The best studio headphones produce a premium sound that people enjoy while listening to music or watching movies. They are also suitable for recording artists due to their noise isolating ability and compatibility with most devices. You can use one with an iPhone or Android smartphone, for instance, or use it with a computer or gaming station. Modern models have padded designs, which are comfortable but cost significantly more money than earphones.
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The versatility and crisp sound of the best studio headphones have made them sought after all over the world. In this section, we provide a summary of a few dependable brands that have been in the market for a few years now.
Best Overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
These studio monitor headphones from Audio-Technica are popular for their detachable cable design. You can use one wired or in a wireless orientation without a dip in performance. They have also attracted global acclaim because of their large proprietary drivers (45mm) and copper-clad voice coils, which deliver exceptional sound quality. Bass response is accurate throughout an extended frequency range. Also, you get swiveling ear cups (90 degrees) with padded circumaural pads that isolate sound well in all environments.
Smart Pick
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
Sony MDR7506 has a wired design with closed ear cups that guarantee comfort while the headphone is in use for long. The cups are leather with soft padding on the inside that does not strain the ears. Each one also has a neodymium speaker with 40 mm drivers that transmit powerful and clear sound from most sources. This can be a phone, laptop, or a DJ deck that you use for performances. The two cups fold inward for safe storage. Its cord measures approximately 9.8 feet and has an ¼ inch gold plated plug on the end that guarantees quicker sound projection and minimizes interference.
Budget Pick
OneOdio A71 Wired Over-Ear Studio Headphones
While the OneOdio A71 over-ear studio headphones might look bulky, they provide soothing stereo sound and have a foldable design. In this orientation, you can carry one in a college backpack or gym bag and use it when needed. Its increase in size also translates to thicker and comfortable ear pads that are best for people with sensitive ears. You can use the headphone from up to 9.8 feet from a music source. The long style cable has a 6.35mm and a 3.5mm plug (both detachable), which supports electronic pianos, phones, and computers to name a few. This unique feature is not available in other brands.
Studio Headphone Buying Guide
This buying guide evaluates a few attributes that you should check to get the best studio headphone in the market this year. Read on to learn more.
Circumaural vs. Supra-Aural: Whenever you are shopping for headphones, you will come across these two broad types. Generally, circumaural headphones have ear cups that cover the ears while supra oral ones cover above the ear. Overall, circumaural headphones are clearer, as they offer better sound isolation, and are very comfortable. They cost slightly more cash though.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back: Closed-back headphones have closed-back designs that trap sound within ear cups. While this boosts bass response, it creates more false frequencies than usual by trapping pressure inside cups. Open back models lack this issue and are therefore the best for critical listening. You will sacrifice bass response though with the open design.
Driver: What is the size of the drivers that the headphone uses? Large drivers or about 40-mm are ideal as they boost sound clarity while headphones are in use.
Materials: Plastic is the commonest material for headphones as it is light and comfortable. Some brands have metal components, though, which add to the strength of the headphone. Depending on the type you choose, make sure that the headphone is durable. Foldable ones are the best as they are portable.
Comfort: if you enjoy music, you will probably be using your headphone for a few hours at a time. If this is the case, look for a comfortable product that you will enjoy using. Padding, for instance, should be optimal. If you can find a model with an adjustable design, the better the experience will be for you.
Top 5 Studio Headphones in the Market this Year
In this section, we reviewed the best headphones in the market for hobbyists and professionals. Read on to find a suitable one for use at home or on the road.
1. Audio-Technica ATH –M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
These over-ear studio headphones will take your music to the next level every time you use them. They have a high-end sonic performance that makes them a top choice by top audio engineers and professional audio reviewers.
These headphones feature proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers that have rare earth magnets to bring you clear and great-sounding bass at all times. They also have copper-clad aluminum voice coils that give your music the treble you are looking for.
If you are looking for exceptional clarity, these headphones will offer you precisely that. They provide clear sound over a wide frequency range and ensure that you get the base response you need. Besides, their circumaural design ensures they contour around your ears perfectly for optimal sound isolation when you are in a noisy environment. In addition, they feature 90 degrees swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring.
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Our Verdict:
These headphones are top-rated by most top-notch audio engineers as well as professional audio reviewers. This means they deliver great-sounding music and offer optimum clarity. Besides, their design ensures comfort and durability, and you can buy them at fair prices online.
2. Beyerdynamic DT770 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
These closed over-ear headphones are another excellent choice if you are looking for studio headphones. They are ideal for professional monitoring and recording and ensure that you produce great-sounding music. They have a high resolution and very pure sound that makes them perfect for studio or stage recordings. If you want to upgrade your studio headphones or you are a beginner, these are the best headphones to buy. For a soothing whole house listening experience, in-ceiling speakers deliver the best experience.
Beyerdynamic DT770 Ohm Over-Ear headphones have soft and circumaural replaceable velour ear pads that make them very comfortable to wear. They also offer a snug fit, and they fit around your ears and feature high-end, durable artisanship that promises you many years of seamless service.
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Our Verdict:
These headphones will change the way you make or listen to music as they provide very clear and pure sound. Their circumaural design blocks out all external noise and ensures you get high-resolution sound. Moreover, they are very comfortable and ensure you get the best experience at all times.
3. Sony MDR7506 Professional Diaphragm Headphones
These headphones feature neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers that offer powerful and detailed sound to produce great-sounding music. They feature wired connectivity with a frequency response of 10h to 30 kHz. This ensures you enjoy great-sounding music while doing other activities in the house or studio.
These headphones also feature a closed-ear design that ensures maximum comfort as well as outstanding external noise reduction. Whether at home, school, work, or the market, you can enjoy clear music without any external interference.
They are foldable for easy storage at home or carry when traveling. Therefore, if you love listening to music on the bus or on an airplane, these headphones are the best to buy. Here are some premium DVD players that support studio headphones.
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Our Verdict:
You are getting durable and comfortable headphones by buying this device. If you are looking for headphones you can use when traveling, hiking, or camping, these headphones are the best to buy. Besides, you can find them on the web at fair prices.
4. OneOdio A71 Wired Over-Ear Studio Headphones
These OneOdio Wired Over-Ear Studio Headphones are here to give you astonishing clarity and high-quality sound separation. It will offer enough sound isolation during a performance and ensure you have the best experience ever. It works as well as car subwoofers, just on a small scale.
It features large 40mm speaker unit drivers that work together with neodymium magnets to deliver powerful bass sound, clear vocals, and clear high tones. You get hi-fi sound that takes your performance to the next level. These headphones are stable and comfortable as they feature soft padded ear cushions specifically designed for optimal comfort and noise isolation. It features an adjustable and stretchy headband that makes the headphones have a snug fit.
You will no longer need an adapter with these headphones because it features a long 9.8-foot cord that quickly reaches your chair from the TV/DVD stereo. It also comes with a standard-size 6.35 plug and a smaller 3.5mm plug.
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Our Verdict:
These headphones make an excellent choice if you are looking for high-end clarity and great-sounding music. The padded ear cushions are soft enough to ensure you have a great time while using them. With their long-style cord, you will not need a separate adapter while using them.
5. MAONO 50mm Drivers Studio Headphones
These upgraded DJ studio headphones feature an in-built 50mm large-aperture driver that brings you high-quality listening. They offer exceptional clarity through an extended frequency range and ensure the bass sound is more profound and clearer.
These headphones are multifunctional in that they support headphone sharing. It comes with an additional headphone jack that allows you to enjoy music, games, and movies with your family or friends. It also includes two standard-size adapters of 3.5mm to 6.35mm, which you can plug into the mixer or use on other occasions. They also offer supreme comfort with their ultra-soft protein earmuffs. Besides, their circumaural design perfectly contours around your ears to provide you with superior sound isolation with reduced external interference.
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Our Verdict:
You are getting headphones that will fit your head and give your ears optimal comfort while listening to your music or watching a movie. The headphones also have 50mm drivers that ensure you get astonishing clarity and accurate bass response at all times.
Final Thoughts
Spending slightly more money on studio headphones is a good idea as the quality of the sound they deliver is top-notch. Compared to earphones, they also have a longer cord and a robust structure that lasts for years. Make sure that sound quality is optimal though by checking the size and quality of its drivers and cup design. It should be durable and comfortable to use as well.