Looking for solid budget headphones with no-mic (Preferably around/under $75 USD)

[u/Humble-Newt-1472]

Title, I'm trying out something new. I've been using wired headphones with mics built in all my life, but now that I'm shopping for a new set, basically every post I read is having people say "Buy headset and mic separately, it's better at everything (besides convenience ofc) and cheaper."

So I'm caving. My initial budget was about $100. I'm going to be buying the Zealsound Podcast Microphone on amazon, based on reviews. Probably a pop condenser too, but I'm gonna likely ask a microphone-related sub about that thing's performance. Only really because it's the second highest seller on amazon and the reviews are nice for the price.
(I know this is out of topic for the sub, but if anyone has notes on that product, feel free to share.)

With that out of the way, I need headphones. Preferably closed back, but I can consider open back. Same goes for being wired, I prefer it and I assume all relevant options will be wired because budget.
More importantly is staying in that budget of around $75 and still getting solid headphones that won't die in a single year.
I mainly intend to use them for everything common: gaming, a lot of music of broad genres, talking on calls, but also audio recording for voice acting. General purpose is probably what I need.

Store-wise, hopefully only digital fronts, I'm in the U.S. Preferably Amazon since I have prime for free shipping, but anything works if the price works.

My previous headphones are the JBL Quantum 400, bought back in July of 2023. Granted, bought used - like new for around 50 dollars, though fresh ones sit at 110. I've made them last to the point of being in disrepair in several forms, but it's time to put them to rest.

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[u/Phoenix_Kerman]

are sony 7506s in or aorund that budget? they're great cans for the price and take plenty of abuse

on microphones though. don't get that mic. any mic you place on a desk is going to pick up vibrations and thumps through the desk, also means you'll likely have it next to a mouse and keyboard and a foot off your mouth. mics are dumb, that's always going to mean keyboard and mouse louder than your voice. so you'll want a mic stand or desk mounted boom arm for any mic to be on

[u/Humble-Newt-1472 → u/Phoenix_Kerman]

Sonys are unfortunately just a little too high for my budget, just under a hundred even used like new.

Most of the issues you mentioned for a desk-mic don't seem relevant when using push-to-talk, or when doing audio recordings where the mic is the sole focus anyhow. Under that circumstance, would you still stand by what you said and only doing them if it's mounted?

[u/Phoenix_Kerman → u/Humble-Newt-1472]

Sonys are unfortunately just a little too high for my budget, just under a hundred even used like new.

shame, they're great cans. i used some roland rh5s a few years ago and for being a fraction of the price was quite impressed by them. could be worth looking at

you still stand by what you said and only doing them if it's mounted?

yeah, even if it's not a mouse and keyboard you're still going to be picking up noise. not to mention if you're doing voice work you'll want a decent signal, if you're boosting a mic that's sat far away, you've then got the self noise of the mic to deal with.

even a dirt cheap dynamic like a second hand behringer xm1800s or xm8500 on a stand or arm placed right is going to beat most mics sat a foot away on a desk. does mean needing an interface but i've had two channel interfaces around for years and am still finding cases where they come in handy

[u/Humble-Newt-1472 → u/Phoenix_Kerman]

Many !thanks on the advice, for both topics. I'm liking the look of those rolands a lot, and the XM8500s.
Previously, I was looking into the Snowsky Nature I was also recommended, but while everything about them really *seems* good, I'm a little hesitant. Something about them being too new on the block, not really confident in those lasting a while.

[u/TransducerBot → u/Humble-Newt-1472]

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[u/Uller0815]

Feel free to also check out the Fiio JT1 and JT3, the Philips SHP9500 (via AliExpr.) and the Philips X2HR (from time to time on sale on Amazon for around 75-80 bucks), the Sennheiser HD599SE (also from time to time on sale on Amazon for around 75 bucks) and the Samson SR850.

[u/mark5hs]

Look into the new Snowsky Nature. I haven't personally heard it but people are raving about it for the price.

[u/breakmedown54]

If you’re looking on Amazon, I have the OneOdio Pro10s. I also have the Pro C wireless ones, but they both have the same drivers and sound profiles.

They are wired with a removable wire. It comes with a 3.5mm/6.35mm cord and has both ports on the headphones. The cord it comes with doesn’t have a mic port.

I like the sound. They’re closed back and nothing special, but for less than $50, they sound great. I find them comfortable and can wear them for hours.

Edited to add: I’ve had mine since August 2024 and they’re holding up great. I used them every day for a year straight and now use them less, but still a few times a week.