Best headphones under $200 (for over-ear, open back, closed back, noise cancellation and bass)

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When it comes to choosing the perfect headphone on a budget, there is no better time to be alive than now. The headphone market has been on a steady rise for over a decade and now there are literally endless options for headphone models across various price points. 

According to Statista, the global retail value of headphone shipments reached a whopping US $44.6 billion in 2020. 

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Make the most out of your $200 budget for headphones

If you want to get your hands on a pair of good headphones but don’t want to spend more than $200, we’ve got you covered. We have researched a lot of best headphones under $200 and compared them to make your headphone buying journey easier and hassle-free. 

10 Best headphones under 200

Explore your options for the best headphones under $200 across various categories: 

The best headphone under $200 (over ear)

Sony WH-CH710N – check it out here

Sony WH-CH710N offers the best value as a modern wireless headphone for your $200 budget.

There’s everything to like about this model, it’s a branded headphone, it uses Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity, and has an active noise cancellation feature that uses dual noise sensor technology. 

This headphone uses 30 mm sound drivers and delivers well-balanced and articulately defined audio for up to 35 hours. The quick charging feature of this model lets you enjoy up to 60 minutes of playback with just 10 minutes of charging. 

Pros: 

  • NFC connectivity supported 
  • Awareness mode included
  • 3.5 mm audio jack supported for wired connectivity

Cons:  

  • No touch or tap controls
  • No customizable audio profiles

The best noise-canceling headphone under $200 

Audiotechnica ATH-ANC700BT – check it out here

Audiotechnica ATH-ANC700BT certainly deserves to be the best noise-canceling headphone under $200. This is because it uses Audiotechnica’s proprietary QuietPoint Active noise cancellation technology that uses not just 2 but 4 dedicated mics to make ambient noise cancellation highly precise and effective. 

Audiotechnica ATH-ANC700BT is equally well-performing on the audio side of things. With 40 mm sound drivers, this headphone helps you dive deep into audio content that you love the most. Other high-end features that make this model simply the best headphone under the $200 price tag are touch controls, 24 hours battery life, Bluetooth 4.1 wireless connectivity, and 3.5 mm audio cable support. 

Pros: 

  • Active noise cancellation with 4 dedicated mics
  • Accurate audio reproduction
  • Touch controls included

Cons:  

  • No quick/fast charging feature
  • No customizable audio profiles

The best closed-back headphone under $200

JBL Live 650BTNC – check it out here 

JBL Live 650BTNC is undoubtedly one of the best options in the closed-back design category under the $200 price point. This closed-back headphone offers everything you can possibly ask for in a budget price tag, including dynamic audio performance, active noise cancellation, and customization options. 

JBL Live 650BTNC also surpasses other best $200 headphones mentioned in the list in terms of offering great value by including voice assistant support for Amazon Alexa and Google voice assistant. This model also works with the My JBL Headphones App which you can use to tweak the audio performance. 

Pros: 

  • 40 mm sound drivers deliver well-balanced audio
  • Active noise cancellation feature included
  • Foldable design improves portability

Cons:  

  • Touch or tap controls not included
  • NFC sharing not supported

The best open-back headphone under $200

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro – check it out here

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is underrated, but it’s got to be the best open-back headphone under $200. It brings all the specialties of high-end open-back headphones at an affordable price tag to help you avoid breaking the bank. Similar to top-tier open-back headphones, this model delivers natural and airy audio that feels organic.

The transparent and accurate audio reproduction also makes Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro a great choice for music production. The premium look and feel of this headphone perfectly complements its top-tier audio performance. 

Pros: 

  • Transparent and natural-sounding audio
  • Replaceable ear pads
  • Audio cable converter included

Cons:  

  • No support for wireless connectivity
  • No dedicated control buttons

The best Sennheiser headphone under $200

Sennheiser PXC 550-II – check it out here

Sennheiser PXC 550-II is undoubtedly one of the best headphones under $200 from Sennheiser. We picked this model as the best in terms of modern conveniences, including wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and smart controls and customizations. 

This model best fits the bill as a pair of on-the-go headphones as it uses Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable wireless connectivity. It also delivers up to 30 hours of playtime and includes smart features such as auto pause and auto turn on. 

Pros: 

  • Active noise cancellation feature included
  • Audio personalization options included
  • Voice assistants supported

Cons:  

  • Micro USB charging
  • Touch or tap controls not included

The best headphone under $150

Skullcandy Crusher Evo – check it out here

Keeping your headphone budget lower than $200 doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on performance and functionalities. Skullcandy Crusher Evo lets you get the best of everything under $150; it comes equipped with all the modern features, including wireless connectivity, and audio personalization. 

Skullcandy Crusher Evo is the best for bass lovers as it includes a dedicated bass booster mode. This headphone also offers you the option to personalize the audio performance as per your requirements. 

Pros: 

  • Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity
  • Rapid charging feature supported
  • Audio personalization options included

Cons:  

  • Active noise cancellation not included
  • Touch and tap controls not included

Some of the best audiophile headphones under $200

1. Sennheiser HD 300 Pro – check it out here

Sennheiser HD 300 Pro doesn’t fail to impress audiophiles both in terms of audio performance as well as pricing. The neutral and transparent audio of this headphone lets you precisely hear every detail of the audio content you are listening to. 

Sennheiser HD 300 Pro has a linear frequency response which also makes it a great choice for music production, especially home studio-based music production. With a lightweight and ergonomic overall form factor, you can wear this headphone for long hours without any discomfort. 

Pros: 

  • Linear frequency response with distortion-free audio
  • Lightweight form factor
  • Collapsible design improves portability

Cons:

  • No support for wireless connectivity
  • No dedicated touch or button controls

2. Audiotechnica ATH-AD700X – check it out here

Audiotechnica ATH-AD700X comes as one of the best audiophile headphones under $200 as it has an open-back design which improves the transparency of the overall audio performance. This headphone uses large-sized 53 mm sound drivers to deliver rich audio and elevate your music listening experience.

This model also performs double duty as a music production headphone as it delivers one of the best audio clarity under $200. Despite a large-sized form factor, this headphone is fairly lightweight and highly comfortable to wear. 

Pros:

  • Open-back design improves audio transparency and comfort level
  • Self-adjusting wings improve wear comfort
  • Detachable audio converter adapter included

Cons:

  • No support for wireless connectivity
  • Not the most lightweight design

3. Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro – check it out here

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro helps you get the best of open-back as well as closed-back headphones with its semi-open design. The natural, spacious, and dynamic audio of this headphone makes it a great choice for audiophiles as well as music production professionals.

The dynamic performance of the sound drivers makes this headphone versatile enough to adapt to almost all types of genres. Also, this headphone uses high-quality materials on the ear pads and headband to offer optimum comfort. 

Pros:

  • Transparent and natural audio performance
  • Premium look and feel
  • Lightweight overall form factor

Cons:

  • No support for wireless connectivity
  • Earcup adjustments are limited

4 best bass headphones under $200

1. Sony MDR-XB650BT EXTRA BASS – check it out here

Sony MDR-XB650BT EXTRA BASS delivers one of the most bass-heavy audio performances under the $200 mark. Although compact, this headphone delivers punchy bass, thanks to its bass booster technology. The superior noise isolation on the earcups of this headphone ensures that you feel every bass-rich beat of your favorite audio tracks. 

Sony MDR-XB650BT EXTRA BASS can last up to 30 hours straight. Dedicated control buttons and easy adjustments make this headphone very easy to use and comfortable to wear. 

Pros:

  • Bass-boosted audio performance
  • NFC connectivity supported
  • 30 hours of playtime with 4 hours of charge

Cons:

  • No touch or tap controls
  • Active noise cancellation not included

2. JBL Club 700BT – check it out here

JBL Club 700BT comes as one of the best Bluetooth headphones under $200 for audiophiles who are into electronic dance music. It helps you make your favorite EDM tracks sound more punchy and bass-heavy, all you’ve got to do is to push the dedicated bass booster button. 

The music listening fun just doesn’t end with this headphone as it delivers up to a whopping 50 hours of playtime. Also, you can tweak the sound profiles of this headphone, should you have different audio performance requirements. 

Pros:

  • Punchy bass audio performance
  • Awareness mode included
  • Customizable sounds profiles

Cons:

  • Active noise cancellation feature not included
  • No touch or tap controls

3. Sennheiser HD 450BT – check it out here

Sennheiser HD 450BT lets you enjoy bass-rich audio performance along with all the modern conveniences, including Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and smart customizations. Using the app-based equalizer, you can tweak the audio performance of this headphone to suit all your requirements. 

Using USB Type C quick charging, this headphone delivers up to 30 hours of playtime. Also, getting all your tasks conveniently done becomes easier with the headphone’s voice assistant support. 

Pros:

  • Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity
  • Active noise cancellation feature with awareness mode
  • Customizable sound profiles

Cons:

  • No touch or tap controls

4. AKG Y500 – check it out here

AKG Y500 doesn’t fail to impress as one of the best bass headphones under $200 with its bass-rich AKG signature sound that can be found in other premium AKG headphones. Apart from delivering impressive bass, this headphone also does a great job in delivering clearly defined highs and mids. 

The 40 mm sound drivers of AKG Y500 are dynamic enough to adjust to different types of audio content, including music, podcasts, and movie and game soundtracks. Although this headphone has a high level of passive noise cancellation, it also includes an awareness mode to help you stay aware of your surroundings. 

Pros: 

  • AKG signature sound
  • Awareness feature included
  • Customizable sound profiles

Cons:

  • Active noise cancellation feature not included
  • No touch or tap controls

4 best in-ear headphones under $200

1. Shure Aonic 3 – check it out here

Shure Aonic 3 is an unmistakable pick if you want a regular pair of wired in-ear headphones that sounds amazing with almost all types of audio content. Despite having a standard in-ear form factor, this headphone delivers full-range audio and does not fail to immerse you in the audio content you are listening to. 

Shure Aonic 3 is one of the few in-ear headphones to include studio-grade internal components for delivering precise audio performance. A wide range of ear tips included with this earphone helps you achieve the most comfortable fit. 

Pros:

  • Full-range audio performance
  • Remote mic for controls and voice assistant prompt
  • Extra ear tips included

Cons:

  • No wireless connectivity
  • No awareness mode for noise isolation

2. Sony 1000X – check it out here

If you are looking for true wireless earbuds in the in-ear fit category, you cannot go wrong with Sony 1000X. Although compact, this model packs plenty of modern features under the $200 price tag, including Bluetooth 4.1 wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and adaptive sound control. 

Sony 1000X helps you enjoy immersive audio and lets you take HD audio calls. Together with the charging case, this model offers up to 9 hours of playtime. With NFC support, you can quickly connect this model to your phone and get started with your music listening session. 

Pros:

  • Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 4.1
  • Active noise cancellation with awareness mode included
  • NFC connectivity supported

Cons:

  • Only 3 hours of playback without the case
  • No touch or tap controls 

3. Sennheiser IE 60 – check it out here

Although Sennheiser has made its mark in the wireless headphone category, the brand hasn’t abandoned the wired connectivity space, and Sennheiser IE 60 is the perfect testimony to this. This model surpasses even some of the best in-ear headphones under $200 with its captivating audio performance that is rich in bass.

Sennheiser IE 60 also ensures excellent passive noise cancellation with its rubber ear tips that form a perfect seal on the ears. The rugged audio cable and the overall durable build makes this pair of in-ear headphones last for a long period of time. 

Pros:

  • Bass-rich audio performance
  • Audio adapters, carrying case, and cleaning tool included

Cons:

  • No dedicated remote control

4. Bose Sport Earbuds – check it out here

Bose Sport Earbuds scores high as one of the best in-ear headphones under $200 in the true wireless category. Similar to premium Bose headphones, this model ensures accurate audio reproduction to help you listen to your music the way it is intended. This model is especially good for people who are into sports and workouts as it offers a secure yet comfortable fit.

Bose Sport Earbuds ensure reliable wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1. Adjusting volume levels, controlling audio tracks, and prompting voice assistants becomes easy with the earbuds’ capacitive touch controls. 

Pros:

  • Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity
  • Sweat and weather-resistant design
  • Microphone supports beamforming function

Cons:

  • Active noise cancellation not included
  • No fast charging feature
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