The key to finding the best budget studio headphones is to prioritize a flat, accurate frequency response. This ensures that what you hear is true to the original recording, without the exaggerated bass or treble boosts common in consumer headphones.
Under $50) | Under $50 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 90 | 7475+ | |||
 | 91 | 24950+ |
Under $100 | Under $100 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 94 | 31500+ | |||
 | 92 | 18050+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Good budget studio headphones should deliver accurate sound reproduction with a flat frequency response, allowing you to hear your mix as it is. This neutral sound profile lets you make precise mixing and editing decisions that translate well across different playback systems.
While most sub-$100 headphones won’t match the precision of high-end studio models, there are still excellent options that provide clarity and balance for home studio work.
Closed-back headphones remain the most practical, offering better sound isolation for tracking and mixing without unwanted mic bleed.
Meanwhile, open-back and semi-open-back headphones provide a more natural soundstage, making them viable for mixing and mastering—though at the cost of sound leaking and reduced bass depth.
Here, we’ve curated a list of top-rated budget studio headphones from the best headphone brands that deliver solid performance for their price. We’ve divided our recommendations into two subcategories, sub $50 and sub $100.
It may be convenient to use Bluetooth headphones for mixing, but wireless transmission introduces subtle loss and latency that can throw off your accuracy.
Whether you need an affordable pair for recording, editing, or casual mixing, these picks prove you don’t have to break the bank for quality sound.
The Best Budget Studio Headphones Under $50
Samson SR850 Semi-Open-Back Studio Headphones
Delivers an impressive level of clarity and an open soundstage that rivals pricier options. Its balanced sound makes it viable for mixing and detailed listening.
Pros:
- Deep bass and clean highs
- Wide frequency response
- Good stereo imaging
- Comfortable fit for long sessions
- A bit bulky
- Not for tracking
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The SR850 studio headphones from Samson sports a semi-open-back design at an affordable price. Making them semi-open allows for a wider soundstage and better stereo imaging.
These budget studio headphones give deep, rich bass and clean highs with a wide enough frequency response. The 50mm drivers provide depth and low-end resolution. It has a clear and detailed sound profile with good stereo imaging.
Just don’t push the volume too high to prevent harshness in the treble frequencies. Note that because of its semi-open back design, sound can bleed into mics when tracking.
The self-adjusting headband provides stability and comfort for long periods of listening sessions. It doesn’t physically hurt the ears as much as others do, even after hours of mixing, editing, and referencing.
Note that it is a bit big, especially for those who are used to smaller cans.
They come with a 1/8″ to 1/4″ gold adapter, which is handy, allowing you to switch between using them with studio and consumer gear.
It would’ve been better if it had detachable cables, but that’s difficult to expect, given the price.
These are the best studio headphones if you are looking for a budget-friendly pair with a clean bass response and sound quality for mixing music.
- Type: Semi-Open
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnet Type: Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz
- Maximum Input Power: Not Specified
- Sensitivity: 98 dB
- Impedance Rating: 32 Ohms
- Weight: 0.60 lbs.
- Cable and Connector: Straight cable, Gold-plated 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo mini connector with gold-plated 1/8” (3.5 mm) to 1/4” (6.3 mm) adapter
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-Back Studio Headphones
A solid entry-level choice with a warm, natural tone and decent isolation for tracking and casual listening. Provides great comfort and durability for long listening and mixing sessions.
Pros:
- Excellent clarity and overall performance.
- Comfortable fit for extended use.
- Great value for money.
- Robust build quality
- Good noise isolation
- Quiet operation
- Click-in 1/8-1/4 adapter can be unreliable
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In terms of sound, it offers a well balanced sound with pleasing warmth and bass, but treble accuracy is slightly under-emphasized. Some users find it comfortable for long sessions, but others may find the ear pads less forgiving.
The ATH-M20x’s pros include its attractive price-to-performance ratio, relatively accurate frequency response, and suitability for bedroom music producers, podcasters, and home studio owners on a budget. However, some cons to consider are its quiet bass, somewhat cheap build quality, and unforgiving ear pads. Cable replacement can also be challenging.
In conclusion, while it’s not the cleanest-sounding option, the ATH-M20x performs well considering its price. If you’re on a budget, it’s worth considering!
- Type: Closed-Back
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnet Type: Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 15 – 20,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 700 mW at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Impedance: 47 Ohms
- Weight: 190 g (6.7 oz), without cable and connector
- Cable: 3.0 m (9.8′), straight, left-side exit
The Best Budget Studio Headphones Under $100
Sony MDR-7506 Closed-Back Headphones
A favorite among audio pros for its crisp, detailed highs and well-defined mids. Its incredible clarity and good isolation make the MDR-7506 excellent for monitoring and editing.
At publication time, these were the Highest Rated Studio Headphones Under $100
Pros:
- Flat midrange and honest overall sound
- Suited for both monitoring and mixing
- Foldable for easy storage and transport
- Versatile and portable
- The pads can get hot and are a bit fragile
- Can be a bit trebly for pro-level mixing
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Not to be confused with the DJ-oriented MDR-V6, the MDR-7506 is essentially the studio headphone version with minor changes in aesthetic and wiring (individual ground on the 7506 vs common ground on the V6), giving a slight imaging and frequency response difference between both.
MDR stands for the Micro Dynamic Receiver tech they developed for the headphone series. Sony changed the magnets to Neodymium from Samarium Cobalt sometime along the model’s nearly 30 year production run so far.
The MDR-7506 has a flat midrange and honest overall sound signature, and this makes it suited for both monitoring and mixing. This versatility is a rarity in cheap studio headphones. This is the reason why the MDR-7506 continues to be a market favorite workhorse set of studio headphones.
Note that it can be a bit too bright sounding for those who are used to more expensive studio headphones. Still, these headphones sound good enough for monitoring, and are one of the best inexpensive headphones at doing this.
Being foldable, the MDR-7506 is easy to store and carry around, making it a good all-in-one studio headphones solution for musicians and studio technicians who are always on the move. Be warned that the pads need to be handled with a little more care, and they can also get hot if used for an extended period of time.
Looking for one set of studio headphones to use for nearly all music production tasks? The MDR-7506 is tough to beat at this budget level especially for versatility in the studio. If you want nothing less than the best headphones under 100, then this is for you.
- Type: Closed
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 40mm
- Magnet Type: Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 10 – 20,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 1,000mW
- Sensitivity: 106 dB/W/m
- Impedance: 63 Ohms
- Weight: 9.52 oz.
- Cable: 9.8 ft. coiled cable Connection, 1/8″ Gold plated stereo jack plug, and 1/4″ adapter (6.35 mm)
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Closed-Back Headphones
With a more balanced sound signature than its popular sibling, this model offers solid bass, detailed mids, and clear highs for accurate monitoring. Sturdy, comfortable, and well-isolated, it’s a fantastic pick for both studio work and casual listening.
Pros:
- Comfortable and breathable.
- Flat frequency response, ideal for mixing and monitoring.
- Detachable cables are a significant advantage, especially for users who frequently damage cables.
- Cuts out majority of the background noise.
- Generally durable and long-lasting.
- Not for individuals with larger heads.
- Inconvenient folding design,
- Headphones feel heavy, and the cord gets in the way.
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The ATH-M40x headphones offer solid studio-quality sound at an affordable price. They deliver clear, balanced sound and have a sturdy frame and manageable clamping force for comfortable extended wear. While some users might find the synthetic ear pads a bit warm during long periods of use, the oval-shaped ear cups accommodate larger ears and can be rotated and swiveled freely. However, the passive noise isolation may not be sufficient for noisy environments like commutes.
On the positive side, the ATH-M40x headphones provide clear and balanced sound, making them suitable for critical listening, monitoring, and studio work. They also come with a detachable coiled cable for convenience and mobility, along with sturdy construction and foldable ear cups for portability. At less than $100 USD, they offer excellent value for their sound quality and build.
In summary, the ATH-M40x headphones are a worthy consideration for producers on a budget or anyone who prioritizes audio quality over gimmicks. They are a suitable alternative to higher-end studio headphones, such as the ATH-M50x.
- Type: Closed-Back
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnet Type: Neodymium
- Frequency Response: 15 – 24,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity: 98 dB
- Impedance: 35 Ohms
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Cable: Includes two interchangeable cables: detachable 1.2 m – 3.0 m (3.9′ – 9.8′) coiled cable and detachable 3.0 m (9.8′) straight cable
Things to Consider When Buying Budget Studio Headphones
Tracking and Monitoring
The ear cups of closed-back reference headphones have the best isolation. It answers the issue of sound bleeding into the microphone while recording audio. They also prevent external noise from affecting the perceived monitor signal. This signal isolation is also important for electric guitar headphones.
Don’t make the mistake of using open-back headphones when tracking. Open backs can leak too much sound back into the microphone. There have been cases of open-back design headphones actually producing feedback because of this.
Mixing and Mastering
Sound quality often decreases as the isolation of headphones increases, especially for budget headphones. Sound engineers consider Open Backs to be the industry standard. Open back headphones are used to optimize sound quality and space over isolation when mixing. Closed-back headphones are not generally recommended for mixing and mastering because they tend to have sound build-up, especially for lower frequencies.
You want the least amount of sound accumulation and a flat distribution of frequencies in order to have a clear and accurate mix for mixing and mastering. This is important if you want a well mastered song, or a good Remastered track. Note that good quality open-back headphones are found at a much higher price point.
Flat Frequency Response
Studio headphones are often used for critical listening, such as monitoring a tracking session. The sound profile needs to be balanced, with a flat frequency response to set and compare sound levels for achieving an accurate sound. It’s preferred to be as close to studio monitors as possible. Most headphones spec sheets list a 20 to 20,000 Hz frequency range since this is the range perceptible to human hearing. However, some headphones have an extended frequency range, providing deeper responses.
Wider range frequencies make better tone, responses, and handling in the lows, mids, and highs. If you produce music or record instruments with more bass, it’s better to go for a Hi-Fi pair with a notable low-frequency response. Premium studio headphones have wider frequency response, but some of the best affordable headphones mentioned here can come close.
Comfort and Durability
Studio recording sessions and audio work that include mixing and mastering take up a lot of time. This involves wearing headphones for long hours that may cause too much pressure on your ears or your head. It’s important to look for studio headphones with a comfortable fit. Factors such as ear pad comfort, headband comfort, and weight need to be taken into consideration. Ear pads with soft materials which are well-ventilated are best for prolonged usage.
The headband should be tight enough to keep the ear cups in the right position over your ears. They shouldn’t be so rigid that they won’t clamp down properly on your ears. Self-adjusting headband types are something I usually won’t recommend due to their inconsistent fit. Light weight headband-style headphones are usually more comfortable than heavier ones. The lower the weight of the headphones, the better you will feel over long hours of usage.
Prolonged use will separate the wheat from the chaff, good cheap headphones will feel more comfortable than bad ones. Thankfully, the best budget headphones mentioned in this guide are well-received for the comfort they provide. They won’t be as comfortable as earphones, but they deliver audio better, which gives them the advantage in the Headphones vs Earphones discussion.
Headphone Specific Terminology
Tracking is the process of recording a new track in a multitrack recording, sometimes referred to as ‘laying down a track’. You wear headphones to hear the backing tracks while recording a new one with microphones.
Monitoring is listening through monitor headphones when recording and, to a lesser extent, mixing.
Sound stage refers to the positions and directions sound appears to come from while listening. Headphones with a large sound stage are good at representing these subtle effects.
Best Budget Studio Headphones Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published in 2025.
This guide focuses on finding the best budget studio headphones in the sub-$ $100 price range. This means that some popular headphones priced above $100 are not included, like the Audio Technica ATH-M50x, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, Sennheiser HD 560s, and more. We did our best to ensure that we only include those that you can readily buy from major music retailers in the USA.
For this update, we ended up with a short list of 39 sets of headphones, including ones from some of the best headphone brands like the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro, Audio Technica ATH M40x, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, AKG K240 Studio, Superlux HD 681, and others. We then collected and analyzed ratings and reviews from retailers, forum discussions, and expert recommendations. The data piled up to over 210,500 sources, which were processed by the Gearank Algorithm, which resulted in rating scores out of 100 for all the short-listed headphones.
We then highlighted the top-rated ones and divided the list into sub-$50 and sub-$100 price categories. This makes it easier to find the headphones that fit your budget. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Product Research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing and Editing.
Jason Horton: Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com based on a photograph in the public domain.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
More 4 Best Budget Studio Headphones 2025 – Really Good Value Related Posts
Comments:
8 responses
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The following headphones came off our recommended list when we published the November 2022 Edition:
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Publication of our January 2022 Edition resulted in the following headphones coming off the recommended list above:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro – Read more about it here
- TASCAM TH-02
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Our January 2021 update resulted in the following headphones being removed from the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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Today we removed the Sony MDR-7502 from the recommended list above due to them being discontinued.
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As a result of our January 2020 update the following headphones came off our recommended list above but you can still read our analysis of them:
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First and foremost love the site and great article. I have the AT M20s and feel they out-perform their bigger brothers! However about this: “Monitoring in this context usually refers to listening to backing tracks through headphones while tracking..” ?? I’ve never heard the word used in that context, and I’ve done a lot of tracking. Monitoring and tracking are two different activities. If you’re recording, you’re tracking; you are not “monitoring.” Just because you’re listening to music while doing so (which is almost always the case) doesn’t make it monitoring. No offense but IMO to say otherwise only invites ambiguity and confusion to the term (and God knows there’s more than enough of that with insider terminology as it is, ha).
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Thanks for pointing that out Joe. I had meant to remove that during editing but it slipped through – it’s fixed now.
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As a result of the July 2018 update of this guide, the following headphones were removed from our recommended list above:
More Headphones
Disclosure
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
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