Earbuds and headphones under $100 in NZ: what matters

• Commuting and walking: small true wireless earbuds with a snug fit and a case that fits a pocket.
• Gym and sport: a secure fit, sweat resistance and simple controls you can use mid-workout.
• Calls and work: microphones placed near the mouth or a headset designed for calls.
• Gaming: a wired connection avoids Bluetooth delay, which matters more in games than in music.
• Long flights and focus: over-ear headphones are usually more comfortable for hours at a time.

A good seal does more for sound than almost any spec on the box. In-ear buds that seal properly give fuller bass and block outside noise, so you can listen at a lower volume. Try every ear tip size in the box; many people need a different size in each ear. Clip-on and open designs let you hear traffic and people around you, which some runners and cyclists prefer. Over-ear headphones spread the pressure around the ear and suit long sessions; on-ear models are lighter but can press after a while.

True wireless earbuds have no cable at all and recharge in their case. Over-ear wireless headphones usually run longer per charge and can fold flat for travel. Wired earphones need no charging and have no Bluetooth delay, but many phones no longer have a 3.5 mm headphone socket. If yours does not, choose USB-C earphones or add a small USB-C or Lightning to 3.5 mm adaptor. Browse true wireless earbuds, earphones and headphones, and audio cables and adaptors.

Battery figures are measured by the maker, usually at moderate volume with extra features switched off, so treat them as a best case. For earbuds, look at two numbers: playback per charge and total time including the case. Playback per charge tells you whether they last a commute or a long flight; the case total tells you how often you will need a cable. If you fly, note that Air New Zealand counts rechargeable earbud cases as power banks, and our travel power bank guide explains what that means.

A newer Bluetooth version can help with connection stability and battery use, but it will not fix a poor fit. Codecs are the formats used to send audio over Bluetooth. SBC is the basic one every Bluetooth headphone supports; AAC is widely used by Apple devices. At this price, a stable connection and a good fit matter far more than codec names. Any Bluetooth earbuds will pair with both iPhone and Android, though companion apps and extra features vary.

Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses microphones to reduce steady sounds such as engines and air conditioning. Under $100, results vary a lot between models, and a well-fitted in-ear bud with good passive isolation can block a surprising amount on its own. The World Health Organization recommends well-fitted and noise-cancelling headphones as a way to avoid turning the volume up in noisy places.

If you take calls, check that the product mentions microphones for calls and look for reviews mentioning wind noise. Touch controls are tidy; physical buttons are easier with gloves or sweaty fingers. For water resistance, look for an IP rating: the second digit is protection against water, and an X in the first place means it has not been rated for dust. IPX4 means resistance to splashes, which covers sweat and light rain, not swimming.

The World Health Organization suggests keeping your device volume at no more than 60 per cent of maximum. It also says you can safely listen at 80 decibels for up to 40 hours a week, and that safe time drops quickly as volume rises. Many phones have a headphone safety setting that can warn you or cap the volume.

The Consumer Guarantees Act covers earbuds and headphones bought from a New Zealand business, including online: they must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose and match their description. Our returns and warranty pages explain how we handle problems. To stay under $100, open a category and sort by price. Still need a charger or cable? See our charger and cable guide.