I have tried a lot and a lot of earphones (Being someone who loves listening to music) and want to flex my earphones, here’s me doing God’s work: compiling a list of the best wired headphones under ₹2,000 — no BS, no “sponsored” opinions, just the raw dope and the definite nopes.
🔥 1. boAt BassHeads 900 / 900 Pro
💸 Price: ₹999 – ₹1,200
🎧 Vibe: Bassheads unite. These bad boys are made for the folks who want their headphones to sound like a club but live in a PG with quiet hours.
✅ Why it’s Dope:
- 40mm drivers = BASS that thumps.
- Foldable design so you can flex your gamer aesthetic on the go.
- Lightweight = comfy even during 3-hour breakup playlists.
🚫 Why it’s also kinda mid:
- The highs? A bit shy.
- Not for “music producers” who think they hear frequencies dogs can’t.
Verdict:
You want a budget banger that doesn’t feel like you stole it from a local train vendor? Get these.
🎧 2. CLAW SM50 Pro – aka “Studio Vibes for Broke Creators”
💸 Price: ₹1,800 – ₹1,950
🎧 Vibe: If you’ve ever said, “I’m thinking of starting a podcast” — this is your sign.
✅ Why it slaps:
- Super clean sound. No “over-bassy” garbage.
- Detachable cables. You feel cool just plugging ’em in.
- Comes with 6.3mm adapter = compatible with your cousin’s DJ setup (that he never uses).
🚫 Why it’s not for normies:
- Not your punchy “dhinchak” sound.
- Looks big on small heads. (Yes, I looked like a WiFi router.)
Verdict:
If you’re a creator, streamer, or someone who says “I need flat sound,” go for it. These are criminally underrated.
🔊 3. Sony MDR-ZX110 / ZX310 / XB450
💸 Price: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500
🎧 Vibe: The kid who brought these to school had taste. And an attitude.
✅ Why they still rock in 2025:
- OG Sony durability. You can throw ‘em. They won’t die.
- Super lightweight, foldable, and travel-proof.
- XB450 is for that BASS-boosted madness. Trap, EDM? Say less.
🚫 Why you might roll your eyes:
- Earpads after 1 year = crispy and suspicious.
- Gets tight after long hours (if you have a big head like me).
Verdict:
If you need that one pair that just works and never complains — these are your ride or die.
🎤 4. Sennheiser HD 206 – For the Softcore Audiophiles
💸 Price: ₹1,450 – ₹1,600
🎧 Vibe: These are the “I like clear vocals and real instruments” headphones. Zero drama, 100% clarity.
✅ Why it earns respect:
- Clean, crisp sound.
- Lightweight = no pressure headaches.
- Passive noise isolation is solid.
🚫 What’ll bug you:
- The bass is on vacation. Not for the “BOOM BOOM” crowd.
- Cable is longer than your attention span.
Verdict:
If your Spotify Wrapped includes “Lo-Fi Beats to Study and Cry To,” this is your soulmate.
🎶 5. Audio-Technica ATH-S100iS / AX1iS
💸 Price: ₹1,700 – ₹2,000
🎧 Vibe: This one’s the introvert that minds its own business and delivers banger after banger.
✅ Why you’ll obsess over it:
- Balanced sound. Like, actually.
- Works for calls, music, and casual mixing.
- It’s Audio-Technica. People will assume you know stuff.
🚫 Why your friend with JBLs will say “meh”:
- Doesn’t punch in the bass section.
- Build quality is like… “don’t drop me pls.”
Verdict:
This one’s for the quiet legends. Not showy, not flashy — just consistent. Like your crush who replies to stories but never texts first.
✨ Bonus Mentions:
- Zebronics Zeb-Rush: Budget gaming headset under ₹999. Mic’s surprisingly decent. Looks like a Transformer.
- Koss KPH7: Retro-looking, feather-light, sounds better than it should.
🎯 Ultimate Cheat Sheet:
🎧 Headphone | 👑 Best For |
---|---|
boAt BassHeads 900 Pro | Budget bass-lovers |
CLAW SM50 Pro | Creators / studio feel seekers |
Sony XB450 | Bass + portability combo |
Sennheiser HD 206 | Vocal clarity, chill listening |
Audio-Technica S100iS | Balanced everyday use |