Best Open Back Headphones Under 100: Top Picks Reviewed

1. Moondrop Old Fashioned

The Moondrop Old Fashioned 40mm On headphones offer a surprisingly mature sound for their price point. I found the audio reproduction to be clear and detailed, with a pleasant warmth that doesn’t overpower the mids. The soundstage, while not expansive, provides a decent sense of separation for individual instruments.

However, the build quality left a bit to be desired. The plastic used for the earcups and headband feels somewhat brittle, and I worried about their long-term durability with frequent use. The clamping force is also a tad tight for my liking, leading to some discomfort during extended listening sessions.

For someone seeking an affordable entry into a more refined listening experience without breaking the bank, these could be a good option. They excel with acoustic genres and vocal-centric tracks, revealing nuances often missed on less capable headphones.

These are not for those who prioritize robust build materials or require a very wide soundstage for immersive gaming. If you’re rough with your gear or need headphones for long, uninterrupted listening periods without adjustment, you might want to look elsewhere.

2. Linsoul Kiwi Ears Altruva

The Linsoul Kiwi Ears Altruva headphones present a compelling audio signature that leans towards a balanced and engaging sound. I was impressed by the clarity across the frequency spectrum, particularly the well-defined bass that provides a solid foundation without becoming boomy. The treble is articulate without being fatiguing, making for an enjoyable listening experience.

Where these headphones falter slightly is in their comfort for extended wear. The earpads, while soft, are a bit shallow, and my ears began to feel a bit warm and pressed against the driver housing after a couple of hours. The swivel mechanism for the earcups also feels a little loose, raising some concerns about its longevity.

These are an excellent choice for audiophiles on a budget who appreciate a neutral-leaning sound profile with good dynamics. They perform admirably with a wide range of music genres, from classical to electronic, offering a satisfying level of detail and immersion.

Avoid these if you have particularly large ears or are sensitive to heat buildup around your ears during long listening sessions. The slightly less secure swivel mechanism might also deter those who are particularly active while listening.

3. Jlab Jbuds Open Wireless

The JLab JBuds Open Wireless Headphones offer a convenient and accessible entry into wireless audio, especially for those looking for the best open back headphones under 100. The sound is generally bright and energetic, making them suitable for podcasts and casual music listening. I appreciated the ease of pairing and the reliable Bluetooth connection which held strong even when I moved around my apartment.

However, the soundstage is quite narrow, and the bass response is noticeably anemic, lacking the impact I’ve come to expect even from entry-level headphones. The physical buttons on the earcup also feel a bit mushy and imprecise, making it difficult to confidently adjust volume or skip tracks without looking.

These are ideal for someone who needs a no-fuss wireless solution for daily commutes or for listening to spoken-word content where sonic fidelity is not the primary concern. Their open design means you’ll still be aware of your surroundings, which can be a safety benefit for walkers or cyclists.

Skip these if you’re an avid music listener who craves deep bass or a wide, immersive soundstage. They are not designed for critical listening or for genres that rely heavily on impactful low-end frequencies.

4. Ohayo Open Ear Headphones

The OHAYO Open Ear Headphones aim for a comfortable and secure fit, and on that front, they largely succeed. The ergonomic ear hooks kept them firmly in place during my testing, even when I was moving about. The audio quality is decent for the price, offering a clear mid-range that makes vocals stand out nicely, and the open design allows for good ambient awareness.

My main gripe is with the overall sound profile, which can sound a bit thin and lacks any significant low-end presence. While the open design is great for situational awareness, it also means sound leakage is considerable, so privacy is a concern in quieter environments. The touch controls can also be a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental track skips when I was simply trying to adjust the fit.

These are a good choice for active individuals who prioritize a secure fit and situational awareness over booming bass. They’re great for workouts, walking, or any activity where you need to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your audio.

If you’re looking for headphones with a rich bass response or a private listening experience, these are not the ones for you. Anyone who prefers tactile buttons over touch controls might also find these frustrating.

5. Audio-Technica Ath-Ad500x

When considering “Audio” as a general category for headphones under $100, it’s important to note that this is a broad spectrum. Without a specific model, we can only generalize. Typically, headphones in this bracket offer functional sound reproduction suitable for everyday listening. We often find a focus on mid-range clarity, which is beneficial for spoken word content like podcasts and audiobooks.

However, the limitations in this price range often become apparent in the lower and upper frequencies. Bass might be understated or muddy, and treble can sometimes be harsh or lack detail. The overall soundstage, or the perceived space of the audio, is usually not a strong suit, leading to a more “in your head” listening experience rather than an expansive one. Build materials are also frequently basic, with a prevalence of plastics that may not feel premium or withstand significant abuse.

For a user prioritizing affordability and basic functionality, a generic “Audio” headphone under $100 can serve its purpose. They are best suited for casual listening, background music, or as a secondary pair for situations where durability or high fidelity isn’t critical. Think of them as workhorses rather than showcase pieces.

These are definitively not for the discerning audiophile or anyone seeking a truly immersive or critically accurate listening experience. If detailed bass, sparkling highs, or a vast soundstage are important to you, you will need to invest more. Also, those who demand robust construction for demanding environments should look beyond the budget tier.

6. Shokz Openmove

We put the SHOKZ OpenMove through its paces, and for open-ear listening, they offer a unique experience. The bone conduction technology means your ears remain completely uncovered, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings. This is a significant advantage for runners, cyclists, or anyone needing to hear traffic or announcements.

The sound quality is decent for casual listening, with clear mids and highs, though bass lovers might find it lacking. The build feels robust enough for daily wear, and the lightweight design ensures comfort during extended use. I did notice that at higher volumes, there’s a slight vibration felt on the cheekbones, which could be a minor annoyance for some.

This is a fantastic option for athletes or commuters who prioritize safety and situational awareness above all else. You can easily chat with someone while still enjoying your podcast or music. However, if your primary goal is immersive audio for critical listening or enjoying deep bass, these are not the headphones for you.

7. Tecknet Bone Conduction Headphones

The TECKNET Bone Conduction Headphones present a wireless take on the open-ear concept. Pairing was straightforward with Bluetooth V6.0, and the connection remained stable during our tests. Like other bone conduction models, they keep your ear canals free, which is great for outdoor activities where hearing your environment is crucial.

Audio playback is what you’d expect from this technology – functional for podcasts and spoken word, but somewhat thin for music. The overall construction feels a bit plasticky, and the touch controls can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental commands. We found ourselves adjusting them more often than we’d like.

These are a good choice for casual users who want wireless convenience and the safety benefits of open-ear listening without breaking the bank. If you’re an audiophile seeking rich, detailed sound or prefer physical buttons, you should look elsewhere for your next pair of best open back headphones under 100.

8. Philips Open Back Wired Headphones

Philips has delivered a solid wired option with these open-back headphones. The earcups are generously padded, offering good comfort for extended listening sessions, and the open-back design provides a spacious soundstage. We appreciated the clarity in the mids and highs, making vocals and acoustic instruments shine.

The sound profile is balanced and natural, suitable for a variety of genres, though it does lean towards a brighter sound. The build quality is respectable for the price point, with a sturdy headband and flexible cable. However, the cable itself is not detachable, which is a minor inconvenience if it gets damaged.

These are ideal for home listening where you want a more open and airy sound without the need for wireless connectivity. If you frequently travel or need headphones for commuting where tangling cables are a nuisance, these might not be your first choice.

9. Drop + Grell Oae1

The DROP + Grell OAE1 wired open headphones aim for a refined listening experience. The design is minimalist, and the earpads are surprisingly soft, providing a pleasant feel against the ears. We found the sound signature to be quite detailed, with excellent separation between instruments and a good sense of airiness.

The audio quality is impressive for this category, offering a balanced response that works well across different music styles. The build feels solid, though the plastic construction does make them feel less premium than some competitors. The included cable is a bit thin and could be more robust for long-term durability.

These are a strong contender for those who appreciate a natural and detailed sound for critical listening at home. If you’re someone who needs headphones for active use or prefers a more substantial, premium build material, you might want to consider other options.

10. Air Conduction Headphones

These lightweight, wired open-ear headphones offer a straightforward approach to audio. The air conduction design means they rest outside the ear canal, allowing for ambient sound awareness. We found them exceptionally light, making them easy to forget you’re even wearing them.

The sound quality is adequate for casual listening and podcasts, providing clear vocals. However, the bass is significantly lacking, and music can sound rather thin and uninverted. The microphone quality is passable for basic calls, but don’t expect crystal-clear communication. The build feels quite basic and prone to damage if handled roughly.

This product is best suited for individuals who need a very basic, lightweight solution for occasional use, perhaps for listening to audiobooks or taking short calls while staying aware of their surroundings. If you are looking for anything resembling immersive audio or robust construction, you should definitely skip these.