooth pairs two devices simultaneously, and beamforming mics with noise suppression ensure clear calls; EQ adjustments are customizable in the app and saved directly to the headphones. Best for home-studio producers and audiophiles seeking the M50x’s flat response in wireless form for critical listening, not for commuting due to weak passive isolation.

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Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH

47.1 Commute Score
on-ear Wireless 45mm 38h
Why we recommend this

With 45mm drivers, Hi-Res wireless support, and a 38-hour battery, these on-ear headphones provide extended listening in a lightweight 185g frame. NFC touch pairing and the ability to remember up to eight Bluetooth devices simplify switching between your phone, tablet, and laptop. They’re best suited for studio monitoring and casual music listening, though the weak 38.1/100 call score makes them unsuitable for frequent phone conversations.

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Audio-Technica M Series ATH-M60x

40.8 Commute Score
on-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

With 45mm large-aperture drivers delivering a 15Hz–28kHz frequency response and 102dB sensitivity, this closed-back on-ear monitor provides accurate audio with minimal bleed. Its lightweight 200g build and memory foam earpads ensure all-day comfort, while three detachable cables (1.2-3.0m coiled, 3.0m straight, 1.2m straight) support varied studio setups. It’s best for audio engineers and musicians needing isolated, precise monitoring in recording and mixing sessions, not for calls or casual listening.

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Audio-Technica M Series ATH-M60x headphones
Price $239

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x

33.3 Commute Score
over-ear 45mm
Why we recommend this

Fully open-back 45mm drivers produce a wide, realistic soundstage with extended bass and accurate midrange, all in a 207g lightweight design for lasting comfort. Its durable construction includes two detachable cables with twist-lock connectors and a 6.3mm adapter, ideal for critical listening. Best suited for studio engineers mixing or mastering stereo and immersive formats.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

32.2 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 40mm
Why we recommend this

Its 40mm neodymium drivers deliver flat, accurate sound across a 15Hz–24kHz range, with a closed-back circumaural design that provides solid isolation for critical listening. Collapsible construction, detachable cables, and 90-degree swiveling earcups offer portability and flexible one-ear monitoring at a budget-friendly price. These wired headphones are best for home-studio musicians and aspiring audio engineers who need honest, uncolored monitoring for mixing and tracking.

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Audio-Technica ATH-G1

32.2 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
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Audio-Technica ATH-G1 headphones
Price $179

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ATH-M50xSTS-USB

30.5 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

Equipped with 45mm large-aperture drivers and a 15-28,000 Hz frequency response, this headset provides accurate, full-spectrum sound for critical monitoring. The unidirectional condenser mic captures voice with more detail than typical dynamic mics, and the closed-back design with swappable M50x and mesh earpads allows prioritizing isolation or breathability. This wired USB-C headset is best for streamers and content creators who need reliable, detailed vocal reproduction and closed-back monitoring for long studio sessions.

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Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3 ATH-GDL3BK

29.9 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

Open-back 45mm drivers and a sub-220-gram build enable precise sound localization for competitive gaming. The detachable boom microphone with highly directional pickup ensures clear voice communication, backed by a 2-year extended warranty. This headset is best for competitive gamers who need a comfortable, wired open-back headphone for long sessions at a desk.

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Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3

29.5 Commute Score
over-ear 45mm
Why we recommend this

The 45mm drivers and open-back design deliver a 10Hz–35kHz response with an expansive sound field for precise spatial localization, all in a lightweight 220-gram frame. Detachable 3.0m and 1.2m cables ensure broad PC and console compatibility, while replaceable earpads and a flexible, directional boom mic add practical longevity and clear voice capture. Ideal for competitive gamers who prioritize pinpoint positional cues and all-day comfort, though its neutral tuning also suits casual studio monitoring.

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Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3 headphones
Price $139

Audio-Technica BPHS1

29.3 Commute Score
over-ear 24mm
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Audio-Technica BPHS1 headphones
Price $239

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X

27.4 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 53mm
Why we recommend this

Its open-back design and 53mm drivers with CCAW voice coils deliver a 5Hz–30kHz frequency response that creates an expansive, precise soundstage for critical listening. The self-adjusting 3D Wing Support and plush raised-fabric earpads keep the 265g frame comfortable for hours, reinforced by a tangle-resistant 9.8-foot cable. These are best for home listeners and gamers who prioritize soundstage width and long-session comfort over noise isolation or call quality.

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Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X headphones
Price $140

Audio-Technica Professional Monitor Headphones ATH-M40x

22.9 Commute Score
over-ear Wired
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Audio-Technica Professional Monitor Headphones ATH-M40x headphones
Price $209

Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z Art Monitor Closed-Back Dynamic

18.3 Commute Score
Over-Ear Closed Back
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Best Headphones under $500 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica QuietPoint ATH-ANC900BT

68.3 Commute Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 35h
Why we recommend this

The digital hybrid noise-cancelling delivers the highest ambient reduction in the QuietPoint line, supported by 40mm drivers and a 35-hour battery. Its foldable design with a carrying case and Hi-Res audio over aptX and AAC prioritize detailed, travel-ready sound. These are best for frequent flyers who value all-day comfort and strong ANC, but not for call-heavy users given the weak 51.6 calls score.

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Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M70X

40.4 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

The 45mm large-aperture drivers and 5Hz–40kHz frequency response deliver a transparent, uncolored sound for critical reference monitoring. Its closed-back design ensures passive isolation, while the 280g frame with plush earpads and detachable cables provides all-day comfort and flexible connectivity. Best for mixing engineers and audio purists who need a ruthlessly flat signature to expose flaws in complex source material.

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Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA

30.4 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

The fully open-back design with 45mm drivers delivers direct transducer output, offering a distortion-free 5Hz–40kHz frequency range and pristine sound accuracy. At 199 grams with a durable build and detachable cable, it combines long-session comfort with easy portability. This model suits studio engineers who need transparent, wide-band monitoring for precise mixing and mastering decisions.

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Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

8.6 Commute Score
over-ear
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Best Headphones under $1,000 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-WP900

49.6 Commute Score
on-ear Wired 53mm
Why we recommend this

The 53mm diamond-like carbon drivers and flamed maple housings deliver a 5Hz-50kHz frequency response for detailed Hi-Res audio in a closed-back, 243-gram on-ear design. Its foldable frame, detachable A2DC cables, and handcrafted maple earcups that age gracefully ensure portable, comfortable long-listening sessions. This headphone best suits home-bound audiophiles focused on detailed music playback and isolation, not calls.

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Premium Headphones for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS

31.8 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 53mm
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Audio-Technica ATH-AWKT

30.8 Commute Score
over-ear Wired 53mm
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