Best Studio Headphones Under 100

Looking for studio headphones while being on a budget can be difficult. However, with little research and knowledge, you can get the ideal headphones for your studio work. In this post, we have listed the best studio headphones under 100 to help you make the right choice.

In this price range, the headphones that provide quality sound would be limited.

Ideally, you would find the sweet spot around 200. If you have the budget, you can check our post on the best studio headphones under 200.

However, after reviewing many headphones, we have listed some of the best studio headphones under 100.

Top 3 best studio headphones under 100

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

best-studio-headphones-under-100

What We Like

  • Premium build quality
  • Noise isolation is good
  • Neutral sound signature

What Is Missing

  • Headphones feel heavy

2. Sennheiser HD280PRO

best-studio-headphones-under-100

What We Like

  • Premium audio
  • Noise isolation
  • Value for money

What Is Missing

  • Amp needed

3. Sony MDR7506

best-studio-headphones-under-100

What We Like

  • Noise isolation
  • Comfortable earpads
  • Neutral sound signature

What Is Missing

  • Cable not detachable

Best Studio Headphones Under 100

  • 1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
  • 2. Sennheiser HD280PRO
  • 3. Sony MDR7506
  • 4. AKG Pro Audio K240
  • 5. Shure SRH440
  • 6. Philips SHP9500
  • 7. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x 

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x – best studio headphones under 100

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Audio Technica is known for its quality studio headphones.

The 40mm drivers are responsible for delivering high-quality audio. The fit of the headphones provides noise isolation in loud environments as well, which blocks out any distractions.

The ear cups of the headphones have a 90-degree swivel, which allows you one-ear monitoring.

The earpads of the headphones are premium and comfortable, which makes these headphones ideal for long hours of monitoring and studio work.

The build quality of the headphones is sturdy, with premium materials that make these headphones durable.

The frequency response of these headphones is 15-24,000 Hz, which is good, thereby making these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The headphones come with two detachable cables of 1.2mm for mobile devices and 3.0mm for monitoring purposes.

The protective pouch makes it easy to carry these headphones everywhere with you.

The headphones do not need an external amp and can be used for hearing music as well, which makes these headphones highly versatile.

These headphones have an over-ear design due to which the noise isolation on these headphones is premium, which makes these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The headphones have a flat sound signature, which makes it ideal for studio work.

The bass on these headphones is well balanced with crisp mids and detailed treble. The sound is precise at high frequencies, which is impressive.

Instruments on these headphones are precise, and the sound stage on these headphones is decent.

For the price it comes at these headphones are ideal for studio and monitoring purposes.

Pros

  • Detachable cables
  • Premium build quality
  • Noise isolation is good
  • Neutral sound signature
  • Earpads are comfortable
  • Wide frequency response

Cons

  • Headphones feel heavy
  • Heating/ Sweating due to the closed-back design

2. Sennheiser HD280PRO – studio headphones under 100

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Sennheiser 280s are ideal for people looking for quality studio headphones without breaking the bank.

The closed-ear headphones are lightweight and comfortable, which makes these headphones ideal for monitoring and studio work purposes.

The earpads of these headphones are plush and comfortable, which provides a comfortable audio experience.

The frequency response of these headphones is 8Hz – 25,000 Hz, which is decent enough, thereby making these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The build quality of these headphones is sturdy and durable.

Due to the closed ear back, design the headphones block of most of the background noise, thereby providing an uninterrupted monitoring experience.

The cable of the headphones is replaceable due to which you can replace the cord of the headphones if it gets damaged. Due to this, the lifespan of the headphones increases.

The headband padding and earpads are replaceable, which allows the user to customize the headphones, which are worth mentioning.

The headphones offer quality sound at affordable pricing, which is why these headphones are known as one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The headphones have a neutral sound signature, which makes it ideal for studio work purposes.

The bass on these headphones is well balanced. The mids are crisp and clear, whereas the treble on these headphones is detailed.

Besides, even on the high notes, the headphones deliver crisp audio without ear irritation, which makes these headphones a favorable option for many users.

The headphones need an amp for the best performance, which is worth mentioning.

In terms of price, the headphones offer a premium sound experience, which makes the headphones worth the dollars.

Pros

  • Premium audio
  • Noise isolation
  • Value for money
  • Build quality is good
  • Replaceable earpads
  • Neutral sound signature

Cons

  • Amp needed
  • Cable is not detachable.

3. Sony MDR7506 – best mixing headphones under 100

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Sony is known for engineering some of the best headphones. These headphones are known for their powerful, detailed sound, which is studio work purposes.

The closed-back design blocks off most of the background noise, which eliminates any background disturbances while recording or monitoring sound.

The frequency response of these headphones is 10 Hz – 20,000 Hz, which is decent enough.

The build quality of the headphones is premium with a rugged construction along with a secure closed-back design, which makes these headphones one of the best headphones under 100.

The headphones come with a case that makes it easy to carry these headphones everywhere you go.

The headphones weigh 8.1 ounces, which makes these headphones highly lightweight.

The ear cups of the headphone are soft and comfortable, which makes it ideal for wearing these headphones for long hours of studio work.

The bass on these headphones is crisp and punchy without overpowering the mids.

The mids on these headphones are clear and detailed, which makes these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The treble on these headphones is accurate, which is impressive. Instruments on these headphones are detailed and crisp which makes it easy to monitor sound.

Since the headphones have a closed-back design the sound is trapped within the headphones which makes it ideal to record music without having sound leaks.

The headphones are foldable which makes it easy to store these headphones.

Since the headphones have an impedance of 64 ohms they might need an external amp for the best performance. However, you can still use these headphones without an amp.

Overall the headphones are ideal for someone whose looking for premium headphones while being on a budget.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Noise isolation
  • Build quality is good
  • Comfortable earpads
  • Neutral sound signature
  • Decent frequency response

Cons

  • Cable not detachable
  • Amp needed for best performance

4. AKG Pro Audio K240 – best monitor headphones under 100

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If you do not prefer closed-back design headphones, then these semi-open studio headphones are ideal for you.

The 30mm transducers are responsible for delivering high-quality sound which makes these headphones ideal for monitoring and recording purposes.

The headphones are known for their impressive accuracy makes the headphones ideal for hearing mixing details which is why these headphones are known as one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The build quality of the headphones is premium and sturdy which makes the headphones highly durable.

The cable of the headphones is replaceable which increases the lifespan of the headphones.

Since the headphones have a semi open-back design, the sound stage on these headphones are impressive which makes it easy to notice the nuances in the audio thereby making these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The headphones are known for providing high fidelity audio which makes these headphones ideal for monitoring purposes.

The bass on these headphones is present however they are not emphasized.

The mids on these headphones are sharp and crisp. The highs on the headphones sound clear and detailed without sounding recessed which is impressive.

The build quality of the headphones is durable.

The earcups of the headphones are well padded which makes it comfortable to wear these headphones for extended periods without any ear irritation or hearing fatigue.

The frequency response of these headphones is 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz which is decent enough.

Overall in terms of sound, the headphones are ideal if you prefer semi-open back design headphones for studio work.

Pros

  • Premium audio
  • Amp not needed
  • Replaceable cable
  • Earcups comfortable
  • Build quality is good
  • Wide frequency response

Cons

  • Sound leaks
  • Sound isolation

5. Shure SRH440 – best studio monitor headphones under 100

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Shure is quite popular in the sound department because of their premium sound quality.

These headphones are engineered for studio recording and home usage. The closed back circumaural design provides fantastic noise isolation which allows you to monitor music without any interruptions.

The cable of the headphones are detachable which makes it easy to replace the cable.

The build quality of these headphones are premium with an adjustable headband.

The design of the headphones are comfortable and can be carried everywhere which makes them highly portable.

The frequency response of the headphones is 10 Hz – 22 kHz which is decent enough.

The 40mm neodymium drivers are designed for providing accurate listening and reference monitoring.

The earcups of the headphones are soft and well cushioned. They are replaceable as well which makes it convenient to the users.

The carry bag included with the headphones makes it easy to to store and carry these headphones everywhere with you.

The headphones do not need an external amp and can be plugged into mobile devices, laptops and tablets directly.

These headphones come with a 9.8ft long cable which provides enough space to move around.

The SRH400s weigh 0.60lbs which makes these headphones lightweight and comfortable to use.

The sound signature on these headphones are neutral which makes these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The bass on these headphones are well balanced without overpowering the mids.

The mids on these headphones are precise and accurate which is why these headphones are ideal for sound monitoring.

The treble on these headphones are smooth and clear which makes these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

To sum it up the headphones provide premium audio with a good build quality which makes these headphones popular.

Pros

  • Noise isolation
  • Ear Cups are soft
  • Detachable cables
  • Amp not needed
  • Vocals focussed
  • Decent frequency response

Cons

  • Heating/sweating
  • Sound leaks on high volume

6. Philips SHP9500 – best studio headphones under $100

best-studio-headphones-under-100

Philips is known for manufacturing quality sound systems at affordable pricing which is why they are highly popular.

The 50mm neodymium drivers are responsible for the complete spectrum of sound.

The 1.5m cable provides adequate support to move around which makes it convenient to monitor sound with these headphones.

The ear pads of the headphones are well padded and breathable which makes it easy to monitor sound with these headphones for long hours making these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The headphones have a wide frequency response of 12Hz to 35,000Hz which provides an accurate sound representation.

The headphones have an impedance of 32 ohms which is why these headphones can work fine without an amp.

Since the headphones have an open back design the sound stage on these headphones are wide which makes it easy to monitor sound thereby making these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The headband of the headphones are made of steel which makes these headphones highly durable.

The headphone cable is detachable which makes it easy to replace the wire which thereby increases the lifespan of the headphones.

The SHP9500s are known as the entry level audiophile because of their premium sound quality.

The bass on these headphones is punchy without overpowering the mids.

The mids on these headphones are crisp and clear without being too forward.

The treble on these headphones are detailed and precise.

The high notes on these headphones are clear without any screechy noise which is why these headphones are ideal for studio work purposes.

The build quality of the headphones are sturdy and premium which makes makes these headphones highly durable.

These headphones can be used for hearing music due to its phenomenal sound signature which makes these headphones highly versatile.

Overall the headphones are ideal for someone who wishes to monitor sound and hear music without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Bass is good
  • Value for money
  • Detachable cable
  • Sound stage is good
  • Premium build quality
  • Wide frequency response

Cons

  • Sound leaks
  • No Sound isolation

7. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x – mixing headphones under 100

best-studio-headphones-under-100

The M20x are ideal for someone who has a limited budget but prefers premium sound.

These headphones are by far one of the best headphones you can get under 50. The M20x’s are popular in the audiophile community.

The build quality of these headphones are the same as of the M40x’s which makes these headphones highly durable.

The 40mm drivers are responsible for delivering high quality sound which makes these headphones one of the best studio headphones under 100.

The headphones include earpads which have circumaural design blocks of most of the background noise which makes these headphones ideal for monitoring sound.

The M20x’s are designed for mixing and studio tracking which is why these headphones are widely used for studio work.

These headphones have a wide frequency of 15Hz-20,000Hz which is decent enough.

Since the headphones have an impedance of 47 Ohms you can use these headphones without an amp which makes these headphones highly versatile.

The headphones can be used for hearing music as well due to its premium sound signature.

The bass on these headphones are well balanced. The mids on these headphones are precise and accurate.

The treble on these headphones are sharp and crisp which is why these headphones are one of the best studio headphones under 100.

Although the headphones have a closed back design the sound stage on these headphones are decent.

Instruments are easily evident and audio separation on these headphones are decent.

Overall the headphones are ideal if you are looking for quality sound while being on a narrow budget.

Pros

  • No amp needed
  • Value for money
  • Build quality is good
  • Premium sound quality
  • Ear pads are well padded
  • Wide frequency response

Cons

  • Ears can get heated
  • Sound leaks on high volume

Things to look out for while buying best studio headphones under 100

Buying studio headphones can get confusing when you don’t know what to look for. In this buying guide we have listed certain things to look at while buying studio headphones.

Audio quality

While looking for headphones for studio purposes it is ideal to opt for headphones with neutral sound signature since they provide an accurate sound representation.

Most headphones come with a preset audio signature where bass and high notes are recessed or highlighted to provide a better experience.

Although this may enhance the audio experience, it may not be ideal for studio work since for sound monitoring accurate representation of sound is needed.

Hence It would be ideal to opt for neutral sound signature due to which you are able to monitor sound with precision.

Build quality

Sound monitoring or recording is a long process due to which professionals use these headphones for long hours.

It would be ideal to opt for headphones which are sturdy and have a durable build quality since it would last you longer.

An average consumer would use his headphones for 4 to 6 hours but when it comes to studio professionals the usage could go from 8 to 12 hours which is significantly more than regular users.

Comfort

Wearing studio headphones for extended periods of time can only be possible if the headphones are comfortable.

If the headphones are not comfortable, wearing the headphones for every minute is a torture which could lead to ear irritation and hearing fatigue.

It would be advisable to look for headphones with wide ear pads which are well padded to ensure your ears are well comforted.

The headphones should have a snug yet comfortable fit inorder to observe the minute nuances of the sound.

Noise isolation

Inorder to get the accurate sound representation, it would be ideal to block of background noise.

Hence noise isolation is vital since it allows you to focus on every detail of the song without background disturbances.

The better the noise isolation, the better the sound monitoring. Sound isolation would help you record and monitor sound better.

Blocking of background noise while recording sound can be crucial since it helps you stay focused while recording.

Miscellaneous

Some of the other things to look at is the cable. It would be ideal to look for headphones with detachable cables.

Protective case is another feature you should look at while buying studio headphones since you may need to carry your headphones to multiple places.

Swivelling earcups can be another factor you should consider since it would help you monitor sound with one earcup.

Conclusion

This was an indepth post on the best studio headphones under 100. In terms of sound quality and sound monitoring,we found these to be the 7 best studio headphones under 100.

It all comes down to your budget and needs. We have listed open back and closed back headphones so that you can choose accordingly.

Ideally for studio purposes, we recommend closed back headphones since they block background noise. Apart from that, they also dont leak sound which could cause a disturbance while recording sound.

Let us know your views about the best studio headphones under 100.

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