This is a post about which headphones you should get if you want to make music, and yes, some of them are pricey. I’ll share my experiences with various models over the years, but - spoiler alert - if there's one takeaway, it's this: the best headphones you can use are the ones you have at your disposal. Don’t wait for fancy gear before getting creative. That said, once you have some money to spare, good headphones are probably the first place you’ll want to invest. Having the right headphones can make a world of difference because they’re your direct connection to the music. Sure, good studio monitors are great, but in an untreated room, they can be tricky to rely on. That’s why investing in a good pair of cans can be so rewarding. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, or just getting your ideas down, the right headphones can definitely help you elevate your sound to the next level. To help you choose, I’ve broken down the best options for music producers into three key categories: Studio Monitoring Headphones, Open-Back Headphones, and Wireless Studio Headphones. Which one is right for you? Let’s find out.

These Are the Best Studio Headphones for Musicians:

Studio Monitoring Headphones

Open-Back Headphones

Wireless Studio Headphones

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Closed-back Headphones

Closed-back headphones are designed with sealed ear cups that focus sound directly into your ears while blocking out external noise, making them ideal for environments like commuting, studio recording, or office listening. Although they may emphasize bass frequencies more than open-back headphones and can cause some discomfort around the ears during extended use, they’re better at preventing any unwanted noise from leaking into your microphone when recording.

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – Best for all-around studio use

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has earned its reputation as a studio staple, balancing affordability with professional-level sound. These headphones deliver a tight, punchy low-end and a detailed midrange, making them great for producers who want to hear every nuance in their mix. While they aren’t 100% neutral like some high-end reference headphones, they provide an energetic, engaging sound that works well for both tracking and general production work. They also have a solid build quality, which is why you’ll see them in professional studios and bedroom setups alike.

One of the standout features of the M50x is its excellent passive noise isolation—once you put these on, external sounds fade into the background, allowing you to focus entirely on your music. The swiveling ear cups make them easy to use in one-ear monitoring situations, and the detachable cables offer some flexibility depending on your setup. Whether you're a beginner looking for a reliable first pair or a seasoned producer who needs a versatile workhorse, the M50x is hard to beat.

See prices for the ATH-M50x here

2. Sony MDR-7506 – Best for detailed monitoring

The Sony MDR-7506 is the industry’s worst-kept secret—every studio has a pair, and for good reason. These headphones have an almost clinical sound, with clear highs, precise mids, and an incredibly detailed response, making them perfect for mixing and tracking vocals. While they don’t have the most exciting bass, that’s actually a good thing: the flat response helps you make better mix decisions without being tricked by hyped low-end frequencies.

What makes the MDR-7506 stand out is its lightweight and foldable design, making it super portable for engineers on the go. The long coiled cable can be both a blessing and a curse—it gives you the freedom to move around but can get tangled if you’re not careful. If you want a pair of headphones that are trusted by professional sound engineers, broadcast professionals, and producers, these are a no-brainer.

See prices for the MDR-7506 here

3. Rode NTH-100 – Best for comfort and clarity

The Rode NTH-100 might be a newer contender in the world of studio headphones, but it’s already proving itself as a top-tier option for producers who want accuracy without fatigue. The flat frequency response makes them perfect for mixing, while the detailed midrange and smooth highs ensure vocals, synths, and subtle textures sit exactly where they should. Unlike some closed-back headphones that can sound too “boxy,” these offer a surprisingly open and natural soundstage, which is rare in this category.

Comfort-wise, memory foam ear cushions and an adjustable headband with a locking mechanism make long sessions feel effortless. Another bonus? The design reduces heat buildup, so you won’t feel like you’re wearing earmuffs in a sauna after an hour. If you want a pair of closed-back headphones that feel just as good as they sound, these are an underrated gem.

See prices for the NTH-100 here

Open-Back Headphones

Open-back headphones allow air to flow through the ear cups, providing a natural and clear sound ideal for critical listening and mixing in quiet environments. However, they offer little isolation, meaning they don’t block out external noise and leak sound, making them unsuitable for noisy environments and some recording scenarios (especially tracking vocals and quiet instruments). While they deliver superior audio quality, open-back headphones are more delicate and require careful handling. They’re also usually more comfortable.

1. Sennheiser HD 600 – Best for precise mixing and mastering

The Sennheiser HD 600 is legendary in the world of audio engineering, known for its superb accuracy and wide soundstage. If you want to hear your mix without coloration or artificial enhancements, these are the headphones to get. They provide flat, transparent sound reproduction, ensuring that every EQ tweak, reverb tail, and stereo width decision is made with confidence. They don’t hype the bass or artificially boost the highs, making them ideal for mixing and mastering.

Beyond sound quality, the lightweight design and velour ear cushions make them extremely comfortable for long sessions. The open-back design means you’ll hear a more natural, spacious sound—almost like listening on studio monitors but without annoying the neighbors. If you’re serious about critical listening and don’t mind a bit of sound leakage, these are a gold standard.

For a slightly more “hyped” sound, you might want to consider the also excellent HD 660S2.

See prices for the HD 600 here

2. Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X – Best for spacious soundstage

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X is built for detailed, immersive mixing, thanks to its open-back design and next-gen STELLAR.45 drivers. The result? A wider-than-life soundstage that helps you accurately place instruments in a mix. The highs are crisp without being harsh, the mids are present but not overbearing, and the bass is tight rather than overpowering—perfect for getting a balanced mix that translates well on other systems.

They’re also incredibly comfortable, featuring plush, memory foam earpads that make even the longest sessions bearable. Another plus? The detachable cable system, which means no more throwing out your headphones just because the wire broke. If you want something that competes with Sennheiser’s legendary HD 600 but at a slightly lower price point, these are an excellent alternative.

See prices for the DT 900 Pro X here

3. AKG K240 MKII – Best budget-friendly open-back option

The AKG K240 MKII is one of the most affordable ways to get into open-back headphones for mixing. Technically, they are semi-open, but in practice, they deliver a spacious and balanced sound that’s perfect for critical listening. Unlike closed-back models that can feel claustrophobic, these provide a more natural, airy experience, making them great for producers who need an accurate representation of their tracks.

While they don’t have the same level of detail as high-end models, they’re a great value for beginner producers or anyone needing an affordable secondary pair. Just be aware that they aren’t as durable as pricier options, so handle them with care. If you’re on a budget but want a solid open-back headphone experience, these are worth considering.

See prices for the K240 here

Wireless Studio Headphones

Wireless and noise-canceling headphones have come a long way, offering the convenience of mobility without sacrificing sound quality. These headphones are perfect for producers who need to move around the studio or work in different environments while still maintaining a high level of audio fidelity. With features like Bluetooth connectivity, minimal latency, and long battery life, wireless headphones are becoming an increasingly popular choice for modern music production, although you must consider a few factors before buying them.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best for noise cancellation on the go

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, and while they aren’t strictly “studio” headphones, they’re a lifesaver for producers who travel or work in noisy environments. Whether you’re in a busy café, on a plane, or just trying to tune out distractions, Sony’s next-level active noise cancelation (ANC) creates an almost eerie silence. This lets you focus on the details of your mix, even in less-than-ideal listening conditions.

When it comes to sound quality, the WH-1000XM5 offers a warm, rich tone with well-balanced frequencies, making them enjoyable for music production and casual listening. However, Bluetooth introduces latency, which means they’re not ideal for playing instruments or live monitoring. Thankfully, Sony includes a 3.5mm wired option to eliminate latency when needed. If you need a studio-friendly wireless headphone that’s also unbeatable for travel, this is it.

See prices for the WH-1000XM5 here

2. Aiaiai TMA-2 – Best for modular customization

The AIAIAI TMA-2 is a unique take on wireless studio headphones, offering a fully modular design that allows producers to customize their headphones with different speaker drivers, ear pads, and headbands. This means you can tailor them to your specific needs—whether you want more neutral, studio-grade sound or a warmer, bass-heavy response for casual listening. The modular build also makes them more sustainable, as you can replace individual parts instead of buying a whole new pair when something wears out.

One of the standout features is the AIAIAI H05 wireless headband, which allows the TMA-2 to function wirelessly with minimal latency—a rarity in Bluetooth headphones. This makes them one of the few truly wireless options that can handle serious production work. If you want flexibility, durability, and great sound in a future-proof design, these headphones are an innovative and stylish choice.

See prices for the TMA-2 here

The Best Headphones Are the Ones You Have

While investing in high-quality headphones can make a difference in your music production, it’s important to remember that you don’t need fancy gear to start making great music. The best headphones are the ones you already have—whether they’re cheap Sony in-ears (which I’ve used for years and still love), wired Apple Airpods, or any other pair you use in your everyday life.

When you’re just starting out, learning the craft of music production is more important than having the most precise and detailed headphones. In fact, using the headphones you’re already familiar with can actually be an advantage. You already know how music is supposed to feel on them, even if they’re not studio-grade. This familiarity can help you better judge how your tracks will sound to the average listener and make sure everything is where it needs to be.

Even seasoned pros understand the value of listening back to their mixes on cheaper headphones or speakers. This practice can reveal flaws that high-end studio headphones might mask, such as harsh frequencies or imbalances that could slip through unnoticed. After all, most people will listen to your music on streaming platforms like Spotify, often through inexpensive earbuds or smartphone speakers. Ensuring your music sounds good on these everyday devices is just as important as how it sounds on professional equipment.

So, don’t wait for the perfect gear to start creating. Use what you have, learn how to make it work for you, and refine your sound as you go. The journey of music production is about continuous improvement, and sometimes, the simplest tools can be the most effective.

If you’re looking for more advice on cool gear and VST plugins, check out our Gear section!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.