The Best Headphones Under $200
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Upgrading audio gear without breaking the bank might seem tough, but many popular brands make excellent pairs of headphones under $200 that really deliver. Top-notch audio quality and Bluetooth connectivity doesn’t have to cost too pretty of a penny, and this list proves it.
But first, the bad news. For less than $200, the completely absurd Focal Utopia audiophile headphones are out of reach. They retail for almost $5,000. No, the extra zero isn’t a mistake. The $1,000 Dyson Zone headphones with an attached air purifier are also out. Sorry. And let’s be real: Airpods Max may look and sound great, but there are other options besides adding a $500-plus Apple product to the arsenal. Jony Ive is long gone, anyway.
The good news is there are a lot of affordable, extremely high quality options under $200. SPY consulted a range of experts in the audio arts — podcasters, athletes, musicians, and more — on the headphones they recommend in their daily lives.
BEST OVERALL
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones (WHXB910N)
New York Times journalist, Crooked Media podcast host, and author Max Fisher first got on the Sony noise-canceling headphones train six years ago. “The old girl is as faithful as ever,” Fisher told SPY of his first SONY pair.
But rest assured, according to Fisher, the sound quality hasn’t diminished at all with this newer model, and the brand has ironed out the kinks with the previous design (i.e. occasional Bluetooth drops and whatnot). This pair is his go-to for a non-bank-breaking pair of dependable, good-sounding ‘phones that will last, and last, and last. And, at under $200, that’s a pretty good return on investment.
MOST COMFORTABLE
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Headphones
Best For: Desk workers or anyone who need a long-wearing pair that’s comfortable. These headphones are the sworn favorite of film editor Arielle Sherman, who spends hours in her editing booth and needs something that delivers both pinpoint-accurate audio and endless comfort.
Coolest Feature: The key to the Beyerdynamics is that they don’t use pressure to stay on the head, but sit lightly instead, which means they don’t give her headaches after long hours at work. They’re going for just $169 right now, which is a steal for the quality they deliver.
BEST EARBUDS
Jabra Elite Series – 65T, 75T, and 85T
Best For: Runners, cyclers, other athletes, and commuters — essentially, anyone who’s on the go. “I buy a set of these every two or so years,” says Fisher. “They sound good enough to rock your favorite Steely Dan playlist without feeling like you’re missing any audio quality. But they’re lightweight, small, and secure enough to use for intensive workouts or on-the-go work calls.” Fisher usually gets the 65Ts, although those are outdated now. The 85T only comes in at $150, while the older and more budget versions are often priced under $100.
Coolest Feature: Noise canceling and ambient sound playback cuts out unwanted noises but can be put on hear-through mode to pick up some background sound, too. (This is useful on a bike ride or in any other situation where staying aware of one’s surroundings is important.)
BEST OVER-EAR
Sennheiser 599
Made For: Musicians, music lovers, and casual desk workers who prefer over-ear headphones.
“I love demoing songs using Sennheiser HD 599’,” says singer-songwriter Loren Beri. “They’re much better than alternatives in this price range or lower, but aren’t as expensive as a lot of options of similar quality.”
Best Feature: Comfort. These headphones also cropped up on our list of the most comfortable headphones, because their lightweight and cloth padding keeps them cool and comfortable on your head.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headphones Under $200
When shopping for headphones under $200, what should you avoid?
Too many features. If a headphone offers a laundry list of noise-canceling and voice assistant features and is crammed with tech, beware of bugs and more opportunities for functional failure. In the price range under $200, it’s extra important to watch out for cheaper units that over-promise.
Should you get a Bluetooth pair or not?
Hands- and line-free is nice, but consider whether or not you’re going to be in situations where battery life could be a concern. Travel always makes it convenient to have a wired solution, if only for those airplane TVs.
Ok, but seriously, what about Airpods?
Fine, fine. They’re good. They work. Erin Connery, an avid climber and route-setter in central Arizona told SPY that he’s lost at least a dozen pairs when they’ve fallen out of his ears while hundreds of feet up on a cliff face. If he keeps buying them, they must be good!