Advice as to which Headphones to get with 50$ to 200$ budget
Location: USA (Preferably Online) (Amazon/Bestbuy/Microcenter/Newegg/Brand Website)
Budget - 50$ to 200$ depending on how much more I need to spend for the features I want.
Source/Amp - To my Desktop Computer/Laptop and Hand Held Gaming Device. (I am not looking for a Gaming Headphone)
How the gear will be used - Primarily for Home Listening but I am open for outside uses (Like Airplane/Buses/etc)
Preferred tonal balance - I am not sure. Usually I don't spend extravagantly on audio devices (This is my first time). I am currently using a Skullcandy Riff on-ear Headphones. It works great for me but I want an upgrade in comfort, quality, and design.
Preferred music genres - EDM, Pop, Techno, Indie, Country (I avoid most metals and rap genre thought I like some)
Past gear experience - Skullcandy Riff on-ear Headphones - This does what I want my headphones to do. Has decent sound quality, comfort, has a microphone (no dedicated microphone shaft) and uses audio aux 3.5mm Cable. I just want an overall upgrade to this.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro - Love the sound. Is the most expensive earphones I own. I am not a dedicated Audiophile but I like listening to music and I want it to have microphone and good comfort.
Anything else? -
On Ear vs Over Ear: My current headphones are on-ear and I can wear them for around 3-4 hours comfortably. I am not sure if Over Ear would be similarly comfortable but if they are, I am willing.
Needs: Extremely Comfortable (Wearing for 4-5 hours), Not too Bulky(?), Audio Jack (3.5mm), Great Sound Quality, Decent-Good Microphone
Priority Order: Comfort > Non Bulky > Sound > Microphone > Audio Jack (3.5mm)
Avoid: Gaming Headsets, Headphone with a dedicated microphone shaft (I dont know what to call them lol)
Headphones I have looked into:
1. JBL Tune 770NC: I like the design. It is on the cheaper side of my budget (around 80$). It doesn't look bulky, Probably has good sound and microphone quality, I dont care about the Noice Cancellation (yet). But I saw a video saying it is uncomfortable.
2. CMF Headphone Pro: I absolutely hate the design. It is unique but not my style. Around 100$ and looks bulky. The sound and microphone are probably good (better than JBL too i guess) but I am not too excited to get that. I dont know about the comfort.
3. Sony XM4: Around 200$. Risky investment. I am not sure if I want this. But if it is really worth 200$, something which will make me go wow! Then I might consider it. As I said I am looking for something to use with my PC, Laptop and Handheld. I believe Sony XM4's (and others) also try to advertise themselves as something you can wear outside. If it is really comfortable and better than my Galaxy Buds 3 Pro then I might consider it.
Posted Dec 3, 2025, 1:43 AM UTC