10 Best Studio Monitor Headphones For Mixing 2025 in the United States

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a popular choice for anyone involved in studio mixing, thanks to their impressive performance and comfort features. Their 45mm large aperture drivers deliver a clear and detailed sound, making them ideal for critical listening and mixing tasks. The headphones excel in frequency response, providing deep bass and an extended range that many audio professionals appreciate. The circumaural design ensures that they fit snugly around your ears, effectively isolating sound in noisy environments, which is a big plus for mixing sessions.

Comfort-wise, the ATH-M50x boasts professional-grade earpads and a sturdy headband that enhance durability and comfort during long mixing sessions. The 90-degree swiveling earcups are also a handy feature, allowing easy one-ear monitoring—a common requirement for studio work.

While the headphones are mainly designed for studio use, their closed-back design might not be ideal for everyone. Some users might prefer open-back headphones for a more natural soundstage, especially when mixing genres that benefit from this. Additionally, while the impedance of 38 Ohm is suitable for studio gear, it may not perform as well with lower-end devices, such as smartphones, which could lead to less optimal sound quality.

The OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are designed with both comfort and sound quality in mind, making them suitable for mixing and mastering tasks. One of their standout features is the large 50mm drivers that deliver a solid frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 40 kHz. This broad range helps in reproducing powerful bass, clear vocals, and detailed highs, which are essential for accurate audio mixing. The headphones also boast an impedance of 32 Ohm, making them versatile for use with various audio devices, from laptops to DJ mixers.

Comfort is another strong point, with soft, padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband that allows for long listening sessions without discomfort. The 90° swiveling ear cups enable single-ear monitoring, which is particularly useful for DJs and sound engineers who need to stay aware of their environment.

These headphones excel in comfort and sound quality for those who mix audio, though the wired limitation and closed-back design might not be ideal for every user. They're a solid choice for those in the studio or on stage, especially with the added benefit of a shared audio port to connect with another pair.

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is a solid choice for professional mixing, mastering, and critical listening. With an impressive frequency response range of 5 - 35,000 Hz, these headphones cover a broad spectrum that is ideal for detailed audio work. The 80 Ohm impedance strikes a good balance between driving power and compatibility with a range of studio equipment, though it may require a headphone amp for optimal performance with certain devices.

Featuring dynamic drivers, the DT 990 PRO delivers clear and transparent sound, with strong bass and treble, making it excellent for pinpointing nuances in your mix. The open-back design enhances the spaciousness of the audio but can let in environmental noise, which might be a drawback if you need isolation in a noisy environment. Comfort is a key strength, thanks to their soft, replaceable velour ear pads and the robust, durable build quality, ensuring long sessions without discomfort.

However, the open-back nature means these are not suitable for tracking in noisy spaces or for situations requiring sound isolation. These headphones are versatile, being suitable for gaming and general listening, but their primary strength lies in studio applications.