It is very easy to get a decent pair of entry-level audiophile headphones. Whether your budget is $100 or even $500, you can get something that will sound good to your ears. In this article, we will present some of the best budget audiophile cans available. To complete your system, check out our best headphone amps under 100 and Best budget DACs.
Budget Audiophile Headphones Comparison Table
| HEADPHONE | IMPEDANCE | SENSITIVITY | DESIGN TYPE | DRIVER TYPE | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips SHP9500S | 32 Ohms | 101 dB | Open-back, Over-ear | Dynamic | 300g |
| Meze 99 Classics | 32 Ohms | 103 dB | Closed-back, Over-ear | Dynamic | 260g |
| HiFIMAN HE400S | 25 Ohms | 91 dB | Open-back, Over-ear | Planar Magnetic | 390g |
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO | 80 Ohms | 96 dB | Closed- back, Over-ear | Dynamic | 270g |
| Moondrop Aria | 32 Ohms | 122 dB | Closed-back, In-ear | Dynamic | 10g Each |
| AKG Pro Audio K702 | 62 Ohms | 105 dB | Open-back, Over-ear | Dynamic | 235g |
| AKG K240 MKII | 55 Ohms | 104 dB | Semi-open, Over-ear | Dynamic | 240g |
| Philips Fidelio X2HR | 30 Ohms | 100 dB | Open-back, Over-ear | Dynamic | 380g |
| Shure SRH440 | 40 Ohms | 105 dB | Closed-back, Over-ear | Dynamic | 311g |
Best Overall Budget Audiophile Headphones
1. Philips SHP9500S
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 101 dB
- Design: Open-back, Over-ear
- What We Like: Cheap, Lightweight design, Soundstage and Imaging, Easy to drive
- What We Don't: Lean bass, Shallow earpads, Short cable
The Philips SHP9500S is one of the cheapest budget audiophile headphones around. It has a good design, but most of the headphone is plastic. However, it feels sturdy and should last long when used with care. The earpads have metallic grills, while the headband is reinforced with metal. Both the earpads and headband use a mesh-like material, which is comfortable.
It is an open-back headphone with an over-ear design. The earpads are large and fit perfectly around the ear for a comfortable feel. The earpads are a little shallow but are still comfortable for long hours. The headband padding is good and does a great job of balancing the light headphone on your head without digging into your head. The clamp is light, and you should have no issues using the correct fit.
For the sound quality, the SHP9500S is overall well-balanced with a slightly raised treble response. They are not bassy headphones; some will find the bass faint or nonexistent. They have a wide soundstage, and the imaging is quite accurate, which helps in immersion and enjoying music…Read our in-depth review.
Best Closed-Back Budget Audiophile Headphones
2. Meze 99 Classics
The Meze 99 Classics are fun and energetic headphones. They look incredible and well-built, which relates to their acoustic performance. They are warm headphones with a controlled bass response and good mids and highs.
When it comes to the build and overall design of the Meze 99 Classics, these headphones are simply a work of art. The earcups are CNC carved from walnut and are very soft to the touch. A steel self-adjusting headband holds the two earcups together for a complete look. The lower part of the headband, made of an elastic material covered by synthetic leather, sits over the head.
The comfort is good, and you can wear the headphones for long hours without any fatigue or issues with the clamp. The self-adjusting headband distributes the light headphones perfectly for a comfortable fit. However, the earpads are a little thinner and shallow, which can be a problem at times or if you have larger ears.
For the sound quality, the 99 Classics are warm and bassy headphones but well articulated and fairly precise. The bass is prominent but overall stays well controlled. The mids are also good with a great amount of detail, while the treble extends only a little, but you never feel a loss of detail. The soundstage is also good for a closed-back headphone, while instrument separation remains crisp and well organized.
Best Open-Back Budget Audiophile Headphones
3. HIFIMAN HE400SE
- Impedance: 25 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 91 dB
- Design: Open-back, Over-ear
- What We Like: Good value planar headphones, Well balanced sound, Detail retrieval, Wide soundstage, Accurate imaging, comfort, minimalistic design
- What We Don't: Needs good amplification, Short cable.
If you’re looking for an alternative to our best budget audiophile headphones, Philips SHP9500S, the HiFiMAN HE400SE is a better option. The HE400SE is well-built and looks like an expensive pair of headphones. The earcups are, however, plastic, which is not high-end but keeps the weight of the headphones low. The headband is like the one used on the Hifiman Deva with a metallic yorks and reinforced with memory foam.
While comfort is subjective to different people, these are comfortable even for longer listening sessions. The earpads have faux leather on the outside, while the part that rests on your face is very soft velour. They are fitted with memory foam, which conforms to the shape of your ears and face. The headband can be adjusted to fit larger heads and is generously padded for a comfortable feel.
The HiFiMAN HE400SE has a fairly balanced sound profile. The bass is deep and satisfying but lacks the visceral impact of a dynamic driver. However, for bass heads, the HE400SE won’t tingle your bass nerves. The mids are transparent, and the vocals sound organic but do not stand out. The treble is slightly emphasized, which adds a little energy to the overall sound quality without being bright or harsh. The soundstage is wide but lacks depth, while the imaging is accurate with decent separation.
Great Budget All Rounder
4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
The DT 770 Pro is one of the popular headphones from Beyerdynamic. It has a solid build and a utilitarian design. It is a very comfortable pair of headphones with large earcups that are velour covered. They are bassy headphones with a good amount of detail.
The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro has been around for a long time now and needs no introduction. The DT770 Pro is extremely well built yet light in weight. The plastic used for the earcups is thick and feels very good in quality. The headband is made of solid spring steel and has a replaceable pad that can be buttoned or unbuttoned. Our only design complaints are the permanently attached cables and exposed wires from each earcup that can be snapped if you’re not too careful.
The DT770 Pro features two large and circular earpads that are very comfortable. The pads are made from velour, which feels very soft to the skin. Both the earpads and headband have ample padding, which makes them quite comfortable even for long sessions. The headphones’ clamp is tight but adjusts itself over time with fair usage. Being a closed-back headphone, these offer decent isolation considering their velour earcups.
The bass is one of the strengths of the DT770 Pro. It is deep, clear, and well-controlled, with very little roll-off to the midrange. The midrange is well-balanced and sounds natural but relatively flat in response. The high-end is on the bright side and is a make or break for most people. The brighter treble gives the DT770 Pro clarity but can be fatiguing to some. They do have a decent soundstage for closed-back headphones and accurate imaging.
Best Budget Audiophile IEM
5. Moondrop Aria
The Aria is one of the budget-friendly options when it comes to IEMs. They have a good build quality and offer decent comfort and isolation. Their sound profile leans toward a balanced sound. The bass is powerful, the midrange is smooth, and the treble is non-fatiguing.
The budget mid-fi IEM market has skyrocketed over the last several years due to the influx of Chi-Fi IEMs. The Moondrop brand has been on the scene for some time, and most people are familiar with it. Moondrop aria comes in a matte black finish and gold stripes on the faceplate of the earpieces. The earpieces are well built and connected via a 2-pin 0.78mm connector recessed to prevent the pins from breaking.
The earpieces are a little heavy but stay firmly in the ears. Their design also offers a comfortable fit even when used for a longer session. The universal earpiece design is sure to fit most people without a problem. Cables going over the ears provide an extra amount of flexibility and support, especially when moving around. The Aria ships with a decent amount of ear tips ranging from small ones to bigger sizes. They offer a decent amount of isolation from outside noises.
The overall sound of the Moondrop Aria is a balanced sound profile. The bass is prominent and has a powerful thump and slam to it. However, it remains under the desired level of bass heads. The mids are very smooth and have a natural tonality. The treble is non-fatiguing without a hint of harshness. However, it lacks detail retrieval and resolution. The soundstage has a good width, but the depth/height is average. Imaging is accurate, and you can easily pinpoint the location of different instruments.
Best for a Large Soundstage
6. AKG Pro Audio K702
If you're looking for fun, but neutral-sounding headphones, the AKG K702 is a good choice. The headphones are good for both leisure and critical listening. They are well built, feel very comfortable, and offer outstanding sound performance for their price tag.
The AKG K702 has great built quality. The headphone is built with different materials, including plastic, metal, leather, and velour. Most of the build is plastic which features on the earcups. The earcups have a protruding design, which houses the mini XLR connector. The headband is self-adjusting with two metal wires on top and a leather strap that rests on the head.
The earcups have a decent opening and are covered with velour for a very comfortable fit. The earpads have a nice depth and good space, which makes the K702 very comfortable. The headband design also effectively distributes the already light headphones evenly without creating any hotspots. The leather strap headband is also soft, and the clamping force is hardly noticeable after using these headphones several times.
After putting on these headphones and listening to music, all you can do is smile and be amazed by the sound. The bass is just the right amount, well-textured, and accurate. The mids are also beautiful and airy, which sometimes brings out female vocals to sound very real. The high-end is airy and transparent while also remaining fatigue-free as possible. The soundstage is spacious and detailed, while the imaging is spatial with the correct placement of instruments. Check out our best soundstage headphones.
Best of The Rest
7. AKG K240 MKII
The K240 MKII is a good pair of headphones with much to offer. They are cheap and well-built for the price. They have well-refined high-end response, good mids, and a gentle-hitting bass. This is another excellent headphone that should feature in your collection.
The AKG K240 MKII is an iteration of the famous K240, a classic that has won the hearts of its users from its launch. Like its predecessors, the K240 MKII features the signature AKG styling that we’ve all come to love as the years pass. The build is plasticky but feels sturdy even for heavy use. The earcups are rounded, and you can tell they have a semi-open back design. A mini-XLR connector is housed on the left earcup.
The headband is simple and self-adjusting, featuring two fires on top and a vinyl strap that rests on the head. Although the headband is comfortable and fits well, the adjustment mechanism barely moves. This might be a problem if you have a larger head. The MKII comes with two pairs of earpads, faux leather, and velour pads. Both feel quality and soft, but the velour pads are much more comfortable and softer on the skin.
On to the sound quality. The MKII has a nice amount of not overpowering bass, but some can even call it lacking. However, it’s just right and does not overpower the other frequencies for better clarity. The mids are where this headphone shines. They are full-sounding and rich, which brings out the best in vocals and other instruments. The treble is clear without a hint of harshness. The soundstage is wide, and realistic imaging adds a layer of forwardness to the sound, akin to sitting in front of a live performance.
8. Philips Fidelio X2HR
The Fidelio X2HR is a good all-rounder pair of headphones with a fun and enjoyable sound. Use them for different music genres, gaming, or producing music. They are also well built and have a comfortable and snuggly fit on the head.
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is well-built and feels very sturdy. These feel like they are not going to break down anytime soon. Although the earcups are plastic, they feel dense and solid enough. Earpads are covered with velour and have a large opening that will easily fit most ears. The two-part suspension headband is self-adjusting and features leather-covered metal reinforcement on the top part and soft mesh padding that rests on the head.
The X2HR is among the most comfortable headphones we’ve tried at HiFi Gear Lab. The memory foam padded earpads seem stiff at first. However, once they warm up, they are very soft. The earpads are covered with velour, making them very soft on the skin. The earpads are deep and wide enough so the ears stay comfortable even for longer listening sessions. The headband is soft and breathable and does a great job of balancing the headphone’s weight. The clamp is tight at first but eventually settles out.
Bass is one of the strongest selling points of the X2HR. It is tight and punchy for an open-back headphone and never gets muddy. The mids are also quite good and stay well-balanced but slightly recessed. However, it stays realistic and makes the sound feel like it originated further away. The treble is well-balanced but lacks energy. However, it is non-fatiguing and does not come with any hint of sibilance or harshness. The soundstage is excellent, but the imaging is just ok.
9. Shure SRH440
The SRH440 headphones have excellent value with pristine clarity, punchy bass, clear and transparent mids, a slightly boosted high-end, and an exceptional soundstage for closed-back headphones. They also have a good fit and isolate enough noise/sound.
The Shure SH440 is the second closed-back headphone to make it to our list of budget audiophile headphones. The build quality is decent and good, but they have a hollow and plasticky feel. The earcups are big, and their backs are made of metal. This is a nice touch, but it likely also helps keep resonance down. The headband is flexible and covered in a synthetic leatherette. One part of the design we don’t like is the exposed wires on the sides of the earcups.
The comfort of the SH440 is average. They feel great when you put them on, the clamping force is just right, and the earpads have a good depth so that the ears are not touching the drivers. However, after using the headphones for several hours, you’ll start to feel discomfort. However, they’d be alright if you take breaks when using them. Being a closed-back headphone, the SR440 has excellent isolation and minimal sound leakage.
For the sound quality, the bass is punchy and well-textured. However, it is not prominent, which is a common trait in neutral studio headphones. The mids are transparent and clear, while the treble is slightly emphasized. This makes the overall sound slightly bright but never sibilant or harsh. For closed-back headphones, the soundstage is average, and the imaging is decent, where you can pick out individual instruments.
Budget Audiophile Headphones Buying Advice
Over-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. In-Ear Headphones
If you’re getting a pair of audiophile headphones, then it’s worth knowing the differences and pros and cons of these different designs. Over-ear headphones cover the whole ear, on-ear sit on the ear, while in-ear headphones go into the ear canal. These three designs all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Over-ears are usually the go-to headphones for audiophiles because of their sound quality. Their large drivers and comfortable designs make them great for an immersive listening experience, whether at home, office, or somewhere private. However, most tend to be heavy and bulky, which makes them unsuitable for moving around.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohms
On-ear headphones are the ones that sit on the ears rather than covering the ears. This makes them quickly uncomfortable, especially with high clamp pressure. They also compromise a little on sound, so we’ve not included on-ear headphones on our list. However, if you’d like a pair of on-ear headphones, check out our best on-ear headphones.
In-ear headphones are broad and could include earbuds or in-ear monitors (IEMs). These are the lightest and most portable headphones. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can get the best-sounding in-ear headphones or grab cheap ones for casual listening. With in-ear headphones, there’s something for everyone.
Moondrop Aria In-Ear Monitors
Closed- vs. Open-back Headphones
Choosing between open-back and closed-back headphones will depend on your sound preference and where you usually listen to your headphones.
Closed-back headphones have a sealed or enclosed earcup that does not let sound escape or leak inside. Closed headphones isolate well and keep sound between the listener and the headphones. The sound quality of closed-back headphones is usually bassy, but high-end closed-back headphones are more controlled. If you plan to use your headphones during your daily commute or at a shared office, closed-back headphones are your go-to headphones.
Meze 99 Classics Closed-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones have an open earcup with grills or perforations to protect the headphone’s driver. Because of their open design, open-back headphones give music room to breathe, which leads to a wider soundstage and a more realistic presentation. For audiophiles, open-back headphones are the best choice. However, their downfall is that they leak sound and let sound in, which makes them a poor option for commuting or listening in a crowded place.
AKG K702 Open-Back Headphone
Headphone Impedance Explained
The impedance of headphones is one of the most important specifications to look out for when buying a pair of audiophile headphones. Headphone impedance is measured in Ohms (Ω) and shows the resistance of your headphones against electrical current. This will help you determine how much power your headphones will need to deliver a reasonable listening volume or how accurate the sound coming from your headphones will be.
HIFIMAN HE400SE and ifi Zen DAC V2
Put simply, the higher the impedance of your headphones, the more power you’ll need to power them. Lower-impedance headphones will be sufficiently powered by low-powered devices such as smartphones, laptops, or digital audio players. However, you’ll need a headphone amplifier for higher-impedance headphones to power them effectively.
Lower-impedance headphones are up to 32 ohms. For 32 to 100 Ohms, you can use a wide range of playback devices. Higher impedance headphones are over 100 Ohms, requiring a headphone amp to make them shine.
Sensitivity Explained
The sensitivity of a headphone tells us how efficiently the headphone drivers use the power being supplied to them. Sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB) and simply tells us how loud a headphone will be. A headphone with a sensitivity rating of 105 dB will sound louder than a headphone with a sensitivity rating of 85 dB. This simply means higher sensitivity headphones if efficient at using the power supplied.
ODAC and O2 Amp With Philips SHP9500S
While sensitivity is a useful measure when choosing an audiophile headphone, most people will not consider it. Unless a pair of headphones has a very high impedance rating, the sensitivity rating is usually not taken into account.
Headphone Driver Types Explained
The most popular headphone drivers fall into dynamic, planar magnetic, and electrostatic headphones drivers. On our list, we have excluded electrostatic headphones because they are much more expensive and require specialized amps. However, if you’d like to check them out, see our post on the best electrostatic headphones.
Dynamic headphone drivers, also called moving coils, are much more common, and you’ll find them in most headphones you’ll buy. Dynamic drivers use a moving coil embedded in a magnet to move the diaphragm, which produces sound. This headphone driver is like a miniature version of your home theater speakers. They are easier to drive, cheaper to buy, and provide good sound quality.
Philips Fidelio X2HR Resting on Chair
Planar magnetic drivers have a diaphragm that is embedded with very thin electrical wires. The diaphragm is then suspended between two magnets. When an electrical audio signal is introduced, it goes through the embedded wires. This interacts with the electromagnetic field from the two magnets, which move the diaphragm, reproducing sound. Planar magnetic headphones are now becoming more popular due to their sound quality and affordable price.
Things to Avoid
When it comes to audiophile headphones, there are some features you’ll want to avoid if you want the best sound quality. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one feature you’d want to avoid. With ANC headphones, you’ll pay more for the technology rather than the sound. You should buy active noise-cancellation headphones only if you absolutely need them.
However, if you’re looking for better isolation from headphones, IEMs and other high-noise isolation headphones offer excellent passive noise isolation. ANC technology degrades your headphones’ audio quality and requires batteries to operate, making them very inconvenient at times.
