Best Studio Headphones for Professional Music Production

Studio headphones are an essential tool for any professional or aspiring musician, producer, or sound engineer. These headphones are designed to provide accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making them ideal for critical listening and mixing tasks. Whether you’re working on a new track in your home studio or recording a live performance in the field, a good pair of studio headphones can make all the difference.

When it comes to choosing the best studio headphones, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the frequency response, which refers to the range of frequencies that the headphones can accurately reproduce. A flat frequency response is ideal for studio headphones, as it allows you to hear the sound as it was recorded without any coloration or distortion.

Another important factor is comfort. Studio headphones are often worn for extended periods of time, so it’s important to choose a pair that is comfortable and won’t cause fatigue or discomfort. The size and weight of the headphones can also be a factor, as larger and heavier models can be more cumbersome to wear.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various studio headphones to identify the best options on the market. We considered factors such as frequency response, comfort, durability, and overall sound quality to narrow down our top picks. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, our guide will help you find the perfect pair of studio headphones to suit your needs.

Best Studio Headphones

We’ve spent countless hours researching and testing the top studio headphones on the market. Whether you’re a professional producer or a music enthusiast, finding the perfect pair of headphones can make all the difference in your listening experience. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best studio headphones available, taking into consideration factors such as sound quality, comfort, durability, and price. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best studio headphones.

1) Beats Studio Pro – Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you’re looking for a high-quality pair of wireless headphones with great sound and noise-cancelling capabilities, the Beats Studio Pro could be a great choice.

In our experience, the Beats Studio Pro has been a great choice for those looking for a high-quality pair of wireless headphones. The sound quality is excellent, with rich bass and clear highs, and the noise-cancelling capabilities are impressive. The headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, although they can be a bit heavy and bulky.

The Beats Studio Pro also offers great compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, with one-touch pairing and a robust set of native features. The battery life is impressive, with up to 40 hours of total battery life and a 10-minute fast fuel charge that provides up to 4 hours of additional playback.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality pair of wireless headphones with great sound and noise-cancelling capabilities, the Beats Studio Pro is definitely worth considering.

2) beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones

If you’re looking for studio headphones for mixing, mastering, and editing, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a great option to consider.

We recently tried out the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones, and we were impressed with their sound quality and comfort. The spacious and transparent sound they provide is perfect for professional use in studios, and they are well-suited for mixing, mastering, and editing. The soft, circumaural velour ear pads are comfortable to wear for long periods and can be replaced easily if needed.

The build quality of these headphones is impressive, and they are designed to last. They are made in Germany and feature a hard-wearing, durable, and robust construction. However, the 250 ohm impedance requires an amp to drive them properly, which can be an additional expense. Additionally, the open design may not be suitable for recording in noisy environments as they do not provide much isolation. Lastly, the cable is not detachable, which can be inconvenient if it gets damaged.

Overall, if you’re looking for high-quality studio headphones that provide a spacious and transparent sound, the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is a great choice. They are comfortable to wear, well-built, and designed to last. However, keep in mind that they require an amp to drive them properly, and the open design may not be suitable for recording in noisy environments.

3) Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

We highly recommend the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones for those who want a comfortable and stylish pair of headphones with great sound quality.

The Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones are a great choice for anyone looking for premium sound quality and noise cancellation. The Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC) technology actively blocks external noise, providing a premium listening experience. With up to 22 hours of battery life, you can enjoy full-featured wireless playback all day long. Additionally, the multifunction on-ear controls and microphone allow you to take calls, control your music, and activate Siri with ease.

While the headphones are quite expensive compared to other studio headphones on the market, the sound quality and noise cancellation technology make them worth the investment. However, the bass can be overwhelming for some users, which may not be ideal for those looking for a more balanced sound. Additionally, the headphones are not as lightweight as other models, which may cause discomfort during extended use. Overall, the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones are a great choice for those who prioritize sound quality and style.

4) OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets

If you are looking for a budget-friendly pair of headphones that deliver excellent sound quality, the OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are a great choice.

We were impressed with the sound quality of these headphones. The bass is powerful, the vocals are clear, and the high tones are crisp, making them ideal for mastering and mixing. The soft padded ear cushions and adjustable headband provide comfort, and the 90° swiveling ear cups allow for single-ear monitoring.

However, the headphones are wired and do not support Bluetooth connectivity, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. Additionally, the headphones are made of plastic and may not be as durable as other high-end models. The noise isolation could also be better, but it is still decent for the price point.

Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly pair of headphones that deliver excellent sound quality, the OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are a great choice.

5) FIFINE Studio Monitor Headphones

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable pair of studio headphones, the FIFINE Studio Monitor Headphones are a great option.

Overall, the FIFINE Studio Monitor Headphones are a solid choice for those who need a reliable pair of studio headphones without breaking the bank. The sound quality is impressive, and the headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers high-quality sound, these headphones are definitely worth checking out.

6) OneOdio Wired Headphones

We highly recommend the OneOdio Wired Headphones for those looking for a professional-grade studio headphone that won’t break the bank.

We were impressed with the sound quality and noise isolation of the OneOdio Wired Headphones. The 50mm neodymium drivers provide impactful bass and clarity without being too loud or piercing. We also appreciated the comfortable fit, thanks to the ear shells and soft elliptical earmuffs that perfectly wrap around our ears. The detachable dual jack feature was convenient, and we appreciated not having to use an adapter.

While the bulky design may not be for everyone, we found that the headphones were still comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, some users have reported that the headphones may not be as durable as more expensive options. Additionally, the lack of wireless capabilities may be a dealbreaker for some users who prefer a more streamlined design. Overall, we highly recommend the OneOdio Wired Headphones for those looking for a professional-grade studio headphone at an affordable price.

7) JOYO Studio Headphones Monitor Headphone for Recording Over Ear Noise Canceling for Guitar Cellphone Mixer Amplifier Podcast DJ and Keyboard Piano (JMH-02) Over-Ear Monitor Gray

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for studio headphones, the JOYO Studio Headphones may be worth considering.

We recently tried out the JOYO Studio Headphones and found that they provided decent sound quality for the price point. The 50mm high-fidelity large driver unit ensured that the sound was clear and pure, although the balance was not as even as some more expensive studio headphones.

The closed circumaural design effectively reduced and canceled noise, making it easier to monitor recordings. However, we did find that the noise reduction was not as effective as some higher-end models.

The detachable 2-in-1 plug was a nice feature, providing 3.5mm and 6.35mm adapter compatibility with different audio devices or mixers. However, we did find that the earcups were not as comfortable for extended wear as other models we’ve tried.

Overall, if you’re on a budget and looking for a decent pair of studio headphones, the JOYO Studio Headphones may be worth considering. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features and higher quality sound, you may want to invest in a more expensive model.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best studio headphones, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve compiled a list of important factors to keep in mind when making your decision.

Sound Quality

Of course, sound quality is the most important aspect to consider when selecting studio headphones. Look for headphones that provide a clear, accurate representation of the audio being played. This will allow you to hear every detail in your music, which is essential for mixing and mastering.

Comfort

Since you’ll likely be wearing your studio headphones for extended periods of time, it’s important to choose a pair that are comfortable to wear. Look for headphones with soft, padded ear cups that fit snugly over your ears without causing discomfort. Adjustable headbands are also a plus, as they allow you to customize the fit to your head size.

Durability

Studio headphones can take a beating, so it’s important to choose a pair that are built to last. Look for headphones made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. Additionally, consider headphones with detachable cables, as these are less likely to break over time.

Noise Isolation

When working in a studio environment, it’s important to be able to focus on your work without outside distractions. Look for headphones with good noise isolation, which will block out external sounds and allow you to concentrate on your music.

Price

Finally, consider your budget when selecting studio headphones. While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive pair on the market, there are plenty of high-quality options available at a more reasonable price point. Determine how much you’re willing to spend before making your decision, and look for headphones that offer the best value for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should we look for in high-quality studio headphones?

When looking for high-quality studio headphones, there are a few key features that you should consider. Firstly, you want headphones that have a flat frequency response, meaning that they do not artificially boost or cut any frequencies. This allows for accurate monitoring and mixing. Secondly, you want headphones that have a comfortable fit, as you may be wearing them for extended periods of time. Finally, you want headphones that have a durable construction, as they will likely be subjected to heavy use in a studio environment.

How do closed-back versus open-back headphones impact studio recording?

Closed-back headphones are designed to isolate sound, which makes them ideal for recording in a noisy environment. They also tend to have a more pronounced bass response, which can be useful for certain genres of music. Open-back headphones, on the other hand, allow for more natural sound reproduction and a wider soundstage. This makes them better suited for mixing and mastering, where accuracy and detail are key.

What are the top recommended headphones for mixing and mastering?

There are many high-quality headphones on the market that are suitable for mixing and mastering, but some of the top recommended models include the Sennheiser HD 650, Beyerdynamic DT 880, and AKG K702. These headphones all have a flat frequency response and excellent detail retrieval, making them ideal for critical listening.

Which headphones do professionals prefer for music production?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different professionals have different preferences and requirements. However, some popular choices among professionals include the Sony MDR-7506, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. These headphones are all known for their accurate sound reproduction and durability.

Are there any wireless headphones suitable for professional studio use?

While wireless headphones have come a long way in recent years, they are generally not recommended for professional studio use. This is because wireless headphones can introduce latency and other issues that can affect the accuracy of monitoring and mixing.

How does headphone frequency response affect the accuracy of studio monitoring?

Headphone frequency response is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing studio headphones, as it directly affects the accuracy of monitoring. A flat frequency response means that the headphones reproduce sound accurately, without artificially boosting or cutting any frequencies. This allows for more accurate monitoring and mixing, as you can hear exactly what is happening in the mix.