Best Studio Headphones Under $300 2025

Affordable studio headphones under $300 - 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

beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

by beyerdynamic

Music Production Critical Listening Recording Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO XStudio HeadphonesDynamicClosed-backCircumauralSTELLAR.45 driverImpedance: 48 ohmMax. sound...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 527376

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

by beyerdynamic

Audio Mixing Recording Monitoring Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✓ PROS

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• May sound less exciting than consumer models

beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO XStudio HeadphonesDynamicOpen-back designCircumauralSTELLAR.45 driverImpedance: 48 OhmMax....

⭐ 4.6/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 527377

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser HD-300 PROtect - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Sennheiser HD-300 PROtect

by Sennheiser

Recording Monitoring Professional Audio Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

• Utilitarian appearance
• May sound less exciting than consumer models

Sennheiser HD-300 PROtectMonitor HeadphonesActiveGard technology protects against loudspeaker peaks above 110...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 447843

$270

Buy at Thomann View Details

AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio

by AIAIAI

Music Production 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
• May sound less exciting than consumer models

AIAIAI TMA-2 StudioStudio HeadphonesClosed backcircumauralS05 MKII speaker unitBio-cellulose diaphragm40 mm high grade...

⭐ 5.0/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 520789

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT-250/250 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

beyerdynamic DT-250/250

by beyerdynamic

Recording Monitoring Critical Listening Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Excellent build quality and durability

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be expensive
• Utilitarian appearance

beyerdynamic DT-250/250, Stereo HeadphonesDT 250 is a lightweight, closed-back dynamic headphone that is designed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 180486

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X

by beyerdynamic

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

Art. 615472

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT-150 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

beyerdynamic DT-150

by beyerdynamic

Professional Audio Recording Monitoring Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Excellent build quality and durability

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

• Utilitarian appearance
• Professional models can be expensive

beyerdynamic DT-150Studio HeadphonesClosed-backCircumauralDynamicImpedance: 250 OhmSPL: 97 dBFrequency range: 5 - 30...

⭐ 4.5/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 106846

$268

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sony MDR-M1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sony MDR-M1

by Sony

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

Art. 600413

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT-250/80 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

beyerdynamic DT-250/80

by beyerdynamic

Music Production Professional Audio Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Industry standard reference tools

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Professional models can be expensive

beyerdynamic DT-250/80, Stereo HeadphonesDT 250 is a lightweight, closed-back dynamic headphone that is specially...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 127003

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Focal Listen Professional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Focal Listen Professional

by Focal

Professional Audio Audio Mixing Music Production

Key Feature:

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✗ CONS

• Not optimized for casual entertainment
• Utilitarian appearance

Focal Listen ProfessionalHeadphonesClosedCircumauralConversion technology for acoustic transparency and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 432388

$223

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X

by beyerdynamic

Professional Audio Critical Listening Music Production

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

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO XHeadphonesCircumauralOpen-backDynamicFrequency response: 5 - 40.000 HzImpedance: 48 OhmMaximum...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617502

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Black Edition Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Black Edition Set

by beyerdynamic

Recording Monitoring Critical Listening Professional Audio

Key Feature:

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

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

beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Black Edition Set*Bundle offer comprising*, beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Black Edition*High-End...

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 485215

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sennheiser HD-400 Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sennheiser HD-400 Pro

by Sennheiser

Recording Monitoring Music Production Professional Audio

Key Feature:

• Industry standard reference tools

✓ PROS

• Excellent build quality and durability
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Professional models can be expensive

Sennheiser HD-400 ProStudio headphonesOpenCircumauralImpedance: 120 OhmSound pressure level: 110 dB SPL (1 kHz / 1 V...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 530787

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT-100/400-B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

beyerdynamic DT-100/400-B

by beyerdynamic

Critical Listening Music Production Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Industry standard reference tools

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Professional models can be expensive

beyerdynamic DT-100/400-B, Stereo HeadphonesThe DT 100 is a handset used worldwide in many recording studios for...

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 180535

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audio-Technica ATH-M60xa - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Audio-Technica ATH-M60xa

by Audio-Technica

Recording Monitoring Critical Listening Professional Audio

Key Feature:

• Excellent build quality and durability

✓ PROS

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
• Excellent build quality and durability

✗ CONS

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

Audio-Technica ATH-M60xaStudio HeadphonesWiredOn-earClosed backDynamicFrequency range: 15 Hz - 28000 HzImpedance: 38...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 621679

$215

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 $300 2025

beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X

beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

Sennheiser HD-300 PROtect

AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio

beyerdynamic DT-250/250

beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X

beyerdynamic DT-150

Sony MDR-M1

beyerdynamic DT-250/80

Focal Listen Professional

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X

beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro Black Edition Set

Sennheiser HD-400 Pro

beyerdynamic DT-100/400-B

Audio-Technica ATH-M60xa

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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