Looking for Best Audiophile Headphones Under 200?
You’ve decided to upgrade from your lower-priced ‘cans’ and are looking for a pair to fit your $200 price range. This actually gives you a wide variety of options to choose from to satisfy your audiophile needs!
You’ll find great brands like Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica. You can also choose from standard headphones or in-ear styles. (Oh yeah – and have you tried open back headphones yet?)
Compare the best audiophile headphones under 200 – and listen to the difference!
Our Picks:
Best Overall
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Closed Studio Headphones
Basically, audiophiles never want to remove their headphones! These ultra-soft, ultra-comfortable Beyerdynamic ones are for you. The velour ear pads feel like pillows on your ears.
The headband is padded and rests gently on your head. While these are large, they are also surprisingly lightweight, so you won’t get headaches. For long-term gaming sessions, listening to five-hour audiobooks, or going through a music marathon, these headphones are the best overall.Check Price on Amazon
Best In-Ear Headphones
MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity In-Ear Headphones
How would you like 9 pairs of included eartips, both memory foam and silicone, detachable cables, a 6.3 mm stereo adapter, and two included sets of cables?
You’ll get all that and more with these high fidelity in-ear headphones, the best ‘buds you can buy for $200 or less. They give the ultimate concert-in-your head experience, with engaging, dynamic audio that’s hi-fi. They’re also made of zinc alloy and built to last.Check Price on Amazon
Best Open Back Headphones
Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open Back Headphones
This Sennheiser pair is the best open back headphones you can buy for $200 bucks or less. The open back design lets in air and elevates your natural listening.
The ear cushions are incredibly soft, the headband is sturdy and adjustable, and there’s two different audio jacks to fit any amp, computer, laptop, or smartphone. You’ll enjoy using these for listening, professional studio use, or even gaming.Check Price on Amazon
Best Value In-Ear Headphones
V-MODA Zn In-Ear Audiophile Headphones
When you’re searching for a top quality pair of in-ear headphones to satisfy the most ardent audiophile, then go for this V-MODA In-Ear pair.
They are also the best value for the price, with amazing drivers for awesome sound, a thick and durable cable, and an inline microphone with three remote buttons. The zinc alloy housings are durable for months of use.Check Price on Amazon
Best Value Over-Ear Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Audio-Technica headphones give you a professional sound with a heavy duty look, and this brand has an established reputation for their products.
These open back headphones may be less expensive than the others, but they don’t compromise on features. They’re durable, over-ear, and have huge ear cups that instantly transport you to a different audio place – in a good way!Check Price on Amazon
Best 200 Dollar Audiophile Headphones (Summary Table)
| HEADPHONES | OUR RATING | PRICE | STRENGTH | WEAKNESS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Headphones | Check Amazon | Large drivers and really long cable. | Cable doesn’t detach from headphones. | |
| Sennheiser HD 598 Open Back Headphones | Check Amazon | Two cables, universal compatibility. | An amp is recommended for use. | |
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Headphones | Check Amazon | Soft velour ear pads that you can replace. | Some users have reported the right ear can be defective. | |
| V-MODA Zn In-Ear Modern Headphones | Check Amazon | Large drivers to boost sound, metal housings, flexible ear hooks. | No extra jack adapter. | |
| MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity In-Ear Headphones | Check Amazon | Excellent sound, detachable cables. | Cable connection can get finicky over time. |
Benefits of Using 200 Dollar Audiophile Headphones
Whether you’re choosing open back headphones or in-ear headphones, the benefits of paying attention to sound quality are numerous.
You just won’t find this level of audio experience in other headphones. The tones are warm, harmonic, and crisp, the vocals are full-bodied and pitch-perfect, and the dynamic range slides from satisfying bass through mid-range and up to the highs.
When you’re using these headphones, you’re experiencing:
- High quality drivers for a boosted sound experience.
- For the open back models, that ‘soundstage’ feeling, with music all around
you. - Adjustable headbands for a perfect fit.
- Plush ear cups that are ultra-comfortable for hours of listening.
- In-ear headphones that give you a superior audio environment.
- Professional designs for the studio or at home.
Best $200 Audiophile Headphones Reviews
Best $200 Audiophile Headphones Reviews
Now, let’s compare the details for each of these superior audiophile headphone models you can buy for $200 or less. You want to know their ratings, strengths, weaknesses, and what others are saying about using them.
Read about the following headphones and see which pair is right for you.1. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones
Large 53mm drivers make these open back headphones excellent for producing a clear treble and midrange dynamics.
These are a pair of full open-air type of headphones. Since they don’t produce any pressure on your ears, you’ll hear such a rich and natural sensation. The aluminum casing is light, with a honeycomb style that filters acoustics perfectly.PROS
- Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils to handle large amounts of power.
- 10-foot cable comes with 3.5mm gold-plated connector and separate 6.3mm adapter.
- Comfortable double headband design with 3D wing supports for custom fit.
- Not as good for studio uses, like mixing and recording.
- Cable does not detach from the headphones.
- Some users have reported a rattling sound.
Summary:
Audio-Technica is a really high quality headphone brand, and this model has earned an excellent rating on Amazon thanks to its sound and overall construction. They truly define the open back experience and give you that ‘soundstage’ audio you’re looking for.Check Price for Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Headphones2. Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open Back Headphones
These excellent audiophile grade over ear, open back headphones give you such a well-balanced sound.
They are also very comfortable, with a padded leatherette headband and luxurious velour-covered ear pads. These headphones come with a 3-meter long cable that includes a ¼” jack and a separate 1.2-meter long cable that has a 3.4mm jack.PROS
- Two cables, including one that has an in-line remote with a microphone.
- Low impedance of only 50 Ohms.
- Compatible with all of your devices.
- To use with gaming, you’ll want to also use an amp.
- The sound can come across as static and muffled.
- Can’t use with anything that doesn’t fit the 2.5mm jack.
Summary:
Plenty of happy users have given these professional quality headphones a good star rating on Amazon. The design will last for years, yet is also lightweight enough for long-term listening.Check Price for Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open Back Headphones3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Closed Studio Headphones
These strikingly designed and professional headphones are not just closed back, they’re over the ear for an immersive sound experience.
They’re great for mixing, mastering, or editing tracks in addition to listening. They’re made in Germany from high-quality engineering. This is the 80 Ohm size, but you can also get the 32 Ohm or 20 Ohm.PROS
- Soft and replaceable velour ear pads for comfort.
- Trusted and used by music professionals in studios around the world.
- Comes with a 3.5 mm jack and 6.35 mm adapter and a drawstring bag.
- Has an overemphasized treble response, which results in listener’s fatigue.
- Some users have reported the right-ear speaker is defective.
- Only comes with one 3 meter straight cable.
Summary:
With a top rating on Amazon, these excellent Beyerdynamic headphones are well made, soft, comfortable, and perfect for either home or studio use.Check Price for Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Closed Studio Headphones3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Closed Studio Headphones
These strikingly designed and professional headphones are not just closed back, they’re over the ear for an immersive sound experience.
They’re great for mixing, mastering, or editing tracks in addition to listening. They’re made in Germany from high-quality engineering. This is the 80 Ohm size, but you can also get the 32 Ohm or 20 Ohm.PROS
- Soft and replaceable velour ear pads for comfort.
- Trusted and used by music professionals in studios around the world.
- Comes with a 3.5 mm jack and 6.35 mm adapter and a drawstring bag.
- Has an overemphasized treble response, which results in listener’s fatigue.
- Some users have reported the right-ear speaker is defective.
- Only comes with one 3 meter straight cable.
Summary:
With a top rating on Amazon, these excellent Beyerdynamic headphones are well made, soft, comfortable, and perfect for either home or studio use.Check Price for Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Closed Studio Headphones4. V-MODA Zn In-Ear Modern Audiophile Headphones
How would you like to take an earbuds-style of listening and elevate it to an experience worth writing about?
These amazing V-MODA In-ear headphones will satisfy any discerning user. They have outstanding 8 mm drivers for boosting tonal accuracy with low distortion, have a zinc alloy metal housing, and come with Active Flex sport ear hooks for stability and fit.PROS
- Wired in-ear headphone cable comes with 3-button remote mic.
- Compatible with any and all devices.
- Tangle-free Diamondback cable is 20 times stronger than industry standard.
- No extra jack adapter included.
- Not designed for gym use, since they’re not sweatproof or splash proof.
- Oriented more for ‘bassheads’ and sound isn’t as balanced.
Summary:
With a great review on Amazon audiophiles proves that these in-ear headphones have plenty of fans. They don’t come with as many accessories as other headphones, but they have an awesome sound quality.Check Price for V-MODA Zn In-Ear Modern Audiophile Headphones5. MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity In-Ear Headphones
These are the best in-ear headphones under $200 for audiophiles, and it’s easy to see why. They are designed beautifully, with a handsome black and metal exterior, comfortable eartips, and a strong cable that can either hook over the ear or hang down while listening.
The cables are actually replaceable, which is an amazing feature. You get a complete kit, with the headphones, a headset cable, 3 sets of memory foam eartips, 6 sets of silicone eartips, and a ¼” stereo adapter.PROS
- Replaceable cables you can swap out, extending the life of your headphones.
- Comes with 9 sets of eartips.
- Die-cast zinc alloy metal housings.
- Not designed for sports or gym, not waterproof or sweatproof.
- Bass isn’t as heavy as other brands.
- Audio can cut out occasionally due to detachable cables.
Summary:
With a great Amazon overall rating ensures you’re getting more than just phenomenal sounds from this headphone kit. You’ll enjoy these for months to come.Check Price for MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity In-Ear Headphones
Do You Need $200 Audiophile Headphones?
When you’re an audiophile, you want the best of the best within your budget. That’s why you need one of these headphones, perfectly designed and suited for hours of pleasurable listening. You can’t imagine going an hour without listening to music, let alone a day.
So, invest in a pair of these headphones with extraordinary sound components. You’ll reach for them every day to help you get through work tasks, deeply enjoy the game you’re playing, or just relax with a favorite tune.
How to Find Your 200 Dollar Audiophile Headphones
Before you’ve made up your mind about which one of these excellent headphones to get for under $200, you’ll want to keep these key points in mind:
- Where are you going to use your headphones? The environment around you, whether it’s home, work, travel, or school, will impact your buying decision.
- Headphone comfort is of paramount importance for serious users! You’ll want to compare things like head band and ear pad materials to find the softest ones.
- Are you going to use these in a professional setting? You’ll want ones that are specific for studios.
- What’s your preferred dynamic range? Are you looking for a crisper sound or warmer harmonic tones? It will change depending on whether you choose open-back or in-ear options.
$200 Audiophile Headphones Fast Facts:
Firstly
most audiophile headphones are open back. The open backs of the ear cups are designed with a speaker-like mesh that’s open to bring in air flow. You’ll also get a ‘soundstage’ feel that you wouldn’t with closed back headphones.
Secondly
Audiophile headphones have the best drivers. The better the driver, the better the sound. It’s worth it to find the pair that gives you the best.
Thirdly
Audiophile headphones can also be in-ear. This is just a personal preference, whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear headphones. You can still get amazing sound from earbuds-style models, too.
Audiophile headphones don’t usually come in wireless options. These days, wired headphones will give you a better sound quality than wireless. Serious listeners don’t mind dealing with the cables, though!
An Alternative Product
Grado Prestige Series SR225e Headphones
The Grado Prestige Series is considered a true luxury item for audiophiles, since they are made in the USA with amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail. These give you an extraordinary high fidelity sound, with some reviewers saying these might be the best the company has ever put out.
Conclusion Best Audiophile Headphones Under 200
Whether you’re a DJ, mixer, studio professional, or just a passionate music lover, you will sink right into the sound experience you get from these amazing headphones – and never want to take them off! They come in different designs, styles, and with different features and accessories, so you’ll find the perfect pair just for you!