The best studio headphones under 200 and 500 can open up your mix, where every instrument finally claims its own corner in the soundstage. For me, using the right pair is like pulilng a curtain back; hidden details stepped forward, reverb tails stretched into the distance, and mixing shifted from trial-and-error to confident, deliberate moves.
Best Studio Headphones Under $200 | Best Studio Headphones Under $200 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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94 | 30575+ | ||||
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94 | 19375+ |
Best Studio Headphones Under $500 | Best Studio Headphones Under $500 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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*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
Over the years, I’ve learned that great studio headphones aren’t just about making things sound good; they’re about giving you a clear, honest picture of your music so you can make decisions that actually stick when you play it back anywhere.
I’ve worked in plenty of rooms where the acoustics were less than ideal, and even with the best studio monitors, the sound could get clouded by reflections and resonance. That’s where a reliable pair of monitor headphones can save a session. They give you a consistent, controlled listening environment, no matter where you are. In many cases, I’d say they’re a smarter investment than monitors if your room isn’t treated.
In this guide, I’ve narrowed things down to good headphones for music production that deliver professional results without breaking the bank. You’ll find both open-back and closed-back options here, so whether you want the wide, natural feel of open-backs or the tight isolation of closed-backs, you’ll be covered. And if you’re on a tighter budget, the best budget studio headphones I’ve included still hit that sweet spot of sound quality, comfort, and durability, perfect for everything from late-night mixing to tracking in the studio.
The Best Studio Headphones Under 200
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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.

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.
- 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
The Best Studio Headphones Under 500
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
Things To Consider When Buying Studio Headphones
Open vs Closed Back: A Case of Isolation and Frequency Response
When I’m tracking, I usually reach for closed-back headphones because they keep the sound where it belongs, inside the cans. That isolation stops the click track or backing track from bleeding into the mic, and it blocks out external noise so I can focus completely. They’re also my go-to for playing guitar through headphones, especially when I’m dialing in amp mic positions.
Open-back headphones are a different experience. They have a more natural sound and a smoother frequency response, which makes them my choice for mixing and mastering. The trade-off is that sound leaks in and out, so you need to be careful if there are live mics nearby.
That said, the line between the two isn’t as strict as it used to be. Well-designed closed-backs can be useful for checking low-end balance, hearing how a kick’s transient sits against a bass guitar’s sustain, while open-backs can work for tracking if the player is in the control room and the amp is isolated in the live room. If you’re not sure which to get, check out our guide on Open and Closed Back Headphones to weigh the pros and cons.
Whether you’re using headphones or the best studio monitors, the goal is the same: hear the low end clearly and make sure your mix translates well everywhere.
Frequency Response and Transient Response
The best headphone brands design their drivers to capture frequencies far beyond the human hearing range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. For mixing, I always look for a neutral, balanced frequency response so I’m not fighting hyped lows or boosted highs. When monitoring during a take, this matters less since the performer usually isn’t hearing the full mix, but it’s still worth aiming for the best quality you can.
Transient response is equally important. It’s how quickly the headphone diaphragm snaps back to neutral after a sound plays. A fast transient response makes a big difference in clarity and bass tightness. It lets you judge compressor attack settings more precisely, especially for punchy drums or slapped bass, and it keeps percussive sounds clean instead of smeared. Wired models are still my preference in the studio because they’re consistent, reliable, and free from latency issues.
Comfort and Durability
If I’m going to wear headphones for hours, they need to feel right. All the studio monitor headphones I recommend are circumaural, meaning they sit around the ear instead of on it. This design is far more comfortable for long listening sessions. I like a fit where the ear cups fully surround my ears without feeling cramped, and I don’t have to max out the headband adjustment just to get them on.
Earpad material makes a difference too. Velour pads tend to win for comfort and breathability, especially during long tracking days. Weight and clamping force also play a part, too heavy and you get fatigue, too tight and you get a headache.
Durability matters just as much. Even the best headphones need parts replaced eventually, especially pads. Before buying, I check if the manufacturer offers replacements and what their warranty covers. For budget models, this can be the difference between a quick fix and having to replace the whole set.
Cable Connectivity
Most headphones have a single-sided cable, which I prefer for avoiding tangles. Coiled cables are great for flexibility, while detachable cables give you the freedom to swap lengths or replace them if they fail. This adds to the lifespan of the headphones and makes storage easier.
While Bluetooth models might look appealing for casual listening, I avoid them for studio work. Wireless latency and compression can throw off timing and detail, two things you can’t compromise when mixing or tracking.
Impedance
Impedance is simply how much resistance the headphones present to the signal coming from your source. Higher-impedance models usually pair better with powerful headphone amps or pro interfaces, while lower-impedance ones can be driven by almost anything, including mobile devices.
If you use a high-output interface with low-impedance headphones, just keep your volume in check. On the flip side, pairing a high-impedance set with a weak source will underdrive the headphones, and cranking the volume on a weak source can introduce distortion that skews your perception of the mix.
For this guide, I’ve kept the best studio headphones recommendations to under 200 and below 250 ohms. In my experience, 250 ohms is the upper limit for many audio interfaces before you need dedicated amplification.
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.
More Best Studio Headphones Under 200 and 500 – Sound & Quality Related Posts
Comments:
5 responses
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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?
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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 = openThere 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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Thanks, I appreciate it.
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Our January 2021 update resulted in the following headphones coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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As a result of our February 2020 update the following headphones came off the recommended list above:
More Headphones
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
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.
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.




















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