Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $300 in 2026
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 2026.
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 770 PRO X ($229)
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X modernizes one of the most recognizable studio headphones ever made while preserving the spacious, detailed sound that made the original so popular among engineers and enthusiasts. Its closed-back design delivers impressive clarity and imaging while still maintaining strong isolation for studio tracking, mixing, or focused listening sessions. The updated STELLAR.45 driver helps provide a more refined and controlled presentation with excellent dynamics and detail retrieval, making the DT 770 PRO X feel both familiar and noticeably more polished. Combined with Beyerdynamic’s durable construction, plush comfort, and versatile drivability, it stands out as a compelling evolution of a studio classic.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X can be found here from Audio46.
Impedance: 48 ohms
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X ($229)
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X successfully updates the legendary open-back DT 990 formula with more refined tuning and greater versatility, while retaining the spaciousness and energetic presentation that made the original so iconic. Its open-back design creates an expansive soundstage with excellent separation and imaging, giving music and mixes a highly immersive quality that feels especially engaging for critical listening. The inclusion of Beyerdynamic’s newer driver technology adds greater balance and control across the frequency range while maintaining the lively character longtime fans expect. Paired with exceptional comfort and a rugged studio-ready build, the DT 990 PRO X feels like a thoughtful modernization of one of audio’s most enduring reference headphones.
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X can be found here from Audio46.
Impedance: 48 ohms
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
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-M1 (Closed Back) ($269)
The Sony MDR-M1 delivers a clean and highly detailed studio-style sound that balances analytical precision with an engaging sense of musicality. Its tuning feels controlled and accurate without becoming overly sterile, making it versatile enough for both professional monitoring and casual audiophile listening. Sony’s lightweight construction and comfortable fit also make the MDR-M1 especially easy to wear during long sessions, while the closed-back design provides effective isolation without sacrificing openness in the presentation. With strong technical performance, refined imaging, and a polished overall sound signature, it positions itself as a highly capable modern monitoring headphone for a wide range of listeners.
The Sony MDR-1AM2 is available here from Audio46.
Impedance: 50 ohms
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 80,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 102dB
