Top 12 best monitor headphones: which ones to choose?

In today's ranking of the best monitor headphones of 2021 different full size models will be described for professional audio monitoring. There are many different monitor models available, from budget headphones to expensive high-quality headphones. We will consider the best of them in our TOP.

Monitor headphones Are headphones with very accurate reproduction of the sound spectrum. The sound quality of the monitor headphones and the level of detail are comparable to those of expensive audio systems. These headphones are used for listening to music, or for amateurs to work with sound at home.

Read also: Rating of the best full-size headphones

Main features of monitor headphones

1. Sensitivity... Sensitivity is the proportion between the volume of the reproduced sound and the strength of the input signal, expressed as power and voltage (90 dB or more recommended).
2. Frequency response = sound quality... Its average parameter is a reproducible frequency band of 20-20000 Hz. Moreover, the wider this parameter, the better.
3. Impedance... A characteristic that determines the electrical resistance of devices (it is recommended that the more, the better).
4. Frequency response... The same amplitude-frequency characteristic, which, as already mentioned, must be absolutely linear.
5. Diaphragm diameter... The selection rule is simple - the larger the diameter, the clearer the sound.
6. Power... In general, modern systems have a capacity that varies from 1 MW to 5 thousand MW. Typically "studio players" have a capacity of several hundred milliwatts.
7. Harmonic distortion... A characteristic that speaks of the purity and clarity of the sound of devices. In professional systems, this parameter does not exceed 0.5%.

TOP 12: Best Monitor Headphones of 2021

Rating of the best headphones for monitoring sound

№	Name	Description	Price
1.	Sennheiser HD 650	The best monitor headphones in 2021	290$
2.	Audio-Technica ATH-R70x	Pretty much the best studio headphones when you want an open-top model.	395$
3.	Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones	One of the best audio monitoring headphones in 2021.	135$
4.	Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-250 Ohm	Excellent over-ear monitoring headphones.	135$
5.	Pioneer HRM-7	Over-ear headphones for studio work.	160$
6.	JVC HA-RX700	The best budget monitor headphones.	41$
7.	Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO	The best studio headphones for mixing low frequencies.	525$
8.	Sony MDR-ZX310	Foldable over-ear headphones from Sony.	20$
9.	AKG K240S	Comfortable studio on-ear, half-open headphones with increased impedance and precise, detailed sound.	75$
10.	Sennheiser HD 280 Pro	Professional closed-back headphones for monitoring with linear frequency response.	92$
11.	Audio Technica ATH-M50X	Over-ear, closed-back monitor headphones.	100$
12.	Mackie MP-240	Excellent in-ear headphones for audio monitoring.	345$

12. Mackie MP-240

Excellent in-ear headphones for audio monitoring.

Opens the ranking of the best monitor headphones of 2021 - Mackie MP-240 ($ 345). The MP-240 uses a dynamic driver for low frequencies and balanced armature for mids and highs (Mackie calls this a dual hybrid design), and while this model isn't much more expensive than the MP-220, we feel it is ahead. acoustically. First, the middle range is more pronounced, but overall seems less noticeable, which should be less tiring.

However, they really do win at the top with clean and smooth treble that delivers great articulation.

Video review

11. Audio Technica ATH-M50X

Over-ear, closed-back monitor headphones.

TOP 11 best monitor headsets excellent full-size headphones Audio Technica ATH-M50X ($ 100). These monitor headphones offer very balanced, detailed sound of excellent quality with deep bass. They sit very comfortably on the head and have soft ear cushions and a detachable cord.

They are easily swayed by a smartphone, demonstrating a solid volume reserve, powerful enough bass and a large-scale sound stage. Their sound is even, without aggression and excessive pressure of low frequencies.

Video review

10. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Professional closed-back headphones for monitoring with linear frequency response.

The tenth place in the TOP of the best monitor headphones deservedly goes Sennheiser HD 280 Pro ($ 92) - professional closed headphone for monitoring with a frequency response line. Smooth detailed sound and good noise isolation are the main features of this model.

By the way, all lovers of the German manufacturer will be interested in reading rating of the best Sennheiser headphones.

Video review

9. AKG K240S

Comfortable studio on-ear, half-open headphones with increased impedance and precise, detailed sound.

AKG K240S ($ 75) - Inexpensive overhead half-open monitor headphones. The sound is quite even, thanks to the semi-open design, there is a wide stage.

By the way, lovers of inexpensive models will be interested in rating of the best budget headphones.

Video review

8. Sony MDR-ZX310

Foldable over-ear monitor headphones from Sony.

TOP 8 best monitor headphones receive foldable headphones from renowned Sony. Sony MDR-ZX310 ($ 20) have powerful bass like most MDR products. Reliability of construction, comfort in use, excellent sound - all this is offered at an inexpensive cost. In addition, the model is equipped with a remote control, so it can be used as a headset.

The widest range: from 10 to 24 thousand Hertz, a low weight of 125 grams, a two-way cable connection, gold-plated plugs and an L-shaped connector, different colors, as well as pure sound - that's all Sony MDR-ZX310.

Read also: Rating of the best headphones from Sony

Video review

7. Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO

The best studio headphones for mixing low frequencies.

Beyerdynamic is the audio heavyweight responsible for the ubiquitous DT 100 tracking devices that were ubiquitous in the 1980s and 90s and are still available today. Their current range is huge, but designed specifically for mixing, Beyerdynamic DT 1770 ($ 525) are extremely well balanced across the entire audio spectrum.

There is no audible phase shift in the midrange, providing the clarity required for professional use. The soundstage projected into your head is just as pleasant and open. They provide a detailed view of your sound from left to right, front to back, and even in corners.

Read also: Rating of the best on-ear headphones

Video review

6. JVC HA-RX700

Good budget monitor headphones.

JVC HA-RX700 ($ 41) - Good budget monitor headphones, although many consider it a very underrated model. JVC HA-RX700 has a high-quality, moderately detailed sound, its frequency response is also quite flat.

Like almost all JVC headphones, there is a well "tinted" middle. It is bright and rich. Because of this, the sound seems narrow in places. At the same time, there is an excellent percussive bass. The headphones are rather musical, well suited for "chamber" genres. But, due to the overall quality, they can also be monitored.

Read also: Best Noise Canceling Headphones (ANC)

Video review

5. Pioneer HRM-7

Over-ear headphones for studio work.

Discover the top 5 best monitor headphones Pioneer HRM-7 ($ 160) - Full-size wired headphones for studio work.

Read also: The best headphones for your computer

Video review

4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-250 Ohm

Excellent over-ear monitoring headphones.

Ranked # 4 Best Monitor Headphones 2021 Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-250 Ohm ($ 135) - high-quality full-size closed-back headphones, a great choice for your money.

The comfortable Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones harmoniously combine technology and comfort. These headphones are arguably one of the best in terms of comfort. The sound is top notch, good bass. Comfort and quality sound have never looked so good.

Video review

3. Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones

One of the best audio monitoring headphones in 2021.

The Sony MDR series has been around for many years and has a solid studio pedigree backed by decades of daily use in the recording and broadcasting sectors around the world. Current version MDR-7506 ($ 135) represents a brilliant combination of comfort, practicality and value - these are some of the best monitoring headphones around.

Extremely comfortable for extended wear, the earbuds are designed to bring out what's wrong with your recording. On par with competitors that cost twice as much, the sound is sharp and clear across the entire spectrum (with moderate gain in the upper midrange).

Read also: The best Sony headphones

Video review

2. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

Pretty much the best studio headphones when you need an open model.

Open constructions such as ATH-R70x ($ 395) is generally preferred for long mixing sessions as they are lighter and less tedious than closed models. This model was specially designed as a reference headphone for mixing.

Video review

1. Sennheiser HD 650

The best monitor headphones in 2021

TOP-1 in the ranking of the best monitor headphones of 2021 become Sennheiser HD 650 ($ 290) - On-ear, full-size monitor headphones, the best of the best headphones for audio monitoring. The headphones have an interesting design. The aluminum voice coils used in these headphones are quite lightweight and capable of providing fast transient response.

So, if you are wondering “Which monitor headphones to buy?”, Then the Sennheiser HD 650 is a great option for quality monitoring headphones. They will be good for professional use. In addition, these ears can become a long-awaited purchase for music lovers and connoisseurs of good sound.

Read also: The best headphones for music

Video review