Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $300 in 2022
There’s nothing quite like that victorious feeling of finding a genuinely excellent pair of over-ear headphones at an affordable price. We’ll be getting into some of the best over-ear headphones under $300 that you can get in 2022.
HiFiMAN – Sundara V2 Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones ($299)
With the release of the closed-back Sundara late this year, the legendary original open-back model has seen a significant price drop. Don’t worry, it’s just as good as if you were paying a hundred dollars more for it. It’s particularly loved by budget audiophiles for the ultra-balanced and realistic sound that has given it its mass appeal. Also, getting high-quality planar drivers in over-ear headphones under $300 dollars is an opportunity that comes few and far between.
The HiFiMAN Sundara V2 can be found here from Audio46.
Impedance: 37 ohms
Frequency Response: 6 Hz -75 kHz
Sensitivity: 94 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X (Closed-Back) ($250)
I’m not sure if there’s a company out there that can really go toe-to-toe with Beyerdynamic’s impressive variety of affordable, high quality over-ear headphones. With a lot of people (including myself) considering the DT 1990 Pro the king of their DT series over-ears, the DT 700 Pro X gets you pretty darn close to the same quality at a more affordable price point. Like most headphones from the company, the DT 700 Pro X is ultra-balanced, and provides a more realistic and powerful bass response than the more economic models in the DT line. Particularly loved by mixers and recording artists, they’re as likely to be treasured by audiophiles or even just casual listeners. With a snug fit that provides ample passive isolation and the inclusion of reputably comfortable velour ear pads, the DT 700 Pro X feels as great as it sounds.
The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X can be found here from Audio46.
Impedance: 48 ohms
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 100 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X (Open-Back) ($250)
Ok, I’m cheating a little. Liked the idea of the DT 700 Pro X, but just wish there was an open-back equivalent? Say less. The DT 900 Pro X may have some of its own subtle characteristics and idiosyncrasies, but its pretty safe to say that it’ll deliver the 700’s sound in an open-back format. It’s nice to have choices.
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X can be found here from Audio46.
Impedance: 48 ohms
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 100 dB
Audio-Technica ATH – M70x (Closed-Back) ($299)
There’s a joke that the ATH – M40x and M50x is everyone’s first “serious” headphone. Well, have you considered getting yourself or some one else their second “serious” headphone? Audio-Technica’s ATH-M70x is the company’s highest caliber headphone from their classic M series. With a more expansive and accurate frequency response than other headphones in the series, the ATH-M70x is primed for both casual and studio use. With it’s own distinct take on a balanced sound signature, it is frequently treated as an ultimatum to the aforementioned Beyerdynamic models.
The ATH-M70x is available here from Audio46.
Impedance: 35 ohms
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
Sensitivity: 97 dB
Sony MDR-1AM2 (Closed Back) ($299)
Hesitant at first to put a 2018 release on this list, Sony’s MDR-1AN2 nonetheless belongs here. And oldy but a goldy. Though it boasts a fairly insane frequency range of 3 Hz to 100 kHz, the MDR-1AN2 has a softer, darker sound signature with full mids and driving bass. It might be one of the most well rounded headphones on this list due to its replaceable cable, comfy padding, ultra-light weight (187 grams!), and high def sound quality that’s and conducive to easy listens. A perfect superior alternative for some one who might be looking down the mistaken path of Beats or Skull Candy headphones.
The Sony MDR-1AM2 is available here from Audio46.
Impedance: 16 ohms
Frequency Response: 3 Hz – 100 kHz
Sensitivity: 98 dB
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