Best Studio Headphones Under 200 and 500 – Sound & Quality

studio headphones
Studio headphones

Dial in your sound with the best studio headphones, essential tools for accurate monitoring and mixing. Whether you’re tracking vocals, perfecting your mix, or mastering a project, studio headphones give you precision and clarity that typical consumer headphones simply can’t match.

Best Studio Headphones Under $200
Best Studio Headphones Under $200
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Product Title
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Sony MDR-7506 Closed-Back Headphones
94
30950+
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones - Closed-Back
94
30575+
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohms) Closed-Back Headphones
94
22500+
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 Ohms) Review: Open-Back Studio Headphones
94
19375+
Best Studio Headphones Under $500
Best Studio Headphones Under $500
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Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Semi-open Studio Headphones
93
1900+
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X - Open-back Headphones
93
1250+
Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Professional Headphones
94
3600+
Sennheiser HD 660S Open-Back Headphones
94
2275+

Quality studio headphones let you hear every nuance of your audio, so you can make informed decisions about your production, and your mixes will thank you for it.

In many cases, a great pair of studio headphones is a better investment than relying on studio monitors in an untreated space. Room resonance and poor acoustics can mask details and distort your mix, even when using the best studio monitors. High-quality headphones provide a controlled and consistent listening experience. By using top-tier studio headphones, you can achieve better mixes and spot areas for improvement, even in less-than-ideal environments.

Our selection process is unbiased, based on extensive research and user feedback, and we focused on the best studio headphones under $500 and $200—ideal for both professionals and serious home studio enthusiasts.

We’ve included both open-back and closed-back designs for versatility, so whether you need the isolation of closed-back headphones or the expansive soundstage of open-back models, you’ll find the right fit here.

If you are looking for affordable options, the best budget studio headphones offer a great balance of sound quality, comfort, and durability, making them ideal for home studios and professional recording setups.

The Best Studio Headphones Under 200

Clear sound and reliable
Sony MDR-7506 Closed-Back Headphones

Sony MDR-7506

Street Price:
$84.99
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

A classic choice for studio monitoring, the Sony MDR-7506 delivers clear and balanced sound, perfect for tracking and mixing. Its lightweight design and foldable frame make it ideal for long studio sessions and travel, though its build might feel less premium to some.

GEARANK
Incorporating 30900+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Comfortable clamping force
  • The impedance is just right for every application
  • Decent bass response
  • Great value
Cons:
  • May be too bright
  • Outdated design and earpads may flake

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The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are renowned in the audio industry for their balanced sound profile, making them suitable for musicians and audio engineers. They’re great recording headphones for monitoring. In original tests, they have been preferred over nearly 150 other headphones in the same price range and more expensive models by a panel of experts and musicians.

Despite feeling somewhat plasticky, these headphones are surprisingly durable and can last for years with proper care. The wide headband design minimizes discomfort during long listening sessions, offering great comfort. Additionally, they are an incredible bargain at around $90, considering their quality and longevity.

However, some users find the design outdated and utilitarian, and the earpads may not be the most comfortable for extended wear, especially in warmer climates. While the headphones provide decent passive ambient noise isolation, they’re not as effective as some closed-back headphones with thicker ear cushions, which may require you to increase the volume in a noisy environment.

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are reliable, comfortable, and deliver accurate sound reproduction. Whether you’re recording audio, mixing tracks, or simply enjoying music, these headphones are a great affordable choice.

Specifications:
  • Type: Closed back
  • Driver Size: 40mm
  • Magnet Type: Neodymium
  • Frequency Response: 10-20kHz
  • Maximum Input Power: 1,000mW
  • Sensitivity: 106 dB/W/m
  • Impedance: 63 Ohms
  • Weight: 8.1 oz
  • Cable and Connectivity: 9.8′ Coiled Cable Connection, 1/8″ (plug), 1/4″ (adapter)
  • Best For: Recording, Mixing, Mastering
Studio-quality sound with bass-forward versatility
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones - Closed-Back

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Street Price:
$149
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

Praised for its punchy bass and excellent clarity, the ATH-M50x is a versatile headphone great for mixing, monitoring, and casual listening. While durable and comfortable, its sound may feel slightly hyped in the bass range for purists.

GEARANK
Incorporating 30500+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Deep and engaging sound
  • Good isolation for mobile use
  • Detachable cable
  • Works well with various systems
Cons:
  • Proprietary detachable cable
  • Clamping can be a bit tight
  • Faux leather earcups

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The ATH-M50x Improves upon its predecessor with a detachable cable as an extra feature. This simple improvement makes it more portable and easier to maintain – more importantly, it allows for easier and cleaner setups. Note that the detachable cable uses a proprietary locking connector, this means you can’t use a generic replacement cord.

Like its predecessor, the ATH-M50, the ATH-M50x features a 45mm Driver with a Neodymium Magnet. It has a deep and engaging sound with a wide frequency range that works great with various systems. It also has good isolation that makes it useful even when working outside of the studio, suitable for mobile setups that utilize laptops or tablets.

The headband is a bit stiff, resulting in a clamping force that’s a bit tight, but this helps with isolation and reduces the possibility of sliding out of position while moving.

It utilizes faux leather earcups, which may turn off those who are looking for high-quality materials.

Hit albums have been produced and mixed with these headphones, really living up to its high ratings. Get it if you want a good pair of headphones for music production, both for recording and mixing, in the studio or on the go.

Specifications:
  • Type: Closed-back
  • Driver Size: 45 mm
  • Magnet Type: Neodymium
  • Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 28 kHz
  • Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 99 dB
  • Max Input Power: 1,600 mW
  • Weight: 10 oz (285 g) without cable and connector
  • Connectivity: 3 cables in total – Detachable 9.8′ (3 m) straight and coiled cables + a single 3.9′ (1.2 m) straight cable, all with 1/8″ plugs + a 1/4″ screw-on adapter.

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Sound On Sound

Source

Sam Inglis

*Rating Value

85/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Deep bass and isolation
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)

Street Price:
$149
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

With excellent isolation and deep bass response, the DT 770 PRO is a favorite for recording and critical listening. Its sturdy build ensures longevity, though the clamping force may feel snug for some users.

GEARANK
Incorporating 22500+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Flat frequency response in the midrange
  • Smooth low frequency bump
  • Ideal for home studios
  • Good build quality
Cons:
  • Cable is not detachable
  • Sub-bass may not be deep enough for some

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The DT 770 Pro 80 ohm version shares the majority of features and sound signature of its 250 Ohm sibling.

For most home studios, 80 Ohms is the sweet spot for dynamic range and amplification requirements. Some audio interfaces may have trouble driving a 250 Ohm pair of headphones, while 32 Ohms may not maximize the dynamic range that a higher-end audio interface can provide.

Sitting at this comfortable middle ground, It has just the right amount of dynamic range and efficiency so you can listen properly with your studio setup and on a mobile devices for mix checking / referencing.

The DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm puts you front and center to a virtual hi-fi sounding studio monitor setup, with a relatively flat midrange and a smooth low frequency bump that extends further than other headphones. The lows are not as deep as some would want it, but it is tight enough for use in mixing with its good sound stage.

If you want a good studio headphone pair that can give you all the information you need to balance out your low frequencies without a sub, while maintaining a tight response and being efficient enough to be used with most mobile devices, the DT 770 Pro 80 Ohm is your best bet.

Specifications:
  • Driver Size: 45 mm
  • Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 35 kHz
  • Impedance: 80 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 96 dB
  • Max Input Power: 100 mW
  • Weight: 270g without cable (0.55 lbs)
  • Connectivity: 3m coiled cable with a gold plated 1/8″ plug and 1/4″ adapter.

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Sound Guys

Source

Christian Thomas

*Rating Value

77/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Wide soundstage for critical listening
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro - best studio headphones

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 Ohms)

Street Price:
$179.99
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

The DT 990 Pro shines with its wide soundstage and detailed highs, making it a standout choice for mixing and mastering. However, its open-back design limits its use in noisy environments and tracking sessions.

GEARANK
Incorporating 19300+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Treble exposes poorly mixed tracks
  • Expansive, speaker-like soundstage
  • Excellent comfort and fit
  • Great Long term durability
Cons:
  • Open back leaks sound by design
  • Non-detachable cable

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These studio headphones provide pleasant bass and precise trebles when it comes to frequency response. In addition, they come with a single-sided coiled cable with a gold-vaporized 1/8 inch (3.5mm) stereo jack plug and a 1/4 inch adapter, which is useful for switching from studio use to casual listening.

The sound signature is bright and clear. It has a treble spike around the 10khz that audiophiles criticize for being too sibilant for some recordings. However, I use that spike to my advantage to avoid sibilance on my own mixes.

Another good thing about this headphones is how uncluttered the midrange is. Paired with its relatively wide soundstage, it helps place elements in a dense mix; something that I find the DT 770 Pro can’t do quite as well.

The bass frequencies have a focus around the 100hz to 200hz range, which gives it a bit more thump than sub extension. This is good for balancing kick and bass guitar, but because of the reduced sub-frequency extension, cleaning up the lows is a task better suited to my DT 770 Pro.

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO driver enclosure
The plush pads are comfortable for long listening sessions. My well-loved pair, however, is in need of a replacement set after 5 years of use because the foam has started to collapse.

A feature I like is their robust and soft padded headband, along with their cushion ear pads that are washable and replaceable. One important thing to note, though, is that the DT 770 Pro and the DT 990 Pro have different earpads. The size and density of the foam are different. I’ve experimented with swapping them around, and it throws off the sonic balance of both headphones. So if you’re looking to replace them, be sure to get the one that is specified for the model you’re using.

Overall, the DT 990 Pro is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a pair of mixing headphones to balance your high-end and be more aware of sibilance. It’s not the best for tracking as it’s open back, so it’s better as a supplementary pair than your main pair.

Specifications:
  • Type: Open-back
  • Driver Size: 45 mm
  • Magnet Type: Not Specified
  • Frequency Response: 5 – 35,000 Hz
  • Maximum Input Power: 100 mW
  • Sensitivity: 96 dB
  • Impedance: 250 Ohms
  • Weight: 8.82 oz
  • Cable and Connectivity: 9.8 ft. coiled cable, 1/8″ Gold plated stereo jack plug and 1/4″ adapter

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Gearank

Source

Raphael Pulgar

*Rating Value

96/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

The Best Studio Headphones Under 500

Balanced sound for versatile use
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro Semi-open Studio Headphones

Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro

Street Price:
$209.99
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

The DT 880 Pro offers a balanced sound profile with semi-open versatility, excelling at both mixing and critical listening. Its lightweight build is comfortable for extended use, though it may lack the low-end punch desired by some.

GEARANK
Incorporating 1900+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Smooth low midrange to low frequency curve
  • Ideal for singers who want to hear their voice
  • Moderate Isolation
  • Comfortable fit
Cons:
  • Minor sound leakage
  • Need proper ear position for optimal treble response

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The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro aims to combine the advantages of open-back and closed-back over-ear headphones.

The moderate level of isolation prevents major sound leakage while providing a more open-sounding monitoring experience, which is useful for singers who want to track while hearing their voice.

It has smooth low midrange to low frequency curve without any narrow spikes in frequencies at that register, which makes it easier to make critical mix decisions when balancing lower frequencies.

The newly designed headband for the DT 880 Pro grants better-wearing comfort, especially during long studio sessions. The comfort of this headband, together with its semi-open design, make it a good choice for those who have to work on mixes for long hours.

High frequencies shift with headphone positioning over the ears, the solution was to find a good neutral position for the ideal balance of frequencies. While careful engineering was put into making isolation better, there will still be some sound leakage.

Although open-back by design, the DT 880 Pro is a spectacular performer for Mixing and Mastering duties. Singers who prefer open back headphones for monitoring will be comfortable with the pair.

While there will still be some leakage, it’s nothing a good noise gate can’t handle during mixing if it means capturing a better performance from a singer that prefers to hear themselves.

Specifications:
  • Type: Semi-Open back
  • Driver Size: 45mm
  • Magnet Type: Not Specified
  • Frequency Response: 5 – 35.000 Hz
  • Maximum Input Power: 100 mW
  • Sensitivity: 96 dB
  • Impedance: 250 Ohms
  • Weight: 9.52 oz.
  • Cable and Connectivity: 3 m Coiled connecting cable with mini-jack plug (3.5 mm) & ¼“ adapter (6.35 mm)
  • Best For: Mixing, Mastering

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Sonarworks

Source

Indrikis

*Rating Value

92/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Modern clarity and comfort
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X - Open-back Headphones

Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X

Street Price:
$269.99
Manufacturer:
Gearank Opinion

A modern open-back design with exceptional clarity and a neutral sound signature, the DT 900 Pro X is perfect for studio work. It’s slightly bulkier, but the excellent sound quality more than makes up for it.

GEARANK
Incorporating 1200+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Clear and neutral sound signature.
  • Wide soundstage for an immersive experience.
  • Comfortable velour earpads for long sessions.
  • Durable build with detachable cables.
  • Great for mixing and mastering.
Cons:
  • Bass may feel too neutral for some users.
  • Sound bleed limits use to quiet environments.
  • Higher price point might deter casual listeners.

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The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is a testament to how far headphone technology has come. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, these open-back headphones deliver an impressively clear and neutral sound profile, making them ideal for mixing, mastering, and critical listening. The wide soundstage and pinpoint accuracy give your music a sense of depth that feels incredibly immersive. Whether you’re a producer chasing those perfect EQ tweaks or an audiophile savoring every nuance, these headphones deliver with remarkable clarity.

Comfort is a standout feature of the DT 900 Pro X. With soft velour earpads and a lightweight build, they’re a dream for long sessions. The detachable cable and durable construction make them practical for both studio and home use. However, as with most open-back designs, they’re not meant for noisy environments or tracking vocals due to sound bleed. This makes them a great fit for quiet spaces, but not the most versatile option if you need isolation.

While the sound quality is undeniably impressive, some users may feel the bass is a bit too neutral, especially compared to more consumer-friendly headphones with enhanced low-end. Additionally, the price point might seem steep for casual listeners. But for those serious about audio fidelity and comfort, the DT 900 Pro X justifies the investment. It strikes a balance between modern design and professional performance, making it a solid choice for discerning ears.

Specifications:
  • Type: Open back
  • Driver Size: 45mm
  • Magnet Type: Neodymium
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
  • Maximum Input Power: 100 mW
  • Impedance: 48 ohms
  • Weight: 0.76 lbs.
  • Cable and Connectivity: Straight, 1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter
  • Best For: Mixing, Mastering
Neutral sound signature for audiophile-level accuracy.
Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Professional Headphones

Sennheiser HD 600

Street Price:
$349.95
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

Renowned for its neutral sound signature, the HD 600 is a top pick for mastering and critical listening. While its open-back design limits versatility, its natural tones make it a favorite among audiophiles.

GEARANK
Incorporating 3600+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Natural spatial sound
  • Clean and neutral lows and highs
  • Comfortable to listen in to, and to wear
  • Sturdy build quality
Cons:
  • No isolation, not ideal for vocal tracking
  • Thin detachable cable
  • Clamping force and pads are initially stiff

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The Sennheiser HD 600 is a recording community favorite that features a circumaural design with open metal mesh earpieces that deliver a more natural, spatial, and accurate sound.

Matching its open-back design are optimized magnets that provide dynamic and wide frequency response. The resulting sound is clean and neutral, with distortion free clear lows and smooth highs.

But it’s not just for professional studio engineers, because audiophiles can also appreciate how comfortable it is to listen to, and to wear. It’s not too overbearing, which makes for a more relaxed listening experience, be it for mixing or for simply enjoying music. The initial clamping force and pads were stiff at first, but they became comfortable over time.

The included detachable cable is a bit thin and has proprietary connectors, but replacement parts are available.

Being open-back, it has little to no isolation, making it unusable for tracking vocals. But this is great for listening to how your vocals sound in a mix.

Sennheiser has hit a home run with the HD 600. They are a well-engineered marvel that has stood the test of time with the quintessential Sennheiser house sound tuned towards more critical listening. While their pedigree and lineage owe more to audiophile ears, details are not lost with the HD 600.

Specifications:
  • Type: Open-back dynamic
  • Driver Size: 40 mm
  • Magnet Type: Neodymium-ferrous
  • Frequency Response: 12 – 40,500 Hz
  • Maximum Input Power: 200 mW>
  • Sensitivity: 97 dB
  • Impedance: 300 Ohms
  • Weight: 9.17 oz
  • Cable and Connectivity: 9.8 ft oxygen-free copper cable
  • Best For: Mixing, Mastering

Rating Source Highlight

Website

Gearspace

Source

Rev. Eslam

*Rating Value

87/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Refined sound and tighter bass for professional listening
Sennheiser HD 660S Open-Back Headphones

Sennheiser HD 660S

Street Price:
$499.95
Manufacturer:
Product Links:
Gearank Opinion

An upgrade to the HD 600, the HD 660S offers improved clarity and tighter bass response, ideal for professionals and enthusiasts alike. However, it comes at a premium price that might not suit every budget.

GEARANK
Incorporating 2200+ ratings and reviews.

Pros:

  • Pleasing and neutral sound
  • Comparable to near field monitors
  • Less ear fatigue
  • Superb build quality
Cons:
  • Bass is a little lacking
  • Not ideal for vocal tracking

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More than just a successor to the venerable 600 line, the HD 660S continues the standards established by the original flagship HD 600 as a set of critical listening headphones. For this iteration, Sennheiser improved and refined the winning formula by tuning the HD 660S to have a more hi-fi sound compared to its predecessors

Despite this direction, it still keeps the transient response and tightens up the low frequencies for a more accurate representation of the music and mix. The sound it produces is comparable to that of near-field monitors, with frequencies that sit between pleasing and neutral.

This makes critical mix decisions easier to perceive and, at the same time, makes listening less fatiguing over extended mix sessions.

While it does have a tight low-end, it can sound a bit lacking for those who prefer more bass oomph when they are mixing.

As expected from Sennheiser, build quality is top notch, reliable enough for professional use. If you want a high fidelity neutral sounding headphone with natural ambience then this is for you.

Specifications:
  • Type: Open-back dynamic
  • Driver Size: 40 mm
  • Magnet Type: Neodymium
  • Frequency Response: 10 – 41000 Hz
  • Maximum Input Power: 500 mW>
  • Sensitivity: 104 dB
  • Impedance: 150 Ohms
  • Weight: 9.17 oz
  • Cable and Connectivity: 9.8′ cable, 1/8″ stereo jack plug and 1/4″ adapter
  • Best For: Mixing, Mastering

Rating Source Highlight

Source

amirm

*Rating Value

94/100

*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.

Things To Consider When Buying Studio Headphones

Open vs Closed Back: A Case of Isolation and Frequency Response

As mentioned previously, closed-back headphones are ideal for recording and monitoring because they prevent any sound leakage and block out external noise. This sound isolation makes them the better choice for playing guitar through headphones. And they are ideal for listening to guitar amp mic positions.

Open-back headphones are suited to mixing and mastering as they have a more natural sound and even frequency response. However, they allow a lot more sound to leak out and in, so you may have to be more conscious of how the sound might get picked up by microphones in proximity.

With better-engineered headphones, however, the compromises between both blur: Closed-back headphones can be used during mixing to check the low-frequency balance for transients like kick drums versus sustained lows like bass.

Open-back headphones can be used for tracking to some extent where the artist is in the control room while an amplifier is in the live room. This gives them a more natural sensation of their amp compared to monitoring with closed back headphones. Open and Closed Back Headphones have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Studio monitors and recording studio headphones are essential for examining the low end in a non-biased way and for crafting a mix that will translate well everywhere.

Frequency Response and Transient Response

The best headphone brands build headphones that have an extended range below and beyond the average levels of human hearing, which is from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It’s highly suggested to look for headphones that provide as close as possible to a balanced and neutral frequency response, especially for mixing and mastering.

For monitoring, this isn’t as crucial as the performer usually isn’t hearing a complete mix but it is still desirable to have the best sound possible.

Transient response refers to how fast the diaphragm returns to the neutral position after a sound is played. This affects clarity and bass tightness. Faster transient response enables you to perceive impacting sounds better and more accurately set compressor attack settings to squeeze out more percussive sounds from drums and slapped bass. Wired headphones are favored in professional settings for their consistent audio quality and reliable connection, making them ideal for studio work.

Comfort and Durability

Comfort is one of the essential features when looking for a pair of headphones, especially when you plan to use them for producing music or casual listening for long hours. All the studio monitor headphones in our list are circumaural which means they fit around the ear. This is the most comfortable style for listening over longer periods of time.

The best headphones should let you position the ear cups around your ears with the right amount of space for them to fit nicely. Ideally you shouldn’t need to be at the end of the range of any adjustments allowed by the headphones.

The earpad cushion material should be soft enough for comfort and ideally allow some breathability. This is why a good ear pad material matters, velour ear pads are the favorites when it comes to comfort.

The weight of the headphones and headband can also have an impact after long hours of listening. Finally, another factor is having the right amount of clamping force so they sit comfortably and securely on your head without too much pressure.

Outstanding headphones are made with durable materials that can last you a lifetime. But sometimes, various parts, such as the earpads, can wear out over time. This is especially true with budget studio headphones. It’s best to check if there are replacement parts available for the headphones you invest in and also check the manufacturer’s warranty.

Cable Connectivity

Most headphones have a single sided cable attached to one ear cup. It’s recommended to avoid really long cables since they can tend to get tangled. Also, having coiled cables provides useful flexibility. Some headphones have detachable cables, which offer greater flexibility as they can be replaced with whatever length or type you need.

They’re also less prone to damage and can allow easier storage. While stylish headphones with Bluetooth offer convenience for day-to-day use, they are not recommended for studio work due to potential latency issues with wireless headphones, along with audio quality concerns.

Impedance

Impedance is how much resistance the headphones provide to the source. Higher output amplifiers or interfaces are generally best for higher impedance headphones while lower impedance would be easily driven by most interfaces and mobile devices.

Running a low impedance headphone with a high output interface or a headphone amp is fine if you control your volume. However, matching a high-impedance headphone with a low-output sound source, like cheaper interfaces or mobile sources, may result in the driver being underdriven.

Cranking low output sound sources may result in output stage distortion and may affect your perception of the mix.

In this edition, we decided to limit our best studio headphones to under 200 below 250 Ohms. Anything beyond 250 Ohms won’t be optimal unless you use separate amplification. In our research, 250 Ohms is the upper limit for many audio interfaces.

Best Studio Headphones Selection Methodology

The first Edition was published in 2018. This current edition was published in 2025.

We researched all the best studio headphones under 200 and 500 for mixing and mastering. All the ones commonly used in home and even professional studios. We also considered their availability from major music gear retailers in the USA. Then we entered them into our music gear database. A total of 36 sets made up our shortlist for closer examination.

We then gathered over 160,200 ratings, reviews, and forum posts from users. Processing this enormous amount of data would be time consuming to analyze manually, hence all gathered data was processed with the Gearank Algorithm to produce the rating scores out of 100 you see above. Our selection of the best studio headphones reflects the cream of the crop according to all these sources. 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

Jerry Borillo: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Editing.
Jason Horton: Illustrating.

Media / Image Credit

Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using photographs of the Sennheiser HD 660S, Audio-Technica ATH-R70x, and Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO headphones.

The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, with the exception of the additional photos for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 Ohm) and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro, which were taken by the author.

Comments:

5 responses

  1. Matthew

    Why is the DT 880 priced higher than the 770 and 990? Is it better quality? Like maybe the drivers are better matched or the grills or damping in it is better in some way?

    1. Raphael Pulgar

      Hi Matthew,

      As far as I know, the number isn’t meant to denote any tier or quality difference though historically, the DT880 was the flagship headphone for Beyerdynamic for a long time before being superseded by the T1. So maybe it has more to do with the engineering behind them.

      Judging by the specifications:
      DT770 = closed
      DT880 = semi-open
      DT990 = open

      There is also the distinction between the “Edition” and “Pro” versions of these headphones with the “Pro” versions directed towards the studio market segment with higher Ohm ratings, reportedly harder clamping force and coiled cables. The “Edition” models are more geared towards the audiophile/prosumer market and are generally priced higher. The two versions are tuned slightly different from my limited testing experience.

      As for driver matching, I can’t say much about Beyerdynamic’s manufacturing process but to my knowledge, they are all Made in Germany with different enclosures and maybe different driver spec for each.

      I own a DT770 Pro and it’s the pair I use to check my low frequency balance. I just placed an order for a DT880 Pro and DT990 Pro after writing this guide too (side effect of doing a lot of research!)

      Anyway, I hope that helped!

      -Raphael

      1. Matthew

        Thanks, I appreciate it.

  2. Jason Horton

    Our January 2021 update resulted in the following headphones coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:

  3. Jason Horton

    As a result of our February 2020 update the following headphones came off the recommended list above:

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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

Some of the studio recording gear I use includes the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Samson QH4 Headphone Amp and Cloudlifter CL-1. My mics include Aston Origin, Aston Element, Shure SM57, Rode NT1, Rode PodMic and MXL V67G.

Contributors

Jerry Borillo: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Editing.
Jason Horton: Illustrating.

Media

Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using photographs of the Sennheiser HD 660S, Audio-Technica ATH-R70x and Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO headphones.

The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers with the exception of the additional photos for the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 Ohm) and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro which were taken by the author.

5 thoughts on “Best Studio Headphones Under 200 and 500 – Sound & Quality”

  1. Why is the DT 880 priced higher than the 770 and 990? Is it better quality? Like maybe the drivers are better matched or the grills or damping in it is better in some way?

    1. Hi Matthew,

      As far as I know, the number isn’t meant to denote any tier or quality difference though historically, the DT880 was the flagship headphone for Beyerdynamic for a long time before being superseded by the T1. So maybe it has more to do with the engineering behind them.

      Judging by the specifications:
      DT770 = closed
      DT880 = semi-open
      DT990 = open

      There is also the distinction between the “Edition” and “Pro” versions of these headphones with the “Pro” versions directed towards the studio market segment with higher Ohm ratings, reportedly harder clamping force and coiled cables. The “Edition” models are more geared towards the audiophile/prosumer market and are generally priced higher. The two versions are tuned slightly different from my limited testing experience.

      As for driver matching, I can’t say much about Beyerdynamic’s manufacturing process but to my knowledge, they are all Made in Germany with different enclosures and maybe different driver spec for each.

      I own a DT770 Pro and it’s the pair I use to check my low frequency balance. I just placed an order for a DT880 Pro and DT990 Pro after writing this guide too (side effect of doing a lot of research!)

      Anyway, I hope that helped!

      -Raphael

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