The 7 Best Headphones Under $200 - Spring 2020
Reviews

If you want to stay under $200 but want something with more accurate sound reproduction, go with the Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee. They aren't as versatile as the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016 since they're wired, open-back headphones, but they're a better choice for critical listening and a pretty good option for entry-level audiophile headphones. They're a bit harder to find than most typical headphones, as they're only available on the popular Drop website. They have amazing bass accuracy for open-back headphones and their audio reproduction is great, especially for their affordable price point. However, since they're open, they don't isolate and won't be great for casual use in your daily commute. If you’re looking for critical listening headphones that are a bit better for casual use as well, you may want to consider the closed-back Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.

Get the Plantronics if you're looking for something more casual as they're wireless and have ANC, but if you care about sound quality above all else and do your music listening at home, go with the Sennheiser.

If you want great gaming headphones under $200, then get the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition. You won't be able to use them with your phone via Bluetooth like the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Wireless 2016, but they're noticeably better for gaming. They have an amazing boom microphone that records your voice accurately and people you're playing with won't have any trouble understanding you. You have access to a good amount of customization options inside their dedicated software and you can also use their wireless USB dongle with the PS4 and most home theater systems. If you prefer even more controls, consider the Logitech G933 Wireless Gaming Headset. They have three programmable buttons on the ear cups that you can map on PC to trigger virtually any function you desire, but they’re not as well-built.

Get the Plantronics if you want to be able to use your headphones wirelessly with your smartphone, but if you care more about gaming performance, then get the SteelSeries.

If you like the compact design of on-ear headphones but find them uncomfortable, get the Bose SoundLink On-Ear. They don't have ANC like the Marshall MID ANC Wireless, but they're the most comfortable wireless on-ears we’ve tested so far. They're well-built and have a comfortable lightweight design that doesn't feel too tight on the head. They have a well-balanced sound profile that should be well-suited to a variety of genres, though they aren't as consistent across multiple people as the Marshall, so different people may experience the sound profile differently. They have a great 21-hour battery life with an auto-off timer, meaning you should have no problem getting through a few full days without needing to charge them.

Get the Marshall if you want a pair of on-ears to help block out background noise during your noisy commutes, but if you generally don't like the feel of on-ears and want something extra comfortable, go for the Bose.

If you're looking for truly wireless earbuds under $200, then get the Samsung Galaxy Buds+. Similarly small and lightweight to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Truly Wireless, these earbuds have a touch-sensitive control scheme which may not be as easy to use or responsive as the Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless. They also have an IPX2 rating, which makes them less than ideal for sports compared to the Jaybird. However, their sound reproduction is very well balanced and neutral, making them great for a variety of audio genres. They also have great battery life - just over 13 hours' worth, which is impressive for truly wireless in-ears.

Get the Jaybird if you want well-built, all-around wireless earbuds that keep sports in mind, but if you like the freedom from cords and cables offered by truly wireless earbuds, go with the Samsung.