Finding the right pair of studio headphones can take your music production to the next level. If you’re recording vocals or instruments, closed-back headphones are essential—they prevent audio from leaking into your microphone. But if you’re mixing or mastering, open-back headphones offer a more natural, immersive listening experience and often more comfort during long sessions.
We’ve tested over 825 studio headphones, and in this guide, we break down the top performers of 2025—from pro-level studio cans to budget-friendly workhorses.
The best closed-back studio headphones are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. They block out background noise well, making them great for recording without mic bleed. These headphones don’t leak much sound, though they can bleed slightly at high volumes. They’re popular in studios thanks to their clear sound, solid build, and affordable price. You get three cable options, including a coiled one for flexible movement. The earcups swivel and feel comfortable for long use. For a brighter sound and wider stage, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a good alternative.
Key Features:
| Type | Description |
| Isolation | Excellent for preventing mic bleed in recording environments |
| Comfort | Soft earcups and adjustable headband, ideal for long sessions |
| Cable | Coiled cable included; great for flexible movement in the studio |
| Leakage | Low to moderate at high volumes |
| Use Case | Best for vocal/instrument recording in closed setups |
If you want a more affordable option, the Sony MDR-7506 is a trusted choice in many studios. These closed-back headphones offer clear, balanced sound with a flat mid-range that keeps vocals and instruments sharp. They have a bit of bass punch but not enough to overpower your mix. The coiled cable is handy and helps reduce tangles during movement. However, the cable isn’t detachable, and the build feels a bit cheap. They don’t block out background noise well but are still solid for basic studio use. Their parts are screw-mounted, making them easier to repair.
Key Features:
| Handling Type | Description |
| Sound Profile | Flat mids with slightly boosted bass and treble |
| Build Quality | Lightweight but feels less premium; creaks slightly |
| Repairability | Easy to replace parts (but non-detachable cable) |
| Use Case | Reliable pick for home or pro studio monitoring |
If you’re on a tight budget, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a solid pick. These closed-back headphones look like the M50x but feel more plasticky and lightweight. While they don’t offer strong low-bass, their mid-range is flat and clear—great for hearing vocals and instruments accurately. Treble is a bit rolled-off, so cymbals and S/T sounds can seem dull. Still, they deliver consistent audio across uses. Comfort is decent for long sessions, and they’re good enough for basic studio tasks. They’re especially useful if you need multiple pairs for tracking.
Key Features:
| Handling Type | Description |
| Sound Balance | Good mids, slight bass loss, treble roll-off present |
| Build | Mostly plastic; exposed wiring |
| Best For | Budget studios or group tracking sessions |
| Leakage | Minimal but slightly higher than ATH-M50x |
If you prefer open-back headphones for mixing, the Sennheiser HD 800 S is a top-tier choice. These headphones offer a wide, natural soundstage that helps you hear every detail in your mix. They have a flat and accurate mid-range, making vocals and instruments sound clear and lifelike. Treble is clean with a slight boost, while bass is tight but lacks deep thump—typical for open-backs. You’ll need a powerful amp to drive them well. They’re very comfortable and built to last, though the hinge pin may loosen over time. They come with two detachable cables and an adapter. For more bass, the HiFiMan Arya Stealth is a good alternative.
Key Features:
| Handling Type | Description |
| Soundstage | Immersive, spacious, excellent stereo imaging |
| Power Needs | Requires a headphone amp to drive properly |
| Comfort | High comfort, but hinges may loosen over time |
| Use Case | Ideal for mixing/mastering in acoustically treated rooms |
If you want affordable open-back headphones with high-end sound, the HiFiMan Edition XS is a great choice. They use planar magnetic drivers to deliver a wide and natural soundstage, ideal for mixing and mastering. Their sound is clear and slightly bright, with good mid and high-bass to keep basslines warm. Like most open-backs, they lack deep low-bass. Build quality is basic, with lots of plastic and somewhat weak hinges. If you want something more durable, the Audeze MM-100 is an option. It’s less bright but more relaxed, great for longer sessions without ear fatigue.
Key Features:
| Handling Type | Description |
| Sound Profile | Bright and detailed with slight bass lift |
| Build | Lightweight plastic; not the most durable |
| Comfort | Spacious earcups, slightly loose fit |
| Use Case | Mixing, mastering, and reference listening |
The Sennheiser HD 560S are great lower mid-range open-back headphones for mixing. They use dynamic drivers and offer a flat, accurate mid-range that makes instruments sound clean and natural. Their tuning stays close to neutral with minimal peaks or dips. While they lack strong low and mid-bass, this is normal for open-backs. Jazz and pop sound great, but bass-heavy genres may feel a bit thin. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and stay secure on your head—perfect for long mixing sessions. However, the build is a bit plasticky compared to HiFiMan models. Still, they’re a solid value for accurate monitoring.
Key Features:
| Handling Type | Description |
| Sound | Flat mids, limited bass thump (common in open-backs) |
| Build | Plastic-heavy but stable on head |
| Use Case | Long mix sessions, reference tracking |
| Fit | Secure for head movement, ideal for energetic producers |
The Philips SHP9500 are the best budget open-back studio headphones we’ve tested. They offer solid build quality for the price and deliver a clear, balanced sound that’s great for mixing. The mid-range is well-tuned, making vocals and instruments sound accurate. However, like most open-backs, they lack strong low-bass, which EDM fans may notice. Treble is slightly boosted, so cymbals can sound a bit sharp. They’re very comfortable and lightweight—great for long sessions. Just keep in mind they leak a lot of sound and don’t block noise, so they’re not ideal for recording or noisy rooms.
Key Features:
| Handling Type | Description |
| Sound Quality | Clear and immersive for the price |
| Leakage | High (not for recording use) |
| Durability | Better than most sub-$100 options |
| Best Use | Affordable mixing headphone for beginners |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re recording vocals or dialing in the final master, choosing the right studio headphones is essential. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Category | Headphone | Best For |
| Best Overall Closed-Back | ATH-M50x | Tracking vocals & instruments |
| Mid-Range Closed-Back | Sony MDR-7506 | Reliable all-rounder |
| Budget Closed-Back | ATH-M20x | Affordable tracking sessions |
| Best Open-Back | Sennheiser HD 800 S | Critical mixing & mastering |
| Mid-Range Open-Back | HiFiMan Edition XS | Detail-oriented mixing |
| Lower Mid-Range Open-Back | Sennheiser HD 560S | Natural reference sound |
| Budget Open-Back | Philips SHP9500 | Great value for beginner mixers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ What’s the difference between closed-back and open-back studio headphones?
❓ Why do some studio headphones come with coiled cables?
Coiled cables stretch as needed without tangling, offering more freedom to move around the studio while keeping the cable length manageable. This is especially useful when switching between instruments, desks, or mixers.
❓ Do all studio headphones block out background noise?
Not all of them. Closed-back models like the ATH-M50x or Sony MDR-7506 offer decent passive noise isolation, while open-back models (like the Sennheiser HD 800 S) are not meant to block noise at all—they’re built for accurate monitoring in quiet environments.
❓ Can I use open-back headphones for recording vocals?
It’s not recommended. Open-back headphones leak sound, which can be picked up by sensitive microphones during vocal or acoustic instrument recordings. For that, closed-back headphones are the better choice.
❓ What should I consider when buying budget studio headphones?
Check for consistent sound quality, comfort for long sessions, and durability. Even on a budget, models like the ATH-M20x and Philips SHP9500 offer reliable performance, though they may lack features like detachable cables or strong bass response.
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