The 08 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $250

Buyer Guide

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Over-the-ear headphones are where serious listeners go when they want big soundstages and immersive audio experiences, and shut out everyone and everything else. While rough tins aren’t sexy, aren’t worth packing, tend to fall apart when exposed to the elements, and cost enough to feed the entire Eastern Bloc for a week, they’re also the only way to get them. Truly deep sound with supreme comfort.

Unlike a set of headphones that are unlikely to survive from the store to your home without breaking or getting lost in car seats, over-ear headphones are meant to be an investment, even when you’re not paying a lot. They are supposed to last a long time after burning, as well as offer higher acoustic quality, which requires a great deal of careful engineering that is supposed to be strong as well as effective. All of this can quickly drive up the cost of these headphones, leaving only the worst options in the lower brackets.

To combat that injustice, here are the brands and models of over-ear headphones that are still bringing people great audio.

What makes a great set of headphones

Knowing what is going to help enhance and enhance your listening experience, it helps to know what you need to look for. Let our great friends at The Hub tell you all about choosing your headphones. From audio professionals who really know what they’re doing. With his help and judgment, we reached our conclusions, in addition to the endless hours of “research” listening to Bob Seger.

Sony MDR-ZX770BT

🥇🥇 Sony MDRZX770BT over ear headphones under 250

At less than half the price of the top model, you won’t get audiophile-level sound here, but there’s an impressive amount of quality in a Bluetooth body that connects well, cuts the cord smartly, and throws in comfort and battery life. as if they were out of season. Sound reproduction is solid, with a slightly limited soundstage and reduced bass, both of which are much less than expected at this price, given the limitations of wireless transmission. We found these to be a cost-effective travel companion, best suited to those who like to take good music with them for long trips, or like to jet-set with something more substantial than headphones. Purchase: $100

Bose SoundTrue II

🥇🥇 Bose SoundTrue II over ear headphones under 250

Light as a feather and built specifically to bring high-end Bose sound to people who don’t have hundreds to spend on it, these seal out ambient noise and are without a doubt one of the most comfortable on-ear headphones you can own. . The bass is a bit thin, but the overall sound is more like an open-back model, though there’s plenty of sound isolation and a nice, tight seal on the ears. They’ll get a little musty on warm days, but otherwise they’re Bose quality through and through, even without Bose’s price hike. Purchase: $120

Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition

🥇🥇 Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition over ear headphones under 250
A bit older, but still a master when it comes to studio sound quality with an open-back design, all at a reasonable price, these aren’t good to enter the fray as they bleed noise both ways. Rather, they give the home listener a taste of the good life, delivering sweet sound for private audiences right into your hands without costing as much as a small car. Every penny went into giving them as much musical breadth and clarity as possible, so let yourself go. Purchase: $151

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0

🥇🥇 Sennheiser Momentum 2 over ear headphones under 250
You can opt for the original Momentum and still get great headphones, but with the 2.0 you’ll also get improved earcups, a sleeker foldable design, and a more comfortable build, all of which were the original’s main complaints. The large, pinch-free ear cups also help provide a deep auditory sound chamber around each ear, helping powerful sound to be heard more accurately. The bass hits are visceral, the vocals are clean and soaring over the swamp in the background, and everything has a body feel that shows these started life retailing for more than $350 than their current, lovable price. Purchase: $200

V-MODA Crossfade M-100

🥇🥇 V MODA Crossfade M 100 over ear headphones under 250

It’s hard to tell if these are true “over-the-ear” headphones or a pair of over-the-ear headphones that have been turned up louder. Either way, they’re here, they’re cool, they’re unkillable, and they even look damn handsome in the process. The sound is warm and detailed with plenty of bass that can put many on their heels. Combine that with a collapsible frame, a fit that gets comfortable with a little work (flex the headband if it’s too tight), kevlar cables, smart sound with plenty of punch, and even a snappy case, and these nearly indestructible beauties are helpers. that will carry you across the finish line with a prop. Purchase: $210 +

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7GM

🥇🥇 Audio Technica ATH MSR7GM over ear headphones under 250

When you enter the $250 range for headphones, the best ones often look like a set of basic black cans, because the company is pushing performance rather than swagger. Audio-Technica has managed to do both, creating here a classic, traditional headphone look that has all the new digital sound a true music fan demands. Distortion is hard to find even when you adjust the EQ looking for it, so the highs and lows come through without your cable looking like it’s dying. The sound is concentrated in your ears, producing little bleed and a pleasant isolation experience that can be taken on public transport without causing disturbing noises to come in or out. If there are problems, it’s mainly with the snug fit,Purchase: $240

Philips Fidelio X2

🥇🥇 Philips Fidelio X2 over ear headphones under 250

An incredible value, the X2 has a surprising level of engineering, considering the relatively modest price. Replaceable memory foam in the ear cups makes the ear cups move up, up, and out for relaxed, comfortable listening that can last for hours without causing excessive sweating, aches, or crushed ear syndrome. They’re big, with 50mm neodymium drivers that add density without packing the ounces, yet stay firmly away from your head, putting pressure on your head where your body is used to. Sound-wise, these can go blow for blow with top-tier $800 headphones with balanced bass, surround sound staging, and nuanced audio that captures the sweet bottom as much as the metal front. As for the flaws:Purchase: $248

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