Best Headphones for Music Production

Why This Recommendation

Studio work splits into mixing (open-back for natural soundstage) and recording/tracking (closed-back to prevent mic bleed). Budget producers start with the MDR-7506 and upgrade as their ears develop. Professionals investing in endgame gear land on the Sennheiser HD 800 S.

All 4 Picks

1Over-ear open-back wired

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Beyerdynamic

9.1/10

$269

Open-back with STELLAR.45 drivers for detailed, natural soundstage. Doesn't need an external amp (48 ohm). Velour pads for all-day comfort. Ideal for mixing and mastering.

Pros:

• + STELLAR.45 drivers
• + Doesn't need an amp (48 ohm)
• + Velour pads (breathable, hypoallergenic)
• + Detailed natural soundstage
• + All-day comfort

Cons:

• - Open-back means no isolation
• - Not portable
• - Wired only

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2Over-ear closed-back wired

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica

8.8/10

$149

Industry-standard closed-back. Excellent isolation, foldable, detachable cable, balanced sound. The workhorse every studio owns and the most versatile wired all-rounder.

Pros:

• + Industry-standard studio headphone
• + Foldable + detachable cable
• + Excellent isolation
• + 90-degree swiveling earcups
• + Balanced sound

Cons:

• - Earpads wear out (replaceable though)
• - Clamping force tight at first
• - Not the widest soundstage

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3Over-ear closed-back wired

Sony MDR-7506

Sony

8.5/10

$80

The budget legend used in broadcast studios worldwide since the 1980s. Closed-back, accurate midrange, lightweight. Under $100 and genuinely pro-quality.

Pros:

• + Under $100
• + Proven in broadcast studios for 40+ years
• + Accurate midrange for voice monitoring
• + Lightweight and foldable
• + Coiled cable

Cons:

• - Non-detachable cable
• - Earpads wear out
• - Treble can be harsh at high volume

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4Over-ear open-back wired

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Sennheiser

9.6/10

$1600

The reference. Largest soundstage of any headphone with pinpoint imaging. 56mm ring radiator driver. The endgame for many audiophiles. Needs a dedicated amp.

Pros:

• + Largest soundstage of any headphone
• + Pinpoint imaging
• + 56mm ring radiator driver
• + Reference-grade detail retrieval
• + Premium build

Cons:

• - $1,600 price
• - Needs a quality amp/DAC
• - No isolation (open-back)
• - Fragile-looking design

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Buying Advice

Open-back headphones leak sound in both directions, so they cannot be used during recording sessions with a live microphone. Closed-back isolates. Get at least one of each if you both mix and record. Impedance determines amp requirements: under 80 ohms works from any device, over 150 ohms needs a dedicated headphone amp.

Frequently Asked Questions