The 10+ Best Audiophile Headphones Under $200 in 2025 – High-Fidelity Sound on a Budget

Looking for audiophile headphones costing under $200 that provide high-quality sound? These ones just might be the perfect fit for you!

Affordable Audiophile Headphones That Do Not Compromise On Quality Sound

As a self-proclaimed audiophile, you understand that purchasing quality headphones can be quite painful for your pocket. Would you truly be willing to spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars just to achieve perfect sound?

What if I told you that you can have the best of sound without having to spend an entire fortune? The sound industry has gone through tremendous advancements and now offers a variety of affordable audiophile headphones, all under the budget of $200, that can produce exceptional sound quality.

We have researched and reviewed the best ten audiophile headphones that are sure to hit the market in 2025, all under the price of $200, and guarantee unmatched sound quality alongside superb convenience. For those who seek to enjoy the sounds of music in a studio and prefer to have an analytical tone, or those who prefer a deeper bass while listening to the music, or those who seek to enjoy a smoother design for everyday use, these headphones are bound to impress everyone.

Defining Features To Consider In The Best Audiophile Headphones Under $200

In addition to checking the best picks, here are the factors that you ought to use as the foundation for the same:

• Sound Quality: Your focus should be on achieving a balance in sound quality leaning towards an accurate frequency response and a minimal distortion level.
• Comfort: Opt for a lightweight earmuff design with a soft cushion for prolonged comfortable listening sessions.
• Build Quality: For items in heavy use, solid materials provide the best assurance to durability, especially for the construction of these parts.
• Open-Back vs. Closed-Back: Open-back headphones tend to lack in the noise isolation department, which decreases their usability in noisy environments. On the other hand, they offer a wider and more natural sound stage. Closed-back models are better at isolating noise as well.
• Impedance & Sensitivity: Mobile devices can be used with lower impedance headphones, while higher impedance models are not usable without an amplifier.

The Best Audiophile Headphones Under $200 in 2025

1. Sennheiser HD 560S – Best Overall Audiophile Headphones

Key Features:

• Open-back design – It creates a broad and natural soundstage for the listener to immerse into the track
• Neutral and analytical sound – This is the kind of headphone that will give accuracy just like one in a studio
• Lightweight and ergonomic – Designed for long listening sessions without discomfort
• Impedance: 120 Ohm – Best performance when paired with a headphone amplifier

Why We Recommend It:

The Sennheiser HD 560S is the best choice for audiophile headphones under $200 that offer sound quality above the average and precision despite the cost. It was specifically designed for those who love music plus still being neutral and precise. The outcome you get is a tone of the sound that aligns exactly with the creator’s intention. The open-back design, a comfort feature, immerses you in the spacious and nature-like sound environment.

The main advantage of the HD 560S is comfort. Besides the very light build, the plush ear pads and the minimal clamping force making sure that you have no undiscomfort while on long listening periods. They are better used with a 120 Ohms impedance which are quite low like the ones with the best headphone amplifiers since the amplifiers can allow the headphones to have more clarity, depth, and dynamic range.

Among the headphones, Sennheiser HD 560S is one of the most popular ones preferred by many music lovers and sound professionals. It is accompanied by fabulous details and strong bass, the stereo offers truly wonderful depth. If you can listen to premium music even not spending that much, these are some of the finest options out there.

2. Philips Fidelio X2HR – Runner-Up for Best Open-Back Headphones

Key Features:

• Spacious sound stage – Propels a wide, encompassing and realistic listening feeling
• Warm bass response – Deep and warm bass but competition with the mids and highs is contained and isolated
• Sturdy metal build – A fashionable design with materials that can last for a long time
• Comfortable memory foam ear pads – Awesome for long music sessions
• Low impedance (30 Ohm) – Works just fine with most electronics, so an amplifier is not needed

Why We Recommend It:

The Philips Fidelio X2HR is the right choice for those who love perfect and natural soundstage and sound balance with a warm tone. Here is an open back design for you; these headphones feel even more like you are at a concert, as if you are listening to live recordings, an orchestra playing, or high-resolution audio.

The devices we offer are one of a kind not only in their body but in their operation mode as well. It is Apple that has a thoughtfully designed metal band that is joined with natural leather for endurance and to provide superior feel. The memory foam cushions are now the way to go for a cozy yet quite airy feeling of tightness around your ears even after long hours. Apart from that, the 30-Ohm that the X2HR offers does not require any other attachments, while those with high impedance which are only for the pros, need amplifiers for smartphones, laptops.

Philips Fidelio X2HR turns into the sound oasis for audiophiles as well as the general audience or casual listeners, being an absolute rival from the price point aspect. More you can enjoy the Philips Fidelio X2HR headphones for a considerable cost as fine as quality is to be.

3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro – Best Closed-Back Audiophile Headphones

Key Features:

• Closed-back design – One of the main benefits of this technology is the soundproof feature which ensures a high level of privacy for the listeners
• Deep bass with crisp treble – The sound profile of these headphones is balanced and bass has the maximum emphasis
• Durable build quality – The solid design of the headband made of steel and the deluxe leather material used make them last long
• Available in multiple impedance options – Choose from three selections the features that are impedance at 32, 80, or 250 Ohms as you wish for its better application

Why We Recommend It:

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is one of the elite closed-back audiophile headphones that are popular for its high noise isolation and great bass delivery. The primary reason these devices are regarded as excellent choices for audio production is their development to exclude sound losses regardless the opened or closed hinge. Thus, this is the best device to have on trips, during recorders and approach to your studio ́s monitoring.

DT 770 Pro’s biggest feature is not only its deep sound but also the instrument that is well balanced. Thus, the lows are dominate and the highs appear crystal clear while still appreciating the original temple tunes in the middle where they belong. These headphones have a robust design with the use of steel headband apart from a fit ear cushion system to guarantee you the comfort and durability you need to wear it for a long period of time.

Out of the three impedance options (32, 80, and 250 Ohms), the 80 Ohms version provides the most functionality. The old model with 32 Ohm was specially meant for mobile gadgets only, the 80 Ohm model is suitable for audio interfaces, and 250 Ohm version works perfectly with an amplifier to give the best sound quality you possibly have.

Audios and musicians and content creators, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is such a good deal offering creative and reliable sound with affordable cost.

4. Sennheiser HD 599 – Best Value Open-Back Audiophile Headphones

Key Features:

• Ostentatious open-back design – When you make such a choice, you get a deep and wide sound environment that spells total immersion
• Comfortable – Have a velvet headband and ear pads which are washer safe making them great for long time wear
• Connectivity is extremely good – A 3M cable comes as a standard; a 6.3 mm headphone jack connection is included. And another 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5mm jack can be found, or you might use one of many wireless options
• Super-powerful transducers – The aluminum voice coils module allows the cones to work fully with no distortion, and they are very fitting for the car audio system, far less vibrating than any other kind of transducers
• Electric Capacity: 50 Ohm – It is going to be okay with all your devices but when combined with the best audio amp it is going to blow your mind

Why We Recommend It:

The Sennheiser HD 599 headset is a great option suitable for anyone who has an audiophile taste and at the same time the he/she is looking for a device with a great balance between the price and the sound quality. Because of its open-back design, the device provides a wide soundstage that is natural as well and ideal for early instrument records, live concerts, and samples of Hi-Res resolutions.

The thing that was good about it was that you can lie down and it is still very comfortable. The luxurious velour ear cushions and padded headband make it perfect for extended listening sessions, ensuring minimal ear fatigue. The matte ivory with silver accents and polished metal lines stands for premium and elegant forever.

One can easily use a 6.3mm detachable jack and a 3.5mm jack cord with this versatile HD 599 sound box. The 50-ohm should please many beginners and as recommended by most, just the headphone driver will not do – an amplifier is necessary. A supplement to what I said before is that you would enjoy tremendous electronic power in partnering it up with the amplifier.

The Sennheiser HD 599 is a great choice for both music fans and audiophiles. This top-quality, open-ear headphone is economically priced and with its functionality and convenience, it can be one of the best value open-back headphones in the audio market.

5. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro – Best Open-Back Studio Monitor Headphones

Key Features:

• Open-back design – Builds a vast soundstage providing the ideal, high-quality auditory experience both for professional and domestic use
• High-fidelity audio – The musical linearity, dynamic balance, and defined bass and treble are clear as a bell
• Comfortable build – In addition to long-lasting, the earpads’ components are replaceable and, therefore, users can even renew them
• Durable and robust – It is the high-velocity German engineering technique that is the basis of reliable digital work
• Impedance: 80 Ohm – Is compatible with all devices while it does not interfere with the item’s operation

Why We Recommend It:

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is just the breath of air you were looking for when it comes to those open-back studio headphones meant for professional producers, mixing, and audiophile listening. Not only does its spacious soundstage and unmatched audio clarity make it the preferred choice of the audiophile clan, creative soundtrack producers and attentive music appreciators are also attracted to it. People who hear of the technology behind the music like to have their own experience and share the secrets of their kind of music or music they are interested in.

Having a 80-Ohm impedance, the DT 990 Pro boasts the right mix of high frequencies, a strong bottom end, and natural, lifelike mids making it an excellent choice for studio and casual audiophile listening. Still, it is able to run on the most devices but the use of a specific amplifier will take you very far, sounding marvelous and much more powerful.

Users will be surprised at how light and comfortable the velour ear pads make the listening experience. The headband is simply a masterpiece of a concept, though, which enables such a strong grip on top of the head.

The relatively low-budget Beyerdynamic DT 990 pro epitomizes a high-performing studio headphone with an immense soundstage that isolates every subtle nuance.

6. Corsair Virtuoso PRO – Best Open-Back Gaming Headset for Streamers and Gamers

Key Features:

• Open-back design – Creates an extra-large, three-dimensional space with audio as it would be heard in real life for an electrifying cinematic experience
• 50mm graphene drivers – Rounded and highly accurate audio output is the hallmark of this state-of-the-art sound system
• Detachable uni-directional microphone – The exclusive single-directional microphone makes sure that every word is heard clearly and without any interference
• Compatible with Elgato Wave Link and NVIDIA Broadcast – The integrated real-time audio effects toy is the best solution to have a more stunning sound and remove background noise to a large extent
• Impedance: 32 Ohm – Its resistance of 32 is just the right level to function smoothly with consoles, gaming PCs and capture cards without extra amplification

Why We Recommend It:

The Corsair Virtuoso PRO is a high-end gaming headset, which professionals use mostly when they broadcast, especially to gamers who put extreme demand on sound together with comfort. The unique open-back design is the reason why it creates an extreme scale of the auditory universe, which is achieved using only one or a pair of speakers. In that way, it will perfectly fit in with competitive games that are very rally, it will also work in a role-playing game because they are very virtual, and last but not the least, it will perform very well with FPS genres as the player will be week to be sure of the location of his enemies.

The riches of high-quality audio technology such as 50mm graphene drivers that the Virtuoso PRO has, it creates the picture that you are sitting in front of the live band that is writing skype messages to you in full HD. Therefore, such headphones allow you to communicate with other people.

Elgato Wave Link and NVIDIA Broadcast software allow the changes such as quick adjustments, instant VST integration, and noise suppression adding great value to gaming and content creating. The impedance of 32-Ohm will certainly please you as it will not need additional power.

If you are interested in a top-of-the-line gaming headset that is capable of audio quality that audiophiles will like, then we would like to recommend the Corsair Virtuoso PRO, a high-end model that can meet the requirements of gaming, streaming, and audio production professionals.

7. Skullcandy Crusher Evo – Best Bass-Heavy Audiophile Headphones

Key Features:

• Adjustable bass slider – Differentiate your bass levels and be able to feel fully into music
• Built-in vibration motors – The vibrations are the tremors that will make you feel like you are inside the sound deepening the effect of the bass
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity – Introducing wireless connectivity which is stress-free and has no tanglings
• Long battery life – The Lithium Polymer battery ensures a backup of more than 40 hours of uninterrupted use
• Integrated control buttons – By pressing your fingertips, you can swipe between the songs, decrease the volume, and adjust the bass

Why We Recommend It:

Skullcandy Crusher Evo is simply a celebration of the deepest and loudest bass and it is a loudspeaker’s fantasy. No other headphones give you this tech feature such as custom-dynamic-driver with individually adjustable bass and the integrated amplifiers with wireless vibration motors that are simply the Cleopatra of ear travel.

Besides bass, the Crusher Evo earphones also present themselves as a wireless on-the-go ally with Bluetooth connectivity. As a result, they can easily be used through different means like traveling, working out, or even in day-to-day activities. On-the-go controls bring you the ability to skim through tracks and set volume instantly and the battery backup time of 40+ hours of juice will help keep the music playing when you least expect it.

As much as they are not the purists’ choice to get that neutral, studio-quality sound, the Crusher Evo want to end the boredom by throwing out a clear, attractive, and dynamic sound that will certainly involve you. Dynamic solution is for music addicts who want to be in the middle of the action and enjoy accurately fine-tuned bass to the highest standard. These headphones are your top choice if you are after strong bass with extended comfort.

8. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X – Best Lightweight Audiophile Headphones

Key Features:

• Open-back design with excellent mids
• Comfortable and lightweight for long listening
• Impedance: 38 Ohm (no amp needed)

Why We Recommend It: The ATH-AD700X is one of the most comfortable and breathable headphones on this list. With natural mids and an airy soundstage, it’s excellent for jazz, classical, and instrumental music.

9. GRADO SR80x Prestige – Best Entry-Level Audiophile Headphones

Key Features:

• Versatile design – The vintage look goes with classic with a timeless handcrafted design
• Open-back build – Offers a large, airy, and natural soundstage
• Highs fluidity – Both crispy highs and clear mids assist in generating an accurate, sharp acoustic sound
• Effortless and pleasant to wear – Intended for the usage you do

Why We Recommend It:

The GRADO SR80x Prestige is a great option for people who have just started their audiophile journey and are looking for high-end quality sounds but do not want to spend a lot of money. REgardless of the open-back design, the GRADO is the headphones that come with the needle of comfort and the silk of performance. Among jazz, rock, and acoustic and instrumental music, they are the best choice for listening.

What makes the SR80x unique lies in the more diverse higher range frequencies that are able to produce sharp, crispy highs in the midst of which the vocals and the instruments have enough width. The lightweight and foam earbuds are the reason for the long-lasting comfort. Moreover, they are on-ear headphones, so some people may have to get used to that.

Despite the fact that the SR80x may not be able to provide deep bass sounds for songs in which the bass is quite heavy, the headphones’s brightness and precision make it the top choice for fresh audiophiles upgrading their listening experience. If you are looking for entry-level audiophile headphones the GRADO SR80x Prestige is the best choice because it has the vintage style and great sound.

10. AKG K240 Studio – Best Semi-Open Headphones for Mixing

Key Features:

• Semi-open design – it provides a pleasant soundstage in addition to the controlled sound leakage
• Balanced audio profile – good for studio mixing and very carefully listening to the music
• Lightweight and comfortable – the design of the headphones makes them suitable for prolonged sessions in professional settings
• Impedance: 55 Ohm – being able to work with almost all devices, but you will get even a better result with an amplifier

Why We Recommend It:

The AKG K240 Studio is a budget-friendly studio headphone that offers a balanced and detailed sound, making it the best choice for light studio work, podcast editing, and mixing. The semi-open design offers a wide soundstage which is experienced with the open-back headphones, but some sound isolation is delivered.

Equipped with a sound-neutral technique, K240 Studio reproduces the sound with the highest fidelity, the reason why the product is the best option for the music creators, audio engineers, and critical listeners. A great feature is the lightweight construction materials, and the comfort is further increased by the soft ear pads both ensure comfort for the long time recording or mixing sessions.

While these headphones have an impedance of 55-Ohms, laptops, audio interfaces, and mobile devices can still run them without problems, and using an external amplifier can help their performance. Need studio headphones that are not only affordable but also reliable and offer detailed audio for a fair price? The AKG K240 Studio is a top-notch option.

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Which One Should You Choose?

The wide ranging options in this list prove that there are quality audiophile headsets available under $200. The expensive sound quality that many of these products provide does not have to necessarily be accompanied with an expensive price tag. Regardless if you are searching for studio accuracy and realism, immersive sound with deep bas, or expansive sound stage, every listener’s needs can be accommodated.

For those willing to compromise on the price and still receive exceptional sound quality, the Sennheiser HD 560S offers an incredible neutral sound signature, open-back design, and excellet comfort that promises to please audiophiles and professionals alike. However, if you like to add a rich bass response while enjoying warmer tones, the Philips Fidelio X2HR offers an incredible listening experience.

Considerably, Gamers and streamers looking for audiophile-grade sound will be more than satisfied with the Corsair Virtuoso PRO. Their precise spatial audio, accompanied with a detachable microphone and streaming compatibility guarantees enjoyment for everyone. Meanwhile, bass lovers, will be more than satisfied with the Skullcandy Crusher Havoc that allows users to adjust bass levels and receive incredible bass heavy sound.

For users interested in studio work or mixing, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and AKG K240 Studio are great options because they reproduce sound in detail for critical listening and professional use. If you want a budget-friendly entry into the audiophile world, the GRADO SR80x Prestige has vintage looks, crisp treble, and an open-back experience.

In the end, the best audiophile headphones under two hundred dollars, is a question of your preferences and the purpose of use. There is always a perfect pair waiting for you, whether you are an audiophile, a music producer, or a gamer, or simply someone who appreciates high-quality sound.