Overview
Ever finish a mix that sounds huge in your headphones, just to hear it fall apart in your car? We’ve all been there. That mix translation headache is exactly why open-back headphones are a critical tool for any serious producer or audio engineer. Instead of trapping sound, they let it breathe. The result is a wide, natural soundstage—much closer to mixing on actual studio monitors. It’s how you make decisions that sound great everywhere, not just in your cans.
But finding a great pair under $200? That’s the tough part. This price point is flooded with mediocre options. So, we did the hard work for you. We brought more than 25 popular open-back headphones into the Technowant studio and really put them through their paces, testing everything from frequency accuracy to how they feel after a three-hour session.
This guide cuts through the noise and provides our expert picks for the best open-back headphones under $200. We’re counting down the top six models that deliver serious performance without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re building your first home studio or just need a reliable second pair for referencing, we’ve got you covered.
Best Open Back Headphones Under $200 at a Glance
Why is Techowant Trustworthy? At Technowant, we scientifically test headphones in our dedicated headphone testing studio to ensure accurate and reliable evaluations. For more details, you can read about our headphones Testing Method.
In this video, we introduce you to the best open back headphones under $200
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO
Our list kicks off with the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO, a headphone that has earned its title of “Best Overall” in our comprehensive testing. This model comes from a renowned German brand and is a staple in professional studios worldwide for its reliability. It is available in 80-ohm and 250-ohm impedance versions; this is a critical detail for your setup. If you have a home studio with a standard audio interface, the 80-ohm version is the appropriate choice. However, for professional studios equipped with powerful headphone amps designed to drive higher impedance loads, the 250-ohm version is recommended for achieving optimal clarity and headroom.
The design of the DT 990 PRO is durable and robust, built to withstand the demands of a studio environment. However, its weight is relatively high at approximately 375 grams. The headband is engineered to be very comfortable, applying minimal pressure to the head even during long sessions. A notable drawback we observed over time is the material used for the headband cover, which is prone to tearing or peeling. Additionally, the quality of the non-detachable cable is not exceptional, and care must be taken to ensure it doesn’t get stretched or caught under a chair or desk leg.
Sound Quality
But where the DT 990 PRO truly earns its “Best Overall” title is in its sound performance. In our audio tests at Technowant, this headphone was simply excellent. This is exactly the kind of headphone I give high marks to for critical mixing and mastering. The clarity across the entire frequency spectrum is outstanding.
You get a bass that is both clear and strong without being muddy, a transparent and detailed midrange that brings vocals and instruments to life, and highs that are precise and high-quality without being harsh. It delivers an honest, reliable sound that you can trust to make important mixing decisions—a hallmark of the best studio headphones in this price range.
Also Read: Best Closed Back Headphones Under $500
OneOdio Monitor 80
Next on our list is a headphone that genuinely surprised us in the studio: the OneOdio Monitor 80. Right away, it’s important to note its 250-ohm impedance. This means it’s not well-suited for home studios running off standard audio interfaces and requires a dedicated headphone amp to perform at its best, much like its professional counterparts.
The Monitor 80 features a beautiful, modern design that will certainly catch the eye, especially among younger producers and musicians. Its large, 40mm round drivers comfortably encircle the entire ear, a feature we found very pleasant during our testing. At 295 grams, its weight feels balanced—not too heavy, not too light. The headband is also well-designed, using soft pads to apply minimal pressure, making it suitable for longer sessions.
We were particularly impressed with the build quality. Initially, I was skeptical about the hinges, thinking they might be a weak point, but our hands-on testing in the studio proved they are surprisingly strong and well-built. Overall, the headphone feels very durable. A standout feature at this price point is the quality of the included cables, which our inspection confirmed to be excellent.
Sound Quality
This is where the OneOdio Monitor 80 truly shocked us. During our extensive sound tests, this headphone performed at a level we simply did not expect for its price and relative obscurity. Our analysis shows it can easily compete with well-known studio classics like the DT 990 PRO. My prediction, based on this performance, is that this headphone has the potential to become very popular and well-known in the near future.
The soundstage it produces is incredibly wide, which we found to be excellent for critical mastering tasks where stereo imaging is key. The bass has both satisfying clarity and punch. In the midrange, its performance is excellent, and our tests showed it to be very capable for mixing vocals and instruments like guitars. The treble is also clean and well-executed. Frankly, for an open-back headphone under $200, I could not find a single significant flaw in its audio reproduction.
Audio Technica ATH-R30X
For our next entry, we’re looking at a headphone that prioritizes comfort and ease of use, earning it our title of “The Lightweight Pick”: the Audio-Technica ATH-R30x. Coming from the well-known Audio-Technica brand, this open-back headphone is designed with home studios in mind. With a low impedance of 36 ohms, our tests confirmed it’s incredibly easy to drive and can be used with virtually any system, making it an excellent choice for setups without dedicated, high-power headphone amps.
As its title suggests, the most noticeable feature of the ATH-R30x is its incredibly lightweight design, weighing in at just 205 grams. This makes it one of the lightest headphones in its class. However, this lightweight construction comes at a cost. During our hands-on evaluation, we found the build to be quite vulnerable.
You’ll need to be careful with these headphones, as they may not withstand drops or significant impacts. The open-back design is well-suited for preventing ear sweat, and we noted that the pads are conveniently replaceable. On the other hand, we found the headband to be a weak point in its design. It contains very little foam and, in our opinion, is not very comfortable compared to its competitors.
Sound Quality
In our sound quality tests, the ATH-R30x delivered a good, balanced performance from its 40mm drivers. When we analyzed its low-end response, we found that frequencies between 50 and 150 Hz are clear, making it a capable tool for mixing standard bass lines. However, our tests revealed a significant lack of accuracy in the sub-bass frequencies below 50 Hz, which is a critical detail for producers of modern electronic music.
Therefore, if your music relies heavily on deep sub-bass elements, we do not recommend this headphone. Moving up the spectrum, the midrange is transparent and clear, proving to be excellent for mixing vocals and other instruments. The high frequencies are also well-handled; the sound is neither muddy nor excessively sharp, striking a nice, natural balance.
Audio Technica ATH-R50X
Continuing with Audio-Technica, we now look at the ATH-R50x, a model that feels like a significant step-up from its lighter sibling. This fully open-back headphone is designed to deliver a clear sound with a wide and realistic soundstage, targeting users who need more durability and comfort.
The moment I picked up the ATH-R50x in our studio, the improvement in build quality over the R30x was immediately noticeable. It feels significantly sturdier and more durable in hand. Despite this, it remains very lightweight at just 207 grams. The headband is another major improvement, featuring more foam, which we found to be much more comfortable; I wore these for a two-hour mixing session without any notable discomfort, confirming its suitability for long-term use.
A critical feature for long composing or mixing sessions is the earcup design. The earcups on the R50x can swivel in every direction, allowing for a perfect and adaptable fit on any head shape. We also found the pads to be very comfortable. To top it off, our inspection showed that the cables are longer and of a higher quality than the previous model.
Sound Quality
The excellent design is matched by its performance in our sound tests, powered by high-quality 45mm drivers. In our listening sessions, the bass and sub-bass frequencies were definitely clearer here than on the R30x, but in my opinion, this is still an area that could be improved for those seeking a powerful low-end.
Where this headphone truly shines is in the midrange. The 45mm drivers provide excellent clarity in the 500 Hz to 3000 Hz range, allowing you to hear even the most subtle sounds in your mix. The high-frequency performance is also excellent. Overall, our tests confirmed that this headphone offers very good balance in its frequency response, which is why it has earned its place as one of the best open-back headphones under $200.
Sennheiser HD 599
Next up is a headphone known for its unique look and comfort, the Sennheiser HD 599. It features an attractive, ergonomic design that stands out from the more utilitarian look of typical studio headphones.
The HD 599 is very lightweight at just 250 grams. In our tests, we found the large, comfortable headband to be a major highlight, as it applies very little pressure to the head. I was able to use it for long periods during our testing without any fatigue, which is a testament to its ergonomic focus. The trade-off for this lightweight comfort, however, appears to be in its durability. The build quality is not very resistant, and our evaluation suggests it needs to be handled with care in a studio environment. We recommend keeping it on a dedicated headphone stand to avoid accidental damage. Similarly, the included cables are not of very high quality.
Sound Quality
The sound of the HD 599, powered by its 38mm oval-shaped drivers, delivered a good overall performance in our sound tests, with one area standing out in particular. It performed especially well in the bass department, making it a suitable choice for certain genres. However, when analyzing the rest of the spectrum, I expected more clarity and transparency in the midrange and treble. These frequencies lacked the detail we’ve heard in other headphones in this category. Because of this specific sound signature, our expert opinion is that if you compose or mix in genres like deep house where a strong bass presence is desirable, the HD 599 could be a good fit for you.
Philips SHP9600
The next headphone on our list is the Philips SHP9600. While it may not come from a brand as renowned in studio circles, it earned its place on our list due to its good performance and accessible price point. It features large, high-quality 50mm drivers and a low impedance of 32 ohms, making it a suitable and easy-to-drive option for home studios.
The oval-shaped earcups contribute to both comfort and performance. During our evaluation, we also found the detachable cables to be of high quality, which is a nice feature at this price. The main issue we encountered during testing, however, is its weight. At approximately 330 grams, it is a heavy headphone. While the headband itself is soft and comfortable, the overall weight makes it unsuitable for very long sessions. I personally felt fatigued after using it for about two hours in the studio, a key finding from my hands-on experience.
Sound Quality
In our audio tests, the SHP9600 delivered a relatively decent performance with a distinct character. The bass frequencies are clear, but in our listening sessions, they lacked sufficient power and impact for modern production. The midrange is transparent, but it seems to have some coloration; we perceived the sound as being slightly warmer compared to other, more neutral monitoring headphones. Where it performed well was in the high frequencies. The treble is good, allowing you to hear fine details like the sound of small hi-hats in a mix.
Final Verdict
Finding the best open-back headphones under $200 requires a careful balance of sound accuracy, build quality, and comfort. Based on our in-depth testing at Technowant, it’s clear there are excellent options available for every type of producer and audio engineer. From the professional precision of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO to the surprising value of the OneOdio Monitor 80, this price point offers serious tools for your studio. We recommend evaluating your primary needs—whether it’s critical mixing, mastering, or comfortable tracking—and choosing the model from this list that best aligns with your workflow.
FAQs
Based on our tests, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is designated as our "Best Overall" pick for mixing and mastering because it offers outstanding clarity across all frequencies. Additionally, the OneOdio Monitor 80 is an excellent choice for mastering tasks due to its incredibly wide soundstage.
That depends on the headphone's impedance. Low-impedance models like the Philips SHP9600 (32 ohms) and the Audio-Technica ATH-R30x (36 ohms) can be easily driven by any system. However, high-impedance models like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250-ohm version) and the OneOdio Monitor 80 (250 ohms) require a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach their best performance.
Based on our hands-on testing, the Sennheiser HD 599 caused no fatigue during long-term use due to its light weight and large, comfortable headband. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO also has a very comfortable headband that applies minimal pressure. In contrast, the Philips SHP9600 is not suitable for long sessions, as its heavy weight (approx. 330g) caused fatigue after about two hours in our experience.
The Sennheiser HD 599 performed particularly well in the bass department but offered less clarity in the midrange and treble. For this reason, it can be a suitable choice for composing and mixing in genres like Deep House, where a strong bass presence is desirable.
3 Comments
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Thank you very much. Sure🙏