Best Open-back Headphones under 100: for Gaming and Music

Getting good headphones is not easy. If you consider a headphone, here is a comprehensive list of the best choices, budget headphones are good for this year. Whether you are a DJ, a recording artist, a producer; you like playing video games or you just love listening to good music.

Which are the top products in this category? What makes them so special? Why would you choose them? These are some of the questions we shall be answering in this summary.

Here are our top picks;

Cheap Open-back Headphones for Gaming and Music

If you are ready to be enjoying music in a comfortable and convenient manner, then you should go through the following reviews to find out suitable open-back headphones under 100 for you. Let us get to business.

1. AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open Over-Ear Professional Headphones

These particular headphones will give you the freedom to listen to everything you want without disruptions. They have soft but tight ear pads which ensure that you are optimally comfortable. Even if you use the headphones for long hours you will still be comfortable because of the soft ear pads.

AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open headphones come with a 3 m replaceable cable. This cable is helpful because it ensures you can use the headphones without straining.

Since the cable is replaceable you have the freedom to replace it in case it develops any problem or when you need a shorter cable.

These semi-open headphones will allow you to be aware of your surroundings. The open-back design allows you to hear what is happening around you.

This makes the headphones ideal to be used outdoors while hiking or exercising.

In addition, the AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open headphones are adjustable where they will fit perfectly on your head.

The fact that they are adjustable also makes it convenient to carry and store the headphones.

Furthermore, they are very light where their weight is just 8.5 ounces. This gives you the freedom to carry them around easily.

The AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open headphones have a stereo plug-in design where they have a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) with 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) screw-on adapter. This allows them to be used with different devices that have the standard connectivity options.

At the same time, you can connect the headphones on your laptop, TV, smartphone, tablet and other such devices with a standard connection. The materials used to make the headphones are carefully selected to enhance durability.

Unique features about AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open Professional Studio

• The DJ kind of feeling

The headphones are professional studio headphones. As such, it means that the headphones can be used in production for music thus instrumental for audiophiles like a DJ, who have an ear for quality music.

• Stereo Plug

The headphone features 3.5 millimetres interface stereo plug. These headphones are able to be used to produce music due to their semi-open feature meaning they can be used in open air quiet environs and still in noisy areas as it is with the closed back type of headphones.

3. Sensitivity

For 66.15 dollars, one shall get great value for the price point. The AKG K 240 Studio is an improved version of the “classic” AKG K 240 Monitor. The new K 240 Studio delivers a wider dynamic range and higher sensitivity than its well-known and widely-used predecessor.

• XXL transducers

Another main quality feature of the semi-open K 240 Studio’s sound quality is the new XXL transducers in acoustically tuned vented enclosures with pads outlining the ears. Such pads cushion your ears seamlessly and bring you with smooth, solid bass and well-balanced, crystal mids and highs.

• Reliable frequency range

The headphones feature a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz. Moreover, it also features the Varimotion XXL capsule for studio sound at the comfort of one’s home and for the purpose of transporting it from one point to another.

2. Spadger CD990 Premium Over-Ear Headphones

The performance of these modern open-back headphones makes them stand out. They are specially made in a way that they are optimally safe to be used by anyone.

The safety features on these headphones include wired control which prevents radiation from affecting the users. This means that you can pick calls and listen to music without worrying about radiation.

The Spadger CD990 Premium Over-Ear Headphones are endowed with big over the ears muffs which will cover your entire ear. This is helpful because it keeps the unnecessary noise out.

Controlling the Spadger CD990 Premium Over-Ear Headphones is simple because everything is straight forward. Just by pressing ‘off’ you can easily adjust the volume to normal levels while you are in noisy places such as while driving or while in an airplane.

When it comes to functionality, these headphones will provide you with optimum performance. They come with an extra-long cable which gives you the freedom of movement regardless of where you are. They are also endowed with an adapter plug which is helpful when it comes to connections.

The design of these open-back headphones is in a way that the ear caps can be rotated. This allows you to position the headphones in the way you are optimally comfortable. The headband can be adjusted which allows them to be used both by children and adults. If you have a sophisticated hairstyle you will just need to adjust the headband so that the headphones can fit perfectly.

These headphones have a total weight of 10.1 ounces which allows them to be carried around easily. They are designed in a way that they can fit in small spaces easily.

The plastic used to make the outer parts of the Spadger CD990 Premium Over-Ear Headphones is strong but durable. This means that the headphones cannot be damaged easily. If you accidently drop them they will still be in good condition. All that you need is to ensure you use and maintain them in the right manner.

3. LyxPro OEH-10 Open-Back Headphones

Anyone who loves listening to music in a natural way should consider these particular headphones. This is because they have features that will give you great music experience. The open-back design lets the headphones be able to produce some sound that feels natural.

While using the LyxPro OEH-10 open-back headphones, you will feel as if you are listening to music from powerful speakers which are in a room. The design also allows you to hear everything happening around you. If you are outdoors you will know when a person, an animal or a vehicle is approaching.

You can use these headphones for hours without feeling any kind of discomfort. If you understand how open-backs work, you will definitely love this headphone, because it stands out. This is because the headphones come with cushioned ear pads which can be interchanged.

If you notice the ear pads are becoming thinner you can easily get new ones to replace the older ones. The LyxPro OEH-10 Open-Back Headphones come with an eight feet connection cord which gives you the freedom to move around.

If you are playing games or listening to music using these headphones you will not be restricted to staying in one place. For further comfort and convenience, these headphones have rotating ear cuffs which can be rotated for 90 degrees.

Moreover, the headband on the LyxPro OEH-10 open-back headphones is adjustable. And as a result, you can use the headphones even when you are wearing a cap.

The LyxPro OEH-10 headphones can be connected with almost any device that you have including computers, laptops and phones. This is because they have the standard connection option. With a ¼ inch adapter you will be able to connect them efficiently.

You will be able to pick your calls easily while using these headphones. The people around you do not have to hear conversations while on the phone because the different options can be adjusted easily.

4. Monoprice HR-5 Wired Headphones

When using these headphones you will be able to feel as if you are in the middle of a live performance. This is facilitated by the open-back design where you can hear what is happening around you. You will not feel as if you are enclosed somewhere alone. Because of this, you can use the headphones both indoor and outdoor.

In case you are on the streets, you will be able to hear when someone or a vehicle is approaching.

The Monoprice HR-5 Wired Headphones come with 42 mm drivers which provide the headphones with ample power.

They have a frequency response that can extend up to 26, 000 Hz. This ensures that you hear every sound in high resolution.

When it comes to comfort, these headphones are endowed with soft removable ear pads.

They come with two sets of removable ear pads which give you the freedom to choose the particular ear pads you want to use.

There are mounting rings on the headphones so that you can be able to change the ear pads without struggling.

The headphones have a headband which can be adjusted easily. This means that you can use the headphones regardless of your hairstyle or what else you are wearing on your head. We found out that adjusting the headband of these headphones is easy and straight forward.

To ensure that you are able to move around conveniently, the Monoprice HR-5 come with a long connection cable. There is a standard connection option which is helpful since you can connect the headphones with an assortment of gadgets. The headphones are available in both black and silver. This gives you the freedom to choose the color that you prefer.

You can conveniently receive calls through these headphones in case you have connected them with your phone. This is because they have an in-built speaker which you can use to talk through the phone.

At the same time, Monoprice HR-5 Wired Headphones are also very light where you can carry them around in a convenient manner. You will also not feel any pressure even if you use the headphones for long hours.

5. Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones

For this one, we found a lot of features that rightfully qualifies them to be among the top seven of the best open-back headphones under 100. They have 53 mm drivers which are newly designed.

This enables the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X audiophile open-air headphones to produce natural sound in a perfect manner with deep bass. The open-back design of these headphones gives you the opportunity to listen to music in a very relaxing manner.

While you are using the headphones you can still hear what is going on around you. Because of this, you can use headphones in different places including in places where you are surrounded by other people.

The fact that the headphones have an open-back design does not mean that the people around you will be hearing what you will be hearing. You will need to raise the volume to maximum for the person next to you to hear what you are listening to.

Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X audiophile open-air headphones are designed in a way that you will be fully comfortable regardless of how long you use them. The soft ear caps do not produce any pressure on the ears. But they are still able to hold on firmly so that you can hear everything clearly.

The headphones have been endowed with 3D wing support housing which is adjustable. Because of this housing, you can be assured that the headphones are durable. The fact that the housing is adjustable allows you to use the headphones in the positions you feel most comfortable.

If you have connected the headphones to your phone you will be able to make and receive calls effectively. This is helpful especially if you are busy and you do not have time to remove and hold your phone. Storing these headphones is also convenient since they come with a lightweight casing.

When it comes to connect the headphones come with a long cord which has the standard connection option. Through this cable, you can easily connect them to most of the modern gadgets such as computers and tablets. The makers of these headphones have worked hard to make sure that they look as stylish as possible. Just by looking at the headphones you will want to have a taste of what they have to offer.

Here are a number of the pros and cons of the headphones

Unique Features with Audio-Technica ATH AD500X Audiophile

1. The Drivers

The Audio-Technica ATH AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones feature a newly integrated 53 millimeters drivers that have a CCAW voice coil reproduce an outstanding natural sound when one uses it in an open set up. The voice coils also enable it to have an impeccable vocal projection.

2. Natural sound

The emitting of natural sounds by the open back headphones is as a result of less pressure exerted on one’s ears. For 76.68 dollars, these open-back headphones are indeed valued for ones’ money.

3. Self-adjusting 3D

The headphone set features a self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing provides comfortable support for a more enjoyable listening experience as it automatically adjusts itself to one’s head size while placing it on.

4. The OFC Cable

A straight OFC cable on the left earpiece terminates to a mini plug with included gold-plated stereo 1/8″ (3.5 mm) connector with 1/4″ (6.3 mm) adapter.

6. Grado SR80e Prestige Series Headphones

These modern headphones have superb sound quality. This is facilitated by the fact that they have an upgraded driver design. You will have the freedom to listen to almost anything you want because these drivers have the necessary power.

When it comes to comfort, the Grado SR80e Prestige Series headphones have big ear cushions. These cushions will fit perfectly on your ears without causing any discomfort. The cushions also keep the unwanted noises away.

However, since these headphones have an open-back design you will be able to hear what is happening around you. Consequently, you can use the headphones for jogging or participating in other outdoor activities.

The Grado SR60e Headphones is ideal for audiophiles who appreciate and acknowledge spectrum audio as the headphones give exactly that. A spectrum audio profile in a set of headphones enables the user to hear notes in music very clear as it singles out each and every frequency within the spectrum.

For the purpose of ensuring the headphones can be connected with different devices, the Grado SR80e Prestige Series come with a mini stereo plug that has a ¼ inch adaptor. Because of this particular adapter you can conveniently connect the headphones with different devices such as your phone or computer.

You will have freedom of movement while using these open-back headphones because they come with a long connection wire. This is helpful especially when you are using the headphones indoors.

Storing and carrying the Grado SR80e Prestige Series is easy because they are very light. Their total weight is 8.2 ounces and they can be collapsed. Furthermore, these headphones are very affordable which means that you will get a quality product at an affordable price.

More features about Grado SR60e Headphones

• Soft Headband

To further enhance your comfort while using these headphones, there is an adjustable soft vinyl headband. This means that even if you are wearing a cap or glasses you will be able to use these headphones comfortably.

• Natural sound enabler

The headphones enable one to hear a fuller and a more natural sound as opposed to the closed back types of headphones. It is very convenient for outdoors in a relatively silent environment so as not to interfere with the natural sounds and the soft yet clear spectrum audio.

• The Driver

The SR60e’s driver and plastic housing enables free flow of air and is able to react to sound vibrations thus virtually eliminating transient distortions.

This permits the signal flow over the cable to make a sound that has tight control of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum. SR60e’s produces a sound that is rich with fuller vocals, excellent dynamics, and a smooth top end.

7. Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones

This is the winner of our review and contest of the open-back headphones under 100 dollars. We found these to be the best at the price of below 100 and having the best sound. The main reason why these open-back headphones from Philips are rated highly is that they have a state of the art features.

For starters, Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo headphones have 50 mm neodymium drivers which are able to deliver a total spectrum of sound. They also come with a 1.5 m cable which provides freedom of movement especially while using the headphones indoors.

In addition, the headphones have a frequency response of 12 to 35, 000 Hz. This provides you with the freedom to listen to what you want the way you want. The maximum power input of these headphones is 200mW which makes them very power efficient.

Sensitivity and Cushions

We found out that these open-back headphones have a sensitivity of 101 dB. This is helpful because the sensitivity plays an integral role in improving the quality of the sound produced. To enhance your comfort the headphones come with a double-layered headband cushion which ensures that the headphones do not press against your head.

In addition, Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo come with breathable ear cushions which allow you to use the headphones for long hours. These ear cushions also ensure that you do not get disrupted by external noises. They also ensure the headphones are firm especially while you might be exercising or running when wearing them.

The fact that these modern headphones have an open-back design means that you get to listen to music in a natural way. We found out that while wearing these headphones you will feel like you are listening to music in a room with powerful speakers. This gives you the ability to hear every sound from the headphones.

You can also carry and store these headphones conveniently. The Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo headphones have a weight of 10.6 ounces which makes them some of the lightest open-back headphones under 100.

Unique features about Philips SHP9500 HiFi headphone

• Neodymium driver

The Philips SHP9500 HiFi headphones have a 50-meter neodymium driver that enables the user to experience the full spectrum of sound. Its making enables the user’s ears to be protected and filtered from disturbing and harsh frequencies which can not only cause hearing issues for the user but also lower the quality and durability of the said headphones.

• Fair pricing

With such considerably affordable pricing, these headphones have been stated to very well-priced for the quality that one acquires. The price maybe a little bit above the average headphones but it is worth it.

• The cushion

It’s headband cushion is double layered with a breathable spongy material making it comfortable thus enabling an individual to wear the headphones for long hours without feeling uncomfortable.

8. Grado SR60e Headphones

The Grado SR60e Headphones is ideal for audiophiles who appreciate and acknowledge spectrum audio as the headphones give exactly that. A spectrum audio profile in a set of headphones enables the user to hear notes in music very clear as it singles out each and every frequency within the spectrum.

The headphones enable one to hear a fuller and a more natural sound as opposed to the closed-back types of headphones. It is very convenient for outdoors in a relatively silent environment so as not to interfere with the natural sounds and the soft yet clear spectrum audio.

The SR60e’s driver and plastic housing enable free flow of air and is able to react to sound vibrations thus virtually eliminating transient distortions.

This permits the signal flow over the cable to make a sound that has tight control of the upper and lower range of the frequency spectrum. The SR60e produces a sound that is rich with fuller vocals, excellent dynamics, and a smooth top end.

The Final Take

The Review of Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-Ear Headphones brings this summary to an end as the open-back headphones under 100 dollars.

It is our hope that the information we have provided will help you make an informed decision. All the headphones on this summary have top quality features.

In our post, we had determined that headphones have better sound quality than earbuds. In this post, we focused on reviewing and analyzing the top 7 open-back headphones that cost below 100.

Now, you will be able to get top-quality open-back headphones without having to spend a lot of money.

Watch more about open-backs here,