It's always a challenge choosing new headphones, especially if you don't know much about them or you're not sure exactly how you'll end up using them. A trip to a store can prove frustrating, as you become overwhelmed by the myriad of choices. Here are some good choices for sub-$300 over-ear headphones that are perfect to use on the go.
Last Saturday, I had this problem and ended up testing loads of different headphones at three different stores in order to find something suitable. There are many different headphones situated in the $300 sweet spot, making choosing the right one a touch choice.
1. Bowers & Wilkins P5: The P5 from B&W are almost perfect for their intended use: listening on the go. They fold flat, which is nice when compared to others. I've found the sound of these headphones to be quite good, but you'll pay a bit extra for the brand name. Nevertheless, if you want sturdy headphones that have a minimal design and aren't too loud, then these headphones should fit the bill. I was able to find these for $240 new.
2. V-Moda Crossfade LP: These headphones are often overlooked, but the sound quality was very good, especially considering you can find these for $120-150 at various online retailers. The look isn't for everyone, but ultimately, for some people, the sound is more important than how they look. There are some variations of colors and finish of these cans.
3. Audio Technica ATH-ESW9A: These headphones have a wooden housing made from African Padauk, and they come with 42mm neodymium drivers that sounded very good to my ears. They also fold for storage, which is perfect when you're on the go. You can find these headphones for $200-250.
4. Beyerdynamic T50 P: The T 50s come with Tesla technology and are good on the go, since they have an external noise shield to dampen sounds. While not as sexy as some of the other headphones, they definitely sound good, and since you can find these for $200-250, they are a good deal.
5. Beats Solo HD: I have the Beats Studio, but I find them too large to use every day when I'm about town. The more diminutive Solo HD are perfect for this. However, just like all Beats headphones, they are a bit overpriced for what you get. The bass response is very nice though, and if you can get a pair for $120-150 they are a good buy. At this price, you'll probably not have the pick of colors you'd like, but the sound is the same.
MORE HEADPHONES ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• 5 Thin & Light Headphones
• Top 10 Headphones
• Audiophile Headphones: When Hifi Speakers Are Impossible
• Bowers & Wilkins P3
(Images: Flickr member Noelas licensed for use under Creative Commons, Flickr member FortyTwenty licensed for use under Creative Commons, Joelle, Jason, Range Govindan, all others as credited above)
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What about Grado Labs? They're famous for their headphones- which have an iconic, unmistakeable style and sound incredible for the price (between $60 and $300 for their more mainstream lines). Definitely in a different league from something like Beats (Why are these even on this list? Big bass does NOT equal good sound- especially for what they charge. Also, they scream "I saw these in a Black Eyed Peas video and decided I needed to have them").
Nothing beats Bose!
Is it just me, or is it bizarre to see these huge headphones back in style? When I was a kid, I couldn't wait to have something small like the earbuds that were invented years later! Now these giant, sweat-inducing things are quite popular again. I couldn't believe it when I saw my teenage niece with a pair. Hilarious!
Also, who in the world can afford so much for headphones? Not me, that's for sure. Not even when I was working!
How to Beats always seem to make it into Apartment Therapy posts? They're way more than a bit over priced. For those are don't know they're made by Monster, the company that charges through the roof for their AV cables.
The price point is set as a social status, not the audio quality of the product. They're just like Bose headphones 85% marketing and 15% quality sound. There are a ton more of over/on ear headsets that beat both Beats and Bose models out of the water for much less.
I'm surprised that nothing from Grado, Klipsch, or Sennheiser made it onto this list.
Another vote for Grado Labs. They're simply the best headphones I've ever owned/used. The entry level SR60i sound better than any headphones that are 2-3x the price. The 325is sound better than any pair of headphones I've sampled in the price range. Best "Premium" headphones I've ever owned.
Beats are more of a status symbol than good sounding headphones. Plus, they started out as a collaboration with Monster--blech...
I don't know about the Beats headphones, but I do know about the Beats earbuds. They suck. I spent all that money for them and the sound was crap, one of the earbud’s sound would go out, and then the red casing tore and uncovered the wiring. If they were that bad I can only imagine how the headphones are.
I suppose that this is another example of how Apt. Therapy "Tech" don't really know what they're talking about, can't properly research/understand the principles or markets behind the tech they're discussing/recommending, and don't know how to ask the right questions about it. But it's what you get for soliciting proper "tech" advice from a design website. It's the same reason I wouldn't go looking on Ars Technica or Gdgt for info on how to properly coordinate throw pillows or cook a chicken.
Yah. guys. I'd stick to design. The title of the story has nothing to do with the content of the story. At least consult an enthusiast blog for information. Also, title your story "4 awesome over ear headphones" "my favourite over ear headphones" because this list has nothing to do with the best over ear, on the go headphones.
i wholly agree with pullo. leave headphones to the headphone guys and stick to design.
kind of surprised not to see Bose on this list, not because Bose are any good but because this list seems kind of shitty.
Between one thing and another, I go through at least one pair of over-the-ear headphones a year and the idea of spending serious money on something so likely to get lost or broken just seems crazy to me. If I could use earbuds if I would, but alas, my inner ear rebels in the most painful way if I wear them for more than a few minutes. For years and years I was very happy with Sony MDR-V150 when I could get them for around $15, but now that they are $30 at Amazon, I switched to the JVC HARX300. They are bigger and I think the sound is very slightly muddier, but they actually fit my ears and head better than the Sony phones and they cost less than $15. Pandora sounds fine with them as does the tv, what more do I really need?
Beats keeps making it into this blog because blog, while also looking at technology, places a higher premium on style over value (see Every Apple Product)... not saying they don't take quality into account as well..
I've used the grado sr80 and they're the most uncomfortable junk I've ever tried. The part that goes on your ear is hard plastic with a little bit of foam around the outside.
Just a heads-up about Grado Labs headphones that I've not seen mentioned in the previous comments: Yes, they are spectacular quality, and yes, they can be very uncomfortable (although you can get replacement foam cups that are much nicer). They are also OPEN CANS. They are not enclosed, which means everyone around you will also be listening right along with you. I nearly got banned from my office once while I was on an ABBA kick.
Grado made the best headphones I ever listened to. They also broke on me twice (entire ear piece and adjusting post falling off) just using them with regular handling.
Two different pairs bought almost 10 years apart? It shouldn't happen.
Hey Bredlo, did you contact them? They're a tiny company and I've heard great things about their customer service. I'm sure somebody would've helped you out.
Beats are junk. Picked up their earbuds at the Apple Store a few months back and could not believe how awful they sounded. I was stunned. Fortunately, Apple is great about returns.
Had a pair of V-Moda Vibe earbuds for a year or so. Sounded great for the money, but the cord connection point was fragile and they eventually broke.
Replaced them with Klipsch S4i earbuds, which are good but lack the punch the cheaper Vibes have, and don't seem to hold a seal anywhere near as well.
For over-the-ear headsets to use at work, I bought the Audio-Technica ATH-M50, which are just amazing. Big, comfortable, perfectly accurate, detailed sound. Best headphones I've ever owned. Worth every penny of their ~$120 price.
I will say, the Beats Beatbox is the best-sounding iPhone / iPod speaker dock under $600 I've ever heard. Plays loud and sports incredible bass. They aren't terribly well-constructed though and tend to break according to what I've read online. Still, a better deal than anything from Bose.
TDK also makes a neat but odd "Sound Cube" iPod dock that sounds great, and can be had cheap - under $250 online.
What about Bose, Grado or even Senheiser? Even Sony have really good cans...
I'm currently using a pair of Plattan by Urbamears. They look really good, very durable and the sound is ok. Also, there is a builtin mic so you can answer incoming calls, and have a jack so a friend can connect and share the experience, ideal for watching movies