Best Headphones under $100 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M20xBT

48.2 Commute Score
over-earWireless40mm60h
Why we recommend this

The 40mm drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver full-range audio, while the 60-hour battery life and 10-minute quick charge for 3 hours of use provide exceptional endurance. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a low-latency mode add practical flexibility for switching between devices and watching video. These headphones are best for budget-conscious music listeners and aspiring producers who need reliable wireless monitoring for extended sessions.

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

Great Alternatives

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

Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTWH

41.3 Commute Score
on-earWireless40mm60h
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver clear audio, while 60 hours of battery life and 10-minute quick charging for 3.5 hours of playback make it a long-lasting wireless option. Multipoint connectivity and a 3.5mm cable add flexibility, and the lightweight 380g on-ear design stays comfortable for all-day wear. Best for budget-conscious listeners who prioritize battery life and casual use over call quality.

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Audio-Technica ATH-S220BTWH headphones
Price $64

Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-VL

35.9 Commute Score
on-earWired38mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 38mm dynamic drivers deliver 15Hz-22kHz response with Hi-Res support, while the USB-C connection enables 32-bit/48kHz digital audio for clearer sound than analog alternatives. At just 110g with a foldable design, these on-ear headphones prioritize portability and comfort, and the in-line mic with controls handles music and calls without touching your device. Best for casual listeners and students who want a lightweight, wired USB-C headset for everyday music, podcasts, and video calls on modern laptops and phones.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

32.1 Commute Score
over-ear40mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils deliver clear, balanced sound with enhanced midrange definition across 15 Hz to 22 kHz. The closed-back over-ear design provides effective sound isolation for focused monitoring, and the lightweight 62g build with foldable construction makes it easy to transport. Best for studio engineers or home producers who need a reliable, affordable closed-back headphone for mixing and critical listening without exaggerated bass.

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Audio-Technica Professional ATH-M30X

32.1 Commute Score
over-earWired40mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40 mm drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver enhanced detail and excellent mid-range definition for critical listening. The circumaural design and single-side cable exit provide effective sound isolation and practical durability in loud environments. These are best for studio monitoring and tracking where mid-range clarity and isolation matter more than extended frequency response.

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Best Headphones under $250 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-S300BTBK

72.8 Commute Score
over-earWirelessANC40mm90h
Why we recommend this

With a 90-hour battery life and a quick 3-minute charge restoring 2.5 hours of playback, its digital hybrid ANC and 40mm dynamic drivers deliver clear, full-spectrum sound without frequent recharging. The foldable, lightweight design and plush earpads prioritize portability and comfort for extended wear, while multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 smoothly switches between devices. Ideal for budget-minded commuters and office workers who need ANC and marathon playback, though call quality is its weakest link.

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Price $145
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BTBK headphones

Great Alternatives

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

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

51.6 Commute Score
over-earWireless45mm50h
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm dynamic drivers and AK4331 DAC deliver the same studio-grade sound as the wired M50x, now wirelessly with BT 5.0 and multipoint. A 50-hour battery with a 10-minute charge for 3 hours of playback, plus low-latency mode and dual beamforming mics, make it practical for calls and streaming. Best for studio and music listeners who want a reliable wireless version of a classic, though commuters may find the 454g weight heavy.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

44.9 Commute Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm drivers deliver a flat 15Hz-28kHz frequency response ideal for analytical listening, while the 285g foldable design and 38Ω impedance make it easily portable without a dedicated amp. This ENSO edition distinguishes itself with custom sumi ink-inspired engravings on the rings and sliders, plus a unique serial number on the matte black finish. It’s best for studio engineers and musicians who need reliable closed-back monitoring and value a collectible design marking a decade of the M50x.

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Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7

43.8 Commute Score
WirelessANC6.5h
Why we recommend this ▼

The 5.8 mm high-resolution drivers from the flagship ATH-TWX9 deliver detailed 24-bit/96 kHz audio in a compact, IPX4-rated design. Digital hybrid ANC with hear-through and talk-through modes lets you adjust noise control on the fly, while beamforming MEMS mics ensure clear calls in noisy settings. Best for audiophiles who want high-fidelity wireless sound with flexible ambient awareness, but not for frequent commuters due to limited 6.5-hour battery life.

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Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BTWH

42.1 Commute Score
on-earWireless45mm38h
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-GL3BK

39.5 Commute Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm dynamic drivers deliver high-resolution audio from 10Hz to 35kHz, while the closed-back design provides solid sound isolation for immersive gaming. At under 230 grams, it's lightweight for long sessions, and the detachable boom mic with directional pickup ensures clear voice chat. Best for gamers who want a comfortable, wired headset for PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC play.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

37.9 Commute Score
over-earWired40mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver a flat 15Hz-24kHz response for accurate monitoring. The closed-back circumaural design provides strong sound isolation, and the 90-degree swiveling earcups allow single-ear listening. Best for studio engineers or music producers who need a wired, foldable monitor headphone with a bundled stand and cleaner.

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Audio-Technica M Series ATH-M60x

37.8 Commute Score
on-earWired45mm
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 ATH-R50X

33.1 Commute Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm dynamic drivers deliver a 5Hz-40kHz frequency response and 1,600mW power handling, providing accurate, distortion-free sound for critical studio work. The open-back design creates a natural, spacious soundstage, while the 207g build and redesigned headband keep long mixing sessions comfortable. Best for studio engineers and producers who need reliable, neutral monitoring for mixing and mastering in professional or home studios.

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Audio-Technica BPHS1

31.1 Commute Score
over-ear24mm
Why we recommend this ▼

Its closed-back circumaural design and cardioid dynamic boom mic with neodymium magnets provide 100dB sensitivity and strong off-axis noise rejection for clean vocal capture. User-replaceable ear pads and cable, plus a boom that rotates to either side, give it durable, flexible longevity rarely found in this price tier. This headset is best for broadcast commentators and live streamers who need intelligible speech isolation above all else, earning a 53.5 gaming score and decent 41.4 studio rating.

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Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK

30.4 Commute Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The open-back design with 45mm drivers creates a spacious sound field for precise audio localization, while the 220g weight ensures long gaming sessions stay comfortable. The detachable boom mic with directional pickup and on-earcup volume and mute controls add practical convenience for clear communication. Best for competitive gamers on PC or consoles who prioritize positional audio and lightweight comfort over noise isolation.

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Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3BK headphones
Price $135

Best Headphones under $500 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA

30.2 Commute Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this

The custom 45mm drivers deliver a pure, uncolored sound directly from the transducer with a 5-40,000 Hz frequency response, avoiding acoustic resonance for minimized distortion. At just 199 grams, the redesigned headband and breathable open-back earcups provide a featherlight fit that virtually disappears during long sessions. This headphone is best for mixing and mastering engineers who require an accurate, spacious soundstage for critical, detail-oriented work.

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Best Headphones under $1,000 for commuting

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-WP900

36.6 Commute Score
over-earWired53mm
Why we recommend this

The 53mm DLC-coated drivers with a powerful magnetic circuit deliver detailed audio across the frequency range, while the handcrafted flame maple housings, made with Fujigen, offer refined acoustics and natural beauty that deepens over time. The angled baffle and top-mounted PCB improve airflow for precise bass and clear mids, and the foldable design with soft synthetic leather pads makes it easy to carry in the included pouch. Best for audiophiles who prioritize portable, high-fidelity wired listening and appreciate premium wood craftsmanship, though it is not suited for calls.

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No Headphones found in this category. See our top picks under $1,000