The 5 Best Headphones for Music Production Under $200

The best headphones for music production under $200 are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for all-around use, the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for tracking, the AKG K612 Pro for mixing, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro for isolation, and the Sony MDR-7506 for reliability. Each serves a different purpose in the production workflow, and the right choice depends on whether you prioritize mixing accuracy, recording isolation, or versatility.

What to Look for in Studio Headphones

Studio headphones differ from consumer headphones in one critical way: frequency response accuracy. Consumer headphones are tuned to sound exciting -- boosted bass, hyped highs, scooped mids. Studio headphones aim for a flat, neutral response that lets you hear your mix as it actually is, not as the headphone manufacturer wants it to sound.

You also need to decide between open-back and closed-back designs. Open-back headphones allow air to pass through the ear cups, creating a wider, more speaker-like soundstage. They are better for mixing but leak sound, making them unsuitable for tracking vocals. Closed-back headphones isolate sound, making them ideal for recording but slightly less accurate for critical mixing decisions.

For a deeper look at mixing on headphones, see the mixing for headphones guide.

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (~$150)

The ATH-M50x is the most recommended studio headphone in its price range for good reason. It offers a balanced frequency response with slightly enhanced low end, a comfortable fit for long sessions, and a durable build that survives years of daily use. The closed-back design provides decent isolation for tracking, while the sound quality is accurate enough for mixing decisions.

Best for: Producers who need one pair of headphones for everything -- tracking, mixing, and casual listening. The detachable cable system adds practical value for studio and mobile use.

Watch out for: The slight bass emphasis can lead to mixes that are thin on the low end if you do not compensate. Reference your mixes on other systems to verify.

2. beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm, ~$160)

The DT 770 Pro is a tracking workhorse. Its closed-back design provides excellent isolation, the velour ear pads are comfortable for hours, and the sound quality is detailed and revealing. The 80-ohm version is the sweet spot for most producers -- it does not require a dedicated headphone amplifier but still delivers professional audio quality.

Best for: Vocal tracking and recording sessions where sound isolation is critical. Also excellent for mixing in noisy environments or late-night sessions.

Watch out for: The non-detachable cable is the one drawback. If the cable fails, repair is more involved than simply swapping a detachable cable.

3. AKG K612 Pro (~$160)

The K612 Pro is an open-back headphone with one of the flattest frequency responses in its price range. The wide soundstage makes stereo mixing decisions more intuitive, and the neutral tuning means what you hear is closer to reality than most competitors. These are mixing headphones, purpose-built for critical listening.

Best for: Dedicated mixing in a quiet environment. If you do most of your mixing on headphones and want the most accurate representation of your stereo image, these are the pick.

Watch out for: Open-back design means significant sound leakage. Not suitable for tracking vocals or use in shared spaces. May require a headphone amplifier to reach optimal volume.

4. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (~$100)

The HD 280 Pro is the budget champion. At roughly $100, it offers 32 dB of passive noise isolation -- the highest on this list -- along with a neutral frequency response and a lightweight, foldable design. For producers on a tight budget or those who need maximum isolation for recording in untreated rooms, this is the go-to choice.

Best for: Budget-conscious producers and anyone recording in environments with background noise. The exceptional isolation makes these ideal for home studio setups where acoustic treatment is limited.

Watch out for: The clamping force is tight out of the box and takes a break-in period. The sound is accurate but less detailed than more expensive options on this list.

5. Sony MDR-7506 (~$80)

The MDR-7506 has been an industry standard since 1991. That longevity speaks to its reliability, consistency, and utility across production, broadcasting, and live sound. The frequency response is slightly forward in the upper mids, which makes it excellent for spotting vocal issues, sibilance, and harsh frequencies.

Best for: Producers who value a proven, reliable reference that thousands of engineers have used for decades. Also the most affordable option on this list, making it a strong entry point for beginners.

Watch out for: The ear pads wear out faster than competitors, though replacements are inexpensive and widely available. The coiled cable can be cumbersome in some setups.

Making the Most of Your Studio Headphones

Regardless of which headphones you choose, the key to effective headphone mixing is reference checking. Mix on your headphones, then listen on car speakers, phone speakers, earbuds, and any other system you can access. This cross-referencing reveals frequency imbalances that any single monitoring system will miss.

AI mixing tools can supplement headphone mixing by applying frequency corrections and spatial processing that account for the inherent limitations of headphone monitoring. This combination -- good headphones plus AI mixing assistance -- delivers results that rival expensive studio setups.

About Genesis Mix Lab

Genesis Mix Lab is a browser-based AI mixing and mastering platform for music producers. It offers AI-powered multitrack mixing and mastering in a single platform, with features including reference track matching, genre-aware processing, and real-time Mix Notes. Pricing starts at $0/month (free tier) with Pro at $19.99/month, including all plugins.