The 7 Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Recording - Winter 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 headphones, 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 studio headphones for recording that we've tested are the AKG K371. Thanks to their closed-back design, they leak much less audio than other entries on this list, which might be helpful if you intend to wear them in a recording booth. That also means that they do a slightly better job of blocking out ambient sound, so you won't have to worry about cranking the volume knob completely up to drown out some background chatter.

They have a decently well-balanced sound profile overall, with extremely even bass and mids. However, their treble is a little less neutral, and some more delicate instrumentals and vocals might be dulled and veiled. Unfortunately, they don't provide the most consistent listening experience either, as bass and treble might be heard differently on separate occasions, especially if you wear glasses or have long hair.

They're also comfortable enough to wear throughout long listening sessions, feel reasonably well-built, and come with a selection of detachable audio cables, including a long coiled wire, which helps make them more suitable for a wide range of environments. Since they don't provide as consistent a listening experience as some of the other choices on this list, they may not be the best-suited product for mixing. However, their very good noise isolation performance means that they aren't a bad choice for recording.

The best headphones for mixing that we've tested are the Sennheiser HD 800 S. These wired over-ears have an open-back design that helps to create an open and spacious soundstage, which is suitable for mixing. They have a premium and durable feel, and their comfortable fit is ideal for long listening sessions.

Overall, they have a very neutral, balanced sound profile. The mid and treble ranges are impressively accurate, so vocals and lead instruments sound clear, detailed, and present. Like many open-backs, they lack a touch of low-bass, so they're a bit light on the thump and rumble in bass-heavy genres like hip-hop.

Unfortunately, due to their open-back design, these headphones don't block out a lot of background noises. They also leak a bit of sound, so they may not be the best choice to use in a crowded environment like an office. However, if you're mixing in the studio, they're a solid choice.

The best wireless studio headphones that we've tested are the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. Thanks to their dedicated wireless transmitter, they have a low latency that's ideal for studio use. Also, with their tight yet comfortable fit, you can wear them for long listening sessions without fatigue.

Once properly fitted on your head, they have a neutral audio reproduction that makes them ideal for a variety of music genres. If you like to customize the sound, you can use the graphic EQ and presets on the companion app. With over 15-hours of battery life, you shouldn't have to worry about recharging them during long mixing sessions, but their wireless transmitter base comes with an extra charge if you're on the go.

Unfortunately, they leak a bit of noise, so they might disturb the people around you. That said, these over-ears offer a decently versatile performance and a neutral sound profile that makes them ideal for studio use.

The best studio headphones at a budget price point that we've tested are the Superlux HD 681. Despite their budget-friendly price, these over-ears have a very well-balanced sound profile, with full-bodied, present, and clear vocals and lead instrumentals as well as a relatively deep and extended bass range, so they should suit a wide mix of musical genres.

They're also quite comfortable, courtesy of their lightweight design and spacious ear cups that should accommodate a wide variety of head and ear shapes, so you shouldn't experience too much discomfort, even during extended listening sessions. They deliver audio quite consistently and have an expansive, speaker-like soundstage.

Unfortunately, their all-plastic construction feels quite cheap and flimsy, which isn't entirely surprising given their price. They also don't use a detachable audio cable, so if it gets damaged, the entire unit would need to be replaced. Otherwise, if you're looking for cheap headphones with a large soundstage and well-balanced sound profile, these are a great choice.