Best Studio Headphones Under $2,000 2025

Affordable studio headphones under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Music Production For Audio Mixing For Recording Monitoring For Critical Listening For Professional Audio

BRANDS: beyerdynamic Superlux AKG Fostex Behringer Audio-Technica Audeze OneOdio Austrian Audio Sennheiser

Audeze LCD-X Leather Free - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Audeze LCD-X Leather Free

by Audeze

Professional Audio Music Production 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

Audeze LCD-X Leather FreeHeadphonesModel: 2021Improved headbandOpenCircumauralArtificial leather ear pads106 mm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 530228

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fostex TH808 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fostex TH808

by Fostex

Professional Audio Music Production Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Industry standard reference tools
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be expensive
• May sound less exciting than consumer models

Fostex TH808Premium HeadphonesWired headphonesOver-earOpen-backDynamicFrequency range: 5 - 45000 HzImpedance: 25...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 587775

$1,648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fostex TH909 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fostex TH909

by Fostex

Recording Monitoring Music Production Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Industry standard reference tools

✓ PROS

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be expensive
• Not optimized for casual entertainment

Fostex TH909Premium stereo headphonesNeodymium magnet drive with 1.5 Tesla magnetic flux density for impressive...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 447611

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audeze LCD-XC Leather Free - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Audeze LCD-XC Leather Free

by Audeze

Critical Listening Professional Audio Music Production

Key Feature:

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be expensive
• Not optimized for casual entertainment

Audeze LCD-XC Leather FreeHeadphonesNew headbandClosed-back designCircumauralArtificial leather ear pads106 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 530230

$1,594

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audeze MM-500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Audeze MM-500

by Audeze

Music Production Recording Monitoring Professional Audio

Key Feature:

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✓ PROS

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
• Wide frequency response

✗ CONS

• Not optimized for casual entertainment
• May sound less exciting than consumer models

Audeze MM-500Studio HeadphonesCircumauralOpen backMagnetostaticDriver size: 90 mmFrequency range: 5 Hz - 50...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 547065

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

AKG K-872 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

AKG K-872

by AKG

Professional Audio Recording Monitoring Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Wide frequency response

✗ CONS

• Not optimized for casual entertainment
• May require headphone amplifier

AKG K-872Studio headphonesClosed backCircumauralImpedance: 36 OhmSound pressure: 112 dB SPL / VConverter: 53 mm1.5...

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 396180

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Focal Clear MG Professional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Focal Clear MG Professional

by Focal

Audio Mixing Professional Audio Recording Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Excellent build quality and durability

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

• May sound less exciting than consumer models
• Utilitarian appearance

Focal Clear MG ProfessionalHeadphonesOpenCircumaural40 mm Magnesium driversHigh dynamics due to optimised dome...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512148

$1,374

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audeze LCD-X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Audeze LCD-X

by Audeze

Critical Listening Recording Monitoring Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

• Utilitarian appearance
• Not optimized for casual entertainment

Audeze LCD-XHeadphonesModel 2021Improved headbandOpenCircumauralLeather ear pads106 mm driverNeodymium...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 444908

$1,368

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audeze LCD-XC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Audeze LCD-XC

by Audeze

Recording Monitoring Audio Mixing Music Production

Key Feature:

• Industry standard reference tools

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Wide frequency response

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be expensive
• May require headphone amplifier

Audeze LCD-XCHeadphones2021 Model with new headbandClosed-back designCircumauralGenuine leather ear pads106 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 444911

$1,594

Buy at Thomann View Details

AKG K-812 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

AKG K-812

by AKG

Music Production Audio Mixing Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Excellent build quality and durability

✗ CONS

• Not optimized for casual entertainment
• May require headphone amplifier

AKG K-812Reference HeadphonesOpen-backCircumauralDynamicImpedance: 36 ohmsSPL: 110 dBFrequency range: 5-54000 HzMax....

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 328776

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

Related Best Lists

TOP

Best Studio Headphones Under $2,000 2025

Audeze LCD-X Leather Free

Fostex TH808

Fostex TH909

Audeze LCD-XC Leather Free

Audeze MM-500

AKG K-872

Focal Clear MG Professional

Audeze LCD-X

Audeze LCD-XC

AKG K-812

How to Choose the Best Studio Headphones

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying studio headphones?

How much should I spend on studio headphones?

Are expensive studio headphones worth the investment?

What are the best brands for studio headphones?

Should I buy studio headphones online or in-store?

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