Planning to buy a good pair of headphones and confused with the bazillion options on e-commerce sites? Let us help you with a comprehensive list of 10 best headphones under Rs. 15,000.
We have excluded earphones as we believe they demand a list of their own. Headphones are different when compared to earphones. Not only does their form factor differ but also the way they sound. Many have their choices and some like them both.
Although money can buy quality, there are some headphones that break the price to performance barrier. While most affordable headphones may lack the build quality, some surely make it up with their eargasmic audio quality. In no particular order, here are our picks.
1. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
Undoubtedly one of the most popular headphones in this list is the Audio Technica ATH-M50X. Critically acclaimed as one of the best value for money offerings, the M50X justify every penny they claim.
A sturdy over-the-ear design fitted with 45 mm drivers and a neutral sound signature makes them ideal for multimedia use. Pair them with a DAC and set your equaliser to personalise the sound output to your liking. Detachable cables ensure versatility with ease of maintenance.
With a 90 degree swivelling ear cups and folding mechanism, these headphones are also easy to carry in the carrying pouch provided. If you are looking for the best audio quality for the price, the M50X are definitely worth it.
At the time of writing, these would set you back by about ₹9,500.
2. Beats Solo 2.0
Well, they are Beats. They do have their typical bass oriented sound signature and many people love how they sound. Additionally, they offer lightweight construction with foldable design for ease of carrying. Available in an array of colours, the Solo 2.0 are made for everyone.
Many would say that Beats sound unnatural and the bass is over powering, etc, etc. We as Indians love extra bass or may be that is how our musical perception has evolved. Beats Solo 2.0 do justice to the Beats line up with signature Beats sound while maintaining a sane price tag.
At the time of writing, these cost about ₹14,500.
3. Bowers & Wilkins P5
If you want a pair of headphones that looks sleek and elegant, look no further. The Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones are simply gorgeous. They don’t just look good but sound equally good as well.
If aesthetics are your game, Bowers & Wilkins P5 is definitely something you must consider. The build quality screams opulence and the on-ear design with a mix of leather like material supported with well-crafted metal oozes style.
At the time of writing, these cost around ₹15,000.
4. Sennheiser HD 598 Series
The HD 598 Series by Sennheiser is at the pinnacle of price based performance. The HD 598 is available in a series of variants from premium materials to a choice of open-back or closed-back design. Aimed at the audiophile at heart, these cans do justice to every frequency band.
At 50 ohms, they do need a powerful source or a DAC for optimal audio performance. The sound stage is wide and their patented E.A.R (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) offers directional sound aimed at your ears. These are a great pair for binge watching and long music listening sessions.
At the time of writing, these range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000.
5. Grado Prestige Series SR125e
Grado Prestige Series has been around ever since I know the term headphones. The headphones feature a classic open-back on-ear design. What really stands out though is the way they sound.
The open-back design provides a wide sound stage and Grado is known for its amazing audio clarity. None of the frequencies over power the other providing a balanced and clear audio output. Built with metal and easily customisable with an array of after market cushions, the Grado Prestige Series are a retro delight.
At the time of writing, these would set you back by about ₹15,000.
6. Mi Headphones
These are one of the most versatile headphones one can have. Featuring a low impedance of 32 ohms with 50 mm drivers and 3 pairs of detachable ear cups, these headphones can do it all. They do not need a DAC and can be powered by any music source.
The 3 ear cups range from an over the ear design ear cup to two on ear designed cushion, one of which is made of memory foam. Apart from the interesting features and inline microphone with audio controls, these headphones are a mighty surprise when it comes to audio quality.
If you love bass, you will love these headphones. They have a prominent “V” shaped sound signature and they do tend to accentuate certain frequencies. But with a little equaliser tweaking and you are treated with sound quality that will rival headphones twice its asking price.
At the time of writing, these cost around ₹5,500.
7. Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear 2.0
A successor to a popular pair of headphones, these headphones overcome all the shortcomings of their predecessor. The ear cups are larger and more comfortable than the first generation Momentum headphones.
Built with premium-grade metal and available in several colours, these headphones are well worth their price. Audio quality is on par with the original Momentum headphones with clear highs and mids accompanied by punchy lows. Low impedance levels also make them suitable for portable music playback through any music source.
At the time of writing, these cost about ₹14,300.
8. Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro 250
Try pronouncing the name again! As weird as the name is, these headphones are absolutely amazing if you are a music or video creator. Aimed at professionals, this is a reference headphone with minimal frequency boost.
The best part about these headphones has to be their longevity. People are using these headphones for years. Parts of these headphones are easily replaceable and thus they can be revived irrespective of your usage pattern. One of the few professional offerings at this price makes them a sweet deal.
At the time of writing, these would set you back by about ₹15,000.
9. Audio Technica ATH-M20x
If you are on a budget but desire the M50x sound signature, the M20x is the right pair of headphones for you. Featuring the iconic M series design and built quality, these headphones manage to keep their price tag in check.
40 mm drivers with a closed back design sync well with any kind of music source. Offering neutral sound signature at an affordable price with clear audio quality make the M20x an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts on a budget. With a 3 meter cable, you could sit far away from your audio source as well.
At the time of writing, these cost around ₹3,500.
10. Sennheiser HD 202 II & PX 80
We have a tie! If you are on a budget but need a good pair of wired headphones, Sennheiser has you covered. The HD 202 II is a closed back on ear headphones while the PX 80 is an on-ear headphone with a thin sleek profile.
Both these headphones are budget oriented and it is significant in their built materials. Where they do outshine the rest is their audio quality. Both these headphones provide enhanced bass and crisp highs. Their low impedance also makes them ideal for portable music listening. Sennheiser has you covered across your budget range.
At the time of writing, these would set you back by about ₹1,900 and₹1,200 respectively.
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