Choosing the right pair of studio headphones is one of the most critical decisions you can make for your music production setup. They are your primary tool for hearing every detail in a mix, from the subtlest reverb tail to the punch of a kick drum. Unlike consumer headphones that often hype the bass or treble, a good set of studio headphones aims for a flat, neutral frequency response. This accuracy is essential for making informed decisions about EQ, compression, and effects, ensuring your tracks translate well to other speakers and systems.
With so many options on the market, finding the perfect pair can feel overwhelming. Your choice will depend on your budget, whether you prefer open-back or closed-back designs, and the specific tasks you need them for, like tracking, mixing, or mastering. I have spent countless hours testing various models to help you narrow down the selection. This list breaks down the 10 best studio headphones for music production, highlighting their strengths and ideal use cases to guide you toward the right sound for your studio.
Top Picks for the Best Studio Headphones for Music Production
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
- Sennheiser HD 650
- AKG K371
- Sony MDR-7506
- Shure SRH840A
- Neumann NDH 30
- Focal Listen Professional
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
For years, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has been a go-to recommendation for anyone starting out in music production, and for good reason. They strike a fantastic balance between a relatively flat response and a slight low-end boost that makes mixing more enjoyable. The closed-back design provides excellent isolation, which is perfect for recording vocals or instruments without bleed. I find their sound signature to be detailed across the frequency spectrum, with clear highs and a solid bass foundation that helps you hear what’s happening in the lower registers without being overly exaggerated.
Comfort and durability are also major selling points. The ear cups swivel 90 degrees, which is great for one-ear monitoring, and the collapsible design makes them easy to transport. The included three detachable cables (straight and coiled) are a thoughtful touch. While they might not have the ultra-flat response of some more expensive open-back models, the ATH-M50x offers a reliable and accurate sound that translates well to other systems. They are a workhorse headphone that can handle everything from tracking and mixing to casual listening.
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Good isolation for recording
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Can feel a bit tight on larger heads
- Soundstage is somewhat narrow compared to open-back models
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a legend in the studio, known for its robust build quality and distinct sonic character. Available in different impedance versions (32, 80, and 250 ohms), they offer flexibility depending on your audio interface or headphone amp. The 80-ohm version is a sweet spot for most interfaces. Their closed-back design provides exceptional isolation, and the sound signature is characterized by a detailed, sparkling high end and a powerful, extended bass response. I appreciate how they reveal fine details in the treble range, which is helpful for identifying sibilance or harsh frequencies.
Where these headphones really shine is in comfort. The velour earpads are incredibly soft and breathable, making them ideal for marathon mixing sessions. The durable construction means they can withstand years of use, and replacement parts are readily available. The one potential drawback is the fixed cable, which can be a point of failure over a very long time. However, for critical listening tasks like tracking drums or editing audio where isolation is key, the DT 770 Pro delivers a reliable and detailed performance that has made it a studio staple for decades.
Pros
- Superb comfort with velour earpads
- Excellent isolation and detailed treble
- Very durable and repairable construction
Cons
- Fixed cable cannot be replaced by the user
- Bass can be slightly boomy for some mixing tasks
Sennheiser HD 650
If your primary focus is critical mixing and mastering, the Sennheiser HD 650 is a top-tier open-back headphone that is revered for its natural and smooth sound signature. The open-back design means sound leaks in and out, so they are not suitable for recording, but it creates a wide, spacious soundstage that makes it easier to place instruments in a mix. The midrange on the HD 650 is where it truly excels; vocals and guitars sound incredibly lifelike and present without any harshness. The bass is tight and accurate, though it doesn’t have the exaggerated slam of some closed-back models.
I find the HD 650 requires a decent headphone amplifier to truly come to life, especially due to its 300-ohm impedance. Once properly powered, they offer a non-fatiguing listening experience that allows you to work for hours. The comfort is also excellent, with plush velour pads and a lightweight clamp. While they might not have the hyper-detailed treble of some modern competitors, their balanced and musical presentation helps you create mixes that sound good on a wide range of systems. They are an investment, but for serious audio work, they are hard to beat.
Pros
- Natural, smooth, and accurate midrange
- Wide and open soundstage
- Very comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Requires a good headphone amplifier
- Not suitable for noisy environments or recording
AKG K371
The AKG K371 is a strong contender in the closed-back category, designed to closely follow the Harman target response curve, which is a researched standard for neutral sound. What this means in practice is that you get a very flat and accurate frequency response right out of the box. The bass is present and tight but never overpowering, the mids are clear, and the treble is detailed without being harsh. I was impressed by how well mixes created on the K371 translated to other playback systems; they give you a very honest representation of your work.
These headphones are also highly practical. They fold up for easy storage, come with a detachable cable, and include both a straight and coiled option. The comfort is good, though the earcups might feel a bit shallow for some ears. The isolation is effective for blocking out ambient noise during tracking or editing. For producers looking for a modern, scientifically-tuned closed-back headphone that prioritizes mix translation above all else, the AKG K371 offers exceptional performance at a very reasonable price point.
Pros
- Extremely accurate and flat frequency response
- Good isolation and detachable cable
- Folding design for portability
Cons
- Earcup depth may be insufficient for some users
- Build quality feels a bit plasticky compared to some competitors
Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 is arguably the most ubiquitous headphone in professional audio. You will see them in broadcast booths, on film sets, and in studios worldwide. Their reputation is built on reliability, affordability, and a distinct sound profile. They have a pronounced presence in the upper mids and highs, which makes it very easy to hear details like vocal sibilance, clicks, and pops. This can be incredibly useful for audio editing, podcast production, and tracking.
While the sound is not perfectly flat—the bass rolls off a bit early and the highs are bright—many engineers know how to compensate for this coloration. Their closed-back design and foldable construction make them incredibly portable and durable. The coiled cable is long and sturdy, perfect for a studio environment. They are not the most comfortable headphones for all-day wear out of the box, but the vinyl pads can be replaced with more comfortable aftermarket options. The Sony MDR-7506 is a trusted tool that gets the job done without fuss.
Pros
- Very affordable and industry-standard
- Excellent for detail-oriented editing work
- Extremely durable and portable
Cons
- Bright treble can be fatiguing over time
- Stock earpads can become uncomfortable
Shure SRH840A
The Shure SRH840A is an update to the popular SRH840, offering improved comfort and a more neutral sound signature. These are closed-back headphones designed for critical monitoring. I find their frequency response to be very balanced, with a smooth treble that is less fatiguing than the Sony MDR-7506 and a well-defined low end that doesn’t muddy the mix. They provide a clear window into your audio, making it easy to judge levels and effects.
Shure paid special attention to comfort with the new design, featuring larger, deeper memory foam earcups that fit well around the ears. The detachable cable is a welcome feature, and they come with both a straight and coiled option. The build quality feels robust and professional. While they are not as portable as some folding models, they are an excellent choice for a home studio where accurate monitoring and long-term comfort are the top priorities. The SRH840A delivers a reliable and honest sound that inspires confidence.
Pros
- Well-balanced and neutral sound
- Very comfortable with deep earcups
- Includes two detachable cables
Cons
- Somewhat bulky and not very portable
- Can be a bit heavy for some users
Neumann NDH 30
Neumann, a company synonymous with high-end studio microphones, brings its philosophy of absolute accuracy to the headphone market with the NDH 30. These are open-back headphones designed for the most critical monitoring and mastering tasks. The goal here is a completely transparent and uncolored sound. The frequency response is exceptionally flat, with a wide soundstage that rivals the best in its class. Listening to them, I hear a remarkable lack of distortion and a level of detail that reveals nuances in a mix that other headphones might miss.
The build quality is premium, with high-grade materials and a comfortable, adjustable fit. They are engineered to be a true reference tool, providing a perfect representation of what is actually in your audio file. This level of accuracy comes at a high price, and they absolutely require a quality amplifier to perform at their best. For the professional engineer or serious audiophile who demands the highest level of sonic integrity, the Neumann NDH 30 is a top-tier choice that lives up to the Neumann name.
Pros
- Reference-level accuracy and transparency
- Wide, precise soundstage
- Superb build quality and comfort
Cons
- Very high price point
- Demands a high-quality source and amplifier
Focal Listen Professional
Focal is another brand known for high-fidelity speakers, and the Listen Professional
Your Guide to the 10 Best Studio Headphones for Music Production
Choosing the right pair of studio headphones is a big deal. They are your primary tool for hearing every detail in your mix, from the deepest sub-bass to the crispest hi-hat. Unlike regular headphones that might boost the bass or treble to make music sound more exciting, the best studio headphones for music production aim for a flat, neutral frequency response. This honesty is what you need to make accurate decisions about levels, EQ, and effects. If your headphones lie to you, your mix will sound wrong on every other system.
The first thing to think about is whether you need closed-back or open-back headphones. Closed-back headphones have solid cups that seal around your ears. They are great for recording vocals or live instruments because they prevent sound from leaking out (which can get picked up by the microphone) and they block out a good amount of external noise. The downside is that they can feel a bit cramped or cause ear fatigue during long sessions.
Open-back headphones have grilles on the outside of the cups. This design allows air and sound to pass through, which results in a much more natural and spacious sound. The soundstage feels wider, like you’re listening to speakers in a room. This makes them fantastic for mixing and mastering, as you can hear the placement of instruments more clearly. The trade-off is that they leak sound (everyone around you can hear what you’re listening to) and they don’t block any outside noise, so you need a quiet environment.
Comfort is another critical factor. When you’re working on a track for hours, heavy or tight headphones can become a real problem. Look for models with soft, replaceable ear pads and an adjustable headband. You want to forget they’re on your head. Durability is also key, especially if you plan on taking them to different studios or sessions. A sturdy build and a detachable cable can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
FAQ
What is the difference between studio headphones and regular headphones?
Regular consumer headphones are often designed to make music sound “good” or “fun.” They might emphasize bass frequencies or add other colorations to the sound. Studio headphones, on the other hand, are built for accuracy. Their goal is a flat frequency response, meaning they reproduce sound as neutrally as possible without adding or taking away anything. This allows you, the producer, to hear exactly what’s in your mix so you can make informed corrections. It’s the difference between a calibrated studio monitor and a boombox.
Are open-back headphones better for mixing?
For critical mixing tasks, open-back headphones are generally preferred by many engineers. Their open design creates a more expansive and natural soundstage, which helps you judge the spatial placement of instruments and effects more accurately. It feels less like the sound is trapped inside your head. However, they are only better if you work in a quiet space, as they offer no isolation from external noise. For noisy environments or recording, closed-back are the practical choice.
How important is impedance when choosing headphones?
Impedance, measured in ohms (Ω), is quite important because it affects how much power your headphones need. Lower impedance headphones (under 80Ω) are easier to drive and will work well directly from a laptop, audio interface, or phone. Higher impedance models (250Ω and above) often require a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach their full potential in terms of volume and dynamic range. If you’re mostly working with an audio interface, a mid-range impedance (around 80Ω) is a safe bet.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones for music production?
I would not recommend relying on Bluetooth headphones for serious music production. The main issue is latency—the slight delay between the audio signal leaving your software and reaching your ears. This delay makes recording and editing nearly impossible. Furthermore, Bluetooth uses compression to transmit audio, which can alter the fine details of your sound. For the most accurate representation of your work, wired headphones are the only way to go.
What should my budget be for a good pair of studio headphones?
You can find capable entry-level studio headphones for under $100 that will be a huge improvement over consumer models. A solid mid-range budget of $150-$300 will get you a pair that could easily be the only headphones you need for years. High-end models can cost $500 or more, offering marginal improvements in sound quality and build. For most home studio producers, focusing on the best studio headphones for music production in the mid-range category offers the best value.