Picking headphones for audio editing can be a difficult decision. With so many choices and even more factors to consider, we're here to help make sure you get the right headphone for your budget and style of usage.

Best All-Around

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Industry-Standard Workhorse

$169.00

Specs

Design: Closed-Back

Frequency Response: 15 Hz - 28 kHz

Drivers: 45mm Dynamic Driver

Not much needs to be said about the M50x. This headphone has become a staple for hobbyists and professionals alike. With its great sound, wide range of uses, and reliable design, you definitely can't go wrong with the M50x. This headphone is built to last and works great for mixing, tracking, and listening in general.

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Best High-End Mixing Headphones

2. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO

Open Backs Specifically Designed for Mixing and Mastering

$549.00

Specs

Design: Open Back

Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 40 kHz

Drivers: 45 mm dynamic Tesla neodymium driver

Beyerdynamic is one of the most well-known Open-Back headphone manufacturers out there; and for good reason. The DT 1990 PRO is an insanely good mixing headphone specially designed for a flat frequency response and true reproduction of the sound. You can edit in these, mix and master, and just listen without a problem. While I wouldn't recommend tracking with a mic (open-backs have too much sound bleed for that), the other capabilities alone make it worth the investment. See how they stack up vs the Sennheiser HD 650 in our comparison.

Best Budget

3. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Budget-Friendly Headphone

$49.00

Specs

Design: Closed-Back

Frequency Response: 15 Hz - 20 kHz

Drivers: 40mm dynamic

Like the M50x, the ATH-M20x is a staple in recording studios as workhorse headphones. You can track, listen, and edit in these seamlessly. While they don't hold up to the M50x in terms of sound or build quality, they still hold there own as great and versatile headphones at a much more reasonable price.

Read our review

Budget Open-Back

4. Sennheiser HD 560S

Budget-Friendly Open-Back Reference Monitors

$199.95

Specs

Design: Open-Back

Frequency Response: 6 Hz - 38 kHz

Drivers: Polymer Blend Transducer

If you want a great open-back mixing and editing headphone, but don't want to destroy your wallet, then the Sennheiser HD 560S is a great choice. While you won't be able to track in these, the level of clarity you'll get with mixing is well worth it. Sennheiser is known for its high-quality headphones that will last you a lifetime.

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Best Bluetooth

5. Sony WH-1000XM4

High Quality Bluetooth Headphones with ANC

$349.99

Specs

Design: Closed-Back

Frequency Response: 4 Hz - 40 kHz

Drivers: 1.57 " dome type

Battery Life: Max. 30 hours (NC ON), Max. 38 hours (NC OFF)

While many have reservations about bluetooth headphones for editing, Sony's WH-1000XM4 isn't your average pair of Bluetooth headphones. With a superb frequency range, ANC mode, and outstanding battery life, these are some of the best Bluetooth headphones you can get without sacrificing quality. These are especially handy if you need to do some editing on the go or don't have an amp on hand or just need some peace and quiet with the ANC mode.

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See our complete collection of Professional Headphones