7 Best Studio Headphones in 2023
For music producers, selecting the right studio headphones is crucial. With numerous choices available, it’s challenging to determine the worthy ones. That’s why we’ve curated a 2023 list of top studio headphones, ensuring you make an informed purchase. Whether you prioritize comfort, sound quality, or durability, we’ve got your back. Read on to discover your ideal pair for the ultimate home studio experience.
Understanding that the best studio headphones vary depending on individual preferences and requirements is crucial. Your unique needs will guide your selection from our expert picks. Budget plays a significant role but don’t fret, as even affordable or mid-range options offer exceptional sound quality and comfort. The competitive studio headphone market ensures that factors like comfort, sound quality, frequency range, noise isolation, and durability are consistently impressive within the same price range.
1. beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Headphones
The beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro 250 Ohm is a high-quality, open-back circumaural studio headphone with a carrying case and extra ear pads. The quality earpads produce a balanced sound, while the leatherette pads provide an analytical sound. The 3m straight cable avoids tangling in front of your body, and a 5m coiled cable is also included for maximum studio movement.
Key Features
- Driver: 45 mm dynamic
- Cable: 3 meter
- Connection: wired
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40,000 Hz
- Impedance: 25o Ω
- Sensitivity: 102 dB (1 V)
- Weight: 370g
Design:
- Earcups: provide a natural and remarkably spacious sound. The spatial sound makes them a dependable reference tool for mixing and mastering.
- Headbands: are crafted with exceptional attention to detail, making them quality and durability, which is truly eye-catching.
- Connectivity: the two cables: a 3-meter straight line and a coiled cable that stretches up to 5 meters. Both wires have a 3-pin mini XLR, a 3.5mm jack, and a screw-on 1/4-inch adapter.
Performance:
- Sound quality: delivers breathtaking sound with an impressively wide stereo image and highly differentiated spatial resolution.
- Output quality: its output quality is convincing, offering excellent detail from the deepest bass to the finest resolution, a neutral mid-range, and silky highs.
- Highs: the highs may be slightly understated, but these headphones provide an enjoyable listening experience that will surely bring a smile to your face.
- Soundstage: the sound is incredibly smooth and peaceful, attributed to the subdued dynamics of the drum beats and other elements.
Pros:
- Super comfortable
- Breathable earcups
- Great soundstage
Cons:
- No noise isolation
- Leak the sound
Pricing:
Available in stock at the price of USD 499.00 at Amazon.
2. beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Best Studio Headphones
With outstanding sound quality and robust bass, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are among the best open-back headphones on the market. Typical of Beyerdynamic headphones, they are also durable and comfortable. Additionally, the large, velour-wrapped ear pads and lightweight frame make them suitable for extended use at a desk without neck fatigue.
Key Features
- Noise cancellation: No
- Transparency: Yes
- Driver: 38 mm dynamic
- Connection: ¼ “adapter (6.35 mm)
- Cable length: 3.0 m (9.8′)
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz
- Impedance: 250 Ω
- Sensitivity: 96 dB @ 1mW
- Weight: 250g
Design:
- Style: over-ear, open-back headphones
- Earcups: made of plastic, and the vent allows air to go through and provide a natural sound.
- Ear cushions: made of high-quality materials foam, soft and highly cozy over your ear
- Headband: lightweight and durable, convenient to customize the length
- Cable: replaceable cable
- Connectivity: the high impedance allows one to connect with a wide range of devices
Performance:
- Bass response: Great sound in bass response
- Frequency response: it has 5 – 35.000 Hz that produces a high range of audio frequency with noticeable accuracy
- Soundstage: impressive soundstage sound, meaning they are balanced and detail
- Sound quality: extremely high resolution and very transparency sound, which make them the mater in studio
Pros:
- Stable and well fit
- perfect for audio production
Cons:
- Not portable
- No noise cancellation
- Leak sound outside the headphone
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 159.00
3. Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Headphones
The Audio Technica ATH-AD700X Headphones would be our second pick if soundstage likability were the basis for headphone selection. When you wear them, you’ll be transported to a different realm where the sound paints vivid pictures of stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring scenes. These headphones possess a refined grace, demonstrated by their reluctance towards excessive bass. Their distinct character makes them well worth their price.
Key Features
- Noise cancellation: No
- Transparency: Yes
- Driver: 43 mm dynamic
- Connection: 1/8″ (3.5 mm) mini Stereo, gold-plated
- Cable length: 3.0 m (9.8′)
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 30,000 Hz
- Impedance: 38 Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB @ 1mW
- Weight: 265g
Design:
- Style: Over-ear headphones with an open-back design
- Earcups: allow air to go through, breathable for your ears, avoid causing discomfort
- Earpads: the earpads made of flexible fabric offer an extra level of comfort when worn
- Headband: the 3D wing support is designed to adjust automatically and provide a complete ear-fit without excessive pressure or the risk of headphones slipping off.
- Connectivity: the cable length is 3 meters, long enough for your movement and stable connection
Performance:
- Frequency response: range of 5Hz to 30,000 Hz for accurate and detailed sound production
- Sound quality: the open-back design allows to have the natural and spacious soundstage
- Soundstage: the sound signature is neutral, focusing on delivering precise and well-timed bass, although it may not satisfy bass enthusiasts.
- Sensitivity: high rate of 100dB/mW make them suitable for use with a wide range of audio equipment
- Microphone: no built-in microphone, no touch control for pickup/end calls
Pros:
- Significant driver, great for an enhanced soundstage
- self-adjusting headband
- Clear soundstage
- Great dynamics
Cons:
- Less portable
- Hard treble
- Lack of noise isolation
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the cost of USD 118.72
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 wireless headphones combine exceptional performance with a sleek portable design. They boast touch control and voice assistant compatibility. With an impressive battery life of 60 hours, these headphones prioritize longevity over noise-cancellation features that tend to drain power. The over-ear design effectively blocks out surrounding noise, and the generously sized ear pads comfortably accommodate those with larger ears.
Key Feature
- Impedance: 38 Ohm
- Cable: 1.20 m
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Frequency range: 15 – 28000 Hz (Headphone) | 85 -15000 Hz (Microphone)
- Driver diameter: 45 mm
- Weight: 307 g
Design:
- Earcups: Enjoy the flexibility of 90-degree rotating ear cups, which provide a customizable fit and offer exceptional comfort for long listening sessions.
- Headband: The headphones feature durable metal sliders, ensuring increased reliability and stability, even during extended use.
- App: Enhance your headphone experience by downloading the A-T Connect app, which provides extensive control over your ATH-M50xBT2 headphones. With this app, you can effortlessly activate low latency mode, fine-tune the EQ settings, adjust the volume balance between left and right channels, choose your preferred voice assistant, locate misplaced headphones, switch between different codecs, and enjoy various additional features and functionalities.
Performance:
- Sound quality: The ATH-M50xBT2 headphones provide a thrilling wireless listening experience by delivering the legendary M50x studio sound, characterized by exceptional clarity and precise, deep bass response.
- Microphone: Experience crystal-clear phone calls and reliable communication with the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant, thanks to the exceptional vocal pickup provided by dual microphones and beamforming technology.
- Battery life: When fully charged, you can enjoy free listening with the ATH-M50xBT2, which offers up to 50 hours of uninterrupted use.
Pros:
- Accurate response level
- Great noise cancellation
Cons:
- Limited bass sound
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the price of USD 199.00
5. AUDEZE LCD-2 Best Studio Headphones
Recently, you might see some of his videos using these headphones. In addition, to their traditional looks, many incredible features shock you. Every of Pewdiepie headphones is excellent at performance and, especially, the sound quality. We will help you analyze the elements and help you make the right choice.
Key Features
- Noise cancelling: Yes
- Transparency: Yes
- Inputs: 1/4″ (6.35mm)
- Connection: Wired
- Cable length: 98.4″
- Weight: 595g
Design:
- Style: Open-back surround your ear
- Transducer: Planar Magnetic
- Earcups: are made from rosewood, making them unique and smooth.
- Ear cushions: made from lambskin, which makes them comfortable and friendly looks
- Headband: made of premium leather, quite heavy, tho, but it’s comfortable even if you wear it for an extended period, but the wood here is very durable and robust.
- Connectivity: easy to connect to any genre.
Performance:
- Active Noise Cancellation: this isolates the outside noise and provides more natural sound without disturbing you.
- Planar Magnetic Drivers: the large diaphragm area in the field offers less distortion and better sound quality.
- Distortion: produced the sound without any unwanted artifacts.
- Sensitivity: it has 101 dB that can drive audio sources
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz, more comprehensive than other headphones, which provide better sound quality.
- Sound quality: the bass response is awe-inspiring. You won’t believe it until you try it by yourself. The audio is balanced and detailed, with pure sound, and does not irritate.
- Imaging: Perfectly for gaming, the soundstage provides an immersive experience in open-world games.
Pros:
- Premium looks
- High quality built
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Require Amplifier
- limited ANC
Pricing
These headphones cost USD 995.00 at Amazon.
6. Sennheiser HD 650 Best Studio Headphones
This HD 650 is designed to provide high-performance and intimate detail sound. Moreover, most parts of the HD 650 are modular, soft, and comfortable ear pads and offer a great sound experience so you can enjoy music even more. The best open-back headphones under $500 on our list that you can consider!
Key Features
- Driver: 42 mm dynamic
- Cable: 3 meter
- Connection: wired
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 41,000 Hz
- Impedance: 3oo Ω
- Sensitivity: 103 dB (1 V)
- Weight: 260g
Design:
- Style: open-back headphone
- Ear cushions: made of soft material foam, provide better comfort, and are breathable for your ears.
- Headband: has sponge under the headband, easy to wear, adjustable, and durable for a customized fit.
- Earcups: have vents for air to get in and out, provide a natural sound stage
- Connectivity: the cable length is 3 meters, long enough for your movement without losing connection.
Performance:
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 41,000 Hz with warm and natural tonal balance
- Sound quality: exceptional sound quality provide clear, detailed, and accurate sound
- Bass Response: muted bass response, but for some reason, it’s average compared to other headphones.
- Soundstage: the vents on the earcups provide an expensive and immersive soundstage
- Input: suitable for various music genres and audio applications.
- Connectivity: The headphones can be driven by various sources, including smartphones, laptops, and portable music players, although they will benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier.
Pros:
- Wide soundstage
- High-quality materials
- Compatible with high-end audio equipment
Cons:
- It may require a dedicated headphone amplifier to achieve optimal sound quality
Pricing:
7. Sennheiser HD 800S Headphones
Sennheiser HD 800 S is the world-class open-back headphones that provide excellent sound quality and immersive sound that would shock you. The brand that professionals trust and suggest to other people about the quality and the performance. The design differs from different brands, with the 56mm Ring Radiator dynamic transducer system providing precise and detailed natural sound.
Key Features
- Noise cancelling: No
- Connector: 6.35 mm jack plug and 4.4 mm jack plug
- Cable length: 3 meters
- Weight: 330 g
- Frequency response: 4 Hz – 51,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 102 dB (1 V)
- Impedance: 300 Ω
- Driver: 42 mm dynamic
Design:
- Style: over-ear, open-back headphones
- Cable: detachable cable
- Earcups: allow air to go through in and out to reduce heat and provide natural sound
- Ear cushions: the pads are incredibly soft and made of microfiber padding, providing comfort to your ear
- Headband: solid and secure with adjustable hand to customize the fit
- Connectivity: able to connect both 6.35 mm jack plug and 4.4 mm jack plug
Performance:
- Soundstage: offer an excellent instrument separation, making it easy to distinguish between different sounds and instruments
- Frequency response: 4 Hz – 51,000 Hz, significant in low, mid, and high tones correctly
- Sound quality: excellent sound quality, provide high-fidelity sound even though it has a typical bass response
- Resolution: outstanding performance and delivers precise sound, and make you lost in the music
- Bass response: limit controlled with perfect extension and naturally
- Treble: sounds excellent, not really hash and detail.
Pros:
- Premium look
- Excellent sound quality
- High resolution
Cons:
- Average bass sound
Pricing:
Available in stock at the price of USD 1799.95 at Amazon.
Conclusion
Currently, the market offers a diverse range of exceptional studio headphones. Whether you opt for popular models from reputable brands like Sennheiser, beyerdynamic, Audio-Technica, or others, making the wrong choice is challenging. Unless you have specific preferences, start by deciding between open-back or closed-back designs, then explore our list to find a pair that fits your budget. Investing in high-end studio headphones is worth considering if you’re deeply committed to recording sessions and music production. With them, you can ensure optimal sound quality for every mix or master, regardless of your music genre.
