Samson SR850 Review

Semi-Open Studio Headphones

143,877 reviews

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 143,877 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Samson SR850. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Samson SR850. For example, 91% of 70,237 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Samson SR850 have given positive feedback.

91%
Sound quality
91% of users are satisfied, based on 70,237 reviews
84%
Comfort
84% of users are satisfied, based on 56,912 reviews
91%
Value for money
91% of users are satisfied, based on 56,221 reviews
77%
Durability
77% of users are satisfied, based on 29,284 reviews
56%
Noise cancellation
56% of users are satisfied, based on 28,612 reviews
81%
Quality of material
81% of users are satisfied, based on 21,672 reviews
69%
Sturdiness
69% of users are satisfied, based on 14,586 reviews
91%
Bass quality
91% of users are satisfied, based on 14,003 reviews
81%
Volume control
81% of users are satisfied, based on 14,001 reviews
83%
For gaming
83% of users are satisfied, based on 13,896 reviews
70%
Noise Level
70% of users are satisfied, based on 6,956 reviews
84%
Style
84% of users are satisfied, based on 6,948 reviews
90%
Sheerness
90% of users are satisfied, based on 6,944 reviews
94%
Easy to use
94% of users are satisfied, based on 6,924 reviews
Average Rating (143,877 ratings)
89%
Amazon.ca ( 7,639 ratings )
86%
Amazon.com.mx ( 7,624 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com ( 7,077 ratings )
90%
Amazon.co.uk ( 6,962 ratings )
90%
Amazon.es ( 6,956 ratings )
88%
Amazon.eg ( 6,954 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sa ( 6,953 ratings )
90%
Amazon.ae ( 6,953 ratings )
90%
Amazon.it ( 6,948 ratings )
90%
Amazon.de ( 6,944 ratings )
88%
Amazon.in ( 6,934 ratings )
88%
Amazon.com.au ( 6,927 ratings )
90%
Amazon.fr ( 6,926 ratings )
90%
Amazon.se ( 6,925 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.br ( 6,924 ratings )
90%
Amazon.nl ( 6,924 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.tr ( 6,922 ratings )
90%
Amazon.pl ( 6,922 ratings )
90%
Amazon.co.jp ( 6,922 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sg ( 6,922 ratings )
90%
Amazon.cn ( 3,269 ratings )
90%
B&H Photo Video ( 282 ratings )
90%
SweetWater ( 33 ratings )
90%
Adorama ( 29 ratings )
94%
Reverb ( 6 ratings )
97%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 100 Reviews

Seriously, Audiophile grade sound.

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Oct 3, 2018

Reviewed by Phil on B&H Photo Video

I have been a Audiophile for 35 years. However I'm not a snob or hold the opinion that audio equipment needs to be expensive to " Qualify "! I do believe that the sound should be replicated as close to the original sound signature as when recorded. Any critical listener will attest that the Samson SR850 Semi-Open Studio Reference Headphones, do that impeccably. I listened to the SR850'S plugged directly in to a pixel phone also using a Google Chromebox with a FIIO Klimanjaro headphone amp. Straight out of the box the SR850'S where plugged into the FIIO'S AMP through the chromebox, subjected to the following regimen. Pink noise, Brown noise, sub bass noise, White noise.....Ending its 70 hours of burn in with 8D tunes, all varieties. Now was my time to listen , i started with Tracy Chapman, She's got her ticket. the mid's where dead on, and centered in the top of my head. the bass was accurate and had a punch! the highs were bright but not tinny or hard on the ears, they blended. The sound stage is huge and each instrument was in it's appropriate spot. Robert Plant's Ship of fools, up next the detail so incredible I truly forgot I was listening through headphones! The realism is beautiful in Art of Noise..." Moments In Love" as well as Beat Box. i had the Amp on 4 out of 10. bass boost off. WoW I thought the Sennheiser 598 HD sounded great ( The Do ) but the SR850 HEADPHONE actually sound similar. I did not expect this level of performance out of these $30 can's! They sounded equally as nice plugged directly into my Google Pixel phone. At 32 ohms they are easy to drive. EXCEPTIONAL HEADPHONES, ****** Thank you, Phillip Smith . ... More

SAMSON SR850 Semi-Open Studio Reference

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

May 26, 2010

Reviewed by Average Joe music listener on B&H Photo Video

Samson describes these cans as studio reference; but in my opinion that is an optimistic stretch. Considering their discount price these are the best headphones for the money, but they do not rise to the level of studio reference. Bass is more than adequate, mids are somewhat flat, the upper registers slightly tinny but overall very good sound. The 32 ohm phones are easy to drive to deafening levels. They are quite accurate in sound delivery. Good isolation with oversized 50mm drivers and a decent soundstage depth derived from the semi-open design. If you listen via earbuds/earphones try these discount cans. The SR850's are one of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. Even after 6 hours, there is no discomfort or fatigue from extended listening sessions. Great is an understatement for the cost. Everyone should have a pair in their audio equipment inventory.I cannot speak on durability only having the SR850's for two days; but they appear to be able to withstand regular daily use. A must buy. ... More

Only minor complaints

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Jul 7, 2021

Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video

The headphones are well-built, with sturdy-feeling plastic components. I do wish the cable was a tiny bit thicker, and I REALLY wish it was removable at the headphone end, but it is very long so that's at least a merit in my book. The horizontal tension on the headset itself is a little high for my comfort, and I wish there was an option to adjust that, but I understand that at the price that would be asking a bit much. The earcup material itself is quite nice, but the material inside that sits on the actual speaker was a bit scratchy and uncomfortable, so I just trimmed out a couple circles of soft, silky fabric from some loose cloth I had around and tucked them behind the earcups and in front of the original foam piece and it worked just fine. They've never even slipped out, and I never noticed ear irritation after that. They have good quality audio. Not mind-blowing, but better than your everyday cheap earbuds, and unless you're an audiophile or doing actual professional sound mixing, anything more expensive is probably not worth it. I think above all, the non-adjustable tension is my biggest complaint, and it caused me the most annoyance upon first receiving them. Even now, though it has gotten better, I still notice slight headaches from time to time and have to adjust where they're sitting on my head. Still, at $50 they're probably worth it, and at the $25 I got them on sale at, they're VERY worth it. ... More

These are great!

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Dec 16, 2014

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Bought these for my husband as a birthday gift. He is very particular about his headphones because he uses them for listening to all types of music, plays shooter games and uses them while watching movies at night. He tells me that they are the best headphones he has had in years and that they are better than ones that he has paid more than $100 for. They have excellent sound throughout the whole range; they are great for positional awareness in games; and they are wonderful for movies and music. The only thing to be aware of is that they are well-balanced and are NOT bass-heavy! Explosions, gun fire and such sound great in both movies and games, but if you like more bass than not, then these are probably not for you. Also note that there is no in-line volume control, so my husband bought an extension cable with one and he is very happy. You should also know that the ear coverings on these are the new model's velvet cushion, not the plastic shown in the photo at the time I bought these. ... More

Disappointing

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Mar 26, 2021

Reviewed by Edwin on B&H Photo Video

There's a lot of talk about this headphones online. People compare them to more expensive alternatives. I think they're fine, but they didn't meet my expectations. The SR850 have better sound stage than my old Sony headphones, but the sony have cleaner highs and they were $20. I'm surprised at how dirty the highs sound on the SR850. Female singers sound terrible in these. I'm not sure if I got a pair of lemons or if that's how they're supposed to sound. Also the 3.5mm plug doesn't fit well inside the audio jack, you can lose audio on one side if you pull it a little. I got to recognize that I bought these blue ones (BH exclusive) which were $10 cheaper than the black ones, maybe the black ones are the real deal. BTW, If you want good base look somewhere else. Hopefully an EQ can fix some of these issues. ... More

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Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)
$49.99
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Samson SR850C Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Black)
$34.99
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Samson SR850C Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Black)
Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones Kit (3-Pack, Blue)
$99.97
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Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones Kit (3-Pack, Blue)
Samson SR850 Semi-open Studio Headphones
$34.99
SweetWater
Samson SR850 Semi-open Studio Headphones
Samson SR850 Professional Studio Reference Headphones
$49.99
Adorama
Samson SR850 Professional Studio Reference Headphones
Samson SR850 SR Series Semi-Open Back Over-ear Studio Headphones
$38.49
Reverb
Samson SR850 SR Series Semi-Open Back Over-ear Studio Headphones
Samson SR850 SR Series Semi-Open Back Over-ear Studio Headphones
$44.99
Reverb
Samson SR850 SR Series Semi-Open Back Over-ear Studio Headphones
Samson SR850 Studio Reference Headphones Open Air (single pack)
$49.99
Musicians Friend
Samson SR850 Studio Reference Headphones Open Air (single pack)
Samson SR850 Studio Reference Headphones Open Air (single pack)
$49.99
Guitar Center
Samson SR850 Studio Reference Headphones Open Air (single pack)

Good Value. Using them for Vocal Tracking

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Apr 29, 2021

Reviewed by Gordon on B&H Photo Video

I was looking for some reasonably priced open back or semi-open back headphones for vocal tracking in my home studio. These do a good job. They're well made. The ear cushions do get a bit warm--as other reviewers have noted--but on the whole they're comfortable. So how do they sound? They sound good. Not fantastic, but good. The high end is not as open as what I get from my Grados, but the Samson phones handle attacks and transients better. They're pretty efficient, so it doesn't take too much to drive them. I wouldn't recommend them for mixing (speakers are always better for that anyway), but if you're on a tight budget they might be OK. On the whole, I'm singing better with the Samsons, and that's what I was looking for. (And yes, I know that you're supposed to wear closed back phones for tracking vocals. But open or semi-open phones sound better, and using a mic with a tight pattern--a Shure SM7B, for example--the bleed from the phones is nearly inaudible.) ... More

Very Good Budget Cans

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Jun 5, 2011

Reviewed by young seok s. on B&H Photo Video

my 5* rating is based on price to performance ratio.. yes there are better sounding headphones out there,,in fact so many of them,,,but for the price its hard to beat,,.. must realize that it is a semi opened design so your not gonna get a very good isolation but will give u a good soundstage than a closed back design.. I have a Audio Technica M50's ,and though M50's are better, i sometimes feel for certain songs its sounds much better on the samson. They use the same drivers as the Superlux version, if you can find them i would get those...but this samson will do fine and then some, for beginner audiophiles... ... More

This is my second pair for good reason!

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Apr 28, 2021

Reviewed by Nico on B&H Photo Video

Second pair and I use them everyday for work. I wear them most the day and they are comfortable; I can tell when I take them off that I had headphones on but they don't bother me while on. I like the semi open design so I can still hear outside noises, like people walking into the room while I'm working. I also like the way the sound feels more full when listening to music or movie. So if you need to remain aware of your external surroundings while still enjoying good sound I recommend these. This is my second pair because my first pairs wire started to show where the wire and headphones connect. I have had this pair for well over 3 years and they have been shoved in a backpack with less thoughtfulness then I should have given them. They still work but when I saw the chance to get a new pair on sale I jumped at it. ... More

Amazing headphones for the price.

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Mar 2, 2015

Reviewed by Melvin on B&H Photo Video

I use these headphones for listening to music.I own a pair grado headphones that cost more than these and I think the Samson SR850 sounds better.I have about 20 hours of break in on these and they sound pretty good right out the box.People say they will sound even better after 100 to 200 hours.I have on ear and closed back headphones but wanted a semi-open set.The samsons sound more open and airy with a wide sounstage.After the break in period if they start sounding any better,then great.The bass goes good and low with great mid range and the highs are just perfect,not bright at all.Also they are very comfortable.I've listened to music for 3 to 4 hours without any discomfort.I think they are truely amazing headphones for the price. ... More

Holy cow, how can these sound so good...

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Mar 21, 2018

Reviewed by Zak B. on B&H Photo Video

Wasn't expecting much, despite reading many a glowing review...but WOW. These are so very awesome. The sound is very flat, so you can use them in the studio without worry, or else use EQ to tweak them to taste. They're comfortable, too; the velour-ish earcup material feels really soft. Despite the open-back design I have used them to record vocals with no noticeable bleed into the mic. Factoring in the price of these headphones, I can't think of a single thing wrong with them, If I had a proper studio I'd order 20 pairs just to have around.

Surprisingly Good!

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Mar 25, 2020

Reviewed by Giorgi on B&H Photo Video

I bought this for everyday use on my PC and listening to music while editing photos. I also do some video editing and was planning to buy expensive headphones later for this purpose but those inexpensive headphones are just perfect for video editing too. I didn't believe when read it's description about being Studio Headphones but it is very good indeed. The only drawback is cable that cable cannot be disconnected from headphones. It is very long and I wanted to replace with shorter but no. It is what it is. Long cable is on the desk but still sound quality is sufficient to give it 5 stars. ... More

In my opinion, great budget phones for mixing.

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Mar 6, 2018

Reviewed by Richard Carafelli on B&H Photo Video

Recently purchased Samson SR850 headphones for mixing music on my DAW. I find these headphones excellent for music mixing. Although they are very strong in the high range, they still carry good bass, and are better for mixing than my Sennheiser phones. They closely match my near-field monitors,(M-Audio BX5), in tonal range, giving me an accurate reference. Extremely comfortable as well. For the price, these are great headphones-- highly recommended!

A bargain at $$ is an understatement!

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Sep 2, 2015

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I bought these headphones as one phase of my return to vinyl journey, and was not disappointed. These are not for listening to your iPod as you zone out in science class. I would describe them as high quality studio headphones, designed to reproduce a recording clearly and accurately. As I see it, this is how the musicians and sound mixers intended you to hear their performance. If you have a decent (but not necessarily expensive) turntable and receiver, you are in for a treat. You don't need $500 headphones to enjoy great music. And bassheads should have no fear - these guys can rock the bass without sacrificing mids and highs. I am very happy with these 'phones and highly recommend them! ... More

Excellent headphones for the money!

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Nov 23, 2022

Reviewed by Jack on B&H Photo Video

I'm a bit of a headphone nut and have a collection of probably 20 headphones from different manufacturers and price points - going from $20 headphones to one costing in excess of $1200.00. I realized I did not have a Samson headphone in my collection. I must say I'm impressed by this unit. Given that they are studio headphone, the sound is very balanced with good bass and very pleasant high notes that are never shrill or fatiguing. For the money, these cannot be beat!

Like AKG but...

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Apr 18, 2021

Reviewed by Greg on B&H Photo Video

These look like my favorite 25 year old AKG headphones. The floating strap top support is usually more comfortable than padded designs that create a small painful contact point on the crown of my head. The sound is similar as well. Open and detailed without boosted bass and thumping. Perfect for my music tastes. Unlike the old AKG that require a powerful amplifier, these can be driven by my phone. Negative. Smaller size creates a tight fit on my large head. Just a bit larger and less tension on the support wires would be perfect

Amazing budget option!

Samson SR850 SR Series Semi-Open Back Over-ear Studio Headphones Review

Samson SR850 SR Series Semi-Open Back Over-ear Studio Headphones

Sep 28, 2020

Reviewed by Frank O. on Reverb

Bedroom guitar player by nature. Have a silent pedalboard setup that used to go into 7 year old gaming headphones. All I can say is that this might be the best <$50 purchase I've made for my tone. My ears aren't assaulted by oversaturated bass. I have an eq pedal that was constantly on with the bass at min and treble up to compensate for the flubby boom of the bass in my ears. That eq pedal has been turned off since these. It's got a nice flat response. May be placebo but I feel like I just sound better through these . And they're lightweight and comfy. No more headphone shopping for me! ... More

Adequate headphones, for a very decent price

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Feb 7, 2022

Reviewed by Howard on B&H Photo Video

For me, most definitely I am not a stereo phonics snob, I just need a pair of adequate and comfortable headphones! My listening pleasure, at this time goes no further probably than what I can gather on YouTube or any other musical source. I just need something to curl up in a corner with my laptop and be all by myself and my own little world and these work! Fairly rugged, I do bang them around a bit, if I get a year or two off them I'll be happy. This is where the good deal price from B&H really counts. ... More

Great entry level headphones

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Dec 22, 2020

Reviewed by Archer on B&H Photo Video

I was initially introduced to these by a classmate in my undergrad, who basically shoved them onto any willing person's head. I was impressed then and they continue to impress, especially at the price point. If you're looking for open backs and don't want to drop the money for Sennheiser or Audio Technica, these are a great place to start. Very balanced for the price, and they don't require an amp.

Surprisingly good circumaural headphones

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Oct 29, 2020

Reviewed by Justin on B&H Photo Video

I'm really liking these headphones. I purchased them for half off along with an audio capture device, so I wasn't expecting much. However, these headphones have very good audio quality. They really have a great range. Additionally, they are very comfortable to wear. The soft padded materials they use are nice and cozy on the ears. I also like the included 6.35mm adapter which screws on top of the standard built-in 3.5mm is a good feature that makes the connection at least feel more secure. Overall, I'm impressed.

Good heapdphones

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue) Review

Samson SR850B Semi-Open Studio Headphones (Blue)

Feb 21, 2019

Reviewed by geo on B&H Photo Video

I like the design of the headphones, the sound is good as well. The only thing that I dont like is that they are a little small for my head. Is not comfortable for me to use them for a long period of time. Is squeezing my head too much. I wish they would be a little bigger or to have the option to adjust them. For the money that I payed I think is a good product.

Showing 1 to 20 of 100 Reviews