NebucadnetsarWhen you want to enjoy your favorite albums or stream a podcast hands-free, an over-ear pair of headphones is the way to go. But when faced with the dizzying number of options on the market nowadays, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. Even after narrowing it down by size, style, and use case, tons of models could work for you and your budget. But in the end, there are still a few essentials that you have to have before you make a decision.
But what are the essential features to look for when searching for the best pair of over-ear headphones under $100? When it comes to sound, you want an open-back set so that the sound is uncolored and that those around you can hear what’s playing as well. For other usage cases, however, closed-back headphones are helpful. Closed-back headphones block out ambient noise, which means they’re also great on planes and public transportation, where every second counts.
There are tons of extra features and features that you should look out for, such as whether the ear cups are made of foam or cloth if they fold up and store nicely, if they come in different colors, and if they come with built-in controls and mic.
But even with those essentials out of the way, there are still some minor things that you can do to get the best pair of over-ear headphones under $100. For example, there is often a difference between how comfortable open-back and closed-back headphones tend to be. And while closed-back headphones mostly lack the transmitted sound, they tend to be more comfortable because the headphones will fit much tighter on your head than in an open-back set.
Other things to consider are whether there are any extra features or functions that come in handy for you. For joggers or cyclists, having a flat cable that doesn’t tangle is worth its weight in gold. At the same time, others prefer a noise reduction feature that blocks out annoying background noise so you can focus on your workout without constantly having to put up with sounds coming from outside.
