The 6 Best Headphones Under $200 - Winter 2021 Reviews

The best headphones under $200 with an over-ear design that we've tested are the Razer Opus. They offer an excellent price-to-performance ratio, with an audio profile that’s similar to more expensive models such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018. Outwardly, they have fairly intuitive physical controls and an understated, premium design that feels quite durable. Due to their relatively lightweight design and generously sized ear cups, they’re also comfortable enough to wear all day.

They feature a very well-balanced sound profile, with outstanding bass and mid accuracy. While fans of EDM or hip-hop may find their bass lacking in punch and thump, this can easily be adjusted via a graphic EQ or presets within the dedicated Razer Opus app. They also have a very impressive ANC system that effectively blocks out everything from the low rumble of a bus engine to the high-pitched whine of an AC unit. Combined with their near 33-hour battery life from a single charge, they’re up for several long, loud commutes without having to worry about the hassle of plugging them in.

Unfortunately, they lack multi-device pairing, which is a handy feature if you tend to swap between using your phone and computer a lot. Their microphone doesn’t isolate your voice very well, meaning that they aren’t the best choice if you make a lot of phone calls in loud environments. Still, these are a good pair of headphones for a variety of uses thanks to their exceptionally well-balanced sound profile and surprisingly outstanding ANC, especially at this price point.

The best earbuds under $200 that we've tested are the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. These sleek, well-built earbuds have a comfortable fit, so they're ideal for long listening sessions. Their 13.5-hour continuous battery life is impressive, so you can wear them during your workday without needing to recharge them in their charging case.

Overall, they have a very neutral, well-balanced sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content. If you prefer a different sound, there are even a few EQ presets available in the Galaxy Wearable app to help you customize their sound. They don't leak a lot of noise, either, so you can turn up the volume on your favorite music without annoying those around you.

Unfortunately, they have touch-sensitive controls that make it easy to accidentally press the wrong button, which can be annoying. It's also difficult to use the controls while wearing gloves, so they may not be the best choice if you live in a cold climate. That said, these headphones have a decently versatile overall performance that ranks them among the best truly wireless earbuds we've tested.

The best headphones under $200 with an on-ear design that we've tested are the JBL Live 400BT. These wireless on-ears have a tight and stable fit on your head, making them suitable to wear while jogging. They last for over 30 hours off of a single charge, which is outstanding.

Out-of-the-box, they have a balanced, neutral sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different audio content. The JBL Headphones app offers a parametric EQ and presets so you can customize their sound to your liking, too. You can even pair them with up to two devices at the same time, making it easy to quickly switch your audio source from your phone to your laptop.

Unfortunately, they don't have a very consistent bass and treble delivery, so they may sound a bit different each time you use them. Also, they don't come with an ANC feature, and they struggle to block out bass-heavy background noises like bus and plane engines. On the upside, they can passively isolate against higher-frequency noises typically found in a noisy office, like the sound of coworkers talking nearby.