15 Best (Over-Ear & On-Ear) Headphones Under $200

This article about the best headphones under $200 in 2024 is written for all those customers who want to get quality headphones within $200 price range. Of course, that is more than enough money to get a perfect pair of headphones for almost anybody's needs, but you should be aware that bad headphones are often hidden behind fancy looks and high prices.

That is why we have decided to make the selection of headphones and present to you all of their positive and negative sides so that you know what exactly you are buying. Our list consists of the best 15 models we could find on the market for the price. You will find there headphones that cost less than $50, some of them cost $50-$100, while most of them cost between $100 and $200. Some of them are over-ear headphones, while the others are on-ear, but also very comfortable and incredibly popular.

In fact, there is something for everyone. While writing the article, we have been thinking about different kinds of people and their needs. That is why we have included one of the best models of headphones for TV in the list. There are headphones that will please any audiophile or professional musician, but we have also been thinking about ordinary people with the smaller amount of money in their pockets and, of course, about young trendy boys and girls that want to wear trendy headphones (for example Beats by Dr. Dre).

For all these reasons, we advise you to stay with us, find some great headphones for yourself and learn something about them and the way the buying process should be completed.

What Kinds of Headphones are There?

As you probably already know, there is an infinite number of headphones on the market. When you open any page, you get cluttered with a bunch of products. They all look different and they all have different characteristics. We understand that it is very difficult to understand all the information so we have decided to make the research for you and explain to you all the important things in a few simple words.

On our list of 15 best headphones under $200 in 2024, you will find over-ear and on-ear headphones. Some of them are closed-back while the others are open-back models. That's the reason we are presenting to you the most important characteristics that make the greatest difference between them.

Over-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones or, as they also call them, full-size headphones are the largest headphones on the market. One of their main characteristics that makes them so recognizable are large earcups with large ear cushions with big spacious holes that allow your ears to lay there comfortably and be worn for many hours without any pain or discomfort. The size usually adds a few extra ounces of weight but, depending on the material used (metal or plastic), the headphones don't really have to be heavy for wearing.

On-ear headphones

On-ear headphones are also quite big in comparison to the earbuds. However, if you compare them to full-size headphones, on-ear models are smaller and lighter, so that many people decide to buy them because of those advantages. They are also easier for transporting in case you want to take them with you on a trip or vacation. Anyway, one of their negative sides is the shape of the cups and cushions. They don’t cover your ears completely but lay on them. Many people find that design uncomfortable as some headphones press their ears and cause pain after a short period of time.

Closed-back headphones

Closed-back headphones are probably the most common type of headphones. They are incredibly popular and there are numerous reasons for that. Closed-back design means that the front side of the cups is completely closed with a piece of plastic or metal. That prevents sound to enter or go outside the cups, which makes these headphones perfect for crowdy places as they manage to isolate background noise passively and they leak way less sound than open-back headphones.

Open-back headphones

Unlike the closed-back headphones, open-back headphones have open cups. In this case, open means they are covered by plastic or metal that looks like mesh, but you can still see the speakers inside the cups. That also means other people can see them too. And not only see – they can also hear what you are listening, just like you can hear other people talking, yelling, etc. This makes open-back headphones more convenient for closed and quite ambient.

On the positive side, these headphones deliver more pleasant sound. It reminds us of the sound that comes from your TV or home speakers. It is not “in your head”, but everywhere around you.

The List of 15 Best Headphones Under $200 In 2024

1. Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones

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RS120 are great affordable headphones that are probably the best choice for home activities like watching movies, listening to music, watching TV, etc. They don’t support Bluetooth technology, they come with their own charger/receiver but they have great signal range that allows you to move all around the house and stays stable even if you go on a different floor or different room. The frequency response is between 20Hz and 20kHz and sensitivity 106 dB.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a branded cardboard box with transmitter unit, AC power supply, 2 AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries, RCA to 3.5mm adapter, 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, user manual and 2-year warranty card.

 Things we like

Sennheiser RS120 are good-looking headphones. They come in all-black design with angled earcups. The headband is adjustable and it has thick comfortable padding. The earcups are spacious and they lay nicely on customer’s ears. They are also flexible and they swivel, which means their position is easily adjustable to the shape of your head.

In spite of being completely made from plastic, RS120 seem quite durable and customers didn’t complain about build quality. They are highly compatible with all kinds of devices like TVs, phones, notebooks, or any piece of Hi-Fi audio equipment.

The sound quality is really exceptional, the headphones sound natural and balanced. The highs are extremely clear and the vocals are very distinctive and understandable. It takes some time to realize how to set up the headphones in order to make them work nicely, but once you do, it will be a pleasure to use them. We advise you to turn on the volume on your device first and after that slowly turn up the volume on your headphones in order to find the right volume level. Also, the tunes button is very important as it allows you to find the right frequency and avoid annoying static noise. In addition, pay attention to the frequency button on the receiver itself. It has three frequencies and if one of them causes static, try two others in order to get the best possible sound quality.

 Things we don’t like

RS120 aren’t perfect in spite of the fancy looks. Most customer complaints are related to setting the headphones up. That’s why it is important to read the manual carefully. Also, static noise and signal cut outs appear from time to time and people who find it irritating should definitely find another pair of headphones.

In sound quality department, there is only one complaint and that’s the bass that becomes too boomy. It doesn’t happen so often but it definitely can be quite annoying.

2. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

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Cowin E7 are one of the cheapest Bluetooth full size headphones with ANC technology on the market. You won’t spend a fortune on these headphones but they will offer you more satisfaction than some much more expensive headphones. They have incredibly powerful battery, their impedance is 32 Ohms, frequency response goes from 20Hz to 20KHz, while the sensitivity is approximately 75 dB.

 What’s in the box?

Cowin E7 come nicely packed in the stylish black box, tucked in soft protective foam. Along with the headphones, you get branded black carrying bag, user manual, 3.9ft long audio cable as well as short USB charging cable.

 Things we like

We like the stylish looks of Cowin E7 and the possibility to choose between three available colors (black, white and red), but what we like most is that these headphones can be used as both wired and wireless. The battery can live for even 30 hours per single charge and it is pretty difficult to run out of it, but in case you do, you will always have the cable to plug in and continue listening to music.

The build quality is quite satisfying and the headphones feel rather durable. The headband is very flexible, the earcups are thickly padded and the clamping force is not very big. Your ears will be able to snug nicely into the pads and you will enjoy your music for many hours without any pain or discomfort. The cups can swivel for 110 degrees, which means they can make better adjustment to the shape of your head.

All the controls are highly accessible. USB charging port is on the bottom of the left earcup, while the Bluetooth button, volume controls, ANC button and the plug for audio cable are on the right earcup. In case you want, you can listen to music without ANC as the passive isolation is quite good and in case the noise gets unbearable, just press the button and ANC is on.

 Things we don’t like

Cowin E7 have some issues with ear pad durability. The paint on the cushions starts peeling off after some time. Also, some customers have reported headphones cracking on hinges in spite of the metal material and reinforcement used.

As far as the comfort is concerned, we would like more padding on the headband.

In addition, we have to mention glossy finish on the cups that attracts ugly fingerprints.

In the end, there are some issues with sound quality. In general, the headphones sound quite good, the sound is pleasant and the bass is very strong. You can get the best from these headphones when listening to electronical music, while they aren’t so good with other genres. ANC works only in wireless mode and it affects sound quality.

3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xWH Professional Monitor Headphones

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ATH-M50x are made for professional use primarily. However, thanks to their great sound and build quality and in spite of the high price, they have become one of the most popular consumer headphones. Their frequency response goes from 15Hz to 28kHz, they have 38-Ohm impedance and the sensitivity of 99 dB.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones are accompanied by thin carrying bag and even 3 audio cables. They are all detachable, they all have twist-to-lock mechanism, but their length is different (1.2 to 3m coiled cable, 1.8m straight and 1.2m straight cable).

 Things we like

One of the things we like about ATH-M50x is the comfort level they offer. They are quite light for full-size headphones (they weigh 10 ounces), the headband is adjustable and well padded. The cups are also thickly padded; they are very soft and they manage to cover your ears completely, so we think most people shouldn’t have major problems with them.

The headphones are quite durable. They are mostly made from plastic, while the headband and the joints are metal so there were no major complaints from the customers about build quality. The headphones swivel (up to 90 degrees). They are also foldable, which makes them very portable.

The most important thing about these headphones is their amazing sound. Being professional headphones, ATH-M50x deliver natural, clear and very detailed sound with balanced bass. They manage to isolate great amount of ambient noise passively and they can even be used as Bluetooth headphones. The only thing you need to do is to buy Bluetooth adapter.

 Things we don’t like

Truth to be told, there aren’t many things we can resent Audio-Technica. One of the “flaws” is the design and even that is not really the flaw. As all ATH headphones from M series, M50x have a bit boring looks which is probably unattractive to most of customers. However, they aren’t made to be typical consumer headphones, so we can overlook the lack of shiny colorful design. That is the reason why these headphones don’t have mic or control pad on the cable or earcups.

4. Avantree 40 hr Wireless Bluetooth 4.1 Over-the-Ear Foldable Headphones

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Avantree Audition are perfect headphones for everyone who want to combine wireless connection, good sound quality, comfort, looks and decent battery life with more than affordable price. They aren’t perfect, but they offer more than you could expect when you see the price. Their impedance is 32 Ohms while the frequency response goes from 20Hz to 20kHz

 What’s in the box?

Avantree Audition come with all the necessary equipment for normal usage. You will find there USB charging cable, short audio cable, 2-year warranty card and user manual as well.

 Things we like

First, we really like the way these headphones look in both black/red and black/brown versions. Especially that nice and elegant matte finish that prevents your headphones to get covered with fingerprints. The control buttons are highly accessible and you can find there power on/off button, volume controls, NFC button as well as charging port and the port for audio cable. There is also built-in mic that works nicely and allows you to make and answer calls while doing something else.

Second, the headphones can be used as both wireless and wired. It is hard to run out of battery with 40-hour capacity, but in case you do, you can always plug in the cable and the problem will be solved. The headphones also offer you the possibility to pair them with two devices at the same time.

Third, Avantree Audition are very light (6.3 ounces) and very comfortable headphones. They have adjustable headband, pleasant clamping force and relatively soft replaceable ear cushions.

Last, we have to say that the sound quality is very satisfying. It is quite balanced and the headphones offer good noise isolation. The bass is good, but not too emphasized; the mids are slightly forwarded, while the highs are surprisingly clear.

 Things we don’t like

Avantree Audition aren’t foldable headphones and they should be, considering the dimensions. They also should have padded headband as that would provide more comfort for the users.

The earcups aren’t truly full-size. They are something between S and M sizes and they won’t be able to completely cover bigger ears.

5. Sony MDRV6 Studio Monitor Headphones

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MDRV6 are one of the oldest Sony headphones that is still being produced. The amazing thing is they are becoming even more popular year after year, not only among professionals, but also among ordinary people. They are simple, lightweight (approximately 8 ounces) and they sound great. Besides that, they can last for years. They have frequency response from 5Hz to 30kHz, 106-dB sensitivity and 63-Ohm impedance.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a simple, partially transparent plastic box with black branded carrying bag and a 6.3mm plug adapter.

 Things we like

Sony MDRV6 are predicted to be professional studio headphones and considering that, we can say that we love their design. It is retro, but still attractive enough for the modern customers. They are very lightweight and although their headband doesn’t have thick padding, it is adjustable, spacious and quite comfortable. The ear cushions are spacious and very soft. They are also replaceable, which is great as the pads are usually the ones that wore off first. Besides that, the cups can swivel and the headphones are foldable, which makes them more adjustable and highly portable, especially if you want to take them on a trip.

The build quality is great. The headphones are made mostly from plastic, but they feel quite durable and reliable.

Sound quality is so great that we really don’t know how to describe it. It is extremely clear, detailed and so natural that you will be amazed by the real sound of your favorite songs. Just be aware that professional headphones don’t have too exposed bass, they are more balanced than regular consumer headphones. Sony MDRV6 don’t leak too much sound and they do manage to isolate great amount of ambient noise in spite of the design.

 Things we don’t like

One of the negative sides of MDRV6 is the non-detachable coiled cable. The fact that it is coiled can come in handy for professional musicians, but the fact that it is not detachable can cause problems to both professionals and ordinary people, as it is very difficult to replace that kind of cable.

In addition, the headphones should have thicker ear cushions. We can’t say they are uncomfortable, but more cushioning would be great.

6. Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphones

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HD280PRO are one of the Sennheiser models that offer great sound, great comfort but for far less money than you would expect. The headphones have the impedance of 64 Ohms, SPL is 102 dB, THD is 0.1%, while the frequency response goes from 8Hz to 25kHz.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a simple box with 6.3mm plug adapter.

 Things we like

One thing is sure – HD280PRO look comfortable and they definitely are. They have adjustable headband with thick padding. The earcups are large and the cushions are very thick and very soft. They swivel and adjust nicely to your ears without causing any discomfort even after many hours of wearing. The padding and the cushions are replaceable, which is great as it allows you to extend the life of your headphones.

These headphones are quite durable. They are completely made from plastic, but that doesn’t make them less durable than some metal headphones. The plastic build makes them only lighter (they weigh only one pound) and more comfortable for wearing. If they were metal, they would definitely be more sturdy and stiff on your head.

When it comes to sound quality, we assure you that you won’t make a mistake if you buy Sennheiser headphones as this company tries really hard to make headphones that deliver exceptional sound. The only problem is that all of us have different tastes. In case you love clear, detailed sound with slightly emphasized bass, these headphones are the right choice for you. You won’t hear any distortion – that’s for sure. They also manage to isolate up to 32 dB of ambient noise, they are compatible with all kinds of devices from studio equipment to smartphones, so we are sure you will enjoy them.

 Things we don’t like

HD280PRO don’t have many flaws, especially if you take into consideration that they are primarily made for professional use. However, we would like them to be more attractive as this boring all-black design is not very interesting for ordinary customers.

Also, these headphones have 3m long coiled cable. That’s great for studio, but not so great if you’re looking for headphones that you can wear outside the house. The cable is also not detachable and that can make problems with portability. Besides that, in case it gets damaged, you can’t just buy another one; you would have to buy new headphones and that is not too economical.

In addition, the headphones don’t have mic or control pad on the cable, so you won’t be able to make calls hands free.

7. Sony MDRXB950BT/B Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones

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MDRXB950BT/B are one of the most attractive full-size headphones made by Sony. They use Bluetooth technology with 33ft signal range and 20 hours of battery life. Besides that, they offer deep and powerful bass that can be turned on and off just by pressing one button. The headphones have 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response when used in wireless mode, while the response gets wider when the headphones are used in wired mode (3Hz – 28kHz). Also, their sensitivity is 102 dB.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come in nice branded cardboard box with 1.2m audio cable with 3.5mm connector, USB charging cable and user manual.

 Things we like

One of the things that attracts most of customers is the design of Sony MDRXB950BT/B. It is so fascinating that so simple headphones can be so elegant and modern. They come in black, red and blue colors, but it wouldn’t be so interesting if there weren’t for that excellent shiny matte finish.

The headphones are very comfortable thanks to the relatively light weight, wide soft headband which can be extended and adjusted to the size of your head as well as thickly padded earcups that lay nicely around your ears and the leather on the cushions that doesn’t irritate your skin.

Sony has enabled you to use these headphones as both wired and wireless. 20 hours of battery life should be enough, but if you run out of battery, you can always use the audio cable. The headphones are easily paired with any Bluetooth enabled devise and they also have built-in mic so you can answer calls without using your phone as all the controls are located on the earcups.

As you can expect from any Sony headphones, MDRXB950BT/B deliver great sound. It is well balanced and detailed. Besides that, you can listen to music in two modes depending on your taste or the type of music. If you listen to electronical music, you can turn on bass boost mode or turn it off if your listening to music with less emphasized bass. In addition, the passive noise reduction works nicely, mostly because the thickness of the ear cushions.

 Things we don’t like

Sadly, these headphones aren’t perfect. In our opinion, their biggest and maybe only flaw is bad built quality. They seem quite durable as they are made from quality plastic and brushed steel, but their week parts are hinges that break easily and make the headphones useless. That’s why we advise you to take care of the headphones and don’t expose them to severe usage.

8. Skullcandy Hesh 2 Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with Microphone

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Skullcandy Hesh 2 are relatively affordable Bluetooth headphones with 50mm drivers, 8.8 oz of weight and decent sound quality. As you could expect from Skullcandy, Hesh 2 are available in many different colors and designs, all the way from simple colors like black, blue or grey, to colorful models predicted for urban young people. They also have 32-Ohm impedance, 102-dB sensitivity and THD of 0.1%.

 What’s in the box?

Hesh 2 come in an interesting cardboard box with Skullcandy logo. They come with USB charging cable, detachable audio cable with 3.5mm connector and very thin and soft carrying bag.

 Things we like

One the things we appreciate most about any Skullcandy model is the variety of colors and prints. There are so many of them that most customers can find the perfect model for themselves.

Skullcandy Hesh 2 are quite lightweight, mostly because they are plastic. However, they feel quite flexible and durable at the same time. The headband can be extended and the swiveling earcups have very thick ear cushions.

The great thing is that the Skullcandy sends you audio cable that can be used in case you run out of battery, although 15 hours should be more than enough for most of activities. Some customers even claim the battery life is even longer than advertised. The cable has the control pad but if you use the headphones wirelessly, you can turn them on/off, control the volume or skip between tracks by pressing big buttons on the right earcup.

Sound quality is surprisingly good. You would probably expect bass to be very boomy and overwhelming, but it really isn’t. The bass is quite nice and the sound is balanced. The headphones have good signal range and they can be quite loud.

 Things we don’t like

Sadly, Hesh 2 have problems in comfort area. The ear cushions are soft and thick, but their size is very odd. It is something between on-ear and over-ear size. Many customers had problems with cushions pressing their ears and starting to feel pain after an hour of wearing. It would be nicer if the holes were more spacious, too.

In addition, we have to mention a bit forwarded mids and lack of treble. Also, the headphones don’t isolate ambient noise nicely due to the shape of cushions and they also leak great amount of sound, probably because of the same reason.

9. August EP750 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Over-ear Stereo Headphones

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August EP750 are Bluetooth headphones that don’t cost a fortune but do offer quite a lot for the price. They have 50mm drivers, they can be used as both wireless and wired headphones, they support ANC and NFC technologies while their battery gives you up to 15 hours of playback or talk time after only 3h of recharging. The frequency response goes from 20Hz to 20kHz, the sensitivity is 85 dB, while the THD is supposed to be lower than 1.0%. They are also available as much cheaper headphones without ANC and that version is available in many interesting colors.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a nice white cardboard box with hard-shell carrying case, auxiliary flat short audio cable with 3.5mm connector, USB charging cable, airplane adapter and user manual.

 Things we like

EP750 have simple design with highly accessible controls located on the earcups. The multifunctional button and volume controls are on the right earbud, while the ANC switch is on the left earbud. The headphones also have built-in mic, so there is a lot of options for you. You can listen to audio content with or without ANC, you can use the headphones as wired or wireless and you can answer calls no matter where you are and what are you doing.

The headphones are made from plastic except from the metal headband and hinges. The earcups can’t swivel or rotate, but the headphones are foldable, which makes them very portable and great for trips. The headband and earcups are nicely padded. The paddings are very soft and the great thing is that the ear cushions are very spacious. They seal nicely and comfortably around your ears isolating you passively from the background noises even if the ANC is not turned on.

When it comes to sound quality, we must confess it is great. It is quite balanced and pleasant, but the greatest difference makes ANC that really changes the general impression about these headphones.

 Things we don’t like

August EP750 have a bit boring design and they seem a bit bulky on head. They are available in black color only and they should introduce few more colors.

Some customers complained about the build quality. Some of them had problems with headband falling apart and the others had problems with ear cushions. However, try not to expose these to severe usage if you want them to last.

In addition, some customers have reported slight sound delay when using Bluetooth while watching TV or any kind of video content.

10. Beats Solo 2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

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Beats Solo2 are one of the most popular Beats headphones under $200. They come with battery that offers you up to 12h of playback or talk time, their signal range goes up to 30 feet and they weigh less than 8 ounces.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come with 2.0 USB charging cable, user manual, carrying case, 4.6ft audio cable with remote talk and 3.5mm angled connector and a warranty card.

 Things we like

Design is what you must love about Beats headphones, just like the variety of colors (in this case you get to choose from 10-color range). They have on-ear design and they won’t look bulky on your head. They can be used as wired or wireless and you will be able to answer calls in both modes. The earcups are thickly padded, the cushions lay nicely on your ears, the memory foam and protein leather that covers the foam doesn’t irritate your skin. The headband is soft and it can be extended and adjusted to the size of your head, while the cups can move a bit and adjust easier to your ears. Besides that, Beats Solo2 are foldable, which makes their transportation much easier, especially because of the presence of the carrying pouch.

When it comes to sound quality, Solo2 offer powerful sound with a lot of punchy bass that doesn’t overwhelm the mids and the highs. The headphones also get pretty loud, but the good thing is they leak very little sound, so you won’t annoy people around you. Besides that, they have great passive noise isolation in spite of the on-ear design, so you can partially isolate yourself from the ambient noise.

 Things we don’t like

In spite of the brand and the price, Solo2 aren’t perfect. One of the disadvantages is the glossy finish that attracts fingerprints that can make even the prettiest headphones look ugly.

Also, the headphones aren’t very comfortable. They do get more comfortable after some time, but the clamping force is definitely above average, so we wouldn’t recommend them to people who wear glasses. These are probably not the best choice for prolonged wearing.

In addition, some customers complained about build quality. Although Beats are made from quality plastic, the headband can break. There were also some cases of leather starting to separate from the foam on the cups.

One more thing – the headband should have thicker padding as it can start causing pain after some time.

11. Bose Sound True II Around-Ear Headphones

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Bose SoundTrue II are over-ear wired headphones from Bose that do cost a lot, but they are so comfortable and they sound so good that many people decide to afford them. They are extremely comfortable and they weigh less than 7 ounces. They have detachable 5.6ft audio cable with control pad and inline mic and they are compatible with Apple devices only.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a branded cardboard box with detachable cable, sturdy carrying pouch, warranty card and user manual.

 Things we like

Bose SoundTrue have amazing designed. Their angled earcups are big but not bulky, they swivel and fold flat, so they can easily adjust to your ears and be easily packed and transported. The ear cushions are very soft (made from memory foam and covered with soft pleasant leather) and very spacious, so that even the bigger ears can fit. The headband is nicely padded and it can be extended. The headphones come in black and blue colors with elegant matte finish which we like most.

SoundTrue II are completely made from plastic. It makes them very light and comfortable, but that doesn’t mean they are fragile. Most of the customers were satisfied with the build quality.

When it comes to sound quality, these headphones sound quite good. The bass is present and it sounds good, the mids and treble do just fine. These headphones aren’t meant for bass heads, but vocals are great. The high tones are very pleasing and crisp, so we are quite satisfied with that. The inline mic works nicely and you can use control pad to control the volume, play/pause music, answer calls and skip tracks as well.

 Things we don’t like

On the negative side, Bose SoundTrue aren’t the best Bose headphones. One of the biggest problems is the audio cable that has bad connector and it stops working too often. If it wasn’t detachable, those problems would definitely be more annoying as many customers had to replace it.

Besides that, Bose should improve the sound of these headphones. Truth to be told, we expected clearer sound with more details, as well as better noise isolation. If you’re not an audiophile, you won’t notice these things, but we thought it’s necessary to mention it.

In our opinion, the headphones could be a bit better considering the money you pay for them.

12. Beats Mixr On-Ear Headphones

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Beats Mixr represent one more on-ear model of Beats headphones. They are made for DJ and even signed by David Guetta. The headphones have extremely bassy sound, they look good and trendy and they weigh only 7 ounces. Not the best Beats product, but they are more than good for DJs and bass heads.  

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come with two detachable cables with angled 3.5mm connectors (one straight with the mic and control pad and the other partially coiled without the mic/control pad), 6.3mm plug adapter, airline adapter, cleaning cloth and nice zippered carrying case.

 Things we like

As always, Beats offers great design and variety of colors you can choose from (this time it is 14 different colors). The headphones are very light and quite small, so they look stylish on your head instead of being bulky as some other headphones. They are available in wired version only, but the cable is detachable and it can be plugged in both earcups.

Mixr headphones are mostly made from plastic with some metal parts (headband and hinges). That’s the main reason why they are so durable. The headband can be adjusted to the size of your head by sliding the headband up and down, while the cups can completely fold in, which makes these headphones very easy for transporting, especially because of the case included in the package. Besides, movable earcups allow you to wear the headphones on one ear only while they remain perfectly stable, and that’s a must for any DJ.

Sound quality is more or less like the sound of the other Beats headphones – very bassy. However, if you consider they were made for DJs and people who generally love bassy music, that style is perfectly fine.

 Things we don’t like

On the negative side, Beats Mixr aren’t very comfortable. They are light but their clamping force is strong. Also, the ear cushions aren’t as thick as they seem, the headphones press your ears and if you add the on-ear design, you will realize that these were not made for prolonged listening.

In addition, we like a bit more detailed and clearer sound, which is something that Beats lack a lot.

There should be some more padding on the headband as it seems quite uncomfortable, at least for us.

13. Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones

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HD 558 are audiophile-grade open-back over-ear headphones with amazing sound quality, as you could expect from a Sennheiser product. They have 50mm drivers, they come in wired version only, they weigh approximately 9.5 ounces and their THD is lower than 0.1%. Besides that, their frequency response goes from 15Hz to 28kHz, their sensitivity is 112 dB and the impedance 50 Ohms.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones come in a partially transparent cardboard box with detachable 3m long cable with 6.3mm connector that works based on” twist to lock” mechanism, 3.5mm plug adapter and warranty card.

 Things we like

HD 558 headphones are big and spacious headphones that can fit even the biggest heads and ears and that is thanks to the spacious oval ear cushions and thickly padded adjustable and extendable headband. The paddings are extremely soft and made from velour, so it probably can’t get any more comfortable than it is. The cushions are removable and washable, and if they get damaged, you can easily replace them with new ones. Besides that, the audio cable is detachable, so if you don’t want to use 3.5mm plug adapter that makes the connector very long, you can order separately 3.5mm audio cable that is also shorter than the one you get along with the headphones.

When it comes to build quality, HD 558 are plastic headphones but they feel quite durable and reliable. There were no complaints about the durability of this products. The headband is flexible and the cups can swivel a bit, which makes the adjusting process easier.

The sound is just amazing. It is very clear and detailed, but the great thing is that the headphones sound amazingly natural and the sound doesn’t get distorted. HD 559 can get pretty loud, so be careful if using these in public.

 Things we don’t like

We really can’t find any bigger flaws of these headphones, especially if we take their original purpose into consideration.

However, we would like to emphasize potential problems if you use these headphones in certain situations.

These are more “stay at home” headphones and there are more reasons for that. First, there’s the 3m long cable that is really too long for anybody’s pocket. Second, there’s the open design. It means the sound can get in and out. If you use these headphones outside, you risk annoying other people with your music, just like you risk being annoyed by other people talk, laugh and other kinds of noises you will be able to hear.

14. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Studio Headphone

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Beyerdynamic DT 770 are the confirmation of the quality of German products. They are available as 32-Ohm, 80-Ohm or 250-ohm models, but we have chosen to write about 32-Ohm version as both professionals and ordinary customers can use this model. They were made in the honor of the 88^th anniversary of Beyerdynamic company, but they have become extremely popular, so they decided to continue with the production. They have 5ft long cable with universal 3.5mm connector and they weigh only 9.6 ounces.

 What’s in the box?

The headphones arrive in a simple box with 6.3mm plug adapter and one thin carrying bag.

 Things we like

DT 770 have very attractive design and they look elegant in both black and grey colors. Besides being attractive, they seem rather comfortable and they really are. The headband is nicely padded and its size can be adjusted to the size of your head. The earcups swivel, which makes them adjustable and more comfortable. The absolute winners are extremely soft velour ear cushions with spacious holes in the middle. They are so comfortable that you will be able to wear the headphones as long as you want. The version with leather ear cushions is also available.

The headphones seem rather durable. They are made from plastic with metal hinges and headband for extra stability and durability. All in all, there were not major complaints about the build quality.

Finally, DT 770 sound great, at least if you’re audiophile or person who loves natural and detailed sound. They can brag with low THD, quite balanced sound with extremely clear highs. Although DT 770 don’t have ANC, they do manage to isolate background noise nicely, so we think you will be satisfied in that area as well.

 Things we don’t like

One of the flaws of DT 770 is audio cable. Its biggest issue is the fact that it isn’t detachable, which can make problems in case it gets damaged as it can’t be replaced. Besides that, the headphones don’t have mic, so you won’t be able to enjoy wireless comfort or answer calls without using your phone.

15. V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal Limited Edition Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone

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V-Moda Crossfade LP2 may be expensive for some people, but once bought they provide you many years of fun. They are advertised as military-grade headphones and their satisfied customers confirm that. They are different, metal and durable, but they still manage to provide decent comfort and excellent sound quality. Apart from that, they have 5-30000Hz frequency response, sensitivity of 105 dB, while their impedance is 32 Ohms. What else you can expect from a pair of headphones?

 What’s in the box?

V-Moda really tries to satisfy and amaze their customers. The headphones come in an interesting and unusual package with excellent hard-shell carrying case, two detachable braided cables with 3.5mm angled gold-plated connector (one of them has inline mic), one case clip, 6.3mm plug adapter and two gunmetal shield kits that you can replace on your own.

 Things we like

One of the most amazing things about V-Moda Crossfade LP2 is their unique design. The headphones are special and attractive the way they are, but you can personalize the looks of the shield kits according to your taste. V-Moda will engrave there anything you want (initials, names, symbols, pictures, etc.).

The headphones have metal build but that doesn’t mean that the headband isn’t flexible and adjustable or that the earcups can’t swivel, because they can. The ear cushions are quite spacious and hexagonal, so most people shouldn’t have major problems with too small pads. The hinges are metal, which means that it is harder for them to crack as plastic hinges tend to.

As far as sound quality is concerned, we are more than satisfied. The bass is a bit more emphasized and that makes the headphones great for listening to rock, pop or hip-hop. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them for other genres, but they aren’t the best choice if you’re a fan of classical music, for example. The headphones cancel a lot of background noise and they don’t leak too much sound unless they are on maximum volume.

 Things we don’t like

First of all, LP2 aren’t the most comfortable headphones on the market. They aren’t too heavy, but the clamping force is bigger than clamping force of some other headphones, especially plastic ones. Also, the ear cushions could definitely be thicker to provide more comfort, just like the padding on the headband.

Second of all, we have to mention some issues with sound quality. The highs get a bit distorted and the mids can be overwhelmed by bass. No ordinary user will ever notice that, but it is fair to warn you about something like that.  

How to Make the Right Choice?

Most of people find the search for new headphones very difficult and we understand them completely. There are so many options and information that an average customer has to get a headache when trying to understand that. We have tried to create the list of the best headphones under $200 in 2024 to make it easier for you to choose the perfect pair, but it sometimes is not enough. People often don’t know what they are looking for or what they need. The best way to find out what product fits best your needs is to answer some crucial questions that we have prepared for you.

What Do You Need These Headphones For?

One of the most important things you have to do even before you start the search is to think about the purpose those headphones will have.

Defining the purpose of a pair of headphones shortens the time you spend searching for them and makes that process simpler. When you know how and where you will be using something, it is easier to find it because you will narrow your search only to specific models that will be useful in specific situations.

For example, if you need headphones only for your house or maybe your studio, you can choose between several models of professional headphones on our list, even Sennheiser open-back model because you won’t use them at crowded places and other people won’t be disturbed by your music. Also, those headphones have longer cables that can’t fit anybody’s pocket but come in handy in a house or studio.

However, if you want freedom even at home, you can always choose some of the Bluetooth headphones, even the first model on the list that is great for watching TV.

On the other hand, if you need headphones for outside use, for the gym or commuting, we advise you to buy some of the Bluetooth models with durable battery and maybe even ANC technology, in case background noise really bothers you.

As you can see, this shortens search time because if you are looking for Bluetooth headphones, you will immediately filter them out and you won’t spend your precious time analyzing wired headphones if you don’t want or need them.

How Much Money Do You Have?   

The next step would be to define you budget. That also cuts out search time probably in half as you won’t read about headphones that cost $500 if your maximum budget is $200. However, that doesn’t have to mean that you can’t narrow the search down even more. If you have decided to buy headphones under $200, you can buy headphones that cost $50 or those that cost $150. The price range is very attractive for different people because you can find great headphones that don’t cost a fortune and still have amazing characteristics. The best of those models are available on our list of 15 best headphones under $200 in 2024.

What Features Should Have Your Headphones?

After defining the purpose and the budget, you should think about the features of your future headphones. That is probably the most difficult thing about buying these products.

For example, drivers are one of the most important parts of any headphones. They are actually the speakers inside the earcups and their size affects the sound quality a lot. The average size of the drivers inside full-size headphones is 40-50 mm.

Besides that, it is important to pay attention to impedance (defines the power necessary to supply the headphones in order to work normally), sensitivity (implies the loudness of your headphones) and frequency response (normal frequency range is 20Hz to 20kHz). These features are important because if you want consumer headphones for everyday use, you should get headphones with maximum 32-Ohm impedance, good sensitivity and average frequency range. In case you need professional headphones, you can get headphones with bigger impedance and probably wider frequency range.

In addition, it is really important to pay attention to build quality. In case you need headphones that won’t come out of your room or house so often, you can buy ordinary plastic headphones as they won’t be exposed to severe usage. On the other hand, if you want to buy headphones for outside use, you should think about headphones with metal parts and reinforced hinges, as well as foldable earcups as that makes transportation easier.

Also, depending on your needs, it would be great to consider detachable cables and Bluetooth technology. If you already want to buy wired model, detachable cable can only help you as it can prolong the life of your headphones. If it gets damaged, you will have to replace only the cable, not the headphones. On the other hand, if you’re buying Bluetooth headphones, it wouldn’t be bad to have auxiliary audio cable just in case you run out of battery no matter how durable it is.

At the end, we have to mention audio cancellation technology and passive noise reduction. ANC has many positive side and we can’t deny it. ANC allows you to block outside world almost entirely and to be able to do that while listening to your music at reasonable volume. Besides that, headphones with ANC are great choice for traveling, studying or commuting.

On the negative side, those headphones are more expensive than regular headphones. Also, these headphones use internal battery from the headphones themselves or some other device. They can’t block every single sound, especially high ones, and they can also affect sound quality. That happens because ANC creates waves opposite to sound waves, which can lead to loss of sound clarity.

To conclude this article, we have made great effort to make this selection for you. We have prepared the best models we could find and now it’s up to you to go through our list of 15 best headphones under $200 in 2024 and find the right pair for you.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between on-ear and over-ear?

Over-ear headphones completely enclose your ear, while on-ear headphones rest on the outside of your ear. Over-ear headphones generally provide better noise isolation and sound quality, while on-ear headphones are more portable and comfortable.

2. Is over-ear safer than on-ear?

Over-ear headphones are generally considered safer than on-ear headphones as they provide better noise isolation and help control the pressure exerted on your ear. However, it's important to prevent hearing damage by keeping the volume safe, regardless of the type of headphones you choose.