Best Headphones under $100 for music

Best Pick

Sony WHCH720N

68.8 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 30mm 35h
Why we recommend this

Its lightweight, restructured headband and 35-hour battery life deliver all-day comfort, while the Integrated Processor V1 and Dual Noise Sensor Technology maintain effective noise cancellation. The 20-level adjustable Ambient Sound mode and DSEE audio upscaling give users precise control over their listening environment and sound quality. These headphones are ideal for remote workers and home listeners who need reliable ANC and customizable, long-wear comfort without prioritizing portability.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sony MDRZX110NC

48.9 Music Score
on-ear Wired ANC 30mm 80h
Why we recommend this

Lightweight at 150g with a 3.9-foot cord, these wired on-ear headphones use 30mm neodymium drivers and active noise cancellation to block background noise. Their 115dB sensitivity and 220-ohm impedance deliver clear sound, while foam ear cushions improve comfort for longer sessions. Best for budget-conscious commuters or office workers who need basic ANC without sacrificing portability.

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Sony ZX Series MDR-ZX310AP

43.6 Music Score
on-ear Wired 30mm
Why we recommend this

The 30mm dynamic drivers with ferrite magnets deliver a 10Hz–24kHz frequency response, and the closed-back earcups provide passive noise isolation. Weighing just 125 grams with a foldable design and pressure-relieving earpads, these on-ear headphones emphasize lightweight comfort and portability. Best for budget-conscious users who need a durable wired headset with an inline microphone for hands-free calls and everyday music playback.

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Sony ZX Series MDR-ZX310AP headphones
Price $30

Sony MDR MDR7506

35.5 Music Score
over-ear Wired 40mm
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Sony INZONE H3

16.5 Music Score
over-ear Wired
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Sony WH-CH510

5.5 Music Score
on-ear Wireless
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Best Headphones under $250 for music

Best Pick

Sony WH-1000XM5

82.6 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 30mm 30h
Why we recommend this

The 30-hour battery and quick-charge (3 minutes for 3 hours) anchor these flagship over-ears, with noise cancellation driven by a new 30mm driver and Edge-AI DSEE Extreme upscaling. Four beamforming mics with precise voice pickup deliver 100/100 call clarity, while multipoint Bluetooth 5.2 and a lightweight 250g foldable design add everyday practicality. These are best for remote workers and frequent callers needing all-day comfort and flawless voice isolation, rather than critical music listening.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sony WH-1000XM4

78.4 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Dual Noise Sensor ANC and Edge-AI processing, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo, deliver class-leading noise cancellation and audio with 30-hour battery and LDAC support. Speak-to-chat auto-lowers volume during conversations, while wearing detection and multipoint pairing add hands-free convenience for everyday use. Best for call-heavy users and commuters prioritizing top-tier noise canceling and all-day comfort in a foldable, 254-gram design.

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Sony WH-CH720N

73.2 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 30mm 35h
Why we recommend this

Integrated Processor V1 and Dual Noise Sensor technology yield 35-hour battery life with effective ANC in a 192g lightweight design. The included Green Extreme 10000mAh portable wireless charger adds travel convenience, while DSEE upscaling restores detail to compressed audio. Ideal for office workers and commuters needing all-day noise cancellation and a quick 3-minute charge for an hour of playback.

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Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R Signature

52.1 Music Score
over-ear Wired 70mm
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Sony WHRF400

48.2 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 20h
Why we recommend this

The 40mm dynamic drivers and RF wireless transmitter provide audio up to 150 feet from the dock, with a 20-hour rechargeable battery for extended TV sessions. A dedicated Voice Mode button instantly clarifies dialogue, and the included charging cradle makes set-and-forget operation straightforward. These headphones are best for home theater viewers who prioritize clear vocal audio and a simple wireless connection to their TV's RCA or headphone jack, without needing HDMI or optical inputs.

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Sony LinkBuds Clip WFLC900/B

45.6 Music Score
on-ear Wireless 37h
Why we recommend this

Its open-ear design, 54g weight, and 37-hour total battery life (a 3-minute charge adds an hour) keep you aware of your surroundings all day. AI-driven dual microphones with a bone conduction sensor ensure clear call quality, and multipoint connection seamlessly switches between two devices. Best for commuters, runners, and office multitaskers who prioritize situational awareness over studio-grade sound.

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Sony LinkBuds Clip WFLC900/B headphones
Price $200

Sony LinkBuds WFLC900/V

40.2 Music Score
Wireless 37h
Why we recommend this

The open-ear design delivers 37 hours of total battery life with a 3-minute quick charge providing an extra hour, while dual microphones and a bone-conduction sensor ensure voices cut through background noise. Three listening modes and adaptive volume control automatically tailor audio to quiet or noisy environments, complemented by seamless multipoint connection between two devices. They suit remote workers and light exercisers who need all-day awareness of their surroundings without sacrificing clear calls or music playback.

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Sony MDR-7506

38 Music Score
over-ear Wired 40mm
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Sony Professional Studio MDR7506

37.6 Music Score
on-ear Wired 40mm
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Sony INZONE H6 Air

31.8 Music Score
over-ear Wired
Why we recommend this

Adapting the acclaimed MDR-MV1 driver units into an open-back design, the headset delivers a wide frequency response from super-low bass to crisp highs with integrated 3 balanced back ducts for natural, rich bass. Weighing just 199g, it remains comfortable for long sessions, and its collaboration with PlayStation sound creators yields a dedicated EQ RPG/Adventure mode for enhanced game world immersion. Best for PC and PS5 gamers needing a wide, accurate soundstage and natural sidetone, especially for sound-detailed RPGs where clear comms via the noise-cancelling boom mic matter.

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Sony MDR-M1 MDRM1

29.7 Music Score
on-ear Wired
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Sony RF400

27.5 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 20h
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Best Headphones under $500 for music

Best Pick

Sony WH-1000XM6

92.7 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 30mm 30h
Why we recommend this

A new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 with 12 microphones enables adaptive noise cancellation and a 30-hour battery life in a 254-gram foldable design. Co-tuned with mastering engineers, its 30mm neodymium drivers support LDAC high-resolution audio, and a 3-minute quick charge provides 1 hour of playback. They are best for frequent travelers and gamers who demand top-tier ANC and immersive 360 Reality Audio.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sony WH-1000XM4

82.8 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Dual noise sensor microphones and the HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1 enable real-time adaptive noise cancellation, paired with 30-hour battery life and dynamic 40mm drivers that support LDAC and Hi-Res Audio. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.0 seamlessly switches between two devices, while a foldable 254g design and 10-minute quick charge for 5 hours playback add portability. These headphones are best for remote workers and frequent travelers who need clear call quality from the 5-microphone array, sustained ANC, and all-day comfort for extended use.

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Sony MDR-MV1

59.9 Music Score
over-ear Wired 40mm
Why we recommend this

The open-back design and custom 40mm HD drivers deliver an ultra-wide 5Hz–80kHz frequency response for precise spatial audio. At 476g, the lightweight chassis and plush ear pads ensure fatigue-free monitoring during extended studio sessions. These headphones suit audio engineers and producers needing reference-grade clarity for mixing and mastering immersive audio content.

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Sony MDR-MV1 headphones
Price $418

Sony WH1000XM6 WH1000XM6/S

45.9 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 30mm 40h
Why we recommend this

Its adaptive noise cancellation, driven by six beamforming microphones and advanced processors, pairs with a 40-hour battery life to block ambient sound effectively. A 30mm carbon fiber dome driver in a mere 85-gram chassis delivers precise high-fidelity audio, and the included 3-year protection plan adds long-term value. These are best for remote workers and frequent callers needing crystal-clear voice isolation in busy environments.

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Sony WH1000XM6 WH1000XM6/S headphones
Price $458

Best Headphones under $1,000 for music

Best Pick

Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION WH1000XX/B

44.4 Music Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 24h
Why we recommend this

The bespoke driver co-tuned with mastering engineers and the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 with 12 microphones deliver detailed stereo separation and adaptive ANC, backed by a 24-hour battery with a 1.5-hour quick charge. A luxury build featuring metal accents, soft faux leather, and generously cushioned earcups pairs with 360 Reality Audio Upmix to convert stereo into immersive spatial sound for movies and gaming. Best for frequent callers and travelers needing the six-microphone AI beamforming system for clear voice pickup and real-time adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to fit and environment.

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Premium Headphones for music

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