Best headphones under 200 dollars 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking for a pair of great sounding headphones at a price that won’t break the bank? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve analyzed many headphone models in this price range and compiled a list of the best ones based on the quality of sound, design aesthetics, comfort and durability.

Best Headphones Under 200 Dollars 2021 List

All the models we have reviewed below provide noise cancellation, some better than others. To find out which ones are the best for noise cancellation, please read the detailed analyses of each model.

Model Name	Type	Back
Audio Technica ATH-M50x	Over-ear	Closed	Check Price
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro	Over-ear	Semi-Open	Check Price
V-Moda Crossfade LP2	Over-ear	Closed	Check Price
Beats Solo 2	On-ear	Closed	Check Price
Sennheiser RS 175 RF	Over-ear	Closed	Check Price
Bose SoundTrue II	Over-ear	Closed	Check Price
Harman Kardon SOHO	On-ear	Closed	Check Price
RHA MA750	In-ear	Closed	Check Price

Types of Headphones

We will provide a brief overview of the most common types of headphones. If you are looking for a comprehensive piece on the subject, you may want to read this Wiki article.

On-Ear headphones fit on your ear and press against it rather than surround it as in the case of over-ear headphones. They can block unwanted noises from the environment effectively, but prolonged wear may cause discomfort.

Over-Ear headphones surround your ear fully and can block the outside noises very well. Some models are used in professional recording and may weight up to 1lb. Well-designed models can be very comfortable for prolonged wearing.

In-ear headphones are inserted in the ear canal (unlike earbuds that are fitted in the outer ear), thus they are also effective in noise isolation. They are lightweight and very portable.

Open or closed back. Closed-back headphones have the back of the earcups closed and provide better sound isolation, while open-back headphones leak more sound into the headphones and out into the environment. So, it is just something to keep in mind. Open-back headphones may be more appropriate for walking in the city, for example, when you need to be aware of the surroundings. While closed back headphones may be better for office work or home use. If you are unsure, which option is for you, try the semi-open headphones (second listing in the table above).

1. Audio Technica ATH-M50x – Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Under $200

The manufacturer Audio Technica has accomplished significant progress in developing high-quality technology for noise cancellation. And of course they have successfully incorporated it in the design of their popular ATH-M50x model.

The headphones manage to effectively detect and isolate external background noises. They feature large high-performance speakers (40mm/1.6”), which deliver powerful sound with impressive quality.

Apart from their great functionality that ensures the desired level of noise cancelation, these headphones can attract you with their robust classic design and affordable price. Made out of artificial leather, the ear pads are large, soft and pleasant to the touch, while the headband is very strong, flexible and comfortable.

The model is available in white, black and blue color. Surprisingly, the coiled cable adds to the beauty of the headphones: it comes in an interesting spiral form, but cannot be replaced with any third-party cables. You can extend it in length (from 1.2 to 3 meters). The headphones are very portable: they can be folded and stored in a convenient cover.
One thing that might disappoint you in the model is that it is a bit bulky. In addition to that the ATH-M50x headphones can cause some discomfort after long hours of wearing due to the pressure on the ears, caused by the headband.

Delivering excellent sound (rich deep lows; balanced mids; detailed highs) , the ATH-M50x headphones are a viable choice for both professional recording studios and home use.

2. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro – Best Open Back Headphones Under $200

Second on our list are the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones, which are our favorite open-back dynamic headphones.

The pair comes packed in a leather bag. The model has a very plain, classical look. It weights approximately 250 grams and comes with a coiled cable. The headphones design is typical for the Beyerdynamic brand: thick, flexible, durable, and adjustable.

When it comes to comfort, the DT 990 Pro headphones have very few competitors. The model features an ergonomic, rugged, extendible headband with aluminum support on each side. The headband can be accustomed to any head size. Meanwhile, the ear cushions are super soft, making sure that you should not complain from any concentration of pressure at a specific point after long sessions of wearing.

The open, diffuse-field headphones allow the sound to leak into the outside environment. They deliver high quality sound at wide range of frequencies.

The exposed cables on each side of the headphones might be considered a downside of the model, as they might not be to everyone’s taste.

And the bottom line is, if you are looking for that next level upgrade of your standard set of headphones, check the comfortable DT 990 Pro. They are designed for excellent sound reproduction and superb impulse performance.

3. V-Moda Crossfade LP2 – Best Bass Headphones Under $200

The next model V-Moda Crossfade LP2 definitely falls within the category of innovative headphones. Featuring a dual-diaphragm 50mm driver and <2dB variance for strict sound consistency, these over-ear headphones are perfect for those in love with deep bass frequencies.

The DJ-inspired V-Moda Crossfade LP2 have successfully passed numerous tests for military-level quality standards. This stylish pair of headphones isolates noise significantly well and delivers optimum sound: reveals both power metal riffs and electronic motifs.

Besides, the headphones come with two cables: a detachable SpeakEasy microphone control cable and extended pro audio/DJ cable, which are both coated in fabric, rather than plastic. The ergonomic headband is covered in both leather and mesh and is extremely comfortable, promising unlimited listening time. The back covers of the set can be replaced with a metal shield in a custom color or with a personalized logo that matches your style.

You can easily store the V-Moda headphones in an awesome exoskeleton hard carry case, which is already included in the package. Plus, another additional bonus associated with this product is the Immortal Life Program, according to which you are eligible to 50% discount for a replacement pair.

The only disadvantage that we can mention is the weight of the headphones (260g): they feel a bit heavier in comparison to other models that we have tried.

4. Beats Solo 2 – Best Travel Headphones Under $200

When it comes to comfort, the travel-friendly Beats Solo 2 headphones surpass most of the headphones that we have tried.

If you are among those who have an active lifestyle and are constantly on the move, you might enjoy the comfortable folding design of this set of headphones. It fits nicely into a pocket and can be easily stored in its hard-shell case. The model is great for continuous wearing.

The Beats Solo 2 headphones will become your preferred companion during trips. They can be used with or without a cable connection. A completely charged battery can last for up to 12 hours.

The Beats Solo 2 headphones have a special control system and LEDs that can provide information about the level of the battery.

Moreover, the headphones offer sophisticated noise isolation and deliver spectacular deep and rich bass lines. The upper and middle frequencies are also of great quality, higher fidelity and clarity.

You can have the Beats Solo 2 headphones in red, silver/gray, black, and blue.

5. Sennheiser RS 175 RF – Best for Watching TV/video games

If you are a TV or movie lover looking for a pair of excellent headphones with an exceptional sound quality, you should check the RS 175 RF model of the well-known Sennheiser brand.

The headphones deliver top-notch wireless audio transmission over a large operating range and are definitely a great addition to your home entertainment system.

The key advantage of the model is that it is wireless and works great even through obstacles. The charging station is a bit outdated and cannot charge more than one pair of headphones. On the other hand, the batteries are easy to replace and can last for about 18 hours.

The headbands and ear pads are extremely comfortable, even if you are wearing your 3D glasses. The noise cancellation feature of the headphones is also impressive. No ambient noises will interrupt your movie marathons.

The Sennheiser RS 175 RF model is compatible with any audio or video device, to which it can be easily connected through a digital or analog input.

We simply adore the adjustable Bass Boost and Virtual Surround modes of the product. They can be customized to enhance your listening and watching experience.

6. Bose SoundTrue II – Most Durable Sports Headphones under $200

Our recommendation for best headphones under 200 dollars for sports is manufactured by the recognizable brand Bose.

The Bose SoundTrue II headphones come flat-folded in a hard carrying case.

Like other Bose models that we have tested, the Bose SoundTrue II model has a soft, padded lightweight headband and memory-foam ear cushions.

The headphones provide great comfort with a natural feel on the head. You can wear them for hours and that will not cause you any issues. What is more, the model is great for everyday listening but operates best with Android and iOS devices.

The pair fits closely around the ears, so there is no significant sound leakage. You can listen to your favorite tracks without disturbing others around you. You should keep in mind that the headphones are not wireless, but you can detach the cable if you want to throw them in your bag.

The headphones may seem a bit cheap, but don’t be deceived by their look. In fact they are extremely flexible and durable, surviving above average turning and twisting.

In general, the pair is worth all your money. Featuring a TriPort technology for deep, full and resonating sound, the headphones have a microphone and remote build into the cable. That gives you complete control over the played music while practicing your favorite sport.

7. Harman Kardon SOHO – Best Hi-Fi Headphones Under 200 dollars

The great-sounding wireless Harman Kardon SOHO headphones have the right features for home audio enthusiasts fond of Hi-Fi/high-quality reproduction.

Extremely stylish, the headphones feature 30mm drivers, ear-cup-mounted sensors and touch sensitive control, which can be turned off if necessary.  The noise isolation is great, while the NFC technology is compatible with different devices and provides the desired by many freedom of movement. Besides, once charged, the battery can last for days.

Notice that the headphones are travel-friendly: they fold flat and fit nicely in a small soft carrying bag. On top of that, the ear cups are light, smaller in size compared to those of other models and square-shaped. They are completely covered in stitched leather. This might turn some users off, but we fell in love this beautiful, unique design. We can assure you that the elegant on-ear headphones will not cause any heating/ sweating of the ears in the summer or any unwanted discomfort.

The headphones are available in three different colors: brown, black, and white.

Truly, you will know that you have purchased a great product, when you immerse in unforgettable listening sessions with the Harman Kardon SOHO headphones. They deliver refined sound quality at a wide range of frequencies.

8. RHA MA750 Noise Isolating Premium In-Ear Headphone

These stunning in-ear headphones are made from 303F grade stainless steel components, so you are guaranteed long lasting durability. It is probably the finest earphone in terms of sound and the overall premium feel, at least at this price point.

MA750 come with 10 different sets of dual density silicone and memory foam ear tips, so you will definitely find a pair that fits your ears perfectly. A version with remote and microphone is also available.

Although in-ear headphones bass isn’t usually on par with the over-ear models, RHA MA750’s handmade dynamic driver in conjunction with the earphone’s design, delivers balanced high-res natural sound reproduction with deep and round base.