AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Studio Headphones for Professional 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 Fostex TH919 ($3,808). Audeze MM-500 Open Back Planar Magnetic Headphones - 18 Ohms gives you the most for the money at $2,016. 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 Professional · clear

Price

Skill level

Use

Brand

Top 10

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

Fostex TH919
Fostex
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
This is a beautiful open-back headphone built for serious listening, not for noisy rooms. The 50 mm drivers and maple case make it feel solid yet light, while the silk and sheepskin pads are incredibly comfortable. It suits anyone who wants detailed detail without needing active EQ to fix its open nature.
Pros
- Magnesium alloy housing adds rigidity without excessive weight.
- 50 mm BioDyna diaphragm handles low frequencies deeply.
- Silk protein pads provide a soft, custom fit.
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound in shared spaces.
- High price point limits accessibility for many.
36AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker86
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$3,808 now

$3,808€3,398 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fostex TH910
Fostex
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
This is a serious studio tool for anyone who wants pure dynamics. The 50 mm drivers and thick maple case build a sturdy, warm sound. It suits musicians who need long listening sessions without ear fatigue. Just know it lacks wireless options and costs a lot.
Pros
- 50 mm dynamic drivers with BioDyna-diaphragm technology
- Natural sheepskin headband for long-term comfort
- Solid maple wood case with Urushi lacquer finish
Cons
- Expensive price point may limit budget buyers
- Closed-back design blocks outside sound completely
36AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker86
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$3,585 now

$3,585€3,199 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fostex TH909LE
Fostex
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
Think of this like a fine Japanese instrument made by hand. The wood and lacquer give it a special character you won't find in plastic cups. It needs a strong amp to drive the 25 ohms, but the open back makes it perfect for mixing. It suits serious producers who want detailed highs without any coloration.
Pros
- Hand-applied Urushi lacquer finish adds unique acoustic warmth.
- Mizume Cherry wood housing offers natural resonance and detail.
- 50 mm driver with Bio-Dynamic diaphragm for high resolution.
Cons
- Wood housing may require careful handling to avoid damage.
- Artificial leather pads might not suit all comfort preferences.
36AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker86
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$2,313 now

$2,313€2,064 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
HEDD HEDDphone Two
HEDD
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
These HEDDs are seriously impressive – the AMT driver gives you incredible clarity and detail, making them a joy for critical mixing and mastering. They're built like a tank, too, with those carbon fibre and magnesium bits. If you’re a serious audio professional demanding reference-grade accuracy and a wide soundstage, these are a fantastic choice.
Pros
- AMT driver delivers exceptionally detailed, transient response and imaging.
- Carbon fibre and magnesium construction yields a surprisingly lightweight and rigid build.
- Variable Velocity Transformation (VVT) minimizes distortion across a wide frequency range.
Cons
- The open-back design makes them unsuitable for environments requiring isolation.
- At a premium price point, they represent a significant investment.
32AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker46
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$2,128 now

$2,128€1,899 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Audeze MM-500 Open Back Planar Magnetic Headphones - 18 Ohms
MM-500 · Audeze
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The MM-500s are seriously impressive studio headphones, offering a level of clarity and detail that's hard to beat. They're built for critical listening – mixing, mastering, or just analyzing audio with surgical precision. If you're a pro needing reference-grade accuracy and are willing to invest in a good amp, these are a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Exceptional detail retrieval across the frequency spectrum, revealing subtle nuances.
- Planar magnetic drivers offer a remarkably controlled and accurate transient response.
- Luxurious leather ear pads provide extended comfort during long monitoring sessions.
Cons
- Significant weight (495g) can induce fatigue during prolonged use.
- Open-back design renders them unsuitable for noisy environments or casual listening.
48AudioFu
Index
- Demand65
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker69
Stablesince Aug 14
$2,016 · Aug 14$2,016 now

$2,016€1,799 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Fostex TH-900 mk2LE
Fostex
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
This Japanese reference pair uses a rare cherry wood shell and eggshell leather pads for a smooth feel. The 50mm driver pushes frequencies up to 45kHz with very high sensitivity. It suits studio monitors who want extreme detail and deep bass control.
Pros
- Mizume Cherry housing with hand-applied Urushi lacquer finish
- 50mm neodymium driver using Bio-Dynamic diaphragm technology
- 1.5 Tesla magnetic flux density for deep control
Cons
- Closed-back design blocks outside sound completely
- Weight is not specified in the description
36AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker86
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$2,078 now

$2,078€1,854 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Audeze LCD-XC Leather Free
Audeze
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
These LCD-XCs are a seriously impressive closed-back option from Audeze. The low impedance is a game-changer for portability, and the planar drivers deliver that signature Audeze detail and soundstage, even in a closed design. They’re ideal for tracking, mixing, or just enjoying high-fidelity audio on the go – especially if you need isolation.
Pros
- New headband design offers improved comfort for extended listening sessions.
- Closed-back design provides excellent isolation, suitable for tracking and critical listening.
- Low 20 Ohm impedance makes it easily driven by portable devices and smaller amps.
Cons
- The artificial leather ear pads, while comfortable, may not appeal to those preferring genuine leather.
- Relatively heavy build (around 450g) can cause fatigue during long listening periods.
34AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker69
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$1,624 now

$1,624€1,449 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Audeze LCD-XC
Audeze
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
The LCD-XCs are a serious upgrade for anyone needing accurate monitoring in noisy environments. Their planar drivers offer a remarkably flat and detailed response, and the new headband makes them surprisingly comfortable for extended sessions. They’re perfect for producers, mastering engineers, or anyone demanding critical listening capabilities without open-back bleed.
Pros
- Exceptional isolation for critical tracking and mixing environments
- New headband design significantly improves long-term comfort
- Planar magnetic drivers deliver incredibly detailed and balanced sound
Cons
- Price puts them in a premium-priced category, limiting accessibility
- Relatively heavy; extended use may cause fatigue for some users
34AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker69
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$1,624 now

$1,624€1,449 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
HEDD HEDDphone Two Unplugged
HEDD
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
This is a great choice for anyone who wants big, open sound without a heavy head. The light weight and adjustable band make it comfortable for long studio sessions. Just remember you need to buy your own cable since it isn't inside the box.
Pros
- Carbon fibre and magnesium keep the whole unit surprisingly light.
- Open-back design ensures excellent air movement and natural sound.
- Variable Velocity Transformer driver delivers detailed, extended highs.
Cons
- No cable is included in the box for immediate use.
- Faux leather earpads may lack the comfort of real leather.
32AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker46
Stableno change since Aug 17
Aug 17$1,624 now

$1,624€1,449 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Audeze LCD-X Leather Free
Audeze
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
These LCD-X Leather Free headphones are a serious step up in terms of comfort thanks to the new headband. The lower impedance is a huge plus for flexibility, letting you use them with everything from a dedicated headphone amp to your phone. They’re perfect for critical listening, mixing, or just enjoying a detailed, immersive soundscape – especially if you appreciate a warm, powerful low-end.
Pros
- Improved headband significantly enhances long-listening comfort and stability.
- The 20-ohm impedance makes them surprisingly versatile with portable devices.
- Artificial leather ear pads offer a more sustainable and breathable alternative to traditional leather.
Cons
- The open-back design makes them unsuitable for noisy environments or private listening.
- Weight can be fatiguing for some users during extended listening sessions.
29AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup39
- Price15
- Specs0
- Maker69
↑ 11.6%since Aug 14
$1,455 · Aug 14$1,624 now

$1,624€1,449 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
AKG K872 Master Reference Closed-Back Studio HeadphonesK-872 · AKG

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$1,455€1,298
$1,455€1,298Check ↗
12
Audeze LCD-XAudeze

Index 30↑ 8.4%
30
↑ 8.4%$1,512€1,349
$1,512€1,349Check ↗
13
Focal Clear MG ProfessionalFocal

Index 30↑ 3.2%
30
↑ 3.2%$1,444€1,289
$1,444€1,289Check ↗
14
Fostex T60RPmk2aiFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$1,377€1,229
$1,377€1,229Check ↗
15
AKG K812K-812 · AKG

Index 40↑ 9.0%
40
↑ 9.0%$1,342€1,198
$1,342€1,198Check ↗
16
Fostex TH808Fostex

Index 43↓ 26.7%
43
↓ 26.7%$1,230€1,098
$1,230€1,098Check ↗
17
Steven Slate Audio VSX Immersion OneSteven Slate Audio

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$929€829
$929€829Check ↗
18
Steven Slate Audio VSX Immersion One UpgradeSteven Slate Audio

Index 53↓ 15.6%
53
↓ 15.6%$727€649
$727€649Check ↗
19
HEDD HEDDphone D1HEDD

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$761€679
$761€679Check ↗
20
Neumann NDH 20 Dynamic Studio Monitoring HeadphonesNDH 20 Black Edition · Neumann · 2 finishes

Index 65↓ 7.6%
65
↓ 7.6%$548€489
$548€489Check ↗
21
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Open-Back Over-Ear Monitoring…DT 990 PRO X · beyerdynamic · 3 finishes

Index 66Stable
66
Stable$223€199
$223€199Check ↗
22
AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ Modular HeadphonesTMA-2 Studio Wireless White · AIAIAI · 5 finishes

Index 56Stable
56
Stable$335€299
$335€299Check ↗
23
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 ↗
24
RODE NTH-100 Professional Over Ear HeadphonesNTH-100M · Rode · 3 finishes

Index 59↓ 4.2%
59
↓ 4.2%$178€159
$178€159Check ↗
25
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x-WH Professional Studio Monitor HeadphonesATH-M50XWH · Audio-Technica · 2 finishes

Index 57Stable
57
Stable$185€165
$185€165Check ↗
26
Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Open Back HeadphonesATH-R70xa · Audio-Technica

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
27
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Xbeyerdynamic · 5 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$223€199
$223€199Check ↗
28
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 Open Back Reference HeadphonesHi-X65 · Austrian Audio

Index 45↓ 12.5%
45
↓ 12.5%$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
29
Focal Listen Professional Closed Back Headphones - 32 OhmsListen Professional · Focal

Index 48↓ 3.9%
48
↓ 3.9%$219€195
$219€195Check ↗
30
Audeze MM-100 Open Back Planar Magnetic Headphones - 18 OhmsMM-100 · Audeze

Index 44↓ 3.4%
44
↓ 3.4%$503€449
$503€449Check ↗
31
Beyerdynamic DT 250 Closed Back Headphones - 80 OhmsDT-250/250 · beyerdynamic · 2 finishes

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$268€239
$268€239Check ↗
32
Fostex T50RPmk4Fostex

Index 43↓ 20.7%
43
↓ 20.7%$275€245
$275€245Check ↗
33
Fostex T60RPmk2 HeadphoneFostex

Index 43↓ 15.0%
43
↓ 15.0%$611€545
$611€545Check ↗
34
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Monitor HeadphonesATH-M40X · Audio-Technica

Index 63Stable
63
Stable$120€107
$120€107Check ↗
35
Austrian Audio Hi-X60 Closed Back Headphones - 25 OhmsHi-X60 · Austrian Audio

Index 42↓ 8.2%
42
↓ 8.2%$328€293
$328€293Check ↗
36
Fostex T60RPmk2CLFostex

Index 42↓ 14.2%
42
↓ 14.2%$611€545
$611€545Check ↗
37
AKG K240 Studio HeadphonesK-240 Studio · AKG · 2 finishes

Index 70↓ 9.3%
70
↓ 9.3%$76€68
$76€68Check ↗
38
Sony MDR-M1Sony

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

Index 39↓ 4.6%
39
↓ 4.6%$256€228
$256€228Check ↗
40
Sennheiser HD-300 PROtectSennheiser · 2 finishes

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$275€245
$275€245Check ↗
41
Sennheiser HD-480 PROSennheiser · 2 finishes

Index 39↓ 1.0%
39
↓ 1.0%$443€395
$443€395Check ↗
42
Sony MDR-MV1 Open Back Headphones - 24 OhmsMDR-MV1 · Sony

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$443€395
$443€395Check ↗
43
Audeze LCD-S20Audeze

Index 39↓ 11.3%
39
↓ 11.3%$615€549
$615€549Check ↗
44
Focal Lensys ProfessionalFocal

Index 39↓ 15.0%
39
↓ 15.0%$666€594
$666€594Check ↗
45
beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO Xbeyerdynamic

Index 38↓ 1.7%
38
↓ 1.7%$263€235
$263€235Check ↗
46
OLLO Audio X1 1.0 2024OLLO Audio

Index 38↓ 16.7%
38
↓ 16.7%$503€449
$503€449Check ↗
47
beyerdynamic DT-100/400-Bbeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$257€229
$257€229Check ↗
48
beyerdynamic DT-150beyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$273€244
$273€244Check ↗
49
Roland VMH-S100 Closed Back HeadphonesVMH-S100 · Roland

Index 37↓ 15.2%
37
↓ 15.2%$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
50
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIIbeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$604€539
$604€539Check ↗
51
beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKIIbeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$604€539
$604€539Check ↗
52
Avantone Pro MP-1 MixPhones Over-Ear HeadphonesMixphones MP-1 Black · Avantone · 2 finishes

Index 50↓ 3.4%
50
↓ 3.4%$161€144
$161€144Check ↗
53
Sennheiser HD-400 ProSennheiser

Index 36↓ 4.4%
36
↓ 4.4%$245€219
$245€219Check ↗
54
Fostex T50RPmk4CLFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$275€245
$275€245Check ↗
55
Fostex T60RP HeadphoneFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
56
Sennheiser HD-490 PRO PlusSennheiser

Index 36↓ 3.3%
36
↓ 3.3%$461€411
$461€411Check ↗
57
Kali Audio HP-1Kali Audio

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$185€165
$185€165Check ↗
58
AKG K-712 ProAKG

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$308€275
$308€275Check ↗
59
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed Back HeadphonesATH-M30X · Audio-Technica

Index 59Stable
59
Stable$89€79
$89€79Check ↗
60
Audio-Technica ATH-M60xaAudio-Technica

Index 40↓ 11.8%
40
↓ 11.8%$193€172
$193€172Check ↗
61
OLLO Audio R1 1.0OLLO Audio

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$447€399
$447€399Check ↗
62
AKG K 271 MKIIK-271 MKII · AKG

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
63
Warm Audio WA-HRT HeadRoom TanWarm Audio

Index 47↓ 6.5%
47
↓ 6.5%$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
64
AKG K371 BT Wireless Closed Back HeadphonesK-371 · AKG

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
65
Sennheiser HD26 Pro On Ear Headphones - 100 OhmsHD-26 · Sennheiser

Index 29Stable
29
Stable$331€295
$331€295Check ↗
66
Fostex T20RP-Mk3 HeadphoneFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$196€175
$196€175Check ↗
67
Sony MDR-7506 Studio HeadphonesMDR-7506 · Sony

Index 51↓ 1.0%
51
↓ 1.0%$110€98
$110€98Check ↗
68
RODE NTH-50 On Ear Headphones - 32 OhmsNTH-50 · Rode

Index 51↓ 18.6%
51
↓ 18.6%$103€92
$103€92Check ↗
69
Audio-Technica ATH-R50xAudio-Technica

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$189€169
$189€169Check ↗
70
Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT Professional Over-Ear Bluetooth HeadphonesHi-X25BT · Austrian Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
71
ADAM Audio H200ADAM Audio

Index 34↓ 9.4%
34
↓ 9.4%$161€144
$161€144Check ↗
72
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Professional HeadphonesHi-X15 · Austrian Audio

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
73
AKG K-612 ProAKG

Index 32↑ 5.7%
32
↑ 5.7%$166€148
$166€148Check ↗
74
beyerdynamic DT 275 Probeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
75
Shure SRH840A-EFSShure

Index 29↑ 4.7%
29
↑ 4.7%$174€155
$174€155Check ↗
76
Austrian Audio Hi-X20Austrian Audio

Index 34↓ 1.6%
34
↓ 1.6%$142€127
$142€127Check ↗
77
AKG K361 Closed Back Headphones - 32 OhmsK-361 · AKG

Index 40↑ 17.5%
40
↑ 17.5%$105€94
$105€94Check ↗
78
OneOdio Monitor 80OneOdio

Index 40↓ 13.3%
40
↓ 13.3%$95€85
$95€85Check ↗
79
beyerdynamic DT-270 Probeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
80
Audio-Technica ATH-R30xAudio-Technica

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
81
Shure SRH440A-EFSShure

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
82
OneOdio Monitor 60OneOdio

Index 33↑ 1.5%
33
↑ 1.5%$77€69
$77€69Check ↗
83
KRK KNS-8402 Closed Back Headphones - 36 OhmsKNS 8402 · KRK

Index 24Stable
24
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
84
Superlux HD-681Superlux · 5 finishes

Index 53↓ 8.0%
53
↓ 8.0%$26€23
$26€23Check ↗
85
PreSonus HD7 Professional On-Ear Monitoring HeadphonesHD7 · Presonus

Index 50Stable
50
Stable$48€43
$48€43Check ↗
86
PreSonus HD9 Professional Closed-Back Over-Ear Monitoring HeadphonesHD9 · Presonus

Index 50↓ 3.4%
50
↓ 3.4%$64€57
$64€57Check ↗
87
Superlux HD-662 BK EvoSuperlux · 5 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$34€30
$34€30Check ↗
88
Superlux HD-669Superlux

Index 45↓ 24.2%
45
↓ 24.2%$28€25
$28€25Check ↗
89
Superlux HD-660 Pro 32 OhmsSuperlux · 2 finishes

Index 45↓ 7.7%
45
↓ 7.7%$40€36
$40€36Check ↗
90
Superlux HD-668 BSuperlux · 2 finishes

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$33€29
$33€29Check ↗
91
Superlux HD-330 Pro 150 OhmsSuperlux · 2 finishes

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
92
Behringer HPM1100-BKBehringer

Index 39↓ 21.7%
39
↓ 21.7%$10€9
$10€9Check ↗
93
Superlux HD-667Superlux

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
94
Superlux HD-665Superlux

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$62€55
$62€55Check ↗
95
OneOdio Monitor 40OneOdio

Index 35↓ 3.9%
35
↓ 3.9%$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
96
OneOdio Pro 20 BlackOneOdio

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
97
OneOdio Pro 40 SilverOneOdio

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$50€45
$50€45Check ↗
98
OneOdio Pro 60OneOdio

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
99
Behringer HPS3000Behringer

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$11€10
$11€10Check ↗
100
Behringer BH 470Behringer

Index 32↓ 1.0%
32
↓ 1.0%$22€20
$22€20Check ↗
101
the t.bone HD 515the t.bone

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$33€29
$33€29Check ↗
102
the t.bone HD 815the t.bone

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$36€32
$36€32Check ↗
103
Maono MH601 Studio Monitor HeadphoneMaono

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$39€35
$39€35Check ↗
104
ESI eXtra 10ESI

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$58€52
$58€52Check ↗
105
Tascam TH-11Tascam

Index 24↑ 11.4%
24
↑ 11.4%$55€49
$55€49Check ↗

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.