Best Headphones for Hip Hop
Are you in the market for the best headphones for hip hop, but with such a large variety of choices are having a hard time narrowing down your options? In this buyer’s guide, you’ll have access to a list of headphones that have features ideal for hip hop music. We have created 3 price brackets to ensure you’re able to find a pair of headphones that’s within your budget.
Furthermore, to aid the process of selecting headphones we have shared a list of buying factors to consider. Headphones for hip hop have a list of specific attributes that allows the best to be brought out of the music genre. Some of the features we will cover are audio quality, comfort, durability, brand, and wireless connectivity.
We are confident that by the time you finish reading this buyer’s guide you’ll have a good understanding of how to select the hip hop headphones that suits your needs. We had a lot of fun putting this guide together and we hope you have just as much fun reading it. It will save you time, get you properly informed, and improve the quality of the headphones you end up with.
Budget |
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Koss Porta Pro |
4.6/5.0 |
Weight: 6.4 ounces |
Wireless: No |
Has a lightweight design which provides good comfort. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 10.1 ounces |
Wireless: No |
Made from premium materials and has wide frequency range. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
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Beats Solo3 Wireless |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 7.5 ounces |
Wireless: Yes |
Has a visually appealing lightweight design. |
Check Amazon |
Buying factors to consider
Audio quality
Brand
Comfort
Wireless connectivity
Items by price:
Headphones for Hip Hop Music Comparison Table
Make and Model | Weight | Wireless | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Koss Porta Pro | 6.4 ounces | No | Check Price |
Mpow H7 | 7.7 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | 10.1 ounces | No | Check Price |
Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus | 10.9 ounces | No | Check Price |
Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless | 24 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
COWIN E7 | 13.6 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
Beats Solo3 Wireless | 7.5 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
V-MODA Crossfade M-100 | 9.9 ounces | No | Check Price |
Bose SoundLink II | 6.9 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
Sony WH-CH700N | 8.5 ounces | Yes | Check Price |
Best Headphones for Hip Hop under $50
Are you on a tight budget and are looking for a good quality pair of headphones for hip hop? Then you’ll love the two options we have found at under $50. The build quality and comfort might not be of industry leading level of quality here, but the level of audio is good enough to enjoy your music. Overall these budget-friendly options provide enough features to get excited about. It goes to show that you don’t have to pay a premium price point in order to enjoy a well-rounded pair of headphones.
1. Koss Porta Pro On Ear Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
These unique looking headphones come in at the budget price point of just under $40. The value for money is excellent here as you’re getting a comfortable fit, good audio performance, and durability. You’ll love the execution of the various features that are displayed in the Koss Porta Pro On Ear Headphones.
The highly rated product has a unique visual design and that’s to provide a comfortable and secure fit. The headband is rather thin and has no padding, but the earpads have different settings that allow you to alter the type of fit you can enjoy. The lack of soft padding in these headphones means the weight is kept at a minimum. Additionally, they don’t feel bulky at all, which makes them ideal for traveling with.
Deep bass is offered via the oxygen-free copper coils. The level of bass implemented here is great for hip hop as it brings out the colorful nature of the music genre. However, the bass is not comparable to some of the more expensive options on this list.
You could pick the headphones apart in terms of the disadvantages, but you shouldn’t when you consider the relatively low price point. The array of features here is impressive and suitable for any hip hop enthusiasts.
To summarize, the Koss Porta Pro On Ear Headphones offer a blend of comfort, solid audio performance, and an affordable price point. They have some way to go in order to compete with pricier options, but these will suffice if you don’t have high standards.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 6.4 ounces |
Noise canceling: no |
Wireless: no |
The Pros |
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Lightweight design |
Good comfort |
Budget price point |
The Cons |
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Cheap build quality |
2. Mpow H7 Bluetooth Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
Do you have a very small budget, but still want to achieve a decent level of audio performance? Then consider the Mpow H7 as it comes in at just under $25 and offers an array of great features for the average hip hop enthusiast. Mpow is an audio brand that doesn’t manufacture the best personal audio solution out there at the premium end of the scale, but have some great offerings for those on a budget.
The visual design is rather basic and too much sophistication in terms of style. The earcups are large and use a material that provides soft padding. However, the materials are not premium and could face some durability issue after multiple years of use. The headband is thin, which reduces the bulk, but there is only a small amount of cushioning. If you’re willing to give up a bit in the comfort department, then these headphones are for you.
A natural and crisp sound is provided via the 40mm ultra-large dynamic drivers. At the budget price point, you’ll struggle to find better audio drivers that provide more impact in the bass department. Ask your friends to blindly try these headphones out and state the price – they will probably say it costs considerably more than it actually does.
The Mpow H7 provides wireless Bluetooth with a battery life of 15-20 hours. However, a cable is also included if you want to switch over to wired connectivity when the battery has run out. The combination of the non-bulky design and long battery life means the Mpow H7 is suitable for outdoor use.
One of the advantages of the Mpow H7 is the cheap plastic materials that are used, but it can be expected at this price point. Furthermore, the headband design can be improved to provide a fit that holds the headphones in place.
Overall, the Mpow H7 is a good choice for the budget buyers that want a good level of performance when listening to hip hop music. The mix of good quality earcups, solid audio performance, and long battery life means there is a lot of value for the price.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 7.7 ounces |
Noise canceling: no |
Wireless: yes |
Battery life: 15-20 hours |
The Pros |
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Long battery life |
Low weight |
Not bulky |
Good value for money |
The Cons |
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Headband can be improved |
Cheap materials |
Best Headphones for Hip Hop under $150
The under $150 category provides an array of upgrades over the lower priced one. You’ll arguably get the most amount of value for the money in this category. The audio execution is sublime and the level of comfort allows for long lasting listening sessions.
Furthermore, the quality of the bass in these models is great for hip hop and it brings out the best in what the genre has to offer. You’ll also love the quality of the build here as premium materials are used.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x represents an exceptional level of quality for the price. It’s one of the more well-rounded headphones in this buyer’s guide that should give you some serious food for thought. If you love a premium feel, accurate bass, and comfortable earcups, then you’ll love the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
They offer a superb level of noise isolation as the earcups provide a nice over the ear fit. Even in loud environments, you’ll be able to enjoy your hip hop music without distractions. Therefore, they can be used in a noisy household or while walking down the street. However, they are on the bulky side, which means they aren’t the most practical for outdoor use.
Furthermore, the earcups swivel 90 degrees, which means you can use one ear monitoring and the design is collapsible, which makes them easy to transport from one location to the next. A convenient carrying case is included that allows you to store the product when not in use.
These headphones are so good that you can use them in the studio for creating music and even recording. However, they cannot compete in sophistication with the higher priced studio audiophile headphones.
The frequency range of the headphones is 15-28,000 Hz, which means you’ll enjoy a wide range of sounds. The bass is very well implemented that gives your hip hop music a sense of immersion. The cable length is 1.2-3m, which is more than enough to sit back on your couch and watch movies.
Before adding the ATH-M50xGM to your shopping cart consider some of the disadvantages that may hold you back. The noise isolation of these headphones could be improved and the bass can sometimes be too strong. However, for hip hop music this might be ideal – it all depends on your tastes.
To summarize, the ATH-M50xGM is a great option for those who are interested in a value for money purchase. The implementation of the various features is excellent, and you’ll love the premium feel of the materials. However, they aren’t the most outdoor friendly headphones available to buy.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 10.1 ounces |
Noise canceling: no |
Wireless: no |
The Pros |
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Great level of comfort |
Premium materials used |
Wide frequency range |
The Cons |
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Bulky design |
Bass can be strong |
4. Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Beyerdynamic is one of the premier audio brands in the industry that constantly delivers excellent headphones for a wide range of applications. The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus is perfect for hip hop due to the amazing clarity of the bass and the impact it will give your music. It oozes of class and it’s a purchase you’re not going to regret making.
The package comes with 16 unique designs that add a different look to the headphones. You can use different design every day of the week and there are additional options you can invest in. The headphones come in two color options: black and white.
The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus is manufactured in Germany and uses premium materials that provide durability. You can expect these headphones to take a beating before the audio is going to degrade in quality. The level of engineering that’s gone into this product ensures the audio will be accurate and deliver across the entire frequency range.
A custom sound slider is included on the right earcup that changes the sound profile of the audio. You can switch between different sound profiles and there are 4 to choose between. They range from analytically clear all the way to heavy bass. Perhaps the latter setting is ideal for enjoying your hip hop tracks.
Variable noise reduction is available to reduce the impact of ambient noise on your audio experience. However, don’t expect all ambient sounds to be removed as the level of noise cancelation here is not competitive compared to other options.
Before pulling the trigger on a purchase consider some of the disadvantages of the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus. The lack of volume controls on the earcup can be frustrating for some users. Furthermore, they are rather bulky, which means outdoor use might be a bit cumbersome.
To summarize, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus is a good choice for those who want a mixture of visual customizability, excellent bass, a comfortable fit, and variable noise reduction. All hip hop fans will love to own a pair of these headphones as they bring the music to life in a way that’s exciting.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 10.9 ounces |
Noise canceling: yes |
Wireless: no |
The Pros |
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Variable noise reduction |
Very comfortable |
Durable design |
The Cons |
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Bulky design |
Lack of volume controls |
5. Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Skullcandy is a reputable brand among hip hop enthusiasts and this model, in particular, has a high level of execution. The various features blend together to provide value for money that will last you for many years to come. The mixture of wireless connectivity, awesome bass, and sleek design means you’ll love wearing these wherever you go.
The battery life is an amazing 40 hours, which means you can listen to music for days or the entire week before you need to recharge. The recharge functionality is state of the art as you can get 3 hours of battery life in just 10 minutes of charging. Therefore, if you have forgotten to charge the headphones, just be patient for 10 minutes and you’ll have plenty of battery juice.
The 40mm audio drivers do a good job of providing accurate audio across the entire frequency range. Two additional subwoofer drivers are included and they all work in harmony to deliver an end result that hip hop fans will appreciate. Furthermore, there is a Stereo Haptic Bass feature that gives your hip hop music a serious boost.
A built-in microphone is available to take calls in a hands-free manner. You don’t have to reach for your smartphone when there is a call, simply make use of the buttons located on the earcup to answer and end the call. The location of the buttons is ergonomically placed, but you will have to get used to their exact positioning to answers calls in a seamless manner.
The overall comfort of the Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless headphones is good, but some has been sacrificed to reduce the bulkiness. For example, the earpads aren’t the biggest, but there is enough soft padding to ensure the pressure on the ears is minimized.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with a few of the disadvantages of the Skullcandy Crusher headphones to make an informed buying decision. The bass implementation is great for hip hop, but it can be too strong for other genres of music. Furthermore, the audio controls could be improved for an easier level of use.
To summarize, the Skullcandy Crusher Wireless is a good choice for hip hop fans that want a good level of performance at a reasonable price point. The combination of the 40 hour battery life and sleek design means you’ll love to rock these while out and about.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 24 ounces |
Noise canceling: no |
Wireless: yes |
Battery life: 40 hours |
The Pros |
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40 hours battery life |
Sleek design |
Good quality bass |
The Cons |
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Comfort is somewhat sacrificed |
6. COWIN E7
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Cowin is not the most popular audio brand out there, but the E7 is a solid performer for the budget buyer. It’s a highly rated pair of headphones that delivers good quality audio for hip hop fans. They have a practical design that has bulky earcups, but they are still suitable for wearing while outdoors.
The 40mm audio drivers are powerful enough to deliver deep impactful bass that allows for a good quality hip hop experience. The audio is clear across the frequency range, but the highs can be a little awkward sounding at times. They also maintain good audio quality while at high volume levels.
Bluetooth 4.0 has been implemented here and that’s good enough to provide a decent level of audio performance. NFC pairing is available with other devices. You can also control the headphones to allow for incoming calls via your smartphone. The microphone isn’t the greatest, but it’s good enough for clear communication.
The lightweight design is comfortable to wear and suitable for daily use. The soft pillow-like earcups are a joy to wear as they exert the minimal amount of pressure on your ears. They are large enough for your entire ears to fit inside and the headband is adjustable to cater for any head size.
Before buying the COWIN E7 headphones take the time to familiarize yourself with some of the drawbacks. The overall audio quality could be better, but at the budget price point, it is hard to complain. Also, a slightly less bulk design should be implemented in future versions.
To conclude, the COWIN E7 headphones are a good choice for hip hop fans with a limited budget. If you love the combination of a noise canceling feature, solid bass, and wireless connectivity, then you’ll love these.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 13.6 ounces |
Noise canceling: yes |
Wireless: yes |
Battery life: 30 hours |
The Pros |
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30 hours battery life |
Comfortable fit |
Budget-friendly price |
The Cons |
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Bulky design |
Best Headphones for Hip Hop under $250
Do you have a big budget and are looking for the best hip hop music experience that money can buy? In this category, you’ll notice a wide array of impressive features that add to the overall hip hop music listening experience. The execution of the audio clarity provides accuracy and the kind of bass that adds a lot of immersion to hip hop music.
However, the options in this category are rather pricy and you’ll need to take the various drawbacks into account to make an informed buying decision. By evaluating the differences between the headphones you can end up with the one that best matches your requirements.
7. Beats Solo3 Wireless
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Beats Solo3 Wireless has an elegant design that’s minimalist and suitable for outdoor use. They feel premium in-hand and have a good level of durability. Beats has a comprehensive range of personal audio products and the Beats Solo3 is one of their best offerings. Read on for some of their notable features to figure out if they are for you.
The wireless freedom of these headphones allows for 40 hours of use before you need to charge. That’s enough time to listen to your favorite hip hop tracks all day long and even the whole week depending on how often you’re going to use them. The headphones have a Bluetooth range of 30 feet from the audio emitting device.
A number of different color options are available, which includes black, blue, grey, red, silver, pink, white, and gold. Choose the color that best matches your preferences and there are enough options to select from.
These headphones are perfect for Apple users as the W1 chip allows you to combine with an iPhone for an optimal audio experience. This is the most seamless connection possible for iPhones. The fast fuel charging battery can be charged in just 5 minutes to provide 3 hours of running time. Therefore, if you have forgotten to charge your headphones and are about to head out, simply stick around for 5 minutes.
The drawbacks of the Beats Solo3 Wireless include the headband that is rather firm. There is a minimal amount of flexibility, which can become cumbersome over time. They also lack the level of fidelity that would justify the price tag.
To summarize, the Beats Solo3 Wireless is a cool product that oozes class. The portable design makes these ideal to listen to hip pop while on the go. The audio quality is great for hop pop, but for the price could be a bit better.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 7.5 ounces |
Noise canceling: no |
Wireless: yes |
Battery life: 20 hours |
The Pros |
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Lightweight design |
Visually appealing |
Choice of colors |
Solid bass performance |
The Cons |
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Overall audio could be better for the price |
8. V-MODA Crossfade M-100
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is one of the best headphones for hip hop that provides value for money. It’s at the premium end of the scale, but you’re getting all the features that bring the music to life. The design feels instantly premium from the very first time you touch the headphones. Read up on the selection of features included to see if it justifies the price point for your needs. We recommended the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 headphones as the best value pick in the “Foldable and Portable Headphones” guide, and highly recommend it for enjoying hip hop music too.
A supreme level of comfort is offered that is based on 5 years of research and development. The ergonomic headband allows for a high degree of flexibility and it’s sturdy at the same time. Furthermore, the Supple BLISS Memory Foam Cushions naturally adjust to your ears to provide a sublime fit.
The earpads also provide noise isolation to drastically reduce the amount of ambient noise that creeps inside. You’ll appreciate this feature when in a noisy environment and want no distractions when enjoying your hip hop music.
A military level of durability has been implemented here that will stand the test of time. The combination of the steel frame, exoskeleton form-fitting case, military level testing, 1+ million cable bends capability, and protection from environmental effects means these are built to last.
An award-winning level of sound is offered here via the 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers. An immersive 3D soundstage is available and engineers have tested each product for accuracy. You can be confident that your hip hop listening experience will be upgraded with the V-MODA Crossfade M-100.
This biggest drawback of these headphones is the relatively high price tag – you could potentially get comparable value at a cheaper price point. They are also not comfortable to wear around your neck.
To conclude, the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is a solid offering that is built to last and offers an amazing level of audio quality for hip hop enthusiasts. The level of comfort means you’re going to be wearing these on a daily basis for hip hop and all your other personal audio needs.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 9.9 ounces |
Noise canceling: no |
Wireless: no |
The Pros |
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Military level durability |
Exceptional audio quality |
Very comfortable |
The Cons |
---|
Pricey |
9. Bose SoundLink II
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Bose is one of the most respected audio brands in the world that consistently deliver personal audio solutions that are highly competitive. The array of features here is a dream come true for hip hop fans that are looking for an amazing level of audio performance. The Bose SoundLink II is a good choice for those that have a big budget and can appreciate industry-leading audio quality.
The bass is amazing as the low frequencies have been finely tuned for an impactful audio experience. Furthermore, Active EQ is available to customize the audio experience to your preferences. If you don’t like the way your favorite hip hop tracks sound, then simply play around with the settings. Therefore, the Bose SoundLink II headphones are ideal for music enthusiasts that known exactly what they want.
The Bluetooth connectivity lasts for 15 hours between charging, which is more than enough for an entire day, or maybe the entire week depending on how often you’ll use them. There is a button on the right earcup that allows you to switch the connection between different devices. Therefore, if you’re enjoying a movie on your TV and a call comes in, simply use the switch to connect to your smartphone.
A microphone is included that allows for calls to be executed in noisy environments. The enhanced side tones increase the clarity of your voice, which makes it easier for the person at the other end of the line to hear you.
A sleek protective case is included in the package that allows you to travel with the Bose SoundLink II without damaging them. The long battery life and low weight sleek design mean they are ideal for walking around in outdoors.
The durable materials used are impact protected, which means if you drop the headphones they won’t instantly break. Therefore, you’re getting longevity and good audio quality for the investment of $200.
However, a pricier product deserves a higher level of scrutiny and the Bose SoundLink II does come with a few drawbacks. The headband is not as comfortable as some of the bulkier options, but the small size of the headphones ensures the outdoor practicality is not compromised. Furthermore, the noise isolation is lacking in performance and there is a large amount of sound leakage.
Overall, the Bose SoundLink II is a solid performer for hip hop fans that want to be out and about when enjoying their music. The mix of the 15 hours battery life and minimalist design is great for traveling.
Tech Specs |
---|
Weight: 6.9 ounces |
Noise canceling: no |
Wireless: yes |
Battery life: 15 hours |
The Pros |
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15 hour battery life |
Visually appealing design |
Good quality microphone |
The Cons |
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Poor noise isolation |
10. Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Sony is a well-known brand that manufactures some of the best electronics in the world, and the Sony WH-CH700N headphones don’t disappoint. The mix of noise cancelation, excellent bass, and a solid build means you’re getting one of the best hip hop headphones in the marketplace.
The noise canceling feature is great for removing ambient noise that could detract from the immersive music listening experience. However, keep in mind that battery life is consumed at a faster rate when the noise canceling feature has been enabled.
The total battery life is 35 hours, which is reliable as over the years there will not be much deterioration. Furthermore, a quick charge feature is available that provides 60 minutes of playing time for just 10 minutes of charging time. This can be useful when the battery has run out and you want to continue enjoying the Sone headphones.
The 40mm audio drivers deliver an immersive level of audio that allows for high levels of clarity across the frequency range. Mostly you’ll appreciate the deep bass that brings out the vibrancy of hip hop music.
The earcups are average in size, which contributes to the low weight and practical design. They can also be swiveled for easy storage when you are traveling. The headband has some padding to provide a comfortable fit and there is a lot of adjustability in terms of altering the overall size.
The relatively high price point of the Sony WH-CH700N headphones means you must consider the drawbacks for a fully informed buying decision. The noise cancelation is one of the highlight features of the headphones, but they don’t do a great job of eliminating loud ambient noises. Furthermore, at this price point, the quality of the materials could be improved.
To conclude, the Sony WH-CH700N headphones offer a mixture of practicality, long battery life, and a noise cancelation feature that’s serviceable. The depth of the bass and clarity of the overall audio experience means the Sony WH-CH700N is worth the asking price.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 8.5 ounces |
Noise canceling: yes |
Wireless: yes |
Battery life: 35 hours |
The Pros |
---|
35 hour battery life |
Practical design |
Noise cancelation |
The Cons |
---|
Lack of premium materials |
Contents
- Buying factors to consider
- Audio quality
- Brand
- Comfort
- Wireless connectivity
- Items by price:
- Headphones for Hip Hop Music Comparison Table
- Best Headphones for Hip Hop under $50
- 1. Koss Porta Pro On Ear Headphones
- 2. Mpow H7 Bluetooth Headphones
- Best Headphones for Hip Hop under $150
- 3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- 4. Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus
- 5. Skullcandy Crusher Bluetooth Wireless
- 6. COWIN E7
- Best Headphones for Hip Hop under $250
- 7. Beats Solo3 Wireless
- 8. V-MODA Crossfade M-100
- 9. Bose SoundLink II
- 10. Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones