Are you looking for the best headphone under $500? We’ve put together a list of our favorite options. Check them out now!
Want to learn more about Audiophile Headphones? Check out our Audiophile Headphones Buyers Guide!
Here’s our shortlist of the Best Audiophile Headphones Under $500 (2022):
- The Best Super Cheap Headphones: Koss KPH30iCL ($29.99)
- The Best Value Headphones Under $500: Sennheiser HD 560 S ($199.95)
- The Best Wireless Headphones Under $500: HIFIMAN Deva Pro ($329)
- The Best Closed-Back Headphones Under $500: MEZE 99 Classics ($309)
- The Best Audiophile Headphones Under $500 Overall: HIFIMAN Edition XS ($499)
The Best Super Cheap Headphones: Koss KPH30iCL ($29.99)
If you’re looking for a pair of super-cheap headphones with good sound quality, then these are definitely worth buying. Their lightweight, comfortable form factor, along with their fun, spacious and engaging sound, gives you a whole lot to listen to for not a whole lot of money. They also come with an inline microphone so you can easily take calls while listening to music. (read our review)
The Best Value Headphones Under $500: Sennheiser HD 560 S ($199.95)
With its sleek design and comfortable fit, the Sennheiser HD560 S is one of the best headphones under $200. They have an amazing soundstage along with remarkable clarity and accurate bass. They also come with a detachable cable for easy replacement and soft earpads for long listening comfort. You’ll need a decent headphone amp to get the best out of them.
The Best Wireless Headphones Under $500: HIFIMAN Deva Pro ($329)
If you’re looking for a pair of wireless headphones that offers excellent sound quality, then check out the HIFIMAN Deva Pro Wireless Package. This bundle is comprised of a capable pair of wired Planar Magnetic headphones and a Bluetooth dongle that converts them to wireless headphones. The dongle features R2R resistor DAC technology, so even off the wire, you will get clean music with nice separation. (read our review)
The Best Closed-Back Headphones Under $500: MEZE 99 Classics ($309)
These headphones are designed for people who love music and need a comfortable fit along with some natural sound isolation. They come with a self-adjusting sling headband for nice weight distribution and memory foam cushioned ear cups which makes them easy to wear.
The sound on closed-back headphones is really hard to get right, that’s why most audiophile headphones are open. That said, these get a lot right with a nice open sound, good detail, and good dynamics. They have a little mid-bass emphasis, so if you like flat-sounding headphones, that may be an issue. But overall, they sound excellent. The real wood earcups and cast zinc alloy hardware are quite eye-catching to boot.
The Best Audiophile Headphones Under $500 Overall: HIFIMAN Edition XS ($499)
If you are looking for the absolute best-sounding headphones under $500, then check out the HIFIMAN Edition XS. detail, dynamics, and imaging are off the charts for a $500 headphone. This, combined with the exceptionally wide soundstage, makes them class-leading for headphones $500 and under. Wearing comfort is also excellent. (read our review)
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I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My hunger for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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