Writing, recording, and performing music requires accuracy, attention to detail, and acute audio perception. That's why it helps to have the right tools to assist in bringing your creativity to life. A pair of high-quality headphones that reproduces sound with precision is an essential weapon in any musician's arsenal.

However, not all headphones offer the same features, and choosing the right pair can often prove a daunting task.

These are the best headphones for musicians available today.

Premium pick

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

9.40 / 10
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The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a top-tier option for musicians who need high-quality, accurate, and detailed sound. They boast a lightweight, durable, and comfortable build and are also an excellent choice for DJs.

These headphones feature an impressive frequency response range of 15 to 28,000Hz and an impedance of 38 ohms powered by 45mm drivers. The sound is well-balanced and clear across the entire frequency range, with details faithfully reproduced.

Additionally, the closed-back over-ear design provides excellent noise isolation, and the 98dB sensitivity offers extra help when monitoring in loud environments. Thanks to the convenient swiveling earcups, you can also monitor external speakers easily without removing the cans.

The ATH-M50x headphones come with three detachable cables: two straight wires of 10 and four feet in length, and a coiled option that stretches out to 10 feet. They provide ample length and adaptability, and you can easily replace a cable when worn.

Key Features
  • 90-degree swiveling earcups
  • Professional-grade earpad and headband material
  • Various cables included
  • 45mm drivers
Specifications
  • Brand: Audio-Technica
  • Weight: 10oz
  • Foldable: Collapsible
Pros
  • Excellent sound isolation
  • Clear sound throughout frequency range
  • Durable and comfortable
Cons
  • Proprietary cable connection
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Editors choice

2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

9.20 / 10
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If you're seeking a pair of headphones with a pronounced bass response, you should give the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones a look. These 80-ohm-impedance headphones feature an innovative bass reflex system that enhances low frequencies, which is great if you track instruments like bass guitars, synthesizers, or kick drums. They're also available in 32- and 250-ohm versions for studio mixing.

These Beyerdynamic headphones have a comprehensive frequency response range of 5 to 35,000Hz, allowing you to hear more nuances and subtleties in your music. You also get excellent noise isolation with the closed-back design (which is particularly helpful in noisy studios or garage basements).

Not only do the DT 770 Pros sound great, but they also feature a padded, adjustable headband alongside breathable velour ear pads. These welcome features ensure your ears won't want a comfort break during extended sessions.

However, something to keep in mind: while the 10-foot cable is single-sided for practicality, it is not detachable. This may not be a problem for you in the slightest, but it's best to be aware of it before committing to these headphones.

Key Features
  • 45mm drivers
  • Innovative bass-reflex system
  • 96dB sensitivity
Specifications
  • Brand: Beyerdynamic
  • Weight: 9.5oz
  • Foldable: No
Pros
  • All parts are replaceable
  • Excellent noise isolation
  • Padded headband and comfortable velour ear pads
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Robust soundstage
Cons
  • Cable isn't detachable
  • Enhanced bass isn't suitable for all genres
  • Bulky and not particularly portable
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Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Best value

3. Sony MDR7506

9.40 / 10
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If you are a musician looking for accurate and detailed sound reproduction at an agreeable price, the Sony MDR7506 headphones are one of your best options. With their balanced and precise sound signature, a respectable 10 to 20,000Hz frequency response, and an impedance of 63 ohms powered by 40mm drivers, frugal audiophiles will also be as pleased as punch.

The closed-back over-ear design offers decent noise isolation, and the lightweight build of just over 8oz makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Additionally, the gold connectors add a touch of elegance, providing long-lasting and corrosion-resistant durability.

The only downside is the weight of the fixed coil cable. It's almost 10 feet long, making it cumbersome, but practical for most situations.

Key Features
  • 40mm drivers
  • 10 to 20,000Hz frequency response
  • 106dB sensitivity
  • 63-ohm impedance
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Weight: 8.1oz
  • Foldable: Foldable
Pros
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Accurate and balanced sound
  • Good value
Cons
  • Heavy coiled cable is non-detachable
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Sony MDR7506

Sennheiser is renowned for making products with high-quality components and crisp, clear audio, and the HD 280 Pros are a prime example. They are an excellent choice for musicians, DJs, and electronic music producers, who can all enjoy their detailed sound reproduction.

With a flat and accurate frequency response, you can hear tracks without coloration or distortion, which makes them great headphones for tracking and playing live. The closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, with up to 32dB of attenuation, making them ideal for loud environments like noisy studios or nightclubs.

The comfortable padded headband and earpads allow for extended use, even during long studio sessions or performances on stage. And if that’s not enough, despite offering similar quality to many premium headphones, the HD 280 Pros land in a more affordable price region as well.

Key Features
  • 8 to 25,000Hz frequency response
  • 113dB sensitivity
  • 64-ohm impedance
  • 40mm drivers
Specifications
  • Brand: Sennheiser
  • Weight: 10oz
  • Foldable: Foldable
Pros
  • Accurate linear sound reproduction
  • Soft, padded headband and earpads
  • Cups rotate and fold away
  • Solid noise isolation
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Fixed cable
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Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Shure is a well-known and respected manufacturer of exceptional-quality microphones and has been making them for decades. In recent years, it has also focused its efforts on professional-grade headphones like the Shure SRH440A.

With a transparent and natural sound signature, you get balanced and neutral tones without coloration or distortion, making them perfect for music production and critical listening. The 40mm neodymium-magnetic drivers power an enhanced frequency response and a 40-ohm impedance, delivering an immersive and accurate sound experience.

These headphones feature a closed-back design suitable for noisy environments. Additionally, the padded adjustable headband and swiveling ear pads ensure they remain comfortable even during extended sessions.

And the icing on the cake is the included carrying bag and detachable 10-foot-long cable that provide portability and convenience. There's no coiled option, though, so you will have to buy one separately if you prefer that style.

Key Features
  • 10-foot detachable straight cable and carrying bag included
  • 40mm neodymium-magnet drivers
  • 97dB sensitivity
  • 10 to 22,000Hz frequency range
  • 40-ohm impedance
Specifications
  • Brand: Shure
  • Weight: 8.9oz
  • Foldable: Collapsible
Pros
  • Enhanced frequency response
  • Transparent, natural sound signature
  • Comfortable and durable
  • Good sound isolation
Cons
  • Bass may not pack enough punch for some music
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Shure SRH440A

Featuring the largest diaphragm on this list with 50mm drivers, the AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII Professional Studio Headphones offer exceptional power and precision. They produce a wide dynamic range with pinpoint accuracy, no distortion, and excellent transient response. They have a flat frequency response, with a range of 16 to 28,000Hz, and good noise isolation from the closed-back design. They’re another top-of-the-line option for musicians and audiophiles.

While you may expect them to carry around significant weight thanks to the size of their drivers, AKG managed to keep them down to a lightweight 8.5oz. Comfort is not forsaken, either. The earpads are luxuriously soft and covered in durable faux leather with a snug fit and a self-adjustable headband. Thus, you can wear them for extended basement or live show sessions.

Additionally, with the earpads replaceable and the wire detachable, you get a pair of quality headphones with excellent longevity.

Key Features
  • 50mm drivers
  • 1x 3-meter straight cable and 1x 5-meter coiled cable included
  • 16 to 28,000Hz frequency response
  • 55-ohm impedance
  • 104dB SPL sensitivity
Specifications
  • Brand: AKG
  • Weight: 8.5oz
  • Foldable: Hinged and foldable
Pros
  • Excellent sound isolation
  • Comfortable design with self-adjusting headband
  • Detachable cable and replaceable earpads
  • Auto-mute function
Cons
  • Higher price point
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AKG Pro Audio K271 MKII

The Australian manufacturer RØDE has been synonymous with quality audio products for more than a few decades now. With the RØDE NTH-100, you have another pair of excellent headphones explicitly designed with musicians in mind.

Much of these headphones’ appeal is their outstanding comfort. With Alcantara earcups and headband cushions coupled with innovative CoolTech gel, you might not want to take them off. The earcups also feature a unique ergonomic design, and the headband is adjustable and features FitLock locking technology for a secure fit.

The sound quality is superior to a vast number of other headphones, too. With an impressive frequency response of 5 to 35,000Hz and a high 110dB sensitivity powered by custom-matched 40mm drivers, you get precise clarity across the frequency spectrum. The closed-back design also offers good sound isolation at an attenuation of 20dB.

While they are a tad on the heavy side at 12.4oz, they do offer a bit more convenience with cable attachments on either ear. The included cable is almost eight-foot long, and they also come with a carrying pouch, a quarter-inch adapter, and colored ID rings, so you can easily pick them out in a crowded studio or on stage.

Key Features
  • Custom-matched 40mm drivers
  • 5 to 35,000Hz frequency response
  • 110dB sensitivity
  • CoolTech gel memory foam earpads and Alcantara headband
  • 32-ohm impedance
Specifications
  • Brand: RØDE
  • Weight: 12.4oz
  • Foldable: No
Pros
  • Detachable cable with dual-sided cable attachments
  • Comfortable and secure
  • Durable
Cons
  • On the heavy side
Buy This Product
RØDE NTH-100

FAQ

Q: Which Is Better for Musicians, Open or Closed-Back Headphones?

Closed-back headphones are not only much better at preventing sound leakage, but they also provide noise isolation. This advantage helps block unwanted distractions when focusing on playing and tracking. They also enable low frequencies to have a fuller sound profile. However, they tend to be less breathable than their open-ear counterparts.

Q: How Important Is Frequency Response in Headphones for Music Production?

Musicians’ headphones should have a flat and accurate frequency response. However, this may vary depending on the genre. Hip-hop and other types of electronic music may benefit from boosted low frequencies.

Whatever the genre, a musician’s headphones should have a minimum range of 20 to 20,000Hz. This frequency is the audible range to the human ear. Headphones with a broader range offer better sound quality and less distortion, allowing the artist to feel the music more intuitively.

Q: Are Wireless Headphones Suitable for Music Production?

Wireless headphones improve year after year. However, they still introduce latency in the audio signal, meaning playing in time with the music can be a bit more challenging. Therefore, they may not be the best choice for musicians.