A good pair of headphones is essential for mixing music. They are a significant part of any home studio setup. Headphones are simply indispensable if you are a fan of tracking and mix referencing in your music production.
Choosing the right pair of headphones is important as you will spend a lot of time listening to music using the same pair. Similar features are explained in unique language by different manufacturers. It can be somewhat confusing to understand the technical terms so you can use this guide to understand the features of headphones used by musicians.
Read our latest guide about the best earplugs for musicians.
Types of Studio Headphones for Musicians
There are essentially two main types of headphones which are used by musicians. They can be categorized based on their design – in-ear monitors and studio headphones.
In-ear Monitors: They are also known as ‘earphones’ and essentially they are a piece of personal listening equipment that is placed within the ear structure. It forms a seal against the walls of the ear canal. This creates an isolated listening experience and a pristine sound which is dependent on the quality of the headphones.
As most of the ambient noise is blocked, you can listen to music at a much lower volume. It prevents ear fatigue and allows you to listen for longer durations comfortably. All the sound is directed into the ear canal which helps in hearing the details clearly and even focus on the most minute elements of the source sound.
Studio Headphones: This is essentially a pair of speakers mounted on a headband. This type of headphones is also called ‘cans’ and they are available in a wide variety ranging from inexpensive and budget options to high quality sound and construction. Studio headphones are of two types – open-back and closed-back. Studio headphones are bulkier than in-ear monitors but they can contain larger drivers. This gives them a better bass response than in-ear monitors.
Read our complete guide about the best koss headphones.
Features of high-quality headphones for musicians
There are so many headphones in the market than ever before. Every quarter or so, a new pair is launched from your favourite brand. It is important to consider the features offered by the headphones so that you can choose the best pair for your music production setup. Before you check out the list of best headphones for musicians, you need to know what to look for.
Comfort: Comfort is an important factor to consider. If you intend to carry out long mixing sessions while using your headphones, it is essential that you check out the feel and fitting of the headphones.
Size & Fit: Comfort factor is directly associated with the size and fitting of the headphones. Most headphones come in a universal size and an adjustable headband or ear pods to ensure a customized experience. Still, it is important to try the headphones before buying them so that they fit properly. For studio headphones, it is important that the ear pads do not sit directly over your ears as it will become uncomfortable during long sessions. Similarly, for the in-ear monitors, the ear plug should fit in the ear canal comfortably without any risk of falling out or being too tight.
Impedance: It is the electrical property that lets you know how much power the headphone driver needs. It can directly work via your system’s 1/8” jack or you might need an audio interface with headphone amplifier. Generally, high impedance headphones need strong amplifiers to drive them and are associated with high-end models.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back: There are three variants in the headphones – closed-back, semi-open, and open-back headphones.
- Closed-Back: These headphones have ear cups that are completely closed-off. There is no loss of sound as the foam creates a seal around your ear. There is no sound bleed through in these types of headphones. Closed-
back headphone is more suited for tracking vocals. The sound is tighter and more focussed which results in exaggeration of bass frequencies.
- Open-Back: The sound is much more transparent in open-back headphones. The ear cups are not closed off so that the sound can travel outwards. This type of headphone is ideal for mixing or critical listening especially in a quiet studio space. The sound here is airier and more natural with a sound space that feels like its humongous.
- Semi-Open: These are like a hybrid variant of the two types. There is sound leak and they are not suitable for noisy environments.
Intended Use: The intended use of the headphones is another deciding factor along with your level of experience. For producing and recording music, closed-back headphones are more suitable. Open-back headphones are suitable for mixing. Also, the choice is dependent on where you intend to use them. For example, if you create music on-the-go, then a pair of closed-back are ideal as they can isolate the external noise. If you have a quiet home studio for recording, then you can use open-back headphones for their natural sound quality.
Frequency Response: Every headphone has a certain frequency response which means that it is the effective range in which it can reproduce bass, mids, and treble. Most headphones have a frequency response somewhere in between 20Hz to 20,000Hz (the human hearing range). Some headphones have a frequency response that spans beyond the human hearing range but that does not imply that these headphones are better. Frequency response curve is another related factor that needs to be considered. Headphones do not have a flat response so one needs to be aware of the peaks and the dips of the curve.
Manufacturing Quality: This is another important factor to consider as a constant requirement to replace less durable headphones will accumulate to a lot more in the long run.
Ultimately, only you can make the right choice for you. All this information about the basic features of headphones will serve as a starting point for you to go out and buy the right pair for yourself. The selected products that are covered in this review were chosen based on these aforementioned criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do musicians need studio headphones?
The quality of studio headphones is unmatched to the one provided by a pair of regular headphones. The sound is much clearer and more natural. It also allows you to isolate the surrounding sounds perfectly so that you can focus on your music only.
Can these studio headphones be used by anybody?
Studio headphones are generally used by professional sound engineers, musicians, and composers. But they are not limited to this profession and can be used by anyone looking for a better listening experience, be it music or even gaming.
Can you use these headphones with a portable music player like iPod?
It depends on the connectivity of the headphones and the music player. Most headphones have a regular 3.5 mm jack input. So, if the connectivity is possible then you can use studio headphones with a music player. However, the sound quality may be inferior if the portable device isn’t connected to power.
Top 15 Best Headphones for Musicians in 2022
|
Picture |
Name | Features | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Picture |
Name | Features | Price | Rating |
| 1. AKG – Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear Studio Headphones |
Revolutionary flat wire voice coil | $$$ | 4.8 | |
 |
2. Shure – SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones |
lmpedance :22 Ω | $$$ | 4.8 |
 |
3. Audio Technica – ATH-M50x Studio Monitor Headphones |
Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers | $$$ | 4.7 |
| 4. SIMGOT – EN700 In-Ear Monitor Headphones |
All-Metal Housing | $$$ | 4.6 | |
 |
5. Beyerdynamic – DT 770 PRO Over Ear Studio Headphones |
Hard-wearing | $$$ | 4.6 |
| 6. Shure – SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones |
Inline three-button remote and microphone | $$ | 4.6 | |
 |
7. Sennheiser – HD 599 Open Back Headphones |
Two year warranty | $$$ | 4.5 |
 |
8. MEE Audio – M6 PRO In-Ear Monitors |
Secure over-the-ear fit | $$ | 4.5 |
 |
9. Sony – MDR-7506 Headphones |
9.8 foot cord |
$$ | 4.5 |
 |
10. KZ ZS10 PRO In-Ear Earphones |
Standard 0.75mm 2-Pin removable cabl | $$ | 4.4 |
| 11. AKG – K240 Studio Headphones |
6.3 mm (1/4”) screw-on adapter | $$ | 4.3 | |
| 12. CCA – C10 In Ear Monitors |
1 Dynamic&4 Balanced Armature | $$ | 4.2 | |
 |
13. Samson – SR850 Semi-Open-Back Studio Headphones |
Proprietary large 50mm drivers | $$ | 4.1 |
 |
14. KZ – KZ AS10 In Ear Monitors |
Detachable 2 pin braided cable | $$ | 4.0 |
 |
15. JVC – HARX500 Headphones |
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW | $$ | 3.9 |
1. AKG – Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The K712 PRO is a reference, open, over-ear studio headphones. These headphones are designed for precise listening, mixing, and mastering. It is a direct descendant of the classic AKG K701 headphones.
Build Quality
AKG K712 PRO headphones offer maximum wearing comfort for long music creating or mixing sessions without causing any fatigue. The headphones are lightweight overall and weigh just 235g. The AKG K712 PRO headphones are made from genuine soft leather headband which offers lightweight and comfortable fitting over the head. The ear pads are made out of firm foam and are covered with a plush-like fabric. They exert very little pressure on the ears. There are no pronounced pressure points so working with these headphones is comfortable even after many hours.
Sound Quality
The headphones have a spacious and airy sound quality without any compromise. This results from improved low-end performance by 3dB. The selected transducers offer consistency and accurate localization for precise sound quality. The headphones have a two-layer diaphragm with a revolutionary flat wire voice coil for incredible impulse and treble response. These headphones have a rated impedance of 62 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 10 Hz to 39 kHz.
Ideal For
AKG K712 PRO headphones have an over-ear design. They have an open-back cup style and they require a headphones amplifier for power. The headphones are best suited for studio mixing and Hi-Fi listening. Because of their open-back design, the sound quality is improved overall but there is a lot of sound leakage. External sounds are also not blocked so they cannot be used in loud, noisy places.
Additional Features
The K712 PRO headphones from AKG come with a professional mini XLR connector for easy replacement of the cable. An additional coiled cable and a premium carrying bag is also included with the headphones. These studio headphones are not foldable and the ear cups also do not lay flat.
Pros
- Reasonably comfortable
- Nice build and manufacturing quality
- Complete accessory package is included with the headphones
Cons
- No sound isolation or blocking of ambient sound in noisy environments
- Sound leaks a lot because of open-back design
2. Shure – SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones
The SE425 from Shure are a pair of earphones that allow you to hear your music the way it was meant to be heard, just the way your favourite musician intended. These earphones are more comfortable than regular in-ear monitors as they have an ear hook design.
Build Quality
The Shure SE425 earphones have a Sound Isolating™ design which eliminates noise. This helps in keeping the listening experience free from outside noises. The earphones can be made uniquely yours with the complete fit kit of custom sleeves. This way, you can enjoy the long sessions with an audio that feels better and stays in place comfortably without falling off. All the components and cables are made from premium materials and can withstand professional performance-level wear and tear. These headphones offer 3.5mm wired connectivity, though you can get a pair that is connected via Bluetooth.
Sound Quality
The earphones have a true-to-life sound that is accurate and has a wide range. These earphones from Shure has dual high definition drivers. This means that there is a dedicated tweeter and a woofer which work in tandem to give you the best sound quality. together they can make your chest thump and your head tingle with the sound. The sound isolation technology blocks the surrounding sound making you feel closer to the music. These headphones have a rated impedance of 22 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 20 Hz to 19 kHz.
Ideal For
SE425 earphones have an in-ear closed-back design with an innovative detachable cable system which enables multiple connectivity options. As these earphones can block up to 37dB of ambient noise, musicians can use them outside studio too. They are not suited for neutral listeners as they have a poor soundstage but they can be used for stage monitoring.
Additional Features
The SE425 headphones from Shure come with a universal 3.5mm communications cable that is detachable and a complete fit kit of custom sleeves which includes soft flex sleeves, foam sleeves, yellow foam sleeves, and triple flange sleeves. The earphones can be stored in the premium carry case that is included in the box for transit or storage purposes.
Pros
- Minimal sound leakage
- Durable build and good manufacturing quality
- Multiple connection options for long-term device compatibility
Cons
- Lows are almost non existent
- Sound quality isn’t the greatest
3. Audio Technica – ATH-M50x Studio Monitor Headphones
The ATH-M50X headphones from Audio Technica are an excellent closed-back, over-ear studio headphones. It is a descendant of ATH M50 which was very popular amongst musicians. These headphones are great for neutral listening with a well-balanced audio reproduction.
Build Quality
ATH-M50X headphones have the same studio design as ATH-M40X headphones. The ear cups of these headphones are slightly larger which makes them more comfortable. The contoured design of the ear cups ensures that the seal around the ears is tight and there is minimum bleed with excellent sound isolation. The additional space in the ear cups can accommodate large ears without feeling too tight on the head. The padding on the ear cups is a little stiff and the covering is made out of pleather. As the headphones do not clamp tightly on the head, they are comfortable to use even for longer sessions. The headphones weigh 285g without the cable and connector.
Sound Quality
ATH-M50X is the most critically acclaimed model in the M-series of AKG. It features the AKG’s coveted sonic signature to give an unmatched sound experience. The headphones offer exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. They are manufactured with proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils. M50X headphones have a rated impedance of 38 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 15 Hz to 28 kHz.
Ideal For
ATH-M50X headphones have an over-ear studio headphone design with a closed-back cup style. The AKG headphones work well in terms of noise sealing. This makes them suitable for mixing in moderately noisy environments. But, if the external sound is too loud, then it will prevent the user from listening to the finer details of music. It is an excellent choice for musicians who work with a lot of bass and for studio tracking and mixing.
Additional Features
The ATH M50X comes with a swappable cable and three additional cords, coiled 1.2 – 3m cable, 3m straight cable, and 1.2m portable cable. All the three cables have 1/8” TRS jacks.
The ear cups are attached on hinges with the head band which allows them to be folded for storage.
Pros
- Sound isolation makes them more versatile
- Multiple additional cables which are designed to be durable
- Excellent bass response
Cons
- Plastic construction can result in short life expectancy
- Multiple moving parts can result in more points of possible wear and tear
4. SIMGOT – EN700 In-Ear Monitor Headphones
The EN700 in-ear monitors from SIMGOT are designed to get rid of any distractions while listening to music, be it for fun or work. They are built to perform in the most demanding environments.
Build Quality
EN700 in-ear monitors offer superior listening comfort for long sessions. They feature aluminium lightweight construction. It has an all metal housing with no plastics anywhere. This gives the earphones much tighter, warmer, and clearer sound. It is made from a single piece of Series 7 aviation grade aluminium by a five-axes CNC engraving and milling machine. This enhances the durability and sonic properties of the EN700 monitors. It comes with a 6N single crystal copper and silver plated 400D DuPont Kevlar cable. It remains tangle-free and is quite durable. The cable is removable and can be replaced with any 2-pin cable.
Sound Quality
The EN700 in-ear monitors have a powerful mid-high frequency, high resolution, and penetration. They have a crystal-clear sound and enhanced bass. They have an outstanding attenuation of ambient sibilance. The driver gives the earphones clear, natural, and balanced sound reproduction. They feature a single dynamic driver with 101 dB sensitivity. The diaphragm is made from high quality polymer composite titanium which connects to a silver-plated 3.5mm connection. These earphones have a rated impedance of 16 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 15 Hz to 40 kHz.
Ideal For
EN700 in-ear monitors have a neutral and bass-driven sound. They have true-to-life sound which gives a natural and clear sound. They isolate all the external noise so they are suitable for use even outside studio. The earphones are great for production, stage, and even personal use. They are specially tuned for better bass response for drummers and bass players. Musicians can hear all the nuance and details of the music as expected from a professional in-ear monitor.
Additional Features
The EN700 in-ear monitors from SIMGOT come with a hybrid 8-core SPC cable and 2 types of tuning silicone ear tips. The earphones come with a soft pouch carrying case and a clothing clip.
Pros
- Crisp sound at medium and highs
- Nice build and manufacturing quality
- Solid and durable cable
Cons
- Connection between the pin cable and buds is weak
5. Beyerdynamic – DT 770 PRO Over Ear Studio Headphones
The DT 770 PRO is a benchmark-setting studio headphone that have been trusted by professional musicians all over the world as they come from a reputed Beyerdynamic brand. It is a closed-back model which offers maximum flexibility and detailed sound that you can rely on.
Build Quality
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones are built from premium quality materials. The headphones feature a robust spring steel headband. This ensures that the user gets a secure fit around the head. The ear cups are soft which ensures that the headphones are comfortable even if they are worn for longer sessions. The ear cups are circum-aural and are made out of replaceable velour ear pads. The cable is placed on one side so that headphones can be taken off easily and frequently without the cables getting tangled. The headphones weigh 270g without the cable so they are light in weight.
Sound Quality
The DT 770 PRO headphones provide a top-notch impulse response. The sound is less spatial, transparent, and detailed. All the high frequencies are translated into an analytical and differentiated sound. With these headphones, ultra-low bass sounds are well-defined and reproduced crisply. These headphones reproduce the entire frequency range with an incredible precision. They can even reproduce low frequencies in high detail. These headphones have a rated impedance of 250 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 5 Hz to 35 kHz.
Ideal For
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO have an over-ear design and they have a closed-back style of ear cups. These headphones are a firm favourite amongst musicians, music producers, sound engineers, and even broadcasters. The headphones are designed for critical music and sound monitoring. These headphones are perfect for mixing music in the studio. You can even use them for listening to music even when you are out on a commute so that there is no compromise on the sound quality. They offer a neutral listening environment as they can offer sound isolation.
Additional Features
The DT 770 PRO headphones from Beyerdynamic comes with a stereo jack adapter 6.3mm. There is a drawstring bag which can be used to store the headphones and keep them safe.
Pros
- Nice build and manufacturing quality
- Prominent bass and transparent, detailed sound quality
- Stable and well-padded headphones
Cons
- Emphasized treble range causes some sharpness in some tracks
- Sound leaks at higher volumes
6. Shure – SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones
The SE215 from Shure give you an immersive sound experience that will help you discover new musical dimensions. It comes in both wired and wireless options where both of them offer an off-the-shelf audio.
Build Quality
The Shure SE215 earphones are made out of components that are developed for pros. They have a Sound Isolating™ design which eliminates noise and keeps your listening experience clean and free of outside noises. They offer proper customization with the complete fit kit of custom sleeves. With these sleeves, the earphones remain comfortably in your ears without falling off. You can enjoy long sessions without any discomfort as the fit can be optimized for your ear canals. All the components are made from premium material giving the earphones durability and ability to withstand wear and tear.
Sound Quality
The earphones have a precision engineered sound that combines clarity with deep bass. You can clearly hear the highs, the lows, and everything in between. These earphones have a single dynamic driver that produces clear sound with deep bass in a small and convenient pair of ear monitors. They also feature the sound isolation technology that prevents external noise from disturbing your listening experience. These headphones have a rated impedance of 17 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 22 Hz to 17.5 kHz.
Ideal For
SE215 earphones have a closed-back, in-ear design. They can block up to 37dB of ambient noise. They are a good choice for neutral listening and they have a better-balanced sound than SE425 from Shure. Although they are closed-back, they cannot create a spacious soundstage because of small size as compared to open-back, over ear headphones.
Additional Features
The SE215 headphones from Shure have a detachable cable system which enables multiple connectivity options. This way, these ear monitors will be compatible with many devices and can be easily used with any device.
come with a universal 3.5mm communications cable that is detachable and a complete fit kit of custom sleeves which includes soft flex sleeves and foam sleeves. The earphones can be stored in the zippered carrying case that is included in the box for transit or storage purposes.
Pros
- Minimal sound leakage and excellent noise isolation
- Durable build and good manufacturing quality
- Multiple connection options for long-term device compatibility
Cons
- Less options of custom sleeves as compared to other Shure models
7. Sennheiser – HD 599 Open Back Headphones
The HD 500 from Sennheiser are open-back, over-ear studio headphones. These full-sized premium headphones offer near-audiophile levels of sound quality. They are a successor to the popular HD 500 series headphones.
Build Quality
The HD 599 headphones belong to the Sennheiser HD 5 model range which offer high quality and value in any aspect. The headphones have an ‘Ergonomic acoustic refinement’ (E.A.R.) design. Using this design, the audio signal is directly channelled into your ears. These headphones have a contemporary design that looks both, attractive and is ergonomic. The ear pads are replaceable and the ear cups are large. This ensures that there is no pressure on your ears, you can only experience the best sound. It’s a premium design made from the top-quality materials and unique detailing such as matte metallic finish on the ear cups and headbands.
Sound Quality
The HD 599 headphones have a refined and a natural sound. You can experience an outstanding natural spatial performance with the help of the headphones that are powered by Sennheiser’s proprietary transducer technology. The sound profile of these headphones has excellent consistency. They have a good bass range performance with mid ranges reproduced nearly perfectly. These headphones have a rated impedance of 50 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 10 Hz to 38.5 kHz.
Ideal For
HD 599 headphones from Sennheiser have an over-ear design with open-back ear cups. These headphones are a treat for those who love listening to music. Because of their open-back design, there is a lot of sound leakage and very little isolation. They are meant to be used in studios where there is no ambient noise.
Additional Features
The HD 599 headphones come with a 3m detachable cable (6.3mm straight plug), 1.2m detachable cable (3.5mm straight plug), and a 6.3mm to 3.5mm adaptor. The headphones are bulky and they do not fold so they become a bit cumbersome to carry around. Also, no carrying bag is included with the headphones.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Premium finishing makes the headphones look unique
- Great audio reproduction
Cons
- No sound isolation or blocking of ambient sound in noisy environments
- Sound leaks a lot because of open-back design
8. MEE Audio – M6 PRO In-Ear Monitors
The M6 PRO in-ear monitors from MEE Audio are a hit with musicians because of their comfortable fit, great sound quality, and replaceable cables. The latest model features upgraded sound and build quality.
Build Quality
M6 PRO earphones from MEE Audio have a modular construction and a comfortable fit. The earphones have a sealed in-ear design and it includes Comply™ T-Series memory foam ear tips. They help in reducing outside noise and enable safer listening volumes. These components also help in improving sound quality for a superior audio experience. The earphones are designed for extended listening sessions and are extremely lightweight. These headphones utilize flexible over-the-ear memory wire so that the earphones stay snug in the ear canal. Multiple options for the ear tips help in creating a personalized and customized fit for the user.
Sound Quality
The earphones deliver a clear and full-range audio. The earphones have an ultrathin 5 micrometre driver diaphragm and an aluminium voice coil. They are capable of more precise movement as compared to a conventional driver. These earphones have a revised tuning above 2 kHz for an even accurate midrange and smoother, more natural treble. These headphones have a rated impedance of 16 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Ideal For
The earphones deliver a moderately well-balanced audio response. These earphones are designed for the stage and are decently versatile. They are not ideal for noisy environment.
Additional Features
The M6 PRO earphones from MEE Audio has detachable and replaceable cables. It comes with a regular stereo cable and headset cable. The headset cable features a built-in microphone and remote which allows you to take calls and control media with compatible devices. The earphones come with Comply™ memory foam ear tips, shirt clips, 6.3mm adapter, and a carrying case.
Pros
- Portable and stable design of in-ear monitors
- Complete accessory package is included with the headphones
Cons
- Not ideal for noisy environments
- Overly sharp treble
9. Sony – MDR-7506 Headphones
The MDR-7506 headphones from Sony originate from the classic MDR-V6 that was launched about 30 years ago. These headphones are engineered for a combination of strength, comfort, and practicality.
Build Quality
MDR-7506 studio headphones offer superb comfort and excellent listening experience with the exceptional build quality. The ear cups are closed-back with comfort cushion lining the cups. The cups are attached to a hinge system so that they can swivel from the padded headband. The headphones come with a coiled cable whose connections are gold plated. This gives the headphones high fidelity. The headphones are quite comfortable without any pressure points allowing users to wear them for prolonged times.
Sound Quality
The headphones from Sony offer a crisp, high definition audio reproduction. It is a well-balanced sound with a punchy bass. The output is rich enough with different nuances which makes them ideal for some critical listening. The combination driver of these headphones features a large 40mm PET diaphragms that are driven by neodymium magnets. These headphones have a rated impedance of 63 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 10 Hz to 20 kHz.
Ideal For
MDR-7506 headphones from Sony are over-ears type studio headphones with a closed-back design of ear cups. The headphones are perfect for use in a broadcast and recording studio. They are even well suited for live sound applications. Because of their closed-back design, they are not ideal for studio use where neutral sound is required. You can even use these headphones for casual listening especially when you are outside as it can isolate the external sounds.
Additional Features
The MDR-7506 headphones come with a protective carry pouch for safe storage. A gold plated Unimatch™ 3.5mm/6.3mm adaptor is also included with the headphones. The headphones can be folded into a compact size for any type of transit. These headphones have a coiled cord which gives it extra strength and durability.
Pros
- Reasonably comfortable
- Large diaphragm
- Coiled cable that is durable and lasts for longer time
- No sound leakage from the ear cups
Cons
- Construction feels flimsy and thin
- Sound is not neutral so they are not meant for studio use
10. KZ ZS10 PRO In-Ear Earphones
The KZ ZS10 PRO in-ear monitors are a gorgeous pair of earphones with mirror finishing and excellent sound quality. The comfortable earphones can be used for long sessions without any discomfort.
Build Quality
The earphones have a faceplate that is made out of 304 stainless steel and the cavity is made from an imported resin. With this combination of two materials, the earphones look elegant and shimmer when the light falls on them. It comes with a detachable gold-plated 2-pin cable. This gives the earphones ability to be upgraded and the limit slot protection design avoids the pin from breaking during any wear and tear. The KZ Z10 earphones have an ergonomic design so that it is molded to fit properly in the ear canal just like customized ear buds. They are even comfortable for wearing during long sessions.
Sound Quality
The earphones have a dynamic low frequency and a bright resolution. There is a PCB driving board so that all the drivers can be played. This gives use a smooth, sensible, and detailed music listening experience. There are five drivers in this earphone, 2 high frequency drivers, 2 mid frequency drivers, and 1 double magnetic dynamic driver. The earphones have a strong bass as the driving force is doubled. These headphones have a rated impedance of 24 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 7 Hz to 40 kHz.
Ideal For
The headphones are noise cancelling and with their unique design they can effectively isolate the noise up to 26dB so that you can get the best experience while listening to music.
Additional Features
The KZ ZS10 PRO do not come with any accessories or extra cables. It can be stored in pocket but it does not come with any carrying case.
Pros
- Reasonably comfortable
- Unique design with mirror finishing and steel plate
- Very low leakage
Cons
- Ear buds are slightly bulky
11. AKG – K240 Studio Headphones
The K240 Studio Headphones from AKG are classic cans with an over-ear, semi-open back design. They are a 
powerful tool for production environments because of their performance, ease of use, and reliability.
Build Quality
AKG K240 Studio headphones are designed for offering maximum comfort during long mixing sessions. They are built to withstand countless hours in the studio without causing any fatigue. The headband is self-adjusting which allows user to get an ideal fit. The ear pad envelops the ears nicely without causing any discomfort. The headphones are lightweight overall and weigh just 240g. The headphones have single sided cable so that they do not tangle while removing the headphones and this cable is detachable.
Sound Quality
The AKG K240 Studio headphones have a naturally open sound quality because of an acoustically tuned venting structure behind the transducer element. The headphones have an advanced 30mm XXL transducers with patented Varimotion diaphragms. Because of these, there is accurate signal transfer and the headphones have a great dynamic range. The headphones can deliver a wide dynamic range, increased sensitivity, and high sound levels. They provide a solid bass range and extremely clear heights because of their semi-open ear cup style. These headphones have a rated impedance of 55 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 15 Hz to 25 kHz.
Ideal For
AKG K240 Studio have an over-ear design and the ear cups have a semi-open back. They are a hybrid of conventional open- and closed-back models. The headphones are ideal for professional musician applications such as mixing, mastering, and playback. They are a standard pair when it comes to recording because of the impressive accuracy of the sound provided by K240. Musicians can clearly hear the mixing details.
Additional Features
The K240 headphones from AKG feature a professional mini XLR connector for easy replacement of the cable. An additional 3m cable and a converting jack plug for connecting portable equipment is also included. The headphones are not foldable so they are little bulky to carry around.
Pros
- Detachable input cable for easy replacement
- Rugged construction, nice build and manufacturing quality
- Enhanced airy highs and solid base because of semi-open technology
Cons
- Headphones are not foldable and carry pouch is not included with the headphones
- Headphones are not too comfortable
12. CCA – C10 In Ear Monitors
The CCA C10
[Different choices and experience] CCA C10 features 3 different colors and 2 specification options giving you a total of 5 personal options to satisfy your needs and wants. Enjoy your tunes exclusively with the non-mic cable option and don’t miss any business meeting calls with the mic cable option. You can enjoy your work and relax at the same time.
Build Quality
CCA C10 earphones have an ergonomic design which offers comfortable wearing experience. The ergonomic shape is in the design of human auricle which is made after bid data collection. This gives you a superior wearing experience even for prolonged music sessions. The earphones come with a 5N 4 core silver plated wire. It has a detachable cable design and the cable is made from soft and supple materials so that it doesn’t tangle. The cable connects with a 0.75mm 2-pin gold-plated connector with the earphones firmly. The cable has a gold-plated 3.5mm plug which fits with most devices. With the silicon ear tips, the ear monitors have a passive noise isolating ability.
Sound Quality
The earphones have 10 units Hybrid Technology Earphone with one side 1 dynamic 4 balanced armature configuration. The CCA C10 has four custom tuned 30095+50060 Balanced Armature drivers which improve the high frequency performance. The single 10mm double magnetic dynamic driver makes the low frequency performance to be as deep as possible. The armature drivers give the earphones an almost real-life vocal range experience which feels like the singer is directly singing in your ears. These headphones have a rated impedance of 32 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 7 Hz to 40 kHz.
Ideal For
CCA C10 earphones offer a flexible interpretation of various types of music. You can experience all subtle vocal and musical instrument interactions with exquisite and natural high-resolution. There is no loss of any high-frequency details which makes it easy to interpret a variety of styles of music. The sound is not neutral as CCA C10 are base heavy. They are very accurate and can isolate noises very well. The built-in passive noise cancelling design reduces environmental noise and distractions to give you an immersive auditory experience.
Additional Features
The CCA C10 earphones comes with detachable 3.5mm gold-plated cable and silicon ear tips which offer a customized fit. There is no carrying case included with these monitors.
Pros
- Decent sound isolation
- Nice build and manufacturing quality
- Very good punchy bass, warm midrange, and not bright sound
Cons
- Bulky drivers as they fall out of ears
- No carrying pouch included with the monitor
13. Samson – SR850 Semi-Open-Back Studio Headphones
The SR850 Semi-Open Studio headphones from Smason are comfortable and offer accurate headphone monitoring. They have decent sound quality and can be used by sound professionals and even just regular enthusiasts.
Build Quality
The headphones have a self-adjusting headband which gives a secure and natural fit. They provide total comfort for any extended studio sessions. The ear cups have ear pads with velour cushioning. The headphones are very light and comfortable. With the ear pad cushions being soft, there is no undue pressure around the ears and the head. You can use these headphones comfortably for long sessions. The headphones weigh just 276g so that there is no unnecessary fatigue while working.
Sound Quality
The SR850 headphones have airy highs and pronounced depth because of the transparent response. Because of their semi-open design, there is appropriate bleed which offers better stereo imaging and a wider sound stage. The headphones have 50mm drivers which offer exceptional sound reproduction and wide dynamic range. These drivers are driven by rare earth magnets which deliver an extended frequency response and dynamic range. These headphones have a rated impedance of 32 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 10 Hz to 30 kHz.
Ideal For
SR850 headphones have an over-ear, semi-open design. The semi-open design ensures that the headphones can be used in an enhanced listening environment. The semi-open design causes sound to leak both ways so there is no complete sound isolation. These headphones are suitable for musicians, sound engineers, and general music enthusiasts alike. They provide excellent sound quality for mixing and even general listening pleasure. The headphones are ideal for professional recording and hi-fi monitoring.
Additional Features
Along with the SR850 headphones from Samson, a 1/8″ to 1/4″ gold-plated adapter is included with the headphones. The cable is non-detachable and is quite long. The headphones are not foldable and there is no carrying pouch that comes with the headphones.
Pros
- Reasonably comfortable
- Headphones are easy to drive without a headphone amp
Cons
- Low build quality
- No complete sound isolation because of semi-open design
14. KZ – KZ AS10 In Ear Monitors
The KZ AS10 earphones are a pair of 5 balanced armature musician in-ear monitors. They offer decent audio reproduction and have a unique transparent design and a braided audio cable which is detachable and replaceable.
Build Quality
KZ AS10 earphones have a transparent design and the buds are angles so that they have a better fitting within the contour of your ear canal. They are slightly bulky so they might not fit users with smaller ears. There are different tip options so that you can find a better and comfortable fit. These earphones come with a braided cable so that they look premium and are more durable. The OCC 2 pin cable is replaceable if it gets damaged.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of these earphones has a deep punchy bass, decently balanced mid-range, and a good treble. If a proper seal is created with the ear tips, then you can get a consistent bass and treble. The highs are well extended but not overly boosted so the sound is not sharp. The earphones have five different drivers – 1 for lows which is comparable to traditional drivers, 1 for mids, 2 for highs, and 1 for mid and high. These earphones have a rated impedance of 14 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 20 Hz to 40 kHz.
Ideal For
The earphones have and in-ear monitor style design with closed-back. They have average noise quality and they offer mixed usage. These earphones provide great passive isolation so that you can have a clean listening experience without any external noise. Along with this, there is very low leakage so you won’t disturb people around you while listening. They have a poor soundstage so they are not really ideal neutral listeners.
Additional Features
The KZ AS10 earphones are very portable that can easily fit in most pockets. They do not come with a carrying case.
Pros
- Decent quality
- Good design of earphones that stays in place
Cons
- Earbuds are slightly bulky
15. JVC – HARX500 Headphones
The HARX500 are full-sized high-quality headphones with an over-ear design. They are comfortable and are designed for musicians. The headphones are well built and offer good quality sound reproduction.
Build Quality
JVC HARX500 offer maximum comfort for great listening experience. The headphones feature Twist Action Structure so that you get a pair that creates a more comfortable listening style for prolonged use. It comes with a comfortable cushioned headband that is not too tight on your head. It is also adjustable so that you can get an optimized fit around the head. The headphones are light weight and they only weigh 196.7g. The ear cups are padded with soft foam which is enclosed by a thin layer of faux leather. The cord is attached to the headphones and cannot be removed or replaced.
Sound Quality
The HARX500 headphones work best with an appropriate source of power, that is they need a headphone amp. The headphones feature Ear Direct Structure with inclined driver unit. These headphones provide direct transmission of powerful sound to the ear drums. They have large 40mm driver unit that is driven by high quality neodymium magnets. The headphones have higher quality towards lower frequencies and have decent high frequencies. These headphones have a rated impedance of 70 Ohms with an audio frequency bandwidth of 10 Hz to 22 kHz.
Ideal For
JVC HARX500 headphones have an over-ear design. They have a closed-back design so they can be used in crowded spaces. They offer passive noise isolation and the external sounds are quietened.
Additional Features
The HARX500 headphones from JVC come with a 3.5m cord with gold plated plug. It also comes with a 6.3mm plug adaptor. The plug is corrosion-resistant and gold plated which ensures excellent signal transfer. The headphones do not include a carrying bag for safe keeping while in transit. These headphones do not fold into a compact shape for storage.
Pros
- Reasonably comfortable
- Durable hardware with good build quality
Cons
- No carrying package included with the headphones
- For best sound, headphone amp is always required