Headphones have become the go-to choice for listening to music, working, studying, and blocking out external noise. As headphones have become an integral part of our daily life, it’s crucial to select a pair that meets your requirements.
That’s why we have put together a comprehensive list of the best headphones under $200 for each category, including over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and earbuds.
Whether you prefer the comfort of over-ear headphones or the convenience of in-ear earbuds, we have something on this list that will meet your needs and budget.
It’s important to keep in mind that there isn’t a single headphone that can meet the needs of every user. Every model and type of headphone comes with its own set of pros and cons, and price isn’t always indicative of quality. That’s why we’re here to help you make an informed decision about what type of headphones will best suit your needs.
In this review, we’ll explore the top options in each category of headphones, all of which are available for under $200, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to find the perfect pair.
Whether you’re looking for over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear headphones, or earbuds, we’ve got you covered.
Best over-ear headphones under $200
Over-ear headphones have something that no other headphones have, except for some models of in-ear headphones, and that is passive noise cancellation. Because these headphones cover your ears, you have a natural isolation from the sounds around you, which could be useful in some scenarios but even annoying in others. Therefore, identifying the activity for which you will use your over-ear headphones will determine if they are right for you.
Probably now you have a better understanding if over-ear headphones is the best option for you, so let’s compare the best options under $200:
Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 – Best Budget Noise Canceling Headphones
The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 is a pair of over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your devices, allowing you to listen to music or take calls wirelessly.
The headphones also have touch controls, allowing you to adjust the volume or skip tracks with a tap or swipe. They are designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods, with soft ear cushions and a lightweight design. The battery life is up to 40 hours with ANC turned off or up to 25 hours with ANC turned on.
The headphones come with a carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. the Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 headphones has some notable features and qualities.
Positive aspects that were mentioned in the reviews of the Soundcore by Anker Life Q35
- Excellent noise cancellation: Many reviewers praised the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation feature, noting that it effectively blocked out ambient noise and allowed them to focus on their audio.
- Good sound quality: Several reviewers noted that the sound quality was crisp and clear, with good bass and well-balanced audio.
- Comfortable fit: Many reviewers found the headphones to be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, thanks to the soft ear cushions and adjustable headband.
- Good battery life: Many reviewers noted that the battery life was long, allowing them to use the headphones for multiple hours without needing to recharge.
- Useful features: Some reviewers appreciated the touch controls on the ear cups, as well as the ability to customize the EQ settings using the Soundcore app.
Negative aspects that were mentioned in the reviews of the Soundcore by Anker Life Q35
- Poor microphone quality: Some reviewers noted that the microphone quality was subpar, making it difficult for people to hear them clearly during phone or video calls.
- Connection issues: A few reviewers experienced issues with the headphones disconnecting or failing to connect to their devices.
- Durability concerns: Some reviewers expressed concerns about the durability of the headphones, particularly the hinges that allow the ear cups to swivel.
- Uncomfortable for some: While many reviewers found the headphones to be comfortable, a few found that they were too tight or that the ear cups didn’t fit their ears well.
- Price: A few reviewers felt that the headphones were too expensive for the quality and features they offered.
Overall, the Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 headphones seems to be a solid choice for those in search of noise-cancelling headphones with good sound quality and comfortable fit, though there are some concerns about the durability and other issues mentioned in the negative reviews.
House of Marley Positive Vibration XL ANC
House of Marley Positive Vibration ANC headphones are wireless over-ear headphones that offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology to block out external noise. The headphones are made with eco-friendly materials and are designed to be comfortable for extended use.
They have touch controls, and a built-in microphone and offer up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. Some reviewers mention that the headphones have a natural and balanced sound quality, while others criticize the bass as being weak.
The headphones are generally well-reviewed for their durability and sustainable design, though some users note issues with the Bluetooth connectivity and touch control
Positive reviews:
- Many users appreciated the sound quality, describing it as clear and balanced.
- A few reviewers found the noise cancellation to be effective, especially considering the price point.
- Users generally found the headphones comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Several reviewers praised the sustainable materials and environmentally friendly packaging used by House of Marley.
Negative reviews:
- Some users experienced issues with the headphones breaking or malfunctioning after a short period of use.
- A few reviewers found the noise cancellation to be ineffective or weak, with some background noise still audible.
- Several users found the headphones uncomfortable to wear, with some complaining of pressure on the ears.
- A few reviewers also had trouble with the headphones staying connected to their devices via Bluetooth.
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N
The Sony WH-CH710N is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that offer active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. They are designed to provide a comfortable listening experience while blocking out external noise. Here are some key features and specifications of the Sony WH-CH710N:
- Design and Comfort: The WH-CH710N headphones feature a sleek and lightweight design with cushioned earpads for added comfort during extended listening sessions. They have an adjustable headband to fit different head sizes.
- Active Noise Cancellation: The active noise cancellation technology in the WH-CH710N helps to block out ambient sounds and distractions, allowing you to focus on your audio. It analyzes the surrounding sounds and adjusts the level of noise cancellation accordingly.
- Battery Life: These headphones have a built-in rechargeable battery that offers up to 35 hours of wireless playback with noise cancellation activated. The battery life may vary depending on usage and settings.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The WH-CH710N headphones support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect them to your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. They are compatible with Bluetooth version 5.0 for stable and reliable connections.
- Quick Attention Mode: The Quick Attention mode enables you to quickly turn off the noise cancellation by placing your hand over the right earcup. This allows you to have conversations or listen to your surroundings without taking off the headphones.
- Controls and Voice Assistant Support: The headphones have built-in buttons for controlling playback, volume, and managing calls. They also support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enabling you to control your music and access information using voice commands.
- Sound Quality: The WH-CH710N headphones are equipped with 30mm dynamic drivers that deliver clear and balanced sound across different frequencies. While they may not provide audiophile-level sound quality, they offer a satisfying audio experience for most users.
- Wired Connection: In addition to wireless connectivity, these headphones also have a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to connect them to devices using a traditional wired connection when needed.
Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are a comfortable, stylish, and high-quality pair of headphones with good noise-cancelling and sound quality. They feature a long battery life and customizable sound options.
Some reviewers note that the headphones can be heavy and that the touch controls may take some getting used to. Overall, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC headphones are a great choice for those looking for a high-quality listening experience with customizable features and active noise-cancelling capabilities.
Positive reviews of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- Many users find these headphones to be very comfortable, with soft earpads and a lightweight design.
- The sound quality is generally considered to be good, with clear and balanced audio across various genres of music.
- The noise cancelling feature is praised by several reviewers for its effectiveness, reducing ambient noise and making it easier to focus on music or other audio content.
- Users appreciate the long battery life, with up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge.
- The Bluetooth connectivity is reported to be reliable and easy to set up, allowing for seamless pairing with devices.
Negative reviews of the Skullcandy Hesh ANC
- A few reviewers had issues with the build quality of these headphones, noting that they felt flimsy or prone to breaking.
- Some users reported connectivity issues, such as difficulty pairing with devices or occasional dropouts in the audio signal.
- A few reviewers mentioned that the noise canceling feature could be overly aggressive, creating a slight pressure sensation that may be uncomfortable for some.
- A few users felt that the sound quality could be improved, with some noting that the bass response was lacking or the soundstage was too narrow.
Philips H8506 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
This product is the Philips H8506 over-ear wireless headphones. They feature active noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and up to 25 hours of battery life. The headphones are designed to be comfortable for extended use, and they come with a carrying case for easy transport.
The product also features a multipoint connection that allows users to connect to two devices simultaneously. Based on the reviews, the headphones are praised for their comfortable fit and good sound quality, as well as the convenience of the multipoint connection. However, some users have reported issues with the noise cancelling and the build quality of the headphones.
Philips H8506 Positive reviews
- Users generally praise the sound quality of the headphones, with many describing it as clear and crisp.
- Many users find the headphones comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, thanks to the soft ear cushions and adjustable headband.
- The headphones offer good noise-cancellation capabilities, according to many users.
- The battery life is generally reported to be quite good, with some users saying that they can use the headphones for multiple days before needing to recharge.
- The headphones have a sleek and stylish design, according to many users.
Philips H8506 Negative reviews
- Some users report issues with Bluetooth connectivity, with some experiencing dropouts or difficulty pairing the headphones with their devices.
- A few users report that the headphones are not very durable, with some experiencing issues with the build quality over time.
- A few users find the touch controls on the headphones to be finicky or difficult to use.
- A couple of users report that the headphones are not very comfortable, with some finding that the ear cushions can become hot after extended use.
When to Use Over-ear Headphones
Let’s see a few examples of when to use over-ear headphones:
Playing video games
The gaming experience has improved over the years, and some games, like first-person shooters, require a detailed audio gadget to hear your opponents and anticipate them before you see them on your screen. For other types of games where sound is just an extra layer to make it more enjoyable, you probably won’t need this type of detail and isolation to hear everything in your game.
Audiophiles and music producers
An audiophile is an enthusiast of sound production and high-fidelity music who loves hearing every detail of the music and doesn’t lose any little sound. The most suitable environment for an audiophile is a recording studio with great sound isolation and high-quality speakers to accurately identify when an instrument is playing a wrong note or when a track needs better equalization of some instruments in particular. But the cheapest option to the studio is a great pair of over-ear headphones like the ones you will find in this list, so you can take the studio with you wherever you go.
Travelers
If you are a globetrotter and are used to moving from noisy transport vehicles like trains, buses, or planes, a great pair of over-ear headphones will give you some isolation from the noise around you and also set the background music from what you see outside your window, making the moment a little more enjoyable and memorable.
Exercise
Probably the best headphones for exercising are the over-ear and in-ear headphones because of their comfort. This type works better for solo sports like running or even heavy lifting in the gym so that you can focus on completing every repetition without losing concentration.
Full concentration
When you need to concentrate on your work, study, exercise, or even listen to something carefully, like a podcast, interview, or meeting, there is only one way to focus completely, and that is by shutting off other noises around you with passive noise cancellation and even better with active noise cancellation (ANC). For that reason, over-ear headphones are the best option for fully concentrating on the task that you are doing.