Samson SR850
The semi-open back and 50mm drivers deliver a 10Hz–30kHz frequency response with 98dB sensitivity for accurate monitoring without total isolation. At just 276 grams and often found for under $50, these headphones combine lasting comfort with a durable build that belies their budget price. They’re best for budget-conscious podcast editors and aspiring mixing engineers who need clear, unfatiguing sound for long sessions.
Snapshot
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q4 201773/100
Buyers praised the sound quality and value, but noted mediocre build, noisy cord, and open-back design that leaks sound.
- Excellent sound quality and clarity for the price.
- Bright high end; midrange subdued; bass flat and tight.
- Mediocre build quality; cord and hoops are noisy.
- Open-back design leaks sound and lets in room noise.
- Q4 201690/100
Buyers praised the comfortable fit, clear sound, and great value. Some noted minor pressure after long wear and lack of volume control.
- Excellent sound quality with clear, balanced audio and good bass.
- Very comfortable for extended wear, though some pressure after hours.
- Great value and build quality for the price, especially for open-back design.
- No volume control on headphones; larger size than expected by some.
Based on 30 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | semi-open |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.0 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | Velour |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 50 |
| Freq Min | 10 |
| Freq Max | 30000 |
| Impedance | 32 |
| Sensitivity | 98 |
| Codecs | Samson SR850 Professional Studio Reference Headphones, 10Hz-30kHz Frequency Response |
Noise Control
| Transparency | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Cable Length | 2.5 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Samson SR850 | JBL Tune 670NC | Soundcore Life Q20 | TOZO HT3 | QCY H3 PRO | Sennheiser ACCENTUM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | on-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 50 | 32 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 37 |
| Impedance Ohms | 32 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 32 | - |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | semi-open | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 70 | 60 | 90 | 55 | 50 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samson SR850 | 68.8 | 20.3 | 37.4 | 88 | 51.4 | 10.1 | 71.1 | 26.6 | 89.2 |
| JBL Tune 670NC Compare | 98.4 | 74.3 | 80.7 | 88.3 | 95.4 | 90.7 | 81.8 | 99.4 | 98.6 |
| Soundcore Life Q20 Compare | 95 | 88.8 | 89.1 | 100 | 92.9 | 90.7 | 96 | 91.2 | 89.2 |
| TOZO HT3 Compare | 91.7 | 88.8 | 96 | 99.1 | 98.1 | 61.3 | 96 | 97.5 | 94.7 |
| QCY H3 PRO Compare | 98.4 | 87 | 93.3 | 93.5 | 91 | 61.3 | 93 | 98.9 | 89.2 |
| Sennheiser ACCENTUM Compare | 95 | 83.9 | 37.4 | 96.9 | 88.9 | 61.3 | 53.2 | 89.3 | 82.9 |
