Best wired headphones for under $50 in 2023?

jwmmakerofmusic

(To the mods, if headphones aren't considered hardware, could you kindly move this thread to the proper category? Thanks.)

Hi Mates,

So, today I acquired an O...er, ahem, a piece of hardware that shall remain unnamed to avoid controversy. I'm looking for a decent pair of over-the-ear wired headphones for under $50 that have an 1/8" jack. Can you recommend me a pair? (Amazon links appreciated.) Thanks.

hes

I can't make any assurance of "best", but these are what I ended up with when I was looking a few years ago, going off of various forum and online shop recommendations. I'm happy with them. They have 1/8" jack plus 1/8" to 1/4" adapter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/637736-REG/Samson_SASR850C_SR850_Semi_Open_Studio_Reference.html

HotStrange

Think it may be over now but if not guitar center had some Audio Technica and Sennheisers on sale for around $50-$60.

jwmmakerofmusic

@hes said:
I can't make any assurance of "best", but these are what I ended up with when I was looking a few years ago, going off of various forum and online shop recommendations. I'm happy with them. They have 1/8" jack plus 1/8" to 1/4" adapter.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/637736-REG/Samson_SASR850C_SR850_Semi_Open_Studio_Reference.html

Those look excellent actually.

---

@HotStrange said:
Think it may be over now but if not guitar center had some Audio Technica and Sennheisers on sale for around $50-$60.

Oh that's cool! I probably should've created this thread around BF, lol.

qqq

I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

jwmmakerofmusic

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

jwmmakerofmusic

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

qqq

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

jwmmakerofmusic

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

qqq

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

jwmmakerofmusic

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

qqq

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

jwmmakerofmusic

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

Sweet. Thanks mate.

I just realised I can finance the MDR-7506's for less than $30/month for three months. Sold!

qqq

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

Sweet. Thanks mate.

I just realised I can finance the MDR-7506's for less than $30/month for three months. Sold!

Sweet! Hope you like them. Headphones are definitely somewhat subjective, if you aren't diggin' em return them and try a different pair.

jwmmakerofmusic

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

Sweet. Thanks mate.

I just realised I can finance the MDR-7506's for less than $30/month for three months. Sold!

Sweet! Hope you like them. Headphones are definitely somewhat subjective, if you aren't diggin' em return them and try a different pair.

Exactly mate. Very easy to return something via Amazon, but I suspect I'll like these.

HotStrange

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

Sweet. Thanks mate.

I just realised I can finance the MDR-7506's for less than $30/month for three months. Sold!

You can also use TB Morphit to get some kind of idea of the differences. Lemme know what you think. I have the Sennheiser HD280s but I’m gonna grab a new pair soon and I’ve always heard good things about those Sonys and those are the ones I was considering.

jwmmakerofmusic

@HotStrange said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

Sweet. Thanks mate.

I just realised I can finance the MDR-7506's for less than $30/month for three months. Sold!

You can also use TB Morphit to get some kind of idea of the differences. Lemme know what you think. I have the Sennheiser HD280s but I’m gonna grab a new pair soon and I’ve always heard good things about those Sonys and those are the ones I was considering.

Yep. I got the Sonys on their way.

qqq

@HotStrange said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

Sweet. Thanks mate.

I just realised I can finance the MDR-7506's for less than $30/month for three months. Sold!

You can also use TB Morphit to get some kind of idea of the differences. Lemme know what you think. I have the Sennheiser HD280s but I’m gonna grab a new pair soon and I’ve always heard good things about those Sonys and those are the ones I was considering.

HD280s were the headphones I had before the Sonys, and I found that particular Sennheiser model to be anemic with bass. The Sonys have more bass but feel realistic, not weirdly bumped like the AudioTechnica M50s.

FWIW My other pair of headphones is an older pair of HiFiMan HE-400s. They're pretty heavy but the bass is crisp to very deep. But they are open back so not usable everywhere, and the Sonys are still really solid.

gusgranite

Superlux HD 681 EVO. Poor quality parts, especially where the cable is attached to the cup. But best sound for $50 imo.

Franketti

Superlux hd 681B! Translate very well!

gusgranite

Morphit has models for Superlux as well

rs2000

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

I was quite surprised by a pair of Sony MDR-RF811 wireless headphones. Under $50 new, zero latency (because it's RF, not Bluetooth), fairly balanced sound and good reach. Most on-ear wired headphones I've heard in this price range sounded worse and were less comfortable.
That's no option when you're walking around with your iPad of course 😉

HotStrange

@qqq said:

@HotStrange said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@qqq said:
I'd probably look for a pair of used Sony MDR-7506's. But I'd recommend just paying the bit extra on a new pair maybe (~$75)

Oh that's not too much extra. Let me see if I can find them on Amazon.

Aw bummer, 85 quid on Amazon. A little too much for me to spend. 😅

Ah darn, you're right, they went up a bit

Ah it's okay. Thanks for trying mate. They do look rather nice.

Yea they're cheaper workhorse headphones you see in a lot of studios. Flat response which is good for production.

I'm curious what gear other folks would recommend in your range. I'd maybe just say buy a pair of earbuds (Apple or JBL).

Apple earbuds may work great. Didn't think of that. Do they have the same frequency response as my 3rd Gen Airpods? (I don't use the "pros".)

No idea, I've only used the wired ones . I think you'd have to buy 1/8" apple buds off eBay, but last time I looked they were super cheap.

Sweet. Thanks mate.

I just realised I can finance the MDR-7506's for less than $30/month for three months. Sold!

You can also use TB Morphit to get some kind of idea of the differences. Lemme know what you think. I have the Sennheiser HD280s but I’m gonna grab a new pair soon and I’ve always heard good things about those Sonys and those are the ones I was considering.

HD280s were the headphones I had before the Sonys, and I found that particular Sennheiser model to be anemic with bass. The Sonys have more bass but feel realistic, not weirdly bumped like the AudioTechnica M50s.

FWIW My other pair of headphones is an older pair of HiFiMan HE-400s. They're pretty heavy but the bass is crisp to very deep. But they are open back so not usable everywhere, and the Sonys are still really solid.

Nice thanks! That’s most likely what I’m gonna pick up when it’s time to upgrade. My Sennheisers have lasted a long time and been great, but they’re very much due for an upgrade. The model of it in Morphit sounds great lol