A pair of studio headphones is an essential tool for any producer. These specialized headphones allow for critical listening, revealing nuances and imperfections in the audio that might go unnoticed with regular headphones.

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    Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
    Best Noise Canceling Studio Headphones
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Not all headphones are made equal. Here are some of the best choices that are available today to satisfy buyers' ears.

Additionally, studio headphones also have a flatter frequency response, meaning that you'll hear your audio as it is. This is an important attribute since if your headphones are changing the audio to make it sound better, your hit song has a chance to sound embarrassingly cacophonic on other listeners' sound systems. With a plethora of options available in 2024, finding the right pair can be overwhelming. To make the best purchase, you need to know what to look for and your options in each category.

Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Studio Headphones in 2024

When it comes to studio headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro has consistently earned its place as a top contender. These closed-back over-ear headphones boast a rigid and tough German design, making them virtually indestructible. The velour ear pads provide exceptional comfort, surpassing the usual experience with leather ear pads.

In terms of sound reproduction, the DT 770 Pro delivers a stellar performance with a wide frequency response. While the response isn't perfectly flat in the higher frequencies, it's still more than adequate for most studio applications. The headphones are available in 32, 80, and 250-ohm impedances, catering to different use cases.

Thanks to its comfort, the DT 770 Pro is also suitable for casual listening, although the 250-ohm variant might not work well with portable devices due to its higher impedance. Being closed-back, they excel at revealing subtle details in your mix, particularly in the high-frequency range, and help identify any potential issues that might have gone unnoticed. If you're looking for a reasonably-priced pair of quality studio headphones to record music and mix tracks with, the DT 770 Pro does all that without breaking the bank.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S is an audiophile's dream. These meticulously crafted over-ear headphones boast a design that prioritizes both sonic excellence and luxurious comfort. The HD 800 S features enormous 56mm drivers, the largest ever used in Sennheiser's dynamic headphones. The ear cups are crafted from high-quality materials and designed to ensure exceptional comfort during extended listening sessions. The open-back design further contributes to the comfortable listening experience by allowing your ears to breathe.

In terms of sound reproduction, the HD 800 S is a true reference-grade performer. It delivers a neutral frequency response, ensuring that every sonic detail is presented with clarity and precision. However, due to its open-back nature, the HD 800 S is not ideal for use in noisy environments. Sound leakage can be an issue, and external noise can easily seep in, potentially disrupting your focus.

The high impedance of these headphones necessitates a powerful amplifier, rendering mobile devices and laptops unsuitable for driving them. The Sennheiser HD 800 S is a serious pair of studio headphones. If you’ve got a nice quiet home studio and the means to utilize the best studio headphones with superb soundstage, this is the one.

Sony MDR7506
Best Mid-Range Studio Headphone
Sony MDR7506

The Sony MDR-7506 claims the title of the best mid-range studio headphones, delivering professional-grade performance at an affordable price. These closed-back headphones have been a staple in studios for decades, renowned for their balanced sound signature, comfortable fit, and reliable durability.While their design might appear dated, the MDR-7506 continues to be a favorite among audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering exceptional value and performance for those seeking a reliable workhorse in the studio.

Transducer Size
40 millimeters
Frequency Response
10-20kHz
Impedance
63 Ohms
Weight
8 ounces
Connectivity
Gold, Stereo Unimatch plug 1/4" and 1/8"
Pros
  • Comfortable for extended use
  • Balanced sound profile
Cons
  • Design might feel dated for some users
$98 at Amazon

The Sony MDR-7506 is a true classic in the world of studio headphones. These closed-back over-ear headphones have been on the market for decades, and their enduring popularity as one of the best Sony headphones is a testament to their exceptional value and performance.

While they might not exude a luxurious feel, the MDR-7506 undoubtedly projects a professional aura. Despite their long tenure on the market, they manage to maintain a vintage aesthetic that appeals to many users. Although classified as over-ear headphones, the driver sits directly on the ear, giving them an on-ear feel. The soft ear pads ensure comfort even during prolonged use.

The sound profile of the MDR-7506 is well-balanced and nearly flat, although the bass range is slightly emphasized. This makes them suitable for a wide range of genres and applications. If you're seeking a reliable and budget-friendly pair of headphones that prioritizes performance over frills, the MDR-7506 is an excellent choice.

For those just starting their journey into the world of music production or working with a tight budget, the Behringer BH 470 Pro offers a compelling entry point. Priced at $25, these headphones cost barely more than a meal for two people, and that's something you can't always say about a pair of studio headphones. Given the price, it's important to manage expectations regarding sound quality. While the BH470 doesn't match the sonic fidelity of higher-priced models on this list, it still offers a respectable sound profile. The sound isolation is also decent and prevents any unwanted mic bleed during recording.

The Behringer BH470 is quite comfortable, the plush ear pads and the headband padding take care of that. Despite the classy design and comfortable padding, the Behringer BH470 is not the choice headphone for professional critical listening, not after you've seen the other items on this list. However, they get the job done when it comes to recording vocals and instruments.

As you progress in your music production journey and your budget allows, you might consider upgrading to a higher-end model. However, if you're only looking to record podcasts with your friend, the BH470 is a choice that would barely make a dent in your pocket.

For those seeking wireless convenience without compromising studio-quality sound, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a compelling choice. These closed-back over-ear headphones combine the renowned Audio-Technica studio heritage with the freedom of wireless connectivity.

The wireless functionality is powered by Bluetooth, and the headphones feature a convenient folding design for easy portability. On the wireless front, the M50xBT2 excels with exceptional battery life, offering around 50 hours of use on a single charge. Rapid charging capabilities and seamless pairing further enhance the user experience. Additionally, the accompanying Connect app provides a plethora of EQ options, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences.

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As closed-back headphones, the M50xBT2 provides decent isolation, although it falls short of the performance offered by headphones equipped with active noise cancelation. The frequency response is commendable, but it's not as flat as some premium wired studio headphones, with slight dips in both the low and high frequencies.

If you're looking for a versatile pair of headphones that can effortlessly transition between daily use and studio work, the ATH-M50xBT2 is an excellent option, especially considering its attractive price point.

While not exclusively designed for studio use, the Apple AirPods Max have earned their spot on this list due to their exceptional audio quality and cutting-edge features. Being an Apple product, they seamlessly integrate into the Apple ecosystem, making them an ideal choice for daily use, especially if you're a Mac user engaged in music production.

Despite their premium build quality, the AirPods Max are relatively heavy and bulky, which might not be ideal for extended listening sessions. Additionally, while the wireless design suggests portability, the accompanying carrying case is surprisingly flimsy and might not adequately protect the headphones from damage.

The AirPods Max come equipped with adaptive EQ, a feature that some producers might find undesirable. Fortunately, this feature can be disabled or adjusted to suit your preferences. The frequency response is impressive, placing them just below professional studio headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S. The high-end frequencies are slightly emphasized, as is often the case with consumer-oriented headphones.

Where the AirPods Max truly shine is in their noise-canceling capabilities. They offer excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), effectively blocking out external distractions, and the transparency mode is nothing short of magical, allowing you to effortlessly switch between immersive listening and situational awareness. If noise cancellation is your top priority, the AirPods Max are the best in the business.

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What to Look Out for When Buying Studio Headphones

Each pair of headphones is unique, and you need to consider their sound profile, design, comfort, and other factors relevant to you. Before delving into the top picks, let's outline the key factors to consider when purchasing studio headphones:

  • Design: Studio headphones typically come in two designs: open-back and closed-back. Open-back headphones offer a more natural soundstage and airy sound but lack isolation. Closed-back headphones provide better isolation, preventing sound leakage, but may sacrifice some soundstage width.
  • Sound Profile: Ideally, studio headphones should have a flat frequency response, meaning they reproduce all frequencies evenly without boosting or attenuating any particular range. However, some headphones cater to specific preferences, such as those with a slight bass boost for monitoring low-end frequencies.
  • Connectivity: Wired headphones are generally preferred for studio use due to their reliability and lack of latency. However, wireless options are available for those who seek portability and don't want to deal with wires.
  • Impedance: Impedance refers to the electrical resistance of the headphones. Lower impedance headphones (e.g., 32 ohms) are easily driven by portable devices, while higher impedance headphones (e.g., 250 ohms) often require dedicated headphone amplifiers for optimal performance.

FAQ

Q: Are open-back or closed-back headphones better for studio use?

The choice between open-back and closed-back headphones depends on your specific needs. Open-back headphones offer a wider soundstage and a more natural listening experience, making them ideal for mixing and mastering. Closed-back headphones provide better isolation, preventing sound leakage and external noise interference, making them more suitable for recording and tracking.

Q: Do I need a headphone amplifier for studio headphones?

Whether you need a headphone amplifier depends on the impedance of your headphones. Lower impedance headphones (typically 32 ohms) can be driven by most devices without an amplifier. However, higher impedance headphones (250 ohms or more) often require an amplifier to reach their full potential

Q: Are wireless studio headphones a good option?

Wireless studio headphones offer convenience and freedom of movement but might not match the audio quality and reliability of wired headphones. If you prioritize audio fidelity and a stable connection, wired headphones are generally the preferred choice for studio use.