Buying new headphones these days is almost as complicated as finding the perfect balance: you want them to look good, to “hear” you, to be able to silence the world around you… and not cost you half your monthly rent. Of course, you can choose the first AirPods that catch your eye (and out of your ear), or you can venture into a more sophisticated world, where 200 euros still means quality, and not just “luxury at a sale price”. In this zone of “audio comfort” – that is, between 100 and 200 euros – there are unexpectedly many sonic treasures hidden. But, as always, not all headphones are born equal. Some are masterfully balanced, others are irresistible in design, and still others simply stubbornly insist on a 100-hour battery life as if this is completely normal.
So we rolled up our sleeves, cleaned our ears, and tested five best headphone models up to 200 euros. We checked how they sound, how they fit, what they offer in the app, and – because we live in a world where aesthetics count – also how they look on your head. Don't worry, this is not a dry technical analysis with numbers and decibels – this is a guide for people who appreciate good sound but won't sell their kidneys for a pair of Sennheiser.
Here are the top 5 headphone models – under 200 euros, which are also recommended by spoiled audiophiles – those who, in their free time, distinguish FLAC from MP3-yes, and they jokingly measure sound in “emotions per minute”.
Last updated 2025-05-13 / Affiliate links / Photo source: Amazon Product Advertising API
JBL Tune 770NC: Welcome to the world of bass without compromise
If you’re looking to switch from “the headphone that came with your phone” to something that actually sounds good, then the JBL Tune 770NC is the perfect start to your audio adventure. These headphones don’t hide their character – they have a radically powerful bass that JBL’s “Pure Bass Sound” technology emphasizes with a satisfaction that borders on cheekiness. But don’t worry, if you’re not a big fan of bass, you can adjust the sound to your taste in the app – including advanced features like a customizable equalizer (EQ) and even a smart mode that automatically adjusts the sound based on the type of content you’re listening to.
The biggest trump card of this model is the battery – an epic 70 hours without ANC and a very solid 44 hours with active noise cancellation on. You don't expect that from headphones that cost 130 euros. They are also extremely light, sit well on your head and offer classic physical buttons that work intuitively. The only major criticism? JBL forgot about the travel case. Too bad.
Key features:
Price: €130
Type: Over-ear
Battery: up to 70 hours (without ANC), 44 hours with ANC
ANC: Yes, with Ambient Aware & TalkThru
Application: Very powerful, with EQ and Smart Audio
Weight: 232g
Marshall Major V: Retro chic with marathon endurance
If you've ever wanted your headphones to look like a mini rock concert on your head – the Marshall Major V are just that. Designed in a retro spirit, with classic Marshall aesthetics, exposed cable routing and a robust 3D hinge, these are headphones that will inspire admiration even when you're in line for coffee with them. The sound is surprisingly clear and full, with a slightly emphasized bass – especially suitable for those who enjoy rap, R&B or electronic music.
But the real star here isn’t the design – it’s the battery. 100+ hours of playback on a single charge is almost obscenely long, and while there’s no ANC, those numbers easily overshadow almost everything else. The app is simple but functional, and includes a cool “M” button that you can assign to do anything you want, from changing EQ profiles to controlling Spotify. The only major downside is the weird headband adjustment system, which can be a bit fiddly. And another minus – there’s no carrying case. Marshall says, “We value aesthetics, not practicality.”
Key features:
Price: €119
Type: On-ear
Battery: more than 100 hours
ANC: No
Application: Simple, with the ability to customize the M button
Design: Retro, ultra compact
Sony WH-CH720N: Minimalism that knows what it wants
Sony's WH-CH720N is proof that you can pack a lot into a minimalist package. While the materials are a bit "soft" and you can tell right away that you're not wearing a premium model, this is actually a benefit to the headphones - their lower weight makes them great for long-term wear. They have solid active noise cancellation (ANC) that can surprise you, and smart features like adaptive listening based on activity - for example, when you're at the gym, outside, or at home.
Sound? Basically average, but with the app and its extensive settings you can improve the experience considerably. The “Bass Clarity” function is also useful, with which you can adjust exactly how much bass you want. Among the goodies is also compatibility with Alexa, which is not a given in this price range.
The downside? They're bigger and don't fold, so they're not the most travel-friendly. And again – no carrying case. Sony, what's going on?
Key features:
Price: €150
Type: Over-ear
Battery: 50 hours (without ANC), 35 hours with ANC
ANC: Yes
Application: Good EQ support, “Bass Clarity” function
Extras: Alexa support, minimal design
Beats Solo 4 Wireless: Apple charm with a sonic soul
While Beats has long since moved beyond being synonymous with “bass overload,” the Solo 4 Wireless are a true testament to how far they’ve come. The sound is now balanced, with enough bass to satisfy pop and rap fans, but without overwhelming the mids and highs. They’re ideal for those who want everything to sound “good,” regardless of the genre—from podcasts to deep house sets.
The Beats app doesn't offer EQ, which is a shame, but luckily the sound profile is so well-balanced that you hardly need any additional settings. Another big plus is the ability to listen via USB cable - lossless sound for those who still believe in the power of the cable.
The headphones come with the only real travel case on this list—a hard shell with a zipper that keeps them from getting crushed. The only major downside? They press down on your ears more than you'd like. But if style is more important to you than extreme comfort—you'll just have to swallow a little pain for better sound.
Key features:
Price: €200
Type: On-ear
Battery: 50 hours + Fast Fuel (5 hours in 10 min)
ANC: No
Application: Limited, no EQ
Additional: Lossless audio via USB-C, hard case included
Soundcore Space One Pro: The champion among apps
If there's a "dark horse" in this lineup, it's definitely the Soundcore Space One Pro. At first glance, it sounds too good to be true - ANC, 60 hours of battery life, Dolby Audio, personalized sound, and an app that could be sold separately. And all this for 200 euros. The sound out of the box is a bit too saturated with bass, but the app allows for complete personalization with "HearID", where it creates a profile tailored to you based on your hearing.
They're surprisingly premium in design - we tested the white version with gold accents, which looks more high-end than anything else on this list. The only major issue is the sizing - they'll probably be a bit too tight for larger heads. There's also no hard case, just a soft pouch.
But if you're an app geek and sound is the most important thing to you, then this is the model with the most gaming potential.
Key features:
Price: €200
Type: Over-ear
Battery: 60 hours (without ANC), 40 hours with ANC
ANC: Yes, 4-level
App: Premium, with HearID and EQ
Design: Compact, elegant, foldable
Epilogue for digital listeners
If you thought you couldn't get good sound without spending at least $400, this list is proof you were wrong. Each of these headphones has its own star moments—whether it's a 100-hour battery life, an app for fine-tuning audio, a wireless design that fits your aesthetic, or simply sonic clarity that moves you. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find something here that will please your ears—and won't break your wallet.
Last updated 2025-05-13 / Affiliate links / Photo source: Amazon Product Advertising API
If you're still in doubt, start with the JBL Tune 770NC and then upgrade once you're sonicly enlightened.The article may contain affiliate links.
