On the hunt for the best headphones under $200? Then you might have to check out the recommendations on Reddit. The community is filled with individuals just like yourself who are not only searching for the best and most affordable options but have also made use of them.
There, you can find actual reviews and recommendations from people who know their onions. However, browsing through numerous posts and subreddits just to get a satisfactory option is a pain-staking task no one should have to undergo.
And that’s why we put together this list of the best headphones under $200 according to Reddit users. You will also find quotes from Reddit users on why they recommend it and how it would provide you with value for your money.
Best Headphones Under $200 (Reddit) – Our Selection Process
To come up with this list, we went through hundreds of Reddit threads about headphones. Then we selected the most active comments about the listed options. Out of hundreds of comments, we considered the ones that referred to as high quality and very affordable products.
1. Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Headphone
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The Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Headphone is one of the top choices considered by Reddit users and checking through the features, this comes as no surprise.
Build Quality
These headphones sport a decent build quality though they are made of plastic. The faux-leather ear cups seem fairly durable and the headband features a plastic and metallic feel with faux-leather padding for extra comfort. Overall, the headphones should be able to handle a couple of drops without any significant damage.
Sound Quality
The Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Headphone delivers a clear and slightly bass-heavy sound profile. The soundstage is neutral enough to be suitable for many music genres but the bass range is more ideal for hip-hop and EDM. Gamers would also find the sound profile quite fitting for most gaming needs.
Comfort
The cushioned ear pads and padded headbands ensure that the Sony WH-CH710N are comfortable. They are also lightweight and won’t clamp too tightly on the head. Some people might find the ear cups a bit shallow which would bring your ears in contact with the drivers. This could be quite annoying.
Features
The Sony WH-CH710N comes with some decent features. It is voice assistant compatible allowing you to control your music without having to press the buttons. It also offers active noise cancellation. However, you should take note that there are no microphone control and channel mixing features with this piece.
What Reddit Users Say
[su_quote cite=”Dr_Momentism”]These headphones are great. I’m actually considering buying another pair as backup/for my wife…[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Jiven”]They sound amazing and very comfortable[/su_quote]
2. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphone
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For under $200, you could purchase a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones and not have to worry about distorted audio when listening to music or playing video. However, note that these headphones feature an open-back design and doesn’t feature noise cancellation to deal with background noise.
Build Quality
Solid and durable are two words that can be used to describe the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphone. The headband features a rugged metal brand that can last you through a significant amount of physical stress, however, the open-back ear cups are entirely made of plastic. Still, they are dense enough to survive a few drops.
Sound Quality
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphone features a perfectly balanced sound profile. The bass, treble, and instruments are perfectly balanced and reproduced to give out high-quality audio. However, this pair won’t block any ambient noise.
Comfort
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Headphones score high in the area of comfort but they can be a bit tight on your ear. The ear cups are large and well-padded to make for a comfortable fit. The headband might be too rigid for some, but most people would find it quite comfortable.
Features
These headphones are better described as the best option for those on a tight budget. There aren’t really many features to go by but you do get a device with high-quality audio reproduction. There are no controls on the device but its waterproof compatibility does count as an impressive feature for a device of its price range.
What Reddit Users Say
[su_quote cite=”JLordX”]The frequency range is very wide and is very detailed. You can notice the deepest bass and the highest notes and percussion from a track. There are sounds in the songs which you will hear for the first time if you never used a quality grade headphones. The sound feels natural and bright.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”VForVarinius”]If you want these for casual gaming, music or movies they’re great. But avoid them like hell for competitive shooters.[/su_quote]
3. Jabra Elite 85h
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The Jabra Elite 85h is one of the few headphones under $200 with an impressive spec sheet that makes for a perfect buy. Taking a look at the features, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Reddit users go crazy over this model.
Build Quality
The build is one of its most outstanding specs. The combination of black mesh fabric, sturdy plastic, and soft leatherette make for a nice-looking frame. The headphones are designed to resist water damage though more attention should have been placed on how tightly they would fit on your head.
Sound Quality
Fitted with 40mm custom-engineered speakers, the Elite 85h will deliver a warm soundstage with impressive sonic depth. The sound reproduction on music genres is quite balanced even on those with heavy bass signatures. Overall, you will experience crisp vocals and balanced punchy lows which should lead to some serious head-nodding energy.
Comfort
Soft leatherette padding on the ear and headband ensure you won’t be feeling uneasy after wearing the headband for a while. It is also lightweight at 10.4 ounces. The headband is quite flexible allowing for easy movement without applying too much pressure.
Features
The Smart Active Noise Cancellation is basically one of the top features that sell these headphones. There is also the Jabra Sound+ app that lets you do more with the device especially if you like personalizing your headphones. This product is also compatible with digital assistants and offers support for Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
What Reddit Users Say
[su_quote cite=”Gatsoup”]I have these. They’re very comfortable and the ANC is pretty good. The app has EQ sliders if you’re into that. Microphones are sound clear, switching between devices is instant, battery life is superb. It has great build quality though it does creak a bit when adjusting or folding the headphones. $150 is a great deal[/su_quote]
4. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
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It won’t be wrong to call this pick “the boss of headphones” as it packs all the right features and some extra specs that you should only be entitled to if you had a little more to spare. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is serious about comfort giving a sturdy, well-thought decision as well as high-quality audio reproduction.
Build Quality
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II seems quite durable enough with all the right features in the right places. The design is quite stylish and makes it look classier than it actually is. According to several Reddit users, a few falls won’t lead to any significant damage, and the headphones are super comfy.
Sound Quality
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is designed to handle any music genre but would also deliver impressive sound reproduction for gaming. The base notes are weighty and nuanced allowing you to make out numerous layers of sound where low-quality headphones would struggle.
These headphones also keep controlled management of the high treble on any music genre. You will also notice the ability of the headphones to adapt to the intensity of songs. From quieter drums that rise up as the song builds up to the chorus to powerful beats that go on and on, these headphones are built for almost any job.
Comfort
These headphones really sell the word “comfort” as it is designed to rest on your head and cover your ears perfectly without being too tight, rough, or uncomfortable. The headphones are actually light and come with super-soft padding so you won’t have issues wearing them for more than just a couple of hours.
Features
You will be able to personalize the headphones through the Bose Connect app but the main attraction is the Google Assistant capability. There are also three noise cancellation levels to choose from allowing you to decide how you want to listen to audio. Finally, there is a 40-hour runtime on noise-cancellation which is cut in half to 20 hours with a wireless connection.
What Reddit Users Say
[su_quote cite=”koala619″]I’ve used these for 15+ hour flights. Very comfortable and the noise cancellation is phenomenal[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”StriderWaffle”]I wear these for nearly 12 hours a day and find them insanely comfortable[/su_quote]
5. Sennheiser HD 599 Headphone
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The Sennheiser HD 599 Headphone is an upgrade to the HD 598 and still falls under the $200 mark. It comes with a list of impressive including a lightweight build and a design that focuses heavily on comfort. These headphones also get thumbs up for their amazing sound reproduction, however, it is an open headphone so it not the best for listening to music outdoors or in noisy areas.
Build Quality
The Sennheiser HD 599 Headphone features a more premium look and a bit more metal than its predecessors. The headband is covered in a more premium leather coating with more metal on and around the ear cups. You can tell that these headphones would be more durable than most, however, the hinges feel a bit flimsy.
Sound Quality
There is excellent treble range performance on this headphone while the base does come out well balanced. Overall, the Sennheiser HD 599 Headphone does perform best when used in listening to music, however, its quality does dwindle when you go through noisy areas.
Comfort
The improved padding on the Sennheiser HD 599 Headphone means better comfort even when worn for long listening sessions. These headphones feature large oval earcups that are well-padded and designed to make for a comfortable fit. The microfiber fabric coating on the padding feels soft and nice to the skin so you won’t feel fatigued even when using it for long hours.
Features
The Sennheiser HD 599 Headphone is more of a professional’s choice. There are no excellent features like Assistant compatibility or noise cancellation. Still, the headphones make for a great pick if you want a more affordable option.
What Reddit Users Say
[su_quote cite=”XcRaZed”]I bought these last year and they are great. Amazing quality for the price, they are open back though so while you can hear your surroundings a bit better with these on everyone can hear your stuff as well[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”SubtleAesthetics”]Very good for music and gaming, detailed sound/imaging and wide soundstage: using these now. (beige version, SE is the exact same drivers, except the color scheme is black).[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”davedavee”]Great pair of cans for enjoying music, movies and games. I have been using mine with my mobos audio and they sound great. I’m sure an external dac and amp would make these sound even better but I’m impressed with it either way.[/su_quote]
6. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
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The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are closed-back headphones designed for critical listening and will deliver exceptional audio reproduction to meet your musical needs.
Build Quality
These headphones are well-built which is not surprising considering it comes from Audio-Technica. The build features dense plastic on the ear cups and headband which makes it quite sturdy. It would also withstand a few jobs without damage to the headband and earcups, however, you’d want to handle the joints more carefully.
Sound Quality
The ATH-M50x delivers excellent bass accuracy with neutral responses resulting in deep bass at the right time. The treble is also very good leading to an overall balanced sound reproduction.
Comfort
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x comes with large earcups that are designed to deliver more comfort. The additional space allows them to rest effortlessly on your years without feeling too tight, though you might have some issues with the stiff and squeaky padding when adjusting the headphone.
Features
These headphones feature a rather professional design so you won’t get features like a control scheme and additional audio cable. There is also no Noise Cancelling control so you’ve got to deal with some ambient noise. However, the large earcups should block out most of the background disturbance.
What Reddit Users Say
[su_quote cite=”Revo_Veneno”]If it works, it works. That’s the M50x. It doesn’t sound impressive, there is no wow, but it can probably outlive you if you are careful with it.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”LightyLittleDust”]They are good headphones. I’ve used them daily for years, from 2015 to 2021, for pretty much everything — gaming, music, movies, you name it. I have two working pairs — the original one, non X, and the X model. I moved to Sundara, but i still keep them close to me, because i love them.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”SupOrSalad”]They’re definitely a durable pair of headphones. Good for tracking in a studio where they would be used lots. I wouldn’t really say they beat anything else in it’s price point for sound quality. Not really what I would choose for enjoyment listening. But they’re a good workhorse that’s been tried and tested for sure![/su_quote]
