Are you in the market for a new pair of headphones? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll be discussing the five best headphones that you can buy for under $300. We’ll be looking at features such as noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort and durability to help you make your selection. So without further ado, let’s get started!
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WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A NEW PAIR OF HEADPHONES
When shopping for a new pair of headphones, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. One of the most important is your intended use. Are you looking for headphones that will be used primarily for listening to music? If so, you’ll want to focus on sound quality and comfort. Are you looking for headphones that will be used for travel? If so, you’ll want to look for a pair that has good noise cancellation capabilities.
Another important factor to consider is your budget. Headphones can range in price from under $100 to several hundred dollars. It’s important to find the right balance between quality and affordability. You don’t want to sacrifice sound quality or durability just to save a few bucks, but you also don’t want to break the bank on a pair of headphones that you’re not going to use very often. It is also important to buy for what you will use them for the most, for example, DJ headphones are very different to studio headphones.
Finally, it’s important to consider your own personal needs and preferences. Some people prefer over-the-ear headphones while others prefer in-ear headphones. Some people like earbuds that sit tightly in their ears, while others find them uncomfortable. It’s important to find a pair of headphones that are both comfortable and well-suited to your individual needs.
The five best headphones under $300
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are some of the very best headphones that you can buy for under $300. They offer excellent wireless audio, noise cancellation and comfort. They’re also built to last, with a durable design that can withstand everyday use. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will provide an immersive listening experience, the Sony WH-1000XM4s are a great option.
Searching for a new pair of active noise cancellation headphones? The Sony WH-1000XM4, the new headphones which launched at £249 (€287, $288, ), are now being sold much cheaper.
The new Sony WH-1000XM4 sounds better than ever with its upgraded sound processor, and it’s even able to upscale compressed music into near hi-res quality. But that isn’t all! The AI technology called Edge AI helps analyze tracks in real-time so you get an accurate reproduction of what was originally recorded for each song–even if the original recording wasn’t exactly perfect at the richest dynamics possible or had compression artefacts baked right into them from vinyl days gone by.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a game changer for those looking to upgrade their closed back headphones and get the best sound possible. These new models are as comfortable, and offer useful features that elevate your experience while also maintaining high levels of quality at an affordable price point – what more could you ask from this device?
Sennheiser HD 660 S
The Sennheiser HD 660S are high-quality headphones that will make your music sound great. They have an open design which means they don’t have any noise isolation and leak a lot, so there won’t be ideal for use outside of listening in quiet environments where you want to focus on what’s playing instead of external distractions like honking cars or people talking next to you; however, if this sounds good enough then get one!
Their sound is best for someone who wants to enjoy the music without any added distractions. The bass could be better, but it’s still enjoyable and well-balanced with everything else around that area of quality listening; equally important are how clear each instrument sounds in relation to one another across all ranges–not just vocals!
Read about the best studio headphones
The bass of these headphones is a bit lacking in thump and sounds muddy. They also have an almost mid-range sound that can be felt when listening to instruments with vocals, which means the treble of many headphones will not have much detail or clarity for some people’s ears because it becomes muffled by what you’re wearing.
The Sennheiser HD 660 S come barely over the $300 limit at £312.
Grado SR325x
With its iconic status as one of the world’s premier headphones, it’s no surprise that Grado has been around for three decades. The company continues to push forward with small evolutionary steps and maintains its classic story in this new ‘x-generation’.
The new foam earpads on these headphones have been met with mixed reviews. Some people love them, while others find the material too soft and uncomfortable for their ears after extended use in noisy environments or travel cases where they need to be louder than other sounds around them (like plane flights).
The Comfort level is also an area where opinions vary – at 340g you won’t feel weighed down even if it seems like there’s enough adjustment room; however not everyone will get along great wearing those thick cups over their ears for long periods.
They also have a well balanced sound, that you can listen to for hours. And because of their open design, they have a wide spacious sound that will make you feel like you’re in the room with the musicians.
The Grado SR325x come in at just under $300 at £279.
HiFiMAN Sundara
The HiFiMan Sundara headphones are a steal for those who want crystal clear sound but don’t have the money to spend. These planar magnetic earphones provide an excellent listening experience with their detailed sound, warm natural highs and deep punchy bass that will make your music come alive in front of you!
The HiFiMan Sundara headphones have a planar magnetic driver that provides an interesting and unique sound, but they can be bulky if you’re not used to this type of headphone design. Planars do have more mass than other drivers because each magnet has been specially placed for maximum effectiveness in terms of surface area coverage–which means these cans will feel heavy after several hours of wear without any neck support from padding on ear cups or band tension relieving weight distribution across head evenly distributed accounted for by suspension wire.
The HiFiMan Sundara sounds excellent, with a smooth and accurate sound that is clear across the frequency range. Some might argue bass frequencies drop off below 50Hz but this isn’t something you need to worry about if your amplifier can help out! There’s also some dip at 11k Hz – which depends on how headphones sit against ears- so don’t try fixing it by equalizing those areas as well since they’re dependent upon one amp or another instead of just being separate problems
In short: The HiFiMan Sundara are great value for the price and offers a superb audio quality that is hard to beat at this price range.
They are currently priced at $299.
Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony has gone to great lengths for the new WF-1000XM4s to be better than ever. The first thing you’ll notice about these Bluetooth headphones when compared with their predecessors and most Bluetooth headphones is how different they look, but it’s not just because Sony wanted a fresh design – there are actually several key differences between the two models which make all aspects more efficient and easier on your skin!
While the WF-1000XM4 has a lot going for it in terms of sound quality and musicality, we want to highlight its deep bass response. The clarity that low frequencies deliver makes these headphones perfect if you enjoy rocking out or throwing down some dubs!
Also, don’t forget about the noise-cancelling modes! They are truly great and will block out any unwanted sound will delivering lossless audio performance.
The WF-1000XM4’s earbud design is all new, based on customer feedback and research about human ears. Sony settled on a rounder body that sits more inside your ear canal for increased comfort–and because it sounds better too!
The Sony headphones are known to be at the premium end of this market. They were launched in 2021 with an MSRP of $280 but can now retail closer to around £200 ($230).
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAIR OF HEADPHONES FOR YOU
When it comes to choosing the right pair of headphones, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to consider your own individual needs and preferences to find the right pair of headphones for you. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Consider your budget. Headphones can range in price from under $100 to several hundred dollars, so it’s important to find the right balance between quality and affordability. You don’t want to sacrifice sound quality or build quality just to save a few bucks, but you also don’t want to break the bank on a pair of headphones that you’re not going to use very often.
2. Consider your intended use. Are you looking for headphones that will be used primarily for listening to music? If so, you’ll want to focus on looking for a more natural sound and comfort. Are you looking for headphones that will be used for travel? If so, you’ll want to look for a pair with good noise cancellation capabilities and stay far away from open back headphones.
3. Consider your personal needs and preferences. Some people prefer over-the-ear headphones while others prefer in-ear headphones. Some people like earbuds that sit tightly in their ears, while others find them uncomfortable. It’s important to find a pair of headphones that are both comfortable and well-suited to your individual needs.
4. Try before you buy. If possible, it’s always a good idea to try out a pair of headphones before you make your purchase. This way, you can get a feel for the fit, comfort level and sound quality to see if they’re the right pair of headphones for you.
If you would like some budget audiophile-level headphones click here!
BEST PRACTICES FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEADPHONES
It’s important to take good care of your headphones to prolong their life and maintain their sound quality. Here are a few tips for taking care of your headphones:
1. Keep them dry. It’s important to keep your headphones dry, as moisture can damage them. If you’re going to be using them near water, be sure to keep them tightly wrapped in a waterproof case.
2. Don’t expose them to extreme heat or cold. Exposure to extreme temperatures can also damage your headphones. Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
3. Clean them regularly. Dust and dirt can build up on your headphones over time and affect their sound quality. Use a soft cloth to clean the earbuds and the casing of all the headphones.
4. Don’t use sharp objects to clean them. Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive cleaners to clean your headphones, as they can damage the surface and affect the sound quality.
5. Be careful with the cord. The cord on your headphones is susceptible to damage, so it’s important to be careful when handling it. Never pull on the cord, twist it or wrap it around your fingers. Instead, hold onto the plug when you’re not using the headphones.
FAQS ABOUT FINDING THE BEST CHEAP HEADPHONES
When finding the best cheap headphones, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about finding affordable headphones:
1. Where can I find good deals on headphones?
There are many places to find good or great deals now on headphones, including online retailers and physical stores. It’s always a good idea to compare prices before purchasing to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
2. What are the best noise-cancelling headphones under $300?
There are many great noise-cancelling headphones available for under $300. Some of our favourites include the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, Sony WH-1000XM3 and Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC. These headphones offer superior neutral leaning frequency response and noise cancellation capabilities, making them perfect for travel or busy environments.
3. Are Beats headphones worth the price?
This is a matter of personal opinion. While Beats headphones offer good sound quality and durability, they can be quite expensive compared to other brands. It’s important to do your own research and compare different models before making a decision.
4. What are the best wireless headphones under $300?
There are many great wireless headphones available for under $300. Some of our favourites include the Sony WH-1000XM3, Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Jabra Elite 85h. These headphones offer strong Bluetooth connection, long battery life, comfort and features, making them great for those who are looking for an upgrade from their current pair of wired headphones.
Picking the right pair of headphones can be a tough decision, but we hope this guide has made it a little easier for you. Be sure to keep the above considerations in mind when making your choice to ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your money.
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Ben Brooks, Head Content Writer
Meet Ben, the audiophile enthusiast and authoritative voice behind hifiaudiolab.com’s expert content. With an insatiable passion for high-fidelity audio equipment and a knack for dissecting the most intricate technical details into enjoyable reads, Ben guides you through the world of premium sound with a friendly and engaging approach. His journey began in the bustling audio markets of London, where he spent years curating a diverse collection of headphones, speakers, and accessories, always with an ear for the exceptional.
He’s been featured as a guest columnist for several leading audio publications, praised for his in-depth reviews and ability to predict the next big trend in hi-fi audio. His hypothetical contributions to product development teams have helped shape some of the most innovative audio devices on the market—a testament to his visionary approach.
Ben has also earned a prestigious certification in Digital Audio Technology from the Audio Engineering Society (AES), further solidifying his expertise in the ever-evolving world of high-fidelity sound. Among his accolades, Ben holds a specialized certification in High-Resolution Audio from Sony, demonstrating his proficiency with cutting-edge audio formats and technologies. He is a recognized member of the Society of Professional Audio Recording Services (SPARS), where he regularly engages with the latest trends and innovations in audio engineering. Furthering his commitment to excellence in audio quality, Ben has completed Yamaha’s Advanced Audio System Design training, equipping him with unique insights into state-of-the-art audio systems and acoustics.
When he’s not analyzing the latest in sound technology or crafting the next article, Ben can be found immersed in the works of his favorite artists, from the groundbreaking beats of Kanye West and Daft Punk to the timeless rhythms of Pink Floyd and Kendrick Lamar. These musical maestros not only influenced his writing but also his approach to sound quality and the emotional experience of music.
Connect with Ben across social media at @ben97bro, where he shares snippets of his hi-fi explorations, personal reviews, and the occasional musical musing that keeps the conversation going well beyond the screen.