3 Great Professional Studio Headphones for Under $100

Sennheiser is known for having exceptional options for studio headphones, so it makes sense that they would be included on this list. While their lineup is on the more expensive side, you can find some good options for near the $100 price point. One that stands out for this list is the HD 400U, a closed-back, over-ear option that has convenience in mind. The cable goes directly to USB-C, so you can use this with your phone or laptop without the need for an adapter. This makes mixing on the go more convenient and simpler in case you find yourself constantly working on the go. Sennheiser headphones are known for their balanced sound signatures and high levels of detail, and the HD 400U follows suit in giving you good detail for a decent price. 

You can pick up the Sennheiser HD 400U for $99.95 – BUY NOW

Another closed-back model that may look familiar to you is the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. This wired pair of headphones is the cheapest in the M-series, coming in under $100 and becoming an incredible value for the price. While M50x and the M40x are popular models for DJ and mixing, people who are more after an attractive price point will find these do the job just as well. The M20x is well-balanced and has good treble detail, especially coming from a closed-back headphone. 

If you want better convenience, you can always look at the M20xBT, a Bluetooth variation that costs under $100. You can listen wirelessly if you are someone who mixes on the go often, and still have the option to use a cable if you choose. 

You can get the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x for $59 – BUY NOW

Open-back headphones are becoming more and more popular for audio work. You'll find that a lot of professional audio gear has an open-back option for getting the optimal soundstage and width in your mixes. A great value open-back headphone comes from Audio-Technica, called the ATH-R30x. They have a lot of other headphones in the R-series, costing upwards of $350. You can get something that is relatively similar and simpler as an introductory pair. The R30x is easy to drive and has a wide soundstage that helps you with placing everything in your track. You can appreciate the space in mixes more and get a better image on how it may sound on larger speakers. 

The Audio-Technica ATH-R30x is $99 – BUY NOW