Image via Complex Original
When it comes to headphones we realize there are two types of people: In-ear folks and over-ear folks. Some people enjoy the minimal bulk and heft that comes with wearing in-ear headphones, while some people prefer to have their entire ear engulfed by an ear cup. All good. We're here to help, not judge. That's why earlier this month we brought you the 10 Best In-Ear Headphones Under $100. And why today we have the 10 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $200.
What constitutes best, you ask? To us, sick style balanced with function. We don't want a super-expensive, highly technical headphone we'd be embarrassed to rock on the train. To ensure you can have good sound without having to eat Ramen for a month, most of the choices on this list are well-under $200, but there are few picks that were just too good to leave off. Before you being trekking to class and spend all your back-to-school money, check out our picks.
10. Astro A30
Price: $130, Astrogaming.com
Though known for its gaming accessories, Astro knows how to crank out a good pair of headphones. The A30s previously made it onto our Best Of Year list because of its amazing sound quality—watching movies on our iPad using the A30s was sick—and its comfort. Astro outfitted the A30s with extremely soft earpads covered in some sort of felt-like material. The end result is a pair of headphones you won't mind wearing all-day.
9. Klipsch Image ONE
Price: $150, Klipsch.com
If you've been reading Complex for a while you know how we feel about Klipsch. To us, it's one of the best and well-priced personal audio brands in the game, as evidenced by our in-ear favorites, the S4s. The Image ONEs offer quality sound on a slightly larger scale with 40mm, full range KG drivers for optimal sound delivery no matter what you're listening to. The foldable headphones also come equipped with a built-in mic and volume controls so you can use your iPhone, or any recent iPod or iDevice hands free.
8. Bang & Olufsen Form 2
Price: $100, Bangolufsen.com
Until we saw one of our co-worker's rocking out with the Form 2, we had no idea Bang & Olufsen made anything for $100. Afterall, this is the company that makes $1,000 iPod docks and $80,000 3D TVs. Consider the Form 2 the company's attempt at breaking bread with the masses. Want a taste of high-end audio? Here you go. Lightweight and powerful, the Form 2 is worth the c-note. And don't think because of it's semi-open form-factor that everyone around will hear your music—not the case, we couldn't hear anything our co-worker was listening to. Now, her singing on the other hand...
7. Urbanears Plattan
Price: $60, Urbanears.com
You should know about Urbanears by now. The Swedish company delivers headphones with high-style at low price points. With its core line-up in place, Urbanears makes sure to push out a couple cool new colorways each season. It's top-of-the-line Plattan model won't rattle your skull, but at $60, it's the most affordable, least embarrassing-to-wear headphones on the market.
6. Beats by Dr. Dre Solo
Price: $200, Beatsbydre.com
So you want good sound without looking like a DJ in a music video? The Beats by Dr. Dre Solos are for you. Loud, comfortable, full of bass, and not as flashy as its big brothers, the Solos are, in our opinion, the ideal Beats by Dre selection.
5. Sennheiser HD 218i
Price: $80, Apple.com
Sennheiser, the brand trusted by audio professionals around the globe, takes its expertise and pares it down into a headset perfect for listening to your music while on your daily commutes. There's a three-button remote with a built-in mic so you can control your audio and take calls on your iPhone.
4. V-Moda Crossfade LP
Price: $200, V-moda.com
V-Moda's styling isn't for everyone. We know. Its sound, on the other hand, should appeal to every last one of you. Though some found them a bit heavy, the Crossfade's are comfortable during long stretches. Packed inside each metal-clad ear cup is a Dual-Diaphragm High-Definition Driver for excellent, even sound. They're durable, too. We've dropped ours multiple times, spilled water on 'em, and they still rock. Another plus: the Kevlar cord (with built-in three-button remote and mic) that never gets tangled.
3. Bose AE2i
Price: $180, Bose.com
When people think of Bose over-ear headphones, they usually think of their QuietComfort noise cancelling headphones. While those are awesome, they also cost $300. For those a more moderate budget, Bose's AE2i's deliver Bose's trademarked smooth, even, true sound. At 140 grams they're lightweight, so listening for hours is possible and enjoyable. The AE2i comes with a built-in microphone and remote for controlling your i-Devices. In terms of all-around performance, the Bose AE2i may be the best headphone under $200.
2. Sony MDR-ZX700
Price: $119, Sony.com
Sony's complete headphone line is a bit overwhelming. You can wade through its professional offerings, and cough up around three bills, or you can stick with their consumer line, save some money, and get a pair like the MDR-ZX700 that blends unusually good (for Sony) styling with powerful 50mm drivers for well-rounded sound and deep bass. The comfortable noise-isolationg ear pads will aso ensure your ride to work is a peaceful one.
1. Nixon The Trooper
Price: $70, Nixonnow.com
Lightweight, functional, and stylish—that sums up The Trooper by Nixon. With a cool matte finish, sweat-resistant ear cups, and built-in microphone and remote control, it's perfect to take on your daily commutes. Oh, thanks to the 40mm drivers, the sound ain't bad, either.
