Best Headphones Under $100

Pro's
* Comfortable
* Well suited for most music types
* Respectable soundstage
* Good for gaming (esp FPS) and movies
* Sounds good with low power devices

Con's
* Lacking defined, solid bass
* Long burn-in time to sound best
* Big, some would say even ugly

Bottom Line
Best all-round headphone. No slouch in the music department but, shines when playing games and watching movies. Comfortable to wear but, you may look like a goof doing so (who cares right?).

Note: Price varies from under $100 to slightly above, but at either price they're a great value.

Pro's
* Comfortable (Oooo velour ear pads)
* Large soundstage
* Natural sound signature
* Pleasant mids & highs
* Best with Classic and Jazz music
* Does well with movies and games

Bottom Line
A very comfortable and great sounding headphone especially if you are into classical and jazz music. Best for "alone" listening as sound leaks in and out do to the open back design. While an amplifier isn't a must the HD 555 benefits from one.

Note: Amazon pricing for this headphone has been all over the map as of late, but usually it sells for under $100. I'm leaving it on the list because it still offers great performance/value even at the higher price; with a little searching you should be able to find it online somewhere for under $100.

Pro's
* Fast, lively sound
* Perfect for Rock and Heavy Metal music
* Sounds great plugged into iPods, computers, etc.

Bottom Line
A very "fun" headphone to listen to because of the quick and lively sound it produces. Very well suited for fast rock and heavy metal music. The style and comfort might be a problem for some people. Grab the SR80i if you can swing the extra dough.

Pro's
* Blocks outside sound very well
* Good portablilty
* Best with bass heavy music
* Good for low output devices (iPods, MP3 players)

Bottom Line
A good headphone if sound isolation and portability is important to you. Ipods and MP3 players drive them easily but, don't expect "high end" sound reproduction from the K81DJ. Comfort and build quality are not the best.

Pro's
* Produces a natural, uncolored sound
* Comfortable

Bottom Line
The K-240 is a very nice headphone if you want an uncolored sound from your music. Doesn't pair well with portable devices as it needs more power (amplifier) to feed the 55 ohms drivers.