The Best Headphones Under $100 for a Teen’s Bus Ride, Homework and Calls (2026)

By Christmas Wishlist Guide Editorial Team ·

Before you spend $90, ask two questions. Does the school laptop allow Bluetooth? Does the student like anything touching the tops of their ears? Those answers eliminate more bad purchases than a list of audio specifications.

Choose JBL Tune 720BT for over-ear listening with a cable option. Sony WH-CH520 costs less and switches between two Bluetooth devices, but its pads sit on the ears. For a compatible USB-C device and a kid who keeps forgetting to charge things, the $19 Apple EarPods make sense.

Listed US prices before tax and shipping
ProductUS priceFit and connectionCharging
JBL Tune 720BT$89.95Over-ear; Bluetooth or detachable audio cableUSB-C
Sony WH-CH520, black$69.99On-ear; Bluetooth multipointUSB-C
Apple EarPods with USB-C$19Wired earbuds; USB-C connectorNone

What matters between the morning bus and the last class?

A cable can rescue a dead battery or a laptop that blocks Bluetooth pairing. It cannot fix a missing jack. Check the actual school device, including any adapter it would need. For calls on a noisy bus, an advertised microphone establishes that calls are supported; it tells you little about what the other person will hear.

JBL Tune 720BT

Our pick for someone who wants their ears inside the cushions and regularly switches between a phone and laptop. The detachable lead is useful for wired listening. Check microphone support separately if a school requires a wired headset for speaking exercises.

Check price and specifications for JBL Tune 720BT

Sony WH-CH520, black

A good fit for someone who wants calls and music on two paired devices. Ask how they feel about pads resting directly on their ears, especially if they wear glasses through long homework sessions.

Check price and specifications for Sony WH-CH520, black

Apple EarPods with USB-C

The built-in remote and microphone make these an inexpensive option for a compatible device. Check Apple’s compatibility list and school policy. The cable is attached. A damaged lead means replacing the pair rather than swapping the cord.

Check price and specifications for Apple EarPods with USB-C

Before you wrap it

Which pair works if wireless headphones are banned at school?

Look at the physical port first. JBL includes a detachable audio cable for a matching headphone jack. USB-C EarPods are an option for supported USB-C devices. Confirm microphone input and any adapter with the particular school laptop.

Should I budget for replacement parts?

The JBL audio cable detaches. The Apple cord is integral to the earbuds. We could not establish a consistent official price for replacement cushions across these models, so the comparison uses complete-pair prices.

Which one cancels bus noise?

We selected these for fit, connection and price. None of these picks promises active noise cancellation. If that is the main requirement, put it on the shopping list explicitly before choosing a model.

Sources and price checks

Our editors compared published specifications, package contents and US listings. Prices can change. AI assisted research and drafting. Editorial methodology