Your hunt for the best closed back headphones less than $200 has just come to an end.
I’ve taken the time to review six amazing headphones that meet all the best criteria for closed back designs.
Take a moment to read through these reviews & focus on all of the great features and see which ones really stand out for you.
Before you know it, you’ll know exactly which closed back headphones are the perfect choice to fulfill your needs and desires.
Quick List: Top 6 Closed Back Headphones Under $200
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones – Best Overall
- Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones
- Status CB-1 Closed Back Headphones – Best Budget
- Sony MDR7506 Headphones – Runner Up
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones
- KRK KNS 8400 Closed Back Headphones
Researching Closed Back Headphones Under $200
Like I said, I decided to take up the research to discover the best quality closed back headphones under $200 so you don’t have to.
I know that you lead a busy life and you do not have a lot of time on your hands to spend hours of your day on the Internet shopping around for headphones. It’s just too much on top of your already busy schedule.
So, I wrote six reviews of my favorite closed back headphones under $200.
I focused on the areas of comfort, audio quality, battery life and Bluetooth connectivity when applicable, whether or not the headphones are made using the latest closed back design, and other important features.
If you have a bigger budget then i recommend taking a look at our article on the best closed back headphones under $500.
Do you know what else I like to do with all of my reviews?
I like to point out some of the flaws that each of these headphones have. They’re things that have gone wrong for other people. Like buying a brand-new pair of headphones, taking them out of the box, plugging them in, and finding out that one of the speakers doesn’t work. I share these negatives with you as well to attempt to provide a well-rounded review.
Overall we found the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones to be one of the best closed back headphones under $200. With studio grade headphones, a detachable cable, and swiveling earcups they represent great value for money.
The ATH-M50x headphones may not be for everybody so, please take some time to read through all six of these reviews. Pay attention to the awesome features and the negative qualities and use this information to find the right headphones that’ll live up to your high standards and expectations.
The Best Closed Back Headphones Under $200 In2024
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones – Best Overall
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with deep accurate bass response
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones are my overall favorite because they’re professional studio grade headphones with copper clad aluminum wire voice coils and 45 mm large aperture drivers.
✔️ What we like: 90° swiveling ear cups
❌ What we don’t like: Headphones stopped working after one month
Standout Features:
- Studio monitor headphones
- Detachable cable
- Extended frequency range
Most people tend to appreciate the critically acclaimed closed back ATH-M50x headphones because of their total versatility, comfort, and audio clarity. Not only do they have a wired pair available for your use, but you can also get the same version in wireless Bluetooth. So depending on your setup and your needs, you can either use a cable with a 3.5 mm audio jack or you can wirelessly connect to all of your favorite Bluetooth devices.
For the average person who loves the wireless feature, it’s also important to know that these headphones have 40 hours of battery life. So not only are you getting high quality audio from the proprietary 45 mm large aperture drivers, you’re going to have no trouble listening to this audio whenever you want because the battery lasts for 40 hours before you need to charge it again and it comes with a USB charging cable for your convenience.
On a negative note, one reviewer had major complaints about this pair of headphones and built-in microphone. The first pair that the retailer sent him didn’t work at all. There must’ve been something wrong with the battery because he could never get the headphones to turn on. He contacted them and sent them back and they sent him another pair.
Guess what? The second pair only lasted for about a month before they stopped working in their entirety as well. This really hurts and if I was the one buying broken headphones over and over I’d be pretty upset. So I get where this guy is coming from. Thankfully a popular online retailer has nearly 15,000 reviews of this product and most of them are very positive. It doesn’t seem like this is a major issue for everyone so keep that in mind.
Overall, consider buying the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones because of the convenient carry pouch and USB charging cable, the built-in controls and microphone, the swiveling ear cups, and the long battery life.
2. Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones
- Closed back, around ear design. Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Powered by proprietary Sennheiser 38 millimeter, 23 ohm transducers
- Soft, replaceable ear pads for enhanced comfort
The Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones are our second runner-up because of their noise isolating closed back design, the soft replaceable ear pads which deliver maximum comfort, and the enticing two year warranty.
✔️ What we like: Exceptional comfort and natural tonal balance
❌ What we don’t like: Cannot replace the AUX cord
Standout Features:
- Proprietary 23 OHM transducers
- Built-in in-line microphone
- Remote control for music and calls
One of my favorite things about these headphones is they’re wired yet they have a built-in microphone. I often like to use my headphones to make phone calls or to chat on Zoom video conference calls and these headphones work perfectly because the microphone is crystal-clear and the audio coming out of the speakers is top-notch and very easy to hear.
You just plug these headphones in to a 3.5 mm jack and they virtually work with just about every electronic device. You’ll need a lightning adapter to get them the work with Apple products, which only costs a couple of bucks so it’s safe to say that you can use these headphones with all electronic devices.
I also like these because they’re very comfortable headphones. Not only is there really a soft foam cushion underneath the headband itself to provide maximum comfort, the ear pads are also made of the same incredibly soft and fluffy cushions as well.
This foam completely envelopes your ears and blocks out all of the noise from the background and it does so in a way that you’ll never feel uncomfortable at all while wearing these headphones.
According to a few different reviewers, the worst thing about these headphones is the fact that the AUX cord is built directly into the headphones. With many of the latest headphones it’s a detachable cord that you can plug in or take out or even replace if you want a longer or shorter cord.
With these headphones, as soon as the cord breaks the headphones become virtually useless unless you know how to open them up and solder in a new wire, which most people don’t know how to do.
So if you have a tendency to break headphone cords because you chew them or twist them too much, the Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones might not be the best headset for you. But you’ll love the powerful audio, the ergonomic acoustic refinement design, and the classic styling quality.
3. Status CB-1 Closed Back Headphones – Best Budget
- STUDIO STANDARD: Praised by top musicians, producers, and audio engineers, the CB-1 headphones are an industry standard in recording studios around the world. The CB-1s have received critical acclaim...
The Status CB-1 Closed Back Headphones are a wonderful find because of the large 50 mm drivers, the studio quality audio and the wide soundstage.
✔️ What we like: Created with comfort in mind
❌ What we don’t like: The plastic adjuster breaks and cracks
Standout Features:
- Minimalistic style
- Includes two 9 foot audio cables
- Passive noise cancelling
The great thing about these headphones is they’re versatile inside or outside the studio. If you’re using them inside the studio, they’re the ideal set of headphones when mixing voiceovers, film, music, and so much more. And they’re ideal when you’re doing live tracking and recording of instruments and vocals because the audio is so crystal-clear and sounds perfect so you’ll experience a perfect reproduction of the high quality sound.
When using these headphones outside of the studio, you’ll have an incredibly satisfying sound experience when you pair them with Amps and DACs. Not only is the sound amazing, but the headphones are really comfortable so you can put them on and listen to them for a long time without experiencing any massive discomfort.
The noise isolation means you’ll be able to hear whatever is coming out of your headphones in a crowded office or work environment without being disturbed. And if you like high quality audio on the go, these headphones also sound great while connected to mobile phones.
Unfortunately one reviewer wasn’t very satisfied with the plastic adjuster that allows you to adjust the headphones when placing them on top of your head. He said the adjuster was made of cheaper plastic that cracks and breaks very easily. While this may be true, it doesn’t seem to be a regular occurrence.
How do I know? I haven’t read a million complaints discussing the same issue. I only read it one time so it’s likely not a consistent problem for everyone.
I think you’ll fall in love with the Status CB-1 Closed Back Headphones because of the closed back around the ear headphone style, the authentic gold metal accents, the collapsible folding ear cups, and the minimalist and rugged design.
4. Sony MDR7506 Headphones – Runner Up
- Neodymium magnets and 40 millimeter drivers for powerful, detailed sound.Specific uses for product : Professional audio system,Home audio system
- Closed ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises
- 9.8 foot cord ends in gold plated plug and it is not detachable; 1/4 inch adapter included
The Sony MDR7506 Headphones is a headphone aficionado favorite because of the excellent frequency response, the large diaphragm drivers and the foldable headphones.
✔️ What we like: 9.8 foot cord with gold plated plug
❌ What we don’t like: Headphones broke after four months
Standout Features:
- Comfortable closed ear design
- Foldable for travel and storage
- Rugged construction designed to last
These dynamic closed headphones are of the highest quality possible yet they come in a very lightweight design, so you can fold them up and pack them away in a small bag and bring them with you wherever you need to go. You’ll hardly notice that you have them in their carrying bag because they’re so lightweight that you don’t even think about them because they aren’t a nuisance.
The 40 mm diaphragm drivers provide incredible digital audio that creates an astonishing professional listening experience. You’ll love the way the audio sounds in the studio or if you’re listening to them at home. And the closed ear design is even extra special because it eliminates external noises from interfering with your awareness. You can put these headphones on and tune out the rest of the world as you work on your mixing, tracking, or recording projects without any interruptions whatsoever.
On the other hand, one reviewer was unhappy because he said his headphones broke after four months and they only offer a 30 day warranty. Guess what? Instead of getting upset and writing a scathing review on the Internet, he would’ve been better off contacting the manufacturer to let them know about the problem.
Most companies want good press for their products, so even though the warranty says it only lasts for 30 days he likely would’ve got a new pair of headphones if he just let them know about his issue. This isn’t a promise or guarantee but it is a sneaking suspicion because I know how big companies like Sony think.
At the end of the day, you’ll love the Sony MDR7506 Headphones because of the closed ear design, the 40 mm neodymium drivers, the protective storage case, and the reliable and stable signal connection.
5. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones
- Closed over-ear headphones, ideal for professional recording and monitoring
- Perfect for studio and stage recordings thanks to their pure, high-resolution sound
- The soft, circumaural and replaceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones are a choice you’ll love to live with because they’re affordable, have excellent noise cancellation, and crisp mid-range frequencies with great details.
✔️ What we like: Great headphones for professional monitoring and mixing
❌ What we don’t like: No bass and quiet sound
Standout Features:
- Replaceable velour ear pads
- Soft and comfortable headband construction
- Excellent impulse response
More than anything else, so many people in the music industry like these headphones because they’re considered high quality stereo equipment all around the world. Even more exciting is the remarkable clarity and acoustic definition that you’ll experience listening to these headphones during mixing, tracking, and recording sessions.
The spatial reproduction that these headphones provide delivers a noteworthy experience, yet it still offers excellent isolation to keep out the unwanted noise from the outside world. It’s very difficult to focus on your mixing and recording projects if you have too much noise bleeding into the background. But that is never going to be a problem with these headphones because it keeps the noise isolated and it keeps you focused on the audio being produced in your headphones without being distracted by anything else that shouldn’t be in your awareness.
According to one unhappy reviewer, he said the audio is very quiet and his headphones didn’t have any bass. Although he swears this is a regular problem that many people have complained about, I cannot say that I’ve discovered this issue with the DT 770 Pro headphones from a whole lot of other people.
So even though this one person makes this complaint, I do not believe that it is an issue with everyone. It seems to be a mostly isolated incident because he likely purchased faulty headphones and this absolutely is not his fault but it happens from time to time.
You should seriously consider the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones because they’re comfortable, fit easy on top of your head, have removable velour ear cups that you can replace when needed, and the spatial reproduction and ultra-low bass sounds are truly amazing to hear.
6. KRK KNS 8400 Closed Back Headphones
- Detachable in-line volume control
- Voiced to remain true to the character of KRK’s class leading studio monitors, developed with 25 years of years of experience in studio sound.
- The latest reference quality frequency response for closed-back, circum-aural dynamic headphones.
The KRK KNS 8400 Closed Back Headphones are a fine choice because of the detachable in-line volume control, the noise cancelling feature, and the overall high performance.
✔️ What we like: Ear cups flattened for easy transport
❌ What we don’t like: One of the speakers was broken out of the box
Standout Features:
- Large dynamic range
- Lightweight and comfortable headphones
- Extended bass frequency definition
The thing I personally like the most about these closed back headphones is the fact that they isolate the noise from the background. I prefer to have no background noise bleeding into my awareness whatsoever when I’m listening to audio on my headphones. It doesn’t matter if I’m listening to music, an audiobook, or a podcast.
I just want the audio itself and nothing more. And these headphones deliver that in spades because they provide clear audio with low distortion and the background noise is completely isolated so I don’t have to hear it at all.
The headphones themselves are pretty effective at providing awesome comfort as well. The design is made in a way that there is plenty of soft cushions on the headband and the ear pads are made of very thick and soft memory foam.
When I put them on top of my head and I cover my ears with these headphones, I feel nothing but comfort and I know that I can wear them for many hours in a row without suffering from some type of fatigue or pain. The soft cushions prevent discomfort from becoming a major problem.
Unfortunately, one guy bought these headphones and they immediately didn’t work for him right out of the box. One speaker in one ear worked but the other speaker was completely dead. As you can imagine, he found this experience very upsetting at first.
But then he contacted the seller and got a replacement and he was very happy with the new headphones that worked. Sometimes you’re going to buy headphones that are broken and they need to be returned. That’s life as a consumer and it happens to the best of us.
In the end, the KRK KNS 8400 Closed Back Headphones are a phenomenal choice because of the gold plated headphone jack, the closed back design, the lightweight feel that’s perfect for long listening sessions, and so much more.
A Guide to Choosing Closed Back Headphones Under $200
Are you thinking about forgoing my recommendations and choosing your own version of closed back headphones under $200 instead? Either you didn’t like any of my recommendations or you’d prefer to handle the research phase on your own. No matter which way you go, it’s more than acceptable to find your own favorite pair of closed back headphones.
I’d also like to help you along the way to ensure that you find a really great pair specifically designed to meet your needs. So I’m going to share a brief guide with you below to tell you the specific areas to focus on when looking for new headphones of this type.
Please keep reading to consider these important features and recommendations.
Noise Cancellation Capabilities
I don’t know about you, but I love headphones with noise cancelling or noise isolating capabilities. Why? I like to focus on the audio that I’m listening to and I never like it when I have outside noise interrupting my listening experience. I find this frustrating and disorienting and it tends to ruin my listening experiences.
If you feel the same way, then you definitely need to get closed back headphones under $200 with noise cancelling or noise isolating capabilities. Otherwise you’ll end up with a pair of headphones that picks up all of the background noise and it will bleed into your awareness. This will put a damper on your experience while listening and you’ll feel the headphones are less than satisfying.
Comfortable Ergonomic Design
When you take the time to buy a new pair of headphones, you can bet your bottom dollar that they better be comfortable.
Why?
If you’re anything like me and the millions of people that are online buying headphones every day, you like to keep them on top of your head and over your ears for many hours because you love listening to music, podcasts, and radio shows.
How long do you think you’ll be able to wear your headphones if they’re uncomfortable?
Not very long is my best guess. So find headphones that have comfortable headbands with plenty of fluffy and soft cushions and make sure the ear pads are also large, soft, and replaceable when necessary. Ear pads tend to wear out faster than anything else, so you want headphones that have the ability to replace them very easily.
Stereo Quality Sound
The headphones that you purchase also need to sound absolutely amazing. Otherwise you’re spending your hard-earned money on a very expensive paper weight. Nobody wants you to be disappointed with the overall quality of the audio. The best way to find out if the audio quality lives up to the hype is to read other reviews. Find out if many of the other reviewers were happy with the sound and just follow their lead if they were impressed overall.
Get The Right Closed Back Headphones For You
Are you finally on the right track to discovering the best closed back headphones for your needs?
I went out of my way to review the top six headphones of this type selling for less than $200 bucks and I shared this information with you today.
To recap, the closed back headphones that I recommend include:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones – Best Overall
- Sennheiser HD 569 Headphones
- Status CB-1 Closed Back Headphones – Best Budget
- Sony MDR7506 Headphones – Runner Up
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones
- KRK KNS 8400 Closed Back Headphones
Every one of the headphones listed above is a great choice for one reason or another.
If you prefer to make your own choice, use my expert guide to discover the best closed back headphones under $200 on your own.
I appreciate you stopping by!
Further Reading:
- 10 Best Headphones Under $500 In 2024 (Open Back & Closed Back)
- 5 Best Surround Sound Headphones For Movies
- 12 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones In 2024 (From $200 to $2000)
- 5 Best Open Back Headphones For Gaming In 2024 (Multiple Budgets)
- 5 Best Skullcandy Earbuds In 2024
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.