Whether you’re a gamer, a music lover, or a content creator, having the right headphones can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying an immersive audio experience. With so many options on the market, choosing the perfect headphones for streaming can get overwhelming quickly. The right headphones should provide excellent sound quality, be comfortable, durable, and have features that work best for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences in headphones and factors to consider when choosing one of the five best headphones under $500 for streaming.
| Ashleigh's Pick  | Runner Up  | Budget Pick  |
| 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| $529.00 | $620.00 | $279.00 |
Types of Headphones
When it comes to headphones, there are three main types to choose from over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. Each type offers its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right one for your needs is essential. Let’s look at these three types of headphones and explore their design, features, and ideal use cases to help you decide which type is best for you.
Over-ear headphones:
Over-ear headphones have large ear cups enclosing your ears. This design provides excellent noise isolation and can help you focus on your audio, making them a popular choice for gaming and content creation. Over-ear headphones can also be more comfortable than other types, as the ear cups distribute the weight of the headphones more evenly across your head.
On-ear headphones:
On-ear headphones have smaller ear cups resting on your ears. While they may not provide as much noise isolation as over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones can still offer a comfortable fit and good audio quality. They are also more compact and portable than over-ear headphones, making them an excellent choice for streaming on the go.
In-ear headphones:
In-ear headphones sit inside your ear canal. While they may not provide the same audio quality as over-ear or on-ear headphones, in-ear headphones are lightweight and portable, making them an excellent choice for listening to music or streaming content while exercising or traveling. They are also a fantastic choice for music streamers.
If you’re looking for immersive audio and noise isolation, over-ear headphones may be your best choice. If you value portability and convenience, on- or in-ear headphones may be a better fit. As a musician, I prefer in-ear headphones. Ultimately, the right headphones for streaming will depend on your specific needs and budget. A bonus for all our content creators out there – you might want to check out this blog article with some versatile microphone suggestions.
What to Look For in Headphones
When choosing headphones for streaming, you should consider these six things:
Comfort:
Your streams could last hours to days, so comfort is crucial. Look for headphones with padded ear cups and headbands that fit your head comfortably without feeling too tight or loose. This is the most important thing to consider.
Sound Quality:
High-quality sound is essential for streaming, especially if you are streaming music or gaming. Look for headphones with a wide frequency response range, high sensitivity, and low distortion.
Microphone Quality:
If you plan to use headphones for streaming with a microphone, make sure your microphone has good noise-canceling properties and clear sound quality. Some headphones have built-in microphones, while others require an external microphone to be plugged in.
Connectivity:
Consider the type of connectivity options available, such as wired or wireless, and ensure they are compatible with your devices. The last thing you’d want is to forget to charge your headphones and have them die on you in the middle of your stream. Lucky for you, most headphones also come with detachable cables, making them more versatile. Be sure to check before buying!
Durability:
Look for headphones made with durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. Headphones with removable ear pads and detachable cables can also help prolong the headphones’ lifespan.
Price:
Headphones for streaming can vary in price from budget-friendly to high-end. Before shopping for new headphones, determine your budget and look for headphones that provide the best value for your money and content.
For a more in depth look of more things to consider between gaming and studio headphones, be sure to watch this video by The Techne.
Headphones
Now that you’ve had a chance to see some of the things to consider when buying headphones for streaming, you can choose headphones that provide excellent sound quality, comfort, durability, and convenience for your streaming needs. Here are the 5 best headphones under $500 for streaming.
1. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro (Ashleigh’s Pick)
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro is another high-quality headphone ideal for streaming and believe they are the best headphones for streaming. Its semi-open design provides excellent sound quality while allowing some outside noise to filter in.
The DT 1990 Pro features Beyerdynamic Tesla drivers, which deliver powerful bass and clear highs. The headphones also come with two different earpads, allowing you to customize the fit and feel of the headphones.
Check out the below product video of the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
2. Sennheiser HD 660 S (Runner Up)
The Sennheiser HD 660 S is a top-of-the-line headphone that delivers exceptional audio quality for streaming. It has an open-back design that provides a wide soundstage and natural-sounding audio. The HD 660 S features Sennheiser’s proprietary transducers, which deliver high-quality audio with low distortion. The headphones also come with detachable cables, making them easy to replace.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M70x (Budget)
The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x is a closed-back headphone with excellent isolation, making it a great choice for streaming in noisy environments. It features large-aperture 45mm drivers that deliver clear and accurate audio across the entire frequency range. The ATH-M70x also comes with three detachable cables, including a coiled cable, making it easy to use in various settings.
4. Rode NTH-100 Headphones (Best for Musicians)
The Rode NTH-100 headphones are high-quality over-ear headphones designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and streaming. They feature 50mm neodymium dynamic drivers that provide excellent sound quality and a wide frequency response range of 5Hz to 30kHz. The headphones are also durable and comfortable, with a fully adjustable headband and padded ear cups. The Rode NTH-100 comes with a detachable cable, making them easy to store and transport.
5. Sony MDR 7506 Headphones (Best for Glasses Wearers)
The Sony MDR 7506 headphones are a popular choice for both professional and casual users. They feature 40mm neodymium drivers that provide clear and accurate audio reproduction, with a frequency response range of 10Hz to 20kHz. The headphones have a closed-back design, which provides good noise isolation and makes them suitable for use in loud environments. They also have a folding design for easy storage and a coiled cable that can be extended up to 10 feet.
If the main features like Driver Size/Type, Impedance, Sensitivity/SPL, Total Harmonic Distortion and Frequency Response apart confuse you, watch this video by The Master Switch where he explains all four features in depth.
My Overall Ranking
If you are looking for headphones under $500 for streaming, the Sennheiser HD 660 S, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, and Audio-Technica ATH-M70x are all excellent choices. Each of these headphones offers exceptional audio quality, comfort, and durability, making them worth the investment.
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (Ashleigh’s Choice)
- Sennheiser HD 660 S (Runner Up)
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (Budget)
- Rode NTH-100 (Musician Choice for Studio Recording)
- Sony MDR 7506 (Comfy with glasses for long hours)
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are remarkable for their excellent sound quality and comfortable design, making them the top pick. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sennheiser HD 660 S headphones are also great options, with high-quality audio and comfortable designs.
The Rode NTH-100 headphones are geared toward studio recording and broadcasting and may be less versatile for streaming. The Sony MDR 7506 headphones are fantastic for streamers who wear glasses and want to log long streaming sessions. Our friends at Sweetwater also prepared this in depth buying guide if you’re interested in learning more about headphones.
Final Thoughts on Headphones for Steaming
Finding the perfect headphones for streaming is essential to achieving an immersive and enjoyable audio experience. Whether you’re listening to music, gaming, or streaming your favorite shows, the right headphones can make all the difference. Considering things like comfort, sound quality, microphone quality, connectivity, durability, and the price will go a long way in finding the right headphones for your needs.
That said, I believe the best headphones under 500 are the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pros.
You can dive into your favorite content with crystal-clear audio and uninterrupted immersion with the right headphones. I hope you enjoyed my suggestions for the 5 best headphones under $500 for streaming. Let me know in the comments what your favorite headphones are for streaming, especially if they didn’t make the list. let me know Happy streaming!
