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10 Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones - Open-Back Stereo Construction, Wired (80 Ohm, Black (Limited Edition))

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,456
Open-Back vs Closed-Back
Comfort and Build Quality
Impedance

Most important from
19496 reviews

Open-Back vs Closed-Back
Its open-back design creates a spacious and transparent soundstage that enhances the listening experience without feeling closed in.
Comfort and Build Quality
Comfort is outstanding with soft velour ear pads and a lightweight build, allowing for hours of use without any discomfort or ear fatigue.
Impedance
While the 80 Ohm impedance is versatile, powering them properly can require cranking up volume or investing in a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance.
Frequency Response
Users appreciate the headphones’ ability to reveal details missed on other models, helping to identify mix elements and subtle audio cues clearly.

The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are a popular choice for mixing and mastering thanks to their open-back design, which offers a spacious and transparent soundstage. With a wide frequency response from 5 Hz to 35 kHz, they capture deep lows and clear highs, which is important for detailed audio work. The 80 Ohm impedance makes them well-suited for use with most audio interfaces and studio equipment without needing extra amplification. Their large dynamic drivers deliver strong bass and crisp treble, helping you hear subtle details in your mixes.

Comfort is a big plus here — the soft velour ear pads and lightweight build allow for long sessions without discomfort. Made in Germany, these headphones are also known for their durable, high-quality construction. However, being open-back means they leak sound and don’t isolate noise well, so they’re best used in quiet studio environments rather than noisy places.

Also, while 80 Ohms is versatile, they might require a good audio source to reach their full potential. If you want reliable, clear, and comfortable studio headphones for mixing and mastering, the DT 990 Pro is a solid option, especially considering its strong reputation and reasonable price.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,456
Open-Back vs Closed-Back
Comfort and Build Quality
Impedance

Most important from
19496 reviews

Open-Back vs Closed-Back
Its open-back design creates a spacious and transparent soundstage that enhances the listening experience without feeling closed in.
Comfort and Build Quality
Comfort is outstanding with soft velour ear pads and a lightweight build, allowing for hours of use without any discomfort or ear fatigue.
Impedance
While the 80 Ohm impedance is versatile, powering them properly can require cranking up volume or investing in a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance.
Frequency Response
Users appreciate the headphones’ ability to reveal details missed on other models, helping to identify mix elements and subtle audio cues clearly.
#2

Audio-Technica ATH-M50XGM Professional Monitor Headphones, Gun Metal

Rating
8.5
Frequency Response
Impedance
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
32916 reviews

Frequency Response
The headphones deliver precise, flat bass that reveals subtle details like cymbals and hi-hats, enhancing the clarity of every mix.
Impedance
Volume capacity is impressive, allowing users with hearing impairments to hear sounds previously missed without distortion at higher levels.
Comfort and Build Quality
Exceptional durability withstands daily wear and accidental drops without any loss in performance or damage.
Open-Back vs Closed-Back
The closed-back design offers solid isolation, making them reliable in noisy environments while providing a balanced and natural sound.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50XGM headphones are a popular choice for mixing and mastering, known for their clear and accurate sound. They feature large 45mm drivers that deliver deep, precise bass and a wide frequency range, making it easier to hear the details in your music. With an impedance of 38 ohms, these headphones can be driven well by most audio equipment without needing extra amplification.

The closed-back, over-ear design helps isolate sound, which is good for working in noisy environments but means you won’t get the natural airiness of open-back models preferred by some professionals for critical listening. Comfort-wise, the earcups swivel 90 degrees and have cushioned pads, which are durable and comfortable enough for long studio sessions. The headphones also fold up for easier storage and come with detachable cables, adding to their convenience.

They are wired only, so no Bluetooth option is available if you want wireless freedom. While they are excellent for many users, some mixing engineers might prefer open-back headphones for a more natural soundstage during mastering. These headphones represent a solid, well-built option for music producers and engineers seeking reliable, clear monitoring with good isolation and comfort.

Rating
8.5
Frequency Response
Impedance
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
32916 reviews

Frequency Response
The headphones deliver precise, flat bass that reveals subtle details like cymbals and hi-hats, enhancing the clarity of every mix.
Impedance
Volume capacity is impressive, allowing users with hearing impairments to hear sounds previously missed without distortion at higher levels.
Comfort and Build Quality
Exceptional durability withstands daily wear and accidental drops without any loss in performance or damage.
Open-Back vs Closed-Back
The closed-back design offers solid isolation, making them reliable in noisy environments while providing a balanced and natural sound.
#3

OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets with 50mm Neodymium Drivers and 1/4 to 3.5mm Jack for AMP Computer Recording Podcast Keyboard Guitar Laptop - Silver

Rating
8.2
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
72239 reviews

Comfort and Build Quality
Excellent construction and aesthetically appealing, making it a great value for money.

The OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are designed with mixing and mastering in mind, featuring 50mm drivers that deliver a clear and dynamic sound, which is essential for audio professionals. With an impedance of 32 Ohm, they can easily connect to various devices, including laptops and amps, making them versatile for different setups. The over-ear design offers good sound isolation, allowing you to focus on your music without distractions.

In terms of comfort, the large ear cups are designed to fit comfortably during extended sessions, which is a significant plus for studio work. The build quality feels solid, although some users may find the plastic components a bit less premium compared to higher-end models. The detachable cable is a practical feature, reducing wear and tear over time.

It is important to note that these headphones are wired, which may limit mobility compared to wireless options. They also lack water resistance, so they should be handled with care in humid environments. While they rank high in the DJ headphones category, true audiophiles may find the sound profile less refined than more expensive studio headphones that offer a broader frequency response. The OneOdio headphones are a solid choice for those starting in music production or for casual mixing and mastering. They provide good sound quality and comfort at a reasonable price but may not meet the expectations of professional audiophiles looking for top-tier performance.

Rating
8.2
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
72239 reviews

Comfort and Build Quality
Excellent construction and aesthetically appealing, making it a great value for money.

Buying Guide for the Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Mastering

When it comes to picking studio headphones for mixing and mastering, it's crucial to understand that these headphones are designed to provide a flat and accurate sound profile. This allows you to hear the music exactly as it is, without any coloration or enhancement. The goal is to make sure that your mixes translate well across all playback systems. To choose the best studio headphones for your needs, you should consider several key specifications that will impact your listening experience and the accuracy of your work.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response refers to the range of frequencies that the headphones can reproduce. This is important because a wider frequency response allows you to hear more detail in your music. Typically, studio headphones should have a frequency response that covers at least 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is the range of human hearing. If you are working with genres that have a lot of low-end or high-end detail, you might want headphones that extend beyond this range. For most users, a standard range will suffice, but if you need to hear every nuance, look for headphones with an extended frequency response.
ImpedanceImpedance is a measure of the resistance that headphones provide to the electrical signal from your audio source. This is important because it affects the volume and clarity of the sound. Studio headphones typically have higher impedance (above 50 ohms) which means they require more power to drive them properly. If you are using a professional audio interface or headphone amplifier, high-impedance headphones are a good choice. However, if you plan to use your headphones with portable devices like laptops or smartphones, you might want to opt for lower impedance (below 50 ohms) to ensure they can be driven adequately.
Driver SizeThe driver size in headphones refers to the diameter of the speaker inside the ear cups. Larger drivers (40mm and above) can generally produce better bass and a more powerful sound. This is important for mixing and mastering because it allows you to hear the full spectrum of your audio more clearly. However, larger drivers can also make the headphones bulkier and less comfortable for long sessions. If you prioritize sound quality and detail, go for larger drivers. If comfort is more important, you might prefer slightly smaller drivers.
Open-Back vs Closed-BackOpen-back headphones have ear cups that allow air and sound to pass through, providing a more natural and spacious sound. This is important for mixing and mastering because it gives you a more accurate representation of your audio. However, they also leak sound and are not ideal for noisy environments. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, isolate you from external noise and prevent sound leakage, making them better for recording sessions. If you work in a quiet studio and need the most accurate sound, open-back headphones are the way to go. If you need isolation and versatility, closed-back headphones are a better choice.
Comfort and Build QualityComfort and build quality are crucial for long mixing and mastering sessions. This includes the materials used for the ear pads, the headband, and the overall weight of the headphones. Comfortable headphones will allow you to work for longer periods without discomfort. Look for headphones with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear pads, and a lightweight design. Build quality is also important because it affects the durability of the headphones. High-quality materials and construction will ensure that your headphones last longer and withstand the rigors of daily use. Choose headphones that feel sturdy and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

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