With these moderately-priced options; we’ve got you covered whether you’re looking to finally upgrade that budget set of headphones, or simply replacing your favorite piece of gear. We’re going to show you what to look for then discuss our top three choices in detail. After reading this handbook you’ll feel confident choosing the best headphones under $150.
Things to Take Into Considerations
- Usage. Think about how you will use your headphones. This will help you decide which ones to buy.
If you plan to use them somewhere with a lot of ambient noise then you’ll likely want a different design than if you planned to use them in a quiet place.
Likewise, if you use them outside in the elements then you’d choose a different set than someone who would use them only inside.
- Options. Lots of headphones can be used for things other than just listening to music. Some take calls and can be used on several different devices. Look for options and accessories that will increase your listening pleasure.
The Guide to the Best Headphones Under $150
[ws_table id=”52″]Top 3 Best Headphones Under $150 Reviews
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50
As we researched the market ATH-M50S by Audio-Technica quickly became our first choice for this price-point. It’s such an outstanding option for personal or professional applications.
The M50S starts with a closed-back around-ear design then adds earcups that swivel 180° and a single-sided cord. Sound is confined to your ears, but that swivel gives you the option of listening with only one ear. That’s a staple for professional headphones but super useful to those of us using them at home. At home you’ll be able to play a game or watch a movie while listening out for timers or doorbells.
These have professional sound quality- accurate, precise, and clean. The deep bass and high-frequency range allow you to enjoy multiple sound formats. They also have an unexpectedly large soundstage for closed-back headphones.
From opera to heavy metal music is crisp and punchy. And you’re totally immersed within movies and games.
The ATH-M50S truly functions well for mixing and mastering. The clear sound and full range on the ample soundstage mean that you’re listening to your test mix exactly how you want it.
Audio-Technica took into account their mobile users. The M50S folds compact for storage in an included leatherette pouch. It also comes with a jack adapter so you can connect them to your amp, computer, or mixing board.
ATH-M50S by Audio-Technica seamlessly combines professional features to a consumer-friendly unit.
2. Sennheiser HD 598
The Sennheiser HD598 probably looks familiar. That’s because we chose them as our most comfortable headphones. We’re happy to say they still are, and we love them because they are also great on sound.
Their large open-back over-ear design delivers crystal clear sound. The soundstage is on par with headphones found at much higher price points. Because of this design, though, expect some sound to leak from the cups.
Luckily you don’t need them at high volumes to enjoy your tunes so you probably won’t disturb your neighbors much. The Sennheiser HD598 are well balanced so high levels aren’t necessary. But if you do ever have to test that limit, know that they don’t distort at high volume.
The Sennheiser HD598 is the total package- outstanding comfort and sound at an acceptable price.
3. Monster DNA On-Ear
DNA by Monster completes our best headphones under $150 but that definitely doesn’t mean they’re any less awesome than the others we’ve looked at. In fact, the DNA is one of the coolest looking sets we’ve seen in awhile.
Monster uses a really bold design for their DNA. The platform holding the earcups is shaped more like a triangle instead of the typical boring sphere. The cups themselves are still circular so don’t worry about the weird shape interfering with the sound.
The DNA’s cool factor is further increased by the interchangeable skins, memory foam earcups, and unique cord design.
Monster includes a detachable flat no-tangle cord that’s able to plug into either earcup. Then, the unused side can be linked to another set of phones so you share the music or movie.
DNAs offer generous sound quality acceptable to the general listener. The overall effect is best described as a combination of Bose and Beats; Beats style with Bose clarity.
These are on-ear style so expect some sound transfer but the memory foam does a good job of keeping sound confined.
The unique design and exceptional sound quality make Monster’s DNA headphones a good investment.