Headphones are excellent accessories that allow you to listen to your favorite music without being disrupted by the outside world. It permits you some sense of privacy, providing you with that opportunity to have that me-time and sing along to the tune of your latest playlist. Many devices like smartphones and tablets come packed with factory earphones, but headphones are a breed of their own—you don’t have to stick the tiny speakers into your ears and simply use them as ‘audio headbands.’ They don’t get lost easily, as well.
Many brands are available in the market. Some are super expensive that they already surpass the price you may have paid for larger speakers—or even your whole studio system. Nonetheless, if you are looking for an efficient set of headphones, you don’t have to spend all your hard-won savings on it.
To help you get the best headphones, we decided to visit various audio stores to find the best options available. We looked into the different choices and made a list of the top models most preferred by customers. To provide you with a better appreciation of each headphone set, we included a brief discussion for each of these models as well.
Comparison of The Best Headphones Under $300
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Best Overall  |
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Best Budget Choice  |
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Best Pick  |
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The Best Headphones Under $300
V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphone – Best Overall
Key Features
- Speaker driver: 50mm dual-diaphragm driver
- Frequency response: 5 – 30,000 Hz
- Speaker sensitivity: 103dB @ 1kHz 1mW
- Microphone sensitivity: -42dB @ 1kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Headphone set is a little over three hundred bucks. We chose to include it in the list of the best headphones under $300 because it has the best features for a headphone set that’s along that price range. This model has a frequency response of 5 to 30,000 Hz. It has a speaker sensitivity of 103 dB and microphone sensitivity of -42 dB. The M-100 is ultra-sensitive in that it can reproduce minute details of your audio, and its mic can detect the tiny sounds you create.
Highly recommended for professional use, this product is popular among DJs and other audiophiles. It has a durable build that’s also flexible. It has durable cables that allow you greater convenience, as well. This product has gone through strict quality tests and is tagged as one of the best headphones available today.
This headphone is equipped with a CliqFold hinge and can be easily folded into its Exoskeleton case—a MODA patented feature that makes this accessory extremely portable. You can bring this with you anywhere and enjoy your quiet time any time you want. Further promoting the need for individuality and uniqueness, this set comes with an aluminum shield available in various colors. You can opt to engrave your name or logo into it via laser or printing. The M-100 is a noise-isolating gadget, which further allows you to drown in the tunes you adore. It has a superb audio quality that’s also bass-oriented.
| Pros • CliqFold hinge and Exoskeleton case • Wide frequency response range • Super speaker and microphone sensitivity • Noise isolation capability • Superb bass • Metal design • Clear audio quality • Durable and flexible • Portable | Cons • A bit uncomfortable to use |
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones – Best Budget Choice
Key Features
- Sensitivity: 106 dB/W/m
- Impedance: 63 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 10-20kHz
- Neodymium magnets and 40-millimeter drivers incorporated
- 9.8 feet cord included
If you’re on a budget set and looking for the best headphones under $300, you should check out the Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones. Manufactured by one of the most popular audio equipment brands, the MDR7506 has a sensitivity rate of 106 dB and an impedance rating of 63 ohms. Because it comes equipped with 40-millimeter drivers and neodymium magnets, this provides you with detailed audio quality.
It has a frequency response range of 10 to 20 kHz, a slightly average range for a headphone. However, it makes up for that by offering you noiseless sound due to its cushions and closed-back design.
One of the primary considerations when purchasing a good set of headphones is the comfortable head-positioning it may provide. This product offers you comfort due to its soft speaker covers. It also comes with a 9.8-feet cord that allows you better access if you need to be farther from your music source. It even comes packed with a soft travel case that can be conveniently stored and folded when you don’t need it.
An excellent budget choice and one of the best headphones under $300, this set combines affordability and quality without scrimping on the specs.
| Pros • Crisp, detailed, and vibrant audio quality • Noise-cancellingComfortable to use • High sensitivity rate • Excellent mash-up of features • Affordable | Cons • Average frequency response rate |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones – Best Pick
Key Features
- Frequency Response: 15-28000 Hz
- Cable: interchangeable (3.9’-9.8’)
- Impedance: 38Ω
- Driver Diameter: 45 mm
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
A prevalent choice for many professional musicians and audiophiles, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones is our personal favorite. While it doesn’t have an astounding frequency response range—merely 15 to 28,000 Hz, this product offers smooth audio feedback despite its affordable price.
This model has copper-clad voice coils that make it highly reliable and durable. As one of the best headphones under $300, it is equipped with large 45-millimeter drivers that further enable ecstatic sound delivery. Its bass is highly accurate, as well. It has a sensitivity rating of 99 dB and an impedance of 38 ohms.
The headphones’ circumaural build allows added noise-canceling capability. It perfectly fits into your head, with the speakers completely covering your ear, permitting direct engagement with your opted music. You can quickly lose yourself in the sound and enjoy lengthy, uninterrupted listening.
Built for convenience, this model’s speakers can be swiveled at 90 degrees which allows you single-ear listening. A comfortable headgear, this one is highly recommended for both professional and personal use.
| Pros • Smooth audio quality • Comfortable to use • Speakers completely cover the ears • DurableAffordable | Cons • Perfect fitting encourages easy sweating |
Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO – Best Materials Used
Key Features
- Weight: 250 grams without its cable
- Cable: coiled connecting cable
- Impedance: 250Ω
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Around-the-ear sound
The Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO is our best pick for its premium-grade materials used. A headphone set that has an open-backed design, this product is another popular option among music professionals.
This product has both excellent bass and treble quality. Its design offers comfortable fitting, mainly because its speakers are covered with a soft material that enables longer wearing. You can even replace its velour earpads which further promotes hygienic and comfortable use.
Crafted in Germany, this headphone set is made to last. Its design is practical and straightforward without unnecessary frills. It has a sensitivity rate of 96 dB and an impedance of 25 ohms. With the capacity to provide you with detailed audio delivery, this offers around-the-ear sound. It also comes with a coiled connecting cable that’s three meters long. This model covers a frequency response range of 5 to 35,000 Hz.
| Pros • Made with durable materials • Superbly smooth bass • Wide frequency response range • Comfortable to use | Cons • High power requirement |
Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II – Black – Best Design
Key Features
- Weight: 6.9 Oz
- Driver Size: 40 mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Wireless Range: 9m
- Superb microphone system
The Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II is our choice for the best headphones design. This model combines top-grade design and utmost comfort—two significant reasons why this one is another go-to option for many. If you’d rather have a pair of headphones that can be wirelessly connected to your various devices, this Bose model is a fantastic choice.
You get to have a 9-meter maximum range, allowing you to free movement, especially during live performances and outdoor events.
This one comes equipped with a 40-millimeter driver that provides optimal audio quality. Because it’s a Bose product, this set offers utmost comfort when used. An around-the-ear headphone set can eradicate external noise easily. However, as with most around-the-ear headphones, this product can promote sweating since it covers your entire ears.
Equipped with an astounding microphone system, this model can be used to answer voicemails and lengthy online chats, as well. An excellent gaming accessory offers superb sound quality as it uses the brand’s Adaptive Audio Adjustment mechanism. Its control buttons are located on the right ear side for added convenience. It is also compatible with most devices, including Android and Apple smartphones.
| Pros • Excellent wireless connectivity • Smooth audio quality • Comfortable to use • Fantastic design • Compatibility with most devices | Cons • No active noise cancellation mechanism |
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH700N– Black – Best for Volume Control Capacity
Key Features
- Magnet type: Neodymium
- Driver size: 40mm
- Frequency response: 7-20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 22 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 97 dB/w/m
If you want a set of headphones that can offer the loudest sound possible, you should get the Sony Noise Cancelling WHCH700N Headphones. This over-the-ear headset provides wireless connectivity via Bluetooth technology. It is compatible with Alexa and may also be used for phone calls. This set is equipped with a digital noise-canceling mechanism that enables you to negate extraneous sounds, allowing you to enjoy pure audio feedback from your device.
Incorporated with neodymium magnets and a driver size of 40 millimeters, Sony Noise Cancelling WHCH700N Headphones has a high sensitivity rate of 97 dB. It also has a frequency response range of 7 to 20,000 Hz and an impedance of 22 ohms.
This model comes with a superb volume control capability. It has a detachable, single-sided cord that is 3.94-feet in length. It is NFC-capable and has a closed-back design. Nevertheless, as with all other headphones with a closed-back feature, this headset can make you sweaty during lengthy usage. But efficiency effectively cancels out this issue. You’ll surely appreciate its capacity to engage Alexa for various commands like music access and information search. A well-rounded option for its price range, this one’s a fantastic headphone set to consider. Plus, because it’s from Sony, you’ll be sure to have a quality headphone set that’s bound to last a while.
| Pros • Superb audio quality • Excellent bassFantastic design • Comfortable to use • Affordable despite its features | Cons • Design promotes sweating |
GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones – Best for Audio Quality
Key Features
- Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 99.8 dB/w/m
- Weight: 231 grams
- Copper voice coil wire and connecting cable
Our last one on this list is the GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones. This set has an open-back design that helps provide astounding audio clarity and detail. It has an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity rate of 99.8 dB. Weighing only 231 grams, GRADO SR80e is equipped with copper voice coil wires and connecting cable.
A headset that ranks highly in various audio stores, this popular option is well-recommended by a lot of audiophiles and music fans. This headgear offers a frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz and a retro design that differs from the regular competition. While this set’s open-back design doesn’t encourage complete noise cancellation, its comfy feel and overall build make it an excellent option to consider. It’s an ideal at-home accessory that also looks compact and durable.
| Pros • Lightweight • Comfortable to use • Best audio quality | Cons • Open-back design |
The Best Headphones Under $300 Buying Guide
It is always crucial to know more about the different elements that may make or break your decision to purchase a particular product. Below are several aspects that you should consider when picking the best headphones under $300.
Performance versus Price
While it is always recommended to target performance capacity over price, we all know that three hundred dollars are not a tiny amount to splurge on an audio accessory. Your spending budget should be a major consideration when shopping for the best headphones available.
Nevertheless, it is possible to get one of the best headphones without splurging too much. Based on our collated list of the top headsets in the market, we proved that you could have an efficient headset that’s way below three hundred bucks. These brands are popular ones that are well known for their strict quality assurance checks, allowing you to have an excellent experience of their products.
It is necessary, however, to note the different features enlisted for your chosen headphones. To achieve superb audio quality, you will need to consider aspects including sensitivity rate, impedance, frequency response range, connectivity, and material, among others. Depending on your audio preference, you should note your headphones’ capacity for bass and treble as well. You might also look into its design and comfort level to further acquire the best headphones available.
Weight versus Durability
You should also remember that your headset is something that you typically carry with your neck. It is generally fitted over your head and can get annoyingly heavy when used for lengthy listening periods. So, you need to purchase headphones that aren’t too heavy. An excellent choice is a headgear that’s made of lightweight materials. Your headphones should be light enough to carry and use but should also be durable.
You have to remember that you are paying serious money for a pair of headphones that should last a long time. Hence, your headset must be made with durable materials that do not easily break. Take note of the cords, as well, since this part of your headphones is prone to damage. If you tend to use your headset during travel or exercise, you should find one that’s also highly flexible. A perfect find can be easily folded and stored in a hard case. You might also want to consider opting for a headset that has wireless connectivity for added convenience.
Design
Most headphones have either closed- or open-back designs. Closed-back headphones typically have better noise-canceling capacity than open-back ones. However, closed-back headsets tend to make you sweat more as they do not allow better airflow. Nevertheless, you can always choose an open-back headset that actively has an excellent audio quality to negate the possible extraneous noise.
Wired versus Wireless
Headphones also differ when it comes to connectivity. Some headphones are wired, while others are wireless. These features come alongside your typical use for it. For instance, if you plan to use your headphones for live performances where you tend to move a lot during the event, it might be best to buy a set of wireless headphones that allows free movement. Many headphones provide you with a connectivity distance of about nine meters. This capability may be sufficient for you. It would be best to find a model with an excellent battery capacity to allow you more prolonged usage.
Nevertheless, if you prefer a wired headset, you can also choose one with a lengthy cable. This allows you enough movement without the need to have Bluetooth and battery capability. You are also assured of stable connection and feedback.
Frequency Response Range
Frequency response range refers to the coverage of sounds that your headset is capable of. A typical headset has a frequency response range of about 20 to 20,000 Hz. This is the average range that is detectable for humans. This means, then, that anything more or less than this given coverage isn’t noticeable for us.
Headphones have different frequency response ranges. Some of them have more while some have less. However, this shouldn’t be a significant issue if the audio you usually listen to doesn’t require frequencies that are beyond this 20-to-20,000 coverage.
Sensitivity Rate
Another element that you need to look into is your headphones’ sensitivity rate. This refers to your headset’s capacity to produce pressure on the ears as it emits sound. It is measured by decibels. Most humans tend to tolerate loudness of 90 to 120 decibels.
While this aspect is a wise consideration specifically for speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers, headphones typically have sufficient sensitivity ratings. Since they are beside your ears, you don’t need more than 120 decibels to appreciate your audio feedback adequately. Besides, headphones that belong within the three-hundred-dollar price range are well-equipped with excellent sensitivity rates.
Our Verdict
To synthesize our findings, here are the best headphones under 300:
- Best Overall—V-MODA Crossfade M-100
- Best Budget Choice—Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones
- Best Pick—Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Best Materials Used—Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 PRO
- Best Design—Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
- Best for Volume Control Capacity—Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH700N
- Best for Audio Quality—GRADO SR80e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
