Planning to start a home recording studio but want to avoid investing a huge fortune? The pinnacle of critical listening in the studio is the quality of sound. Afraid of losing quality over the budget? Well, don’t be. So, buckle up to get the best studio headphones under $50; you heard right – just under fifty dollars for studio headsets to record your jams.
Tidbit: According to einnews, From 2022 to 2028, the Studio Headphones Market is forecast to reach USD 2114.9 million, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%.
In this guide to cheap studio headphones under $50, you will get a list of 5 studio headphones you can rely on for recording and mixing. For all those music enthusiasts that want to get a deep insight into critical listening, this is your way.
Our Top Recommendations
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones – Overall Best Studio headphones under $50
- Tascam TH-02 Closed Back Studio Headphones – Best Closed Back Studio headphones under 50 dollars.
Best Studio Headphones Under 50 USD Comparison Table 2023
[amazon box=”B00HVLUR18,B00B1N06PO,B06WP61H23,B07R4BXTPS,B002LBSEQS” template=”table”]Review of Best Studio Headphones Under $50
We have been using numerous studio headphones, from just below 50 bucks to a grand or more. In testing these headphones, we kept in mind all the fundamental and critical aspects of the studio while recording, monitoring, mastering, and mixing. So, read our review to get insights into the most credible studio headsets for under 50 dollars.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Features And Specs
Unboxing
Audio-Technica is a household name when we discuss audio and stereo products. We always put Audio-Technica headphones over any entry-level headphones. We ordered Audio Technica ATH-M20X for their advanced build quality. Upon unboxing, there were headphones, a cable, an adapter, and a user manual.
Review:
I chose Audio Technica ATH-M20X as the first choice for my studio routine because of the Circumaural design that perfectly fits around the ears for excellent sound isolation while recording or in a loud environment.
Overall, the first impression of the black headphones was satisfactory but not as that premium as Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones, but the price factor matters here as later cost twice as much as ATH-M20.
The following points will give you a quick overview of some of its technical features when it comes to the primary purpose, which is monitoring. When I tested these studio headphones to dissect their quality, these closed-back headphones served the purpose with clarity.
When you are monitoring, you need to fulfill every aspect of the audio quality by providing minute details. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20 comes with 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils to help you monitor the minute details.
Moreover, the frequency response of 15 – 20,000 Hz helps you reach the even step in the video game that shows its positive impact while tracking. The durable design with ear pads perfectly sealing the ears to avoid bleeding makes these headsets reliable.
The thing I didn’t like while using these headphones is that the cable is not detachable, which I found detachable in the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. On the contrary, they do come with the 6.3 mm (1/4″) snap-on adapter offering convenience for connecting external stereo devices.
• The sound isolation serves the purpose perfectly.
• It comes with a heavy-duty convenient long cable.
• We found these headphones sturdy and long-lasting.
Final Verdict
We have tested every aspect and concluded that Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are the perfect choice for professional music producers that don’t want to avoid better sound quality. The voice clarity and standard isolation make it one of the Top Budget Studio Headphones Under $50.
Tascam TH-02 Closed Back Studio Headphones
Features And Specs
Unboxing
The most important aspect of the studio atmosphere is comfort. The main reason to buy Tascam TH-02 Closed Back Studio headphones is the tightly-Stitched, Padded Headband and Ear Pads that offer sleek design and comfort. When I received it, there was a headset, Snap-on 1/8″ (3.5mm) to 1/4″ (6.3mm) Adapter, and a user manual.
Review
The very first thing that I usually notice and inspect is the build quality. As this is cheap, I was expecting some below-average headphones as Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones come in just below $15. But, on the contrary, they turned out to be of good quality.
Now the next aspect that, as an audiophile, you can not avoid is noise isolation. With plush cushioned ear cuffs with the feasibility to swivel about 90 degrees making, it not only isolates and stops bleeding but also keeps the ear comfortable for long hours of recording.
The next thing that you need to know about Tascam is the large drivers of 50mm, which produce a loud sound and bass. But, these large drivers do make the lows less audible. Overall the frequency response of 18 Hz to 22kHz which are average and good for studio headphones.
The wire of 3m comes fixed with the headphones, so you can not detach the wire. But the Snap-on 1/8″ (3.5mm) to 1/4″ (6.3mm) Adapter helps you connect with the microphone without any hustle.
• We found isolation and response bring up clarity.
• We found it of solid build quality.
• Cushion headbands made long hours comfortable.
• We found lows a little non-existent.
Final Verdict
We have concluded that proper sound isolation, closed-back design, and rich bass response make it one the best cheap Studio headphones Under $50 for your recording. The only downside that we found testing is the lows should have been more prominent.
Neewer NW-3000 Closed Studio Headphones
Features And Specs
Unboxing
If you are one who likes to monitor your tracks with one ear, then you can easily fall in love with the 180-degree design of Neewer NW-3000 Closed Studio Headphones that enables you to perform the task. When I received the package, there were NW-3000 Monitor headphones, one 3 meters Straight cable, and one 6.35mm Plug Adapter along with the adapter.
Review
As a music composer or producer, you always want a wider dynamic range and stable sound output to make everything work to get the perfect and intact final audio quality. Neewer NW-3000 headset comes with the 45mm large-aperture driver to get continuous clear melodious music.
While connecting different devices increases the issue of compatibility, you can solve it with the 3.5mm and 6,35mm plugs that enable you to get the perfect audio experience. Moreover, the cable length of 3 meters further is an aid to roam freely without fear of disconnectivity.
Whether you are a DJ, Radio recorder, or music monitor, with 10hz to 26kHz brings out the professional experience. You can get to know the lows and highs with the optimum bass quality making it pretty ideal for DJ as OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets. NW-3000 goes on the positive side due to lower costs.
Great flexibility is the right word for these headphones; Super soft memory foam cushions and PU leather that perfectly fits on the ears offering 180-rotation for versatility. Plus, the point is that the circumaural design does not bleed to affect the recording.
• We found the sound isolation perfect for recording.
• Detachable cable adapter brings convenience.
Final Verdict
The Neewer NW-300o closed studio headphones with 45mm loudhailer drivers and long cable are quality studio headphones under 50 dollars. You will get pretty impressive build quality, well-padded ear muffs, and standard sound isolation for just below 25 dollars.
JLab Studio Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Features And Specs
Unboxing
If you are a fan of wireless studio headphones and don’t want to spend much, then get this one. I heard a lot about the battery timing of these cheap headphones. When I got JLab Studio headphones, I received a headset, a charging cable, and a manual.
Review
My first impression of the JLab Studio headphones was a kind of Beats Studio headphones. The plush circular ear cups that you can move about 80 degrees. The most exciting thing was the foldability. You can even fold in one, which makes it portable.
Regarding connectivity and pairing, it was terrific that you could reach between 3o feet easily. The next thing was to test it under severe recording and critical listening to keep tracking the battery life. I was excited and thrilled with a good battery life of 30 hours, a little less than JLab Studio Pro Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphones that come with 50+ Hour Bluetooth 5 Playtime.
The next key factor you will enjoy is the EQ3 which enables the user to change the modes to bass, balance, or signature. You can choose according to your needs and have fun.
When we tested these headphones for their built-in microphone and voice assistant, they actually did quite an impressive job. On the other hand, these headphones do not come with the ANC – active noise canceling that you can get in the JLab Audio Studio ANC.
Overall, the device is perfect for listening to music in the original mode without adding any unnecessary bass or music. Or you can go the other way of enjoying music with bass mode. And everything you will get with the two years warranty makes these headphones reasonable.
• The sound quality is good for the price.
• The device is fairly durable.
• The cute bag is useful for keeping it.
• A 2-year warranty makes it credible.
• The buttons sometimes malfunction.
Final Verdict
At such a minimal price, JLab Studio Bluetooth wireless on-ear headphones bring standard sound quality with a long-lasting battery of 30 plus hours, making them the ideal wireless studio headphones under $50 that you can rely on. The only con that could be better is the multifunction button; overall, it is the complete package.
Samson Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones
Features And Specs
Unboxing
What do you need from Samson when they are providing you with the perfect device, SR850 – Semi-Open Studio Headphones? It is a semi-open design that provides a wide soundstage with a solid bass response and extended highs, resulting in a truly dynamic listening experience. Upon unboxing, I got an SR850, cable, and 1/8″ to 1/4″ gold-plated adapter.
Review
When I first received it, I was not convinced about the quality of the headband and ear pads, as they give a little substandard feel. But the right soundstage and stereo imaging helped to get back its genuine reputation as the reference headphones.
The most important feature is the 50mm drivers that help in the mixing from the loud sound, and with the wider soundstage and range, you will get the complete final mixed product. As we know that accuracy is what we require, a wider and flat 10Hz–30kHz frequency response enables the user to get the as-it-is sound as original without any impurities.
Do you want fatigue-free listening and studio sessions? Well, with these lightweight headphones that a producer can wear for continuous work hours. The self-adjusting headband makes the experience even more suitable.
Are you a smartphone music producer? The 32-ohm impedance makes it easy for you to produce or record your songs on the phones. The AKG K52 Headphones share almost the same features as Samson SR850 but are a little more expensive than the latter.
The circumaural design is what every studio headphone should possess as they keep the audio contained and do not bleed to the microphones. Later that bleed creates impure audio quality.
• A long cord helps you move freely while recording.
• Right Sound staging helped me play games.
• The sound separation is pretty impressive.
• Gives a little plasticky feel.
Final Verdict
We have reached a conclusion that is using Samson Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones, which is one of the best studio headphones for gaming under 50 dollars. The optimum sound stage, noise isolation, and cancelation helped me play my favorite games, and the only negative I found is that it doesn’t give a premium feel.
Cheap Studio Headphones Are Suitable For
It is common for audio engineers, music producers, and home studio enthusiasts on a budget to buy cheap studio headphones. In addition, cheap studio headphones are also popular among students, amateurs, and anyone who wants to record or listen to music on a budget.
Since standard brands are doing their best to maintain healthy market competition, you can get standard-quality studio headphones without spending much money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do people wear headphones in studio?
What is a good pair of studio headphones?
The best pair of studio headphones are the ones that are good at frequency response, impedance, and noise isolation. You can rely on Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X, Sennheiser HD 400 Pro, and Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones for your studio needs.
Many professionals use these headphones for their high accuracy, comfort, and durability. In addition to music production, mixing, and mastering, they can also be used for other purposes.
Do studio headphones make a difference?
In terms of audio recording and playback quality, studio headphones can make a big difference. Recording, mixing, and mastering require accurate sound reproduction, which studio headphones provide.
Further, they tend to have a flatter frequency response than regular headphones, so they don’t enhance or reduce specific frequencies artificially, making it easier to interpret the audio.
Why do studio headphones sound muffled?
The main reason studio headphones sound muffled is that they need to be correctly placed on your head. In addition, the earpads are dirty or worn, affecting the proper sound seal.
Often, the audio source needs to be equalized or mixed correctly, leading to certain frequencies being too prominent or too faint. It can also come from the audio source’s volume being too low, making the audio murky.
Conclusion
It is undoubtedly clear that everyone looks for better audio quality while spending less on studio headphones. Yet some best headphones under $50 bring adequate quality and better frequency range for clarity to hear every detail while mixing or recording. With this list of fantastic studio headphones, you can keep checking on your music production in the most effective way.
