Best Headphone Amps Under $500 2026
Affordable headphone amps under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
ART Headamp 6 Pro
by
ART
Critical Listening
Audiophile Setup
Studio Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Multiple headphone outputs available
✓ PROS
- • Improved headphone performance
- • Multiple headphone outputs available
✗ CONS
- • Requires additional desk space
- • May not be needed for all headphones
ART Headamp 6 Pro6-Channel Headphone AmplifierBass and treble separately adjustable8-Segment LED chains for each...
⭐
4.6/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 225688
$362
#2
⭐
4.7/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Presonus HP60
by
Presonus
Audiophile Setup
Multiple Headphones
High Impedance
Key Feature:
• Dedicated headphone amplification
✓ PROS
- • Dedicated headphone amplification
- • Professional monitoring capability
✗ CONS
- • Power consumption consideration
- • Additional cost and complexity
Presonus HP606-Channel headphone amplifier6x Independent ultra low-noise headphone amplifier150 mW per channelWith...
⭐
4.7/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 139710
$329
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
ART Headamp 6
by
ART
Critical Listening
Audiophile Setup
Multiple Headphones
Key Feature:
• Dedicated headphone amplification
✓ PROS
- • High-quality audio reproduction
- • Improved headphone performance
✗ CONS
- • Learning curve for optimal settings
- • Requires additional desk space
ART Headamp 66 Channel Headphone AmplifierSix independent headphone amplifiers with high output powerPossibility of...
⭐
4.9/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 246001
$307
#4
⭐
4.4/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Lake People G103-P MKII
by
Lake People
High Impedance
Professional Recording
Multiple Headphones
Key Feature:
• High-quality audio reproduction
✓ PROS
- • Professional monitoring capability
- • Dedicated headphone amplification
✗ CONS
- • Requires additional desk space
- • May not be needed for all headphones
Lake People G103-P MKIIStereo Headphone Amplifier5-Fold internally switchable gain (-6 / 0 / +6 / +12 / +18 dB) for low...
⭐
4.4/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 533178
$362
#5
⭐
4.8/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Apogee Groove Anniversary Edition
by
Apogee
Audiophile Setup
Studio Monitoring
Multiple Headphones
Key Feature:
• Dedicated headphone amplification
✓ PROS
- • Multiple headphone outputs available
- • High-quality audio reproduction
✗ CONS
- • May not be needed for all headphones
- • Additional cost and complexity
Apogee Groove Anniversary EditionUSB 2.0 DAC and Headphone AmplifierSpecial edition limited to 250 pieces worldwideUp...
⭐
4.8/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 587486
$307
#6
⭐
4.9/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Rolls RA-62c
by
Rolls
High Impedance
Studio Monitoring
Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• High-quality audio reproduction
✓ PROS
- • Professional monitoring capability
- • Improved headphone performance
✗ CONS
- • Additional cost and complexity
- • Learning curve for optimal settings
Rolls RA-62c6-Channel Headphone AmplifierFor professional monitoring in studiosStudio and live6 Jack inputs (insert)XLR...
⭐
4.9/5
(33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 138399
$417
#7
⭐
5.0/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Fostex HP-A3mk2
by
Fostex
Professional Recording
Audiophile Setup
Multiple Headphones
Key Feature:
• Multiple headphone outputs available
✓ PROS
- • High-quality audio reproduction
- • Multiple headphone outputs available
✗ CONS
- • May not be needed for all headphones
- • Learning curve for optimal settings
Fostex HP-A3mk2Headphone Amplifier and D/A ConverterWith USB interfaceConversion 24 bit / 192 kHzPower supply via USB...
⭐
5.0/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619173
$439
#8
⭐
4.5/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Lake People G103-S MKII
by
Lake People
High Impedance
Studio Monitoring
Audiophile Setup
Key Feature:
• Multiple headphone outputs available
✓ PROS
- • Professional monitoring capability
- • Dedicated headphone amplification
✗ CONS
- • Additional cost and complexity
- • Power consumption consideration
Lake People G103-S MKIIHeadphone AmplifierA 5-fold internally switchable gain (-6 / 0 / +6 / +12 / +18 dB) for low to...
⭐
4.5/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 533296
$307
How to Choose the Best Headphone Amps
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced headphone amps typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
