After comparing 10 of the best headphones for mixing on the market, we found Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro to be the best overall.
Since there were so many brands on the market, it took days of extensive research, testing, and collecting feedback to help you make the wisest purchase decision.
In this top 10 review, we compared factors and characteristics that might be important to you, such as sound profile, frequency response, durability, and comfort.
When studio monitors are not a viable option, using studio headphones is your best bet.
That being said, the performance of headphones can significantly impact the audio reproduction of your tracks so keep reading to find the best studio headphones for your mixing needs.
Best Headphones For Mixing – Top 10 Picks
| Image | Frequency / Driver Size / Impedance / WeightTop 10 Headphones for Mixing | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall - Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro  | Best Overall - Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Soft and comfortable reference headphones that are available with 32, 80 and 250 ohms transducers. An exceptional sound quality and a very dynamic soundstage. | ||||||
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| Best For Home Studio - AKG-K701  | Best For Home Studio - AKG-K701 An accurate audio reproduction and a great soundstage pwoered by AKG’s proprietary technology. One of the best headphones for mixing and mastering with open back design. | ||||||
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| Best Mid Range - Shure SRH840  | Best Mid Range - Shure SRH840 Developed specifically for audio engineers and musicians for studio monitoring and mixing. An amazing value for the money. | ||||||
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| Best Premium Monitoring Headphones - Shure SRH1540  | Best Premium Monitoring Headphones - Shure SRH1540 Premium closed-back headphones made from aluminum alloy and carbon fiber. A truly refined audio performance and comfort. | ||||||
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| Most Portable - Audio Technica ATH M50x  | Most Portable - Audio Technica ATH M50x Best four-player zombie trashing? Look no further, this iteration of the famous Zombicide series is the best one out yet. Cooperate with other players to find a way out of challenging situations overrun by zombies. | ||||||
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| Best Budget Mixing Headphones - Samson SR850  | Best Budget Mixing Headphones - Samson SR850 Unparalleled audio quality for the asking price. One of the best budget headphones for mixing on the market. | ||||||
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| Best Value Headphones - Sennheiser HD 280 Pro  | Best Value Headphones - Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Gread sound and durable design made perfect for neutral listening. Good audio reproduction with some bass emphasis. | ||||||
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| Most Versatile - Sennheiser HD 660 S  | Most Versatile - Sennheiser HD 660 S Pure and detailed critical listening headphones with stunning midrange reproduction. A true reference pair of headphones that is perfect for mixing. | ||||||
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| Most Comfortable - Neumann NDH 20  | Most Comfortable - Neumann NDH 20 Closed-back studio headphone for monitoring, editing, and mixing specifically designed for longer mixing sessions. | ||||||
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| Best Classic Studio Headphones - Sony MDR 7506  | Best Classic Studio Headphones - Sony MDR 7506 A comfortable, closed-back critical listening headphones with a great sound and minimal sound leak. | ||||||
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5Hz-35kHz1. Best Overall – Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
If you need something that can handle most mixing needs without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong with Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro.
Covering a frequency range of 5Hz to 35kHz, this pair of studio headphones provides you an unfiltered sound profile.
They have a rich bass response that doesn’t overshadow the mid and high-end.
Also, they create a dynamic and wide soundstage that is rarely found in headphones in that price range.
Depending on what you need, DT770 Pro studio headphones from Beyerdynamic also provide some flexibility by offering three different impedances.
As for comfort, these studio headphones are made of plastic with an adjustable metal headband and breathable velour-covered ear-cups. As a result, they are comfortable to wear even for long mixing and mastering sessions.
Despite being closed-back headphones, they are prone to audio leaks. You would have to replace the unit when the non-detachable cord breaks, but overall, these studio headphones will last you a while with careful storage and usage.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro provides exceptional sound quality and a dynamic soundstage with an affordable price tag. Thanks to the adjustable headband and large ear cups, you can comfortably go for longer mixing and mastering sessions. Albeit having a decently robust build, we wish the cable was removable. |
- Capacity 90%
- Features 70%
- Ports / Connections 70%
- Value 90%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
 | Excellent bass response and dynamic soundstage |
| Accurate sound reproduction |
| Three impedances to choose from |
| Lightweight and comfortable |
| Affordable |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Some audio leak |
| Non-detachable cable |
2. Best For Home Studio – AKG K701
AKG K701 has been in production for almost a decade – a feat if you consider how fast headphone models go out of style.
A favorite among music producers, the success of these headphones is attributed to AKG’s proprietary Varimotion two-layer diaphragm and flat-wire coil.
These two revolutionary technologies helped develop the acoustic accuracy that these studio headphones are known for.
They deliver deep bass, excellent mids, and airy treble with minimal distortion. The bass is not too punchy, which takes a while to get used to.
Overall, they have a flat frequency response that provides excellent analytical capabilities since you can hear even the slightest recording error.
With a 300-hour break-in time, it might take a while before you get used to the sound profile. But in return, your patience is rewarded with excellent spatial presentation and a wide soundstage.
Despite having a metallic look, the AKG K701 is made with hard plastic for lightness. It also sports plush 3D-form ear pads and a padded genuine leather headband for an improved ergonomic fit.
Not only that, but they have low clamping force that minimizes ear pressure. Add all those factors together, and you get a pair of headphones that are comfortable for long mixing sessions.
The downside of having a plastic build is that it is not the most durable, especially when the non-detachable cable is considered. Being open-back headphones, you should expect some audio leaks, making them more suitable for home studio setups.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| AKG K701 delivers accurate audio reproduction and a great soundstage using AKG’s proprietary technology. To provide an ergonomic fit, they are equipped with a padded headband and 3D-form ear pads. There is some audio leak, yet they are one of the best headphones for mixing and mastering in a quiet home studio. |
- Capacity 80%
- Features 80%
- Ports / Connections 70%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Ergonomic and comfortable fit |
| Great acoustic reproduction |
| Comfortable for long mixing sessions |
| Excellent spatial audio playback |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Not very durable |
| Bad audio leak |
3. Best Value – Shure SRH840
Shure SRH840 sits comfortably in the mid-range in terms of features and price tag.
With precisely tailored frequency response, this pair of studio headphones produce a rich bass-leaning sound that is not too overpowering.
The vocals and guitar are where this pair of headphones truly shine as they come across beautifully without sounding piercing.
Although advertised to be professional monitoring headphones, we find Shure SRH840 suitable for everyday use.
These studio headphones are foldable, which makes them easy to store and carry around.
You can also replace the detachable cord with a shorter one if you intend to use these headphones on the go.
These headphones are not the most durable. To prolong their longevity, parts that are most susceptible to damage, as the ear pads and cords are replaceable.
Each ear cup can turn 180 degrees so that you can mix with just one ear. The closed-back, circumaural design also keeps most of the background noise out and your tracks in.
SRH840 from Shure comes equipped with large ear cups and a padded headband that sits comfortably on your head to promote better comfort. However, it does take a while to get used to the bulky frame.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Shure SRH840 delivers mid-range features with an affordable price tag. Thanks to the closed-back design, they produce high-quality sound with decent sound isolation. The build quality could have been better, but since some parts are replaceable, these studio headphones can last you for years. |
- Capacity 80%
- Features 90%
- Ports / Connections 100%
- Value 90%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Awesome tonal balance |
| Affordable |
| Decent sound isolation |
| Foldable design |
| Detachable cord |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Not suitable for people with big heads |
| Bulky and loose ear cups |
4. Best Premium – Shure SRH1540
If you are looking for the best pair of headphones for mixing that money can buy, consider Shure SRH1540.
These closed-back studio headphones deliver some of the flattest frequency responses the market has to offer.
With great low-end extensions and smooth highs, acoustic and vocal performances are at the forefront of its sound profile.
The bass response is not emphasized, but that is to be expected from headphones that prioritize a neutral sound profile.
You can still hear deep and rich bass – it is just not as exaggerated as consumer headphones.
For comfort, the very flexible and padded headband is equipped with lockable adjusters on the sides to prevent slippage. The earpads are made with Alcantara and slow-recovery foam, which provides good sound isolation and suitable for long mixing and mastering sessions.
These studio headphones also ship with many accessories, including spare ear pads, two detachable cables, and an extra-sturdy transport case with dedicated pockets for your components.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Shure SRH1540 are the best studio headphones for mixing and mastering we’ve tested. They deliver superb audio performance, unmatched comfort, and solid construction. They don’t produce punchy bass, but rather an amazingly balanced, clinical, and neutral frequency response. |
- Capacity 80%
- Features 70%
- Ports / Connections 70%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Solid and lightweight construction |
| Exceptional flat frequency response |
| Expansive soundstage |
| Comfortable |
| Comes with a lot of accessories |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Expensive |
| Questionable sub-bass performance |
5. Most Portable – Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Released in 2014, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x is one of the oldest players in the game.
These studio headphones have a relatively neutral frequency response with a slight bass-leaning sound profile.
Because of this, they genuinely shine at electronic and pulse-driven music as they produce an effortlessly robust bass response. They also deliver excellent sound clarity in the mids to highs segment.
Except for a metal headband and a few aluminum highlights, these studio headphones are made with lightweight plastic.
ATH-M50x are the most portable studio headphones on this list. Like many older headphones, they use a 3.5mm jack that allows you to plug it into your phone without using an adapter. With a foldable design and shallow ear cups, they can be stored easily and be used on the go. They also come with three detachable cords – straight, coiled, and portable.
The new and improved padded ear cups are comfortable for long listening sessions and provide passive noise cancellation. However, they are made of non-breathable material, so you might have to take them off from time to time to prevent sweaty ears.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| ATH-M50x from Audio Technica offers the portability of consumer headphones and the analytical properties of studio headphones. The overall frequency response is consistent and balanced, albeit with a slight bass-leaning signature. The solid construction and durable build further contribute to making them one of the top headphones for mixing and mastering on the go. |
- Capacity 90%
- Features 90%
- Ports / Connections 80%
- Value 90%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Portable and lightweight |
| Slight bass-leaning sound profile |
| Affordable |
| Solid construction |
| 3 detachable cords |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Earpads are non-breathable |
6. Cheapest Headphones For Mixing – Samson SR850
Since their release, Samson SR850 have been highly popular among budget cautious audiophiles as they offer high-end features at a fraction of the price of premium studio headphones.
Using proprietary 50mm drivers, these studio headphones can accurately reproduce sound from a frequency range of 10Hz to 30kHz.
The frequency response is also surprisingly flat, allowing to hear all the tiniest details in your mixes.
The semi-open, over-ear design provides a dynamic and generous soundstage that helps you mix for live performances.
The trade-off is that they are prone to bad audio bleeds. At the same time, sound-wise, Samson SR850 excel at producing some airy highs and full bass. Treble is bright and natural, making them some of the most suited headphones for mixing podcasts or acoustics.
Comfort, on the other hand, is where this pair of headphones falls short. The ear cups are a bit stiff even though they are made of velour cushions that fit snugly over your ear. Despite having a self-adjusting headband, they have a high clamping force that can be hard on your head over longer periods of time.
The build quality is as expected for a pair of headphones in the budget range. Built entirely of plastic, they feel pretty decent and relatively lightweight. The cable is not removable though, which means you need to store these cans around carefully.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| If you are mixing and mastering audio voices and want to keep your budget lean, you won’t go wrong with the Samson SR850. These studio headphones produce excellent mids and treble with great detail, allowing you to hear any recording flaws. Not the most comfortable from the lot, yet expected given how budget-friendly they are. |
8.3/10
- Capacity 80%
- Features 90%
- Ports / Connections 80%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Cheap |
| Large drivers |
| Wide and dynamic soundstage |
| Self-adjusting headband |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Non-removable cable |
| Not suitable for long mixing sessions |
7. Best Mid Range – Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Only slightly more expensive than the Samson SR850, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is what you need if you are looking for professional studio headphones on a budget and are happy to spare a little more.
Despite being released nearly two decades ago, these studio headphones manage to match some high-end competitors in terms of sound production. They approach acoustic reproduction with a clinical take and represent the notes in your mix as they are.
With plenty of rich low-frequency responses, these studio headphones can handle a good amount of sub-bass presence without overpowering your track.
Treble and mids are equally crisp and clear, presenting every detail to you during critical listening.
To extend the lifespan, every part of these headphones is replaceable. Although it doesn’t have detachable cables, you can easily find parts on the internet to replace the broken parts yourself.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Sennheiser HD 280 Pro can accurately reproduce your music despite costing very little, which might be why they have often been dubbed the modern classic. The lightweight plastic is the primary construction material, which feels fragile yet all headphone parts are replaceable and easily accessible. |
- Capacity 90%
- Features 70%
- Ports / Connections 70%
- Value 100%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Great value |
| Good noise isolation |
| Lightweight |
| Clear, accurate sound |
| Comfortable and ergonomic fit |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| The cable is not detachable |
8. Most Versatile – Sennheiser HD660S
Sennheiser HD660S were designed and released based on the feedback received for predecessors in the HD600 line.
Although they are a bit more expensive than your mid-range studio headphones, they provide a ton of value in construction and performance.
Like the rest of the HD line, they look classy with their oversized cups and black metal grill. Entirely made of quality plastic, they are lightweight but durable at the same time.
The sound quality is a marked improvement from their predecessor as you don’t get any micro-echo or harmonic distortion from these studio headphones.
With a frequency response of 10Hz to 41kHz, they recreate every note on your mix and reveal any flaws that you might have missed. That being said, the Sennheiser HD660S is not the flattest pair of headphones on this list.
The basic audio signature leans towards a warmer profile, which means that they are perfect for music with bright mids and treble. The bass is low-thumping but prominent. The sub-bass is decent but falters in high volume.
Thanks to the open-back design, they deliver an expanded and airy soundstage that never feels crowded or hectic. However, there is quite a bit of audio leak making them more suitable for desktop and home use.
HD660S from Sennheiser delivers more than just exceptional performance for mixing and mastering. For example, the expansive soundstage makes them perfect for gaming and immersion-based activities also. The less clinical sound profile would also satisfy any audiophiles. Overall – the most versatile pair of mixing headphones we’ve had.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| From low end to high end, every note is distinct on the Sennheiser HD660S. The dynamic soundstage and superb sound quality make them perfect for many things in addition to mixing and mastering. If audio leaks are not of concern – you’ve got one othe the best headphones for mixing and mastering, plus much more. |
- Capacity 90%
- Features 70%
- Ports / Connections 60%
- Value 90%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and durable |
| Open and dynamic soundstage |
| Decent audio representation |
| Versatile |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Mediocre sub-bass response |
| Audio leak |
9. Most Comfortable – Neumann NDH20
With Neumann NDH20, your long days in the studio will be more comfortable than ever.
The earpads are made of padded memory foam covered in a soft suede-like material that slowly molds to your ear.
The rubber-covered metal headband gives you just enough clamp to hold them comfortably on your head without putting pressure on you. As a result, these are one of the best studio headphones for long mixing sessions.
Headphones feel and look expensive with impeccable construction. The aluminum finish not only looks stylish but also makes them extra durable.
The ear cups can rotate 90 degrees, giving you more portability and the option to use them comfortably with one ear.
As for audio performance, Neumann NDH20 is not the most precise. The midrange comes across beautifully, with vocals and reverbs exceptionally well presented. The bass and sub-bass are understated but present. Overall, they are delightful to listen to, but they tend to have a brighter and airier sound profile.
Using the closed-back design, these cans isolate noise very well so that you can focus on your work. But on the other hand, this dynamic cramps and clutters the soundstage a little, which is typical of closed-backs.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| If you need studio headphones for long mixing sessions, Neumann NDH20 is a must to consider. With a mid-range price tag, you get a beautifully engineered piece of equipment built for comfort and durability. Although they are not the most linear, their impressive midrange-centered audio profile makes them one of the best mixing headphones on the market. |
- Capacity 90%
- Features 70%
- Ports / Connections 80%
- Value 80%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Great audio quality |
| Very comfortable |
| Portable |
| Beautifully engineered and durable |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Not very neutral |
| Somewhat closed soundstage |
10. Classic Mixing Headphones – Sony MDR-7506
Another longtime favorite of music producers, the Sony MDR-7506 is a must-have in your mixing arsenal.
These cans have consistently delivered a relatively neutral sound signature for over 20 years that is preferred when mixing music.
The treble and mids are slightly emphasized, which can be both good or bad.
On the other hand, the bass stays in the background with a low, consistent thumping that is prevalent but not overpowering.
Sony MDR-7506 can produce notes between 10Hz to 20kHz, allowing you to listen to every distinct sound for critical listening. They are perfect for budding YouTubers or DJs who want quality equipment without spending too much on their affordable price tag.
| Bottom Line |
|---|
| Deemed as a long-time industry standard, the Sony MDR-7506 delivers a relatively neutral sound profile for a very affordable price. Although they are made of lightweight plastic, most parts are replaceable, effectively extending their service life. |
- Capacity 90%
- Ports / Connections 80%
- Features 80%
- Value 70%
| POSITIVE | |
|---|---|
| Affordable |
| Spacious soundstage |
| Clinical acoustic reproduction |
| Foldable |
| NEGATIVE | |
|---|---|
| Not very comfortable |
| Heavy coiled wire |
Headphones For Mixing – Buying Guide
No matter what you need for your mix, we are confident that you will find the best studio headphones for your needs on this list.
If you are looking for an inexpensive and durable workhorse, you won’t go wrong with the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro. Available in three impedances, you can use these headphones with your phone or home studio. Not only that, but they are comfortable to wear for long periods.
However, when talking about comfort, nothing beats the Neumann NDH20. These headphones are built with breathable memory foam that molds to your ears. If you have more cash to splash, the Shure SRH1540 offers a lot of quality, durability, and comfort for a premium price.
Audio Technica ATH-M50x is excellent for a budding DJ since it is built to withstand the pressure of commuting while not compromising audio quality. Thanks to its sound profile, the Sennheiser HD660S is the best studio headphone for you if you are looking for something more versatile.
If you’re on a budget, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro or the Sony MDR-7506 are the best studio headphones for mixing delivering excellent performance at an incredibly low price tag.
What To Look For In Headphones For Mixing?
Type of headphones
There are three main types of headphones: open-backed, closed-back, and semi-open. Although closed headphones are generally used for mixing and mastering, each of these designs has its strengths and weaknesses. We will get into it with a bit more detail below.
Comfort
Since most music producers expect to mix in the studio for a long time, you shouldn’t compromise comfort. When looking for a pair of comfortable studio headphones, you should look for a padded headband with minimal clamping force to avoid exerting too much pressure on your head. Not only that but using breathable padded covers on-ear pads can prevent your ears from getting too hot and sweaty.
Durability
Studio headphones are often an expensive investment, but they don’t usually last for a very long time. Especially if you use your headphones on the go, you should make sure that they can withstand a few accidental drops and a change of hands.
A detachable cable is an incredibly precious commodity since cables are the first components to go. Some studio headphones are also made of heavy-duty components that are easily replaceable. That will save you many headaches since you don’t have to buy a new set every time a part breaks.
Impedance
Impedance matters if you want to use your headphones across several devices. The lower the headphone’s impedance, the better the audio quality it will produce when powered by less powerful devices like your iPhone. In general, you should opt for something that is at least 30 to 50 Ohm for good sound quality.
Frequency response
Most studio headphones offer a frequency response between 10Hz to 3kHz, giving them the capabilities to accurately reproduce any sound a pair of human ears can hear. For reference, the standard frequency range a human can hear is between 20Hz and 2kHz.
Should I Buy Open-Back or Closed-Back Headphones?
The effectiveness of open-back and closed-back cans is a hot debate among music producers. But before you make your final choice, here are some of the things you should consider.
Closed-back headphones are generally considered better for mixing and mastering simply because they provide better sound isolation. You can actively listen to your mix and detect any acoustic flaws by blocking out outside noise. Not only that, but this headphone dynamic also prevents other people from hearing your mixes, which allows you to monitor while commuting.
The downside is that closed-backs often provide a cramped or cluttered sound stage. Your eardrums are also subjected to more pressure, making these cans uncomfortable for long mixing sessions.
Closed-back headphones typically are more center-focused since your mix bounces off the backside of the closed back. Another issue is that your eardrums are subjected to more pressure, which can be uncomfortable if the ear pads are not appropriately padded.
Should I use studio monitors or headphones for mixing?
Most music producers use studio monitors because of the sound quality and spaciousness it provides. That being said, they are much more demanding since they have to be set up in an acoustically treated area like a studio.
Studio-grade mixing headphones offer a wide range of frequency responses, allowing you to listen to every note critically. You can also bring them with you as you commute to work on your mixes.
There is no answer as to which is better. Mixing on studio monitors in combination with headphones to cross-reference your work is the approach that many music producers take. However, if you are in an environment where noise would be a problem, a pair of high-quality mixing headphones can get the job done too.
Are Beats By Dre good for mixing and mastering?
Beats By Dre gained its reputation by offering consumer-grade headphones with impressive audio quality and style.
Precisely because of this reason, they are not the best studio headphones for mixing. Since they are made to impress, the EQ is often skewed towards what is sonically pleasing. This defeats the purpose of using mixing headphones since you need something that can accurately and clinically reproduce sound.
Besides that, they are also not built to last since the components cannot be individually replaced. Without the heavyweight components and build quality that many mixing headphones have, you would find yourself buying a replacement unit when they eventually break.