Studio headphones are essential equipment for musicians, sound engineers, podcasters, and anyone who works with audio in a professional or home studio. Whether you are looking for a Bluetooth or wired pair of studio headphones, you will want to get a good pair of headphones that offer high-quality, accurate sound, and sound reproduction, with minimal sound leakage—hence researching “the best studio headphones.”
As either a beginner or a longtime audiophile, you will want to use headphones that are comfortable and durable, in order to give yourself the best listening experience possible. As far as comfort goes, you will need to decide between open-back-design or closed-back design headphones, and whether you want swivel ear cups (earpieces) or not. We did our research and now bring you the 10 best studio headphones available on the market.
There are a lot of great headphones out there, but if you are new in this field, it can be a challenge to choose the best headphones for your particular style of music production. Whether you are an up-and-coming artist or a professional musician, using the best studio headphones will give you the best results from studio use. Read on to see some of the key features that make these headphones great for the studio.
The Best Studio Headphones | Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are Studio Headphones?
- Who Uses Studio Headphones?
- What Are the Different Types of Studio Headphones?
- Can They Be Used With Other Devices?
- What Factors Should You Consider When Buying Studio Headphones?
1. What Are Studio Headphones?
This is a pair of headphones designed to be used in the recording studio. They let the recording professional hear the entire frequency range in all the various tracks while blocking unwanted sounds.
The difference between studio headphones and consumer-grade headphones is the higher quality of sound, the crispness of each individual track, with the goal of making critical listening as easy and as comfortable as possible for the music producer, no matter the audio interface.
This type of headphones will optimize the listening experience, compared to consumer headphones by delivering more accurate sound, rather than boosting certain frequencies for a better overall sound. As a musician, you want to be able to trust what you’re heading in the headphones.
2. Who Uses Studio Headphones?
Studio headphones are mostly used in a studio set up. They are used by musicians, sound engineers, DJs, podcasters, and other professionals in the audio production industry.
3. What Are the Different Types of Studio Headphones?
There are two main types of studio headphones: open back headphones and closed-back headphones.
Open back headphones are the best studio headphones for people who do a lot of mixing.
Closed-back headphones aim to completely cancel the sound that comes from the speakers. It is, therefore, ideal when using a microphone, or when creating/playing in a noisy area such as playing on a stage for a live audience.
There is a 3rd type of headphone as well, which is less common: semi-open back. These are a combination of open back and closed back.
4. Can They Be Used With Other Devices?
Studio headphones can be used with smartphones, laptops, music consoles, and other compatible devices, whether by Bluetooth or wires. Really, they can be used just like any other pair of headphones.
5. What Factors Should You Consider When Buying Studio Headphones?
The main factors to consider are your budget and the sound quality of the headphones. With such a wide range of headphones available on the market, it is wise to state your budget first. Ask yourself, “What is my price point?” And go from there.
You will find a range of closed-back and open-back studio headphones in every price range. Once you have determined how much you would like to budget for a pair of studio headphones, you can then see which brand of products have options available for you.
Perhaps you have used headphones in the past, whether studio-quality, or just for listening to and enjoying music, and you may already have a favorite brand.
In this case, it may be wise to first look into what your favorite trusted brand has to offer first unless you have been unhappy in the past and are looking for something new.
Many brands offer headphones at all different price points, based on quality of sound as well as durability. It may be wise to budget a little more money for a higher quality product that will last longer than a product at a lower price point.
How We Reviewed the Studio Headphones on This List
It can be difficult for most people to differentiate regular headphones from studio headphones. That is why we took the initiative to review the best studio headphones for you. These headphones were reviewed based on their features, pros and cons, price, where to buy, and warranty.
Overall Price Range of the Following Studio Headphones
The overall price range of the best studio headphones is $50 to $500. Higher priced studio headphones deliver superior sound performance compared to cheaper headphones.
What Studio Headphones We Reviewed
- Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone
- Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
- Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphones
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Headphones
- Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic Closed Headphones
- Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
- Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
- AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open Over-Ear Professional Studio Headphones
Sennheiser HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone
Features
These studio headphones stand out from the rest because of their superior quality and unique features.
The headphones are designed to ensure precision damping. In addition, they have improved frequency response of 10—39,500 Hz (-10dB). To guarantee a fast transient response, the headphones have lightweight aluminum voice coils.
The quality of this studio headset is further enhanced by optimized magnet systems, which guarantee minimum harmonic and intermodulation distortion. These features make this Sennheiser HD 650 one of the best studio headphones on the market.
Pros
- Comfortable design
- THD to 0.05 percent
- Detailed sound quality
Cons
- On the higher-priced side of this list
Price $$$
Warranty
This studio headset has a two-year warranty.
Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone
Features
This is another Sennheiser headphone that is great for the studio. There are many similarities with the Sennheiser HD 650, making it equally one of the best studio headphones.
The headphones have lightweight voice coils, which guarantee great transient response.
In addition, it has neodymium ferrous magnets which maintain excellent dynamics and optimum sensitivity.
These headphones are ideal for mixing engineers.
Pros
- High resolution
- Comfortable
- Sophisticated design
Cons
- On the higher-priced side of this list
Price $$$
Warranty
These headphones have a warranty of two years.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Features
These are one of the best studio headphones on a budget. They are an ideal unit for upcoming artists or if you are looking for a quality yet affordable studio headphone. This set has been praised by pro audio reviewers and studio engineers and is, therefore, a worthy investment.
The headphones have 45 mm drivers, copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, and rare earth magnets. The headphones guarantee you exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range.
The circumaural design contours provide excellent sound isolation when using the headphones in loud environments. In addition, the headband material delivers comfort.
Pros
- Extended frequency range
- Affordable
- Exceptional sound quality
- Circumaural
Cons
- No wireless option
Price $
Warranty
These headphones have a two-year limited end user warranty.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Features
If you are looking for quality headphones for professional mixing, try the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphone.
The headphone’s pure and high resolution sound makes it the perfect choice for studio recordings. The headphone is comfortable with soft and replaceable velour ear pads.
The headphone has the main features that you’d be looking for in a studio headphone—over-ear design and closed back. At the back of the headphone’s ear cups, there is a placard that bears the name of the headphone.
The headphone delivers great sound quality and is great at rendering fine details. At its reasonable price, this is one of the best studio headphones on the market.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- Permanently attachable cable
Price $
Warranty
These headphones come with a two-year warranty.
Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphones
Features
This is a more affordable unit of the Sennheiser brand. This is a closed-ear headphone with up to 32dB attenuation. In addition, it is designed to be lightweight and comfortable with an ergonomic design. The comfort on your ears is enhanced by the padded ear cups.
If you are always on the move, this is an ideal headphone because of its folding design. You can fold the ear cups into the headband or pivot them to fold flat. With that achieved, the headphone becomes a portable package.
The headphone has a heavy-duty design that makes it durable. In addition, you can easily replace some parts of this headphone and therefore increase its lifespan. Replaceable parts include audio cord, headband padding, and ear pads. The cable cord is 9.8 feet long when extended and 3.3 feet when coiled.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Great noise isolation
- Professional build quality
- Accurate and clean audio
Cons
- Fit can be tight for large head sizes
- Heavy coiled and non-detachable cable
Price $
Warranty
Like the other Sennheiser headphones in this review, this unit comes with a two-year warranty.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Features
This is another great choice for professional mixing, editing, and mastering. In addition, the headphone’s strong bass and treble make it ideal for studio applications. This is also one of the more affordable units in this review.
Almost the entire headphone is made of plastic, except for the metal band that suspends the ear cups. Despite this material makeup, the headphone is extremely comfortable. The memory foam padding makes them fluffy and plush.
At its price tag, these headphones will give you exceptional sound quality that will blow your mind away.
The headphones are made in Germany with robust workmanship that makes them strong and durable. With a frequency response of -5-35.000 Hz, this is one of the best studio headphones for both beginners and professionals. The headphones produce the best sound for the lowest price.
Pros
- Exceptionally wide frequency
- Affordable
- Strong bass presence
- Comfortable fit
- Decent soundstage
Cons
- Build quality
Price $
Warranty
These headphones have a two-year warranty.
Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic Closed Headphones
Features
This is a simple yet great performing headphone that also comes at an affordable price. You’ll not require batteries for this headphone, giving you an environmentally responsible product. It is also foldable for easy storage and portability.
This headphone is designed for people who frequent noisy environments, such as trumpet players and drummers. The headphones can stand up to very high noise levels and isolate the sound. In addition, the ear cushions act as an effective barrier between your live microphones and the speakers of the headphone.
The headphone features color-coded felt inserts. For example, the red insert indicates the channel. You’ll therefore not have to look around for R on the plastic molding.
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Basic design
Price $
Warranty
These headphones have a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Features
From the popular Sony brand comes this great set of headphones that produce powerful and detailed sound. This superb sound quality is enabled by the 40 mm drivers and Neodymium magnets.
The headphone is very comfortable, with the closed-ear design also guaranteeing the reduction of external noises.
This unit is easy to fold and, therefore, the ideal choice when traveling. You can put it in the provided soft case for increased portability. The headphone comes with a 9.8-foot long cable that is non-detachable. The cable has a gold-plated plug at the end. An adapter is also included.
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Foldable
- Soft case for portability
- Affordable
Cons
- Nondetachable cable
- Plastic build
- Not for bass heads
Price $
Warranty
These headphones come with a 90-day limited warranty.
Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
Features
This is one of the best studio headphones you should try because of their outstanding quality and features. With 40 mm neodymium drivers, expect superior acoustic performance from this unit. The headphones deliver clear, extended highs as well as warm bass.
The headphones have a lightweight construction that mainly comprises aluminum alloy and carbon fiber cap. These materials also make the headphones more durable.
The headphones have a closed-back, circumaural design that enables the unit to rest comfortably over the ears. It also reduces background noise. The padded headband is lightweight to make the headphones more comfortable. The headband is also adjustable.
These headphones come with a hard storage case, a gold-plated adapter, two detachable cables, and additional pairs of Alcantara ear pads.
These headphones perform superbly. The sonic presentation is easy on the ears, and the balance never leans on any side of the neutral.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Outstanding sound quality
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- On the more expensive end of this list
Price $$$
Warranty
These headphones have a two-year warranty.
AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open Over-Ear Professional Studio Headphones
Features
This is a simple headphone—if you are looking for headphones with a basic design great performance, these are a good choice.
This professional studio headphone features a 3m replaceable cable. In addition, the headphone is semi-open. This AKG K240 is an updated version of the AKG K 240 model.
This amended version comes with heightened sensitivity as well as an extended dynamic range. Material-wise, these headphones are all-plastic.
The headphones deliver detailed and clean mids and highs. Guitars sound great. Vocals also sound perfect. Wind instruments and cymbals sound superb.
These headphones come with a 6.3mm adapter in addition to the 10-foot detachable cable. If you are looking for cheap headphones that will give you quality service at the studio, you’ll never be disappointed with AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open Over-Ear Professional Studio Headphone.
Pros
- Affordable
- 55 Ohms
- Semi-open design
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not ideal for bass heads
- Not sound-isolating
Price $
Warranty
These headphones come with a three-year warranty. This warranty is valid in all countries except Canada and the United States of America.
Our Verdict: The Best Studio Headphones
As a musician, you want to produce great music. These standards require the use of only the best equipment and devices at the studio. This list of the 10 best studio headphones on the market gives you several options to choose from. There are both cheap and high-end headphones, open back and closed back headphones, as well as those with and without isolation. The choice is yours.
Our Pick: the Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
Our pick for the overall best studio headphones is the Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones. We chose these because this pair of headphones offers unmatched sound quality. In addition, this headphone is very comfortable over the ears, reduces background noise, has a lightweight construction, and features a fully adjustable headband.
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Our Budget Choice: The DT 990 Pro 250ohm Headphones
If our first choice is outside of your budget, the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pros are a fantastic alternative at a fraction of the price. These open-back headphones are great reference headphones, as they have a flat frequency response (which is what you should always be going for as a creator/mixer/DJ/etc.
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