"Shopping for headphones under $100 is less about getting every premium feature and more about getting the right ones for you. You're working within a budget, so knowing what actually matters to you, whether that's noise cancellation, battery life, or durability, helps you land on a pair you'll actually enjoy using. ANC: Before you get swept up by the promise of noise cancellation, decide whether it's actually a must-have for you. ANC can be incredibly useful for commuting, flying, or working in loud environments. But on a budget, it comes with trade-offs. You're not getting the most advanced noise blocking here. Some earbuds do a decent job muting low rumbles, others mainly soften background chatter. Figure out whether subtle noise reduction is enough, or if you'd rather put your money toward other features."
"IP Rating: If workouts are on your agenda, IP ratings should be high on your priority list. These ratings tell you how well earbuds handle sweat exposure, and the second number in the IPX rating is the one that really counts. The higher it is, the more moisture the earbuds can take. For running, gym sessions, or outdoor use, IPX4 or above is a safe place to start. Battery Life: Most budget earbuds last somewhere between five and ten hours per charge. With the charging case, that total can stretch to somewhere between 40 and 50 hours, sometimes longer. If you're someone who uses earbuds all day, or just hates constantly topping them up, those numbers matter more than you think. Always check the playback time before snagging budget headphones. Comfort: When you're shopping in the budget category, materials are one of the most noticeable trade-offs. You won't get premium metals nor luxe finishes, but that doesn't mean everything feels cheap. Some budget headphones use sturdy plastics and soft-touch coatings that hold up surprisingly well over time."
Budget headphone shopping requires prioritizing the specific features that matter most, such as ANC, moisture resistance, battery life, and comfort. ANC can improve commuting, flying, or working in noisy environments but is limited on lower-cost models, often only reducing low rumbles or softening background chatter. IPX ratings indicate sweat and moisture resistance; IPX4 or higher is recommended for running, gym sessions, and outdoor use. Typical single-charge battery life spans five to ten hours, with case totals often reaching about 40–50 hours. Expect simpler materials, though some budget models use durable plastics and soft-touch coatings for better comfort.
Read at www.esquire.com
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