Like any other tech product, headphones come with different price points ranging from the pricier models to the budget-friendly varieties. While the word “budget” can be a turn-off for some people thinking it automatically means cheap and bad quality, that isn’t necessarily the case as long as you know which ones to look for.
Given today’s oversaturated market of headphones available both in-store and online, many brands have designed affordably-priced headphones that offers good audio quality no matter if it’s for listening to music or gaming purpose. Some of them even come with nifty picks like wireless Bluetooth function and noise-cancelling features.
If you want to learn about the general reasons for expensive headphones, do check them out after this list of our compilation on the best of them to fit your respective needs.
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Let’s face it, not everyone has the privilege to splurge an insane amount of money for a pair of pricey gaming headphones. But thanks to the likes of Steelseries Arctis 1 61427, you get to own one without breaking the bank. The adjustable headband makes it easier to fit every head size while its steel-reinforced construction is durable enough.
It has on-headset controls for easy adjustment regardless of volume or mute/unmute the microphone. The mic itself is detachable but in terms of its functionality, it tends to pick up unwanted noise so it’s best to use it if you play your game in a quieter room.
Tight on a budget but care about your music quality? Here’s a pair of headphones worthy of your consideration: the Audio Technica ATH-M20x. It’s made with a flexible headband and well-cushioned earcups that feels comfortable on your ear even after prolonged hours of listening to music.
Sound quality is decent enough for such entry-level headphones. Its closed-back design provides good sound isolation so you don’t have to worry so much about background noise. The cable comes with a standard 3.5mm jack and a 6.3mm snap-on adapter, whereby the latter comes in handy for hooking up the likes of mixers and stereo receivers.
If there’s one open-back headphone that doesn’t cost you a fortune, the Philips SHP9500 happens to be among them. Highlights include well-padded earcups that feel comfortable on your ears, lightweight construction and adjustable yet flexible headband. But if you expect a snug fit, the clamping force isn’t exactly the best in its class.
Moving on to the sound quality, expect good bass and treble with crisp audio all around since Philips SHP9500 uses larger 50mm drivers. Just don’t expect noise isolation, since the open-back design is typically prone to sound leakage. If that’s the case, you are better off with closed-back headphones.
First things first, the Behringer BH470’s brown-and-grey design has the classy and elegant look that separates this pair of headphones from the usual black varieties. It fits comfortably too, thanks to its soft padding on the headband and lightweight construction at just 276g. The headphone is also foldable for easy storage.
Performance-wise, the sound quality is just nice for the price you are paying for. Behringer uses 40mm dynamic drivers capable of transmitting between 20 Hz and 20 kHz for fuller bass and clearer audio.
Looking for affordable noise-cancelling headphones? Well, consider the Anker Soundcore Life Q30. It boasts plenty of goodies here, namely sturdy construction and its elegant black design with the gold-embossed Soundcore logo that gives it a nice touch of class. However, it tends to feel heavy if you wear it for long hours.
In terms of sound quality, it leans heavily on the bass side, using 40mm silk diaphragm drivers which results in a well-rounded audio response. And to let you enjoy your favourite music to the fullest, Anker includes three ANC modes (Transport, Indoor and Outdoor) via Soundcore app that allows you to select your preferred mode.
Ideal for daily studio use, this affordably-priced Sennheiser HD 206 features a closed-back design that provides enough seal around the ear, allowing you to monitor the sound clearly while blocking out unwanted external noise. It’s both lightweight and comfortable to wear too, thanks to its sufficiently-padded quality leatherette ear pads.
Sound quality is decent enough for its budget-friendly price point, with reasonably balanced bass and treble. The 3m cable length, however, is a mixed bag. While it does benefit for say, tracking drums and guitars, others might find the long cable a nuisance since it can easily become tangled.
Overview
The Sony WH-CH520 lets you personalize your audio experience with the Sony Headphones Connect App and gives you good call quality. It’s able to give you 40 hours of battery life, and is capable of Multipoint Connection, so you can instantly answer a call while connected to another device.
Sony WH-CH520 Specifications:
- Driver Unit: 30 mm
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Weight: Approx. 147 g
- Battery: 40 hours battery life, 3-hour charging time
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, 10 m range
- Colours: Blue, Beige, White, Black
Who is it for?
Wireless headphones are becoming more popular today, but since most people prefer not to spend too much money on one, Sony’s WH-CH520 is a great option for students looking to buy new headphones. However, it might be too soft for music, so it’s not suitable for those who like listening to songs loudly.
Overview
Experience JBL’s Pure Bass Sound without spending a lot, thanks to JBL TUNE 510BT. This wireless headphone gives you 40 hours of battery in a single charge.
With an in-built microphone on the headphones, you can also use Google Assistant and Alexa if you’re connected to a compatible device. Hands-free calling is also supported on these headphones!
JBL TUNE 510BT Specifications:
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Driver Size: 32 mm
- Weight: 160 g
- Battery: 40 hours playtime, 2 hours charging
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Features: Multipoint Connection, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Foldable
- Who is it for?
The JBL TUNE 510BT is capable of hands-free calls, making it good for those needing headphones that can take phone calls while on the go. You can also use Google Assistant and Alexa to make a call, or even control music to limit taking out your phone in public.
Why Are Headphones Expensive?
Now, we all must have seen or heard about how some popular headphones cost from four figures upwards. No worries, here are some of the few reasons why higher-end headphones cost more than the others (read: the budget options).
i) Professionally-tested & Engineered Sound Quality
Most expensive headphones take pride in offering the best sound quality possible to justify their price tag. And that means it has a better frequency response in terms of deeper bass and higher treble with little-to-zero distortion, particularly when you crank up at higher volume.
Not to mention, certified professionals have worked to ensure that the sound profile is rich yet pleasant and acute in its quality.
Usually, sounds generally have more layers and depth where you can hear the difference throughout the music, say if you are listening to a jazz improv played by the late Miles Davis., with each instrument sounding as clear as the day.
Moreover, some headphones such as the well-reviewed Sony WH-1000XM4 features an excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) that blocked out unwanted background noise while maintaining its sound quality without risking discomfort.
ii) More Comfortable
Sound quality isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to expensive headphones. You want to ensure you get all the comfort putting on your ears, especially if you are listening for long hours. The pricier options usually use high-quality material, namely breathable leather for headpieces and earpads made with memory foam that provides better comfort.
iii) Better Design & Build Quality
A good pair of expensive headphone is typically built to last for many years of use. In other words, expect durable construction capable of withstanding wear and tear too soon. Also, some higher-end headphones come with the likes of detachable cable and swivel foldable design.