When you are looking to spend almost $400 on a pair of headphones, you want to make sure you get one of the best headphones on the market. $400 is a lot of money, and it would be a shame to spend it on an underwhelming pair of headphones.

The Redwood Plan want to help you pick out the best headphones under $400 in this article. First, we will look at what you should look for in a good pair of headphones, and later we will look at the top 20 best headphones available for under $400.

Being music professionals, we know a thing or two about sound. This expertise has been used to test and review all of the recommended headphones in this article, ensuring you get great value, no matter which pair of headphones you pick.

You can skip directly to our list of the top 20 best headphones under $400, or you can follow this article from top to bottom and receive helpful knowledge on how to pick out the right headphones for you.

What To Look For in Headphones Under 400

Before we look at the recommended headphones, we want to share some knowledge about what to look for in a pair of headphones when planning to spend less than $400.

In this category, you won’t be able to get the best audiophile or studio headphones, but you will be able to get some outstanding ones. This makes this category perfect for people who want to spend less money on headphones and still get good value. If you are willing to pay a bit more, we have made another article about the best headphones under $500.

By looking at these points below, you will be able to pick out some nice headphones within your price range:

1. Drivers

All headphones have drivers, no matter the price. When looking at a pair of headphones, you need to find out how large the drivers are. Usually, this is expressed as XXmm. The larger the driver, the better it will be able to reproduce sound and thus produce a more natural tone.

2. Frequencies

This refers to the range of frequencies the drivers can reproduce. The human ear can hear sounds that fall into three main groups: Low, Mid and High. Most headphones will reproduce all these frequencies very well, but some may leave out certain ones. Be sure to check which one is included before you buy them.

3. Impedance

This refers to the electrical resistance of the headphones. Speakers output sound by converting an electronic signal into mechanical vibrations that can then be turned back into sound using a different transducer. The impedance is measured in Ohms, and lower is better, as it means they require less power to work at their average level.

4. Sensitivity

This is a measure of how loud headphones are for a given amount of power. The sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB), and it tells you how effectively the drivers produce sound. 100 dB means that the headphones will play at their maximum level with just one milliwatt of power, while 90 dB requires ten times as much power.

5. Freq Response

This refers to how much of the entire spectrum of human hearing the headphones can reproduce. The response is measured in Hertz (Hz), and it shows you how low and high frequencies they can produce. 20 Hz – 20 kHz would mean that the headphones can reproduce sounds from as low as 20 Hz to as high as 20 kHz, the entire spectrum of human hearing. Most studio headphones fall into this range, although accurate audiophile models will reproduce even lower frequencies.

Now that you know what to look for in a good pair of headphones under $400 let’s have a look at our pick of the top 20 best headphones available.

The Best Headphones Available Under $400

The top 20 best headphones under the $400 list that you will find below have been put together by professionals who know what they are talking about. Each pair of recommended headphones has been thoroughly tested to ensure they meet the high standards our team looks for in all the products we recommend.

We won’t just tell you which ones are the best or which ones we like the most; we will notify you why they are so good and how to pick them out. We believe this is important as it gives you a better understanding of what’s available and what you should be looking for when making your purchase.

This will also ensure that our list is accurate and relevant since it is based on actual research and not mere opinions. Click on the pair of headphones or scroll to learn what’s good about them.

  1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic
  2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 — Over-Ear, Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Built-In Microphone
  3. SENNHEISER HD 660 S – HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone
  4. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 ohm – LIMITED EDITION
  5. HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi Headphone with 3.5mm Connectors, Planar Magnetic, Comfortable Fit
  6. Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone
  7. Skullcandy Crusher ANC Personalized Noise Canceling Wireless Headphone – Black
  8. Meze 99 Classics Walnut Gold Wired Over-Ear Headphones with Mic and Self Adjustable Headband
  9. SENNHEISER RS 195 RF Wireless Headphone System
  10. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones
  11. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphone, Adaptive Noise Cancelling – Carbon Edition
  12. Nuraphone — Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones with Earbuds, Creates Personalized Sound, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
  13. V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Rose Gold
  14. HIFIMAN HE-400I Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones Adjustable Headphone with Comfortable Earpads Open-Back Design Easy Cable Swapping
  15. GTW Bundle of Plantronics Voyager 8200-UC Stereo Bluetooth Headphones
  16. Sennheiser HD600 HI-Fi Headphones
  17. V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone (White Silver)
  18. Phonon Subtonic Monitor Basic Headphones Smb-02
  19. SIVGA P-Ⅱ Over-Ear Open Back Walnut Wood Planar Magnetic Headphone
  20. Final Audio Design High-Resolution Headphone – Black (Sonorous III)

What’s Good About These Headphones?

Every pair of headphones on our list has something about them that we think is worth mentioning. When we look at the best headphones under $400, we want to find a good balance between sound quality and comfort.

After all, you don’t want to spend your money on a product that doesn’t feel comfortable when it’s on your head or doesn’t deliver a good sound quality.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic

One of the things you’ll notice about this set is that it has a very stylish design which makes them great for wearing on the go.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are some of the best headphones under $400 because they are made using quality materials, have an incredibly comfortable design, and deliver high-quality audio performance.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B0863TXGM3

2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 — Over-Ear, Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Built-In Microphone

What’s great about this set is that they have a very lightweight design, so you can wear them for hours without feeling uncomfortable.

Another thing we like about these headphones is that they offer great value for money and sound amazing. The noise-canceling feature also works well.

If you’re looking for high-quality over-ear headphones for your money, these are some of the best headphones under $400.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 have a stylish and sleek design that makes them very comfortable to wear. They allow for a 3-level noise control which gives you more flexibility over how much outside sound you want to let in while listening to music.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B07Q9MJKBV

3. SENNHEISER HD 660 S – HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone

The Sennheiser HD 660 S delivers an incredibly natural and detailed sound that feels like you’re listening to your favorite music in a live concert.

And the best part is that these headphones are pretty comfortable to wear for extended periods, so you can listen to them for hours without feeling any discomfort.

We included these headphones in our list of the best headphones under $400 because they are made by one of the most respected audio equipment manufacturers in the world.

So you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting good quality when you buy these headphones.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B076HP574T

4. Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 ohm – LIMITED EDITION

If you’re looking for open-back headphones that deliver a more powerful and clear sound, then these Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones are the best choice.

They have an incredibly ergonomic design, and they come with three detachable cables (1.5m – 3m coiled cable; 3m straight cable; and 3m straight cable w/ microphone).

One of the things we like about these headphones is that they’re very comfortable to wear. They allow you to listen to your music for hours without feeling any discomfort.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO deliver powerful and clear sound thanks to their open-back design. They provide good insulation against outside sounds, so you don’t have to worry about sound leakage.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B010IJ9W1U

5. HIFIMAN SUNDARA Hi-Fi Headphone with 3.5mm Connectors, Planar Magnetic, Comfortable Fit

The HIFIMAN SUNDARA are among the best headphones under $400 because they have an ergonomic design, making them very comfortable to wear. They also feature a lightweight planar magnetic driver that delivers powerful and clear sound while blocking out noise.

Another thing we like about these headphones is that they work great with almost any hi-fi system.

Thanks to their lightweight and comfortable planar magnetic driver, the HIFIMAN SUNDARA are among our favourite headphones under $400. They deliver a powerful and clear sound that feels like you’re in a live concert while blocking out outside noise.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B088T14XB8

6. Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone

The Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 650 is the perfect headphones for those who like an open back design or want a powerful and detailed sound.

These headphones provide crystal-clear sound thanks to their dynamic drivers, which delivers a clear separation of bass, mids, and highs. Thanks to their detachable cable with formable wire, you can use these headphones for years without any problems.

Another thing that makes these headphones unique is their incredibly comfortable design. They fit perfectly around your head and ears, so you can enjoy listening to music for hours without feeling any discomfort.

The Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 650 are some of the best headphones under $400 because they have a unique open-back design. They deliver clear and detailed sound with powerful bass while providing good insulation against outside noise.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B00018MSNI

7. Skullcandy Crusher ANC Personalized Noise Canceling Wireless Headphone – Black

The Skullcandy Crusher are some of the best headphones under $400 because they have a unique design that ensures comfort and stability.

They have an adjustable headband, so you can easily use them while travelling or at home. The ear cups are also nicely padded to ensure good insulation against outside noise.

Another thing we like about this product is that it has a built-in noise-cancelling technology that you can turn on and off with the touch of a button.

They also come with an audio cable, so you can easily connect them to your smartphone or music player while travelling. The Skullcandy Crusher deliver powerful bass without compromising the other frequencies in your music. They’re also very comfortable to wear for hours without feeling any discomfort.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B07VTCLHYG

8. Meze 99 Classics Walnut Gold Wired Over-Ear Headphones with Mic and Self Adjustable Headband

The Meze 99 are some of the best headphones under $400 because they offer a unique design at an affordable price.

They have retro-looking wooden ear cups, which makes them stand out from other similar products. They deliver powerful and detailed sound thanks to their high-quality drivers. You can also remove the cable to switch to wireless mode.

They have a unique design that ensures comfort and stability, so you can use them for hours without feeling any discomfort. They’re also really lightweight, which makes them perfect for travelling or commuting to work.

If you’re looking for some of the best headphones under $400, then these Meze 99 are an option to consider. They have a great looking design, a powerful audio performance, and they’re comfortable to wear for hours without feeling any discomfort.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B018VZBH5M

9. SENNHEISER RS 195 RF Wireless Headphone System

The SENNHEISER RS 195 are some of the best headphones under $400 because they deliver a powerful and detailed sound performance.

They’re perfect for listening to all kinds of music, but they work great with classical, rock or any other genre that requires an accurate bass response. They also come with a built-in amplifier that enhances the signal and adjusts the bass response.

Another great thing about them is that they come with a transmitter that you can use to connect your TV and enjoy your favourite movies without any interruption in the sound. Since these headphones don’t have a cable but instead use radio signals to communicate between the headphones and the transmitter, it allows you to move around the room without the risk of getting tangled up in the cable.

If you’re looking for a product with many advanced features and a great design, then these SENNHEISER RS 195 are an excellent choice. They have powerful audio performance, and they come with a wireless transmitter that you can use to connect your TV instead of the standard cable.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B00SJ4INFI

10. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are some of the best headphones under $400 because they have a very balanced audio performance, with a nice open-back design.

They’re perfect for using them while commuting or at home. They deliver a very accurate and natural sound that you can adjust according to your needs through their volume dial.

Another great thing about these headphones is that they have an excellent build quality, so you can expect them to last for years. The ear cups are also nicely padded to make sure your ears don’t hurt after wearing them for several hours.

They come with an audio cable and a carrying pouch, ensuring their nice transportability without sacrificing durability.

If you’re looking for some of the best headphones under $400, then these Audio Technica ATH-R70x are an option to consider. They have a very balanced audio performance, and they come with an excellent open back design that makes them pretty comfortable to wear for hours without causing any discomfort.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B00SKVNS00

11. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphone, Adaptive Noise Cancelling – Carbon Edition

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are one of the best headphones under $400 because they’re very versatile and can be used to listen to all kinds of music genres.

They’re great for commuting or travelling because they have active noise cancelling feature that reduces ambient noise by up to 85%. They also come with built-in Bluetooth that allows you to connect them to your smartphone or laptop wirelessly.

You can also use the cable if you run out of battery and have no access to a power outlet. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 offers an excellent sound performance with an accurate bass response and a well-balanced mid-range, but they lack a bit on the treble, so they might not be ideal for people who prefer a brighter sound.

If you’re looking for some of the best headphones under $400, then these Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are an option to consider. They have a fantastic and versatile design, with active noise cancelling and Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to use them for hours without any discomfort and interruptions.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B08H8L2JJL

12. Nuraphone — Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones with Earbuds, Creates Personalized Sound, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Nuraphone are some of the best headphones under $400. They have a unique and innovative sound tuning feature that allows you to enjoy your favourite music without interruption in the audio performance.

To get started with these headphones, all you need is to download their app and follow the on-screen instructions. Once done, put them on, let them adjust to the shape of your head, and you’ll immediately notice how they sound different from anything else.

They have a unique design that makes them stand out among many other headphones, which also means that they’re not suitable for wearing at home or while commuting. They come with an audio cable with an in-line mic and volume controls, but you can’t use them while wearing them because they get pretty hot.

They come with active noise cancelling feature that reduces ambient noise by up to 30%, so if you’re looking for headphones suitable for commuting or travelling, then these Nuraphone is an option to consider.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B0833GMD7K

13. V-MODA Crossfade 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Rose Gold

The V-MODA Crossfade 2 are headphones designed for people who listen to music all day long and want the best sound experience without causing any discomfort at all.

They offer incredible audio performance with high-definition sound, deep bass with no distortion and laser-precise highs that make their audio very enjoyable at all times. They also come with dual-diaphragm 50mm drivers that make sure to deliver a sound experience like no other.

They come with impressive build quality, and they’re made entirely of metal, so you can expect them to last for years without any issues. They also look very nice and feel premium with their soft memory foam ear cushions.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B06XX1SR33

14. HIFIMAN HE-400I Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic Headphones Adjustable Headphone with Comfortable Earpads Open-Back Design Easy Cable Swapping

The HIFIMAN HE400I is one of the best headphones under $400 because they offer great audio performance for all kinds of music genres. They also come with a nice and luxurious looking design that makes them stand out among many other headphones in this price range.

They come with significant morphodynamic drivers that can deliver the most accurate sound reproduction, especially if you like to listen to intense bass music. They’re very comfortable for wearing for hours at a time, and they can easily be adjusted to your liking without any issues.

They come with a built-in amplifier, so you don’t have to buy one separately to enjoy their impressive sound performance.

They also have a friendly and sleek design that makes them suitable for all environments, from the studio to the living room.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B00MULH672

15. GTW Bundle of Plantronics Voyager 8200-UC Stereo Bluetooth Headphones

The Plantronics Voyager 8200-UC are one of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones under $400 because they offer punchy bass without any distortion. They also have a modern and sleek design that makes them suitable for all environments, from the studio to the living room.

They’re very comfortable to wear for hours at a time because they come with sizeable over-the-ear earcups that can fit perfectly around your ears without making you feel any discomfort. They’re also designed to withstand heavy use and repeated drops, so you don’t have to worry about breaking them in case of an accident.

They also come with enhanced voice quality if you’re looking to answer calls while driving or commuting. They have a perfect battery that can last up to 7 hours without any issues.

They’re one of the best wireless Bluetooth headphones under $400 because they provide you with crystal precise sound performance while also being built to survive many drops without being damaged.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B07C3CLVC6

16. Sennheiser HD600 HI-Fi Headphones

The Sennheiser HD600 are one of the best open-back headphones under $400 because they deliver an impressive overall performance. They’re great for listening to all kinds of music genres, and they can provide the listener with vibrant and detailed sound quality, especially if you like to listen to music with deep and tight bass.

They also have a modern and sleek design that makes them stand out among other headphones in their price range. They come with patented Duofol diaphragms that can deliver an accurate sound reproduction, which is especially noticeable if you like listening to your favourite songs at high volumes.

They have a closed-back design, so they don’t have the best passive noise isolation. They are comfortable to wear for hours at a time, and you can easily take them with you wherever you want.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B07JMC6VW5

17. V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone (White Silver)

The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is one of the best over-ear headphones under $400 because it has an impressive overall sound performance. They come with enhanced bass extension, so you can listen to them for hours without experiencing any fatigue at all.

They also have an amiable and sleek design that makes them stand out among other headphones in their price range. They’re very durable, and they can easily withstand drops or accidents without getting damaged.

They come with 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers that can deliver enhanced bass performance, so you can listen to your favourite music genres without experiencing any distortion. These headphones have a closed-back design, so they don’t have the best noise isolation.

However, they come with a solid construction, so you don’t have to worry about damage when you accidentally drop them on the floor. They come in different colour schemes, and they can easily be adjusted according to your liking.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B00A39PPI0

18. Phonon Subtonic Monitor Basic Headphones Smb-02

The Phonon Subtonic Monitor Headphones are among the best over-ear headphones under $400 because they deliver an impressive overall performance. They’re equipped with 50mm drivers that can provide excellent sound quality, especially listening to deep bass music genres.

They also have a compact and foldable design that makes them stand out among other headphones in this price range. They’re very comfortable to wear for an extended period, and they come with a soft headband that you can easily adjust according to your liking.

They also have a great design that makes them look elegant and eye-catching, so you don’t have to worry about people noticing your headphones in public. They come with a 3m cable long enough for most people, and they also have an in-line microphone.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B00F1W0FS4

19. SIVGA P-Ⅱ Over-Ear Open Back Walnut Wood Planar Magnetic Headphone

The SIVGA P-Ⅱ are some of the best over-ear headphones under $400 because they have impressive overall sound quality. They’re specially designed for people who love listening to organic sounds, and they deliver a natural frequency response that makes them stand out from other headphones in this price range.

They don’t have active noise-cancelling technology, but they have splendid passive noise isolation. They come with a 90-degree swivel design, and they can be easily adjusted according to your head size.

They also have a beautiful walnut wood planar design that makes them look elegant and luxurious. You can also choose between three different types of earpads so you can always find a pair that fits your needs and personal style.

They come with a detachable cable, which is always a good feature.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B082XWQ2YL

20. Final Audio Design High-Resolution Headphone – Black (Sonorous III)

The Final Audio Design Sonorous III are some of the best over-ear headphones under $400 because they have an incredible overall sound performance. They come with dual full-range 50 mm drivers that can reproduce any type of music, from classical to heavy metal genres.

They also have a sleek design that makes them look elegant and modern at the same time. They’re made of aluminium alloy and stainless steel, so they can resist any damage and look new even after a few years.

They come with 45° swivelling earcups that make them perfect for any type of situation or activity, from listening to music on your laptop to watching movies with friends. They also come with a 5-50,000 Hz comprehensive frequency response that delivers a detailed and crisp sound quality.

They have an integrated microphone and a 3.5mm connection cable so that you can use them with any type of electronic device.

See more on Amazon.com
ASIN: B01CGSK15C

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best headphones under $400, then you came to the right place. All of these headphones have an impressive overall sound performance, and they look elegant enough so you can wear them in public without being embarrassed.

They come with different features, so it all comes down to your personal preferences when choosing a pair of headphones. You can also read our best over-ear headphones under $300 article if you don’t feel like spending $400 but still want a high-quality product for your needs.

The post The Top 20 Best Headphones Under $400 appeared first on The Redwood Plan.