Best Studio Headphones Under $100 2025

Affordable studio headphones under $100 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

Audio-Technica ATH-M30X - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Audio-Technica ATH-M30X

Audio Mixing Critical Listening Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
✗ CONS
  • • Utilitarian appearance
  • • Professional models can be expensive

Audio-Technica ATH-M30XStudio HeadphonesClosed-backCircumaural (full size)Dynamic40 mm Drivers with rare earth magnets...

4.9/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Behringer BH60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Behringer BH60

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

Behringer BH60Studio HeadphonesCircumauralClosed-back designDynamicFrequency range: 10 - 35000 HzImpedance: 24 ohmsMax....

4.8/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Behringer BH40 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Behringer BH40

Professional Audio Recording Monitoring Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✗ CONS
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment
  • • May require headphone amplifier

Behringer BH40Studio HeadphonesCircumauralClosedDynamicFrequency range: 10 - 35000 HzImpedance: 32 ohmsMax. sound...

4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Presonus HD9 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Presonus HD9

Professional Audio Recording Monitoring Audio Mixing
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable for extended studio sessions
  • • Wide frequency response
✗ CONS
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment
  • • Professional models can be expensive

Presonus HD9Studio HeadphonesPrecisely tunedclosedcircumaural designEarpieces over 2 axes and 180 ° mobilePrecise...

4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Superlux HD-665 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Superlux HD-665

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

Superlux HD-665Headphones for DrummersCircumauralClosed40 mm DriversSound pressure level: 102 dBImpedance: 68...

4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
OneOdio Monitor 60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

OneOdio Monitor 60

Recording Monitoring Music Production Professional Audio
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Industry standard reference tools
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
✗ CONS
  • • May require headphone amplifier
  • • Utilitarian appearance

OneOdio Monitor 60Studio HeadphonesWiredCircumauralClosedDynamicFrequency range: 20 - 40000 HzImpedance: 38 OhmSound...

4.5/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
ESI eXtra 10 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

ESI eXtra 10

Professional Audio Critical Listening Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
  • • Wide frequency response
✗ CONS
  • • May require headphone amplifier
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models

ESI eXtra 10Headphone/Modelling Software BundleConsists of headphones and modelling softwareRecreates the acoustic...

4.7/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
OneOdio Pro 60 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

OneOdio Pro 60

Critical Listening Professional Audio Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Industry standard reference tools
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✗ CONS
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models

OneOdio Pro 60Studio HeadphonesWiredCircumauralClosedDynamicFrequency range: 20 - 40000 HzImpedance: 32 OhmSound...

5.0/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
AKG K-361 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

AKG K-361

Recording Monitoring Music Production Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
✗ CONS
  • • May require headphone amplifier
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models

AKG K-361Studio HeadphonesFor studiostage and on the roadClosedCircumaural50 mm DriverImpedance: 32 OhmSensitivity: 114...

4.7/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
AKG K-240 Studio - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

AKG K-240 Studio

Music Production Professional Audio Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Excellent build quality and durability
✓ PROS
  • • Industry standard reference tools
  • • Excellent build quality and durability
✗ CONS
  • • Professional models can be expensive
  • • Utilitarian appearance

AKG K-240 StudioStudio headphonesCircumauralSemi-openDynamicNew XXL capsuleImpedance: 55 OhmFrequency response: 15 -...

4.6/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
AKG K-240 MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

AKG K-240 MKII

Recording Monitoring Critical Listening Audio Mixing
Key Feature:
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
✓ PROS
  • • Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
  • • Wide frequency response
✗ CONS
  • • May sound less exciting than consumer models
  • • Utilitarian appearance

AKG K-271 MKIIStudio HeadphonesSemi-openCircumauralDynamicNominal impedance: 55 OhmNominal power capacity: 200...

4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
OneOdio Monitor 40 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

OneOdio Monitor 40

Audio Mixing Critical Listening Recording Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Wide frequency response
✓ PROS
  • • Wide frequency response
  • • Comfortable for extended studio sessions
✗ CONS
  • • May require headphone amplifier
  • • Not optimized for casual entertainment

OneOdio Monitor 40Studio HeadphonesWired headphonesOver-earClosed-back designDynamicFrequency range: 20 - 40000...

4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10

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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