Best Over-ear Headphones for Studio 2026
Professional studio headphones for mixing, mastering, and production.
Our Top Picks
Full Rankings
Audeze MM-500
Best OverallDeveloped with 11-time Grammy-winning mixer Manny Marroquin. Used to mix Kendrick Lamar's #1 album. Professional engineers call the low end 'shockingly useful and trustworthy.'
Pros
- ✓90mm planar magnetic drivers
- ✓Lightning-fast transient response
- ✓Sub-bass accuracy rivals mastering rooms
Cons
- ✗Very expensive at $1,699
- ✗Heavy at ~500g
- ✗Open-back only
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Best PremiumReference standard for critical listening with unmatched spatial resolution. Ships with individual frequency response measurements. Ultra-low THD (<0.02%).
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class soundstage
- ✓56mm ring radiator drivers
- ✓Ultra-low distortion (<0.02% THD)
Cons
- ✗Requires quality amplification (300Ω)
- ✗Lean bass by modern standards
- ✗Exposes flaws in poor recordings
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Best ValueSoundStage! Solo rated it among their highest-rated headphones ever. 30Ω impedance works with any interface without dedicated amplification.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional resolution
- ✓30Ω works without dedicated amp
- ✓Dual ear pad sets included
Cons
- ✗Still bright for some users
- ✗Heavy at 376g
- ✗Cable not detachable on both sides
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
MusicRadar's 'best overall studio headphone available right now.' Sonarworks rates it 9.4/10 as their 'new top pick' that 'dethrones the HD 650.'
Pros
- ✓Best overall studio headphone (MusicRadar)
- ✓Innovative low-frequency cylinder for accurate bass
- ✓Includes dearVR MIX-SE plugin
Cons
- ✗130Ω requires decent amplification
- ✗Open-back limits tracking use
- ✗Relatively new (less proven)
Sony MDR-7506
Best BudgetIndustry standard since 1991 found in every professional studio. Multi-platinum engineer Andrew Scheps has used them for decades. Unmatched value at $99.
Pros
- ✓Industry standard since 1991
- ✓Found in every professional studio
- ✓Reveals flaws (sibilance, distortion, noise)
Cons
- ✗Bright, fatiguing for long sessions
- ✗Dated design
- ✗Non-replaceable cable
Comparison Table
| Product | Accuracy | Detail Resolution | Comfort | Build Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Audeze MM-500 | 10 | 10 | 7.5 | 9.5 | $1699 |
#2Sennheiser HD 800 S | 9.5 | 10 | 8.5 | 9.5 | $1899 |
#3Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | $658 |
#4Sennheiser HD 490 Pro | 9 | 8.5 | 9 | 8.5 | $356 |
#5Sony MDR-7506 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 8 | $104 |
Buying Guide
Studio headphones must be accurate and revealing—they should show flaws in recordings, not hide them. Look for flat frequency response, low distortion, and comfortable designs for long sessions. Open-back for mixing, closed-back for tracking.
What We Evaluate
Accuracy
Flat, revealing frequency response
Detail Resolution
Micro-detail and transient response
Comfort
Extended session comfort
Build Quality
Professional durability
Value
Performance per dollar
Our Testing Methodology
We evaluate frequency response accuracy, transient response, and distortion. Open-back models are tested for mixing, closed-back for tracking isolation. All tests use professional audio interfaces.
Learn more about how we test →Frequently Asked Questions
Open-back or closed-back for mixing?▼
Do I need expensive studio headphones?▼
What impedance can my interface drive?▼
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