Headphones for $250-$500
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Headphones for $250-$500

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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.
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