10 Best Headphones For Recording 2025 in the United States

The OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are designed for studio monitoring and mixing, making them a good choice for recording enthusiasts. With a frequency response that delivers clear sound across bass, vocals, and highs, they can provide balanced stereo sound essential for accurate playback. The 50mm drivers ensure powerful bass and clear audio, which is beneficial for detailed sound monitoring during recording sessions. Their 32 Ohm impedance makes them versatile for use with various devices, from studio equipment to personal computers and smartphones, without requiring a headphone amplifier to achieve adequate volume levels.

The closed-back design offers effective noise isolation, a key feature for recording to prevent sound leakage and external noise interference. Comfort is another strong point, with padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband designed for long sessions without discomfort. Additionally, the 90° swiveling ear cups facilitate single-ear monitoring, useful for DJs and mixers. However, the headphones are exclusively wired, which limits mobility compared to wireless options, but ensures stable and high-quality audio transmission.

The cable length and types (1/4 to 3.5mm jack) are suitable for various recording setups. A unique feature is the share audio port, allowing easy connection with another headphone for collaborative listening. While the build quality seems durable, some users might find the design bulky for portable use. In conclusion, these headphones are particularly well-suited for those involved in recording, mixing, and DJing, offering good sound quality, comfort, and practical features for studio use.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a popular choice among recording professionals due to their impressive sound quality and durability. Featuring a wide frequency response and a 38 Ohm impedance, they deliver clear and precise audio, ideal for recording environments. The large 45 mm drivers offer deep bass and exceptional clarity across various audio ranges, which is crucial for accurate monitoring. Their circumaural, or over-ear, design provides good sound isolation, making them suitable for use in noisy settings.

Comfort-wise, these headphones score well with professional-grade materials used in the earpads and headband, ensuring they are durable and comfortable for long sessions. The 90-degree swiveling earcups add versatility, allowing for single-ear monitoring when needed.

The ATH-M50x comes with a detachable cable, which adds convenience and flexibility, as well as a generous 3-meter length, providing ample reach in studio settings.

However, one potential downside is that the closed-back design, while great for isolation, might not offer the same natural soundstage as open-back headphones, which could be a consideration for those preferring a more 'live' listening experience. Additionally, at 10.2 ounces, they might feel slightly heavy for some users over extended periods.

In summary, these headphones balance sound quality, comfort, and durability well, making them a strong contender for anyone in the market for reliable recording headphones. Their acclaimed performance among audio engineers and reviewers further supports their reputation as a solid choice in their category.

The Focal Utopia High-Fidelity Over-Ear Open-Back Headphones (2022) are designed for high-quality audio experiences, making them a strong candidate for recording purposes. With a wide frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to over 50 kHz, these headphones are capable of reproducing very detailed and nuanced audio, which is essential for accurate monitoring during recording sessions. The impedance of 80 Ohm is suitable for studio equipment, ensuring clear sound without requiring excessive power. The dynamic driver type further supports high fidelity sound reproduction.

Given that they are open-back headphones, they allow for a more natural and expansive sound stage, which can be beneficial in a recording environment to avoid a boxed-in feel of the audio; however, they might not be the best choice if isolation from external noise is required. Comfort is enhanced by the honeycomb grille and perforated lambskin memory foam ear pads, which should offer a pleasant experience during long recording sessions. The forged, recycled carbon yokes provide a durable and comfortable fit as well. The wired connectivity with retractable cable and 3.5mm or 6.35mm jacks is flexible for various studio setups.

On the downside, the relatively high weight of 6 pounds could be a drawback for extended use. Additionally, as these headphones are open-back, they might not be suitable for environments where external noise can interfere with recording. Despite these minor issues, the Focal Utopia headphones present an excellent choice for anyone seeking high-end audio fidelity in their recording sessions.