If you are on a low budget and don’t feel like breaking the bank to get the studio headphones, don’t get worried, you can get budget studio headphones that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Here, after deep market research and testing, we have compiled the best budget studio headphones list. So, you can always get the best bang for your buck.
That being said, let’s jump right into the matter and check out the products in detail.
OneOdio Wired Headphones
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
When discussing budget and optimum sound quality, OneOdio surpasses all. Trying new headphones on a budget is always fun, so I bought OneOdio Wired Headphones. Upon unboxing HiFi Headphones, 3.5mm Audio Jack Cable, 6.35mm to 3.5mm Cable, User Manual, and Portable Bag.
Review
My first impression of OneOdio wired headphones could have been better, it felt a little average, and I could have been more impressed by the plasticky feel. My impression changed when I wore these closed-back headphones because it was very comfortable. After that, I tested it with my smartphone and my music setup, and here is my review.
The primary purpose of studio headphones is to isolate sound and provide good sound quality, and surprisingly these headphones deliver. The ear shells tilt at 15 degrees while the soft elliptical earmuffs wrap your ears perfectly to prevent leakage of music and isolate noise.
Interestingly, these headphones come with 50mm neodymium dynamic drivers that are larger than usual studio headphones that bring a louder sound, making them ideal for mixing and tracking.
The cable length matters a lot in the studio, and these headphones come with a 2m-3m long wire that brings comfort while recording. The cable length is the same as OneOdio Monitor 60 Professional Studio Headphones. I found the extendable cable was durable and sturdy. The adjustable fit and pads are pretty soft, which made me love them.
Now, discussing the Share Port technology makes it even better in this price range. It helped me daisy chain with other people effectively without any lag and disturbance. The frequency response of more than 20kHz helps me get all the minute details while recording and mixing.
The best thing about these headphones is that they need only 32 Ω to function correctly, even on smartphones. You don’t need audio interfaces or an amp to record or mix your jam. Just plug the detachable wire into the headphones and the other side of the smartphone, and you are good to record.
• Cables are a big plus to these headphones.
• Passive noise cancelation works great for me.
• The headband could be sturdy.
Final Verdict
I have determined that if you are looking for studio headphones for a mere under fifty bucks, then OneOdio is one of the best Budget Studio Headphones Under $50. It satisfies the price point with great features like SharePort and a comfortable design.
AKG K 240 Studio Professional Semi-Open Stereo Headphones
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
When you look for AKG Studio headphones, AKG K 240 is the one that intrigues you with so many features while remaining just below $100. I ordered K240 Studio Headphones and received them in a couple of days. Upon unboxing, I received headphones, one 3 m cable with stereo 3.5 mm (1/8″) connector, and one 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter.
Tidbit: AKG by HARMAN has been serving artists and audiophiles for about 65 years.
Review
I had rich expectations with AKG as it is one of the pioneer brands of headphones. My first impression of the AKG K 240 was pretty satisfactory. I already have used AKG Pro Audio K92, and using these headphones was as good as the former. The build quality was pretty impressive, and the headset serves the purpose well.
These headphones are semi-open and come with 30 mm XXL transducers with patented Varimotion diaphragms that offer great range and sensitivity. The transducers create a three-dimensional kind of impact and help get articulate details. I found these headphones quite suitable for getting into details of highs and lows with proper bass that helped me get more accurate results.
When it comes to wire, the 3 meters long wire was a great help as I could move around while wearing them comfortably, which was not detachable in AKG Pro Audio K92. The self-adjusting headband keeps the optimum clamping force on the ear, which helps in better isolation while recording.
What I like about these headphones is that they come with proper accessories to deal with any situation. They also feature a mini XLR connector, cable, and convertible jack for connecting external devices.
I didn’t like that they are not made to wear for long hours, though I liked the replaceable earpads. The impedance of 55 ohms was not so much that you can manage the recording with devices with a preamp or use the audio interface to record.
• Screw-on Adapter does the job for different jacks.
• It provides accuracy for maximum details.
• I found it a bit durable.
• It doesn’t fit perfectly on tiny heads.
Final Verdict
I have concluded that with the ideal semi-closed type with Varimotion diaphragms that brings a wide dynamic range, 3 meters long cable, and durable structure, the AKG K 240 comes in my list of Studio Headphones Under $100.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
Who doesn’t know about Beyerdynamic when it comes to studio headphones? Beyerdynamic headphones have the reputation of standard recording and mixing headphones. With this thought, I bought a Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. It comes with a Drawstring bag, a Gold plated jack plug (3.5 mm), and an adapter (6.35 mm).
Review
Upon the first glimpse, I was impressed with their premium look. The build quality and design were simply perfect for me. The closed-back design provides the proper classic look and does not leak audio. Overall, it was quite a device for me.
The first thing I found interesting was the drawstring bag to keep headphones dirt-free after use. Overall, the headphones come with the dynamic drivers as other Beyerdynamic headphones I have used.
Upon using my recordings, tracking, and mixing, I found the sound quite deep and natural, with highs and lows offering great details. DT 770 has a 5 – 35000 Hz frequency that fulfills the claims. The neutral mids help get the clean audio without any coloration. Isn’t it great that you get perfect audio at a high-pressure level?
While making music with my guitar, I always use my audio interfaces for professional recording and mixing. For this reason, the impedance of 250 ohms was perfect and made everything work fine. Regarding Beyerdynamic, the DT700 Pro comes with 48 ohms, which solves the impedance and amp issues.
The wire is not detachable, which is a little annoying as Beyerdynamic 280 ohms comes with the detachable cable. Another downside is that the cups are not foldable. On the other hand, the 6.35mm adapter and coiled cable work perfectly to adjust according to needs.
• The bass is deep and natural.
• It comes with a Drawstring bag to organize accessories.
• Excellent audio quality with comfort – great combo.
• I used proper impedance and got optimum bass with the guitar.
Final Verdict
When you need to break the bank to get the standard studio headphones, Beyerdynamic brings you the DT770 Pro with exotic features and better sound quality at a minimal price that raises it to be one of the best Studio Headphones Under $150.
Beyerdynamic Dt 880 250 Ohm Pro Semi-Open Studio Headphones
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
You can’t ignore every model of the Beyerdynamic as they offer something new and different each time. The Beyerdynamic DT 880 250 ohm Pro is another great studio headset that greatly amazed me. It came with a Gold plated stereo jack plug (3.5 mm) & 1/4″ adapter (6.35 mm).
Review
The first impression is the last, and my first impression of it was above average. As this was not my first semi-open headphones for my recording, I gave it a bit of critical analysis taking everything under consideration. The build quality of these headphones looks terrific; they don’t look cheap; instead, the pads and headband look premium.
Semi-open design with soft cloth pads that keep the ear comfortable and don’t bring the ear fatigue that I usually get with my other headphones. Though, the clamping force on the ears could be a problem for a continuous user. But overall, the sound isolation is much better than other models in the same price range.
When I connected it with my devices, a 3 meters coiled cable was enough for my setup – it may vary with the producer’s needs. I have used Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, which has a little longer than 5 meters of coiled cable. There is a 6.35mm adapter if you need it for any external music source.
You can not ignore the dynamic drivers with 250 ohms impedance that will help you get into the minor details while recording or mixing. Luckily, I have used the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Edition 32 Ohm Over-Ear-Stereo Headphones for recording on my smartphone, they also work fine, but when it comes to 250 ohms, DT 880 is pro.
You can go up to 5 to 35k Hz of frequency response that enables the music artist to get the exact audio quality keeping the highs and lows intact. The Hardcase to keep the headphones after using them is a winner.
• These headphones fit perfectly.
• I liked the cloth pads – they made them comfortable.
• I can hear the full range of sounds, from bass to treble.
Final Verdict
Beyerdynamic DT880, with dynamic drivers and a wide frequency response range, brings out the detailed resolution of the audio quality, making it an ideal choice for Studio Headphones Under $200.
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Over-Ear Full-Size Planar Magnetic HiFi
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
In my list of best budget studio headphones is the HIFIMAN SUNDARA. I bought these headphones due to their beautiful design. Upon unboxing, I got Headphones, Cable, Headphone Adapter, Ear Buds, and Owner’s Guide. What else do you need?
Review
When I first got these headphones, the design and build quality were the first things I liked the most. The padded cotton design with a sturdy headband crafts the beautiful design. HIFIMAN SUNDARA sits on the list of attractive studio headphones.
Let’s discuss audio testing, which is the most critical aspect of studio headphones. I did manage to record and mix along with the critical listening to get the most minute details of the audio, and surprisingly, they did terrific for me.
They offer a frequency response ranging from 6Hz to 54kHz that encapsulates the lows and highs. On the other hand, I have also used HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version Over-Ear Open which was not that intricate and reached upto 20kHz only but was a little less pricey than SUNDARA. The Planar magnetic driver and NEO Supernano Diaphragm NsD deal with reproducing the audio to get more details.
The impedance is another factor that makes it budget-friendly. Many music producers strive to get everything in the studio, and the amp is one of the most expensive studio items. Luckily, the HIFIMAN SUNDARA does the job for them to provide the quality to record at the lowest level of 37 ohms.
The headphones’ cable is undoubtedly the first thing that one music producer checks to know whether it will do the job. The cable of 1.5 m, the connector of 3.5mm, and the adapter of 6.35 mm for external audio sources are perfect for the studio.
• Build quality is better than its price.
• I found them EQ-friendly.
• The cable is a little shorter.
Final Verdict
I found the HIFIMAN Sundara headphones with planar magnetic driver and NSD with excellent frequency response and ideal build quality, one of the Best Studio Headphones Under $300.
Audio-Technica ATH-M70X
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
Audio Technica is the name that every audiophile knows, as it is one of the top-grade headphone brands. I bought Audio-Technica ATH-M70X for recording purposes and received ATH-M70X, a carrying case, a 1.2 m cable (3 different cables), and a user manual.
Review
With the name Audio-Technica in mind, I had high hopes because of brand worth in mind. But to be honest, the headphones didn’t look premium because of the plasticky look – kind of cheap that turned my expectations off.
You can’t just take Audio-Technica out of the game easily. I tested ATH-M70X for my recordings, and they surprised me with an unexpected, clear audio experience. The 45 mm large-aperture drivers were the main winners that offer prize-winning performance in monitoring, recording, mastering, and mixing.
Moving forward to the noise isolation, which is the crucial element to look for before buying, and with the thin ear cushions, they were not offering the proper isolation I expected. They are undoubtedly suitable for passive isolation.
The lower impedance of 35 ohms makes it the right choice for beginners and people looking for studio headphones in the mid-budget range. While comparing it with my Audio-Technica ATH M60X, its impedance is slightly lower than 38.
When it comes to the frequency response that ranges from 5 to 40kHz, that is enough for me as a music producer to monitor most perfectly. The frequency response is much higher than ATH-M60, which lies between 15-28,000 Hz.
Does cable length matter to you? Audio-Technica ATH-M70X comes with 1.2 m cable and 3.0 m coiled cable. It’s great that there are three different cables that you can utilize according to different occasions.
• It has a clear and crisp sound quality.
• The bass is balanced – suitable for mixing.
• The ear cushions were thin.
Final Verdict
A balanced bass is ideal for mixing and recording even on your smartphone, as it comes with 35 ohms. The dynamic large aperture driver and sensitivity make Audio-Technica ATH- M70X the best choice for Studio Headphones Under $400.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio headphones come in top-grade studio headphones that offer great details and precise audio quality. Don’t get frustrated about seeing it open-back. When I unboxed it, it came with ear pads, 1x 3 meter cable, 1x 5 meter coiled cable, a carrying case, and a user manual.
Review
When you say Beyerdynamic, the expectation automatically goes up. I was expecting premium studio headphones, and from design and build quality, I was pretty satisfied with them. The headband was made of metal which further made it foldable.
Comfort is the key factor when buying studio headphones. The fine-clothed ear pads offer great comfort and ease while recording and mastering for hours. Isn’t it great for studio headphones?
Going more into intensive details of the drivers, the 45-mm dynamic Tesla neodymium drivers help you pick everything. On the other hand, being open-backed headphones, you cannot get that precise isolation you require while recording and mastering.
This shortcoming of isolation is fulfilled with an impressive frequency response that goes into minute details you can’t miss while producing music. It deals with 102 dB SPL sensitivity that offers great help in monitoring and mastering.
You should remember that you can not just wear it to record, master, or mix music on a PC or smartphone. There is a need for an amp to deal with the 250-ohm impedance. Then, you can get the perfect performance you are looking for.
What do you want more when there is a coiled cable of 5 meters? It frees you to move around in the studio without getting stuck. The other 3 meters cable also deals in between the proximity and is detachable, which is not possible in the case of Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO.
• Build quality is perfect – Durable.
• Offers excellent clarity and is impressive for analytical listening.
Final Verdict
I found Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones complete studio headphones with durable structure and perfect sound clarity and neutrality, making it the best choice for Studio Headphones Under $500.
KRK KNS 6402 Studio Mixing/Mastering Headphones
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
For mixing and mastering, you require headphones with a great neutral signature, and KRK KNS 6402 Studio headphones are the ones. I ordered these headphones, and upon unboxing, I received KRK KNS headphones, a cable of 2.5 meters, with connectors 3.5mm jack, and 6.5 jack, a carrying case, and a user manual.
Review
You can not ignore those products that have maximum features while remaining within budget. KRK KNS is one of those headphones with excellent design but made of plastic – still durable. The leatherette padding event doesn’t give the right feel but is comfortable.
When it comes to audio quality while mixing and mastering, the dynamic 40mm neodymium transducers help put every single note in the correct position. I always find the issues while mixing the tracks to make them even better.
The frequency response from 10Hz – 22kHz plays a vital role in getting the perfect result of critical listening. I don’t miss any lows or highs while keeping every detail right on the money.
The 122 dB max peak SPL rating brings out all the sensitivity and offers acoustic audio quality. And KRK KNS 8402 Studio Mixing/Mastering Headphones go upto the 124 dB max peak SPL, which gives him a little edge over it.
Note: The World Health Organization recommends listening to headphones only for 8 hours at a volume level of 85 decibels (dB).
Furthermore, the impedance of 36 ohms allows you to use it even on your headphones, freeing the user from spending extra bucks on an amp. They are lightweight and don’t put much pressure on the ears but bring standard isolation.
You can use the 3.5 connectors and 6.5 stereo jack for connecting external devices. The cable with a 2.5-meter length allows you to roam freely in the domain while recording or mixing. It does not bind you to your table. Overall, it is much more than you are spending on it.
• I liked its neutral sound signature.
• They are comfortable to wear for long sessions.
• They lack clamping force since they are lightweight.
Final Verdict
With 40mm neodymium and the correct neutral sound signature brings the suitable mixing and recording experience. I found them excellent with ambient noise isolation making them my best budget studio headphones for mixing.
Neumann NDH 20 Closed Back Monitoring Professional Studio Headphones Gaming
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
Do you play games? What is the most critical aspect while playing? The Crisp of the footsteps. You can hear everything with the Neumann NDH 20 Closed Back Monitoring professional headphones. When I unboxed it, I got headphones, a carrying case, cables, and a user manual.
Review
I would say perfect when you ask me about the design and look. I liked the way you can easily wear them on your head, and they fit perfectly without even needing to adjust them again and again. You can fold these headphones, and they are pretty portable.
Next, I checked for the performance of the 38mm high-gauss neodymium transducers that work efficiently to go into the details. I was able to hear footsteps while gaming and monitoring.
You can not just connect your smartphone as you can with bopmen headphones because they come with a 150-ohm impedance that needs an amp to run. The amp will amplify the details even more clearly for more intricate details.
And the frequency response of about 5 to 30 kHz allows you to get the lows and highs most perfectly. When comparing it with the Neumann NDH 30, which offers almost the same features of drivers, the frequency response of 12 Hz – 34 kHz is a little higher, along with the sensitivity.
The cable length is another factor I liked about these headphones. You can enjoy freeing yourself in the studio with a 3-meter long wire to keep these circumaural headphones on your head perfectly.
• Provides the most accurate mix of my tracks and is crisp while gaming.
• The sound range is also great.
Final Verdict
While using Neumann NDH 20 Studio Headphones for monitoring, mixing, and recording purposes, I analyzed them thoroughly. I got the voice clarity and impactful and crisp sound quality with complete isolation that brings more details while playing games, so I would rate this headset as the best budget studio headphones for gaming.
bopmen Over Ear Headphones – Wired Studio Headphones
Features & Specifications
Unboxing
bopmen headphones come in the affordable category; you can choose to fulfill your instant studio needs. I bought bopmen headphones for their crisp and fine details. Upon unboxing, I got bopmen over-ear headphones, a 1x 3 meter cable, a carrying case, and a user manual.
Review
My first impression of these affordable bopmen over-ear headphones was above average. I was not expecting such a complete device in this price range. The closed-back design was optimum, with a wired and in-line mic for different purposes. Indeed, for me, it was satisfactory.
The ear pads are the headline of these headphones. You can swivel the ear pads to the 90-degree, making them foldable so that you can take them anywhere comfortably. While wearing them, they were comfortable, and I could get impressive noise isolation.
I tested it with my guitar and other instruments to know the truth behind these well-made headphones. The result was not bad, and the details were there with the help of 40mm drivers. But bass and treble were almost not there. In a word, it was better than many models in this range.
The cable it comes with is about 3 meters long, accommodates while moving in the studio, and is longer than its competition OneOdio A71. The price range of Bopmen and OneOdio lies in the same category.
Do you want to Daisy Chain your headphones? With the Share Port technology, you can connect different headphones to let others listen to what you are playing, which is pretty cool. Isn’t it? There is also an in-line mic for speaking or recording, and you can use it if needed.
• I found these headphones comfortable.
• They are affordable.
Final Verdict
I have concluded that with a comfortable design, bopmen Over Ear Headphones – Wired Studio Headphones are the best budget studio headphones for guitar in the minimal cost is pretty impressive.
Top Studio Headphones Brands
In the world of headphones, these 22 brands are the leading ones in the market. These top-grade brands provide the most credible studio headphones that music production houses use most of the time.
- Sennheiser
- Sony
- Audio-Technica
- Yamaha
- Bose
- Apple
- JBL
- Skullcandy
- Grado
- SteelSeries
- Beyerdynamic
- Bopmen
- Jabra
- V-Moda
- Pioneer
- Jaybird
- Anker
- Plantronics
- AKG
- Beats
- Razer
- NEUMANN
Studio Headphones vs. Regular Headphones
The main differences between studio and standard headphones are that studio headphones focus more on audio accuracy and have a wide frequency range to ensure a high audio standard. Sound isolation and exactness are the critical differences between studio and normal headphones.
When recording, mixing, and mastering, studio headphones are used to detect audio quality issues since they represent the actual audio. Alternatively, normal headphones are better for listening to music.
How to choose the best budget studio headphones – Buying Guide?
If you are a newbie and want a comprehensive guide on choosing the best budget headphones for your music recording and mixing, consider these factors before buying these headsets.
Specify Your Requirements / Closed Back Vs. Open Back
The very first thing that you should specify is whether you want closed-back or open-back headphones. The main difference between closed and open back is that the closed back brings more isolation which is ideal for the recording. On the other hand, the open back offers better sound quality.
So, choose if you are looking for just mixing or just recording. If you want both, then there is an option for Semi-closed Studio headphones that will do the job for you.
Noise Isolation
For studio headphones, noise isolation is essential since it prevents external noise from interfering with the audio being recorded or listened to. The more controlled and well-padded headphones are, the less sound leakage will occur. So, better look for closed-back headphones with leather or synthetic earpads.
Wider Frequency and Impedance Level
When choosing studio headphones, a wider frequency is essential as a wider frequency will help you listen to the lows and highs of the sound. You can hear the minute noise impurity to offer better audio quality.
The impedance level determines whether you can directly record on your smartphones or if you need audio interfaces or amps. If you have the amps, you can go for a higher impedance level; otherwise, you better go lower as 16 to 20 Ω.
Comfort and Durability
One feature that we always ignore is comfort. You can not ignore this because you must wear studio headphones for hours to mix and record your tracks. Continuous use will bring tinnitus and ear pain, so it is better to look for one that is well-padded and has better build quality.
Durability is another aspect to look for. You don’t buy studio headphones so often, so you better look for the headband and pads. Moreover, it is best to buy from trusted brands.
Wireless vs. Wired
Bluetooth headphones have made life easy by providing the freedom of moving without wires fumbling. However, you can not rely on wireless headphones for studio atmosphere because of the audio lag or latency.
Wired studio headphones offer an optimum listening experience that you can not achieve while using wireless headsets. Moreover, the wire length is also a point to ponder, a kind of factor to keep in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I get better quality headphones for cheap?
Place your headphones on your head correctly and make sure they are snug. Keep the room quiet and adjust the equalizer settings on your audio source to enhance specific frequencies and improve the overall sound quality. The sound quality will improve if you use a standalone amplifier or a device with one built-in amp to drive the headphones.
How comfortable are budget studio headphones?
Some budget studio headphones are designed to be comfortable, while others are not, so your comfort depends on the model and brand you are using. While recording or mixing music, you may use headphones for extended periods, and they must be comfortable to wear.
Why are studio headsets wired?
The studio headphones are wired because they don’t bring the audio latency and lag you can get in Bluetooth or wireless headphones. You don’t need to pair or connect; you just plug the wire into an interface, and you are done. Furthermore, there is no fear of running out the battery.
Final Thoughts
Recording, mixing, and mastering audio tracks requires studio headphones, and this list of Best Budget Studio Headphones makes it easy to do all this within budget. You can also learn about closed-back and open-back studio headphones. In addition, there is a guide for choosing the most feasible and credible quality budget headphones for your music production session.