• The Best Studio Headphones for 2021. We break down the various styles of studio, DJ, and pro-audio headphones, and serve up our top-rated reviews to help you find the right pair.
• The best studio headphones that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These very popular wired over-ears are well-known within the recording community. They provide amazing value and feel surprisingly well-built and durable despite their relatively low price point.

Bottom-line, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO is probably the best audio interface for home studio for a singer-songwriter, composer, or beatmaker. Also mixing and mastering engineers will find this powerful, offering a truly professional level sound quality. Definitely a recommended buy.

With so many options available, finding the best studio headphones can be a complicated task.
They all have something unique to offer and finding the best pair can seem overwhelming and complex at first.
Luckily, we’ve done all of the research for you!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with headphones, here is a quick intro to get you started:
Simply put, there are two main categories of studio headphones: open-back and closed-back.
Closed-back headphones are the most common and widely used in the music industry. The ear cup is completely closed off, and the pad forms a seal around your ear.
This keeps the sounds inside your headphones instead of leaking out into the space around you.
Their purpose is for you to listen closely to your tones and mix and to make sure everything’s perfect, panned, and balanced.
They’re great for mixing in noisy environments, as they drown out unwanted noises and keep the sound tight and focused in your ears.
As a result, the bass frequencies are exaggerated, and the soundstage (the acoustic realism of the overall sound in the headphones) won’t sound quite as large or natural as open-back headphones.
Furthermore, this can cause ear fatigue during prolonged sessions, as all of the sounds are trapped in the earcup.
Because you’ll be able to hear any and all outside sounds, open-back headphones are perfect if you’re in quiet environment.
But they also let sounds escape into the space around you, which means that your soundstage will feel more genuine, wide, and natural.
Both work! It just depends on what you need for your own purposes.
Closed-back headphones are always the safe bet if you’re not sure that you’ll always be in a quiet environment.
On the other hand, if you only do all of you producing in a quiet studio, then open-backs are better. This is because you’ll have a wider and more natural-sounding soundstage, as well as bass frequencies that aren’t overpowering.
We’ve come up with a list of five of each type of headphone and ensured that they provide the highest quality sound.
Enjoy the list!

Closed-Back Best Studio Headphones

1.Sennheiser HD 280 Pro [99.95 USD]

By far, these are the best studio headphones for producers on a tight budget!
From a technical perspective, these are one of the best options if you’re looking for a solid pair of losed-back headphones.
They treat the lows, mids, and highs almost perfectly equal! The HD 280’s don’t color the sound, and they have a very clean character to them.
However, you often get what you pay for in the music business, and although being great in sound quality, the HD 280 Pros lack in comfort and aesthetics.
They’re not incredibly adjustable, and the head clamp can sometimes be too tight. In fact, it could take weeks to adjust these properly to your ears.
The all-black and somewhat blocky look can turn some users away.
But if performance and budget is what’s important for you, then these should be your choice!
Check out the reviews from CNET and rtings.com.

2.Sony MDR-7506 [130 USD]

These headphones, the exact same model released all the way back in 1991, have reliably been used by giant acts such as Kaskade, Omar S, Paul van Dyk, and The Glitch Mob for decades!
They’re perhaps the closest competitor to the HD 280’s in terms of value.
Like the 280’s, they boast a mostly flat frequency response and clean character.
A little more expensive than their Sennheiser counterparts, but you get a lot more overall comfort with these.
Sony has remained with their “rugged design principles” for 26 years, with ultra-comfortable ear pads.
You can wear them for those long, grueling studio sessions and have no problems with pains coming from your head or precious ears.
They have a compact storage design and even come with a carrying bag.
Check out this review from HiFi Heaven for more.

3.Audio Technica ATH-M50X[149.99 USD]

No list that claims to have the best studio headphones would be complete without mentioning the ATH-M50Xs!
These headphones are the bread and butter of bedroom producers and professionals alike.
They’re used by some of the most famous producers on the planet such as Skrillex and Zedd.
By far, they are the best value when it comes to sound quality and money combined.
Similar to Rokit KRK-6 speakers, they apply a certain warmth and character to the sounds that make them more enjoyable to listen to.
Heavy in the low end and boosted in the mids, the high end is lacking at some key frequencies to prevent ear fatigue.
Strongly constructed for optimum comfort and adjustability, and with supreme aperture drivers and sound isolating earcups, this pair of headphones will give you the most bang for your buck.
Check out the reviews from head-fi and rtings.com.

4.Yamaha HPH-MT7 - Flat Response Headphones [169.99 USD]

One of the highest-fidelity options available, the Yamaha MT7’s are even better flat response headphones than the M50x’s.
This means that instead of too much bass coming through your ears, you’ll be able to hear all sounds in a balanced way!
Along with the M50x’s, these also have a high price-to-performance ratio.
Due to their high sound pressure levels and overall durability, they’re also optimized for a live performance setting.
They include movable earcups for single-ear monitoring, and Yamaha gives you a convenient carrying bag!
Watch drummer and producer Ralf Mersch show them off here and read this in-depth review from Sound On Sound for more information.

5.Focal Spirit Professional[349 USD]

We want to give you the option of purchasing some of the highest-fidelity headphones the industry has to offer!
Flume, a grammy-winning artist known for his mixes, uses this pair.
What’s exciting about these headphones is that in regards to their tone, it’s very realistic. This means that what you hear is exactly what’s going on. There’s no bass boosting, no lacking treble sounds, and perfect mids.

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The selling point here is that the Focal Spirit Professionals have one of the most detailed sounds available.
This means that if you can get your tracks sounding good on these, it’s likely your mix will sound good on nearly any device.
On top of an astonishingly accurate and precise sound, these headphones are the cheapest you’ll find in the realm of ultra-precise sounding headphones.
Like the 280 Pros, you’ll have to break these in before they’re comfortable, as the head clamp can be tight.
If you can afford high-fidelity headphones, these are the best bang for your buck.
Read the reviews from CNET for more.

Open-Back Best Studio Headphones

6.Samson SR850[49.99 USD]

For the open-back headphones, we’re starting you off with one of the best budget headphones for beginners!
The Samson SR850’s are notoriously low-priced for the quality they provide.
The sound quality does leave something to be desired, as the frequency response curve isn’t very flat and lacks in the low and sometimes even the high mids.
Sometimes, when pushed too loud, distortion occurs. This isn’t the case in higher end models, however.
What it lacks in sound quality can be somewhat made up for in comfort, as the earpieces are thick for long sessions.
Even with its flaws, the cheap price and comfort make this all a well-priced package that’s perfect for beginning producers on a budget!
Read this review from head-fi for more info.

7.AKG K240[67.99 USD]

Similar to the Samson HR850’s, this pair is about cutting cost with the least amount of quality loss. In fact, it’s one of the best headphones you can grab for under $100.
With a sleek and matte design, they don’t look cheap!
The sound quality isn’t quite as good as the higher-end models and will distort when pushed too loud.
The bass is a little louder than normal, and there are a few frequency spectrum dips and dives in the highs.
Still, mixing well on this set is very possible. And if you’re on a budget, these are a great option.
Check out the reviews from head-fi here.

8.Beyerdynamic DT 990 Professional[179 USD]

In the mid-range level of headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro’s are arguably the best studio headphones for people that need excellent clarity in the mid range while mixing.
The design itself is sleek, with a myriad of colors and gold-sheened open-back earpieces.
The ear comforters themselves are extremely thick, which makes them easy to wear during long studio sessions.
Sonically, they boast a large sound range (5hz-35khz) and a big, yet balanced bass presence.
Arty recommends them and Nicky Romero records with them. Hellberg also said on Instagram: “These are the headphones I use for producing and mixing. Love them, they are super clean and have an awesome “room” to ‘em!”
You won’t go wrong with these. Here are some reviews from rtings.com.

9.Shure SRH1840[399 USD]

Shure has taken their first dive into designing open-back headphones with the SRH1840’s.
This is one higher-end model you’ll want to consider.
They’re lightweight and durable, with velour covered ear pads for extra comfort.
The sound is incredibly clean with a full, crisp, and warm mid-range, and a flat bass that won’t trick you into thinking there’s more bass present than there actually is.
If you want warmth and perfectly clean and high-fidelity sounds, this is the high-end model you’ll need!
Here’s a good review of the SRH 1840’s from CNET.

10.Sennheiser HD 650[499.95 USD]

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On the high end of the spectrum, there’s the cream of the crop: the Sennheiser HD 650’s.
While they are pricey, you get exactly what you buy! In their class, they are by far one of the “flattest” headphones around.
This means that nearly every frequency is perfectly balanced - from the low, subby bass to the atmospheric and noisey highs.
Like the Focus Spirit Professionals, if you can get your mix sounding good on these, it’s likely the mix will transfer well onto most other music systems. That is a vital aspect of mixing for any producer, beginner or expert.
Don’t believe us? Ask Avicii, Flume, Zedd, Arty, Knife Party, and so many more.
One unique thing about the 650’s are their easily removable and lightweight parts. This makes it incredibly easy for fully customizable comfort, and guarantees your full satisfaction while wearing them!
In their price range, these are the best open-back headphones available. Check out a review from CNET here.

Conclusion

Why do you need this list?
Simply put, having the best studio headphones is one of the major steps towards becoming a great mixer and producer.
As a grand majority of your listeners will likely be listening on some sort of headphones or earbuds, it’s vitally important that you know what your tracks sound like in that unique environment.
But finding the right pair of these monumentally important pieces of equipment can be frustrating and overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve made sure to consider in every single case:

• Price

• Sound Quality

• Appearance

• Comfort

• Frequency Response

This way, you’ll be able to make a decision on which are the best studio headphones to suit your specific needs.
This list of modern headphones will get you on the right track.
We now want to hear from you. Did we miss any headphones you love?
Which headphones do you consider to be the best studio headphones?
Let us know in the comment section below!

Monitoring and mixing music can be tricky. Using studio monitors will let you listen to your mixes in the most natural and comfortable way, but the question lies in how much accuracy.

This is where studio headphones come help. While only very premium studio monitors can help monitor the tiny details, less expensive headphones can help you monitor the smallest details from background noise, offensive frequencies, to subtle volume changes, which you may miss if you’re monitoring with regular speakers or cheaper studio monitors.

For audio engineers, music producers and artists on a tight budget, using headphones will get the job done if you’re just starting out.

Although I’ll never advise you to mix and master with headphones alone, having a pair of transparent-sounding cans will be a reliable addition to help you make better mixes.

Closed-back vs. Open-back – Which One Should You Choose?

The two types of commonly used headphones in studios; closed-back and open-back headphones. Closed-back headphones are completely sealed around the back which enables noise cancellation from the outside and vice-versa, while open-back or semi-open ones aren’t sealed but lets you hear music more naturally.

When it comes to choosing which type is right for you, it will be good to consider these factors:

• If you’re using it to track music while recording, choose a closed-back headphone. You don’t want sound leakage from your cans to be recorded by the microphone.
• Casual listening or mixing and mastering? Then an open-back or semi-open headphones might fit the job better, as they are usually more natural sounding. It also gives you a more pleasurable listening experience, which means you’ll be able to work longer on them.

Pros and Cons of Trying to Mix and Master on Headphones

No matter the type of headphones you use, there will always be some pros and cons – especially when it comes to mixing and mastering.

Pros for mixing on headphones:

• It gives you better attention to mixing detail.
• Monitoring subtle details in volume, pitch, distortion, noise, etc.
• More affordable than buying a pair of studio monitors – especially if you’re just starting your studio.

Cons:

• Faster ear fatigue with long mixing sessions.
• Unnatural way of hearing music which might influence how your mixes translate on other playback devices.

Now that you have a background of what to expect as well as other factors to consider, here is a list of headphones that are worth buying in 2019:

1 – Sennheiser HD 650

Starting with one of the most high-end studio headphones, the Sennheiser HD 650 (open back) is on the higher end but could be worth your money. Besides the elegant titanium-silver finish, it is known to produce a balanced, transparent & spatial sound, specially optimized for high-resolution monitoring. You’ll find that it’s a favorite among mixing and mastering engineers.

When it comes to the sound, the bass is smooth while the mids and highs are clear enough to give you a balanced reference. Remember that this one is an open-back headphone, so people around you can hear what you’re listening to. That aside, rest assured that The Sennheiser HD 650 is one of the most comfortable studio monitor headphones around.

• High-end studio headphones, popular among audio engineers and audiophiles.
• Smooth bass, clear mids, and highs.
• Open-back type which is suitable for mixing and mastering, but not suggested for recording sessions.

2 – Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Another open-back favorite used by many home studio producers and engineers, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro gives you a transparent sound, with an impressive soundstage, good bass response, and detailed clarity. Priced at $220, this pair comes in a durable design made with smooth memory foam earpads for comfortability and a sturdy metal headband.

Though sturdy, I wouldn’t recommend frequent traveling with this pair of headphones because it has many parts made of plastic, plus it doens’t come with a decent travel case or pouch. For stationary use in your studio, no doubt it’s a studio headphone with a transparent and natural sound.

• Go-to choice for comfortability and sound.
• Perfect for detailed audio editing and mixing.

3 – Audio Technica ATH-M50X

Another big player for studio headphones comes from Audio Technica. One of the best-selling headphones online, the ATH-M50X is chosen by many because of its sound clarity in the mids and highs. You’ll find that the ATH-M50 also gives you that deep and accurate bass response.

Several extra key features that make it stand out, especially for DJ’s include a 90-degree swiveling ear cup design with 3 detachable cables – making it perfect for on the road usage and touring.

• Popular for its great balanced sound.
• Long-lasting design with replaceable cups and cables.
• Closed-back headphones which are perfect for recording, tracking, and DJ-ing.

4 – Sony MDR 7506

The Sony MDR 7506 has been around since 1991. Popular for monitoring and tracking, these pair of headphones translate different frequency responses with clarity while producing a neutral, flat sound. As with most studio headphones, it also comes standard with a ¼ inch adapter, a foldable design and a decent headphone bag for storage. you can try this headphones on ps4 remote play mac as it was previously known as a best headphone to generate awesome gaming experience on ps4 remote play apk.

These closed-back headphones might get a little uncomfortable after a long listening session, so don’t forget to take a break every now and then. However, with its price of $128, the Sony MDR 7506 gives you great monitoring and a great value for your money.

• Has been around for quite some time now, praised for its neutral sound signature and durability.
• You can trust a headphone that has been tried and tested through the years!
• Closed-back headphones perfect for recording, mixing and mastering.
• Can get uncomfortable when used for long listening sessions.

5 – Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Different from its open-back cousin, DT 990 Pro, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a nice closed-back studio headphone for recording, mixing and mastering. Available in 3 different impedances (30, 80, and 250 ohms), where you can choose to go with the model with higher impedance if you’re only going to monitoring in your studio. The high impedance models have better sound clarity, better bass definition, and a bigger soundstage.

However, if you travel a lot, getting the lower impedance headphones would make better sense – since even portable devices like your smartphone would be able to amp it.

However, generally, all three models sound good and are well-suited for mixing and mastering work at the studio. It’s ear pads are also replaceable and amazingly comfortable.

• Popular among music producers and audio engineers.
• Known for its comfortability and sound accuracy.
• Closed-back headphones perfect for recording, mixing and mastering.

6 – AKG K 240 MKII

This semi-open pair of cans may be the most affordable and seemingly simple among this list, but never look down at it because of its price.

The AKG K240 is a super sturdy headphone that will last you many years of use and wear and tear, with its metal band. Fitted with a 30mm driver, they may lack a little depth in bass response but overall it produces a clean and well-balanced sound with good accuracy.

The dynamic range on the AKG K240 is well pronounced, making it ideal for mixing your tracks. Simple, lightweight yet amazingly functional in its sound reproduction, many other manufacturers like Samson and Focusrite, has even come out with their own headphones (OEMs) like the Samson SR850, that follows the same design of the AKG K240.

• One of the most affordable studio headphones on the market
• Known for its warm sound signature and accurate sound response.
• Semi-open headphones for mixing and mastering.

7 – Grado SRE80 Prestige Series

Grado headphones may not very popular compared to other earmark brands like Audio Technica or Sennheiser. However, if you’re after a good pair of headphones that would last you many years, look no further than the Grado SRE80 Prestige Series.

A unique headphone at quite an affordable price, its large ear cushions design fits perfect for comfortable listening and sitting through long mixing sessions. Soundwise, they offer a flat sound response and an accented bit of brightness – giving you a well-balanced frequency response and natural sounding listening experience.

• Love or hate its vintage looking design.
• Flat response with a little bit of brightness.
• Open-back type which is suitable for mixing and mastering.
• Great pair of cans for sound editing work.

8 – Sennheiser HD 800 S

Coming in as the most expensive pair on the list (a whopping $1,499), the Sennheiser HD 800 S may not be the choice for most – but it’s one of the best open-back headphones for mixing and mastering. Made with the largest drivers, 56mm ever used in studio monitor headphones it offers a larger than life, super accurate and transparent sound.

The open-back structure makes it a very comfortable headphone to listen on to. Another feature to watch out for is that it comes with two cables – a 6.3mm connector and another one with a 4-pin XLR balanced connector.

The HD 800 S is well-known for its clarity, great sound stage and balance while having superb stereo imaging. If you want a three-dimensional listening experience with an excellent representation of details, this pair of headphones is your perfect match.

• Great sounding, high clarity and sound imaging.
• Expensive open-back headphones but worth it if you’re big into using a pair of headphones for mixing.

9 – Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

The HD 280 Pro is a well-built, lightweight and comfortable headphones, designed for long hours of listening sessions. Its swiveling ear cups and foldable design also makes it perfect for storage, flexibility as well as on-the-go mixing and mastering.

They don’t look very sexy, but the sound reproduction on the Sennheiser HD280 Pro is neutral and flat. It’s also pretty accurate and you’ll be able to listen to the little details in your track. Cost-wise, it’s suited for music producers who are budget conscious but need headphones that they can rely on for mixing work.

• Affordable studio headphones. Known for its neutral and transparent sound signature.
• Closed-back type perfect for recording.
• A great can for mixing too.

Best Headphones For Studio Recording

10 – Bose Quiet Comfort 35ii

Okay, what are Bose headphones doing here in this list? Well, hear me out.

Every piece of music that you mix and master in your studio, will eventually be listened on a consumer-grade audio playback system – headphone or speaker. This is where the Bose Quiet Comfort 35ii comes in.

Soundwise, I’ll be first to admit that the Quiet Comfort 35ii has accented bass response and is not very precise. However, they make great cans for long listening and would be great to work on a rough mix with them. After all, most of your listeners will also be listening to headphones like this – so it makes sense to reference your mix on the Bose QC35 to understand how your mix translates to the playback system for most.

Some of its key features include three levels of world-class cancellation and also being wireless – which would be a nice addition for referencing work, as part of your production workflow.

• Good for referencing your mixes.
• Extremely comfortable. You’ll be able to work longer hours with them.

Didn’t find something within your budget? Check out: Headphones under 100

Conclusion

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I’ve recommended a list of good studio headphones you can consider for mixing and mastering. Are there any headphones that should make this list? Which studio headphones are you currently using now?

Let us know by leaving your comments below.

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