Investing in a good pair of studio headphones can make a huge difference in your ability to hear details clearly and accurately when you’re recording or mixing audio. The right studio headphones will provide a flat frequency response that doesn’t color the sound, along with excellent noise isolation so you only hear what’s coming through the headphones.
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With so many options on the market, it can be tough to determine which studio headphones are right for your needs and budget. To help make your buying decision easier, we’ve rounded up the 10 best studio headphones you can currently buy on Amazon in the US, Canada, and Australia.
How We Chose the Best Studio Headphones
Several key factors go into choosing a good set of studio headphones:
- Sound quality: The headphones should reproduce audio accurately and neutrally without boosting or cutting certain frequencies. We looked for models with flat frequency response curves optimized for studio mixing and mastering.
- Comfort: You’ll likely be wearing studio headphones for long periods, so comfort is crucial. We picked headphones with soft ear pads and adjustable/detachable headbands.
- Noise isolation: Studio headphones need excellent noise isolation to block out external sounds. Closed-back designs are best for isolation.
- Durability: Headphones meant for studio use should be able to stand up to regular wear and tear. Solid build quality is a must.
- Value: While studio headphones tend to be more expensive than consumer models, we looked for headphones that deliver great performance for the price.
Keeping these criteria in mind, we combed through Amazon listings in the US, Canada, and Australia to pick the top studio headphones you can buy right now. We chose options across a range of price points and use cases.
The 10 Best Studio Headphones You Can Buy on Amazon
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
- Noise Cancelling: Industry-leading ANC
- Sound Quality: Warm, full bass with clear mids/highs
- Key Features: 30-hour battery life, multi-device pairing, speak-to-chat
Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones top many lists as the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. Beyond the excellent active noise cancellation (ANC), they deliver impressive wireless sound quality with punchy bass that doesn’t overpower. The soft, comfortable earpads provide a secure seal for immersive listening. With up to 30 hours of battery per charge, you can keep listening all day. The WH-1000XM4 supports multi-device pairing and has a speak-to-chat feature that automatically pauses playback when the headphones detect you speaking.
2. Sony WF-1000XM4
- Noise Cancelling: ANC optimized for in-ear design
- Sound Quality: Deep bass and expansive soundstage
- Key Features: 8-hour battery (24 hours with case), IPX4 sweat/water resistance
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds match the noise cancelling performance of the over-ear WH-1000XM4 in a tiny in-ear form factor. Despite their small size, they deliver impactful bass depth and width along with crisp highs. The earbuds mold to your ear shape for a comfortable and secure fit. Battery life reaches 8 hours per charge, with the charging carrying providing two extra charges. With an IPX4 rating, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds can withstand sweat and splashes.
3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Sound Quality: Detailed, transparent audio perfect for mixing
- Comfort: Plush leatherette earpads
- Key Features: 42mm drivers, auto on/off, transparency mode
Trusted brand Sennheiser built the Momentum 4 Wireless over-ear headphones for studio use. They have large 42mm transducers that deliver phenomenally detailed and natural sound across the frequency spectrum – perfect for audio mixing. The soft leatherette earpads block outside noise while preventing listener fatigue over long sessions. Convenient features include auto on/off and a transparency mode that lets you hear ambient sounds.
4. Shure AONIC 3
- Sound Isolation: Closed-back design blocks background noise
- Sound Quality: Clear mids/highs and enhanced bass
- Key Features: Detachable cable, swivel earcups, lightweight
Designed with pro audio engineers in mind, the Shure AONIC 3 over-ear headphones provide excellent noise isolation and accurate frequency response for studio tracking/mixing. They have a durable build with swiveling earcups covered in sound-isolating leatherette. The detachable cable ensures years of use. While the AONIC 3 has enhanced bass compared to open-back models, the lows integrate cleanly for balanced listening.
5. Røde NTH-100
- Value: Pro-quality audio at an affordable price
- Sound Quality: Neutral, detailed sound
- Key Features: Over-ear design, detachable coiled cable
Australian brand Røde specializes in studio microphones and accessories. With the NTH-100 over-ear headphones, Røde delivers pro-grade audio quality at an inviting price. The headphones have a neutral yet detailed sound profile perfect for audio editing and mixing. Built with durable plastic and memory foam earpads, the closed-back NTH-100 block out ambient noise. The coiled detachable cable stretches over 3 meters for studio flexibility.
6. JBL Live 650BTNC
- Noise Cancelling: Impressive ANC for the price
- Value: Budget-friendly studio headphones
- Key Features: 20-hour battery life, microphone for calls
JBL’s Live 650BTNC over-ear Bluetooth headphones punch above their affordable price point. They have very capable active noise cancellation that competes with more expensive models. The sound signature appeals to modern tracks with emphasized bass and sculpted highs. Plus, you get up to 20 hours of battery life per charge. The 650BTNC has a built-in microphone for taking calls. If you’re seeking ANC studio headphones on a budget, put these on your shortlist.
7. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Sound Quality: Detailed audio with enhanced low-end
- Durability: Durable construction built to last
- Key Features: Detachable cables, collapsible design, rotating earcups
The ATH-M50x headphones are a modern classic beloved by producers, sound engineers, musicians and audiophiles. Their tuned drivers deliver crisp highs, sculpted midrange and enhanced yet accurate bass ideal for mixing. The solid build stands up to years of regular use. Both the earcups and headband fold inwards, making the ATH-M50x highly portable. With a choice of detachable cables, you can go wired or wireless. It’s easy to see why the M50x remains a top studio headphone recommendation.
8. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
- Sound Quality: Analytical and detailed open-back sound
- Comfort: Velour earpads and adjustable headband
- Key Features: Modular design, spare earpads included
German brand Beyerdynamic caters to audio professionals and enthusiasts. Their open-back DT 1990 Pro headphones provide the extremely transparent and analytical sound required for mixing and mastering. The earpads are made from soft velour and the headband is adjustable for a personalized fit. The headphones have a modular design, with spare earpads included. While designed for studio use, the well-balanced yet energetic sound satisfies music listening too.
9. Sennheiser HD 660 S
- Sound Quality: Precise and sparkling high frequencies
- Comfort: Alcantara earpad coverings reduce heat buildup
- Key Features: Open-back design, low harmonic distortion
Sennheiser’s audiophile-grade HD 660 S open-back headphones deliver meticulously accurate audio with lightning fast transients – perfect for detecting flaws while mastering. The open design creates a spacious soundstage. Alcantara fabric on the earpads prevents heat buildup during long listening sessions. With remarkably low harmonic distortion, the HD 660 S gives you clean and dynamic sound. These reference-class headphones justify their premium price.
10. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
- **Value:**Audiophile sound in wireless headphones
- Key Features: 45mm drivers, 30-hour battery life
- Sound Quality: Clear audio spanning multiple genres
The ATH-M50xBT brings the professional-grade sound of the wired ATH-M50x to a wireless on-ear design. The 45mm drivers deliver exciting yet accurate audio whether you’re mixing in the studio or listening on the go. Physical controls on the earcup allow convenient audio playback management. The built-in battery provides up to 30 hours of uninterrupted listening. For the price, the M50xBT headphones are hard to beat for wireless studio-quality audio.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Studio Headphones
There are a few important factors to weigh when shopping for studio headphones:
- Your budget – Studio headphones span a wide range of prices from around $100 to $1000+. Determine how much you can spend to narrow down your options.
- Sound quality needs – Think about the audio details you need to hear accurately – for example, if you’ll be mixing and mastering, open-back audiophile headphones may suit you better.
- Noise isolation requirements – Closed-back headphones block out external sounds much better if you’ll use them in noisy environments.
- Comfort – Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable for longer periods than on-ear options. Prioritize soft, breathable earpads.
- Wired or Wireless – Wireless headphones offer more freedom of movement which can boost creativity in the studio. But wired models have more consistent connectivity.
- Extra features – Look for extras like detachable cables, swiveling earcups, transparency/ambient modes and device pairing if needed.
FAQ About Studio Headphones
Q: Are studio headphones better for listening to music?
Studio headphones are optimized for neutral, accurate audio reproduction rather than an exciting sound profile. So they may sound less lively for music listening. However, their clarity and detail can allow you to hear parts of tracks you may have missed on consumer headphones. Audiophiles often still enjoy studio headphones for music.
Q: How loud should studio headphones be?
It’s generally recommended to keep the volume at around 85 decibels when wearing studio headphones. Extended exposure above that can increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss over time. Most studio headphones can reach extremely high volumes, so be mindful not to turn them up too loudly.
Q: Do you need an audio interface with studio headphones?
An external DAC/audio interface isn’t required but can make studio headphone shine even more. Audio interfaces provide cleaner power to drive high-impedance headphones optimally. They also have studio-grade DACs (digital-to-analog converters) for superior sound quality.
Q: What’s the difference between studio and mixing headphones?
Studio and mixing headphones can overlap, but studio headphone tend to refer to all monitoring headphones designed for studio work. Mixing headphones specifically excel for mixing and mastering with their neutral response. Not all studioheadphone aimed at other uses like tracking or DJing have a frequency response suited for mixing.
Q: Can you use Bluetooth headphones for studio work?
Bluetooth studio headphones are fine for casual tracking and mixing, but most audio engineers still recommend wired headphones for complete reliability. The wired connection has no chance of interference or latency issues that can occasionally occur with wireless headphones. Critical mixing calls for the stability of a cable.
Final Take: Find the Best Studio Headphones for You
Upgrading to a quality pair of studio headphones is one of the best investments you can make to hear your mixes accurately. While you have many excellent options to choose from, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are hard to pass up as the best overall studio headphone available on Amazon today. They deliver elite noise cancellation to block distractions along with lively, well-balanced sound that makes music shine.
Consider what you need most – whether that’s supreme comfort for long sessions, top-notch wireless connectivity, or audiophile-level sound. Match your ideal features to your budget. After testing some models to find the right audio profile and fit for you, you’ll be ready to make mixes confidently with your new studio headphone.