AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Studio Headphones for Beginner 2026

Q: What should I look for when buying studio headphones?

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.

Q: How much should I spend on studio headphones?

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.

Q: Are expensive studio headphones worth the investment?

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.

Q: What are the best brands for studio headphones?

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.

Q: Should I buy studio headphones online or in-store?

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.

The top pick is Superlux HD-681 ($26). Behringer HPM1100-BK gives you the most for the money at $10. PreSonus HD7 Professional On-Ear Monitoring Headphones leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 105 models across 30 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 12, 2026

105models in this chart

30brands

$185median price

44price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Studio Headphones Showing: For Beginner · clear

Price

Skill level

Use

Brand

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

Superlux HD-681
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet5 finishes at Thomann
These Superlux HD-681s are a seriously impressive value for anyone needing a decent studio reference pair without spending a fortune. The clarity and detail you get are remarkable for their price point, making them ideal for budding producers, podcasters, or anyone needing a reliable, revealing closed-back option. Just be aware of the sound leakage – they're best for home or studio use.
Pros
- Surprisingly detailed sound for the price; revealing for critical listening.
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended use, even with the self-adjusting headband.
- 32 Ohm impedance makes them easily driven by phones, laptops, and basic interfaces.
Cons
- Semi-open design leaks sound, making them unsuitable for quiet environments.
- Plastic build feels budget-oriented; longevity a potential concern.
53AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup100
- Price74
- Specs0
- Maker100
↓ 8.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$28 · Aug 14$26 now

$26€23 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Behringer HPM1100-BK
Behringer
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
Honestly, for $13, these are hard to beat. They offer a surprisingly accurate representation of your audio, making them perfect for beginner home recordists, podcasters, or anyone needing a reliable monitoring solution on a tight budget. Don't expect audiophile-grade sound, but for the price, the clarity and decent comfort are a real win.
Pros
- Surprisingly neutral frequency response for tracking and mixing.
- Comfortable clamping force – long sessions are manageable.
- Robust cable and metal headband offer decent durability.
Cons
- Plastic earcups feel cheap and lack premium isolation.
- Soundstage is narrow; not ideal for immersive listening.
39AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price100
- Specs0
- Maker46
↓ 21.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$13 · Aug 14$10 now

$10€9 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Behringer HPS3000
Behringer
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
Honestly, for eleven bucks, you can’t really complain. These are great for budget-conscious podcasters, voiceover artists, or anyone needing a basic monitoring solution. Don't expect audiophile-grade performance, but they’re a solid starting point.
Pros
- Cobalt capsule delivers surprisingly clean, detailed audio reproduction
- Oxygen-free copper cable minimizes signal degradation and noise
- Robust, single-sided cable design reduces tangling and strain
Cons
- Build quality feels plasticky and lacks premium durability
- Soundstage is narrow, lacking a sense of spaciousness
32AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker46
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$11 now

$11€10 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Superlux HD-669
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
These Superlux HD-669s are a surprisingly capable option for musicians needing a reliable stage monitor or budget-friendly studio headphone. They offer a decent frequency response and comfortable fit, making them ideal for drummers, keyboardists, or anyone needing to hear a clear mix onstage without external distractions. Just don’t expect audiophile-grade sound.
Pros
- Excellent value, delivering surprising clarity for the price.
- Neodymium drivers provide a tight, controlled bass response.
- Detachable cables offer convenience and potential for upgrades.
Cons
- Plastic build feels budget-oriented; longevity is a question.
- Soundstage is somewhat narrow, lacking spaciousness for critical mixing.
45AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price100
- Specs0
- Maker100
↓ 24.2%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$37 · Aug 14$28 now

$28€25 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Superlux HD-662 BK Evo
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet5 finishes at Thomann
These Superlux HD-662 Evo's are an absolute steal for budget-conscious musicians and home recordists. They deliver a surprisingly clear and revealing soundstage for their price point, making them ideal for tracking and basic mixing – just be mindful of the slightly uneven bass. If you need a reliable, comfortable pair of headphones without emptying your wallet, these are a great starting point.
Pros
- Surprisingly detailed sound for the price, revealing subtle nuances
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended mixing sessions
- Detachable cables offer convenience and protect against damage
Cons
- Plastic build feels a bit flimsy, lacks premium robustness
- Bass response can be slightly uneven, requiring EQ adjustments
49AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup100
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$34 now

$34€30 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Superlux HD-668 B
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
These Superlux HD-668 Bs are a remarkable value – seriously impressive detail for the money. They're perfect for budget-conscious producers, audio students, or anyone needing a neutral reference for critical listening. Just be aware they're not a bass-heavy experience, and the open design isn’t for silent environments.
Pros
- Excellent detail retrieval for the price point, revealing subtle nuances.
- Surprisingly wide soundstage for a closed-back design, creating a more immersive experience.
- Comfortable for extended listening sessions thanks to the self-adjusting headband.
Cons
- Build quality feels plasticky, especially around the headband adjustment.
- Semi-open design leaks sound, not ideal for quiet environments.
42AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup61
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$33 now

$33€29 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Behringer BH 470
Behringer
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
Look, these are an unbelievable value for what you get. They’re perfect for beginners, podcasters, or anyone needing basic closed-back monitoring on a tight budget. Don't expect audiophile quality, but they’ll get the job done and won't break the bank.
Pros
- Surprisingly robust headband construction for the price point
- Decent bass response for basic monitoring tasks
- Comfortable enough for short tracking or mixing sessions
Cons
- Soundstage is noticeably narrow, lacking spatial detail
- Driver lacks refinement; muddy in complex mixes
32AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price53
- Specs0
- Maker46
↓ 1.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$22 · Aug 14$22 now

$22€20 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Superlux HD-660 Pro 32 Ohms
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
These Superlux HD-660 Pros are a real steal for anyone on a budget needing a reliable closed-back for tracking or critical listening. They offer a surprisingly neutral and revealing sound – a great starting point for aspiring producers or musicians who need a dependable, affordable workhorse.
Pros
- Surprisingly detailed soundstage for the price point; reveals nuances in recordings.
- Comfortable clamping force; suitable for extended studio sessions.
- 32-ohm impedance makes them easy to drive from phones or modest interfaces.
Cons
- Closed-back design can introduce slight pressure and a less natural sound.
- Cable is stiff and prone to tangling; a replaceable cable would be a big improvement.
45AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup61
- Price73
- Specs0
- Maker100
↓ 7.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$44 · Aug 14$40 now

$40€36 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
PreSonus HD7 Professional On-Ear Monitoring Headphones
HD7 · Presonus
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The HD7s are a surprisingly capable pair of headphones for budget-conscious producers and casual listeners. They offer a relatively flat frequency response with a pleasing emphasis on bass that doesn't overwhelm. If you need a solid, reliable pair for tracking, mixing, or just enjoying music without spending a fortune, these are a solid choice.
Pros
- Surprisingly balanced sound for the price point
- Neodymium drivers deliver tight, controlled low-end response
- Comfortable circumaural design for extended listening sessions
Cons
- Plastic build feels a bit flimsy compared to higher-end options
- Half-open design leaks sound, not ideal for quiet environments
50AudioFu
Index
- Demand78
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker37
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$48 now

$48€43 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Superlux HD-330 Pro 150 Ohms
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
These Superlux HD-330 Pros are a fantastic entry point into studio monitoring. They deliver a surprisingly clear and spacious sound for the price, making them perfect for bedroom producers, podcasters, or anyone needing a reliable, affordable reference pair. Just be aware of the build's limitations – they’re not built for heavy abuse.
Pros
- Surprisingly detailed sound for the price, revealing subtle nuances in mixes.
- 150 Ohm impedance provides a more controlled, less 'thin' sound than lower impedance models.
- Semi-open design offers a wider soundstage than fully closed headphones, enhancing imaging.
Cons
- Build quality, while decent, feels plasticky and lacks premium material refinement.
- The cable, though long, is prone to tangling and feels somewhat fragile.
42AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup61
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$44 now

$44€39 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 105 studio headphones

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
the t.bone HD 515the t.bone

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$33€29
$33€29Check ↗
12
the t.bone HD 815the t.bone

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$36€32
$36€32Check ↗
13
Superlux HD-667Superlux

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
14
PreSonus HD9 Professional Closed-Back Over-Ear Monitoring HeadphonesHD9 · Presonus

Index 50↓ 3.4%
50
↓ 3.4%$64€57
$64€57Check ↗
15
OneOdio Pro 20 BlackOneOdio

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
16
Maono MH601 Studio Monitor HeadphoneMaono

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$39€35
$39€35Check ↗
17
OneOdio Pro 40 SilverOneOdio

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$50€45
$50€45Check ↗
18
OneOdio Monitor 40OneOdio

Index 35↓ 3.9%
35
↓ 3.9%$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
19
OneOdio Pro 60OneOdio

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
20
Superlux HD-665Superlux

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$62€55
$62€55Check ↗
21
ESI eXtra 10ESI

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$58€52
$58€52Check ↗
22
Tascam TH-11Tascam

Index 24↑ 11.4%
24
↑ 11.4%$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
23
AKG K240 Studio HeadphonesK-240 Studio · AKG · 2 finishes

Index 70↓ 9.3%
70
↓ 9.3%$76€68
$76€68Check ↗
24
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Open-Back Over-Ear Monitoring…DT-990 Pro 80 Ohms · beyerdynamic · 3 finishes

Index 66↓ 0.7%
66
↓ 0.7%$166€148
$166€148Check ↗
25
RODE NTH-100 Professional Over Ear HeadphonesNTH-100 W · Rode · 3 finishes

Index 65↓ 29.0%
65
↓ 29.0%$134€120
$134€120Check ↗
26
Neumann NDH 20 Dynamic Studio Monitoring HeadphonesNDH 20 Black Edition · Neumann · 2 finishes

Index 65↓ 7.6%
65
↓ 7.6%$548€489
$548€489Check ↗
27
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Monitor HeadphonesATH-M40X · Audio-Technica

Index 63Stable
63
Stable$120€107
$120€107Check ↗
28
AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ Modular HeadphonesTMA-2 Studio · AIAIAI · 5 finishes

Index 60↓ 8.5%
60
↓ 8.5%$204€182
$204€182Check ↗
29
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed Back HeadphonesATH-M30X · Audio-Technica

Index 59Stable
59
Stable$89€79
$89€79Check ↗
30
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x-WH Professional Studio Monitor HeadphonesATH-M50X · Audio-Technica · 2 finishes

Index 57Stable
57
Stable$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
31
Steven Slate Audio VSX Immersion One UpgradeSteven Slate Audio

Index 53↓ 15.6%
53
↓ 15.6%$727€649
$727€649Check ↗
32
RODE NTH-50 On Ear Headphones - 32 OhmsNTH-50 · Rode

Index 51↓ 18.6%
51
↓ 18.6%$103€92
$103€92Check ↗
33
Sony MDR-7506 Studio HeadphonesMDR-7506 · Sony

Index 51↓ 1.0%
51
↓ 1.0%$110€98
$110€98Check ↗
34
Avantone Pro MP-1 MixPhones Over-Ear HeadphonesMixphones MP-1 · Avantone · 2 finishes

Index 51↓ 6.7%
51
↓ 6.7%$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
35
Neumann NDH-30 Open Back Headphones - 120 OhmsNDH 30 Black Edition · Neumann · 2 finishes

Index 51↑ 3.5%
51
↑ 3.5%$671€599
$671€599Check ↗
36
AKG K 271 MKIIK-271 MKII · AKG

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
37
beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 32 Ohmbeyerdynamic · 5 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
38
Focal Listen Professional Closed Back Headphones - 32 OhmsListen Professional · Focal

Index 48↓ 3.9%
48
↓ 3.9%$219€195
$219€195Check ↗
39
Audeze MM-500 Open Back Planar Magnetic Headphones - 18 OhmsMM-500 · Audeze

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$2,016€1,799
$2,016€1,799Check ↗
40
Warm Audio WA-HRT HeadRoom TanWarm Audio

Index 47↓ 6.5%
47
↓ 6.5%$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
41
Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Open Back HeadphonesATH-R70xa · Audio-Technica

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
42
Kali Audio HP-1Kali Audio

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$185€165
$185€165Check ↗
43
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 Open Back Reference HeadphonesHi-X65 · Austrian Audio

Index 45↓ 12.5%
45
↓ 12.5%$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
44
Audeze MM-100 Open Back Planar Magnetic Headphones - 18 OhmsMM-100 · Audeze

Index 44↓ 3.4%
44
↓ 3.4%$503€449
$503€449Check ↗
45
AKG K371 BT Wireless Closed Back HeadphonesK-371 · AKG

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
46
Beyerdynamic DT 250 Closed Back Headphones - 80 OhmsDT-250/250 · beyerdynamic · 2 finishes

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$268€239
$268€239Check ↗
47
Fostex T50RPmk4Fostex

Index 43↓ 20.7%
43
↓ 20.7%$275€245
$275€245Check ↗
48
Fostex T60RPmk2 HeadphoneFostex

Index 43↓ 15.0%
43
↓ 15.0%$611€545
$611€545Check ↗
49
Fostex TH808Fostex

Index 43↓ 26.7%
43
↓ 26.7%$1,230€1,098
$1,230€1,098Check ↗
50
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Professional HeadphonesHi-X15 · Austrian Audio

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
51
Austrian Audio Hi-X60 Closed Back Headphones - 25 OhmsHi-X60 · Austrian Audio

Index 42↓ 8.2%
42
↓ 8.2%$328€293
$328€293Check ↗
52
Fostex T60RPmk2CLFostex

Index 42↓ 14.2%
42
↓ 14.2%$611€545
$611€545Check ↗
53
AKG K872 Master Reference Closed-Back Studio HeadphonesK-872 · AKG

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$1,455€1,298
$1,455€1,298Check ↗
54
OneOdio Monitor 80OneOdio

Index 40↓ 13.3%
40
↓ 13.3%$95€85
$95€85Check ↗
55
AKG K361 Closed Back Headphones - 32 OhmsK-361 · AKG

Index 40↑ 17.5%
40
↑ 17.5%$105€94
$105€94Check ↗
56
Audio-Technica ATH-M60xaAudio-Technica

Index 40↓ 11.8%
40
↓ 11.8%$193€172
$193€172Check ↗
57
AKG K812K-812 · AKG

Index 40↑ 9.0%
40
↑ 9.0%$1,342€1,198
$1,342€1,198Check ↗
58
Sennheiser HD-300 ProSennheiser · 2 finishes

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$185€165
$185€165Check ↗
59
Sony MDR-M1Sony

Index 39↓ 15.3%
39
↓ 15.3%$236€211
$236€211Check ↗
60
beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO Xbeyerdynamic

Index 39↓ 4.6%
39
↓ 4.6%$256€228
$256€228Check ↗
61
Sennheiser HD-480 PROSennheiser · 2 finishes

Index 39↓ 1.0%
39
↓ 1.0%$443€395
$443€395Check ↗
62
Sony MDR-MV1 Open Back Headphones - 24 OhmsMDR-MV1 · Sony

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$443€395
$443€395Check ↗
63
Audeze LCD-S20Audeze

Index 39↓ 11.3%
39
↓ 11.3%$615€549
$615€549Check ↗
64
Focal Lensys ProfessionalFocal

Index 39↓ 15.0%
39
↓ 15.0%$666€594
$666€594Check ↗
65
beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO Xbeyerdynamic

Index 38↓ 1.7%
38
↓ 1.7%$263€235
$263€235Check ↗
66
OLLO Audio X1 1.0 2024OLLO Audio

Index 38↓ 16.7%
38
↓ 16.7%$503€449
$503€449Check ↗
67
beyerdynamic DT-270 Probeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
68
beyerdynamic DT 275 Probeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
69
beyerdynamic DT-100/400-Bbeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$257€229
$257€229Check ↗
70
beyerdynamic DT-150beyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$273€244
$273€244Check ↗
71
Roland VMH-S100 Closed Back HeadphonesVMH-S100 · Roland

Index 37↓ 15.2%
37
↓ 15.2%$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
72
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIIbeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$604€539
$604€539Check ↗
73
beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKIIbeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$604€539
$604€539Check ↗
74
Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT Professional Over-Ear Bluetooth HeadphonesHi-X25BT · Austrian Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
75
Fostex T20RP-Mk3 HeadphoneFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$196€175
$196€175Check ↗
76
Sennheiser HD-400 ProSennheiser

Index 36↓ 4.4%
36
↓ 4.4%$245€219
$245€219Check ↗
77
Fostex T50RPmk4CLFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$275€245
$275€245Check ↗
78
Fostex T60RP HeadphoneFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
79
Sennheiser HD-490 PRO PlusSennheiser

Index 36↓ 3.3%
36
↓ 3.3%$461€411
$461€411Check ↗
80
Fostex T60RPmk2aiFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$1,377€1,229
$1,377€1,229Check ↗
81
Fostex TH-900 mk2LEFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$2,078€1,854
$2,078€1,854Check ↗
82
Fostex TH909LEFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$2,313€2,064
$2,313€2,064Check ↗
83
Fostex TH910Fostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$3,585€3,199
$3,585€3,199Check ↗
84
Fostex TH919Fostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$3,808€3,398
$3,808€3,398Check ↗
85
Audio-Technica ATH-R30xAudio-Technica

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
86
Audio-Technica ATH-R50xAudio-Technica

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$189€169
$189€169Check ↗
87
AKG K-712 ProAKG

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$308€275
$308€275Check ↗
88
Austrian Audio Hi-X20Austrian Audio

Index 34↓ 1.6%
34
↓ 1.6%$142€127
$142€127Check ↗
89
ADAM Audio H200ADAM Audio

Index 34↓ 9.4%
34
↓ 9.4%$161€144
$161€144Check ↗
90
Audeze LCD-XC Leather FreeAudeze

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$1,624€1,449
$1,624€1,449Check ↗
91
Audeze LCD-XCAudeze

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$1,624€1,449
$1,624€1,449Check ↗
92
OneOdio Monitor 60OneOdio

Index 33↑ 1.5%
33
↑ 1.5%$77€69
$77€69Check ↗
93
AKG K-612 ProAKG

Index 32↑ 5.7%
32
↑ 5.7%$166€148
$166€148Check ↗
94
HEDD HEDDphone D1HEDD

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$761€679
$761€679Check ↗
95
HEDD HEDDphone Two UnpluggedHEDD

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$1,624€1,449
$1,624€1,449Check ↗
96
HEDD HEDDphone TwoHEDD

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$2,128€1,899
$2,128€1,899Check ↗
97
Shure SRH440A-EFSShure

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
98
OLLO Audio R1 1.0OLLO Audio

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$447€399
$447€399Check ↗
99
Steven Slate Audio VSX Immersion OneSteven Slate Audio

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$929€829
$929€829Check ↗
100
Focal Clear MG ProfessionalFocal

Index 30↑ 3.2%
30
↑ 3.2%$1,444€1,289
$1,444€1,289Check ↗
101
Audeze LCD-XAudeze

Index 30↑ 8.4%
30
↑ 8.4%$1,512€1,349
$1,512€1,349Check ↗
102
Shure SRH840A-EFSShure

Index 29↑ 4.7%
29
↑ 4.7%$174€155
$174€155Check ↗
103
Sennheiser HD26 Pro On Ear Headphones - 100 OhmsHD-26 · Sennheiser

Index 29Stable
29
Stable$331€295
$331€295Check ↗
104
Audeze LCD-X Leather FreeAudeze

Index 29↑ 11.6%
29
↑ 11.6%$1,624€1,449
$1,624€1,449Check ↗
105
KRK KNS-8402 Closed Back Headphones - 36 OhmsKNS 8402 · KRK

Index 24Stable
24
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗

Studio Headphones by the numbers

Measured across all 136 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $185 — half of all studio headphones here cost less.

<$50$50–150$150–300$300–500$500–1k$1k–2k$2k+

How the AudioFu Index works

Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.

This chart covers 136 studio headphones from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.

Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.

Questions

What should I look for when buying studio headphones?

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.

How much should I spend on studio headphones?

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.

Are expensive studio headphones worth the investment?

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.

What are the best brands for studio headphones?

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.

Should I buy studio headphones online or in-store?

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.