The Best Headphones for Music Production

The best headphones for music production give you an accurate, detailed sound so you can record and mix with confidence, even without treated monitoring. The catch is that no single pair is perfect for everything: closed-back models isolate well for tracking, while open-back models sound more natural for mixing. Here is how to choose, plus reliable picks producers return to again and again.

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Quick answer

For tracking, get a closed-back pair like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO. For mixing, get an open-back pair like the Sennheiser HD 600/HD 650 or Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. The AKG K371 and Sony MDR-7506 are excellent versatile all-rounders.

Open-back vs closed-back

This choice shapes everything else. Closed-back headphones seal around your ears, blocking outside sound and preventing bleed into a microphone — ideal for recording vocals or instruments. Open-back headphones let air pass through the earcups, giving a wider, more natural soundstage that suits mixing, but they leak sound and offer no isolation. For a deeper look, read open-back vs closed-back headphones.

How to choose headphones for music production

• Purpose first. Tracking needs isolation (closed-back). Mixing benefits from a natural, accurate sound (often open-back). If you only buy one pair, a neutral closed-back is the safe compromise.
• Flat, honest tuning. You want a reference sound that reveals problems, not consumer headphones that hype bass and treble. Learn more about reference headphones.
• Comfort. Production sessions are long. Weight, clamp force and pad material matter more than you think.
• Impedance. High-impedance models (e.g. 250 ohm) need more power and often a headphone amp or a decent interface output; lower-impedance versions are easier to drive.
• Replaceable parts. Swappable pads and cables extend a headphone’s life considerably.

The best headphones for music production

Closed-back (recording)

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: a studio staple with a detailed, slightly punchy sound and strong isolation. Versatile enough to do double duty.
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO: very comfortable, well-isolating closed-backs with extended treble; available in multiple impedances.
• Sony MDR-7506: a long-running broadcast and studio classic — light, detailed and reliable for tracking and editing.
• AKG K371: a comfortable closed-back tuned to a widely respected target curve, making it a great single-pair choice.

Open-back (mixing)

• Sennheiser HD 600 / HD 650: reference open-backs prized for natural, balanced sound and excellent midrange — favourites for mixing.
• Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: spacious open-backs with a lively, detailed top end; great for mix detail (mind the bright treble).
• AKG K702 / K712 PRO: wide soundstage and detailed, neutral sound that many use for mixing and critical listening.

Mixing well on headphones

Mixing on headphones is entirely viable, especially in untreated rooms. Reference commercial tracks you know, take breaks to reset your ears, and check your mix on a phone or laptop speaker for translation. If you also have monitors, see monitors vs headphones for mixing and the studio monitors hub for more.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix entirely on headphones?

Yes. Many great mixes are made on headphones, particularly in untreated rooms. Use a flat, open-back pair, reference familiar tracks, and check translation on other devices to catch anything the headphones flatter.

Do I need a headphone amp?

Often not. Lower-impedance models run fine from a modern audio interface. High-impedance versions (around 250 ohm and up) sound better with a dedicated headphone amp or a powerful interface output.

Are gaming or consumer headphones okay?

Not ideal. Consumer headphones usually hype bass and treble, which hides problems and leads to poor mix decisions. Choose neutral, reference-style headphones designed for accuracy.