15 Best Headphones under 300 Dollars (2018) To Buy Online!

Headphones are accessories that often burn a hole in pockets as they can be much more expensive than the music device itself. Sound, comfort and even style are some of the considerations that should drive your buying decision.With that being said, the headphone you select shouldn’t break your bank.To help you make an affordable buying decision, we’ve created a list of 15 Best Headphones under 300 dollars.

Here are some Best Headphones under 300 Dollars of 2018:

#15. Sony MDR- ZX770BN- $228

MDR-ZX770BN from Sony is a wireless headphone that has made its way to this list of top headphones under 300 dollars. The wireless headphone offers impressive noise cancellation, but fails to compete with Bose. It also has passive noise cancellation, allowing you to use the headphones without cancelling noise.

It is powered by a built-in battery which can be fully charged in 2.5 hours and continuously work for about 13 hours with noise cancellation, and about 20 hours without it. The build is slightly above average, but durable enough for travelling. The headphones feature large padded ear pads that are comfortable even when worn for longer durations. The bigger ear pads also make MDR-ZX770BN ideal for people with bigger ears.

It has a Bluetooth range of 30 feet and is also compatible with NFC. The headphones also have support for AptX to offer improved audio quality over Bluetooth. It also has built-in microphone for making and receiving calls. The most common complaint about this headphone is the fact that it only offers a basic set of features and none of its features are highly appealing.

Pros

• Noise cancelling property is good
• Minimalist and stylish design
• Lightweight and compact
• Large and soft ear pads
• Long battery life

Cons

• Sound quality is not very good
• None of the features are highly impressive

#14. Parrot Zik 2.0 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones- $242

Parrot Zik 2.0 is an advanced version of the original Parrot Zik and the company has made some amazing changes to it, based on the customer reviews. The first difference you will notice is its weight. While the original Zik had a lot of iron, Parrot has used aluminium in 2.0 and has made some other alterations as well to reduce the weight from 325 grams to 270 grams.

Just like its predecessor, Zik 2.0 too has some amazing features, like touch controls, mobile app, 8 microphones, sensor on the right ear piece, one-touch pairing, bone conduction sensor, etc. Out of the 8 microphones, 2 of them allow you to make and receive phone calls.  The mobile application that comes along with Zik 2.0 is pretty neat and can be used to customize the EQ of the headphones completely.

However, a lot of users have complained that its application is not very responsive and difficult to use. Also, the touch controls on the right ear cup are not as responsive as the original Zik.

Pros

• Lighter and more comfortable than original Zik
• Stylish, eye-catching design
• Abundance of features
• Noise cancellation is pretty good
• For a Bluetooth headphone, the sound is highly impressive

Cons

• Battery life could have been better
• Touch controls are not as responsive as the original Zik
• Mobile app is slightly buggy

#13. AKG K701 Studio Reference Headphones- $205

If you are an audiophile who takes note of smallest of details in a track, then the K701 from AKG is sure to impress you. Right from jazz, classical music, to vocals, the headphones bring out the best in them with its amazing clarity and airiness. Even the build quality of the headphones is pretty good and it can withstand the lacerations of daily use pretty well.

The soundstage of these headphones is pretty large, as a matter of fact; it is larger than most other headphones on this list of best headphones under $300. But a lot of users have complained that it is too big. However, we like its large soundstage as it makes K701 an excellent choice for movies. Its headband is made of leather and is highly comfortable. While the clamping force is a little strong, it is still pretty comfortable.

A lot of users have complained that the large form factor of K701 is very uncomfortable, especially when you want to wear the headphones for longer durations. If you want similar sound quality as well as comfort, there are some pretty amazing alternatives on this list.

Pros

• Excellent clarity
• Ideal for vocal, jazz and classical music
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Not comfortable when worn for longer durations
• Not ideal for some music genres, like metal

#12. Denon Globe Cruiser On-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones- $212

With the latest Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity, the Globe Cruiser from Denon is one of the best wireless headphones under $300. While the headphones were launched with a price tag of $500, the prices have reduced considerably in the past couple of months. Denon has targeted frequent fliers with these headphones and has included a number of features that can be very helpful while travelling.

With a cushioned headband and large faux-leather ear pads, the headphones look luxurious and are highly comfortable. The large dials on both ear pads can be used to change songs, control volume, play/pause and answer calls. If we talk about the sound quality, it’s pretty responsive and clear at moderate levels, but starts to suffer at high and low frequencies.

The noise cancelling offered by Globe Cruiser is not impressive and many of the users have mentioned this in their reviews. Also, a lot of users have complained that the headphones are bulky and the sound quality is mediocre.

Pros

• Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity
• Comfortable and bass is good
• Sound quality is good at moderate levels

Cons

• The device is a little bulky
• Audio quality is unimpressive
• Noise cancelling power is mediocre

#11. Sony MDR-1R Premium Over-the-Head Style Headphones- $199

With MDR-1R, Sony has done a great job of eliminating all the wireless and noise-cancelling technical problems of its previous models to provide customers with great sound quality at an affordable rate. The ear cushions of these headphones are oblong and are made from high-quality leather to deliver a luxurious feel. They have a metal finish and can be pivoted vertically and horizontally for a perfect fit.

Apart from the excellent sound quality, another great thing about these headphones is that they come with two separate cables, one for apple products and other for standard connections. The cable for Apple products has microphone and remote control as well. A carrying pouch is also included.

While MDR-1R is a pretty nifty product, a common problem that many of the users face is with the bass offered by the headphones. A lot of users feel that the bass suffers from a bit of bump at high volumes and lacks little extensions. Some others have pointed that the mid-tones are a little forward.

Pros

• Excellent audio performance
• Crisp highs without any distortion
• Highly comfortable
• Comes with two cables and one of them features inline microphone and remote control

Cons

• Some thickness in mid-range
• Cannot be folded
• Bass lacks some extension

#10. Philips X2/27 Fidelio Premium Headphone- $258

When Philips launched X2 Fidelio, the headphones were up for a challenge, as X1 was a massive hit among professionals and music enthusiasts. While X2 is not a completely revamped model, Philips played it safe by tweaking some of its internals and externals. X2 has better drivers that use layered diaphragm technology to offer precise bass response and clearer treble.

Even the aesthetics are almost similar to X1. You will find the same open-back ear cups made from mesh, memory foam and ear pads covered with velour which were highly appreciated by the users of X1. Its leather headband is pretty strong and comfortable. While Philips has made some changes to X2, it has somehow managed to maintain the excellent sound quality of X1 in X2 as well.

While majority of the reviews are highly positive, some users have pointed that the treble offered by X2 is harsh and mid-tones are somewhat weak. Also, you might be required to use an amp for best performance.

Pros

• 50mm neodymium drivers for precise and wide range
• Layered ear shells for enhanced precision
• Ear pads with memory foam for a comfy fit
• Open-back design for improved audio fidelity

Cons

• Stock cable is very long
• Harsh treble and mids are a little weak at times

#9. Fostex T40RP MkII Pro Headphones- $254

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Next in this list of great headphones under 300 USD is T40RP MkII from Fostex. With a unique ‘’Regulated Phase’’ technology, T40RP offer impressive audio reproduction and is a preferred choice of a number of sound professionals. While your ears might need some time to get adjusted to the innovative sound signature of these headphones, over time, you will see that the audio reproduced by T40RP is highly balanced and free from any inclination towards a particular frequency.

While the headphones lack sub-base, its bass is well-refined and feels natural. The planar magnetic used in these headphones and with a sensitivity rating of 97dB/mW, T40RP is one of the quietest of headphones on this list.

While the sound quality is pretty amazing, a lot of users have complained that its headband is not very comfortable and can make it impossible for you to wear these for long durations. Also, you will be required to use an amp to get better audio quality.

Pros

• Innovative planar magnetic used in the headphones
• Unique Regulated Phase Technology for improved audio reproduction
• Highly balanced audio
• Natural and well-balanced bass
• Very quiet

Cons

• Needs an amp
• No sub-base
• Headband is not very comfortable

#8 NAD-Viso HP50- $249

New Acoustic Dimension, also known as NAD, entered into the crowded world of headphones with this Viso HP50. The headphones have a sealed design along with soft leather ear pads that are elliptically shaped to offer effective seal and comfort. The ear cups can be pivoted vertically and horizontally to easily fit every head shape and size. Moreover, the headphones can also be folded flat for easy transport and storage.

Just like Sony MDR-1R, Viso HP50 also comes with two separate cables- one for Apple products and features inline remote control and microphone, and the other for standard connections. For enhanced convenience, the cable can be connected to any of the two ear cups. The headphones are highly efficient and produce loud and crisp sound. They also do an excellent job of blocking out the external noises, except for the lowest frequencies where you can listen to some of the outside noises.

While Viso HP50 is highly impressive, some users have suggested that many of its remote features are not compatible with Android devices. Also, the glossy finish on its ear cups easily picks up a lot of fingerprints.

Pros

• Effective sealed design
• Crisp and clear sound even at high volumes
• Light in weight and comfortable
• No need for a separate amp
• Folds flat and comes with a carrying case

Cons

• Some of the remote features do not work with Android devices
• Glossy finish on the ear cups can easily pick fingerprints

#7 Beats Studio 2.0 Wired Over-Ear Headphone- $239.99

After a period of 5 successful years in the world of headphones, Beats decided to revamp its most popular over-ear headphones, Beats Studio. This resulted in the creation of Beats Studio 2.0. Beats has overhauled its hardware and sound signature to a major extent to provide audiophiles with the best of music.

Beats Studio 2.0 has a curvier design than its predecessor and is lighter and more comfortable. Its thick and soft ear pads offer a snug fit without the clamping feeling even when worn for long durations. While the noise cancellation function of Beats is good, it is not as good as Bose QC 25. While the background noises are reduced to a major extent in most of the tracks, you will not be able to get rid of it completely, especially when listening to delicate tracks.

If you like classical tracks, the constant hissing sound can be annoying. Moreover, the absence of passive mode is also a major drawback in these headphones. While you can get a better audio quality in headphones from many other brands in this price range, Beats is still one of the most famous brands and definitely worth the investment.

Pros

• Deep and rich base
• Upfront sound is exciting
• Combination of isolation and noise cancellation works well for most tracks
• Comfortable for long durations
• Comes with removable cable

Cons

• Upper mids are harsh
• Constant hissing sound when quiet
• No passive mode
• Noise cancellation is not highly impressive

#6 Sennheiser MM 450-X Wireless Bluetooth Headphones- $244

If cables and cords are not your thing, the Wireless MM 450-X from Sennheiser can be a great choice. The headphone has Sennheiser’s latest NoiseGard noise-cancellation technology to reduce the amount of external noises. While the noise-cancellation offered by Sennheiser headphones is good, you cannot compare it with Bose’s noise-cancellation technology.

Just like most other headphones from Sennheiser, MM 450-X is highly durable and comfortable to use. The right ear cup also has controls for changing songs, adjusting volume, play and pause. The plush ear pads of these headphones are soft and can be worn for long durations. Its Bluetooth has a range of up to 30 feet which is the standard among most of the wireless headphones. It also has a built-in microphone and a unique TalkThrough function if you want to talk to others around you while you are wearing these headphones.

The headphones are powered by a rechargeable battery. When fully charged, the battery can last up to 8 hours, which according to a lot of users is not very impressive. However, you cannot use just any battery with these headphones. You can only buy batteries for this headphone from Sennheiser.

Pros

• NoiseGard 2.0 Noise-Cancellation Technology
• Premium build quality
• Highly comfortable
• Produces balanced sound

Cons

• Bass is not very impressive
• Requires proprietary battery
• Battery life could have been better

#5 Sennheiser HD25-1 II Closed-Back Headphones- $249.95

With a rugged design and neodymium drivers, HD25-1 II from Sennheiser provides you with the best of comfort and sound. The headphones are perfect for high-noise environments, and a large number of DJs still use these. They have a padded, adjustable, split-style headband along with cushioned ear cups for excellent noise isolation and comfort.

Its large neodymium magnet drivers offer excellent frequency response and are able to deliver high sound pressure levels. Moreover, the capsule can also be rotated if you want to monitor audio through a single ear. For enhanced durability, the headphones come with a detachable steel cable. HD25-1 II is highly recommended for professional photographers and DJs who are looking for affordable, rugged and efficient headphones.

One of the most common complaints of a lot of users is the fact that the highs offered by these headphones can be very aggressive. Also, the plastic used on its body looks kind of tacky.

Pros

• Offers amazing detail and clarity
• Flaunts rugged build
• Comfortable and light in weight
• Rotatable capsule for single-ear monitoring
• Can handle high sound pressure levels

Cons

• Highs are too aggressive
• Treble sounds unnatural and aggressive
• Use of plastic on the main body looks cheap

#4 Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium Headphones- $250

With an open-ear design which offers highly impressive sound reproduction, DT990 from Beyerdynamic surely deserves a spot in this list of top headphones for under 300. The base line of the headphones is pretty great and does a commendable job of maintaining the sound quality in the mids and highs.

DT990 is one of the most versatile headphones on this list as you can listen to everything, right from jazz and classical to rock and electronic as well. Even the earpieces are comfortable and can be worn for long durations. It weighs only 11 oz. and comes with a travel case for enhanced safety and convenience.

The only thing unappealing about DT990 is its long burn in time. But the wait is surely worth it if you are looking to enjoy some great music. Also, you will be required to use an amp to get the best out of these headphones.

Pros

• Highly versatile
• No distortion even at high volumes
• Comfortable for long durations
• Comes with a travel case
• Weighs only 11 oz.

Cons

• Burn in time is long
• Requires an amp for the best audio experience

#3 Bose QuietComfort 25 Headphones- $299

The noise cancellation technology offered by Bose is awesome. While other brands are gaining some ground, the QuietComfort 25 from Bose is able to cancel out the noise of a jet engine much better than any other noise cancelling headphone in this price range. QC 25 is extremely light in weight and comes with a hard shell case to protect the headphones when you are travelling. It has premium quality ear cups that are soft and highly comfortable. If you are a frequent flier, you can wear QC 25 throughout the journey without worrying about overheating.

One major drawback of this headphone is the use of plastic on its main body. While Bose uses plastic to make sure that the headphones are as lightweight as possible, the plastic lends a tacky look at times. Thankfully, they offer a high-quality travel case with it, otherwise it might appear that the headphones would easily break.

Pros

• Patented noise-cancellation technology
• Better build than previous Bose headphones
• Big and pleasant sound
• Highs are bright and crisp without any distortion
• Extremely comfortable

Cons

• Powered by AAA battery while most of the other models have a rechargeable, built-in option
• Doesn’t turn off automatically
• Plastic on main body looks cheap

#2 V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone- $250

If you are searching for headphones that can provide you with deep and booming base along with impressive clarity, V-MODA Crossfade M-100 will do the job exceptionally well. V-MODA has already made its name in the industry and some of the best international DJs, like Avicii, Eric Morello and Deadmau5 like their headphones from this brand.

Crossfade M-100 is the 4th over-the-ear headphone launched by the company in its Crossfade LP range which is known for its base, style and portable design. With their 50mm drivers, M-100 produces excellent mid-tones and treble, along with a deep pulsing bass which you can only find on dance floors and concerts. Customizable ear shields, dual inputs and Kevlar cable with 24k gold plug, are some of the other features that make M-100 a perfect choice for every audiophile.

The only complaint that many users have is that the headphones are slightly heavy and not comfortable when worn around neck.

Pros

• Nice bass and clean sound
• Durable and tough design
• Inline remote and microphone
• Can be folded into an easy-to-carry bundle
• Customizable features

Cons

• Slightly heavy
• Not very comfortable around the neck

#1 Grado Prestige Series SR325e Headphones- $295

Grado added the new ‘’e’’ series in their product lineup in the year 2014. If you’ve never heard about Grado in the past, it is a small company located in Brooklyn and is known to be one of the best by enthusiasts and audiophiles. The SR325 series of headphones from Grado has already won several accolades and a lot of people believe that there is no other headphone that can beat the price and audio quality offered by them.

If you are looking for detailed and open sound with a pair of good headphones under 300, SR325e is what you should buy. While the looks of these headphones is not something that will turn heads on the street, its sound quality is sure to leave you wanting for more. No matter what genre of tracks you like, SR325e will be the companion that will offer only the best quality audio to your ears.

The firm foam ear pads of SR325e were negatively reviewed by a lot of people, whereas, a lot of people find them very comfortable. So, basically it’s a matter of personal preferences. Also, the headphones don’t come with a carrying case.

Pros

• Excellent details
• Impressive rhythm and drive
• Well-layered music without any overlapping
• Transparent across all the frequencies
• Expressive dynamics

Cons

• Some users don’t like its firm foam ear pads

Less Budget? 10 Unbeatable Headphones under $200 that you must know about!

Conclusion

Among hundreds and thousands of headphones available in the market, we have handpicked these headphones for you which you can buy for just under 300 dollars.

Go through their reviews, pros and cons thoroughly before you buy a pair that is affordable and perfect for your needs.

If you think that we have missed out on mentioning a headphone which should be on the list, feel free to use the comments section below to reach us.