Top 5 Headphones Under $200 in 2022

Maybe you're looking for a gift. Perhaps you're making your first considerable investment in your listening setup. It could be that you're a hardened audiophile with headphones worth thousands of dollars and you're just looking for a good pair that you can risk taking out of the house. There are a handful of older models on this list that are definitely worth the mention as their price drops over the years provide outstanding value. Anyway, let's see what the top 5 headphones under $200 are in 2022.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ($129)

Let's start with my favorite. The DT 770 Pro arguably deserves the title of “Ol' Reliable” more than any other on this list. First released in 1985, the DT 770 Pro is currently Beyerdynamic's most affordable unit from their DT series of studio headphones. I bought my pair three years ago and still use them to this day. Whether you're mixing, monitoring, or just listening to music casually, the 770 Pro will present whatever you're listening to exactly as it's meant to be heard. Attenuated subs, extremely balanced mid-bass and mids, and moderately boosted yet perfectly natural highs characterize its neutral and honest sound signature. Adding to its appeal is its sound stage, which is fantastically wide for any headphone let alone one that is under $200. Though the build isn't exactly refined, it's plenty durable and comfortable – especially if you get the velour ear pads.

If you want face-melting levels of bass in a headphone, this one isn't for you. If you want a diverse use case and a highly analytical sound, I'm skeptical that you'll find something in this price range that can outdo the DT 770.

The 32-ohm, 80-ohm and 250-ohm versions of the DT 770 Pro are available here from Audio46.

Driver: Dynamic

Impedance: 32, 80, or 250 ohms

Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 35 kHz

Sensitivity: 96 dB

Build: Closed-back, over-ear

Sivga SV021

I wouldn't blame you for not hearing of Sivga before, but they're a brand that deserves a little more attention. It suffices to say that wooden headphones are kind of their thing – I'm actually not sure if they have any non-wooden models. With the release of the Sivga Oriole late this year, the Sivga SV021 has seen quite the significant price drop, making it a high value headphone. In typical Sivga style, it's pretty sexy: dark rosewood is used for the housing on the cans, which are connected by a black headband with white stitching. It's considerably lightweight at just 275 grams, and while the ear pads don't provide the best isolation, they play a role in giving the SV021 an airy fit. It's sound signature is fairly dark, and draws most of its energy from a deep bass response and warm lower mids, with attenuated center mids and fairly natural highs. Its bass-heavy tone is likely to please the Beats headphone crowd, and its elegant look should be enough to convert them over from the dark side.

If you're looking for a bassy headphone with a flashy and classy style, the SV021 will prove to be quite the bargain.

The Sivga SV021 can be purchased here from Audio46.

Driver: Dynamic

Impedance: 32 ohms

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Sensitivity: 105 dB

Build: Closed-back, over-ear

Grado SR80x

Open-back, on-ear, fiery tuning, physical rumbles on the outer ear - Brooklyn-based Grado labs makes some of the most unique headphones that I've ever had the pleasure of trying. The Grado SR80x is the most affordable headphone from the company's Prestige X series. The SR80x, like other Grado headphones, have a distinctly flat, on-ear fit. Though the lower end of the bass response is fairly attenuated on the SR80x comparitively to the other models in the Prestige X series, an on-ear rumble is activated by subs, mid bass, low mids and even center mids. In my experience with the SR80x, drums sounded particularly vibrant and impactful, as the vast majority of their frequency profile is matched with a physically-felt vibration. Though sound liberally leaks out of the headphones, it's a feature and not a flaw that contributes to some pretty convincing imaging and a wide sound stage.

While I don't think the colorful and unique qualities of the Grado SR80x make it the best choice for someone's first headphone, it's a verifiably fun headphone that has all the one-of-a-kind Grado qualities in an affordable package.

The Grado SR80x can be purchased here from Audio46.

Driver: Dynamic

Impedance: 32 ohms

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Sensitivity: 100 dB

Build: Open Air

Meze Audio 99 Neo

Felt a little priced out of the Meze 99 Classic? Dismayed by the $799 Meze 109 Pro? That's okay, Meze hooks it up with Meze 99 Neo for those who want Meze quality in a more affordable unit. The Neo does a pretty great job emulating the bass-heavy frequency profile of the 99 Classic, and effectively ends up sounding like its younger sibling. Though the profile may have a distinct mid scoop, it's well done and gives room for the boosted lows and highs to smack with a pronounced emphasis. One of my favorite details of the 99 Neo is that it has the unmistakable Meze look witits's uniquely ovular cans. It even has Meze's suspension headband, which gives the unit an exceptionally easy fit the moment it's on your head – no sliders or gimbles needed.

If you've stood by the sidelines in awe of the audiophile-grade headphones that Meze consistently churns out, but didn't have the money for them, the 99 Neo can deliver a surprisingly similar experience at an affordable price point. Less importantly, there's the added benefit of walking around with headphones that look way more expensive than they really are – you know, if you're into that sort of thing.

The Meze Audio 99 Neo can be purchased here from Audio46.

Driver: Dynamic

Impedance: 26 ohms

Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25 kHz

Sensitivity: 103 dB

Build: Closed-back, over-ear

Sennheiser HD 569

Though Sennheiser's HD 569 was released in 2017, it feels more like a classic here at the store going by the number of people who walk out with it on their heads. I've heard it compared to the aforementioned Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and while the two don't quite sound the same, they share a common sentiment. The HD 569 has a fairly balanced sound that makes it a popular go to for casual listeners and studio musicians alike. It's significantly warmer than the DT 770 Pro, and while the mids profile is pretty balanced, it tapers its highs with a heavier hand.

The HD 569 features a convenient remote with a mic as well. It's pretty simple, and the mic isn't the best, but it's manageable and nice to have as an option. If you're looking for a straightforward closed-back with a clean, balanced warmth and proven popularity, Sennheiser's HD 569 is worth some consideration.

The Sennheiser HD 569 can be purchased here from Audio46.

Driver: Dynamic

Impedance: 23 ohms

Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 23 kHz

Sensitivity: 115

Build: Closed-back, over-ear