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Best Headphones under $200
We tested headphones under $200 across ANC, design, battery, and comfort.
October 1, 2025
Adam is an Editor at SoundGuys specializing in gaming headsets, flagship headphones, and earbuds. A lifelong fan of video games and cinema, he brings a sharp ear and passion for immersive sound to every review. Beyond hardware, Adam writes thought-provoking features and opinion pieces that explore how audio tech shapes our lives. Armed with a BA in Cognitive Science, he pairs technical insight with a love for music’s psychological uplift. At home, he still rocks his original Sennheiser MOMENTUM over-ears, switches to Bose QuietComfort Ultra on flights, and relies on Galaxy Buds2 Pro while out and about.
Finding great headphones doesn’t mean spending a fortune — there are plenty of impressive options under $200. We’ve tested hundreds of models in our lab and highlighted the top performers that deliver the best mix of sound, features, and reliability. Our Headphone Score factors in ANC, durability, value, design, connectivity, portability, battery life, and comfort, so you can shop confidently knowing these picks excel across the board.
Compare table
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- Compare tableProductVotes
- 21 total votes21 total votes
$200
8.4
7.6
8.4
6.9
7.7
8.0
9.5
7.5
9.9
9.0
9.0
- 18 total votes18 total votes
$80
8.3
7.2
8.1
6.7
9.5
8.0
7.5
7.7
9.9
9.5
8.5
- 10 total votes10 total votes
$100
8.2
7.1
8.0
6.5
9.0
7.5
9.0
7.0
9.8
9.0
8.0
- 4 total votes4 total votes
$130
8.1
6.1
7.3
7.5
8.4
7.0
7.5
8.5
9.9
9.0
8.3
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$80
7.9
7.2
8.0
6.0
9.5
6.0
9.0
7.0
9.9
8.5
8.0
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$180
7.9
5.0
7.4
6.9
8.2
7.0
8.5
7.0
9.8
8.8
8.6
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$148
7.7
5.2
6.7
6.5
6.8
7.0
9.0
7.5
9.7
8.0
8.6
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$149
7.6
4.2
6.5
6.0
7.5
7.0
9.0
7.6
9.9
7.9
8.2
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$200
7.4
7.5
8.5
6.5
4.0
6.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$198
7.1
3.4
0.0
6.9
7.7
7.6
9.0
7.3
9.9
7.2
6.9
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$61
6.9
6.3
7.3
5.5
8.0
5.0
8.0
7.0
9.9
7.0
5.0
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$70
6.9
6.9
7.9
6.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
0.0
8.5
8.0
Product chart
In the chart above, you can see how each of the headphones compares in terms of price and performance.
To gather information about how well each of the earbuds and headphones work, we subject each product to a number of objective tests. We use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 acoustic measurement system to test headphones and earbuds in our SoundGuys lab. The ear canal of the artificial head was created by averaging and smoothing 3D models of individual ear canal features from the MRI scans of 40 different people.
We perform the following testing to determine the best headphones and best earbuds:
- We run sequences to determine the best fit of the headphones, and if there are any manufacturing issues with the product.
- We measure the headphones’ performance and compare the frequency response to our industry-validated SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve to give context to readers.
- To rate sound quality, we use the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics. These are virtual mean opinion scores as calculated by a powerful machine learning model based on the input of real listeners.
- We play several samples of shaped noise over loudspeakers to test noise canceling and record with our artificial head. We take samples with ANC on, ANC off, and with the headphones off the head. After subtracting the appropriate curves from each other, we can see how well the headphones block out noise.
- To evaluate microphone quality, we play pre-recorded spoken Harvard sentences from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind.
- To measure battery life, we play back music through the headphones or earbuds peaking at 75dB(SPL), a safe and realistic listening level.
In addition to objective testing, our team of audio experts uses each of the headphones and earbuds to evaluate the experience of using the product. By wearing the headphones in day-to-day use, we evaluate the comfort, noting any pain points. We also make sure to try out each of the features that the headphones have to offer, such as using the equalizer in the companion app.
Using a combination of subjective and objective testing, we score each product. To learn more about how we evaluate headphones and earbuds, check out our in-depth explainer on how we test.
Here at SoundGuys, we’ve been testing audio products for over a decade. Our team comprises audio product experts who have tested hundreds of different headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Moreover, our team comes from diverse backgrounds and a wealth of expertise, including audio engineering, film production, journalism, podcasting, music production, and even touring musicians.
Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your purchase or, at the very least, leave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio. To see why you can trust us with your purchase decision, make sure to check out our ethics policy.
Poll
How much are you willing to spend on good headphones?
Best overall pick: Sony ULT WEAR
Sony ULT WEAR are our top pick for overall performance thanks to a balanced mix of features and battery life. They deliver solid ANC — consistently attenuating more than 25dB of noise above 80Hz — and lasted 32 hours and 35 minutes in our standardized battery test. Connectivity is flexible: Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC and multipoint support, plus a wired 3.5mm option (they do not support audio over USB-C). The Sony Sound Connect app unlocks 360 Reality Audio, EQ controls, and lets you tame the oversized ULT bass button that otherwise pushes a lot of low end. Our MDAQS notes the headphones’ heavy bass as a measurable characteristic worth adjusting for many listeners. They also earned Best ANC, Best Battery Life, Best Call Quality, Best Over-Ear Headphones, Best for iPhone users, and Best Comfort recognition.Sourced from Sony ULT WEAR review – SoundGuys.
Best value pick: JLab JBuds Lux ANC
JLab JBuds Lux ANC are our pick for value, offering a lot of useful features for a sub-$100 set of ANC headphones. The battery test returned 44 hours and 22 minutes of playback, and the headphones support fast charging that nets about 4 hours from a 10-minute top-up. ANC performance is competent for the price: roughly 10–20dB of cancellation under 700Hz and very strong passive isolation at higher frequencies, where the ear cups can block up to 46dB. JLab’s app includes a 10-band EQ and adjustable ANC modes, and we recommend tweaking the EQ if the out-of-box sound isn’t to your liking. The compact, foldable design and comfortable padding make these easy to carry and wear on commutes.Sourced from JLab JBuds Lux ANC review – SoundGuys.
Best for Android users pick: Anker Soundcore Space One
Anker Soundcore Space One are our recommendation for Android users because they support LDAC and Bluetooth 5.3 for higher-bitrate streaming on compatible devices. They ran 42 hours and 57 minutes in our battery test with ANC on and include a robust Soundcore app with HearID, an eight-band EQ, and a built-in decibel meter. ANC and passive isolation work together to noticeably reduce mid and low-frequency noise, and the app even offers adaptive ANC and wind-noise reduction settings. The headphones support multipoint and fold for travel, though they don’t provide audio over USB-C. Between codec support and app features, they’re a natural fit for Android phones and tablets.Sourced from Anker Soundcore Space One review – SoundGuys.
Best sound quality pick: JBL Live 670NC
JBL Live 670NC stand out for sound quality in this group, offering a lively, bass-forward signature and plenty of tuning options via the JBL Headphones app. In our battery test they delivered 54 hours and 57 minutes of playback, and their ANC approaches about 30dB of attenuation around 250Hz, which helps with engine rumble and street noise. The on-ear form factor makes them exceptionally portable, and JBL includes a 3.5mm cable for wired use and airplane systems. The headphones pair over Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC and support multipoint; the app adds a 10-band EQ, spatial sound, and customizable touch controls. For listeners who prioritize tunable sound and very long battery life, these are a strong option.Sourced from JBL Live 670NC review – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
Within the wireless and wired headphone category filtered to models under $200 and released within the last several years, these picks reflect different strengths: the Sony ULT WEAR for an overall blend of ANC, comfort, and practical features; the JLab JBuds Lux ANC for the best value with surprisingly long battery life; the Anker Soundcore Space One for Android users who want LDAC and deep app customization; and the JBL Live 670NC for listeners who want tunable sound and exceptional battery life. All four are defensible choices depending on whether you prioritize noise canceling, app features, codec support, or raw battery endurance.
The remaining headphones we tested also have clear use cases: the EarFun Wave Pro offers very long battery life (52 hours in our test), LDAC support on a budget, and decent ANC for travel; the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless is light, comfortable, supports USB-C audio, and leans toward listeners who value sound quality and a solid seal; and the Sony WH-XB910N is bass-forward with a wired 3.5mm option and useful adaptive features, though its touch controls can be hit-or-miss. Each of these could fit buyers inside the same price and release-time window depending on which specific features matter most to them.
FAQ
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On-ear rest on your ears, smaller and more portable.
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In-ear (earbuds) fit inside your ear canal, most compact.
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Wired can offer more consistent sound quality and no battery worries.
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Wireless adds freedom of movement, Bluetooth features, and portability.
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Over-ear headphones with strong ANC work best on planes and trains.
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Compact earbuds are great for commuting and portability.
Higher-priced models usually have better ANC, premium materials, wider soundstage, and extra features.
Active Noise Cancelling uses microphones to cancel out external noise for a quieter experience.
Open-back designs allow air and sound to pass through, creating a wider, natural soundstage but leaking sound. Closed-back isolate better and have more bass punch.
No, it’s a premium feature. Multipoint is useful if you switch often between laptop and phone.
Yes, by reducing background noise so you don’t need to turn up the volume. But listening too loud can still cause damage.
Isolation refers to the ability of your headphones to block outside noise from reaching your ears. This might sound like active noise cancelation, but it isn’t. Active noise canceling uses microphones to pick up the sounds that are going on around you and then uses clever processing to cancel them out. In physics, it’s called destructive interference, and you can learn more about that in our article on how noise canceling works, but that isn’t what isolation is.
Isolation is simply having a physical barrier between your ears and the outside noises. Every time you stuff your fingers in your ears, you’re isolating yourself. You might hear certain loud noises around you, but for the most part, sounds are blocked out. A good pair of over-ear headphones can do something similar. They’ll cover your ears and block noises that would otherwise interfere with the music you’re listening to.
Not yet. While Bluetooth has become way better and more convenient in the last few years, it still can’t compete on a technical level with wired over-ear headphones. Sure, we might be a little biased against removing the headphone jack. Still, even our objective testing of the LDAC codec (which is arguably one of the top transfer methods currently available) revealed that Bluetooth falls short. Of course, you probably won’t have to worry about it too much if you’re over the age of 24 because our hearing tends to go a lot sooner than you might realize, but it’s still something you should be aware of. At least for now, wired headphones still reign supreme.
Over-ear headphones generally offer superior sound quality due to their larger drivers and better isolation, which minimizes ambient noise and allows for a more immersive listening experience.
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