Finding versatile headphones for recording or critical listening needs an attentive mind. If you know the market position, it offers a wide range of options, but only some headsets meet the requirement. In this regard, my review article on the Studio Headphones helps you choose your dream device.
What are studio headphones? Headsets that are known to produce sounds from scratch. The music-creating tools are essential for recording or giving final coloring to the audio track. The music produced is used to find critical flaws in the soundtrack before the final compilation.
Different studio headphones are available for creating soundtracks with different musical instruments. This article is my review of the headphones you can utilize in the studio, along with their pros and cons.
My Top Recommendations
All the headphones that I reviewed for recording, monitoring, or mixing purposes have their perks. Some help achieve sound quality, while others need to maintain the desired comfort level. In this regard, my top picks are:
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
- AKG K 240 Studio Professional Semi-Open Stereo Headphones
- Neumann NDH 20 Closed Back Monitoring Professional Studio Headphones Gaming
Review of Studio Headphones
I have reviewed the 9 budget studio headphones from various brands. All are best in their specifications and technicalities. You can choose any headset from the list as they efficiently meet your demands and provide an accurate and precise audio experience. Moreover, the devices do not put a dent in your budget.
| PRODUCT NAME | RATING | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 |  | |
| OneOdio Wired Headphones |  | |
| AKG K 240 Studio | | |
| HIFIMAN SUNDARA |  | |
| Audio-Technica ATH | | |
| Beyerdynamic DT 1990 | | |
| KRK KNS 6402 Studio |  | |
| Neumann NDH 20 | | |
| bopmen Over Ear Headphones | |
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Unboxing: Beyerdynamic studio headphones have earned widespread fame due to their fantastic sound quality. For a glasses person like me, wearing bulky headphones demands practical care. So, give a chance to Beyerdynamic 250 ohms headphones. I received the parcel the following day and got Wired Headphones, an Instructions Manual, or a Carrying Pouch in the box.
Remarks: the headphones with big ear cups looked extremely comfortable. The steel pleather headband and ear cups padded with velour foam were a treat for extended studio recordings. As they were wired headphones, I made them adjust on my desk and plugged the 3.0-meter coiled cable into my computer to obtain the natural and original audio.
As a music producer, I have used Beyerdynamics many times, and they do not highlight any flaws regarding sound quality. The neutral mids combined with instruments emphasize critical listening and make it cleaner without any coloration. Listening to vocals makes the experience even more accurate with 250 ohms headphones and makes them win the challenge.
Additionally, you cannot utilize headphones with low-powered audio interfaces like mobile phones or laptops. The one downside of the headphones is that they could be more manageable for commuting, although the available pouch does the purpose. The ear cups are not foldable and thus render me to carry them on travel trips.
Moreover, due to the closed-back design, the headphone does not leak sound to the outside. The practicality of Beyerdynamic headphones is evident from the rich and breathable audio. Do you need anything else when you have every sound detail to listen to for under $150?
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: Wired
- Type: closed-back
- Impedance: 250 ohms
- Weight: 270 g (without cable)
- Cable: 3.0m coiled single-sided
- Adaptor: 3.5 mm stereo jack with a screwed quarter-inch adapter
- All the parts are replaceable.
- The headband adjusts nicely without hurting.
- I can easily replace the ear pads after wear and tear.
- Beyerdynamic 280 ohms comes with a detachable cable
- The plastic framework makes the headphones look cheap
- You cannot replace the coiled cable after the damage
- An amp is an expensive accessory with headphones
Final Verdict | Best Studio Headphones Under $150
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro surpasses all the features except the one you need an amp every time to power the headphones. If you are comfortable doing so, grab yours now.
OneOdio Wired Headphones
Unboxing: I wish for headphones to be comfortable and provide precise sound for monitoring. So, I grabbed the OneOdio Hi-Fi Studio on a friend’s recommendation. Upon unboxing, I found the HiFi Headphones, 3.5mm Audio Jack Cable, 6.35mm to 3.5mm Cable, User Manual, and a Portable Bag.
Remarks: the catchy oval-shaped earpieces made the appearance of the Hi-Fi studio headphones attractive. Earpieces are designed to swivel back and forth at 15 degrees, whereas the headband is nothing less and is extendable. Both the headband and the drivers got the memory protein foam padding, adding comfort to wearing them for a long time.
You must want to know how well the headphones perform in the studio. I have used them for recording the soundtrack, and the experience has been so good up till now. The fantastic trebles and heavy bass determine the audio quality of these headphones.
Remember, you might feel some sound leakage, but this can be managed by positioning the two earpieces firmly and feeling the magic. The wired headphones provide two cables with different lengths of audio jacks.
The cable with 3.5 mm audio jacks has a microphone and audio control module and perfectly fits into the left driver for recording obtaining life-like audio. Another cable is available to add charm to utilizing these studio headphones.
The working capacity and comfort level of the oneodio headphones are next level for me. I like using headphones whenever I need to find any mistakes in the original soundtrack. The crystal clear mids and well-balanced audio levels are effectively beneficial in producing the audiotracks at their best.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Weight: 260 g
- Material: protein leather, memory protein cotton
- Compatibility: mobiles, laptops, amps, audio devices
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Type: closed-back
- Comfortable for several hours
- You can create a full sound for every type of genre
- Removeable plugs let you connect to whichever device you want
- I do not find distortion at high volumes
- The headphones have a unique surround effect for gaming
- Sound leakage is obvious
- The plastic framework makes the headphones look flimsy.
- Pressurize the ears when wearing over-ear headphones
Final verdict | Top Studio Headphones Under $50
I own OneOdio studio headphones for their exceptional personal or critical listening utilization. The sound quality is tremendous, from trebles to high mids or detailed sound reproduction. I do not find any demerit in the headphones except for the slight pressure during wearing and sound leakage. The price range is entirely worth noting. So, go and grab yours.
AKG K 240 Studio Professional Semi-Open Stereo Headphones
Unboxing: AKG Studio headphones have been in the market for decades and do not compromise the durability of the headphones. I required headphones for recording and monitoring. I ordered, and upon receiving them, there were AKG K240 headphones with a tint of gold on the sides, a 25-inch extension cable, a 3.5 mm adapter, a COHH holder, and a warranty card in a box.
Remarks: The headband was self-adjusting with plastic ear cups. Headphones came with a sturdy holder, thus increasing safety when not used. AKG studio headphones combined the earpieces and headband into a plastic material with thick padding.
Although the sound leakage is considerable due to the semi-open design, the style makes it an approachable headphone for mixing precise soundtracks. The earcups are made to wear with glasses but only for a few hours as they cause the heat to rise from the top of my head. Here comes the adjusting feature to manage them at the right spot.
The headphones look great in the studio and provide exceptional sound quality when listening casually. Additionally, the varimotion technology offers rich or clear mids and highs. The only flaw in utilizing the headphones is their inability to deliver trebles. The built-in microphone enables me to do phone calls, as the voices on the other end are clear and accurate.
I have been using AKG headphones for three months, and they work great except for one or two faults. The headphones come with a 3-meter cable and a mini XLR connector to provide me with uninterrupted sound signals for playing games.
The noise canceling factor reaches its last breath due to the semi-open style of the headphones. So, I often use them in calm areas and avoid carrying them to locations jampacked with loud noises.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: Wired
- Type: semi-open
- Material: plastic or faux leather
- Headband: self-adjusting
- Weight: 240 g
- Waterproof: no
- Noise Isolation: to block external sounds
- Connector: 3.5 mm, mini XLR
- Cable: 25 inches extension
- With an auray holder, headphones remain protected from physical damage.
- The replaceable parts of the headphones prove helpful in case of wear and tear.
- The long cable does not restrict my movement.
- The headphones do not have a protective carrying bag
- Plastic framework decreases the durability
- Build quality is not satisfactory
Final Verdict | Top Rated Studio Headphones Under $100
The AKG headphones do enough justice with this price range. The accuracy, sound quality, and ultimate comfort are other factors in choosing them. Moreover, adding studio headphones to a daily routine is acceptable rather than spending a lot of money on high-end headsets.
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic HiFi
Unboxing: I needed help finding decent headphones for a reasonable price with the right combination of comfort, build quality, and sound quality. HIFIMAN SUNDARA caught my eye, and I ended up ordering it. Upon unboxing, there were wired headphones, a 1.5 mm headphone cable, a 6.35 mm headphones adaptor, a pair of ear pads, and an owner’s guide.
Remarks: as the name indicates, Sundara headphones broke the stereotype and created beautiful inside and outside designs. The metal headband and amazingly crafted earpieces are known for their cotton padding to use fearlessly with spectacles. The weight is easily distributed for long wearing due to its heavy structure.
I am a music producer, and I have to create a fresh to amaze the audience. Hifiman headphones allow me to utilize them not only for recording but also for critical listening. The dual function of studio headphones and audiophiles is the left-hand game for the Sundara headphones.
I join y-shaped cables to the compatible ports and obtain emphasized highs. The sound quality is much better than high-end headphones. The incredible musical instrument is best at
providing what has actually reproduced with the neo supernano 80 percent thinner diaphragm.
One factor that makes the Sundara headphones not come up top class is the spacious soundstage. Moreover, the open-back design does not seal all the audio content you tend to listen to and fails at noise cancelation.
Nonetheless, for using them in the studio for multiple purposes, the mids are neutral, while the trebles are well balanced. So the headphones are indeed a great deal to put the finger on.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Type: open-back
- Weight: 372 g
- Waterproof: No
- Impedance: 37 ohms
- You can hear every bit of clarity and preciseness
- Fabric-wrapped earpads make headphones easy to wear with glasses.
- The extendable headband adds comfortable
- Metal framework increases the durability
- I cannot use the headphones with soapy water.
Final Verdict | Best selling Studio Headphones Under $300
Hifiman Sundara wired headphones are on my bucket list not because of their massive weight but for their competitive sound quality than others. The headphones are equipped with cotton fabric earpads and angled a bit for a perfect fit. The only requirement is to use an amp with headphones to gain efficient performance.
Audio-Technica ATH-M70X
Unboxing: Who needs to learn the performance of Audio Technica headphones for studio purposes? I ordered the wired headphones from a promotional site and received the parcel in a margin of two days. After unboxing, there were headphones nicely adjusted in a hard case along with a user manual and three cables.
Remarks: what matters to me the most is the robust structure and audio Technica successfully surpasses others of the same category. The headset consists of soft leatherette padding on the earpieces, and the headband invites practical durability.
The wired headphone has its perks with three cables of different lengths. They neither demand hectic steps of pairing nor require detangling wires. Using m70x is the matter of a simple plug, and you are good to go.
If you use them for blocking outside noises and yearn for complete isolation, audio Technica is not for you. However, the headphones can passively block noises like dish clattering or tires screeching to some extent.
Do audio Technica m70x do justice with audio quality in this price range? I have used the headphones for various commercial purposes such as monitoring soundtracks, DJing, or tracking and earning the deserved accolade.
The headphones have come up with exact sounds to be heard by the ears. You do not find any vagueness in listening to whatever genre of music. The only disadvantage is the price which is undoubtedly much more than m50x.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Type: closed-back
- Weight: 280 g
- Impedance: 35 ohms
- Waterproof: no
- Crisp sound is the outcome, even at low volumes
- You can replace the cords anytime
- The flat sound signature is quite helpful for monitoring purposes
- I found them more costly than m50x
- These ear cushions cause the ears to hurt
- The build quality is not up to the mark
Final verdict | Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Audiobooks
Audio Technica m70x pleases me with accuracy and top-class sound quality. The headphones are no less whether you use them for commercial or personal purposes. The only flaw is the thin cushions which indeed prove a barricade in wearing them for a long time.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
Unboxing: Beyerdynamic headphones are the best in music production. To make the best use of them and analyze the features personally. I ordered Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones. There was a Set of Ear Pads, Wired Headphones, Two Cables, and a case in the nicely packed parcel.
Remarks: The minor detailing of grills on each earpiece makes the 1990 pro a must-have headset. The metal headband with leather cushioning enhances the durability of its four-folds. If you are concerned about the comfort level, the ear cups are padded enough with plush velour not to become the source of ear fatigue.
For me, connecting the headphones to my laptop or iPad is easy. However, the matter of discussion is the presence of an amp is a must to get the most boosted sound. The two cables have a mini XLR connector on one side and a 3.5 mm audio jack with a ¼ inches adapter to plug in with the devices.
The open-ear design does not effectively isolate the noise but provides a sense of space in music listening. Moreover, as the design shows, you do not expect headphones not to leak sound. I switch ear pads when treating the Beyerdynamic headphones to gain preciseness and clarity.
The balanced ear pads are a step backward from analytical ones because the latter is extraordinarily best in obtaining neutral bass and mid-range. Exploring the apparent features of the 1990 pro headphones, they restrict movement and do not allow you to carry them in bags. The only residence they expect from you is the computer table.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Weight: 367 g
- Type: open-back
- Waterproof: no
- Impedance: 25 ohms
- Cable: single-sided detachable cable; mini XLR connectors
- The Sound quality is not beatable
- Ear pad switching is a fun activity
- Comfortable headset for a long time wearing
- Build quality is impressive with a metal headband
- Do not put pressure on the head and ears
- Ear pads take time when swapping
- Portability is not possible
Final Verdict | Studio Headphones Under $500
Beyerdynamics DT 1990 pro gives you everything you want in your dream gadget. The comfortable wearing, accurate sound quality, and wire replacement are all they return to you while recording in the studio. If you are a person to compromise on portability, the best studio headphones are for you.
KRK KNS 6402 Studio Mixing/Mastering Headphones
Unboxing: KRK headphones prevail in the competition with other headphones by providing excellent features and specifications. I also ordered KRK KNS 6402 Studio headphones out of curiosity. Upon unboxing, there were Wired Headphones, a Cable with a 3.5 mm jack, a 6.35mm Stereo Jack, Cleaning Cloth, and a Bag.
Remarks: the black colored headphones comprise plastic construction making the device lightweight. At the same time, the components with leatherette padding play an equal part in providing lasting comfort. The fun fact is that the headphones do not put pressure when wearing the with glasses.
If exploring the headphone’s features regarding sound quality, you will not find them any less. The detailed audio reproduction without any added filter is the outcome when using KRK closed-back headphones in the studio.
For mixing purposes, you can find any mistake related to the original soundtrack and further polish it before the final edition. Mixing requires focused critical listening, and KRK headphones do the job perfectly.
Furthermore, I feel no fear of audio bleeding due to the closed-back design. The headphones use a cable consisting of a screwed adaptor to increase the compatibility of connecting to computers, DJing equipment, and much more.
Blocking noise is possible with KRK monitoring headphones. You do not have to worry about listening to your surroundings. Instead, it effortlessly allows you to focus on clear and rich trebles. In addition, these headphones’ reproduction of guitar, vocals, and mid-frequency sounds is much easier.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Type: closed-back
- Material: Plastic
- Impedance: 36 ohms
- Weight: 258 g (with cable)
- Cable: 2.5 m detachable
- The sound is the exact duplicate of what is reproduced.
- Comfortable with glasses and do not hurt for long-wearing
- Noise isolation is excellent
- Headphones are pocket-friendly.
- Replaceable parts are a great deal.
- Cause head heating after several hours.
Final Verdict | Studio Headphones for Mixing
You can ignore a few minor problems and embrace all the features of KRK KNS headphones. The sound quality of the headphones beats every other of the same category. I decide to choose the closed-back headphones; what about you?
Neumann NDH 20 Closed Back Monitoring Professional Studio Headphones Gaming
Unboxing: Does Neuman do justice with durability, comfort, and sound quality? To analyze the sounding headphones personally, I ended up ordering them. The parcel reached me, and there were silver wired headphones, a safety pouch, an instructions guide, a coiled and a straight cable.
Remarks: the first thing that attracted me to the Neuman headphones is their foldability feature. You can now easily tuck inside the bag and explore the world with your favorite music. The metal construction gave the feel of sturdiness.
Diving right into the sound quality, the headphones have been with me for a considerable time, and they mastered producing the exact replication. Whether I use them for designing gaming, the bullets and footsteps sound authentic and accurate.
Moreover, pocket-friendly headphones provide you with a wide soundstage for causal listening. The mids, trebles, and highs are detailed with no flattering. I have chosen the headphones for their excellent noise isolation. The audio delivery is exact in your ears no matter where you use them.
The only disadvantage of the headphones is their poor comfort level. You readily suffer from listener fatigue even after replacing the ear pads. I do not recommend using them for consistent hours.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Type: closed-back
- Impedance: 150 ohm
- Cable: 3 m straight cable, coiled cable
- The clarity in sound quality is all that matters
- No more worry about the outside environment; headphones block noise.
- The build quality is worth the money.
- Gaming sessions become enjoyable with the headphones
- Comfortable but feel heavy when tucked between the head.
Final Verdict | Best Studio Headphones for Gaming
The all-in-one Neuman NDH 20 headphones are the best in the studio for critical listening and incredible for gaming. However, if you comprise the not-so-comfortable behavior of the headphones during positioning on the head, you are good to go to extract the most out of them.
Bopmen Over Ear Headphones – Wired Studio Headphones
Unboxing: The Bopmen Y71 studio headset is in my bucket list for many years due to its robust tuning with musical instruments. I ordered from the website and got the parcel after a week. When unboxed, I got the wired headphones, instructions manual, two cables, and a drawstring pouch.
Remarks: the build quality is evident from the hinges serving the purpose of folding. The headband and ear cups are padded enough for casual listening with guitar and other musical equipment. I feel the comfortable grip whenever I adjust them on my head.
The matter of discussion is how bopmen headphones perform when connecting with a guitar. The outcome of audio quality is crisp and deep audio. Moreover, the enhanced bass overcomes all the faults and delivers every audio detail.
The fresh feature of this headphone is the built-in microphone. Now you can do better phone calls and send crystal clear voices to the hearer. In addition, the control buttons on the cable for answer/end calls and pause/play. The noise isolation feature enhances the microphone’s performance and helps record guitar sounds with extreme care.
How can the review be completed without mentioning the jack lock system? You want the auxiliary cable stays connected to the headphone port. The locking system is exclusive to bopmen headphones and ensures a stable connection during audio production. I enjoy making chains of headphones with the help of two cables to get the best audio experience.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Waterproof: no
- Cable: coiled
- Plug: 3.5 mm/6.35mm audio jack
- Microphone: for crystal clear calls
- Foldable ear cups help store them safely
- Compatibility with other devices is helpful in music production and listening.
- The quality of the microphone is satisfactory.
- Durable headphones resist weak handling.
- I found the bass and treble non-existing.
Final Verdict | best studio headphones for guitar
These headphones exhibit every feature I wish for at the perfect price. The ear cushions are comfortable, and the metal headband conforms firm grip. The removable cable is helpful when demand changes. Overall, the sound quality excels others in far better ways.
What Do You Look for in Studio Headphones – Buying Guide
What do you demand from studio headphones to work great for you? This section highlights some factors to consider when buying the best studio headphones.
Comfort
What I look for in studio headphones is to be comfortable. It means sufficient padding around the headband and earpieces to keep the focus on point while fading away the feeling of displeasure. The extendable headband or foldable earcups add an extra level of relief with portability.
Sound Quality
Whether you opt for pocket-friendly or designer headphones, sound quality is the top priority. Utilizing headphones that meet the expectations for enhanced sounds and flat frequency response is necessary.
In this regard, closed-back headphones work best when isolated from outside noise. On the other hand, open-back or semi-open headphones provide natural and breathable audio.
Performance
A headset performs excellently when it generates accurate sound without distortion, connects with other devices quickly, and does not wear out even after mishandling. The performance of the headphones determines the working strength and increases the durability.
Not every durable headphone demands them to spend more money. So, make the best choice in selecting studio headphones that are approachable within a budget.
Sturdy Design
Good quality materials make the headphone sturdy and increase resistance against the constant wear and tear. The devices make the best combination with coiled wires or straight ones, crafting a sturdy and unique design. Look for music gadgets that come to offer replaceable parts.
Reference Headphones vs. Studio Headphones
Reference and studio headphones find their functions in studios for multiple purposes. Some are used for recording, while others involve mixing or preparing the final draft. If you study in-depth, the practical differences will make you understand their worth.
Reference headphones are used to reproduce the sound as initially as possible. The primary purpose of headphones is to let you hear its boosted music or improve sound fidelity. With reference headphones, it is easy to find any critical flaw, like audio lag or bleeding in the soundtrack.
On the other hand, studio headphones produce real natural sound. The accurate detailing is the outcome without losing any audio content. The studio headphones’ frequency response is flat, ensuring hearing as precisely as it is generated without any filtration.
Both headphones are essential to use in the studio for recording, mixing, editing, or monitoring. If the former is a music creator, the other is a music enhancer.
FAQs
Are Studio Reference Headphones Good for Gaming?
Studio headphones give a neutral frequency response with possible clarity in audio. At the same time, the gaming headphones are boosted to enhance several sounds like footsteps, gunshots, or giving commands. Therefore, studio headphones have no significant role in gaming.
Can Studio Headphones Be Used For Listening To Music?
Studio headphones have the privilege of utilizing them for listening to music. Not only this, but you can also use these to watch movies or shows with their initially created audio. The studio headphones efficiently fulfill the purpose of recording the original soundtrack and consistently using them casually.
What is the Difference Between Studio and Monitor Headphones?
Studio headphones and monitor headphones serve different purposes while recording. The original, ugly soundtrack is the creation of studio one. In contrast, monitor headphones are deliberately used to check their technical faults.
Why Do Studio Headphones Sound Different?
Studio headphones have uncomfortable or hollow sound delivery. The reason is evident as these are used to fix audio impurities in the absence of distortion. Moreover, the production of the high-frequency range is needed to fulfill the purpose.
Summing Up
Studio headphones are like a dream come true for those with home studios. The devices with all the technical features affect the performance. In this article, I have elaborated on the features of the studio headphones so that you can select your dream gadget and make the best use of them.