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This article on the best headphones under $200 is aimed at all customers looking for a high-quality pair of headphones in the $200 price range. Sure, that's more than enough money to have a great pair of headphones for almost any need, but you should be aware that the fancy looks and great prices often hide inferior headphones.
That's why we decided to present you with a set of headphones and show you all their good and bad sides, so you can be sure what you're getting. The list we created consists of the 10 best models we could find on the market at this price. You'll get headphones that cost less than $50, some cost between $50 and $100, while most are between $100 and $200. Some of them are over-ear headphones, while the others are on-ear, but they are also very comfortable and incredibly popular.
Best
TREBLAB Z7-Pro
Best Headphones Under $200
Unrivaled Comfort + Sound
Discover your favorite sound/music with ultra-comfortable headphones made of soft leather and memory foam.
Top-Tier Playtime & Charging
Jam out for days with a 45 hr battery life. Once depleted, each Bluetooth headphone with microphone can be fully charged in 2.5 hours, or quick charge in 20 minutes for 5 hrs of playtime.
Indeed, there is definitely something for everybody. While creating this article, we considered the different people and what their needs are. While there are headphones that will appeal to any audiophile or professional performer, we also considered regular people that have less cash in their pockets, along with young, stylish guys and girls looking to wear some trendy headphones, obviously.
For all of the above-mentioned reasons, we suggest you stick with us, pick up some cool headphones for yourself and get to know a bit about them and how the buying experience is supposed to be done.
Table of comparison
- Advanced active noise cancellation
- 45-hour battery life
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity
- Bass could be punchier
- The TREBLAB Z7-Pro headphones offer unbelievable sound at an amazing cost.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Strong bass
- Compromise-free balanced sound experience
- Excellent stereo definition and clarity
- The bass is a bit overemphasized
- An all-around sturdy headphone you can use while editing videos or enjoying music on the bus.
Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless
- Reasonable sound
- Solid battery runtime
- Discreet premium appearance
- Difficulties with height recordings
- Offers a strong competitive option to the Momentum Wireless series.
Jabra Elite 85h
- Efficient audio output with deep bass and crisp highs
- Extraordinarily comfortable
- Superior app with adjustable EQ and ANC settings
- ANC can alter the sound signal easily
- Poor Alexa integration
- Decent wireless audio performance and active noise cancellation for a great price.
GRADO SR125e
- Vibrant audio
- Outstanding highs and midrange
- Firm bass
- No carrying case
- Awesome audio, superb clarity, stunning detail, and precision.
Razer Opus
- Reliable ANC
- Well balanced audio
- Durable battery runtime
- Microphones capture background sounds
- Amazingly powerful and offer the user solid noise-canceling and great audio quality.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
- Fairly durable build
- Unbelievably powerful sound range
- Among the most comfortable models
- Bass is a bit weak
- With their velour cushioning, these headphones offer a luxurious feel.
Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Over-Ear Headphone
- Marathon battery runtime
- Great price/performance ratio
- Deals with calls fine
- Bass control slider is overwhelming
- A bit tight for bigger heads
- Awesome battery life, great wireless connectivity, and bass-oriented profile
Plantronics Backbeat
- noise-canceling
- Bass not very rich
- Despite the fact that the design has been enhanced, the headphones remain a bit heavy
- The combination of solid noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, superb sound, and a comfortable fit - all for a very competitive price
Sony WHCH710N Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Reasonably priced, for they offer
- Adaptive noise cancellation
- Lively, powerful audio
- Mainly constructed from plastic
- Average noise canceling
- Sounds nice and uses a number of new adaptive noise cancellation technologies
TREBLAB Z7-Pro – Best Headphones Under 200
The TREBLAB Z7-Pro headphones provide exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation at a reasonable price point. These over-ear headphones utilize advanced active noise cancellation technology to block out external noise, allowing you to focus on your music or calls.
A key highlight is the headphones' 45 hours of battery life on a single charge, reducing the need to constantly recharge. Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable and quick wireless connection to your devices. The soft, padded earcups and adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit during extended listening sessions.
KEY FEATURES
- Advanced active noise cancellation
- 45-hour battery life
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity
- Soft, padded earcups
- Foldable design
+ Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Very long battery life
- Clear and balanced sound
- Comfortable for long wear
- Good value for money
- Cons:
- Noise cancellation could be slightly better
- Bass could be punchier
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x - Best versatile headphones under 200 dollars
Fortunately, Audio-Technica has added both AAC and aptX to the Bluetooth codec support, meaning you get to enjoy great sound on both Android and iOS.
Talking about audio, these headphones come in a V-shape, with powerful bass and crisp treble. These are fun to listen to, and they include a ton of details.
The plastic construction may not be very strong, though, it can take a beating. These closed-back headphones have been made for the studio, where they will be moved around a lot.
But the new Bluetooth headphones offer support for wireless connectivity and are better meant for commuters and office workers who aren't fond of wires. The battery holds up to 40 hours of playtime.
Key features
- Charging: 7h – Micro-USB
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
- Water resistance: No
- Features: Touch controls, 3.5mm port
+ Pros:
- Delightful, V-shaped tone
- Great build quality
- Foldable design, ideal for traveling
- Cons:
- No quick charge
Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless - best noise cancelling headphones under $200
If neutrality is something you look for in wireless headphones, these over ear headphones may be the perfect option.
They still offer some sound coloring to avoid the headphones becoming too muffled sounding, allowing you to modify them further in the accompanying app. They are great for any musical style, even hip-hop.
The over-ear design of the PXC 550-II is fairly understated. Rather, Sennheiser has concentrated on offering a comfy fit and a lightweight design.
Along with the inclusion of foldable hinges and a travel pouch, they are perfect for daily use in the office. The 550-II also features Transparent Hearing and active noise cancellation. They feature a generous amount of Bluetooth codecs, AAC, aptX, and even aptX Low Latency, which decreases audio transfer delay.
Key features
- Battery life: 20h (ANC + wireless), 30h (ANC + wired)
- Charging: 3h + quick charge – Micro-USB
- Water resistance: No
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Low Latency
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 / 3.5mm
+ Pros:
- Awesome ANC performance
- Excellent sound quality
- Helpful mobile app
- Foldable, lightweight design
- Cons:
- Expensive
- Micro-USB instead of USB-C
Jabra Elite 85h – best sounding headphones under 200
Jabra has tuned the Elite 85h to be more centered on the mids and highs. They are brighter as a whole and sound more upfront, having little extension in the sub-bass section. Whereas the soundstage is somewhat lacking, imaging is fairly precise. Featuring a total of 8 microphones, these headphones deliver quality for phone calls or audio streaming as well as active sound canceling.
The convenient styling is great for commuting, listening at home, as well as the fitness center. In addition, they come with a nano-coating designed to repel sweat during intensive exercise.
The Elite 85h does support some clever functions like a wear-detection sensor and a voice-activated smart assistant (Amazon Alexa). Naturally, you can connect them to the app to unblock many other handy tools as well.
Key features
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
- Charging: 2.5h + quick charge – USB-C
- Battery life: 41h (36h with ANC)
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC
+ Pros:
- Outstanding battery life
- Brilliant, detailed audio
- Nano coating for water resistance
- Cons:
- ANC might be improved in this price range
GRADO SR125e - Best Bluetooth headphones under 200
The attention to detail of these on-ear headphones for less than $200 is stunning. The sound quality is quite vibrant and airy, offering great control over the frequency range.
They have little bass, but that is natural for open headphones. They do have a broad stereo image, making them awesome headphones to use for live recording. Their case comes with a unique retro look that sets them off from the crowd. These are ultra-lightweight and quite compact. The thick foam ear cushions sit snugly on the ears with no excessive pressure.
They may not have a premium appearance, yet they have a robust and supple feeling to them. In fact, they will be hard for you to break. They are supplied with a 3.5 mm plug, and a 6.3 mm adapter is supplied in the package.
Key features
- Noise-canceling: No
- On ear headphones
- Connection: Wired headphones – 3.5mm
- Cable length: 47 inches (1.2m)
+ Pros:
- Clear, airy sound
- Sturdy build
- Cons:
- Cable not removable
- On-ear earcups are not for everyone
Razer Opus - Best gaming headphones under 200
The Opus active noise-canceling headphones feature a pleasantly balanced sound signature, featuring a subtle boost in the sub-bass to increase rumble. For improved positional precision, you can enable the Enhanced Clarity sound profile, which enhances the highs and details in your gaming.
The Opus provides a number of fascinating functions. One of which is Active Noise Canceling, which suppresses background noise really effectively. Razer also provides EQ presets designed in partnership with THX. These presets are targeted at gaming as they enhance specific noises like speech, footsteps, and game effects.
If you like to use these over ear headphones for commuting, then you can also activate Ambient Awareness to enhance your surroundings. You can plug the headphones in wirelessly or wired. The integrated microphone is also very good for phone calls, even in louder surroundings. A carrying bag is provided for convenient transportation.
Key features
- Connection: Bluetooth / 3.5mm
- Water resistance: No
- Noise canceling: Yes
- Battery life: 25h (with ANC) for long listening sessions
- Charging: Quick charge – USB-C
+ Pros:
- Well balanced, highly detailed sound
- THX approved for improved in-game experiences
- Decent ANC performance
- Cons:
- Cost
- No user-defined EQ
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO - Best studio headphones under 200
These awesome headphones focus on details and identifying errors in the sound content. Their studio-quality audio is great for both casual and more professional applications. The soundstage is fairly spacious and airy due to the amplified highs. Nevertheless, the latter creates a certain sibilance.
The headphones are made of hard plastic ear cups and a leather-cushioned metal headband. To provide the best possible wearing comfort during extended studio periods, the ear cushions are coated with a thick layer of velour foam. The latter also ensures breathability and stops heat from being trapped inside the ear cup. If you intend to use these headphones in the studio, you will be pleased to know that the cable, while not removable, is thick and long-lasting.
Key features
- Connection: Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
- Noise-canceling: No
- Cable length: 118 inches (3m)
+ Pros:
- Robust construction, manufactured in Germany
- High sound quality
- Great studio headphones
- Cons:
- Non-detachable cable
- Bright sound can become sibilant
Skullcandy Crusher - Best over ear headphones under $200
Wireless connectivity isn't a usual characteristic of headphones in the $100 price bracket; and although the Skullcandy Crusher may not be the best over-ear headphones available, they do provide a ton of value for the requested price. The treble is somewhat weak, yet the mids and bass truly excel here - in part because of the base slider, which offers you unmatched bass if you choose to use it.
And its relatively lightweight design helps battery life. You can get approximately 40 hours of operation from a full charge, and the quick charge capability means you can enjoy a full 3 hours with as little as 10 minutes of non-use time. It also has a built-in microphone, so that makes it a nice option for gamers.
Key features
- Frequency Response: Not disclosed
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 40 hours
- Weight: 9.8 ounces
+ Pros:
- Sensory bass is completely customizable
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity for $100
- Foldable at the hinges
- The ear cups are really cushy
- Cons:
- Cheap, plasticky feeling
Plantronics Backbeat - Best closed back headphones under 200
Plantronics' Backbeat is a pretty tough candidate for the top mid-priced travel headphones award. These headphones feature one of the best active noise-canceling technologies we've come across and can last up to a whole day with a single charge. Plus, with a wireless reach of 330 feet, you have considerably more space to work in than with the more average wireless headphones.
These headphones are also quite stylish. Their classic wood grain pattern looks awesome in contrast with the traditional textured panels, and it even includes a decent carrying case for travel. The headband is not only nice in appearance but also provides a snug fit for long listening periods. However, the design also blends with practicality here. The controls are substantial and built directly into the left ear cup.
Key features
- Frequency Response: 20 - 40,000 Hz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: 24 hours
- Weight: 0.62 pounds
+ Pros:
- Able to pair up to two devices
- Excellent sound quality
- Superior active noise canceling
- Supplied with a nylon traveling case
- Cons:
- The build quality could be slightly better
Sony WHCH710N - Best wireless headphones under 200
The Sony WHCH710N hits directly at our price top here, and although it may not deliver the greatest output on the market, it does offer an accessible introduction to engaging audiophile sound. The sound performance is one of the best in our ranking, and the clever microphone system offers high-definition voice clarity even in windy or other loud conditions.
Because these headphones use the newest Bluetooth protocol, you can rely on them to establish steady connectivity that functions at a decent range from your connected phone. Plus, with a battery runtime of up to 35 hours, be confident that you can get through several sessions with no need to recharge the headphones.
Key features
- Frequency Response: 7 - 20,000 Hz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC
- Battery Life: 35 hours
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
+ Pros:
- Microphone functions also in noisy surroundings
- Easy NFC connection
- Uses the newest Bluetooth technology
- Supplied with a protective case
- Cons:
- The fit may be discomforting for some
What are the best headphones for everyday use?
That depends a lot on your preferences. If you listen exclusively to music, generally any headphones will do as long as they are closed-back. This type of headphones offers:
- The isolation is much better due to the closed ear cups. Much less ambient noise penetrates inside, so you can fully concentrate on your music. In addition, the noise from the headphones is kept in check.
- Active noise cancellation can't work with open ear cups, so this technology is only useful with closed headphones.
- Deeper bass is something that a certain user group looks for in headphones. The latter is easier to achieve if there is a closed room where the frequencies can resonate.
Conclusion
After all that, can we find a definite winner?
Well, yes and no...
Sure, there are outliers. Yet, all of these headphones perform great at a decent price, indeed! It really only depends on your own personal tastes and what you are going to use the headphones for.
Therefore, we are going to present to you in no uncertain terms our absolute favorite among the top headphones for under $200, the...
TREBLAB Z2
To summarize, the TREBLAB Z2 are just awesome headphones. We bet you won't be able to get such amazing quality for such a low price. Crisp sound, comfortable to wear, strong bass, wireless comfort - what more could you ask for?
Notable Mentions
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100. If you enjoy deep bass and over-ear headphones for exercising, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 is well worth consideration.
TREBLAB Z7-PRO . Retreat to a sound-free paradise with noise canceling headphones that fully block background noise. Crafted with 6 auto-adjusting microphones that activate when noise is detected and a transparent mode to hear surroundings. Look at TREBLAB Z7-PRO on our website or on Amazon.
Plantronics Backbeat GO 810. The fairly affordable Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 headphones deliver robust noise-cancellation and punchy, bass-driven sound.
Sennheiser PXC 550. The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones deliver superior noise cancellation and strong audio performance in an easy-to-use design.
Jlab Audio Flex Sport Gym Workout Headphones. JLab's Flex Sport wireless Bluetooth headphones are over-ears developed especially for working out and are priced at $99.
FAQ
What are the best wireless headphones under $200?
For many people searching for the best headphones, Bluetooth becomes a top preference. The Plantronics Backbeat is capable of connecting wirelessly up to 30 meters and pair with two separate units for a smooth transition between work and home.
What are the best noise-canceling headphones for under $200?
The Jabra Elite 85h are among the best headphones under $200 if the ability to cancel outside noise is important to you. The active noise cancellation is one of the best on the market and is enhanced by dynamic technology that adjusts the sound that reaches your ears to the ambient noise.
What are the best headphones for 2023?
There's no better offering than the Treblab Z2. These combine some of the best audio output we've ever come across with one of the classiest, most comfortable wearing options around. We can safely describe them as the best over-ear headphones under $200.
What is a good price for headphones?
Anything between $100 and $500 is a worthwhile investment. After that, you're only paying for luxury materials and marginal improvements in sound quality.
It all depends on how good you want your headphones to sound and how many features you want them to have. For wireless headphones, you don't need to spend more than $400.
