Bluetooth on a Budget: Bluetooth Headphones/Earbuds Under $200

by Delaney Czernikowski
(Updated )
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Bluetooth on a budget

It seems that a necessary feature in nearly every new pair of headphones is Bluetooth capabilities. However, when a pair of headphones does have this feature, the price is incredibly high and looks unattainable. Is there a way to get affordable headphones and get all the benefits of Bluetooth?

The answer is yes. Bluetooth doesn’t automatically mean super expensive, as there are plenty of options from well-known brands that don’t cost a fortune. Below is a list of some Bluetooth models that are all well within a $200 budget. We’ve listed out both headphones and earbuds, in case you were in one market or the other. This is not a full list of what’s available, but just of some of our top picks in this price range. 

OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

AUDIO-TECHNICA M20XBT 

PRICE: $89

Audio-Technica is a reliable brand with plenty of models for all types of listeners. People go to the M50x for DJing, and the M40x is a great choice for mixing. A lot of Audio-Technica Mx models do not come with Bluetooth, so the ATH-M20xBT is definitely one that people would want to get their hands on. You get a balanced sound signature that can be applied in many environments. These are even in the sub-$100 range, which makes them an attractive offer for people looking for a good deal. 

STRAUSS & WAGNER ANCBT501

PRICE: $129.95

This brand is well known for their many adapters and cables you can get to enhance your listening; it’s a bit ironic that they end up on a list for top picks in a wireless setting. While testing the ANCBT501 myself, I enjoyed the comfort and sound signature that was applied to my go-to tracks. They have a lot to offer, and from a brand like Strauss and Wagner you know you're going to get a good product. It even offers wired listening, which is a nice feature for people who like to switch back and forth. 

SENNHEISER ACCENTUM 

PRICE: $189.95

A more well-known model from Sennheiser is the MOMENTUM headphones. It’s a great sounding pair of headphones, but the $300+ prince tag is a bit daunting. That’s where the ACCENTUM steps in. The ACCENTUM is a less expensive model that has a lot of good qualities, and can provide good listening for half the cost. You get a lot of the same features and notes from the MOMENTUM but you save a bit of money. There is the ACCENTUM Plus, which offers a bit higher quality sound compared to the ACCENTUM, that is $50 more and technically over budget. If you are willing to go slightly higher than your budget, I’d highly recommend taking a look at those. 

TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS

SONY WF-C510

PRICE: $69.99

If you're looking for an excellent budget option from a brand you know, look no further than with Sony. The Sony WF-C510 is a nice option for true wireless listening under $100. Sony has been known to have good bass response and high detail in a lot of genres. The WF-C510 is a great option for people who are looking for quality sound on a tight budget. You have tactile buttons for playback control, and a handy charging case that gives you all day listening. There aren't a lot customization options at the lower price point, but the stock sound is clean and crisp to not need any adjustment. 

JBL TUNE BUDS 2

PRICE: $109.95

JBL is another brand that has products that are incredible value. For just over $100, you can get the Tune Buds 2, a nice option for noise cancellation and balanced sound. The shape is perfect for any ear size, and it holds a long battery life so you have music for all your daily activities. This comes as a follow-up to the original Tune Buds, with an improved signature sound to be cleaner and smoother in every genre. This is a great budget pick, as JBL is great for reliability and everyday use. 

FINAL AUDIO ZE2000

PRICE: $139

Another Final Audio product has made the list, this time in earbuds. The ZE2000 is a great model that is lightweight and uniquely shaped to fit comfortably in the ear. The more expensive ZE8000 comes in with an interesting stem-shaped body and has a very enhanced sound profile, making it nicer option for those with a higher budget. However, the ZE2000 proves to be a great option if you're looking for quality that is budget friendly and also easy to wear for hours on end. You get a lot of the same features as the ZE8000, but in a much subtler shape and easy transportability. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET?

Bluetooth doesn’t have to come with a giant price tag. Be it over-ear headphones or some true wireless earbuds, finding something within your budget is possible. Staying in the low budget range may limit your options, and features on the headphones may be limited. If you want all the added features that come with those, you may want to consider upping your budget to a bit higher than $200. If you’re just looking for good sound and the features just seem in the way, there’s plenty of options available for you.

I highly suggest coming in to demo the headphones you are interested in. Not everyone listens the same way, so your top pick may be different from someone else’s. What might look good on paper might end up letting you down, and if you might walk away with something entirely different than what you had in mind! 

View our selection of $200 and under headphones here

You can demo and purchase these headphones and more at Audio46.

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