The 6 Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Recording - Fall 2021 Reviews

The best studio headphones that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These very popular wired over-ears are well-known within the recording community. They provide amazing value and feel surprisingly well-built and durable despite their relatively low price point. They're comfortable enough for long recording sessions, with large ear cups and a well-padded headband.

Their sound reproduction is well-balanced and fairly accurate, with a tiny amount of extra bass but an even and accurate mid-range. They're a good choice for mixing, mastering, or recording as their closed-back design leaks a lot less audio than open-back headphones. Their ear cups can swivel, and they feature a detachable cable, so you don't need to replace the entire pair should the wire get damaged. They also come with three different cable options, including a coiled one that can stretch up to ten feet so that you can move freely around your studio.

Unfortunately, none of the included cable options feature an in-line remote, so they may not be the best option for casual use if you like to be able to change your music quickly. Despite being closed-back, they still leak a bit of audio at higher volumes, so they may not be the best for extremely noise-sensitive recording situations. While this will likely be fine if you're monitoring a recording session from a separate room, it may be an issue if you're recording yourself.

The best headphones for recording that we've tested are the Sony MDR-7506. These over-ears have decent build quality, a comfortable fit, and a retro-looking design. They're closed-back headphones, meaning you can listen to mixes with less risk of audio leaking into your recording.

Their sound profile is well-balanced, with some extra thump and punch without being overwhelming or muddy. The mid-range response is incredibly accurate, so instruments and voices are clear, accurate, and detailed. These headphones also deliver sound quite consistently and use a coiled cable, which should help prevent tangles.

Unfortunately, they don't have ANC and don't passively isolate you from very much noise. Their build also feels a bit plasticky and cheap, and the headphones sometimes creak when you put them on your head. That said, their well-balanced sound profile and comfortable fit make them a solid choice if you want closed-back headphones for recording.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best headphones for mixing that we've tested. These high-end headphones offer an exceptionally immersive passive soundstage that feels large, spacious, and out-of-head. They also have an excellent build quality and are very comfortable.

These open-back headphones have a very neutral sound profile. Their mid-range is very flat, ensuring that vocals and lead instruments are reproduced accurately. Their treble accuracy is excellent, so your mixes don't sound piercing or harsh. They come with a few handy accessories like two audio cables, a carrying pouch to protect the headphones from dust, and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

Unfortunately, their open-back design means that they struggle to reproduce a thumpy low-bass. The pin that keeps the joints in place may also come loose over time, which can be a little frustrating as the headphones otherwise feel high-end. That said, if you're looking for dedicated headphones for mixing, they're a solid choice.

The Superlux HD 681 are the best budget studio headphones that we've tested. These wallet-friendly over-ears have a semi-open-back enclosure, which helps them create a more immersive, natural, and wide passive soundstage. They also have a comfortable and lightweight fit.

These headphones have a fairly neutral sound profile that's suitable for most kinds of audio content. Their mid-range is especially flat and well-balanced, meaning vocals and lead instruments sound present, clear, and accurate. Although their treble range is slightly over-emphasized, some users may prefer this bright sound as it can help emphasize imperfections in your tracks. They have fairly consistent audio delivery too.

However, you may still notice a drop in bass if you have thick hair or glasses, as these can break the seal on your head. The headphones' build quality is also cheap and plasticky, which doesn't make them feel very durable. However, if you're looking for budget-level studio headphones, they offer a neutral sound, comfortable fit, and immersive soundstage.