AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best Studio Headphones Under $500 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 AKG K240 Studio Headphones ($76). Superlux HD-681 gives you the most for the money at $26. AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ Modular Headphones leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 76 models across 26 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 12, 2026

76models in this chart

26brands

$145median price

35price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Studio Headphones Showing: Under $500 · clear

Price

Skill level

Use

Brand

Top 10

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

AKG K240 Studio Headphones
K-240 Studio · AKG
55 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The AKG K-240 Studio is a solid workhorse for tracking, mixing, and critical listening on a budget. They provide a surprisingly accurate and revealing sound, especially considering the price point. Great for home studios, students, or anyone needing a reliable, comfortable pair of headphones without breaking the bank.
Pros
- XXL capsule delivers surprisingly wide and detailed soundstage
- Semi-open design offers a more natural, less isolating listening experience
- Detachable mini-XLR cable adds durability and reduces cable clutter
Cons
- Plastic headband and earcups feel a bit budget-oriented for serious studio work
- Semi-open design isn’t ideal for noise isolation in loud environments
70AudioFu
Index
- Demand95
- Lineup61
- Price78
- Specs0
- Maker77
↓ 9.3%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$84 · Aug 14$76 now

$76€68 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Open-Back Over-Ear Monitoring…
DT-990 Pro 250 Ohm · beyerdynamic
33 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
These DT-990 Pros are a classic for a reason. They offer a really spacious, detailed sound that's fantastic for mixing and critical listening, but they need a decent headphone amp to truly shine. If you're a producer or musician needing accurate monitoring and comfortable long-term wear, these are a solid choice.
Pros
- Velvet earcups provide exceptional long-listening comfort, even for hours.
- Detailed, diffuse-field EQ delivers a wide, immersive soundstage.
- Robust construction with replaceable parts increases longevity and value.
Cons
- High impedance requires a powerful amplifier for optimal performance.
- Open design isn't ideal for noisy environments or critical listening in shared spaces.
66AudioFu
Index
- Demand83
- Lineup77
- Price52
- Specs0
- Maker98
↓ 0.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$167 · Aug 14$166 now

$166€148 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
RODE NTH-100 Professional Over Ear Headphones
NTH-100 W · Rode
21 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
These are surprisingly good for the price. The Alcantara and CoolTech gel make them comfortable even for hours in the studio, and the build quality feels solid. Great for podcasters, sound engineers, and anyone needing accurate monitoring without a huge investment.
Pros
- Luxurious Alcantara ear cushions provide exceptional comfort for long sessions.
- FitLok system ensures a secure and consistent fit, crucial for tracking.
- CoolTech gel keeps ear pads remarkably cool, minimizing sweat and fatigue.
Cons
- The 344g weight can become noticeable during extended use.
- While versatile, the 32 Ohm impedance may require amplification for optimal performance.
65AudioFu
Index
- Demand73
- Lineup77
- Price100
- Specs0
- Maker54
↓ 29.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$189 · Aug 14$134 now

$134€120 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Monitor Headphones
ATH-M40X · Audio-Technica
69 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The ATH-M40X is a solid choice for musicians, podcasters, and audio enthusiasts needing a reliable, accurate, and affordable monitoring solution. They offer a clean, neutral sound profile ideal for critical listening and mixing, and the swivel cups make them comfortable for long sessions. These are a great entry point into serious studio headphones without breaking the bank.
Pros
- CCAW voice coils deliver a surprisingly detailed and balanced sound signature
- 90-degree swivel earcups offer comfortable and adaptable positioning
- Detachable cables enhance portability and allow for easy replacement
Cons
- The plastic construction, while lightweight, feels somewhat budget-oriented
- Soundstage can feel a bit constricted for critical mixing applications
63AudioFu
Index
- Demand100
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker73
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$120 now

$120€107 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ Modular Headphones
TMA-2 Studio · AIAIAI
10 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
These AIAIAI TMA-2 Studios are a solid choice for producers, mixing engineers, and musicians needing reliable closed-back monitoring. The build quality is impressive, the sound is detailed without being overly colored, and the comfortable ear pads make long sessions a breeze. They’re a really well-rounded option for someone wanting professional-grade performance without breaking the bank.
Pros
- The S05 MKII drivers deliver a surprisingly neutral and detailed sound signature.
- Alcantara earpads provide excellent comfort even during extended tracking sessions.
- The CO2 spiral cable minimizes tangling and feels robust for studio use.
Cons
- At 280g, they can feel a bit heavy after a few hours of continuous use.
- 32-ohm impedance requires a decent headphone amp for optimal performance.
60AudioFu
Index
- Demand56
- Lineup100
- Price76
- Specs0
- Maker60
↓ 8.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$223 · Aug 14$204 now

$204€182 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Closed Back Headphones
ATH-M30X · Audio-Technica
47 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The ATH-M30X are a solid entry-level studio headphone. They offer a surprisingly clean and accurate sound for the price, making them great for budding producers, podcasters, or anyone needing reliable monitoring. The swivel design is a nice touch for mixing and tracking.
Pros
- Clear, balanced soundstage ideal for critical listening
- Durable construction with robust headband and earcups
- 90-degree swivel allows for comfortable monitoring and single-ear use
Cons
- Bass response can feel slightly lacking for bass-heavy genres
- Cable, while long, is not detachable, increasing risk of damage
59AudioFu
Index
- Demand91
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker73
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$89 now

$89€79 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x-WH Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
ATH-M50X · Audio-Technica
23 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The ATH-M50X are a workhorse for tracking, mixing, and critical listening. They deliver a clear, detailed sound with a bit of extra low-end that's great for modern genres, and their build quality is genuinely impressive for the price. Perfect for producers, audio engineers, and serious music enthusiasts needing reliable, accurate headphones.
Pros
- Excellent transient response for accurate monitoring
- Robust construction with well-secured headband swivel joints
- Comfortable for extended use thanks to the faux leather earpads
Cons
- Bass can be slightly emphasized, potentially muddying mixes
- Closed-back design limits soundstage and natural ambience
57AudioFu
Index
- Demand75
- Lineup61
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker73
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$167 now

$167€149 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
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 ↗
RODE NTH-50 On Ear Headphones - 32 Ohms
NTH-50 · Rode
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Rode NTH-50s are a seriously impressive value. They deliver a clean, balanced sound that's great for tracking vocals, monitoring instruments, and even casual listening. These are a fantastic choice for podcasters, bedroom producers, or anyone needing a reliable, comfortable pair of headphones without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Comfortable memory foam ear pads minimize fatigue during long sessions.
- Surprisingly neutral and detailed sound signature for the price point.
- Flexible cable routing simplifies studio workflow and reduces cable clutter.
Cons
- The clamping force can be a bit tight for some users initially.
- While versatile, the sound lacks a 'wow' factor for critical mixing.
51AudioFu
Index
- Demand56
- Lineup39
- Price100
- Specs0
- Maker54
↓ 18.6%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$127 · Aug 14$103 now

$103€92 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones
MDR-7506 · Sony
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
These Sony 7506s are a studio staple for a reason. They deliver a remarkably accurate and detailed sound, making them perfect for engineers, producers, and serious musicians needing reliable monitoring. While not the most luxurious, their durability and neutral response are hard to beat for the price.
Pros
- Durable construction with robust headband clamping force
- Neutral, revealing sound signature for critical listening
- Detachable cable reduces risk of damage and simplifies replacement
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable for extended use due to clamping pressure
- Plain aesthetic lacks premium feel and style
51AudioFu
Index
- Demand77
- Lineup39
- Price53
- Specs0
- Maker46
↓ 1.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$111 · Aug 14$110 now

$110€98 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 76 studio headphones

Sort

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

11
Avantone Pro MP-1 MixPhones Over-Ear HeadphonesMixphones MP-1 · Avantone · 2 finishes

Index 51↓ 6.7%
51
↓ 6.7%$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
12
PreSonus HD7 Professional On-Ear Monitoring HeadphonesHD7 · Presonus

Index 50Stable
50
Stable$48€43
$48€43Check ↗
13
PreSonus HD9 Professional Closed-Back Over-Ear Monitoring HeadphonesHD9 · Presonus

Index 50↓ 3.4%
50
↓ 3.4%$64€57
$64€57Check ↗
14
Superlux HD-662 BK EvoSuperlux · 5 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$34€30
$34€30Check ↗
15
AKG K 271 MKIIK-271 MKII · AKG

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
16
beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 250 Ohmbeyerdynamic · 5 finishes

Index 49Stable
49
Stable$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
17
Focal Listen Professional Closed Back Headphones - 32 OhmsListen Professional · Focal

Index 48↓ 3.9%
48
↓ 3.9%$219€195
$219€195Check ↗
18
Warm Audio WA-HRT HeadRoom TanWarm Audio

Index 47↓ 6.5%
47
↓ 6.5%$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
19
Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Open Back HeadphonesATH-R70xa · Audio-Technica

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
20
Superlux HD-669Superlux

Index 45↓ 24.2%
45
↓ 24.2%$28€25
$28€25Check ↗
21
Superlux HD-660 Pro 150 OhmsSuperlux · 2 finishes

Index 45↓ 7.7%
45
↓ 7.7%$40€36
$40€36Check ↗
22
Kali Audio HP-1Kali Audio

Index 45Stable
45
Stable$185€165
$185€165Check ↗
23
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 Open Back Reference HeadphonesHi-X65 · Austrian Audio

Index 45↓ 12.5%
45
↓ 12.5%$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
24
AKG K371 BT Wireless Closed Back HeadphonesK-371 · AKG

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
25
Beyerdynamic DT 250 Closed Back Headphones - 80 OhmsDT-250/80 · beyerdynamic · 2 finishes

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$268€239
$268€239Check ↗
26
Fostex T50RPmk4Fostex

Index 43↓ 20.7%
43
↓ 20.7%$275€245
$275€245Check ↗
27
Superlux HD-668 BSuperlux · 2 finishes

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$33€29
$33€29Check ↗
28
Superlux HD-330 Pro 32 OhmsSuperlux · 2 finishes

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
29
Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Professional HeadphonesHi-X15 · Austrian Audio

Index 42Stable
42
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
30
Austrian Audio Hi-X60 Closed Back Headphones - 25 OhmsHi-X60 · Austrian Audio

Index 42↓ 8.2%
42
↓ 8.2%$328€293
$328€293Check ↗
31
OneOdio Monitor 80OneOdio

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

Index 40↑ 17.5%
40
↑ 17.5%$105€94
$105€94Check ↗
33
Audio-Technica ATH-M60xaAudio-Technica

Index 40↓ 11.8%
40
↓ 11.8%$193€172
$193€172Check ↗
34
Behringer HPM1100-BKBehringer

Index 39↓ 21.7%
39
↓ 21.7%$10€9
$10€9Check ↗
35
Sennheiser HD-300 ProSennheiser · 2 finishes

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$185€165
$185€165Check ↗
36
Sony MDR-M1Sony

Index 39↓ 15.3%
39
↓ 15.3%$236€211
$236€211Check ↗
37
beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO Xbeyerdynamic

Index 39↓ 4.6%
39
↓ 4.6%$256€228
$256€228Check ↗
38
Sony MDR-MV1 Open Back Headphones - 24 OhmsMDR-MV1 · Sony

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$443€395
$443€395Check ↗
39
Sennheiser HD-480 PROSennheiser · 2 finishes

Index 39↓ 1.0%
39
↓ 1.0%$443€395
$443€395Check ↗
40
beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO Xbeyerdynamic

Index 38↓ 1.7%
38
↓ 1.7%$263€235
$263€235Check ↗
41
Superlux HD-667Superlux

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
42
Superlux HD-665Superlux

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$62€55
$62€55Check ↗
43
beyerdynamic DT-270 Probeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
44
beyerdynamic DT 275 Probeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
45
beyerdynamic DT-100/400-Bbeyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$257€229
$257€229Check ↗
46
beyerdynamic DT-150beyerdynamic

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$273€244
$273€244Check ↗
47
Roland VMH-S100 Closed Back HeadphonesVMH-S100 · Roland

Index 37↓ 15.2%
37
↓ 15.2%$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
48
Austrian Audio Hi-X25BT Professional Over-Ear Bluetooth HeadphonesHi-X25BT · Austrian Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
49
Fostex T20RP-Mk3 HeadphoneFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$196€175
$196€175Check ↗
50
Sennheiser HD-400 ProSennheiser

Index 36↓ 4.4%
36
↓ 4.4%$245€219
$245€219Check ↗
51
Fostex T50RPmk4CLFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$275€245
$275€245Check ↗
52
Fostex T60RP HeadphoneFostex

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$391€349
$391€349Check ↗
53
Sennheiser HD-490 PRO PlusSennheiser

Index 36↓ 3.3%
36
↓ 3.3%$461€411
$461€411Check ↗
54
OneOdio Monitor 40OneOdio

Index 35↓ 3.9%
35
↓ 3.9%$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
55
Audio-Technica ATH-R30xAudio-Technica

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
56
Audio-Technica ATH-R50xAudio-Technica

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$189€169
$189€169Check ↗
57
AKG K-712 ProAKG

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$308€275
$308€275Check ↗
58
OneOdio Pro 20 BlackOneOdio

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
59
OneOdio Pro 40 SilverOneOdio

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

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
61
Austrian Audio Hi-X20Austrian Audio

Index 34↓ 1.6%
34
↓ 1.6%$142€127
$142€127Check ↗
62
ADAM Audio H200ADAM Audio

Index 34↓ 9.4%
34
↓ 9.4%$161€144
$161€144Check ↗
63
OneOdio Monitor 60OneOdio

Index 33↑ 1.5%
33
↑ 1.5%$77€69
$77€69Check ↗
64
Behringer HPS3000Behringer

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$11€10
$11€10Check ↗
65
Behringer BH 470Behringer

Index 32↓ 1.0%
32
↓ 1.0%$22€20
$22€20Check ↗
66
AKG K-612 ProAKG

Index 32↑ 5.7%
32
↑ 5.7%$166€148
$166€148Check ↗
67
the t.bone HD 515the t.bone

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$33€29
$33€29Check ↗
68
the t.bone HD 815the t.bone

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$36€32
$36€32Check ↗
69
Shure SRH440A-EFSShure

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
70
OLLO Audio R1 1.0OLLO Audio

Index 31Stable
31
Stable$447€399
$447€399Check ↗
71
Maono MH601 Studio Monitor HeadphoneMaono

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$39€35
$39€35Check ↗
72
ESI eXtra 10ESI

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$58€52
$58€52Check ↗
73
Shure SRH840A-EFSShure

Index 29↑ 4.7%
29
↑ 4.7%$174€155
$174€155Check ↗
74
Sennheiser HD26 Pro On Ear Headphones - 100 OhmsHD-26 · Sennheiser

Index 29Stable
29
Stable$331€295
$331€295Check ↗
75
Tascam TH-11Tascam

Index 24↑ 11.4%
24
↑ 11.4%$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
76
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 105 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $145 — half of all studio headphones here cost less.

<$50$50–100$100–150$150–200$200–300$300–400$400+

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 105 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.