Best Headphones under $100 for work

Best Pick

Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M20xBT

50.6 Work 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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Great Alternatives

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Audio-Technica ATH-GL3WH

44.8 Work Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45mm dynamic drivers deliver a 10Hz-35kHz frequency response with Hi-Res certification, giving you detailed audio for gaming and studio work. Weighing under 230 grams, the closed-back design stays comfortable during long sessions, and the detachable boom mic with noise-canceling pickup ensures clear communication. Best for gamers who prioritize sound accuracy over portability, especially those playing on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, and who also dabble in music production.

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Audio-Technica ATH-S120C-VL

41.1 Work 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-S120CGY ATH-S120C

33.7 Work Score
on-earWired38mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The direct USB-C connection and 38mm drivers deliver a clean 15Hz-22kHz frequency response without needing a dongle for modern smartphones and tablets. Its 110g fold-flat design and in-line controls make it a practical, no-battery-required companion for daily commutes and extended wear. These headphones are best for students and remote workers who need a simple, wired headset for music, podcasts, and calls on USB-C-only devices.

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Audio-Technica Professional ATH-M30X

33.1 Work 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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Audio-Technica ATH-S120CBK ATH-S120C

31.4 Work Score
on-earWired38mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 38mm dynamic drivers deliver a 15Hz-22kHz frequency response and 103dB sensitivity, making everyday listening on USB-C devices noticeably clearer. The lightweight 282g build with fold-flat housings and an in-line mic with playback, volume, and call controls adds practical convenience for on-the-go use. Best for casual listeners who want a simple, wired upgrade for music, podcasts, and videos on their phone or laptop without spending much.

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Best Headphones under $250 for work

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-S300BTBK

73.3 Work 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

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Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50xBT2

55.6 Work Score
over-earWireless45mm50h
Why we recommend this ▼

Proprietary 45mm drivers and a dedicated amplifier deliver the same studio-reference sound as the wired ATH-M50x, while a 50-hour battery and 10-minute quick-charge give 3 hours. Multipoint Bluetooth pairs two devices simultaneously, and beamforming mics with noise suppression ensure clear calls; EQ adjustments are customizable in the app and saved directly to the headphones. Best for home-studio producers and audiophiles seeking the M50x’s flat response in wireless form for critical listening, not for commuting due to weak passive isolation.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50XBT2

51.8 Work Score
over-earWireless45mm50h
Why we recommend this ▼

The 45 mm large-aperture drivers and AK4331 DAC deliver clear, extended frequency response with deep bass and low latency for gaming. Dual mics with beamforming ensure clear calls, and 50-hour battery with 10-minute quick charge adds convenience. Best for gamers and studio listeners who want wireless freedom with wired backup and reliable call quality.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50XBT2 headphones
Price $225

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7

51.4 Work 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

43 Work 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 BPHS1

38.4 Work 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-G1

37.2 Work Score
over-earWired45mm
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 45mm drivers deliver a 5Hz-40kHz frequency response and 101dB sensitivity, paired with a detachable boom mic for highly directional voice capture. A locking mute switch and in-line volume control add convenience, and removing the mic transforms the 257-gram headset into a high-fidelity headphone for music. Best for console gamers who need a wired headset that seamlessly switches between clear in-game communication and personal listening.

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Audio-Technica M Series ATH-M60x

33.4 Work 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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Best Headphones under $500 for work

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA

34.8 Work 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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No Headphones under $1,000 yet. See our top picks under $500

No Headphones found in this category. See our top picks under $500