9 Best Headphones Under 200 dollars | Bluetooth, Noise Cancelling & More

On the hunt to find the best headphones under 200 dollars? Well, we’ve gone ahead and done the legwork to find you the creme la creme of quality headphones. 

From truly wireless in-ear earbuds to Bluetooth over-ear headphones and everything in between. For under 200, you’ll find an array of headsets with an assortment of super cool features, like active noise canceling (ANC), dedicated companion apps with EQ adjustments, and IP ratings for water resistance. 

From deep bass sounds to crisp vocals, there is a wide selection to choose from. Users can find a great, quality pair of headphones for under 200 dollars with ease. 

In this guide, we’ll dig deep into the best headphones in this price range and why we love them. We’ll also take a look at what’s to look for when buying a pair of headphones and their unique features. 

Best Headphones for Under 200 Dollars

In a hurry? Or even better, you have a good idea of what you’re looking for or the type of headphones you’re interested in. Take a squizz through the list of the best $200 headphones and under to find your ideal pair to suit you.

  1. Best On-Ear Headphones Under 200: Sennheiser RS120 On-Ear Wireless RF Headphones
  2. Best Wireless Headphones Under 200: Audio-Technica ATH-M50BT Wireless Headphones
  3. Best Open-Back Headphones Under 200: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphone
  4. Best Headphones Under 150$: Philips SHP9500 Headphones
  5. Best Music Headphones Under 200: Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Headphones
  6. Best Bluetooth Headphones Under 200:Avantree Bluetooth Headset
  7. Best Closed-Back Headphones Under 200: OneOdio Pro-10 Wired Headphones
  8. Best Noise-cancelling Headphones Under 200: Jabra Elite 85h Noise-Canceling Headphones  
  9. Best In-Ear Headphones Under 200: Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds

Our Top 3 Picks | Best Headphones for Under 200$

Here, we’ve selected our best 200 dollar headphones or less and have reviewed why we love them. Take a look at these top three before we dive into their reviews.

Image Product Features Price
Sennheiser RS120 II On Ear Wireless RF Headphones table Sennheiser RS120
Wireless RF
Headphones
– Lightweight radio frequency (RF)
– Wireless
– Comes with a charging cradle
– Interface-free reception up to 300 feet
Check Price
Audio Technica ATHM50XBT Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones table Audio-Technica
ATH-M50BT Wireless Headphones
– Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
– Good build quality
– Foldable design
– APTX support
– Excellent sound
Check Price
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO open Studio Headphone table Beyerdynamic DT
990 PRO Studio Headphone
– Detailed sound
– Lightweight, open-back design
– Practical single-sided cable
– Outstanding tonal depth
Check Price

Best Headphones for 200 and Under

So, now that we’ve got a good idea of what the best headphones under $200 can get you, let’s dive into each review. We will uncover why we like them and some of the flaws they may have.

1. Sennheiser RS120 Wireless RF Headphones Review

Sennheiser-RS120-II-On-Ear-Wireless-RF-Headphones

Best On-Ear Headphones Under 200

The Sennheiser RS120 RF Headphones are considered one of the best portable headphones for under 200 dollars. The wireless headphones provide some interesting features, including spacious, angled earcups that are flexible and easy to adjust to your head’s shape. 

They are highly compatible with an array of devices from phones and tablets to TVs and Hi-Fi audio equipment. These headphones provide excellent sound quality, classic Sennheiser. Users are provided with a detailed, natural, and balanced sound with a good bass response; the highs are clear, and the vocals are distinctive. 

However, the downside to these headphones is that they don’t support Bluetooth technology, but they do come with their own charger and have a fantastic signal range that allows you to move around the house freely.

Pros
  • Lightweight radio frequency (RF)
  • Wireless
  • Comes with a charging cradle
  • Interface-free reception up to 300 feet
Cons
  • Can lose signal from time to time
  • The base can be a bit boomy 
  • Not compatible with Bluetooth technology

Why this one? The RS120 are one of the best portable on-ear headphones on this list, are affordable, and make an excellent choice for at-home activities like listening to music, watching TV, or watching movies.

2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50BT Wireless Headphones Review

Audio-Technica-ATH-M50X-Professional-Studio-Monitor-Headphones

Best Wireless Headphones Under 200

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50BT headphones deliver exceptional sound quality across the audible frequency range. The touch control makes it easy to get voice assistance, and the mic and button controls are integrated into the earcup for comfortable handling.

The most impressive thing about these headsets is their incredible sound. They boast a frequency response of 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz with deep bass response, non-fatiguing highs, and articulate mids. They manage to isolate a good amount of ambient noise passively and can be used as Bluetooth headphones. 

With the tuned closed-back earcups and proprietary 45mm drivers, users are gifted with clear, crisp sounds. Moreover, the ear cups provide comfort, contouring around the ears, with the 90-degree-swiveling cups and adjustable headband. Fold them inward for easy storage and portability. 

Of course, wherever there is a positive, there are some downfalls too. One flaw of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50BT headphones is they can get a little heated around the ears and could dub uncomfortable for long listening sessions. 

Pros
  • Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Good build quality
  • Foldable design
  • APTX support
  • Excellent sound
Cons
  • Not fast charging
  • Can get a little warm around the ears
  • Bluetooth carries some drawbacks

Why this one? These headphones are one of the best audiophile headphones under 200,  built for professional studio applications, focusing on speech, vocals, and other instruments. If you’re on the hunt for no-nonsense Bluetooth headphones that provide excellent sound, give a wired listening option, and battery life is long-lasting, then these are a good choice. 

3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphone Review

Beyerdynamic-459038-DT-990-PRO-open-Studio-Headphone

Best Open-Back Headphones Under 200

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones are excellent for neutral listening, producing detail in high-resolution tracks and clear, crisp sound quality. The bass, vocals, and instruments are well-balanced. While the treble range may be slightly over-emphasized, the sound is reproduced with high fidelity. 

With these open-back headphones, it’s all about details. The wide stereo and three-dimensional sound production make these a favorite amongst producers. 

Moreover, the single-sided cable allows the headphones to be put on and taken off without getting tangled up. The ear cups provide added comfort during those long listening sessions. In addition, the headphones provide optimum comfort for professionals mixing, mastering, and editing thanks to the soft, circumaural velour ear pads.  

Although these are an excellent pair of headphones for under 200, they do have some drawbacks. For one, because they’re open-back, there is a little sound leakage – however, this is standard to design. They are also said to be slightly tight, clamping down on the head. Overall, however, these are still a worthy pair of headphones with an excellent build, made for durable, hard-wearing. 

Pros
  • Detailed sound
  • Lightweight, open-back design
  • Practical single-sided cable
  • Outstanding tonal depth
Cons
  • Non-detachable cable
  • Slightly tight on the head
  • Loud leakage

Why this one? The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are an excellent choice for those in the studio. They also make a fantastic pair for casual listening and mixing.

4. Philips SHP9500 Headphones Review

Philips-Audio-Philips-SHP9500-HiFi-Precision-Stereo-Over-Ear-Headphones

Best Headphones Under 150

The Philips SHP9500 Headphones are a fantastic pair of budget headphones for under 200 dollars. With 50mm drivers and being open-back, these babies deliver excellent sound quality and are considered one of the best bass headphones. 

They are incredibly comfortable and lightweight and deliver a well-balanced sound, on par with much pricier models. However, they aren’t exactly casual headphones, but they can be used outdoors. 

These headphones produce natural, well-balanced bass, treble, and mids, and the large, open back provides users with a spacious soundstage. The adjustable headband and large earcups make them super comfortable. 

In addition, the headphones come with a 3.5 mm jack and are compatible with all devices with a 3.5 mm audio output. 

Although these headphones produce fantastic sound quality, they don’t provide noise isolation and therefore are not suitable for mixing and studio recording – due to their sound leakage. 

Pros
  • Super comfortable design
  • Durable
  • Balanced tones
  • Good audio reproduction
Cons
  • They can feel a bit bulky
  • Leak sound
  • Sensitive to ambient noise

Why this one? Philips SHP9500 is a great pair of headphones for critical listening. They are also super comfortable and lightweight.

5. Skullcandy Crusher Evo Headphones Review

Skullcandy-Crusher-Evo-Wireless-Over-Ear-Headphone

Best Music Headphones Under 200

If you’re on a budget and looking for a good pair of headphones for under $200, the Skullcandy Crusher Evo Headphones may just be a good choice for you. These headphones provide incredible, well-balanced bass with adjustable bass sliders. The thick earpads present comfort for extended listening sessions. 

Moreover, the Crusher Evo is compact and easy to fold up and toss into the bag if you’re on the go. The headphones can give up to 41+ hours of battery life and four hours of playtime for only 10 minutes of charge. 

If you’re keen on personalizing your sound, the headset produces personal sound customization via the Skullcandy App – cool, right? In addition to all these perks, these headphones come with a snazzy pouch to fold up and pack away with ease. 

Although, the downside is that they have excellent Bluetooth codec compatibility, unfortunately, there’s no aptX or LDAC, and they lack Bluetooth multipoint for switching between devices.

Pros
  • Sound quality
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Playback controls
  • Portable design
  • Excellent battery life up to 41+ hours
Cons
  • No Bluetooth Multipoint
  • No aptX

Why this one?  The Skullcandy Crusher Evo Headphones are a top-quality pair of Bluetooth headphones that boasts incredible battery life and a bass slider so that you can adjust your bass on the fly.

6. Avantree Bluetooth Headset Review

Avantree-Audition-Pro-40-hr-Bluetooth-Over-Ear-Headset

Best Bluetooth Headphones Under 200

From being wireless with aptX low-latency and supported by a Bluetooth transmitter, users will experience almost zero audio delays and lag with the Avantree Bluetooth Headset. If you’re on the hunt for one of the best over-ear headphones for under 200, these may be it. They provide excellent Hi-Fi sound, with a built-in bass boost feature to allow you to tailor your audio for music on Xbox, PC, Playstation games, or TV. 

Enjoy up to 40+ hours of playtime in wireless mode. There’s also a 3.5 mm cable to switch to a wired connection without using any battery at all. The over-the-ear headphones come with a super soft earpad and an adjustable headband for a customized fit – ideal for long sessions in front of the television. 

In addition, the headphones provide a multipoint connection to connect simultaneously to devices using the NFC feature. 

Pros
  • Wireless, Bluetooth 4.1
  • aptX Low-latency
  • 3.5mm Cable for wired connection
  • Up to 40+ hours of wireless playtime
Cons
  • Earcups aren’t true to size
  • The headband isn’t very padded

Why this one? For anyone looking for one of the best over-the-ear headphones under 200, these are a great pair of headphones with control buttons that are super accessible; the Avantree Audition is a great choice. From controlling the volume to NFC buttons as well as the charging port for the audio cable. These headphones were built for long-lasting playtime.

7. OneOdio Pro-10 Wired Headphones Review

OneOdio-Over-Ear-Headphone-Wired-Bass-Headsets

Best Closed-Back Headphones Under 200

If you’re into DJing or mixing some beats in the studio and are on a budget, the OneOdio Pro-10 Headphones delivers on various accounts. The 50mm neodymium driver reproduces music dynamics and remits controlled bass DJs and audiophiles love and need. 

These headphones are a favorite amongst bass lovers for the clear vocals, powerful bass, and crisp highs from the stereo sound. In addition, these headphones were built for comfort, with soft padded ear cushions that are designed for monitoring and noise isolation. 

The headphones come with a coiled cord that can stretch up to 9.8 ft. If you’re a DJ you’ll love the 90-degree swiveling earcups for single monitoring. For an affordable pair of studio headphones for professional use, these are excellent.

Pros
  • Dynamic bass sound
  • 50mm Neodymium driver
  • Super comfortable
  • 90° Swiveling ear cups
Cons
  • A bit bulky
  • Not Bluetooth
  • Not wireless

Why this one? These OneOdio headphones are ideal for film production, turntables, mixing and DJing, video watching, or recording studios.

8. Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones Review

Jabra-Elite-85h-Wireless-Noise-Canceling-Headphones

Best Noise-cancelling Headphones Under 200

The Jabra Elite 85h Noise-Canceling Headphones make it much easier to be alone in a crowded place. Listen to music in extreme comfort with plush earcups that leave plenty of wiggle room. 

Although the earcups may feel a little bulky (a necessity for 40mm drivers), these headphones easily fold up – great for on the go, movers, and shakers. Sure, it may not be as travel-friendly as the wireless earbuds, but you can keep everything organized in its carrying case (included).  

Enjoy smart noise canceling that filters out ambient sound. Customize any distracting noise via the Jabra Sound+ app. The HearThru settings can also be managed on the app. Enjoy up to 36 hours of battery life from a single charge with ANC and fast charge with 5-hours charging for 15 minutes. 

Although there is no aptX support, these headphones are water-resistant and have nano-coating of the internal components. Overall, they’re excellent pair of noise-canceling headphones for everyday use. 

Pros
  • Multipoint, Bluetooth 5.0 connection
  • Long battery life
  • Quick charging
  • Good noise canceling
  • Water-resistant, nano-coating
Cons
  • Can feel a bit bulky
  • Pricier than others 
  • No aptX support

Why this one? The Jabra Elite 85h is considered one of the best wireless noise-canceling headphones under 200, undercutting their competition. If you’re looking for premium headphones with excellent battery life and water-resistant nano-coating, these headphones would be a very good choice.

9. Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds Review

Jabra-Elite-Active-75t-True-Wireless-Bluetooth-Earbuds

Best In-ear Headphones Under 200

If you’re a sports fanatic, gym bunny, or simply enjoy a few tunes along your afternoon stroll, the  Jabra Elite Active 75t Earbuds may be an option you’ll fancy. 

These headphones are built for comfort, so you can enjoy those long sessions with whatever activity you’re doing. Moreover, the ear tips can reach deep into your ear, ensuring excellent passive noise isolation. If you’re a water baby, they’re one of the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones out there, with an IP57 (IPX rating) of water and dust resistance. 

The headphones include a useful mobile app, providing you with easy accessibility to control buttons, turn on the HearThrough awareness mode, play sound with the equalizer, and even find a lost earbud – nifty right?

If you’re now wondering if there are any faults to find with these headphones, one is that they are not over-the-ear headphones, and their noise isolation is not as good as a closed-back pair of headphones. 

Overall, though, they are a great pair of workout earbuds for exercise enthusiasts or music lovers looking for an all-in-one solution. 

Pros
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Competitive battery life (7 hours per charge & 20 hours in case)
  • Waterproof with IP57 (IPX&)
  • Stable during movement
  • High-quality build
Cons
  • Pricer than most alternatives
  • Directed to sportspeople

Why this one? The Jabra Elite Active earbuds are considered the best headphones under $200 for sportspeople, with an ergonomic fit and an excellent bassy sound.

Top Headphones Under 200 Buyers Guide 

From professional DJing to listing to music on the go or watching videos on the laptop, these devices form part of our day-to-day business. Before you head off to the store to get yourself a new pair of headphones, there are some factors to consider to find the perfect fit for you. Let’s take a look at some essential details. 

Type of Headphones

Man-using-his-smartphone-and-wearing-the-best-headphones-under-200

As you probably know already, there is an infinite number of headphones available on the market, and it can dub challenging to find the right pair that suits you. From closed-back to open-back models and everything in between, let’s take a look at the different types of headsets. 

Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are ideal for comfort and sound quality but are the least portable of the various headphones. As the name suggests, these headphones provide soft padding that clamps around your ears. One reason for having such good sound quality is that they have enough room for larger drivers. 

Over-ear headphones are classified into two types: closed-back and open-back. 

  • Closed-back headphones: These headphones are excellent at isolating noise. This is not only for active-noise-canceling technology but also for the physical structure of the headphones’ closed-back design. These headphones can isolate outside noise and capture the noise inside the headphones.
  • Open-back headphones: These headphones allow air and sound to pass freely in and out of the ear cups, altering the listening experience. So, instead of the “in your head” experience that you’ll get from the closed-back headphones, open-back headphones deliver a more natural and clear sound. 

On-Ear Headphones

This type of headphone is often lighter than over-ear models, and instead of cupping your ear, they press on your ears. Many users find these headphones more comfortable than over-ear models, especially during long listening sessions. On-ear headphones also come in open-back and closed-back varieties. 

In-Ear Headphones 

In-ear headphones, or earbuds, rest in your ear. This type of headphone is popular amongst smartphone users or exercise lovers. The headphones are inserted just outside the ear canal and form a seal that helps block out any extraneous noise. 

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

guy-reading-while-wearing-noise-cancellation-headphones

When you’re shopping for headphones, earbuds, etc., you’ll often see two terms pop up: passive and active noise canceling. Though their goal is the same, they couldn’t be more different. 

  • Passive noise-canceling: These headphones provide an isolating design that physically blocks out – or muffles – any ambient noise. You don’t need additional power to isolate outside noise. 
  • Active noise-canceling (ANC): These are headphones that have a built-in battery that powers noise-canceling microphones. These headphones, or earbuds, neutralize the ambient noise around you. 

Wired or Wireless Headphones

wired-headphones-vs-wireless-headphones
  • Wired headphones: Good ol’ wired headphones have been around since 1910 and are still a good choice in the audio world. If you’re on a budget, generally, wired versions cost much less. They also don’t need batteries for charging (except for noise-canceling headphones). They are also the best for audiophiles as they provide analog signals that can handle more data than Bluetooth.  
  • Wireless headphones: True wireless earbuds and wireless headphones are becoming ever so popular among consumers. They provide users with freedom without being stuck, tangled in cords. Their sound quality is generally excellent, and they are easy to use through Bluetooth connectivity. 

Final Thoughts | Best Headphones Under 200 Dollars

Headphones are getting increasingly more high-tech and are offering more advanced features. For a pair of headphones or earbuds for under 200 dollars, you’ll be provided with a range of options to choose from. 

Select your style from open-back and closed-back to wireless or active noise-canceling. With this price range, you’ll find an excellent pair of quality headphones to enjoy what you love doing the most. 

So, there you go, the best headphones under 200$. What’s your favorite kind of headphones and why do you like them? Please share; we’d love to know your thoughts on this too. 

Written by Panashe

I'm Panashe Hwata - a computer science student with an unabashed love for technology and captivating audio. As the owner of this blog, I'm thrilled to share my passion for exploring the world of premium sound and cutting-edge tech with all of you. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we dive into the captivating world of audio excellence