Best Studio Headphones for Audio Mixing 2026

Perfect studio headphones for audio-mixing - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa

Audio Mixing Professional Audio Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✗ CONS
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models
  • • Utilitarian appearance

Audio-Technica ATH-R70xaStudio HeadphonesCircumauralOpen back deisgnFrequency range: 5 - 40.000 HzImpedance: 470...

4.9/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition

Music Production Critical Listening Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Wide frequency response
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable for extended studio sessions
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✗ CONS
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment
  • • Professional models can be expensive

Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum EditionModelling Headphone SetCombination of specially developed headphones and...

4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Roland VMH-S100 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Roland VMH-S100

Professional Audio Recording Monitoring Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✓ PROS
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
  • • Industry standard reference tools
✗ CONS
  • • Professional models can be expensive
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment

Roland VMH-S100HeadphonesSuitable for music productionCircumauralClosed-back designFrequency range: 5 - 40000...

4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Audeze MM-100 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Audeze MM-100

Audio Mixing Music Production Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✓ PROS
  • • Industry standard reference tools
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✗ CONS
  • • May require headphone amplifier
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment

Audeze MM-100Studio HeadphonesCircumauralOpenMagnetostaticFrequency range: 20 Hz - 25000 HzImpedance: 18 ohmMax. sound...

4.4/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus

Audio Mixing Recording Monitoring Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Industry standard reference tools
✗ CONS
  • • Professional models can be expensive
  • • Utilitarian appearance

Sennheiser HD-490 PRO PlusStudio HeadphonesWired headphonesCircumauralOpenDynamicFrequency range: 5 - 36100...

4.9/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Focal Lensys Professional - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Focal Lensys Professional

Music Production Audio Mixing Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
  • • Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✗ CONS
  • • Utilitarian appearance
  • • Professional models can be expensive

Focal Lensys ProfessionalStudio HeadphonesWiredCircumauralClosed designDynamicFrequency range: 5 - 22000 HzImpedance:...

4.9/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Sennheiser HD-26 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sennheiser HD-26

Critical Listening Music Production Audio Mixing
Key Feature:
• Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
✗ CONS
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment

Sennheiser HD-26HeadphonesFor professional monitoring applications in the broadcast sector for radio and...

4.9/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Neumann NDH 30 Black Edition - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Neumann NDH 30 Black Edition

Music Production Professional Audio Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
✗ CONS
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models
  • • Professional models can be expensive

Neumann NDH 30 Black EditionStudio HeadphonesCircumauralOpen-back designDynamicWired headphonesFrequency range: 12 -...

4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII

Recording Monitoring Music Production Audio Mixing
Key Feature:
• Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
✗ CONS
  • • Professional models can be expensive
  • • May require headphone amplifier

beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKIIStudio HeadphonesFor monitoringrecording and editingCircumauralClosed-back...

4.9/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Professional Audio Music Production Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Wide frequency response
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✗ CONS
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIIStudio HeadphonesFor monitoringrecording and editingCircumauralOpen-back...

4.6/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X

Critical Listening Audio Mixing Professional Audio
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✗ CONS
  • • Professional models can be expensive
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models

beyerdynamic sDT 770 PRO XStudio HeadphonesCircumauralClosed-back designDynamicImpedance: 48 OhmFrequency response: 5 -...

4.7/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Sony MDR-M1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sony MDR-M1

Recording Monitoring Audio Mixing Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Industry standard reference tools
  • • Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✗ CONS
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models
  • • Utilitarian appearance

Sony MDR-M1Studio HeadphonesFor mixing and masteringNewly developed HD driver supports 3D...

4.6/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro 80 Ohms - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro 80 Ohms

Audio Mixing Recording Monitoring Professional Audio
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
  • • Wide frequency response
✗ CONS
  • • Utilitarian appearance
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment

beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro 80 OhmsStudio HeadphonesCircumauralOpenDynamicFrequency range: 5 - 35000 HzImpedance: 80...

5.0/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Fostex T60RPmk2 Headphone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Fostex T60RPmk2 Headphone

Audio Mixing Music Production Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
  • • Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✗ CONS
  • • May require headphone amplifier
  • • Utilitarian appearance

Fostex T60RPmk2 HeadphoneHeadphonesHalf-open back deisgnCircumauralOrthodynamicFrequency range: 10 - 40000 HzImepdance:...

4.4/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
ADAM Audio H200 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

ADAM Audio H200

Critical Listening Audio Mixing Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
  • • Wide frequency response
✗ CONS
  • • May require headphone amplifier
  • • Professional models can be expensive

ADAM Audio H200Studio HeadphonesCircumauralClosed-back designDynamicDriver magnet: NeodymiumDriver diameter: 40 mm...

4.7/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best Studio Headphones

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced studio headphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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