If you are setting up a budget home studio, one of the most important things to buy is studio headphones. The studio headphones deliver outstanding sound quality and durability and comfort is a must for long working hours. Like in any other category, top-end products would perform and sound better than their price step-downs. This doesn’t imply that there aren’t some great options for cheap studio headphones.
PRO Tip: If you are looking for headphones for live applications, it would be wiser to choose in-ear studio monitors instead as most of these would have a difficult time reproducing low-end frequencies accurately in a loud environment.
We have prepared a complete list of equipment that you will require to set up your very own home recording studio.
1. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 has a relatively neutral frequency response, with some added emphasis on the mids and highs. That might not be ideal for casual listening, but for editing tracks where you’re picking through minute differences in recordings, it can make a world of difference. The build is mostly plastic, which means these headphones are comfortable to wear for hours on end while you work.
Features:
- Comes complete with a protective carry pouch and gold-plated Unimatch 3.5mm/6.3mm adaptor
- Neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers ensure powerful, detailed sound
- 1/4-inch adapter included
- The closed-ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises
- 9.8-foot cord ends in a gold-plated plug
Positives
- Great isolation provided
- One of the most loved models for home studios
- Great sound profile for mixing
- A long legacy of professional use
Negatives
- Heavy & cumbersome to use
- Plasticky build quality
2. Audio Technica ATH M20X
Japanese brand Audio-Technica has a wide range of products catering to enthusiast needs. A great example would be the ATH M20X which while being at a budget studio headphone price point offers a premium experience. Clean, Comfortable, and Cost Efficient.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Features:
- Lightweight but durable and robust in feel.
- Great frequency response range of 15Hz to 20kHz
- 40mm Drivers with rare-earth magnets.
- Closed-back design, for better sound isolation in loud environments.
Positives
- Single-side long cord making it easy to move around or for standing applications.
- Comfortable fit, making it easy to use them for longer periods.
- Crisp, clean audio. Lower frequencies don’t seem boosted.
- A padded headband and a swivel of 15°.
Negatives
- Not collapsible making it difficult to transport and store.
- Slightly tighter fit due to the padded headband.
3. Behringer HPS 3000
Although being a German company, Behringer’s roots are originally Swiss and this gets translated into their good thought-out product lines catering to a musician with any experience. The HPS 3000 is an option you could consider if you’re on a serious shoestring budget. Reversible cups also make it easy for single-ear use.
Behringer HPS 3000
Features:
- Ultra-wide frequency response and dynamic range.
- Rugged headband construction.
- High-resolution sound reproduction.
Positives
- Comfortable and are par expectations for the price point.
- Even and Consistent sound reproduction.
- Frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz.
Negatives
- A bit clunky to handle.
- Faux leather ear cuffs lack enough padding.
4. Tascam TH02-B
With proven experience in the audio recording and reproducing business, Tascam’s budget innovations are known the world over. The TH02-B is their Budget Studio Headphone offering.
Tascam TH02-B
Features:
- Foldable design for easy transport and storage.
- Closed-back design for a clean and isolated sound.
- Tightly stitched headband and ear cuffs for comfort.
Positives
- Low Sound leakage. Firm and comfortable fit.
- Overall decent audio reproduction.
Negatives
- Noise isolation could be better.
- Build quality is somewhat mediocre.
- Not ideal for commuting.
5. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
Sennheiser is known for its audio quality. Though most of their headphones are expensive. But I like HD 280 PRO because of its features and affordable price tag.
Features:
- Dynamic, closed-ear headphones with up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction
- Around-the-ear design with padded ear cups
- Ergonomic design
Positives
- Doesn’t leak audio
- Comfortable
- Sound quality
Negatives
- Not a good looker
- Does get hot after a long use
6. AKG Pro Audio K92
AKG Acoustics is known to have an extensive product line for Studio applications. The K92s are their best offering in the budget studio headphone segment. The pricing truly goes to show how an accurate and decent audio experience does not have to be pricy.
AKG Pro Audio K92
Features:
- 40mm drivers with a frequency response of 16Hz to 20kHz.
- Closed-back design for better noise isolation.
- Self-adjusting headband for an accurate fit.
Positives
- Sound reproduction is good and consistent.
- Comfortable for long-duration usage.
- Gold trim does make it look more premium than it is.
Negatives
- The plastic build does not feel robust.
- Larger in size compared to others in this range.
7. Samson SR 950
From the United States, Samson Audio has innovated and dominated the professional audio space along with their sister concern Hartke. Their offerings in the budget/ home studio space have been on a rise to meet demands. The SR 950 is one such efficiently built comfortable pair yet cheap studio headphones in the market.
Features:
- 50mm Drivers and frequency response of 10Hz to 30kHz, 32Ω impedance.
- Self-adjusting headband for a perfect fit.
- Closed-back design for noise isolation.
Positives
- Lightweight materials, plush velour ear cuffs, and flat, adjustable headband.
- Excellent low-end frequency reproduction. Even mid and high-range performance.
- Clarity and neutral nature of sound.
Negatives
- The design is a bit modest and feels outdated.
Conclusion
All of the above are great options for budget studio headphones but the winner is the Audio Technica ATX M20X! Its outstanding sound quality and comfort make it our pick of the lot.
Don’t forget to check our other recommendations for your home studio here.
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