For creators and artists, the choice of headphones dictates the fidelity of the final output. Whether you are mixing in a home studio, touring, or working late at night, your ears are the final arbiter of quality. While studio monitors remain essential, headphones offer superior portability and a lower financial barrier to entry. Furthermore, because the vast majority of listeners consume music through personal audio devices, your mixes must translate well across these platforms. Unlike speakers, headphones rarely require additional hardware to integrate into your setup.
Quick guide to top models
- Our pick: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
- Best budget headphones: RØDE NTH-50
- Best DJ headphones: Korg NC-Q1
- Best closed-back monitoring: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X
- Best open-back monitoring: HEDDphone Two
- Best wireless studio headphones: AIAIAI TMA-2
- Best audiophile headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000
- Best headphones for mixing: Steven Slate VSX Immersion One
- Best everyday headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6
- Best wireless earbuds: Denon PerL Pro
Best overall pick: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro stands as the definitive choice for serious producers. As the flagship of the manufacturer’s renowned HD range, this model delivers uncompromising performance. Its open-back architecture and frequency response spanning 5 Hz to 36.1 kHz ensure an honest reproduction of your mix, avoiding the artificial boost often found in consumer gear.
Additionally, the Plus variant includes a licence for the dearVR Mix SE plugin. This tool virtualises various listening environments, allowing you to predict how your tracks will perform in different acoustic spaces.
Beyond their sonic accuracy, these headphones are a joy to wear. Weighing just 260 grams without the cable, they feature interchangeable ear pads made of velvet or fabric to ensure comfort during extended sessions.
Best budget headphones: RØDE NTH-50
While the RØDE NTH-100 over-ear model was previously a favourite, the follow-up NTH-50 offers even greater value without sacrificing sound quality. These on-ear cans cost just £99. Our testing revealed that their low impedance allows even modest audio interfaces to drive them effectively, and their frequency response ranges from 5Hz to 32kHz, outperforming many pricier competitors.
Tailored for DJs, engineers, and content creators, they handle rough mixes with ease. While they lack wireless connectivity, they serve as excellent personal listening devices at this price point. The components are largely replaceable, and RØDE backs them with a lifetime guarantee.
Best DJ headphones: Korg NC-Q1
Korg has redefined the DJ headphone category with the NC-Q1. Although the brand is not traditionally associated with audio monitoring, this model sets a new benchmark for performance in loud environments.
The construction naturally dampens external noise, while the advanced Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology handles sound levels exceeding 120 dB. This ensures clear monitoring even in the noisiest clubs.
Ergonomically, the cups swivel to allow for one-ear monitoring. The sound signature is deep and punchy, ensuring the bass remains distinct and does not clash when you are mixing tracks.
Best closed-back monitoring: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X
It is rare to find a professional studio without a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones. Their enduring popularity stems from a perfect balance of comfort, build quality, and sound, all available at a price significantly lower than many rivals.
Designed specifically for studio work, these closed-back headphones feature a frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz. They provide 16 dB of ambient noise isolation, making them ideal for recording vocals as they prevent sound leakage.
The Pro X Limited Edition celebrates the brand’s centenary with refinements such as a detachable three-metre cable and a sleek, all-black aesthetic.
Best open-back monitoring: HEDDphone Two
Choosing between open-back and closed-back designs is a critical decision. Open-back models typically offer a more natural and spacious soundstage but may lack the impact of bass and allow sound to escape.
HEDD, a Berlin-based company, aims to deliver the benefits of an open-back design with the HEDDphone Two, the successor to its acclaimed original. The new model is smaller, lighter, and features a sophisticated adjustable strap for prolonged comfort.
Despite the significant price tag, the performance justifies the cost. Powered by handmade Air Motion Transformers, these cans deliver an accurate yet pleasing sound signature with exceptional clarity, detailed transients, and a flat response across the entire spectrum.
Best wireless studio headphones: AIAIAI TMA-2
Wireless monitoring has historically been overlooked in professional music production due to the latency and compression inherent in Bluetooth technology. However, the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ addresses these concerns, offering a viable solution for mobile workflows without compromising on sonic integrity.
Key takeaways
- Accuracy over hype: Professional open-back models like the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and HEDDphone Two offer the most honest frequency response for mixing.
- Environment matters: For loud venues, the Korg NC-Q1 provides essential active noise cancellation, while the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X offers superior isolation for recording.
- Value exists at all levels: The RØDE NTH-50 proves that high-quality production monitoring does not require a multi-thousand pound investment.
- Wireless is evolving: Newer models like the AIAIAI TMA-2 are successfully mitigating the latency issues that previously made wireless monitoring unviable.
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