It turns out you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a headphone to get top-notch sound. In fact, there are a few stellar options for just 300 bucks that could knock your socks off, especially if you’re new to high-end headphones. And if you’re buying your first open-back headphone, chances are good that the soundstage will already be better than the one you’re listening to on your closed-backs. Now you just have to decide if you want it warm, bright, tight, yadi yada. So, here is a diverse list of our favorite (and we think most talented) open-back headphones under 300 bucks. 

Grado SR325

$275

In addition to Grado’s deliciously spread out stage, the SR325x delivers a powerful, controlled bass, intimate, forward-leaning vocals, and orgasmically wispy highs. The SR325x is able to skillfully balance reference-class accuracy with a tenderness and musicality. In fact, the more you listen to it, the more you become in tune with its emotive qualities. It should also be noted that while Grado is famously suited towards genres like jazz, the SR325 delivers killer pop and house tracks too. So, yes, the SR325x is incredibly precise. But it's also a really good time, and probably one of the most fun open-back headphones on this list.

You can buy the Grado SR325 at Audio 46.

Sivga Luan

$299

The newish, but increasingly popular brand, Sivga, tends to overdeliver for the price. And the Luan is no exception. The Luan’s colorful and expansive soundstage is reason alone to love these cans. But the sound signature delivers a lot more than that; the low-end response is powerful and clean, providing a satisfying punch without overpowering the mix. The midrange is lush and full-bodied, with a pleasing balance between texture and smoothness. Instruments, especially acoustic ones, sound natural and well-defined. The high-end is transparent and detailed, adding shimmer and crispness to tracks without any discomfort. Add to that a notably comfortable fit and solid build, and you’ve got a massive bargain for 300 bucks.

You can buy the Sivga Luan at Audio 46.

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

$299

The DT 900 Pro X has a relatively neutral tonal balance and it’s primarily designed as a reference headphone. And certainly, the 900 Pro (the X version is easier to drive, at 48 Ohms) is the gold standard in its price range when it comes to accuracy. But precision doesn’t have to be boring. The DT 900 Pro X delivers a deep and cleanly defined bass with a crisp mid-range and incredibly transparent highs. Of course, the soundstage is also excellent, offering anally pin-point instrument placement and immaculately clean layering. And while I usually care less about build quality than I do sound, I have to say, Beyerdynamic headphones are damn sturdy cans. Plus, with a 2 year international warranty from Beyerdynamic, you also have a great back-up plan should something break.

You can buy the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro X at Audio 46.

Sennheiser HD 600

$299

To make room of its latest iteration of the HD 600, the HD600s2, Sennheiser has dropped the price on the HD 600 dramatically, which is why it landed on this list. The Sennheiser HD 600 has long been a favorite among audiophiles, appealing to both professional recording engineers and casual music enthusiasts alike. Particularly skilled at conveying dynamics and emotion, the HD 600 provides a deep and effortless bass, a rich midrange, and airy treble. It’s warm, natural, highly transparent, and deliciously musical. And like the other German brand, Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser promises longevity with its 2 year international warranty.

You can buy the Sennheiser HD 600 at Audio 46.

Hifiman Sundara V2

$299

Glossy with well-extended and airy highs, the Sundara V2 is the only planar magnetic headphone I’ve listed, simply because it’s hard getting the same value from a planar as you can from a dynamic driver headphone. But the Sundara is probably the best performing planar option in this price range. With a neutral leaning sound signature and a touch of warmth, the Sundara delivers a sumptuous tonal quality that is distinctly planar, even if it’s not the most talented headphone on this list. 

You can buy the Hifiman Sundara V2 at Audio 46.