Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd actually use.

Monitoring · Headphones

Best Studio Headphones
for Mixing

Consumer headphones lie. They boost bass and cut mids to make music “pop.” Studio headphones tell you the truth. Three picks that let your mixes translate to every system.

Jump to product

01 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm ★ Top Pick 02 Sennheiser HD 600 Best Open-Back 03 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Best Budget
Beyerdynamic
DT

★ Top Pick

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm

Best for: Mixing, mastering, long sessions

~$145 · Amazon / B&H / Sweetwater

Closed-back isolation, flat response, and velour pads that won't leave your ears bleeding after 6 hours. Used in studios worldwide. $145.

Why it made the list

The DT 770 is the headphone you see in every professional studio. The 80-ohm version runs off any interface without an amp. Frequency response is exceptionally flat. Velour pads are the most comfortable in this price bracket.

Pros

Exceptionally flat response Most comfortable pads available Closed-back isolation Durable metal construction Professional standard

Cons

Slightly bright at 8-10kHz Ear cups wear over years Non-detachable cable
Check Price ~$145 · Amazon / B&H / Sweetwater
\n
Sennheiser
HD

Best Open-Back

Sennheiser HD 600

Best for: Open soundstage, stereo panning decisions

~$200 · Amazon / B&H

Open-back creates a wider, more natural soundstage. HD 600s are the headphone equivalent of mixing on good speakers. $200.

Why it made the list

Open-back headphones create a wider soundstage because sound escapes through the back. Panning and reverb decisions are easier to judge. Balanced frequency response, excellent mids.

Pros

Wider soundstage than closed-backs Balanced full spectrum Lightweight Industry-proven

Cons

Sound bleeds (people hear what you're playing) Requires quiet room Not great for tracking
Check Price ~$200 · Amazon / B&H
\n
Audio-Technica
ATH-M50x

Best Budget

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Best for: Starting out, tracking sessions, electronic music

~$150 · Amazon / Sweetwater

Closed-back, punchy bass for electronic music, detachable cables. Comfortable for long sessions. $150.

Why it made the list

The M50x gets beginners through their first 100 mixes. Extended bass is useful for hip-hop and electronic production. Detachable cables are a nice touch. Honest enough to catch mix problems.

Pros

Extended bass for electronic music Comfortable Detachable cables Solid build

Cons

Not as flat as premium options Clamps tight Hyped low end
Check Price ~$150 · Amazon / Sweetwater