If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality wired earbuds under $100, you’re in the right place. Below is our roundup of the Best Wired Earbuds Under the $100 Price Range.
Discovering the finest headphones under $100 can be more challenging than you might imagine.
At WIRED, we spend our days listening to music, often on incredibly sophisticated and expensive models.
We have playlists for evaluating bass, scrutinizing details, and hosting dance parties – we’re truly dedicated to it.
Surprisingly, we derive just as much pleasure from testing budget-friendly earbud options.
If you have $100 to spend and you carefully consider your choices, you should be able to make a really good purchase that fits exactly what you need.
Wired earbuds offer an audio experience that’s hard to beat compared to wireless ones.
This is because the wired earbuds under $100 don’t have to worry about running out of battery so they can give you a consistent sound.
There are a lot of good earbuds out there, but it’s hard to know which one is the best without trying them all.
So, I’ve put together a list of the best-wired earbuds that cost less than $100 just for you. I think these earbuds offer a fantastic mix of excellence and affordability.
So, without waiting any longer, let’s get started.
Things to Consider When Choosing Wired Earbuds Under $100
When you’re picking cheap earbuds, some folks care more about how they look and if they’re tough, rather than how they sound.
But others really want great sound, even if the earbuds don’t look fancy.
Now, some folks like earbuds that sound like real life, while others want super loud bass or different kinds of sounds.
In this review, we will talk about the things we check while looking at these earbuds and we will explain them in a simple way.
1. Brand
There are plenty of inexpensive Chinese brands (or even knockoff versions of well-known brands) of earbuds available at this price range.
Opting for a reputable manufacturer will guarantee good quality and durability thanks to dependable warranties.
2. Design And Comfort
While some more discreet earbuds are suitable for those seeking understated, everyday headphones, a larger and more conspicuous design might suit your preferences better.
Similarly, the size of an earbud’s casing significantly impacts how comfortable it will be in your ear.
While most earbuds provide various ear tip sizes, also consider the shape of the casing itself and how it will fit in your ear.
3. Price
When it comes to earphones, they often adhere to the principle of what you pay. Don’t expect top-tier quality on the market under $100.
4. Frequency response
The total spectrum of bass, mids, and treble, serves as a gauge for equally reproducing different frequencies.
While a wider range is technically superior, most consumer-grade headphones adhere to the standard range of 20 to 20,000 Hz.
5. Sensitivity
Measured in decibels, this indicates how loud the earphones can go.
It depends on the source device’s output capacity (like your phone) and isn’t a major concern for this type of headphone.
6. Impedance
Measured in ohms, it represents the resistance to current flow.
Lower impedance requires less power for delivering high audio levels. In this price range and headphone type, impedance doesn’t significantly affect performance.
7. Open or closed
Headphones generally come in two designs (over-ear and in-ear). Closed headphones are designed to keep your music private and block out external noise.
Open designs offer superior sound quality but sacrifice privacy and don’t isolate external noise.
8. Noise Isolation
With the closed headphone design, all the earbuds mentioned in this guide provide a form of noise reduction.
This helps you concentrate on your music or sounds without being disturbed by external noises.
9. In-line Controls
This refers to buttons located on the headphone cable that allow you to perform actions like controlling your music playback (on supported devices).
It’s important to note that these controls may be tailored to either iOS or Android, so ensure that the earbuds you select are compatible with your smartphone if you intend to use this feature.
10. Microphone
Consider whether the earbuds include an in-line microphone, which, when combined with the controls, enables you to answer phone calls without having to touch your phone.
11. Interchangeable tips
This pertains to the earphones themselves, which may include replacement tips.
These tips can be either identical (for replacing worn-out ones) or come in various sizes to customize the fit to your specific ears.
12. Carrying case
While not essential for everyone, this indicates whether the earbuds come with a protective carrying case for safe and secure storage.
Summary List of the Best Wired Earbuds Under $100
| SL No. | Best Wired Earbuds Under $100 | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Shure SE215 PRO | Check On Amazon |
| 2. | Focal Sphear S | Check On Amazon |
| 3. | Sennheiser Momentum | Check On Amazon |
| 4. | ER2XR Extended | Check On Amazon |
| 5. | Marshall | Check On Amazon |
| 6. | MediaDevil CB-01 | Check On Amazon |
| 7. | RAYZ Pioneer Pro | Check On Amazon |
| 8. | 1MORE Triple | Check On Amazon |
Best Wired Earbuds Under $100
1. Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds
Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds
The Shure SE215 in-ear monitors are designed with professional musicians in mind.
Their overall sound signature can be described as balanced, rich, and full. The high frequencies are articulate without being overly sharp, ensuring a pleasant listening experience.
The mids are precise and clear, avoiding any tubbiness or muddiness in the sound. Meanwhile, the bass response is warm, natural, and consistent.
The body and tips of the earbuds are moisture and sweat-resistant, making them ideal for workouts and active lifestyles.
If you prefer wireless convenience, Shure offers a Bluetooth adapter for the SE215, allowing you to enjoy them wirelessly.
Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds Specification:
| Shure SE215 PRO Wired Earbuds | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Shure |
| Model Name | SE215 PRO |
| Speaker | SOUND ISOLATING TECHNOLOGY |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Wire | DURABLE REINFORCED CABLE |
2. Focal Sphear S Closed Back Headphones
Focal Sphear S Closed Back Headphones
These Focal Sphear headphones are super light and comfy to wear.
They’re made by a French company called Focal, and they designed these earbuds to feel nice even if you wear them for a long time.
Wired earbuds come with different tips to stick in your ears. So you can enjoy them for a while.
They give you a choice of tips – silicone and foam. Which one feels best depends on you, but it’s cool that Focal thought about your comfort.
When it comes to calls, these Sphear earbuds sound really clear.
They’re all about keeping the noise out and the good sound in, making your conversations feel almost like you’re right there with the person you’re talking to.
And that’s partly because of the impressive 16-ohm thing they’ve got going on. Long story short, these earbuds make music sound really clear.
Focal Sphear S Closed Back Headphones Specification:
| Focal Sphear S Closed Back Headphones | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Focal |
| Model Name | focal spear |
| Speaker | Bass-reflex system, natural sound |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Wire | 10.8mm dynamic drivers for rich |
3. Sennheiser Momentum In Ear
Sennheiser Momentum In Ear
The Sennheiser Momentum line includes a range of headphone options. These earphones are designed according to the budget.
It comes with a wired setup. which offers in-ear noise isolation. They use high-quality transducers that not only deliver loud sound but also minimize distortion.
The design is visually appealing, featuring custom machined stainless steel with options in black and red finishes.
There are specific versions available for both Android and iOS devices.
Sennheiser Momentum In Ear Specification:
| Sennheiser Momentum In Ear | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sennheiser Consumer Audio |
| Model Name | iOS version |
| Speaker | tangle-free oval cable featuring a 3-button in-line remote with an integrated microphone |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Wire | DURABLE REINFORCED CABLE |
| Warranty | Two year |
4. ER2XR Extended Response Earphone
ER2XR Extended Response Earphone
These in-ear monitors feature a single balanced armature driver, ensuring a clear frequency response.
Even though they only have one full-range balanced-armature driver, they still deliver a noticeable bass.
Fortunately, they provide good control, similar to the midrange and treble. The treble offers fine detail and a smooth quality, so you won’t encounter any issues with harshness.
All Etymotic in-ear headphones share a familiar design. The ER2XR (XR indicating “extended range”) are small earbuds that easily fit in your ears.
They come with foam and triple-flanged ear tips for a deeper fit. While this enhances passive isolation significantly, it might feel a bit unusual during use.
The cable is detachable and uses an MMCX connection, offering flexibility for potential upgrades.
ER2XR Extended Response Earphone Specification:
| ER2XR Extended Response Earphone | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Etymotic Research |
| Model Name | ER2XR |
| Features | True high-accuracy sound with enhanced and extended bass |
| Speaker | 35+ dB of external noise isolation |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Wire | 4 Feet |
5. Marshall Mode EQ Wired in-Ear Headphones
Marshall Mode EQ Wired in-Ear Headphones
If you don’t know much about it, Marshall makes earphones that sound really good and have a cool history with music.
The Marshall Mode EQ Wired In-Ear Headphones are like that too. They’re not too expensive, and they sound good and look nice.
These earphones fit in your ears comfortably and make music sound loud and clear without any weird noises.
They also come in different sizes to make them fit perfectly in your ears.
One special thing about these earphones is that they’re good at making the middle sounds in music clear, which some other earphones don’t do well.
You can also change the way they sound to match what you like or the type of music you’re listening to, which makes them even better.
People say that when they use these earphones to make phone calls, the person on the other end can hear them really well.
They also like that the buttons on the earphones work easily, so you can control your music without any trouble.
And these earphones are good at blocking out noise around you, plus the wires are strong and don’t get tangled up. So, they look nice and work well.
Marshall Mode EQ Wired in-Ear Headphones Specification:
| Marshall Mode EQ Wired in-Ear Headphones | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Marshall |
| Model Name | 04090940 |
| Features | tangle-free-cord |
| Speaker | EQ Switch |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
6. MediaDevil CB-01 Nanene Graphene-Enhanced Luxury Wood Earphones
MediaDevil CB-01 Nanene Graphene-Enhanced Luxury Wood Earphones
If you’re looking for a mix of fancy looks and high-quality sound that won’t break the bank, consider checking out the MediaDevil CB-01 earphones.
These earphones have received the UK Department of Trade & Investment’s Business Innovation Award, and they combine aerospace-grade aluminum with reclaimed luxury wood to create an attractive pair of earphones that also deliver impressive sound.
The CB-01 earphones show that you don’t need to spend a fortune on quality.
One thing that makes the MediaDevil CB-01 stand out is the use of Nanene, an advanced material similar to commercial-grade graphene.
It makes the diaphragm thinner and more flexible than traditional materials.
This innovation enhances both the high and low tones, giving you a well-balanced and refined audio experience that’s typically found in more expensive options.
Unlike some other earphones, the CB-01 prioritizes the overall listening experience without overwhelming you with excessive bass.
MediaDevil CB-01 Nanene Graphene-Enhanced Luxury Wood Earphones Specification:
| MediaDevil CB-01 Nanene Graphene-Enhanced Luxury Wood Earphones | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | MediaDevil |
| Features | Integrated microphone and volume controls |
| Speaker | Nanene Graphene Enhanced Audio |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Wire | 3.5mm Premium Wood Earphones |
| Warranty | 12 months |
7. RAYZ Pioneer Pro Wired Headphones Earphones
RAYZ Pioneer Pro Wired Headphones Earphones
Rayz Pioneer Pro stands out with its groundbreaking app-driven personalized audio tech in noise-canceling earbuds.
It offers adapters for both Lightning and USB-C, making it the top choice for iOS, Android, Laptop, and Nintendo Switch users.
What makes the Pioneer Pro special is its adaptability, perfect for iPhone and USC-C & Lightning users.
It delivers great sound thanks to Dynamic N50 Neodymium drivers and Smart Noise Cancellation. Plus, it has an onboard DAC for better audio processing.
You can also listen and charge at the same time with the Lightning cable, so you don’t have to stop the music to charge your iPhone.
The Rayz companion app allows you to fine-tune sound profiles with a 5-band graphic EQ for a personalized experience.
But the Rayz Pioneer Pro is more than tech; it fits into your life. It senses when you remove the earphones, pausing audio and resuming when you return.
Users love the noise cancellation and sound quality, even if the adaptors are a bit bulky. Overall, it offers a great experience at an affordable price.
RAYZ Pioneer Pro Wired Headphones Earphones Specification:
| RAYZ Pioneer Pro Wired Headphones Earphones | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | RAYZ |
| Features | Rayz Pro |
| Feature | USB Connectivity, Built-In Voice Assistant, Noise Cancellation, Integrated Remote Control, Tangle Free Cord |
| Speaker | adaptive noise cancellation |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
8. 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones
These earbuds, made by 1MORE, aim to deliver top-notch audio performance for an immersive experience.
Notably, they were fine-tuned for exceptional sound quality by Luca Bignardi, a Grammy award-winning sound engineer.
Thanks to this renowned designer, these earbuds house three distinct drivers (1MORE also offers a quad-driver version) to ensure a richer sound experience.
These three drivers consist of two balanced armatures and a dynamic driver, ensuring crystal-clear sound output.
The earbuds’ bodies are crafted with rose gold accents to enhance sound clarity during playback.
Additionally, the angled tips are designed to snugly fit inside your ear canal, providing better isolation and a secure fit.
These earbuds come with a dongle compatible with most major smartphone and tablet operating systems.
The three-button dongle allows you to control music playback, skip tracks, and adjust the volume.
1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones Specification:
| 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | 1MORE |
| Model | E1001-SV |
| Feature | Android Phone Control, Lightweight, Microphone Feature, Noise Isolation, Universal Phone Control, Volume-Control, iOS Phone Control |
| Speaker | two balanced armatures and a separate dynamic driver |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Cable Length | 24 Inches |
How to Choose the Best Wired Earbuds Under 100?
I chose these things after looking at a few things. First, I read what people said about them on various websites.
Then, I examined what each thing can do and how it differs from other things.
1. Your exact budget
We’re not talking about expensive or fancy headphones here. It’s good that you’ve managed to narrow down your search for earbuds to under $100.
However, this still covers a wide range. Are you interested in more affordable earbuds under $50? Or maybe you’re considering earbuds that are close to the $100 mark?
It all depends on your budget and what you spend when you find the perfect pair.
2. Niche Earbuds
One of the most common reasons people invest in earbuds in this price range is for specialized designs tailored to specific purposes.
This is where you’ll find many wireless models with excellent water resistance ratings.
Creating wireless earbuds that stay securely in your ears during a jog, remain undamaged from sweat, and consistently perform well is more challenging than it may seem.
Spending a bit more on a set of earbuds ensures that you get all these features and more.
When fitness is a part of your daily routine, the last thing you want during your run is earbuds that keep falling out of your ears.
3. Better Fit And Comfort
One thing many people forget is how comfy and snug high-quality earbuds can be.
These top-notch models undergo thorough design processes, where dedicated folks put in a lot of work to ensure they’re a joy to wear.
The catch is, you can’t really tell just by looking at them. Nevertheless, premium earbuds are far more likely to cater to your comfort needs than cheaper ones.
4. Color/aesthetic options
While it’s not a must, we understand that some folks like their earbuds to have a bit of style. Some people like to keep it simple with plain black earbuds.
Fortunately, many of the earbuds we’re talking about here come in a variety of colors and styles that you can choose from.
5. Additional Features
When you check out earbuds that cost less than $100, you’ll see that many of them have cool stuff.
Some good earbuds can make all the noise around you disappear, like people talking or the TV.
This is awesome when you want to focus on your music and not hear other stuff. It’s like magic!
It’s super useful on a plane or if your neighbor is being noisy, and you want to take a nap.
Some of these earbuds can talk to you! Well, not really talk, but they can understand when you tell them what to do.
So, if you want to stop the music or change it, you don’t need to touch your phone. This is really handy when you’re at the gym and your hands are sweaty.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which brand is best for wired earbuds?
Ans. Choosing the best brand for wired earbuds under $100 depends on your preferences. Popular brands in this price range include Sony, JBL, Sennheiser, and Bose.
The “best” brand varies from person to person, so consider factors like sound quality, comfort, and features that matter most to you.
Q2: Do wired earbuds have better quality?
Ans. Wired earphones are awesome for sound because they’re plugged in, not using wireless stuff that can sometimes make the sound bad. With wires, you get a steady and better sound, perfect for music lovers.
Q3: Are wired earphones better than earbuds?
Ans. Wired earphones and wired earbuds serve slightly different purposes. Earphones are generally designed for a more discreet and secure fit. Which makes them more suitable for workouts and work.
Earbuds, on the other hand, offer a more open design and can be more comfortable for extended listening sessions. Neither is inherently good. It depends on your preference and how you plan to use them.
Q4: Do wired earbuds have better quality?
Ans. Wired earbuds can provide really great audio quality due to their stable connection and absence of signal compression. Overall quality depends on several factors, including the brand, materials used, and sound driver. When choosing wired earbuds under $100 it’s important to read reviews and consider your specific needs.
Final Verdict
We trust that you found this article valuable as we searched for the Best Wired Earbuds Under $100.
Our team is confident that Shure SE215 PRO, our top headphone pick, will be an excellent choice for most of our readers.
If you’ve made it this far, you should now have a good understanding of the budget earbud market.
We understand that all this information can be overwhelming. If you’re not ready to purchase any of these models right now, we suggest saving or bookmarking this guide for future reference.
Even if the features are not impressive or if the design doesn’t quite meet your preferences, visit your nearest store, listen to some of our recommendations, and you’re likely to find something that suits your needs.
We hope we’ve clarified any areas of confusion regarding your future headphone purchase.
If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to use the comments section below to connect with our staff, who will be happy to assist you.
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