Whether you're looking to improve your mixes or your roommates and neighbors are complaining about the loud noise from your new studio monitors, this guide is for you. Studio headphones are a must-have for home producers who want to listen to their mixes in more detail and to accommodate those late-night sessions when you can't be blaring your speakers at full volume. In this guide, I reviewed the best studio headphones for mixing.
Luckily, there are many options out there for high quality studio headphones, all at various price points for whatever budget you're working with.
What are the Best Studio Headphones for Mixing?
There are many different brands out there, from beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, and more, that offer high-quality studio headphones. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to consider your unique circumstances when deciding which headphones to purchase.
That said, all of them essentially serve the same purpose, so it really comes down to personal preference and what budget you're willing to spend.
Before we dive into the list, let's clear up some quick vocabulary you'll need to understand before making your decision on which headphones are best for you.
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back Headphones
When browsing various studio headphone options, you'll notice the terms open-back and closed-back come up often. Here's a quick description on what those terms mean, and why you might prefer one over the other:
Open-Back: These types of headphones allow some audio to leak out and some environmental noise to leak in, which many argue leads to a more accurate listening experience. You would prefer these if you're looking for a more natural sound that offers more width.
Closed-Back: These types of headphones provide a more sealed-off, isolated audio experience where you can hear more details in your mixes. Less audio leaks out of the headphones, and less environmental noise leaks in. You would prefer these if you want to hear as many details as possible in your audio.
With all that out of the way, let's get into our list of the best headphones for mixing in your home studio.
Closed-Back
Cost: $149.00
Pros: The beyerdynamic DT 770's are definitely my personal go-to headphones for mixing and mastering. The audio produced by these headphones is extremely "flat", meaning there's not much artificial boosting or cutting of certain frequencies, giving you a more accurate read on the true character of your mix. The plush ear pads are also extremely comfortable and make long sessions much more bearable on the ears.
Cons: One downside is the cable on these headphones is built-in, meaning if anything ever happens to the cord, it would be a bit of a pain to fix/replace. Additionally, if you live in a warmer climate area, the ear pads may make your head a little hot during long sessions in the summer months.
Final Thoughts: These headphones are some of the best-sellers among the bedroom producer community and it's easy to see why. The affordability combined with the superior comfort and sound quality make these our top recommendation for studio headphones.
Closed-Back
Cost: $99.00
Pros: The sound quality of the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x's is very balanced and will provide the highest-quality audio experience among the options below $100. The black and silver design is sleek and the overall build is very sturdy. Audio-Technica also has a legendary reputation for making great audio products, so you can feel more comfortable investing in such a renowned company.
Cons: The leather ear pads are not as comfortable as some of the other options on this list. They also have a tendency to wear down and begin to flake off after years of heavy use.
Final Thoughts: While they're not the flashiest or the best performing on this list, these headphones are a great option for those looking to find the best value for their money.
Open-Back
Cost: $399.95
Pros: The Sennheiser HD 600s are one of the most recognizable pairs of studio headphones on the market and many producers swear by their quality. The soft ear pads are extremely comfortable and the open-back design helps create a wider soundstage, meaning you're able to hear more subtle details within the entire stereo field of your tracks, which can lead to better mixes.
Cons: For the high price point, the mainly-plastic build does make these headphones feel a bit cheap and fragile. Additionally, if you want these headphones to double as personal listening headphones, the open back design will let a lot of external noise in.
Final Thoughts: These headphones are the best option within this price range if you want the most accurate and natural sound to help you make better decisions when tweaking your mix. They're also our favorite open-back model on the market.
Closed-Back
Cost: $99.99
Pros: The Sony MDR7506s provide an extremely balanced sound and make your mix sound very cohesive. The affordable price is also a huge factor in what makes these headphones great. These and the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x's are competing for the "best headphones under $100" title. Many of the headphones' components are also replaceable, meaning you won't need to get a whole new pair or pay for expensive repairs if something breaks.
Cons: One of the downsides of these headphones is they're a bit too flat, meaning it's hard to pick up all the tiny details from the different frequency ranges in your mix. The stiff leather ear pads also aren't the most comfortable during long mixing sessions and the leather tends to deteriorate over time.
Final Thoughts: While these headphones definitely aren't perfect, they're more than worth considering for your home studio mixing needs if you're looking to spend a little less money.
Closed-Back
Cost: $549.00
Pros: The build quality of the Neumann NDH 20s is phenomenal, featuring materials like steel and aluminum. The ear pads are also among the most comfortable out there, rivaling the Beyerdynamic DT 770s and the Sennheiser HD 600s. The sound quality is also the most realistic and flat of any headphones on this list, giving you an extremely accurate and clean sound that will undoubtedly result in better mixes.
Cons: The high price is the biggest downside of these headphones, especially when you can still get amazing quality audio from any of the cheaper options on this list. Additionally, if we're nitpicking, the perfectly round shape of the ear pads can result in a slightly awkward fit for people who have bigger ears.
Final Thoughts: While expensive, the quality and comfort of these headphones more than justify the high ticket price if you're willing to spend a little more.
I hope this guide helps you decide on which studio headphones are best for you and your personal needs! Enjoyed this guide? Make sure to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials Guide or some of our other reviews/buyer's guides.
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