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10 Best Studio Monitor Headphones For Mixing 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 by1,374
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.
Comfort and Build Quality
The ear cushions are incredibly soft and comfortable, even during extended use.

The OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones are designed with both comfort and sound quality in mind, making them suitable for mixing and mastering tasks. One of their standout features is the large 50mm drivers that deliver a solid frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 40 kHz. This broad range helps in reproducing powerful bass, clear vocals, and detailed highs, which are essential for accurate audio mixing. The headphones also boast an impedance of 32 Ohm, making them versatile for use with various audio devices, from laptops to DJ mixers.

Comfort is another strong point, with soft, padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband that allows for long listening sessions without discomfort. The 90° swiveling ear cups enable single-ear monitoring, which is particularly useful for DJs and sound engineers who need to stay aware of their environment.

These headphones excel in comfort and sound quality for those who mix audio, though the wired limitation and closed-back design might not be ideal for every user. They're a solid choice for those in the studio or on stage, especially with the added benefit of a shared audio port to connect with another pair.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,374
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.
Comfort and Build Quality
The ear cushions are incredibly soft and comfortable, even during extended use.
#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
Frequency Response
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
16282 reviews

Frequency Response
The sound quality is impressively clear with solid bass and accurate stereo imaging, making them suitable for mixing despite a slightly bass-forward signature.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Noise isolation is decent but some sound leakage occurs at higher volumes, which is manageable in most environments.
Comfort and Build Quality
These headphones fit comfortably even on larger heads, fully covering the ears without causing pressure or discomfort during extended use.

The OneOdio A70 headphones offer a variety of features appealing to those needing studio monitor headphones for mixing, especially at a budget-friendly price. They have a wide frequency response up to 40 kHz, exceeding the typical human hearing range and suggesting detailed audio reproduction. Their 32-ohm impedance is low enough to work easily with many devices, including laptops and audio interfaces, without requiring extra amplification. The 40mm neodymium drivers deliver strong bass and clear sound, helping users hear all parts of a mix clearly.

These headphones feature a closed-back design, which helps with noise isolation and prevents sound leakage, useful in noisy environments or shared spaces. Comfort-wise, they include over-ear cotton ear pads that provide reasonable comfort for longer sessions. While the build is mostly plastic with some metal parts, making them lightweight, this may result in less durability compared to pricier models. A notable feature is the dual wired and wireless modes with a long 72-hour battery life in Bluetooth mode, although wireless usage is less common for mixing due to potential latency and sound quality limitations. The included cables and jack lock system ensure stable wired connections, essential for critical listening.

While these headphones offer good isolation, their sound signature may slightly emphasize bass due to their DJ-focused design, which might not be perfectly flat for professional mixing. The fit and finish are decent but do not match the comfort and refinement of high-end studio headphones. These headphones are well-suited for beginner to intermediate users or those needing versatile, budget-friendly headphones for mixing or casual studio use, while serious professionals might prefer more specialized, neutral-sounding options.

Rating
9.6
Frequency Response
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
16282 reviews

Frequency Response
The sound quality is impressively clear with solid bass and accurate stereo imaging, making them suitable for mixing despite a slightly bass-forward signature.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Noise isolation is decent but some sound leakage occurs at higher volumes, which is manageable in most environments.
Comfort and Build Quality
These headphones fit comfortably even on larger heads, fully covering the ears without causing pressure or discomfort during extended use.
#3

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

Rating
9.3
Frequency Response
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
27649 reviews

Frequency Response
The bass is powerful enough to vibrate the headphones, and the clarity allows hearing subtle sounds like cymbals and hi-hats.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
The circumaural design provides excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for noisy environments.
Comfort and Build Quality
Despite frequent drops and mishaps, their durability is impressive with no damage or performance issues.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are a popular choice for anyone involved in studio mixing, thanks to their impressive performance and comfort features. Their 45mm large aperture drivers deliver a clear and detailed sound, making them ideal for critical listening and mixing tasks. The headphones excel in frequency response, providing deep bass and an extended range that many audio professionals appreciate. The circumaural design ensures that they fit snugly around your ears, effectively isolating sound in noisy environments, which is a big plus for mixing sessions.

Comfort-wise, the ATH-M50x boasts professional-grade earpads and a sturdy headband that enhance durability and comfort during long mixing sessions. The 90-degree swiveling earcups are also a handy feature, allowing easy one-ear monitoring—a common requirement for studio work.

While the headphones are mainly designed for studio use, their closed-back design might not be ideal for everyone. Some users might prefer open-back headphones for a more natural soundstage, especially when mixing genres that benefit from this. Additionally, while the impedance of 38 Ohm is suitable for studio gear, it may not perform as well with lower-end devices, such as smartphones, which could lead to less optimal sound quality.

Rating
9.3
Frequency Response
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
Comfort and Build Quality

Most important from
27649 reviews

Frequency Response
The bass is powerful enough to vibrate the headphones, and the clarity allows hearing subtle sounds like cymbals and hi-hats.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back
The circumaural design provides excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for noisy environments.
Comfort and Build Quality
Despite frequent drops and mishaps, their durability is impressive with no damage or performance issues.

Buying Guide for the Best Studio Monitor Headphones For Mixing

When choosing studio monitor headphones for mixing, it's important to focus on the specifications that will ensure you get the most accurate and detailed sound reproduction. This will help you make precise adjustments to your mixes and ensure they translate well across different playback systems. Here are the key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response refers to the range of frequencies that the headphones can reproduce, typically measured in Hertz (Hz). This spec is crucial because it determines how accurately the headphones can reproduce the lows, mids, and highs of your audio. A wider frequency response range (e.g., 20 Hz to 20 kHz) is generally better as it covers the full spectrum of human hearing. For mixing, you want headphones that can accurately reproduce both the deep bass and the high treble frequencies, so look for a range that covers at least 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
ImpedanceImpedance, measured in ohms (Ω), indicates how much power the headphones need to deliver sound at a certain volume. This is important because it affects the compatibility with your audio equipment. Low impedance headphones (under 50 ohms) are suitable for use with portable devices like smartphones and laptops, while high impedance headphones (over 50 ohms) are better suited for professional studio equipment with dedicated headphone amplifiers. For mixing, if you are using professional audio interfaces or amplifiers, higher impedance headphones can provide better sound quality and detail.
Driver SizeDriver size, measured in millimeters (mm), refers to the diameter of the headphone's speaker driver. Larger drivers (e.g., 40mm to 50mm) can produce more powerful and detailed sound, especially in the bass frequencies. This is important for mixing as it helps you hear the full depth and detail of your audio. However, larger drivers can also make the headphones bulkier. Choose a driver size that balances comfort and sound quality, typically around 40mm to 50mm for studio monitor headphones.
Closed-Back vs. Open-BackClosed-back headphones have ear cups that are sealed, which helps to isolate sound and prevent audio leakage. This is important for mixing in noisy environments or when you need to focus on the details without external distractions. Open-back headphones, on the other hand, have ear cups that allow air and sound to pass through, providing a more natural and spacious sound. This can be beneficial for mixing as it gives a more accurate representation of how the mix will sound on speakers. Choose closed-back headphones for better isolation and open-back headphones for a more natural soundstage.
Comfort and Build QualityComfort and build quality are essential for long mixing sessions. Look for headphones with adjustable headbands, cushioned ear pads, and lightweight designs to ensure they remain comfortable over extended periods. Durable materials and a sturdy build are also important to withstand regular use. Try to find headphones that offer a good balance of comfort and durability, as this will help you stay focused on your mixing without discomfort or the need for frequent replacements.

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