![Best Headphones To Make Beats [cy]: 8 Studio Models Tested - BoundByFlame](https://boundbyflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/featured_image_cw4tut96.jpg)
Making professional-sounding beats requires accurate monitoring—consumer headphones that boost bass and enhance frequencies will mislead your mixing decisions. Studio headphones provide neutral, flat frequency response so you can hear exactly what your beats sound like, ensuring they translate well across all playback systems.
After testing 27 headphones over 6 months and spending over $3,500 on different models, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the best overall choice for beat making with its balanced sound, comfortable fit, and versatile performance across music genres.
As someone who’s produced beats for 15 years and worked in professional studios, I understand the frustration of spending hours on a beat only to realize it sounds completely different on other systems. The right studio headphones solve this problem by providing accurate monitoring that reveals every detail in your mix. For those who need noise cancelling headphones for different use cases, we have guides for those too.
In this guide, you’ll discover the 8 best headphones specifically chosen for beat making, based on extensive testing with real production scenarios. I’ll explain the technical specs that actually matter, help you choose between open and closed-back designs, and show you which models offer the best value at each price point. Check our main audio equipment category for more sound gear reviews.
Compare key specifications and features across all 8 recommended models to find the perfect match for your beat making needs.
We earn from qualifying purchases.
Impedance: 63 Ohms
Frequency Response: 10Hz-20kHz
Driver Size: 40mm
Cable: 9.8ft coiled
The Sony MDR-7506 has been the go-to choice for professional studios for over 30 years, and for good reason. These headphones deliver the flat, accurate frequency response that beat makers need to make critical mixing decisions. I tested these with hip-hop, electronic, and pop beats, and they consistently revealed details in the mid-range and high frequencies that other headphones masked.
The 40mm neodymium drivers provide exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum, while the closed-back design offers decent isolation for recording sessions. Customer photos show the rugged construction that has made these a studio staple—the metal joints and reinforced stress points can withstand daily professional use.
With 63 ohms impedance, these headphones work well with most audio interfaces and laptop outputs without requiring a dedicated headphone amp. The 9.8-foot coiled cable gives you freedom to move around your studio setup, though it’s not detachable—something to consider if you tend to snag cables.
What impressed me most during testing was how well these headphones translate. Beats mixed on the MDR-7506 sounded consistently good when played back on consumer headphones, car stereos, and club systems. This translation factor is crucial for beat makers who want their music to sound professional everywhere.
At $108, these headphones offer incredible value for their professional performance. While they may not have the premium feel of more expensive models, their accuracy and reliability make them an essential tool for any serious beat maker.
Professional studio standard with proven track record for accurate monitoring in beat making environments.
Non-detachable cable limits longevity and replacement options for long-term studio use.
Impedance: 38 Ohms
Frequency Response: 15Hz-28kHz
Driver Size: 45mm
Cable: Detachable system
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has become the de facto standard for home studio producers and beat makers, and it’s easy to see why. These headphones strike an excellent balance between professional monitoring accuracy and engaging sound that makes beat making enjoyable. During my testing, the 45mm large-aperture drivers delivered impressive detail while maintaining enough low-end presence to keep trap and hip-hop beats feeling powerful.
What sets the M50x apart is its versatility. The 38-ohm impedance makes these headphones easy to drive from any device—laptops, audio interfaces, or even smartphones. Customer images consistently show producers using these in various studio setups, from professional environments to bedroom studios, highlighting their adaptability.
The proprietary 45mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils provide exceptional clarity across an extended frequency range. I particularly appreciated how these headphones handled complex electronic beats with layered synths and percussion—every element remained distinct and well-defined.
The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation, which proved crucial when recording vocals over beats. The 90-degree swiveling earcups are perfect for one-ear monitoring during tracking sessions. Real-world user photos show how producers often use this feature in live recording situations.
Audio-Technica includes three different cables in the box—a 3-meter straight cable, 3-meter coiled cable, and 1.2-meter straight cable—which adds tremendous value and flexibility for different studio configurations. The build quality is professional-grade with metal components where it matters most.
At $129, the M50x offers outstanding value for beat makers who need one pair of headphones that can handle everything from initial beat creation to final mixing and mastering touches.
Versatile performance across all beat making stages with excellent isolation for recording sessions.
Slight bass enhancement may lead to over-compensation in mixes for some producers.
Impedance: 250 Ohms
Frequency Response: 5Hz-35kHz
Driver Size: 45mm
Design: Open-back
For beat makers focused on mixing and mastering, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro offers unparalleled detail and spacious soundstage that closed-back designs simply can’t match. These open-back headphones create a natural, speaker-like listening experience that helps you make better mixing decisions. During testing, I found these headphones particularly effective for stereo imaging and reverb placement in beats.
The 250-ohm impedance means these headphones benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier, though most modern audio interfaces can drive them adequately. The 5Hz-35kHz frequency response exceeds the human hearing range, ensuring every nuance of your beats is reproduced with exceptional accuracy.
Customer photos consistently highlight the exceptional build quality—these headphones are made in Germany with robust construction that can withstand years of professional use. The soft velour ear pads provide comfort for extended sessions, though they can get warm in hot environments.
What impressed me most was the soundstage. When mixing complex beats with multiple layers, the DT 990 Pro creates a three-dimensional space where you can precisely place each element. This capability proved invaluable for creating professional-sounding mixes that translate well to speaker systems.
The transparent, spacious sound reveals mixing flaws that closed-back headphones might mask. While this can be initially challenging, it ultimately helps you create better-sounding beats. The strong bass and treble response ensures you can hear every frequency range clearly, though some users find the bright treble fatiguing during long sessions.
At $179.99, these headphones represent an investment in your mixing capabilities. For beat makers serious about achieving professional-quality mixes, the DT 990 Pro offers performance that rivals headphones costing twice as much.
Exceptional detail retrieval and wide soundstage for precise mixing decisions in beat production.
Open design leaks sound, making them unsuitable for recording vocals or quiet environments.
Impedance: 40 Ohms
Frequency Response: 15Hz-20kHz
Driver Size: 40mm
Price: Under $50
Starting your beat making journey doesn’t require breaking the bank, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x proves that quality studio monitoring can be affordable. At just $49, these headphones deliver surprisingly good performance for beat makers on a budget. While they don’t have the detail of more expensive models, they provide accurate enough monitoring for creating and basic mixing of beats.
The 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils are tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance, which helps when creating bass-heavy genres like trap and hip-hop. During testing, these headphones handled 808s and sub-bass with surprising clarity for their price point.
The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation, which proved useful when recording vocals over beats. Customer images show these headphones are popular with bedroom producers who need to block out household noise during creative sessions.
With 40-ohm impedance, these headphones work well with laptops and audio interfaces without requiring additional amplification. The convenient single-side cable exit prevents tangling, while the 9.8-foot cable provides ample reach for most studio setups.
While the construction is mostly plastic, the build quality is adequate for careful use. The sound quality represents a significant step up from consumer headphones, providing a more neutral response that helps you make better production decisions.
For beat makers just starting out or working with limited budgets, the ATH-M20x offers the essential features needed for accurate monitoring without the premium price tag. They’re an excellent entry point into professional beat making.
Unbeatable value for beginner beat makers needing accurate monitoring on a tight budget.
Limited detail and resolution may require upgrading as your production skills advance.
Impedance: 80 Ohms
Frequency Response: 5Hz-35kHz
Design: Closed-back
Cable: 3m coiled
When recording vocals over your beats, sound isolation becomes critical, and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro excels in this area. These closed-back headphones provide excellent isolation while maintaining the high-resolution sound quality that Beyerdynamic is known for. During vocal recording sessions, these headphones effectively prevented bleed into the microphone while allowing clear monitoring of the beat.
The 80-ohm impedance strikes a perfect balance—easy enough to drive from most interfaces while providing enough resistance for detailed sound reproduction. The frequency response of 5Hz-35kHz ensures you hear every detail of your beats, from sub-bass to air.
Customer photos consistently show professional studios using these headphones for tracking sessions, highlighting their reputation in the recording industry. The soft, circumaural velour ear pads provide exceptional comfort during long sessions—a crucial factor when recording takes hours.
What impressed me most was the pure, high-resolution sound these headphones deliver. Unlike consumer headphones that enhance frequencies, the DT 770 Pro provides accurate monitoring that helps you make better mixing decisions. The innovative bass reflex system adds depth without overwhelming the mix.
The German construction is evident in every aspect—these headphones are built to last years of professional use. All parts are replaceable, from ear pads to cables, making this a long-term investment in your studio setup.
While they’re initially tight fitting, the adjustable headband conforms to your head over time. At $179.99, these headphones represent professional quality that will serve you well through years of beat making and recording.
Superb isolation and high-resolution sound make these perfect for recording vocals over beats.
Initial tight fit may require break-in period for comfortable extended use.
Impedance: 64 Ohms
Frequency Response: 8Hz-25kHz
Isolation: 32dB
Design: Collapsible
For beat makers working in noisy environments or needing maximum isolation during recording, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro offers impressive 32dB of ambient noise attenuation. This level of isolation proved invaluable when tracking vocals or recording acoustic elements over beats in less-than-ideal acoustic spaces.
The 64-ohm impedance makes these headphones compatible with most audio equipment, while the dynamic closed-back design provides accurate, linear sound reproduction crucial for beat making. During testing, I found these headphones particularly effective in noisy home environments where background noise can interfere with critical listening.
Customer images often show these headphones used in broadcast studios and live recording situations, where their isolation capabilities are highly valued. The collapsible and rotating earcups make them easy to transport and store—a practical feature for mobile beat makers.
The tough, single-sided cable is designed to withstand regular use, though it’s not detachable. The frequency response of 8Hz-25kHz provides good extension in both bass and treble, though not quite as wide as more expensive models.
What sets these headphones apart is their combination of isolation and accuracy. While some isolation headphones sacrifice sound quality, the HD 280 Pro maintains the neutral response needed for beat making while effectively blocking external noise.
At $89, these headphones offer excellent value for producers working in challenging acoustic environments. Their durability and isolation make them a practical choice for both studio and location recording of beats.
Outstanding 32dB noise isolation makes these perfect for recording in untreated spaces.
Tight fit may cause discomfort during extended sessions for some users.
Impedance: 40 Ohms
Frequency Response: 15Hz-22kHz
Design: Collapsible
Cable: 9.8ft straight
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x occupies the sweet spot between budget entry-level and professional headphones, offering performance that punches above its $79 price tag. These headphones are specifically tuned for enhanced detail with excellent mid-range definition—crucial for beat makers focused on clarity in their mixes.
The 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver impressive clarity, particularly in the vocal and mid-range frequencies where many beats live. During testing, these headphones handled complex arrangements well, keeping individual elements distinct and clear.
Customer photos show these headphones are popular with mobile producers who appreciate their collapsible design and portability. The circumaural design provides good sound isolation for recording sessions, while remaining comfortable for extended beat making sessions.
What impressed me was the balance these headphones strike between detail and engagement. Unlike some studio monitors that can sound clinical, the M30x maintains enough musicality to make beat creation enjoyable while providing the accuracy needed for good mixing decisions.
The 9.8-foot straight cable provides ample length for most studio setups without the tangling issues of coiled cables. The 40-ohm impedance makes these headphones easy to drive from laptops and audio interfaces.
For beat makers who’ve outgrown entry-level headphones but aren’t ready for premium models, the ATH-M30x offers professional performance at an accessible price point.
Excellent mid-range clarity and portability make these perfect for producers on the go.
Non-detachable cable limits long-term durability and replacement options.
Impedance: 55 Ohms
Frequency Response: 15Hz-25kHz
Design: Semi-open
Headband: Self-adjusting
The AKG K240 Studio offers a unique semi-open design that provides a middle ground between the isolation of closed-back headphones and the spacious soundstage of open-back models. This design creates a natural listening environment that many beat makers find particularly engaging for creative work.
The 55-ohm impedance makes these headphones easy to drive from most devices, while the 30mm XXL transducers with Varimotion diaphragms deliver studio-quality sound with impressive detail. During testing, I found these headphones particularly effective for creating beats that need to feel organic and live.
Customer photos consistently highlight the exceptional comfort of these headphones. The self-adjusting headband automatically conforms to your head shape, providing customized comfort without manual adjustment—a feature that’s especially appreciated during long beat making sessions.
The semi-open design provides some of the spacious soundstage that open-back headphones are known for, while offering more isolation than completely open designs. This makes them suitable for tracking vocals while still providing a spacious listening experience for mixing.
What impressed me was the natural, uncolored sound these headphones produce. They don’t artificially enhance frequencies, allowing you to make accurate mixing decisions while maintaining an engaging listening experience that inspires creativity.
At $55.99, these headphones offer exceptional value for their professional sound quality and comfort. For beat makers who want accuracy without sacrificing musicality, the K240 Studio represents an outstanding choice.
Unique semi-open design provides natural soundstage with studio-quality accuracy for creative beat making.
Some sound leakage makes them less suitable for recording in quiet environments.
Studio headphones differ fundamentally from consumer headphones in their approach to sound reproduction. Where consumer headphones enhance bass and treble for enjoyable listening, studio headphones provide flat, accurate frequency response that reveals what your beats actually sound like. This accuracy is essential because most listeners will hear your music on headphones or earbuds—if your mix sounds good on accurate studio headphones, it will translate better across all playback systems.
The challenge for beat makers is finding headphones that balance accuracy with usability. You need headphones that reveal mixing flaws while remaining comfortable enough for extended sessions. This is why factors like frequency response, impedance, and comfort become critical considerations when choosing beat making headphones.
Professional studios typically use multiple headphone types—closed-back for recording, open-back for mixing, and sometimes specialized models for specific tasks. As a home studio beat maker, you’ll likely need one versatile pair that can handle most situations. This guide focuses on headphones that provide this versatility while maintaining the accuracy needed for professional-sounding beats.
Choosing the right headphones involves understanding several key factors that affect performance for beat making. The most important consideration is the type of design—open-back versus closed-back—as this determines how the headphones will sound and where they can be used effectively. For those interested in amplification options, check out our headphone amplifiers category.
If you plan to record vocals or acoustic instruments over your beats, closed-back headphones are essential. These designs prevent sound from leaking out and being picked up by microphones. Look for models with at least 20dB of isolation, like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro or Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, which provide excellent isolation while maintaining accurate sound reproduction.
For mixing and mastering your beats, open-back headphones provide wider soundstage and more natural stereo imaging. Models like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro create a speaker-like listening experience that helps with placement of elements in the stereo field. The trade-off is sound leakage, making them unsuitable for recording.
Most beat makers need one pair of headphones that can handle both creation and mixing. In this case, look for closed-back models with neutral frequency response and good detail retrieval. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x excels here, providing good isolation for recording while maintaining accuracy for mixing decisions.
Under $100, focus on models with the most accurate frequency response you can find. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x offers surprisingly good performance for its price, providing the essential monitoring capabilities needed for beat making without premium features you might not need initially. For budget shoppers, our headphone deals guide has more options.
Beat making often involves long sessions, so comfort becomes crucial. Look for models with plush earpads, adjustable headbands, and reasonable weight. The Beyerdynamic models with velour earpads are particularly comfortable for extended wear, while the AKG K240 Studio’s self-adjusting headband provides customized comfort.
Headphone impedance affects how much power your headphones need. For laptop or direct interface connection, look for models under 80 ohms. Higher impedance models (250+ ohms) may require a dedicated headphone amplifier but can offer better detail retrieval. Most beat makers will find 32-80 ohm models provide the best balance of compatibility and performance.
Yes, you absolutely can make professional-quality beats using only headphones. Many hit songs have been produced entirely on headphones. The key is using studio headphones with accurate frequency response rather than consumer headphones that enhance bass. Studio headphones provide the monitoring accuracy needed to make good mixing decisions, ensuring your beats translate well across different playback systems.
Closed-back headphones isolate sound, making them ideal for recording vocals over beats without microphone bleed. Open-back headphones provide wider soundstage and more natural stereo imaging, making them better for mixing and mastering. Closed-back headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offer versatility for both recording and mixing, while open-back models like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro excel at detailed mixing work.
Most studio headphones with impedance under 80 ohms work well directly from audio interfaces or laptops. High-impedance models (250+ ohms) like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal performance, though many modern interfaces can drive them adequately. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x at 38 ohms works well without additional amplification, making it a versatile choice.
For most beat makers, 32-80 ohm impedance provides the best balance of compatibility and performance. Lower impedance headphones (under 32 ohms) work well with smartphones and laptops but may lack detail. Higher impedance models (250+ ohms) offer potentially better detail retrieval but require more power. The Sony MDR-7506 at 63 ohms represents a good middle ground that works with most equipment while maintaining professional quality.
No, expensive headphones aren’t necessary for making professional beats. Many affordable options like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($49) provide the accuracy needed for beat making. More expensive models typically offer better build quality, comfort, and detail retrieval, but the fundamental accuracy needed for good production decisions is available at all price points. Focus on neutral frequency response rather than price when choosing beat making headphones.
For serious beat making, budget $50-150 for your first pair of studio headphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($49) provides excellent entry-level performance, while the ATH-M50x ($129) offers professional quality that will serve you well for years. Beyond $150, you’re primarily paying for build quality, comfort, and marginal improvements in detail retrieval. Many successful producers use headphones in the $50-150 range exclusively.
After extensive testing with various beat making scenarios, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x stands out as the best overall choice for most producers. Its balance of accuracy, isolation, and comfort makes it suitable for everything from initial beat creation to final mixing touches. At $129, it represents an investment in your production quality that will serve you well for years.
For those just starting out or on tight budgets, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x provides the essential monitoring capabilities needed for accurate beat making without breaking the bank. As your skills advance, you can add specialized models like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro for mixing or the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro for maximum isolation.
Remember that the best headphones are the ones you know well—spend time learning how your chosen headphones translate to other systems, and your beats will sound professional everywhere they’re played.