□
Headphones for $250-$500
Skip to content

Headphones for $250-$500

View Description
sivga audio p2 pro headphone side tilted view

Headphones in the $250–$500 range is a sweet spot for audiophile headphones, featuring models that are a clear step up from entry-level gear without diving into flagship-tier pricing. In this bracket, you’ll find thoughtfully tuned sound signatures, higher-grade drivers like planar magnetics, and materials that offer both comfort and durability. Whether you're after studio-accurate neutrality or something more musical and engaging, this price range delivers great headphones that balances technical precision with real-world value.

Browse our collection of headphones in the $250 to $500 range from Fostex, HIFIMAN, Sivga, Sendy Audio, and VZR Audio. Buy yours online today.

How to tell if headphones are high quality?

High-quality headphones typically feature a combination of build, sound performance, and design. Look for premium materials like metal, high-grade plastics, or real leather in the construction - these qualities often indicate better durability and comfort for long term use.

In terms of sound, high-end headphones deliver clear detail across the frequency spectrum, with controlled bass, accurate mids, and smooth, extended treble. They also offer solid imaging and soundstage, allowing instruments and vocals to feel well-separated and natural. Good headphones will reveal subtle textures in familiar tracks while avoiding harshness or muddiness, even at higher volumes.

hifiman ananda nano headphone side view

Closed-Back Headphones Under $500

Sivga Oriole Headphone

sivga oriole headphone front angled view

Price: $199.00

A stylish closed-back dynamic with a warm, slightly V-shaped signature and great comfort for everyday listening.

The Sivga Oriole blends artisanal design with a warm, polite sound that caters to casual and critical listeners alike. Crafted from polished rosewood, its closed-back housing enhances the low-end response while adding natural resonance to the overall tonal balance.

At its core, the Oriole features a 50mm dynamic driver that's tuned for a gentle V-shaped signature. Bass is smooth and rounded with just enough punch for modern genres. Mids are clear and slightly elevated for more present-sounding vocals. The treble offers defined sparkle without sharpness. Imaging is precise, and while the soundstage is modest for a closed-back, there is enough instrument separation to make genres like acoustic, indie, and laid-back music sound engaging and alive.

Comfort is excellent with the Oriole. At 280g, the Oriole is lightweight, and its soft memory foam pads and a padded leather headband distributes weight evenly for lasting comfort. The cups swivel for a better fit, and the passive isolation is effective enough for commuting or focused listening.

The Oriole sits in the sweet spot between style, comfort, and sound quality in the sub-$250 category. It’s not tuned for analytical detail, but for musicality and fatigue-free listening over long sessions - perfect for those who value tone and texture over outright neutrality.

sivga oriole headphone connected to a laptop
Pros
  • Enjoyable warm, slightly V-shaped tuning.
  • Compact, lightweight, and comfortable for daily use.
  • Closed-back design offers decent isolation.
  • Rich wood finish with premium aesthetics.
  • Easy to drive from most sources.
Cons
  • Bass can sound loose or overly boosted.
  • Pads may get warm in extended sessions.

Open-Back Headphones for $300

HIFIMAN Sundara Headphone

hifiman sundara headphone front angled view

Price: $299.00

Reference-grade open-back planar that delivers clear, detailed sound with a fast, neutral-bright signature and wide soundstage.

The HIFIMAN Sundara has become a benchmark in the entry-level planar magnetic category - and for good reason. It delivers a clean, open, and technically capable sound signature that punches above its modest price point. With its minimalist all-metal build and comfortable suspension-style headband, the Sundara balances high-resolution sound with a durable and sleek design for comfortable listening sessions anywhere you go.

At the heart of the Sundara is HIFIMAN’s ultra-thin diaphragm planar magnetic driver, which offers exceptional detail retrieval and resolution. The tuning leans neutral-bright, characterized by tight, controlled bass, articulate mids, and crisp, extended treble that adds air and definition without being harsh. It excels in clarity and separation, offering a spacious soundstage and pinpoint imaging, especially for an open-back in this range. While not bass-heavy, it delivers a sound that's dynamic and clear - ideal for genres like classical, jazz, post-rock, or anything where details and layering matter.

Build quality is solid and minimalist. The Sundara features clean lines, matte black metal earcups, and swiveling yokes for a sleek yet durable feel. The updated earpads improve seal and comfort, and the clamping force may feel a bit too much out of the box but it loosens up quickly with use. The Sundara includes a 3.5mm detachable cable and is relatively easy to drive through your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, but it also scales nicely with proper amplification.

For under $300, the Sundara offers near-reference-level performance at an enthusiast-friendly price. It’s an easy recommendation for those stepping into planar headphones or looking for an open-back that balances tonal neutrality with musical engagement.

hifiman sundara headphone side angled view
Pros
  • Neutral-bright tuning with excellent clarity and detail.
  • Fast planar response with tight, controlled bass.
  • Airy, wide soundstage and accurate imaging.
  • Sturdy metal build with comfortable suspension headband.
  • Great sound quality and build for under $400.
Cons
  • Bass-heads will want more sub-bass.
  • Will require a powerful amp to get the best sound.

Audiophile Headphones Under $500

HIFIMAN Ananda Nano Headphone

hifiman ananda nano headphone side profile view

Price: $499.00

Refined planar performance with improved bass, balanced tonality, and excellent resolution in a spacious, open-back design.

The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano is the newest addition to the Ananda line, offering improved driver tech and a more focused tuning to give you an open-back listening experience that’s both technically impressive and musically engaging.

Built around HIFIMAN’s Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm, the Ananda Nano offers lightning-fast transients for effortless detail and superb clarity across the frequency range. It has the resolution to bring subtle details to the surface effortlessly, so you can experience your favorite music like never before.

Sonically, the Ananda Nano strikes a balanced, mildly U-shaped tuning. Bass is tighter and more defined than its predecessors, with greater low-end authority and control. Mids are clear and spacious, never recessed, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with natural presence. Treble is airy and extended, but smoother and more refined than the brighter lean of the original Ananda - delivering sparkle without fatigue. The wide soundstage and precise imaging make it ideal for everything from orchestral layering to immersive ambient tracks.

The open-back design features large, asymmetrical earcups and a headband that evenly distributes weight for long-session comfort. At around 420g, the Ananda Nano is definitely not the lightest headphone out there, but the ergonomic build is very comfortable even during extended wear. The headphone uses dual 3.5mm connectors and ships with a high-quality 3.5mm cable and 6.35mm adapter. It’s relatively efficient for a planar, which means you can use the Ananda Nano with your smartphone or tablet. But like most HIFIMAN models, clean amplification will unlock the Nano's full potential.

In the $500–$600 range, the Ananda Nano stands out with its improved bass, balanced tonality, and enhanced technical performance - making it one of the best all-around open-back headphones in its class. Whether for critical listening or musical enjoyment, the Ananda Nano hits a refined middle ground between resolution and listenability.

hifiman ananda nano headphone tilted view
Pros
  • Excellent resolution and detail thanks to the planar nanometer diaphragm.
  • Balanced, mildly U-shaped tuning with clean, fatigue-free treble.
  • Excellent bass impact and texture.
  • Wide soundstage with accurate sound positioning.
  • Solid build and comfortable design is great for extended listening.
  • Impressive sound quality for its price.
Cons
  • Large and bulky footprint might not fit those with smaller heads.
  • Treble can sound forward and spicy in some tracks.

Planar Headphones Under $500

Sivga P2 PRO Headphone

sivga p2 pro headphone front angled view

Price: $449.00

A beautiful planar headphone with a smooth, warm tuning and relaxed soundstage for long, laid-back sessions.

The Sivga P2 Pro is a high-value entry into the planar magnetic space, combining premium materials with a smooth, warm tuning, so you can listen in comfort and style.

Built with handcrafted walnut earcups and polished metal accents, the P2 PRO looks and feels more luxurious than most headphones in its price class. The open-back design gives it an open feel and a natural sense of air and space, ideal for relaxed, immersive listening.

Inside, a 97mm planar magnetic driver delivers a smooth yet articulate sound signature. Bass is full and rounded, which gives music a weighty sound. Mids are rich and slightly forward, giving vocals and acoustic instruments a smooth, natural presence. Treble is laid-back and non-fatiguing - great for long listening sessions. Soundstage is wide, with decent depth and solid imaging, making it well-suited for atmospheric genres like jazz, folk, or lo-fi.

Comfort is a standout feature with the P2 PRO. Despite its large footprint, it offers excellent wear comfort thanks to its self-adjusting suspension headband and plush, oval-shaped pads.

At around $450, the P2 Pro is a compelling option for listeners who prioritize warmth, build quality, and fatigue-free sound over sheer accuracy and detail. It’s not tuned to wow with microdetail, instead, it delivers a rich, relaxed presentation that’s easy to sink into - especially for those looking for that planar clarity but with the warmth and soul.

sivga p2 pro headphone left ear cup detail view
Pros
  • Warm, rich tuning is ideal for extended, relaxed listening,
  • Premium wood and metal build.
  • Spacious and immersive soundstage.
  • Suspension headband and plush ear pads offer great comfort.
Cons
  • Details can sound a bit blunted.
  • Will lack sub-bass for those wanting more rumble.

Wireless Travel Headphones Under $300

HIFIMAN Deva Pro Headphone (Wireless)

hifiman deva pro wireless front tilted view

Price: $199.00

A versatile open-back wireless planar with R2R DAC tech and a balanced, spacious sound for high-resolution listening on the go.

The HIFIMAN Deva Pro Wireless brings the company’s planar magnetic tech into a flexible, modern package with both Bluetooth and wired connectivity. At its core is the same stealth magnet-equipped driver found in HIFIMAN’s recent releases, offering a clean, fast, and open sound that comfortably outperforms most wireless headphones in its class.

Tuning-wise, the Deva Pro leans toward neutral with a slight warmth. Bass is tight and well-controlled, with just enough body to satisfy casual listeners without muddying the mids. Vocals and instruments sit naturally in the mix, offering a clean and natural sound. The treble has a crisp, airy quality that adds space without sounding sharp. Thanks to its open-back design, the soundstage is wide and spacious, making music feel less boxed-in than typical closed-back wireless options.

Its standout feature is the Bluemini R2R module - a detachable Bluetooth DAC/amp that supports LDAC, AAC, and aptX HD, for CD-like sound quality without cables. Built around HIFIMAN’s in-house R2R ladder DAC, the Bluemini R2R delivers a more analog, natural sound for a life-like listening experience. You can use it wirelessly or connect it via USB-C for lossless wired playback. Alternatively, you can also use the DEVA Pro passively with a 3.5mm cable for the best sound quality.

Despite the large earcups, the Deva Pro remains comfortable thanks to its lightweight build, soft pads, and balanced clamping force. Battery life of the Bluemini R2R is solid, capable of continuous playback up to 8-10 hours via Bluetooth.

For under $400, the Deva Pro Wireless offers a unique blend of planar sound quality, wireless convenience, and wired-grade flexibility—making it a standout for audiophiles who want freedom without sacrificing sound quality.

hifiman deva pro headphone tilted view with cables attached
Pros
  • Satisfying clarity and detail for a planar headphone under $200.
  • Bluemini R2R DAC unlocks lossless wireless playback.
  • Wide and spacious soundstage.
  • Well-balanced sound signature is great for listening to just about any genre.
  • Comfortable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Might lack bass impact for some listeners.
  • Open-back design limits outdoor use.

Let customers speak for us

from 111 reviews
Another Satisfied Customer

I found HiFi Sound Gear on Google and was cautious at first, but working directly with Adam (owner) changed that quickly. I ordered the Thieaudio Monarch MKIV on Sept 9, 2025, and he had them in the very next day. Since I’m local, he set up a smooth in-person pickup in Broomfield, CO after I completed the purchase. Communication was fast and clear, and he even recorded a personalized thank-you video showing order status and my pickup window. Adam also walked me through their policies, the 5-year warranty really is five years, and the 365-day return is real as long as the product isn’t end-user damaged. This was hands-down the best customer experience I’ve had in audio retail. I’m 100% a new repeat customer and highly recommend HiFi Sound Gear.

Moisey A.
hifisoundgear
Great product, AWESOME service

The Noble Audio Knight is a really cool product. It's solidly built with a really nice cable, and it sounds great. The separation of the highs, lows and mids is terrific. I was never really able to heart the texture of bass guitars until I tried these IEMs. The soundstage and everything else is really source dependent, but the detail retrieval could be a little better. Overall, an awesome entry level IEM that sounds as good, if not better, than it's price tag.

Adam and Alexa at HifiSoundGear are awesome at personalized customer service (the video thank you was a really sweet touch). They are easy to reach and quick to respond to inquiries. We had an issue come up with UPS and they worked hard to get it straightened out. This company also honors their veteran customers with a nice discount-thank you!

Christopher G.
Noble Audio Knight IEM
Noble Audio Knight IEM
Great TWS, great service from HifiSoundGeat

The Noble Fokus line is the best TWS I've heard. Excellent service from HifiSoundGear -- I'm a satisfied repeat customer (quick shipping, had to make a return and they were fantastic, great follow up, etc). Highly recommend the TWS and HifiSoundGear.

Niraj D.
Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus
Noble Audio FoKus Amadeus
Adam and Alexa were total professionals

Adam and Alexa were total professionals. Adam went above and beyond as to send me a personalized video explaining the process and what I would expect after placing my 64Audio custom IEM order. He did this the day before his wife was due to give birth!!! He only told me this to warn me that he may be a bit late to answer emails or calls due to his child being born. However, he did make sure I had a point of contact in Alexa. She was very prompt in her call backs and email responses. I typically heard back within the same day or by the next day at the latest. This was my first time doing this and of course I had lots of questions as this was a big investment and they were more than helpful and very kind and understanding at the same time. Truly a class act and I wish you all the very best with your business and your newly expanded family. God bless!

Felix
hifisoundgear
Great hifisoundgear experience?

Great experience from my first purchase here. Even received a personalized video from the owner for my purchase. Customer service above and beyond in all facets! Thanks so much for a fabulous customer experience!

Mark M.
hifisoundgear
Noble fokus Rex 5

Amazing customer service. Adam went into great detail with his experience on these IEMs. Would definitely go to him again!

Jason S.
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5
Noble Audio FoKus Rex5
Great place to fill your audio needs.

Good communication throughout the process with fast shipping.

Chet
hifisoundgear
My new favorite audio store - everything I missed in a local store

It's such a pleasure doing business with Adam and Lauren that I am honestly looking for an excuse to buy more equipment there. I don't really have a good personal audio store anywhere around; and while I am not exactly morally opposed to Amazon or whatever, it's so much nicer dealing with real people and a small business. I cannot even imagine what else I could ask for.

Scott G.
hifisoundgear
Every Step of the Way

Great work, to communicate every step along the way. Very personal touch. I will visit the office one day to personally thank them. I love the website. I love the product. I love the state where they are located. Awesome awesome awesome!

LaciMae S.M.
hifisoundgear
Great purchase

Everything went really smoothly and I'm enjoying the headset I purchased. It shipped quickly and arrived well packaged. I had a question about my purchase and received a quick response from the seller. I would buy from HiFiSoundGear again.

Blake Y.
VZR Audio Model One Headphone
VZR Audio Model One Headphone
Unexpected surprise!!

Unexpected as in very pleasantly surprised at the sound quality coming out of these :)

I took my Mega5-EST and hooked em up wirelessly and don't miss the wire sound AT ALL!! IMO the wireless sound was 98% of the wired sound without the PIA of the wire. Unless you have some amazing source gear, which thanks to Adam at hifisoundgear I do, you would be hard pressed to hear a massive difference. Especially with a phone as your source.

I did A/B noble Fokus Prestige vs Go pod w Mega 5 and gotta say l, there is more balanced sound with the Go pod chain then the Prestige on its own. To be fair the Mega 5 punches WAY above its price... so the 2 are a match made in heaven.

I find the connection very stable as well. I've used my iPhone AAC/SBC as well as with FiiO BT11 to get other than Apple codecs and was pleasantly surprised as well.

The ear hooks are very comfortable. Actually prefer them to the wire hanging over my ear with a tie behind my neck. For some reason that's hard to get used to and pulls as I wear loose shirts. The hooks stay in as I like to move around a bit. Also the weight is better distributed than other wireless IEMs as the components are in the hooks. The prestige, unless I have foam tips, which I'm not a fan of, will pop out of my ears when I move around. These stay stable and I do not have to re-seat the IEMs to get that great bass nearly as often with other wireless IEMs.

Battery level has been all day 10 hrs so far with intermittent breaks and still have 28% left.

The case also is deep enough to fit the Mega w hooks as it charges which is very convenient. Some IEMs may be too big but they fit with a tad bit of room to spare.

Of course having the flexibility to swap out your favorite IEMs as needed is awesome!!

5 stars for the Go pod and more importantly 5 stars to Adam and his team for such amazingly awesome customer service!! You guys ROCK!! Thanks :)

Matt
iFi Audio GO pod Wearable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
iFi Audio GO pod Wearable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
Don't believe everything you "hear"

The iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 is an absolute masterpiece in the world of portable amps. It delivers an audio experience that redefines what’s possible in a compact, travel-friendly device.

To all the "haters" out there who mention that the 5180mw output is an overstatement and the "balanced" is not a true balanced output... I say whatever... it drives anything I throw at it with aplomb! FostexTH900mk2, ZMF Caldera Open and Closed, ANY IEM my friends and I have tried ...too many to list. If you need more power than this portable titan.... well you may have hearing loss. And it drives all I mentioned without using "beast mode" (they refer to it as Nitro (1 of 3 settings)). If anything, it could use a lower gain option / IEM match for some sensitive IEMs.

The implementation of BT 5.4 (supports all codecs) is a welcomed addition for quality, but in general, the distance it can be from the source is very small for consistency. That is not a Diablo issue, but a BT5.4 issue IMO.

As for the sound quality...simply unparalleled. I have compared this to desktop headphone amps in the same price range and I would put it toe to toe with them. It even ran close to my buddy's Burson Soloist 3x!!! and the Diablo 2 is portable :)

I run it using A&K SP3000T and it oozes warmth and richness in the lows and highs WITHOUT covering/smoothing anything up in the mids, which is my jam.

It is on the heavier side and will still fit in a pocket... barely. built like a brick. At the limit of what I would like to carry but totally worth it! I get about 6 hours of the 8 rated battery with constant listening, no Bluetooth on, hard wired, IEMs / Caldera tested on the battery life.

In conclusion, the iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s the ultimate portable amp for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality, power, or versatility. If you’re serious about your audio and want the best experience on the go, the Diablo 2 is the perfect choice.

Shout out to Adam, a massive THANK YOU!!! for your absolutely OVER THE TOP customer service and shopping experience :) :) Seriously, your dedication and attention to detail have been nothing short of exceptional.

M.A.
iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp
iFi Audio iDSD Diablo 2 Portable DAC/Amp
Best service

With all the online ordering over the years, HifiSoundGear provides the best service I have encountered. It was as though they were good friends. They responded so nicely to all my questions about the product and shipment. As it works out, while I liked the IEM's, I concluded they were not sufficiently different from the ones i had been using. Again, for the process of returning and getting a refund, they could not have been nicer. Buying from them was a first rate experience.

M.D.
THIEAUDIO Prestige LTD IEM
THIEAUDIO Prestige LTD IEM
Excellent Service!

Recently had a great experience with Adam and Laura. I requested a price match for the FiR KR5 and it was such a painless process. Adam and Laura’s communication is top notch! Adam even sent me a personal thank you video. In my experience, this level of service is hard to come by these days. I highly recommend going through HifiSoundgear for your audio needs….I know I will be going forward! Thanks Adam and Laura!

Ryan N.
hifisoundgear
Absolutely breathtaking customer service!

The quality of service, level of help provided, and overall customer satisfaction is beyond anything I have experienced. I cannot say enough good things about the people who belong to this company!

As for the U4S, these are my first foray into 64 Audio but I am SO thankful that I got to experience them! My goodness the soundstage, bass response from the m15 module, and overall quality is just great!

Please, buy from these wonderful people! And if you can swing it, get a set of U4S! You will not regret it!

Only complaint is the cable. For the price, I expected better, but it works well and is just fine.

Thank you HiFi Sound Gear! I look forward to purchasing more from you in the future!

C.
64Audio U4s IEM
64Audio U4s IEM

What customers think about the store

HifiSoundGear offers exceptional quality products and unparalleled customer service. Their wide selection of high-end audio gear, including in-ear monitors and amplifiers, are praised for delivering outstanding sound clarity, detail, and an immersive listening...

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Experience Quality Service Sound
Free Shipping Straight to your door.
365 Day Returns Not the right fit? We’ll buy it back. Risk-free.
Old-School Service We might even make you blush.
Zero Shenanigans If we can't help you, we won't say we can.
Military/Police/Fire? We have special discounts, just for you.
Price Matching Found a better price? We’ll beat it by 5%.
Secure Checkout We'll make sure your info is safe.
Authorized Dealer Genuine gear, warranties included.