Best studio headphones: Cans with clarity and comfort

At least one good pair of studio headphones is one of the essential accessories for music producers and recording studios. While you can opt for high-dollar models, there are plenty that provide studio-quality playback without breaking the bank. 

The most important buying decision is to find the right design for your needs – closed, open, or semi-open. Depending on how you’ll primarily be using them, each offers its own benefits. 

Closed-back is better for tracking because it reduces bleed, but they can be uncomfortable to wear for long sessions. Open-back is a better choice for mixing and is closer to using studio monitors because the sound has space to dissipate. Semi-open is a mix of both, which makes it a great choice if you need to use them for tracking, mixing, or even casual listening.

These are some of our favorite choices of studio headphones, so let’s dive right in!

Best studio headphones overall: Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

Beyerdynamic makes some of the best studio headphones in the game and the DT 900 PRO X is a perfect balance. It’s an open-back design which makes them great for mixing and tracking.

But if you use them for tracking, stay aware of potential bleed. The STELLAR.45 drivers give you audio with a high level of detail with realistic audio spacing. 

Frequency response ranges from 5Hz to 40kHz, so nothing gets lost in translation. A lot of studio headphones have a snug fit that borders on uncomfortable for long sessions, but not these. 

Velour ear pads and memory foam headband means these provide one of the best physical fits you’ll find. 

Best high end studio headphones: Meze Audio 109 PRO

Meze Audio makes some of the highest quality studio headphones, so it stands to reason the price reflects that. 

The 109 PRO operates at 40 ohms, so it plays well with all kinds of devices. But make no mistake, they’re designed to be professional studio headphones. 

An open-back design makes them ideal for mixing and walnut earcups provide augmented acoustics and visual vibe. The vegan leather headband is self adjusting and perfectly accommodates long listening sessions. 

But what truly sets these apart are the replaceable components. Every key design part is serviceable thanks to the fastener assembly build. This helps justify the higher cost a little bit and isn’t a feature usually found in recording studio headphones. 

For the most part only professionals will consider these a viable option, but if you’re looking to make an investment in a pair of studio headphones designed to last a lifetime you can’t do much better. 

Best closed-back studio headphones: Sony MDR-7506

Sony probably isn’t a brand that first comes to mind when you think of professional studio headphones. But the MDR-7506 is a workhorse model that’s great for tracking and mixing. 

They’re a fully-closed design, so the fit can be a little tight, but you don’t have to worry about any bleed leaking out. It’s a folding design too, so they travel well. 

Forty millimeter drivers reproduce sonics from down to 10Hz all the way up to 20kHz, and gold connectors with oxygen-free copper cord transfers signal with full fidelity. 

Whether you’re a producer, engineer, DJ, or musician that likes to bring your own cans to a session there’s something everyone can love about these affordable ‘phones. 

Best semi-open back studio headphones: PreSonus HD7

Semi-open back headphones combine design elements of closed and open models. They reproduce low end well like closed-back studio headphones, and also “breathe” well like open-back headphones. 

This set from PreSonus reproduces frequencies from 10Hz to 30kHz with strong lows, clear mids, and crisp highs. 

The build is comfortable, sturdy, and the head band auto-adjusts for optimal comfort. And at just over $70 new they’re great for beginners or to add as an additional recording studio accessory. 

Best open-back studio headphones: Shure SRH1840

Looking for the perfect set of cans for mixing and mastering? Look no further. The SRH1840 provide monitoring to mirror listening through reference monitors as closely as possible. 

The frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 30kHz through individually matched 40mm drivers. This equates to a natural sound, wide stereo image, and solid depth to the sound field. 

We all know mixing and mastering sessions can be lengthy, and Shure made…sure…to have the design philosophy of these speak to that. 

Circumaural ear pads fit and sit nicely around the ears and a premium padded headband with full adjustability keeps them well in place. They’re made of an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which makes them equally lightweight and durable. 

A detachable copper cable helps prevent any damage that could be caused from stepping too far away from the connection point. And they come with a storage case, replacement cable and ear pads, and the all-important threaded ¼” adapter. 

Best budget studio headphones: AKG K271 MKII

We say it all the time – budget doesn’t have to mean cheap! AKG’s K271 MKII is a perfect example. As we went over in our review of these headphones, 

The closed-back design makes them great for tracking sessions and live monitoring, and the 16Hz to 28kHz frequency response more than covers the audible range of human hearing. 

Included are detachable cables – 10’ straight and 16’ coiled. Velvet and leatherette ear pads ensure comfort and wear ability for long sessions. 

They’re a perfect balance of design, features and price. 

FAQ

What’s the difference between studio headphones and regular consumer headphones?

Studio headphones are designed to be accurate and transparent. Consumer models often introduce a boost in certain frequency ranges. 

Do I need flat frequency response in studio headphones?

Ideally. A flat response ensures the audio playback is neutral without, boosts or cuts. This helps you make accurate mixing decisions that translate well.

Are expensive headphones always better for studio work?

Not necessarily. Price can correlate with build quality, comfort, and sonic accuracy, but there are excellent professional headphones at very affordable prices. The key is finding a pair that offers the comfort, durability, and accuracy you need.