Music production is easier and more accessible than ever. With the help of production software like GarageBand and online distribution platforms like SoundCloud, some of the biggest popstars can be made right from the comfort of their bedrooms—just ask Billie Eilish or Post Malone.
While you definitely don’t need the fanciest and most expensive stuff to get things done, you’ll still need some basic equipment to start out. If you play an instrument, you’ll need one of those along with anything else you need to record it but for the most part, a computer and laptop will usually be the only hardware you need — that, and a pair of headphones to hear what you’re making.
Now, we’re not going into any fussy debates in this guide. The fact of the matter is, not everyone has both the space and the money to build an acoustically treated studio room and have the monitor speakers capable of giving you a perfectly uncolored sound. For the vast majority of beginner and bedroom producers out there, we make do with the best that we have, and without access to proper studio equipment, headphones are the next best thing.
This guide will be a peek into a few of the best headphones for music production we’ve tested, and how this might help you in your music-making endeavors as well.
- Editor’s Pick: Sony MDR-M1ST
- Contender: Sennheiser HD 25
- Premium Option: Shure SRH-1540
- Budget Pick: Shure SRH-440
- Also Consider: AKG K371-BT
What do you need in music production headphones?
It should be obvious by now that this guide isn’t meant for any professional working music producer. I’m not a Grammy award-winning producer by any stretch of the imagination.
And if you’re in any position where you actually make money from your music, then you probably already know what you should work toward: good studio monitors in an acoustically treated room. End of story.
This guide is mainly intended for people like me — people who neither have the means nor motivation to invest in this equipment because we don’t make money from making music. Again, headphones are really the next best thing.
And it’s my belief that the best headphones for music production should be ones that don’t get in the way of your creative process. What that means for me is that headphones should be comfortable for long sessions and have good isolation so you can get into focus whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. And with music production mobile apps getting more and more capable, being portable is also a nice plus.
Of course, it should go without saying that music production headphones should also just…sound good. With that criteria established, let’s get to our picks.
Best Headphones for Music Production Reviewed
Sony MDR-M1ST
Editor’s Pick: A worthy, if expensive, torch-bearer of an enduring studio legacy
The Download
The Sony MDR-M1ST is a headphone with very big shoes to fill. As Sony’s intended successor from the CD900ST — arguably Japan’s most popular studio monitors for over 3 decades running — I’d say it’s pretty reasonable to expect these headphones to at least reach the bar that its predecessor set all the way back in the 80s. And at a steep asking price of $300, it had better done so.
To my ears, I’m happy to report that it’s managed to live up to the Sony pro audio standard — but whether you end up liking it is a different story.
For a fairly modern release from Sony, the MDR-M1ST is a surprisingly stubborn headphone design. Thicker headband padding and softer ear pads make these headphones a lot more comfortable than their predecessor but it still keeps the same annoyingly shallow fit that will touch all but the flattest of ears. The included removable cable is a huge step up from be fixed cables of their earlier designs but Sony makes the very stingy choice to include just the one cable in the box.
And, of course, the sound itself is a pretty major point of contention that, as much as I recommend it, is still a try-before-you-buy situation. The CD900ST prides itself on having very clear mid and upper frequencies without getting fatiguing. The MDR-M1ST turns this up by yet another notch with more of the same, making it into this list of the best headphones for music production.
The Specs
- Headphone Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Driver Type: Single 40mm dynamic
- Frequency Response: 5 – 80,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW
- Impedance: 24 Ohms
- Weight: ~215 grams (w/o cable)
What’s in the Box?
- Sony MDR-M1ST headphones
- 2.5m cable (3.5mm TRS to 6.3mm TRS)
Stuff I like
- Exceptional midrange clarity
- Airy but smooth treble
- Fast, punchy bass
Stuff I like less
- Can come off as a bit too plain
- Stock earpads are still quite shallow
- Definitely would have liked more accessories
Where to get it
Sennheiser HD 25
Contender: One of the most versatile pro audio headphones ever—if you can get over the on-ear fit
The Download
Those who have followed Make Life Click over the last few months will have seen several of our guides recommending the Sennheiser HD 25.
This is for good reason, of course, as the HD 25 is a solid headphone to use for just about any situation. Its sound is the main highlight for me — a slight V-shaped signature with punchy bass and a decent amount of sparkle in the treble to balance the whole thing out. The soundstage may not be anything to write home about, and I’d have liked a bit more presence in the mids but to my ears there’s really not much about it that I’d consider a problem.
All of that is packed into a light but tough plastic frame that’s been tested and proven by decades in the broadcast and pro audio space since 1988. Is that waxing a bit poetic? Maybe, but were the HD 25 any other headphone I’d probably have said the same thing.
The only thing that really holds it back is its fit. While I understand the choice to go on-ear helps a lot with keeping it sleek and slim, their tighter clamping force and inconsistent seal are the most common reasons why a lot of users tend to avoid on-ears. If this is something you can get over, you’ll definitely find something to like in the HD 25.
The Specs
- Headphone Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Driver Type: Single 40mm dynamic
- Frequency Response: 16 – 22,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 120 dB/mW
- Impedance: 70 Ohms
- Weight: ~150 grams (w/o cable)
What’s in the Box?
- Sennheiser HD 25 headphones
- Screw-on adapter (3.5mm TRS to 6.3mm TRS)
Stuff I like
- Energetic, versatile sound
- Compact and lightweight
- Tough plastic build with replaceable parts
Stuff I like less
- Tricky on-ear fit
- Clamping force takes some time to get used to
- Soundstage is expectedly small
- No accessories
Where to get it
Shure SRH1540
Premium Option: One of Shure’s best headphones ever released, and still competitive in 2023
The Download
The premium headphone market has gotten a lot more bold over the past few years. While thousand-dollar headphones have already been around, it was only recently that headphone makers started really inflating prices, with top of the line models costing well over $3,000.
In that light, then, the $500 Shure SRH1540 looks like a downright bargain. And as far as headphones for music production go, it kind of is.
With a mostly balanced sound signature and a surprisingly large soundstage, it stands as one of the best closed-back headphones in its price class. There’s a noticeable bump in the bass that gives it a bloated quality in some songs but it isn’t distracting and can be easily compensated for with EQ while you’re producing.
One of my big concerns with closed-backs like these is their long-term comfort. I’ve mostly been drawn to open-backs thanks to their (usually) more breathable design but the perforated and plush Alcantara pads solve this problem for the SRH1540 even in the heat of the summer. Its size makes it very much unsuitable for portable use, but its combination of metal and carbon fiber does mean it can take a beating if it absolutely has to.
The Shure SRH1540 is by far one of Shure’s best releases to date, and is a solid option for music makers who want a premium studio-like experience in a transportable package.
The Specs
- Headphone Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Driver Type: Single 40mm dynamic
- Frequency Response: 5 – 25,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW
- Impedance: 46 Ohms
- Weight: 286 grams
What’s in the Box?
- Shure SRH1540 headphones
- 2x 6 ft. cables (dual MMCX to 3.5mm TRS)
- 1 pair of replacement earpads
- Screw-on adapter (3.5mm TRS to 6.3mm TRS)
Stuff I like
- Excellent midrange and treble quality
- Decently spacious soundstage for a closed-back
- Plush and comfortable for long sessions
- Easy enough to drive from any source
Stuff I like less
- Too big and bulky for portable use
- Bass can sound a bit bloated
- Cable is a bit unwieldy
Where to get it
Shure SRH440A
Budget Pick: A revamped version of a monitoring staple, but with some slight caveats
The Download
The Shure SRH440 was (and still is) one of the most competent budget studio monitors you can get under $100 and is a great option if you’re looking for music production headphones. While it doesn’t punch far above its weight class, it does compensate with a very well-balanced and controlled tuning.
So it was a bit surprising to see Shure come out with updated versions of their SRH studio headphone line, among which is the SRH440A. From our testing I’m glad to report that it doesn’t stray too far from the sound of the original; however, the added bass punch from the 440A does give a bit of a darker tilt to the sound.
The major improvements, however, are in the shells. The 440A’s brand new headband design is still mostly plastic but is reinforced in all the right spots so it still swivels and folds flat without feeling fragile. The shape of the headphones as a whole are also reworked, which lets them sit on the head more comfortably.
While some will find that the bass boost added a bit too much color to the sound, the Shure SRH440A more than lives up to its role in succeeding the reliable 440 for a newer generation of studio monitoring.
The Specs
- Headphone Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Driver Type: Single 40mm dynamic
- Frequency Response: 10 – 22,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 97 dB/mW
- Impedance: 40 Ohms
- Weight: ~250 grams
What’s in the Box?
- Shure SRH440A headphones
- 10 ft. cable (2.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS)
Stuff I like
- Mostly well-balanced sound signature
- Bass boost is present but not too much
- Headband is comfy and distributes weight well
Stuff I like less
- Rough treble response
- Narrow soundstage and muddled imaging ability
- Earcups are a bit small
Where to get it
AKG K371BT
Also Consider: One of the best sounding headphones in its class, held back by serious durability flaws
The Download
The K371BT is one of AKG’s most recent releases to date and was launched as an answer to the ever popular Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT. As a “portable studio headphone”, it meant to provide excellent, mix-ready sound while also packing it with some Bluetooth tech so you can break free of the wires when you want.
In terms of sound, these earphones has the M50x beat on all fronts. With a decently wide soundstage and a very well-balanced tuning that goes with just about everything, the K371 has proven itself to be one of the best sounding studio headphones in its price and even beyond. For any fan of the Harman target sound signature, the K371 is about as good as it gets.
That said, as we covered in our in-depth review of these headphones, the K371BT falls prey to the plague of bad design that’s affected a lot of new headphones nowadays. Even now, I try to baby my pair even though they are pretty well-built otherwise.
It’s hard to recommend the AKG K371BT to just anyone, knowing full well its serious flaws. However, for those in the pursuit of sound, these headphones are about as good as it gets for $200.
The Specs
- Headphone Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones
- Driver Type: Single 50mm dynamic
- Frequency Response: 5 – 40,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 114 dB/mW
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Weight: ~300 grams
What’s in the Box?
- AKG K371BT headphones
- 3-meter straight cable (4-pin mini XLR to 3.5mm TRS)
- 1.2-meter straight cable (4-pin mini XLR to 3.5mm TRS)
- 3-meter coiled cable (4-pin mini XLR to 3.5mm TRS)
- Screw-on adapter (3.5mm TRS to 6.3mm TRS)
- 1.2-meter USB charging cable (micro USB to USB-A)
- Carrying pouch
Stuff I like
- One of the best tuned headphones at its price
- Comfortable and light on the head
- Generous accessories package
Stuff I like less
- Very concerning build and design flaws
- Clamping force is a bit weak
- Isolation is below average
- Bluetooth quality is underwhelming
Where to get it
Other Headphones Previously on This List
We like to keep this list updated based on what’s currently on the market so you can expect that the items on this list change from time to time.
Other headphones to consider are the Sennheiser HD 400 Pro, Sennheiser HD 206, and Focal Listen Professional Studio Headphones. All these models were previously on this list and are still great options if you’re looking for headphones for music production.
Conclusion
Like any art, modern music production has a sky-high skill ceiling. However, newer and cheaper music-making gear has made the floor for it much lower than it used to. All you need is a device with a music app and a pair of headphones, and you’re off to the races.
For the bedroom producers out there, we hope this guide pointed you to some interesting headphones you can use in your music-making setup to help keep the creative juices flowing.
Tech enthusiast since childhood with a passion for finding the perfect gadget or accessory for the job. Always happy to share knowledge on electronics and digital trends. Music lover, 5K runner, instinctive optimizer. Impressed by fit and finish. Inspired by art and engineering.
This post was last updated on 2024-12-09 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.