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What are audiophile headphones? They’re headphones fit for those who have incredibly high standards. Audiophiles like a crisp and clear sound delivered straight into their ears without the hassle of background noise or static ruining their listening experience. But not every audiophile can afford to drop excessive amounts of money on headphones.
So this is a list of the best audiophile headphones under 200. The list contains listening devices that are both quality and affordable, each catering to a different type of audiophile. While some have a preference for comfort, others prefer a wirelessly connected pair of ultra-clear headphones. In this list, we’ve made sure that there is something for each and every audiophile’s taste.
Shortlist of the Best Audiophile Headphones Under 200
If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you don’t need to read through each and every one of our reviews. Instead, see our headphones listed below for a shortlist of our favorite audiophile headphones under 200. We have picked out our very favorite in each category to make choosing a little easier for you.
- Best Overall Audiophile Headphones Under 200 – Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air Headphone
- Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming – EPOS Audio H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset
- Best Audiophile Over-Ear Headphones – Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
- Most comfortable audiophile headphones – Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones
- Best bass audiophile headphones – Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Best wireless headphones under 200 for audiophiles – Blue Satellite Premium Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Our Top Picks: Audiophile Headphones Under 200
If you want more of an outline of some of the best audiophile headphones that can be found on this list, these are our top picks. You can see the best and worst qualities of each of our favorites in our short summaries below each item listed. Without further adieu, these are our top picks and why we are obsessed with them.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air Headphone | – Hi-res Audio Certified – Extended response frequencies – Engineered double-layered ear-shells – 50 mm high definition neodymium drivers |
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EPOS Audio H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset | – Detail and focus with controlled – Powerful audio performance – Dynamic powerful sound |
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Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones | – Closed over-ear headphones – High-resolution sound – Soft, circumaural, and replaceable velour ear pads |
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Best Audiophile Headphones Under 200 Reviewed
There are plenty of headphones fit for audiophiles on the market currently, which can make it a rather difficult decision to decide which ones to choose. But we have tried and tested each of them to make sure we are recommending only the best for all the other audiophiles out there. These are our full reviews of each of the best audiophile headphones under 200.
1. Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR Over-Ear Open-Air Headphone
Best Overall Audiophile Headphones Under 200
These headphones are every audiophile’s dream. They have hi-res audio which is actually certified with extended response frequencies. They ensure that all sound is contained within the headphones by fitting them with double-layered ear shells. The ear cups are also pre-tilted, making them incredibly comfortable to wear.
As every audiophile knows, having strong drivers is an important part of the headphones. These contain 50mm drivers that contain an LMC diaphragm. They have an open-back design and come with comfortable memory foam ear cups – these are replaceable so if they get worn, you can simply replace them with new ones.
The headphones come with a cable that is detachable. This means that they are easy to transport and the oxygen-free chord delivers crisp and clear audio. There is also a clip that helps to manage the length of the cable. If you’re looking for the best on-ear headphones under 200 for audiophiles.
Pros
- Hi-res Audio Certified
- Extended response frequencies
- Engineered double-layered ear-shells
- 50 mm high definition neodymium drivers
- Acoustic open-back architecture
- Replaceable deluxe memory foam ear-pads
- 3.5mm detachable oxygen-free cable
- The cable management clip included
- Connector Type: 3. 5Mm Stereo; 1/4-Inch
Cons
- The open-back design means they have minimal noise cancelation
- If you are rough with them they won’t last more than a few months
Why this one? If you are looking for a reliable pair of headphones, these are often considered the best headphones for audiophiles. They are both comfortable and deliver clear, crisp audio making for a wonderful listening experience. They are also made by a reliable brand as Philips is known for their great quality headphones and having great longevity.
2. EPOS Audio H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset
Best Audiophile Headphones for Gaming
These headphones offer everything a gamer needs to have a seamless listening and streaming experience while they are gaming. The EPOS Audio H6PRO Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset offers powerful audio performance and one that isn’t just good for gaming but works well for listening to music too. This duality means that you are getting a lot for the money spent.
While the sound is powerful, the accuracy of the audio remains uncompromised. So you can listen in incredible detail even though the headset is incredibly powerful. Gamers will also enjoy the lift-to-mute functionality that allows you to quickly mute if you need to reply to someone in the real world, before hopping back into the world of gaming.
The headphones also allow you to remove the mic, which would make sense for streamers that want their own separate high-quality mic. This would also make sense for people broadcasting podcast episodes as well. One thing we do know is that every gamer will absolutely love the listening experience offered by these great headphones.
Pros
- Detail and focus with controlled
- Powerful audio performance
- Dynamic powerful sound
- Uncompromising accuracy
- Slim lift-to-mute boom arm
- Optimal voice pick-up
- The mic can be conveniently removed
Cons
- Volume is a little low
- The app is a little faulty
- The left driver is not too powerful
Why this one? If you want headphones that were made specifically with gamers in mind, then this pair of headphones is the perfect fit. They are also incredibly sleek and good-looking, which is great if you are gaming using visuals as well. If you are being broadcasted live, you want to be looking your best self. It’s also the best audiophile headphones with a mic.
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Best Audiophile Over-Ear Headphones
If you are an audiophile that needs to engage in professional recording or monitoring, these could be the headphones for you. Their closed over-ear headphones mean they are incredibly comfortable and block out sound in and around the wearer rather well.
They deliver pure, high-resolution sound which makes them great for recording, both on and off stage. They also come with a replacement set of velour ear cups so that your wearer has two pairs to go through before purchasing another pair. This means that the brand is committing to the longevity of these headphones.
They are incredibly durable and made in a way that you can be rough with them and they won’t break easily. So those that need headphones to work with every day can feel secure in their purchase. They also have an adjustable padded head strap for the wearer’s best comfort. They also come in two different colors, giving you the option to choose between black and great.
Pros
- Closed over-ear headphones
- High-resolution sound
- Soft, circumaural, and replaceable velour ear pads
- Hard-wearing, durable and robust
- Practical single-sided cable (3.0m cable)
Cons
- Sound is dull before being set up correctly
- Doesn’t deliver treble very well
- They clamp tightly to the head if you don’t order the right size
Why this one? If you want great quality audio in a comfortable over-ear design, then this pair of headphones could just be for you. They’re the ideal fit for anyone wanting to listen to music, especially in a recording setting where crisp and clear audio is a must. They block out outside noise really well, making them ideal for anyone working in a studio.
4. Sennheiser HD 560 S Over-The-Ear Audiophile Headphones
Most comfortable audiophile headphones
The headphones are dedicated to providing an accurate and realistic sound that reveals the truth in the music. Which is a very important characteristic for headphones to have when they are being used in a studio. Although these are not just for audiophiles working in a studio, they most certainly will get the job done.
The open-back design of these headphones allows sound waves to expand naturally, leading to the ultra-realistic sound that they produce. The drivers are also tilted ergonomically to ensure that they fit against the head in a snug manner, without causing any discomfort whatsoever. It’s this factor that makes them one of the most comfortable wears.
The headphones are also fitted with a clear bass performance, which is important for anyone looking for realism in their headphones. They come with a wired connection which means there is absolutely no delay in the audio. Their sleek look also means they are easy on the eyes, which is always a plus for those using them in public.
Pros
- Natural and accurate
- Open-back ear cups
- Wide soundstage
- Tilted drivers
- Extended low-end reach
- Clear bass
- Wired connection
Cons
- Sometimes one ear cup disconnects
- Sound can sometimes be muffled
- It May be too small if you have a big head
Why this one? If you are looking for a pair of headphones that can be worn for hours on end, then these headphones are for you. They provide comfort to the wearer, even if they need to be worn for extended periods of time. It’s this along with their clear bass and treble that makes them well worth the money spend.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Best bass audiophile headphones
These headphones deliver nothing but the absolute best audio quality and have been critically acclaimed by both audio engineers and audio reviewers. And it didn’t take us long to figure out why. The 45-millimeter large-aperture drivers make these headphones an absolute dream to listen to.
They have a deep and accurate bass response, which is exactly what any audiophile listening to music wants to hear. The design contours nicely around the ears, perfectly isolating the wearer from any loud noises happening around them.
The ear cups can swivel up to 90 degrees, making them easy to get on and off your head. They also make use of professional-grade earpads and a headband for the ultimate comfort while being worn. It is clear that these headphones were made with both comfort and durability in mind.
Pros
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers
- Proprietary 45-millimeter large-aperture drivers
- Exceptional clarity
- Circumaural design contours around the ears
- Excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90-degree swiveling earcups
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Can snap-on bigger wearers
Why this one? These headphones sure make the top of the list of some of the best headphones created for audiophiles. Not only are they durable and comfortable, but they deliver studio-level sound on a consistent basis.
6. Blue Satellite Premium Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Best wireless headphones under 200 for audiophiles
These headphones feature a new addition to the world of headphones – a 4 driver system that contains 44mm drivers. It’s this that works to make the headphones deliver world-class sound. They also have 30mm drivers dedicated to delivering ANC.
They are fitted with the latest in Bluetooth technology to provide users with a seamless connection. This means there is no wire getting in your way while wearing these ideal headphones. The batteries last up to 24 hours just utilizing Bluetooth, and 8 hours with Bluetooth and ANC.
They are extremely comfortable, and have a foldable construction, making them incredibly easy to transport. This is particularly useful to people who spend much of their time traveling the globe.
Pros
- Patent-pending 4-driver system featuring custom 44mm ultra-responsive drivers
- Built-in audiophile amplifier
- Highest quality Bluetooth wireless technology
- Battery life up to 24 hours with Bluetooth only
- 8 hours with Bluetooth, ANC, and Amp
- Foldable construction for easy portability and storage
Cons
- Bluetooth sometimes disconnects
- Can only pair with one device at a time
Why this one? These headphones were built with quality in mind. They are not only built to stand the test of time, but they connect wirelessly for the ultimate convenience. If you are an audiophile that values all the little extras, these headphones should be seriously considered.
Buyers Guide for the Best Beginner Audiophile Headphones
When looking for the best headphones under 200 for an audiophile, it’s clear that you must be a rather picky listener. And there’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, if you know your music, then you want the very best quality headphones for a seamless listening experience. Here is a buyer’s guide to help you know what to look out for in a pair of audiophile headphones.
Sound Stage
If you are obsessed with music, then you’re going to want headphones that are able to replicate every little sound in immense detail. After all, if you’re not getting clarity then what are you really paying for? You want a hyper-realistic sound stage to be able to hear the difference between the different instruments.
Active Noise Cancellation
What’s the point in having a great quality pair of headphones if background sound can seep in and ruin your listening experience? It’s best to opt for noise-canceling headphones to ensure that you can fully immerse yourself in your music without getting distracted. This is especially necessary if your working or living environment is a noisy one.
Drivers
Drivers are quite literally the part of the speaker that is in charge of driving the sound directly into your ear canal. Of course, you want drivers that can do that as effectively as possible. Generally, the bigger the driver, the more accurately they are able to deliver sound, creating a better sound stage.
Summary of the Best Audiophile Headphones Under 200
Whether you’re looking for the best over-ear headphones or a pair that can deliver the absolute best quality sound for the price range, you are sure to find them on this list. As an audiophile, you know what good quality music sounds like, so why settle for anything less than the best.
Of course, the budget needs to be taken into consideration, as not everyone can drop $500 on headphones, but you sure want the best quality for your price range. But $200 can buy you a really great pair of headphones if you know where to look. And now that you have read this article, you should be certain which headphones are entirely correct for you. Ready to listen to some sweet sweet tunes? Crisp and clear audio is just one purchase away!
