The best headphones for music production on our list can easily stand in any home recording studio. From beginners to professional musicians, a studio-quality pair is “the alpha and the omega” for music production. Especially if you tend to work on the road, headphones are essential to listen, mixing, and mastering your music properly.

First of all, a pair of good-quality studio headphones will make your life a lot easier. Except for your studio monitors, earphones are essential to produce, record, mix and master your music. Let’s face it, sometimes you will have annoyed neighbors or want to produce on the road.

There are Hi-Fi or gaming headphones out there, but they do not work for us. These pairs alter the frequency response, giving you dynamic bass and boosted highs. It may sound better, but it is not real. It is essential to hear the music as it is, flat and balanced. If you make a track that will sound good on your flat frequency response headphones, the song will sound good on all types of sound outputs.

If your budget is limited, there are still some pretty good choices for under 100 dollars. Find out more at the best studio headphones under $100.

All our picks below for the best headphones for music production have also been the choice for many professional producers and audio engineers.

There are many music production headphones for beat-making out there. Characteristics such as size, shape, style, comfort level, noise cancellation, removable cables, and extra accessories, make it a hard choice for everyone. With our personal experience, recommendations, reviews, specific features, and price tag, we picked the top seven headphones for music production. 

TOP 7 Best Headphones for Music Production – Reviews

1. AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M50X

The title of the best headphones for music production could quickly go to Audio Technica ATH-M50X. I use it in my studio, and if I had to choose again, I would pick this one. With a very affordable price tag and features that overcome headphones with double the price, it is an excellent option for every music producer and studio owner. 

This pair of headphones are comfortable and stable on your head with 90° swiveling rotatable ear-cups for one-ear monitoring and extra convenient storage. The cable is detachable, and the headphone overall is light, making it a good option for those who travel and ask for a portable headset. The headband feels a little hard after long-hour studio sessions. But at the same time, the built quality is sturdy. 

ATH-M50X has superb sound quality and frequency range. In total offers an excellent flat response but with a small boost on low frequencies that gives deep and punchy bass. As closed-back type of headphones provides superior isolation from ambient sounds with little sound leakage. The 98 dB sensitivity and maximum input power of 1600mW, may not sound enough for live performances, but studio monitoring is ideal.

It is highly rated, and many consider it the best budget headphones for music production.

Conclusion: Audio Technica ATH-M50X continuously adds fantastic reviews from amateur and professional musicians. The reason for that is that it constitutes a complete pair of headphones with high-quality built, reliable, and desirable sound. Plus, the very affordable price tag. With a few extra bucks, you can also get a Slappa full-sized hardbody pro headphone case. ATH-M50X comes in 5 different colors pick Black, Gun Metal, White, Red, and Blue. However, Black is the standard color of this pair, as the rest will cost you a few extra bucks. 

Musicians who use it: Paul McCartney, Hardwell, Kygo, and many more professional music producers and artists.

Pros

• Bestseller
• Affordable
• Light
• Portable

Cons

• Basic headphone
• Looks

Headphone type:	closed-back
Sound isolation:	8.5/10
Frequency range:	15Hz-28KHz
Build quality:	8.5/10

 

 

 

 

2. BEYERDYNAMIC DT-770 PRO

Beyerdynamic is well known for its top-quality studio monitor headphones. Therefore we couldn’t miss one of its models in our list of the best studio headphones. Beyerdynamic DT-770 PRO could also be our first pick as one of the most discussed headphones for music studios.

DT-770 PRO is a closed-back type that offers superb isolation, and you will also see it used by a wide variety of professions with common loud background noises. Highly sensitive transducers ensure easily heard full dynamics, which are hard to find in any other pair of headphones at this price range.

The DT 770 PRO is the perfect pair of headphones for monitoring, mixing, and mastering. 

The cushion system and the adjustable and robust steel headband make this pair very comfortable for short periods of use. A better option instead of the 80-ohm is the 250-ohm edition that comes with replaceable velour ear pads.

In total, it is an excellent choice for bedroom and professional music producers to make trance, dubstep, techno, and house music. If you take care of them, you will have a pair for years.

Conclusion: You will find pair in most guides with the best headphones for music production under $200. The large size and the slightly fragile earpads might put you on second thoughts. However, the rest of the features do not lack in anything, with powerful and full sound, flexibility, and an excellent price range. The Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 80Ohm is also available with a full-sized PRO case for easy transportation with just a few extra bucks.

 Musicians who use it: Armin van Buuren, Dyro, Pole Folder

Pros

• Top rated
• Over-ear fit
• Durable
• Noise-canceling

Cons

• Not for long studio sessions

Headphone type:	closed-back
Sound isolation:	9/10
Frequency range:	5Hz-35KHz
Build quality:	9/10

 

3. AKG PRO K702

For the fans of AKG, K702 is an excellent studio-quality pair. You may hesitate because of their open-back type nature or semi-open as the manufacturer states. Still, they deliver fairly good sound isolation due to the over-ear form factor.

AKG K702 has won plenty of awards for its sound quality and especially for the patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm for an improved high-frequency range. Quincy Jones characterized its sound as the best he had ever heard from studio headphones, which led him later to create a special edition, the AKG Q701 as well as the K701, and K702 are the same sounding and have the same driver models.

AKG K702’s unique feature is the patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm for improved high-frequency range and excellent performance at low frequencies. The sound quality is fantastic with detailed deep, punchy bass and plenty of mid-range frequencies.

The built quality is quite sturdy, the over-ear pads are very comfortable, and they are also lightweight. The K702 might not have rotatable earcups but are incredibly durable and suitable for extended studio sessions. A very popular headphone for hip-hop, rap, and rock music recording.

Conclusion: AKG PRO K702 is a bit bulky and does not rotate or fold for easy transportation, and even if the isolation is sufficient, the closed-back types are a better choice. They are not very cheap, but the sound quality is so good that they definitely deserve your attention and probably a place in your studio. Keep in mind that they also may have a long break-in period around 130+hrs.

Pros

• Sound quality
• Comfort
• Light
• Bass response

Cons

• Sound isolation

Headphone type:	open-back
Sound isolation:	8/10
Frequency range:	10Hz-39.8KHz
Build quality:	8.5/10

 

4. SONY MDR-7510

SONY MDR-7510 is a trendy, classic choice for home recording studios and not only. It has a sweet price tag, the well-known name of Sony, and the quality features make it a satisfactory set. If its appearance didn’t discourage you, this quality pair would happily surprise you. Worth mentioning that its smaller sibling MDR-7506 is our first pick for the best studio headphones under $100.

The closed-back type offers excellent isolation from ambient sounds, and even if ear pads look rather large and do not rotate, in total are very comfortable and quite durable.

The MDR-7510 offers a flat sound with great detail at the bass end. In the mid-range, on the other hand, I found a bit of overflow. That is the only negative review you will see among a significant number of excellent comments. This over-ear headset is very popular in music studios, singing, radio stations, film production, and electronic newsgathering.

Conclusion: If you have a limited budget, then I highly recommend this pair. It has an excellent sound quality that can be useful in a studio for making beats, mixing, and mastering. The design doesn’t excite anybody, but it has all the essential features to get the job done.

 Musicians who use it: Mick Jagger, Kaskade, Linkin Park, Paul Van Dyk

Pros

• High Power Handling Capacity 2,000mW
• Frequency range
• Used by legends

Cons

• Mid-range response

Headphone type:	closed-back
Sound isolation:	8/10
Frequency range:	5Hz-40KHz
Build quality:	8.5/10

5. KRK KNS 8400

With over 25 years of experience in studio sound, KRK enters the studio headphone world with its KNS series. You probably are already familiar with the Rokir G3 studio monitor speakers by KRK and their original yellow color woofer. Should you expect the same sound quality as their monitor speakers? Yes, definitely!

KRK KNS 8400 is closed-back monitor headphones that deliver accurate and natural sound, as it must be heard. The full frequency response offers silky high-end, extended mids, and lows that will ensure precise sound reproduction. The bass frequency reproduces the low end of your music accurately, clearly, and without boominess. Users say that they could discern the most subtle differences and tiny details of the songs for the first time.

These lightweight and very comfortable headphones are ideal for those long sessions that many producers struggle with. The Premium Leatherette, detachable cables, and a volume slider to fold back your earphones contribute to getting the comfort and durability you want from your studio headphones. 

Conclusion: KRK managed to create a studio pair with all the necessary features every producer wants in his/her studio. This electronic music headset provides a precise listening experience, with a frequency range of 5Hz – 23kHz (not ideal for DJing) and 124 dB maximum SPL. All that in a comfortable, and most importantly, affordable pair of headphones for making music.  

Pros

• Sleek design
• Flat response
• Comfort

Cons

• Build quality

Headphone type:	closed-back
Sound isolation:	8.5/10
Frequency range:	5Hz-23KHz
Build quality:	8/10

 

6. Shure SRH840

 

Shure is another well-known company among producers for its high-quality audio equipment. SRH 840 is a professional monitoring headphone for studio recording, mixing, and mastering your tracks.

This on-ear type of headphone delivers precise frequency response with fat bass, clear mid-range, and extended highs. The overall sound is rich and flat and will cover the needs of most music producers in the studio.

As a closed-back type, it offers decent sound isolation. However, if you are looking to block out any ambient sounds completely, I would suggest you go for a pair with bigger earcups than this. Small ear-cups, on the other hand, will provide you comfort for long-hour studio sessions. Except for some normal wear on the headband, after many years of use, SRH840 is relatively durable.

Conclusion: Shure SRH840 weighs less than 2 pounds, making it one of the lightest studio pairs out there. It does not offer any fantastic features, but its entire quality, functions, and appearance are above average. If you like this option but cannot afford it, take a look at the Shure SRH440.

Pros

• Light
• Portable
• Flat headphones

Cons

• On-ear fit
• Looks

Headphone type:	closed-back
Sound isolation:	8.5/10
Frequency range:	5Hz-25KHz
Build quality:	8.5/10

 

7. SENNHEISER HD 600

We will take it up a notch with this professional HiFi studio headphone. The Sennheiser HD600 offers the best sound quality you will find in the market at this price range. With nearly perfect reviews from audio engineers gives no room for doubt. It is an ideal headphone for mixing and mastering in your recording studio. 

HD600, with a sophisticated design and elegantly finished in black and gray, offers a luxuriously wide range of sounds and full and extended bass. As well, open-sounding highs with plenty of detail. If your pocket can afford an upgrade to HD650, you will exit winners.

This open-back type of headphones does not offer splendid isolation from ambient noise. The reason for this is that HD 600 is made to provide better sound and not privacy. Regardless now, the comfort they provide is excellent, extremely light-weight, and sits very well over the ears with the velour ear pads.

HD600 are professional headphones for music production. Perfect for listening to your favorite orchestral music or classical pieces as well. 

Conclusion: In general, we like affordable studio tools because let’s face it; we may break them, lose them, or at some point, want to upgrade to something better. However, Sennheiser HD600 is the most expensive pair on our list of the best audio headphones for music production. A pair that does not provide reliable sound isolation compared to the others. Although the sound quality is unbeatable, clear, and detailed with tight bass, this pair is ideal for almost all kinds of electronic music. If you have the budget and a quiet studio room, then this is a perfect choice.

Musicians who use it: D.Ramirez, Avicii, Audien, Max Cooper

Pros

• High-end sound
• Top rated
• Bestseller
• Used by professional sound engineers

Cons

• Expensive

Headphone type:	open-back
Sound isolation:	8.5/10
Frequency range:	16Hz-22KHz
Build quality:	9/10

All headphones we reviewed above are perfect for recording and produce electronic music, classical music, rock, rap, and every sub-genre of these. 

Buyers Guide

The difference between DJ and studio headphones – Is it necessary to own both?

If you are taking music production seriously, then yes, you will have to invest and purchase two different pairs that will get the job done on both ends. The only significant difference between studio and DJ headphones is the frequency response and clarity of the sound. With the first, you want a flat and balanced sound with which you can hear decent audio. While with the DJ headphones, you will have loud bass and extensive mids and highs.

Sound isolation is another matter that differs between studio and DJ headphones. However, there are still some great options that can do a pretty good job the same well in your studio and your live performances. Beyerdynamic DT 1350 is a good example.

Here you will find our list and reviews of the top 7 best DJ headphones in the world today!

What to consider before buying studio headphones for home recording:

The primary things to consider are the type of headphones (closed or open-back) and search for a pair with flat frequency response, and clear sound.

• Type of headphones:
  It is preferable to go for a closed-back type of headphones that offer splendid isolation. They block ambient sounds and prevent sound leakage into your recordings, which can create distortion. The downside of this design is that it traps pressure inside the headphone, and it basically travels the sound around the ears. That may cause a false perception of low frequencies.
  If isolation is not an issue in your studio, open-back types of headphones offer decent isolation and relatively better sound quality.
• Sound response:
  We can’t talk about studio headphones and not ask for a high-quality sound response. We are searching for a pair that will offer a flat frequency response along with great clarity of the sound. Every headphone “tells us” their frequency response, but don’t forget that you can generally hear from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. In the end, the desired sound you want is a personal matter.
• Isolation:
  Sound isolation is a feature to consider for all types of headphones. As a DJ, you don’t want to hear background noises that will distract your mixing process. The same goes for your home recording studio, a pair with poor isolation can also interfere with your recordings, causing distortion. Even if a closed-back type is known to do the job better, some open-back may provide almost the same isolation as good closed-back headphones.
• Comfort:
  In your studio, you want comfortable headphones that you can wear for hours at a time. Therefore we are looking for comfortable ear-pads and headbands. If the earcups are also rotatable, they offer extreme transportation and easy storage.
• Durability:
  Unless you plan to buy new headphones every couple of years, durability should be an essential factor in your decision. However, all models below have a very good built quality and brand credibility that will guarantee a long-life product. If you are known as the one who easily destroys tools, it is good to find a pair with easily removable parts to replace.
• Earcups:
  Some headphones sit on top of your ear; those are called On-Ear. However, on our list, we will meet only Over-Ear types where the earpads (cups) cover the whole of your ear. Over-ear headphones are usually more comfortable and help for better isolation from ambient sounds.

People Also Ask:

• What are the best headphones for music production? Beyerdynamic DT-770 PRO and Audio Technica ATH-M50 are the best headphones for music production according to experts and professional producers.
• Are monitor headphones good for listening to music? Yes. Studio monitor headphones, like our top picks above, are fabulous for listening to music balanced and accurately, without “warmth” or “boost” frequencies.
• Are beats headphones good for music production? Beats headphones can do a decent job in your studio to produce music. However, there are several headsets on the same budget that offer better sound quality and more accurate frequency response.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a pair of good-quality studio headphones is one of the more thoughtful things you can do. Just like choosing your next DAW (FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic, etc.), music production headphones are an ultimate personal matter.

For example, I cannot work if ambient sounds pass through my earphones. It distracts me, and I’m becoming less creative and productive. Therefore isolation is one of my priorities, followed by sound quality and comfort. If isolation is an essential factor for you, and you plan to record loud vocals or instruments, closed-back types of headphones should be on your list. If you work as a sound engineer, in a well-soundproofed studio, go for an open-back type. 

There are many options out there, with different brands, features, and price tags for you to choose from. That is why we made a list of different products and characteristics that will cover the needs of the most. 

Have you found the “ONE” for you?