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10 Best Studio Monitor Headphones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Hi-Res Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets with 50mm Drivers and 1/4 to 3.5mm Jack for AMP Computer Recording Podcast Keyboard Guitar Laptop - Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,168
Frequency Response
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
46381 reviews

Frequency Response
The audio is crystal clear with rich bass and well-balanced mids and highs, making the sound immersive and detailed.
Comfort and Build Quality
Comfortable ear cushions and an adjustable headband allow for hours of use without discomfort or ear fatigue.

The OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are designed specifically for those in need of studio monitor headphones, making them a solid choice for musicians, DJs, and anyone involved in audio recording or mixing. One of the standout features is the large 50mm drivers that deliver a wide frequency range from 20 Hz to 40 kHz, ensuring powerful bass, clear vocals, and crisp highs. This makes them a great fit for studio work where sound clarity is crucial.

Comfort is another strength; the headphones come with soft, padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband, allowing for extended listening sessions without discomfort. The 90° swiveling ear cups facilitate single-ear monitoring, which is especially useful during live DJing or mixing, adding to their versatility.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The OneOdio headphones are wired, which means you won’t have the freedom of movement that wireless models offer. While this may be acceptable in a studio setting, it could be limiting for more casual listeners or those who prefer mobility. Additionally, the plastic build, while lightweight, may not feel as durable as other models made from higher-quality materials. The shared audio port feature is a nice touch, allowing users to connect another pair of headphones for shared listening without needing extra cables. This can be beneficial in collaborative environments.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,168
Frequency Response
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
46381 reviews

Frequency Response
The audio is crystal clear with rich bass and well-balanced mids and highs, making the sound immersive and detailed.
Comfort and Build Quality
Comfortable ear cushions and an adjustable headband allow for hours of use without discomfort or ear fatigue.
#2

OneOdio A70 Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones, Wireless Headphones w/ 72H Playtime, Hi-Res, 3.5mm/6.35mm Wired Audio Jack for Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Guitar AMP, Computer Laptop PC Tablet - Red

Rating
9.6
Comfort and Build Quality
Cable Type and Length

Most important from
16282 reviews

Comfort and Build Quality
The headphones fit perfectly even on large heads, providing complete ear coverage without any uncomfortable compression.
Cable Type and Length
The unique locking mechanism on the audio cable ensures a secure connection, preventing accidental unplugging during use.

The OneOdio A70 headphones are a solid choice for those needing studio monitor headphones with flexibility. They feature 40mm neodymium drivers, which deliver powerful bass and clear dynamic sound, covering a wide frequency range up to 40 kHz—this helps you hear details important for mixing and monitoring. The impedance is 32 Ohms, making them easy to drive from most devices without requiring extra amplification.

These headphones have a closed-back design, which helps isolate sound, reducing outside noise—a key benefit for studio work where focus is essential. The over-ear, rounded ear cups with cotton material suggest a comfortable fit, suitable for longer sessions. The build includes a custom aluminum fascia, indicating decent durability. One standout feature is the dual-mode connectivity: you can use them wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.2 with an impressive 72 hours of battery life or switch to wired mode using the included 3.5mm and 6.35mm audio cables. This wired option ensures the headphones won’t run out of power during critical listening. Additionally, the locked aux jack design helps maintain a stable connection, preventing accidental unplugging.

The A70 also offers a unique audio sharing function, allowing multiple headphones to connect simultaneously, which can be handy in collaborative studio settings. While the frequency response extends to 40 kHz, the listed range starts at 20 Hz, slightly missing the very lowest bass frequencies some professionals might prefer. The headphones are a bit heavier (14.4 ounces) and made in China, which may concern some regarding build consistency. They lack active noise cancellation, relying solely on passive sound isolation. The OneOdio A70 delivers excellent value for studio monitoring with flexible wired/wireless options, good sound quality, and comfort, making them suitable for DJs, mixers, and musicians who want reliable, versatile headphones without breaking the bank.

Rating
9.6
Comfort and Build Quality
Cable Type and Length

Most important from
16282 reviews

Comfort and Build Quality
The headphones fit perfectly even on large heads, providing complete ear coverage without any uncomfortable compression.
Cable Type and Length
The unique locking mechanism on the audio cable ensures a secure connection, preventing accidental unplugging during use.
#3

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black

Rating
9.3
Frequency Response
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
27649 reviews

Frequency Response
The bass is powerful enough to vibrate the headphones, and the clarity allows you to hear subtle sounds like cymbals and hi-hats.
Comfort and Build Quality
Durability is impressive; they withstand drops, pulls, and daily mishaps without any issues.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a solid choice for anyone in need of reliable studio-monitor headphones. They feature a frequency response that goes up to 28,000 Hz, ensuring that you can hear a wide range of sounds clearly, including deep bass and intricate details in your audio. The 45mm large aperture drivers contribute to this exceptional sound quality, making them a favorite among audio engineers and professionals. Their closed-back design offers excellent sound isolation, which is crucial when working in louder environments or when you need to focus on the audio without distractions.

Comfort is another strong point of the ATH-M50x. The circumaural design fits snugly around the ears, ensuring that you can wear them for extended periods without discomfort. The swiveling earcups are a practical feature, allowing for easy one-ear monitoring, which can be beneficial in studio settings.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While they are comfortable, some users might find them a bit tight after prolonged use. The impedance is relatively low at 38 Ohm, meaning they can be driven easily by various devices, but audiophiles might prefer headphones with higher impedance for more nuanced sound reproduction. Additionally, these are wired headphones with a detachable 3-meter cable, which can be convenient but also limits mobility compared to wireless options.

The ATH-M50x headphones excel in sound quality, durability, and comfort, making them ideal for studio monitoring or critical listening. They may not be the best fit for those seeking maximum mobility or a very relaxed fit, but for serious audio work, they are a commendable choice.

Rating
9.3
Frequency Response
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
27649 reviews

Frequency Response
The bass is powerful enough to vibrate the headphones, and the clarity allows you to hear subtle sounds like cymbals and hi-hats.
Comfort and Build Quality
Durability is impressive; they withstand drops, pulls, and daily mishaps without any issues.

Buying Guide for the Best Studio Monitor Headphones

Choosing the right studio monitor headphones is crucial for anyone involved in music production, mixing, or any audio-related work. These headphones are designed to provide a flat frequency response, allowing you to hear the audio exactly as it is, without any coloration. This helps in making accurate adjustments and decisions during the production process. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand and evaluate several key specifications. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the essential specs and make an informed decision.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response refers to the range of frequencies that the headphones can reproduce. This is important because a wider frequency range allows you to hear more details in the audio. Typically, studio monitor headphones should cover at least 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is the range of human hearing. If you are working with bass-heavy music, you might want headphones that can go lower than 20 Hz. Conversely, if you are focusing on vocals or high-frequency instruments, ensure the headphones can accurately reproduce higher frequencies.
ImpedanceImpedance is a measure of electrical resistance and is expressed in ohms. It affects how much power the headphones need to produce sound. Low impedance headphones (under 50 ohms) are suitable for use with portable devices like smartphones and laptops, as they require less power. High impedance headphones (over 50 ohms) are better suited for studio equipment with dedicated headphone amplifiers, as they can handle more power and often provide better sound quality. Choose based on your primary audio source: low impedance for portable use and high impedance for studio setups.
Driver SizeThe driver is the component that converts electrical signals into sound. Larger drivers (measured in millimeters) generally produce better bass and a more powerful sound. Common driver sizes for studio monitor headphones range from 40mm to 50mm. If you need precise bass response and a fuller sound, opt for headphones with larger drivers. However, for a more balanced and detailed sound, especially in the mid and high frequencies, driver size is less critical, and you can focus on other specs.
Closed-back vs. Open-backClosed-back headphones have a sealed design that isolates sound, preventing audio from leaking in or out. This is ideal for recording environments where you need to avoid bleed into microphones. Open-back headphones, on the other hand, have a perforated design that allows air and sound to pass through, providing a more natural and spacious sound. They are great for mixing and mastering but not suitable for recording. Choose closed-back for recording and open-back for mixing and mastering tasks.
Comfort and Build QualityComfort is crucial, especially if you will be wearing the headphones for extended periods. Look for headphones with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear pads, and lightweight designs. Build quality is also important for durability. Materials like metal and high-quality plastics are preferable. Try to find a balance between comfort and durability based on how long you will be using the headphones and how often you will be transporting them.
Cable Type and LengthThe type and length of the cable can affect your workflow. Coiled cables are flexible and can extend when needed, making them ideal for studio use where you might need to move around. Straight cables are less bulky and better for portable use. The length of the cable should be long enough to reach your audio source without causing tension but not so long that it becomes cumbersome. Consider your working environment and choose a cable type and length that suits your needs.

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