Best Studio Headphones Under $800 2025

Affordable studio headphones under $800 - 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 1990 Pro MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

by beyerdynamic

Professional Audio Music Production Recording Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKIIStudio HeadphonesFor monitoringrecording and editingCircumauralOpen-back...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 601698

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition

by Steven Slate Audio

Music Production Critical Listening Recording Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

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

Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum EditionModelling Headphone SetCombination of specially developed headphones and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 578617

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Focal Lensys Professional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Focal Lensys Professional

by Focal

Music Production Audio Mixing Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Excellent build quality and durability

✓ PROS

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✗ CONS

• Utilitarian appearance
• Professional models can be expensive

Focal Lensys ProfessionalStudio HeadphonesWiredCircumauralClosed designDynamicFrequency range: 5 - 22000 HzImpedance:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 602170

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audeze MM-100 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Audeze MM-100

by Audeze

Audio Mixing Music Production Recording Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✓ PROS

• Industry standard reference tools
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Not optimized for casual entertainment

Audeze MM-100Studio HeadphonesCircumauralOpenMagnetostaticFrequency range: 20 Hz - 25000 HzImpedance: 18 ohmMax. sound...

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 565054

$512

Buy at Thomann View Details

OLLO Audio X1 1.0 2024 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

OLLO Audio X1 1.0 2024

by OLLO Audio

Recording Monitoring Critical Listening Music Production

Key Feature:

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Utilitarian appearance
• Not optimized for casual entertainment

OLLO Audio X1 1.0 2024Studio HeadphonesCircumauralOpen-back designDynamicFrequency range: 5 - 22.000 HzImpedance: 32...

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 607541

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neumann NDH 20 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Neumann NDH 20

by Neumann

Recording Monitoring Audio Mixing Professional Audio

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction
• Industry standard reference tools

✗ CONS

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

Neumann NDH 20Studio HeadphonesFrequency range: 5 Hz - 30 kHzDynamic 38 mm drivers with neodymium magnetsImpedance: 150...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 458103

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neumann NDH 30 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Neumann NDH 30

by Neumann

Critical Listening Music Production Professional Audio

Key Feature:

• Wide frequency response

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Utilitarian appearance

Neumann NDH 30Studio HeadphonesWiredCircumauralOpenDynamicFrequency range: 12 - 34000 HzImpedance: 120 OhmSound...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 542742

$600

Buy at Thomann View Details

Shure SRH1540 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Shure SRH1540

by Shure

Audio Mixing Music Production Recording Monitoring

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
• Not optimized for casual entertainment

Shure SRH1540HeadphonesClosed-backCircumauralDynamic40 mm driver with neodymium magnetImpedance: 46 OhmSPL: 99 dBMax....

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 328082

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII

by beyerdynamic

Recording Monitoring Music Production Audio Mixing

Key Feature:

• Comfortable for extended studio sessions

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Excellent build quality and durability

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be expensive
• May require headphone amplifier

beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKIIStudio HeadphonesFor monitoringrecording and editingCircumauralClosed-back...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601697

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fostex T60RPmk2 Headphone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Fostex T60RPmk2 Headphone

by Fostex

Audio Mixing Music Production Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Industry standard reference tools

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Utilitarian appearance

Fostex T60RPmk2 HeadphoneHeadphonesHalf-open back deisgnCircumauralOrthodynamicFrequency range: 10 - 40000 HzImepdance:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618616

$705

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neumann NDH 20 Black Edition - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Neumann NDH 20 Black Edition

by Neumann

Professional Audio Audio Mixing Recording Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✓ PROS

• Industry standard reference tools
• Accurate, uncolored sound reproduction

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Professional models can be expensive

Neumann NDH 20 Black EditionStudio HeadphonesFrequency range: 5 – 30000 HzImpedance: 150 OhmTransducer: 38 mm dynamic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 542889

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neumann NDH 30 Black Edition - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Neumann NDH 30 Black Edition

by Neumann

Music Production Professional Audio Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Excellent build quality and durability

✓ PROS

• Wide frequency response
• Excellent build quality and durability

✗ CONS

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

Neumann NDH 30 Black EditionStudio HeadphonesCircumauralOpen-back designDynamicWired headphonesFrequency range: 12 -...

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 574017

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Audeze LCD-S20 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Audeze LCD-S20

by Audeze

Audio Mixing Recording Monitoring Music Production

Key Feature:

• Industry standard reference tools

✓ PROS

• Industry standard reference tools
• Wide frequency response

✗ CONS

• May require headphone amplifier
• Professional models can be expensive

Audeze LCD-S20HeadphonesWired headphonesOver-earClosed-backElectrostaticFrequency response: 10 - 40.000 HzImepdance: 18...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 616224

$681

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 $800 2025

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII

Steven Slate Audio VSX Platinum Edition

Focal Lensys Professional

Audeze MM-100

OLLO Audio X1 1.0 2024

Neumann NDH 20

Neumann NDH 30

Shure SRH1540

beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII

Fostex T60RPmk2 Headphone

Neumann NDH 20 Black Edition

Neumann NDH 30 Black Edition

Audeze LCD-S20

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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