The Best Studio Headphones - Closed-Back or Open-Back?
High-quality studio headphones make your work a lot easier, whether you’re mixing or recording. We introduce the best models and compare the best studio headphones.
-
by
Fabian
- last edited: 22.10.2026
In Brief: Our Favorites
Closed-Back
Open-Back
Wireless
- Use our affiliate links and support our work.
Our website is free of advertising banners and we state transparently when we have been sent a product. By purchasing from our affiliate partners you do not pay more and support us. Thank you!
Open-Back or Closed-Back? Why It Makes a Difference!
Studio headphones are explicitly used in a studio environment, that much is clear. But what that studio use looks like for you always depends on how you work. As a general rule: If you do a lot of recording with headphones, you should definitely buy closed-back studio headphones! That way you prevent so-called “bleeding”. Bleeding (called Übersprechung in German) occurs when the ear cup is not well shielded. The microphone then picks up not only the vocals, for example, but also the playback from the headphones. So with a closed-back design, the recording of the voice comes out cleaner.
You would use open-back headphones, however, as a mixing or mastering engineer, for example. They are not shielded as strongly, so a lot of sound also leaks out. In a public environment that can be perceived as disturbing. For you as the user, though, it has the advantage that it sounds much more natural when you wear them for hours, since the surroundings are not completely shut out. What you hear therefore feels more natural and gives you a better sense of space.
Closed-Back Headphones for Monitoring and Recording - Open-Back Headphones for Mixing and Mastering
So what are semi-open models? They combine natural sound with slightly shielded headphones. So it’s a middle ground that has its place. Classics like the AKG K240 or the beyerdynamic DT880 Pro are found in many studios. They work well as all-rounders, but for monitoring while recording we still recommend a closed-back model.
The Best Headphones for Your Studio (Closed-Back)
Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro - "Mini DT 770 Pro" with Impressive Sound
-
$129.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
The Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro surprises in this price range with a very balanced and honest sound. It deliberately sounds neutral and unexcited, which makes it especially strong for voice recordings, podcasts and monitoring. Voices are reproduced clearly, with presence and in a way that’s easy to judge, without artificial emphasis on bass or treble. It’s less meant for music lovers looking for a fun sound. For content creation, home studio and recording, however, it serves its purpose excellently, and that’s exactly what it’s designed for.
Despite its more compact design, the DT 270 Pro sits comfortably and securely on the head. The around-ear design means longer sessions are possible without any problem. Compared to larger Beyerdynamic models it seems lighter and less massive at first, but in everyday use it convinces with good wearing comfort and sufficient stability. Its size is especially practical, since you can use it on the go without any problem.
More on this in our Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro Review.
-
$129.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Our Recommendation: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro / DT770 Pro X
-
$199.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Impossible to imagine the world’s studios without it, and by now known to every producer – the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. This closed-back headphone is above all perfect for recording, but is just as suitable for any other audio work.
An important feature is the detachable and replaceable ear cup pads. Over a few years a lot of dirt builds up there, and with new pads it feels almost like buying a new pair.
The latest revision of this model is the DT770 Pro X* – what’s new is that thanks to the new stellar.45 driver no additional amplification is needed, and the great sound quality of these studio headphones can also be used without problems with smaller devices such as smartphones. The wearing comfort has changed as well; the successor sits somewhat tighter around the head. This revision is offered at a price of about €200, like the predecessor model. You’ll find more details in our Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro Review.
-
$199.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Shure SRH840A
-
$169.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Shure is better known for microphones, but with its SRH series Shure also offers studio headphones. The 840 has a fuller bass and extended frequency range compared with the SRH440. The wider, padded headband also increases comfort during long listening sessions, which makes this model ideal for professional monitoring and mixing.
Thanks to its robust construction, the Shure SRH840A is especially durable and is also suited to mobile use. Its closed-back design minimizes ambient noise and allows precise work even in loud environments. At a price of about €150 it offers excellent value for money for users who care about detailed and balanced sound. Especially in the midrange, the headphones convince with clarity, which makes them ideal for editing vocals and instruments. The replaceable ear pads also ensure a long service life and additional flexibility.
-
$169.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Sennheiser HD 25
-
$130.34
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
The Sennheiser HD25 is designed mainly for one target group: DJs. The build is light, flexible (because it folds) and thus perfect for the constantly traveling DJ. The pads rest on the ear rather than around it, which greatly reduces wearing comfort and makes wearing them for several hours straight almost painful. Since the cables are exposed, they’re also quickly damaged and have to be replaced. Feel free to check out DJ headphones if that’s what you’re looking for.
Sound-wise, though, the lightweight model surprises with hefty bass: the specs state that the HD25 can reproduce down to 16 Hz in the bass range, which is already very strong for the size of the drivers.
The Sennheiser HD25 is designed entirely for one specific use case. For mixing and mastering we would definitely not recommend these headphones.
-
$130.34
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Audio Technica ATH-M20x
-
$59.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Here we haven’t named a specific model because Audio Technica has the M series ready for studio use. That includes the models ATH M20x , M30x, M40x, M50x, M60x and M70x. All of these models are dynamic, closed-back studio headphones suited to recording, mixing and DJ gigs. The numbers don’t stand for anything specific, but indicate the gradation in quality and price. For example, the M20x and M30x have a permanently attached cable, while on the 40 and 50 you can swap the cable.
The ATH M50x and ATH M40X are often equated with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. Probably because both models are very popular and are in a similar price class. We do want to mention, though, that the two are VERY different. Audio Technica has a very clear idea of what makes a good tonal character. The detailed highs in particular are their trademark. In terms of workmanship and comfort, we personally prefer the quality of Beyerdynamic. Here the materials feel higher-quality and more comfortable.
-
$59.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wireless+
-
$299.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
The AIAIAI was the first wireless headphone that we could more or less use for studio work. It has not just Bluetooth transmission but also W+ Link transmission, which shines with a high bitrate and constant, low latency.
So anyone who really wants to work wirelessly can use these headphones. With 16ms latency you have no trouble even when recording, unless you’re a drummer who plays to the exact ms. The sound, however, isn’t excellent; you can work with it, but it sounds a bit muddy and not clean. The wireless feature is definitely the main selling point.
If, besides the “wireless” feature, you also expect good sound, you can take a look at the Lewitt LW6, the next one on the list.
-
$299.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Lewitt LW6
-
$699.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
After producing numerous top-class microphones, Lewitt is finally bringing out a headphone. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s actually the perfect studio headphone. It is wireless and yet almost without latency, it is a closed-back headphone, but it can also be used open.
Okay, one thing at a time. The wireless feature is better than the one on the AIAIAI, because with the LW6 you only have 6 seconds of latency! With the AIAIAI you have 16 seconds. The headphone has a closed-back design, but thanks to DSP you can not only adjust EQs and Loudness Guard but also load a virtual studio. So you get an open sound in a closed-back design.
These headphones therefore cover every application a studio headphone should, and that’s why they’re one of our favorites.
-
$699.00
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
The Best Headphones for Your Studio (Open-Back)
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro / DT 990 Pro X
-
$199.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
The Beyerdynamic DT990 is possibly the most popular open-back studio headphone, since its value for money is hard to beat. The sound is balanced, the workmanship feels high-quality, and you can wear them for a relatively long time.
As always with Beyerdynamic, this model also comes in 80 and 250 ohm versions. The higher number, though, doesn’t just mean better driver quality, but also that the preamp in the playback device has to produce more output level. An explanation of impedance follows further down. Although these studio headphones leave nothing to be desired, there are two higher-end variants, which are also open-back studio headphones:
First, the DT 900 Pro X*, the revision of the classic with the stellar.45 driver, which spares you the impedance question and runs cleanly on any device.
Quite a bit more expensive but also higher quality is the DT 1990 Pro*. The premium variant with a Tesla neodymium driver has two pad sets for different tunings and a very natural stereo field.
-
$199.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
AKG K702
-
$256.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
A standout feature of the AKG K702 is its very wide and deep soundstage. The open-back design helps the music spread out well spatially and delivers an immersive listening experience.
The AKG K702 is relatively light and has soft, velour-covered ear pads that offer good wearing comfort, even during longer listening sessions. The headphones have a self-adjusting headband that distributes the pressure evenly.
The AKG K702 has a relatively high impedance and needs an amplifier to reach its full potential. It does work with mobile devices, but a good amplifier is recommended to achieve the best possible sound quality. It is the successor to the AGK K701, which is no longer offered for sale.
-
$256.99
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Sennheiser HD650
-
$379.95
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Anyone who really wants to hear and feel the advantage of open-back headphones should definitely try the Sennheiser HD650. An open, dynamic over-ear headphone that is known for its outstanding sound quality, comfortable fit and durable construction. It is especially popular with audiophiles and music lovers who value natural and neutral sound reproduction.
While most headphone ear cups are round, the elliptical ear cup of the HD650 gives a completely different perspective on sound localization. In other words: Sounds are much easier to localize, because the wide soundstage is portrayed very clearly and naturally.
Although the price is set somewhat higher here, it’s worth trying out the HD650.
-
$379.95
As of Oct 30, 2026, 10:31 am GMT+0000
Buy at Amazon*
Impedance in Professional Studio Headphones - 30, 80 or 250 Ohms?
If you buy a 250-ohm headphone and only use it with a smartphone, it will simply be too quiet. What matters isn’t impedance alone, but its interplay with the headphone’s sensitivity and the output power of your amplifier. A higher impedance therefore doesn’t automatically mean better sound; it just places higher demands on the source.
High-impedance versions often sound cleaner and more controlled on a powerful audio interface or headphone amplifier, because the amplifier runs in a more favorable operating range. Low-impedance models (32–80 ohms), on the other hand, reach sufficient level on any device. Smartphone and laptop then have enough volume. Our rule of thumb: 80 ohms for all-round use with an interface, 32 ohms for mobile, 250 ohms only with a suitable amplifier.
For those interested, Beyerdynamic has an in-depth explanation here: What Does Impedance Tell You?
Studio Monitoring in the Highest Audio Quality - Comfort Matters!
There’s often a 30-day return policy. Even if it’s not perfect, go ahead and order the model that appeals to you most, and decide after a few hours of wearing it whether it stays. If you’re looking more for a headset for gaming, we have our own gaming headset comparison
In-Ear Headphones – An Alternative to Over-Ear Studio Headphones?
You very rarely see in-ear headphones in a professional studio. That’s mainly because this type is designed especially for very loud environments. That can be everyday noise on public transport or the volume level on live stages. The design, which sends the sound practically straight into the ear canal, seals you off completely from your surroundings. Even better than closed-back headphones.
Thanks to their small, flexible shape and strong isolation, they’re suited above all as monitoring headphones for musicians on stage. Accordingly, their frequency response is usually tuned for music and not for the most neutral reproduction possible. There are exceptions: models like the Shure SE215* or the Sennheiser IE 100 Pro Clear* come noticeably closer to a linear sound.
For recording in the recording room, in-ears work well because they hardly radiate outward. For mixing, mastering and editing, we still don’t recommend them. The soundstage is too narrow to reliably judge spatiality and depth layering.
Wireless / Bluetooth or Wired?
If the area of use really is the studio, you’re definitely better off with a wired version. Some manufacturers also have really high-quality wireless headphones, for example Austrian Audio, which offers the Hi-X25BT, but without a cable there’s always latency and a slight loss of quality. Bluetooth headphones are really more suited to the consumer sector. So if all you care about is enjoying music, you won’t go wrong with wireless models either.
If you want to use wireless with little latency, you can go with the Lewitt LW6 or the AIAIAI TMA-2 Wireless + . Here you don’t get fluctuating Bluetooth latency of about 250ms, but a constant latency of 16ms that’s barely noticeable. Drummers should probably still go with wired headphones. Still, it’s a good solution if you’re annoyed by cables.
Conclusion: The Best Studio Headphones Are the Ones That Fit You
Above all, comfort and the ear cup are absolutely decisive in professional studio headphones, because you should be able to wear your new work tool for several hours without problems. Most over-ear models, especially in the professional range, are well developed when it comes to wearing comfort.
For your recording studio you should therefore definitely test which model fits well and still has a linear frequency response. If you have a different purpose in mind, take a look at our other blog articles: Podcast Headphones (these headphones are also suited to content creation) and Streaming Headphones. You’ll also find more on the topic of podcasting with us.
Links marked with * are affiliate links. There are no additional costs for you, some of these links are with an automatic discount for you. We mark these links for transparency and would never recommend bad products. Find out more here: Our partners.
