The Best Studio Headphones under $50

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x – Best Overall

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 15 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 47 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm Neodymium | Weight: 190g | Sensitivity: 96 dB

Sturdy and lightweight
Effective entry-level gear for monitoring

The bass feels slightly recessed

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Review

The ATH-M20x is one of the best performing, affordable over-the-ear professional studio headphones for little under $50 which earned a lot of points for its cool looking black sleek design as well as its neutral sound and the thought-out ergonomics which make it comfortable for thorough audio monitoring sessions.

Although they are more intended for beginners, the over-ears are mainly conceived for studio environments and home recording, but not limited to audio mixing for music creators within a tight budget. They are characterized by a clear and impeccable audio playback, which was expected from a great studio product from Audio Technica. The precise sound is a characteristic specific to monitoring headphones which is usually not found in the basic consumer headphone even at higher prices than ATH-M20x.

As a matter of sound quality, the lower end of the audio spectrum, the bass, feels kind of flat and low, however the mid range is pleasingly vivid for a good cheap studio headphone purposed for monitoring and mixing. The vocals and melodies are properly introduced, sometimes lacking a bit of warmth in the lower end, but overall the good sound resolution and clarity sustain a positive argument for a top quality studio headphones.

Besides sound quality, the headphones have a superior build compared to other studio headphones in the same price range. Its robust build and high-quality materials have the upperhand in this scenario which ensures long-lasting use. The foldable, yet very flexible M20x are not constructed wholly with plastic, but also aluminum slider, and it comes with a 3 m hard wired cable, a 6.3 mm snap-on adapter, and a user manual.  

Specifications

• Robust build with quality materials
• Comfortable for long sessions

2. Shure SRH240 – Best Performance

The Shure SRH240 is a professional-grade headset that’s ideal for listening to music on any equipment. It’s the junior model in Shure’s professional headphone series and is perfect for listening to music from portable players, smartphones, and other applications.

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 20 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 38 Ohms | Maximum input power: 500 mW (at 1 kHz) | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm | Weight: 238g (without cable) | Sensitivity: 107 dB

Unparalleled soundstage and clarity
Overall clean and linear sound response
It comes with a 3-year warranty

 The bass response is slightly subdued  

Shure SRH240 Review

Shure has traditionally specialized in studio microphones. Not too long ago, the company began marketing a line of studio headsets bearing the SRH (Studio Reference Headphones) series. To date, many music artists have used the high-end Shure series for professional purposes. Yet few are familiar with the Shure SRH240 studio headphones, which cost about $50. Is it a reliable model for entering the studio? We think so, and with good reason.

The headphones have a very balanced, and even frequency response, which is essential for recording and listening to music at home or in the studio. The bass is not too loud, and the upper bass is not emphasized, which would have affected the lower midrange and midrange frequencies. For this reason, the Shure SRH240 headphones have absolutely no trouble helping you locate the sound source of instruments and the original sound of the recording. The lower bass makes the studio headphones less effective for recording tracks with bass but more effective for balanced, vocal-driven songs.

The SRH240 has neodymium drivers that are 40mm in size. That's not much, but it's enough at this price, especially considering that the vast majority of professionals, even the most successful in this field, never use larger drivers. The impedance is 38 ohms, so it's immediately clear that the headphones were designed as universal and portable to work with a large variety of devices.

The soundstage makes a nice impression with its width and even depth. The headphones provide basic information about the location of the musicians, although compared to more sophisticated studio monitoring headphones, their advantages fade. However, not all headphones in higher price categories can boast the ability to build depth into the scene as the Shure SRH240, which, for the record, is a fairly low-priced studio headphone. In any case, the advertising slogan that the SRH240 is the introduction to a series of reference headphones can be considered largely fulfilled.

Certainly, the detail and transparency of the Shure SRH240 are up to par while keeping their price in mind. Sure, they’re inferior in these parameters to the 440, but not by much. Nevertheless, what the Shure 240s do better than the 440s is the way they build the soundstage, with many layers and the singer in the foreground. This is an audiophile-quality that is highly appreciated. That’s what we like about the 240s and why musicians looking for a low-budget studio monitor headphone should consider them.

The Shure SRH240 studio headphones have a 3-year warranty and are fantastic for studio monitoring work. It’s lighter and more comfortable than the Shure SRH440, and it sounds much better than more expensive headphones (we’ve listened to many headphones that cost twice as much) and can even challenge the SRH440 at half the price.

Specifications

• Cable: 2 m, fixed, oxygen-free copper
• Connector: 1/8″ (3.5 mm) gold-plated stereo mini-jack
• Includes 6.3 mm nickel-plated adapter
• Warranty: 3 years

4. AKG K92 – Lightweight Studio Headphones

The AKG K92 are closed-back headphones with a sleek black and gold design. They feature a comfortable design and a low weight, which makes them very comfortable. In the tonal balance, the AKG K92 gives some preference to the lower end of the spectrum; otherwise, their sound can be described as intelligible, natural, and of very high quality, considering the budget category. Despite its professional status, the AKG K92 does not require a powerful amplifier and works with any portable audio equipment.

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 16 – 22.000 Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm |Maximum input power: 200mW | Weight: 200g | SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 113dB

Accurate reproduction of the frequencies
Lightweight and stable on the head
Excellent portrayal of classic genres 

The 3m long cable makes headphones uncomfortable for casual listening
Music leaks at high volume
Cable is not detachable

AKG K92 Review

The K92 model leads AKG’s trio of inexpensive studio headphones distinguished by their stylish combination of black with gold elements. The cushioned ear cups do a good job of isolating outside noise. Large synthetic leather-covered earpads completely cover your ears.

The main benefit of these headphones is their clear, balanced, and detailed sound with good soundstage. The scene comes out well, and the headphones can be used for monitoring. Thanks to the detailed sound reproduction, we could hear all the imperfections of sound and singers when listening to Indie music. If audio monitoring is your job as a sound engineer, these headphones are a must.

As far as drawbacks go, the only problem we have with the AKG K92 budget studio headphones is that, even though the headphones are closed-back type and designed for recording studios, if you turn up the volume, the music leaks out and can affect your recording. However, the experience is not flawed when monitoring your music. Perhaps if the manufacturer had improved the noise isolation, it would have affected the sound quality, making it be less voluminous, so the choice was intentional. Of course, for the same reason, the K92 headphones are not for everyone, and do not have the same level of sound detail as Shure SRH240, but will suit people who need reliable cheap studio headphones for tracking.

The reproduction of the AKG K92 pleases with the careful and natural delivery of timbres, whose clarity and resolution do not suffer from high volume. The tonal balance of the AKG K92 is shifted towards the bass. As a result, music is better conveyed in the lower half of the sound spectrum, while the upper half is darkened. The playback style does not affect the clarity of the upper frequencies, which remains quite good, but reduces the brightness and articulation of the high frequencies.

The headphones reproduce well the vocal and instrumental parts, and displays large choirs and orchestras with good separation. In rock music, they can energetically reproduce drums and bass guitar. In classical and jazz music, strings, violin, brass, and percussion are reproduced accurately and intelligibly. The studio headphones have great value, can be used to record various musical genres, and come with a 24-month warranty.

Specifications

• Large 40mm drivers with a wide frequency response of 16 – 22,000 Hz.
• Comfortable, self-adjusting headband
• Gold-plated 3.5mm jack with 6.3mm screw-in adapter included
• Replaceable leatherette ear cushions

5. Presonus HD7 – Runner-up

The Presonus HD7 impresses me first of all with its acoustic performance and its wide frequency response (10 Hz – 30 kHz). Its semi-open construction, 50 mm drivers, neodymium magnets, and leather earpads are only part of what this headset has to offer. The absence of any sound coloration and the wide frequency response allows for a greater variety of sounds, which is essential in tracking recordings. Another advantage is the low value of the parameter responsible for harmonic distortion, which naturally affects the quality of the sound.

Type: Semi-open Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 10 – 30.000 Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Input Power: 300 mW | SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 98 dB (SPL/V) | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm | Weight: 222g

Super comfortable, lightweight and inexpensive
Compatible with low power devices
Very wide audio frequency range 

Not foldable
It lacks deep bass

Presonus HD7 Review

The powerful bass and neutral midrange perfectly complement the clear highs. However, the biggest surprise was the price as we did not expect to buy a headphone with such good features at such a low price, confidently competing with more expensive models. It also has a very detailed sound and a neutral tonal balance with a wide bass range, allowing you to accurately analyze your music recordings’ quality. Unless you’re dealing with truly professional gear, the Presonus HD7 monitor headphones are the best bet, at barely over $50.

The ear cups are made of leather and have soft padding. The design and materials make the headphones comfortable to wear, and their low weight, combined with their resistance to mechanical stress, makes them easy to carry. While the headphones are worth the attention, they do have one small drawback: the earcup material, with prolonged use, is very sweaty, so you might get uncomfortable over time.

Nevertheless, the Presonus HD7 is a fantastic budget monitor headset with a pretty good sound for its price. The semi-open construction of the Presonus HD7 is good for recording and monitoring but best for mixing. They play very clear, look solid, have a long cable and screw-on adapter, a gold-plated plug, and 50mm drivers for good bass reproduction.

The PreSonus HD-7 headphones are more than reasonably priced with all the obvious qualities, making them an excellent buy for fans of quality, balanced sound – music lovers and professionals alike. This is an excellent example of modern headphones suitable for listening to all kinds of music that you can buy on Amazon.

Specifications

• 50mm dynamic drivers, neodymium magnet
• Cable length 2.5 meters, 3.5 mm mini-jack plug
• Plastic enclosure & Leather ear pads

6. AKG K-72 – Bang for the buck

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 16 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm | Weight: 200g | Sensitivity: 112 dB

AKG K-72 Review

With the same motto of “black design is awesome”, the beautiful looking matte black AKG K72 is one of the cheapest closed-back, monitoring headphones with over-ear earcups under $50. With a weight of 200 grams, it uses the AKG typical self-adjusting headband, which provides a snug fit and exemplary level of comfort. A folding mechanism or something alike is not provided, but that’s the price of premium comfort in this case.

The low-priced studio headphones have a relatively low impendance (32 Ohms) for a proper set of cans for monitoring, which is satisfactory for best audio reproduction among mobile devices thus making them a great pair of recording headphones for music producers – It also has a nominal load capacity of 200mW. The “112 dB SPL/V” sound pressure is suitable to the purpose of these portable monitor headphones, which is definitely more than adequate.

As all studio monitoring headphones, the AKG K72s are designed to offer a wide range of frequencies (16 – 20000 Hz) to be able to hear the most detailed musical notes with the highest accuracy which is favorable for the correct reproduction of ones music. In addition, the sound response is flatter than most headphones for monitoring; also, it manages to reproduce the sound in the low range and treble well. Ultimately, regardless the extremely affordable price tag, AKG’s K72 is more suitable for home use or less professional works. Therefore, it’s not as adequate for monitoring as our first pick, Audio Technica ATH-M20X.

Specifications

• 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) to 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) screw-on adapter
• Robust design and comfy
• Extremely high value
• Wide and fairly precise sound

7. Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi – Cheap Bluetooth Studio Monitors

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 20 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 40 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 50 mm | Weight: 237g | Sensitivity: 100 dB

Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi Review

Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi is another one of those great mixing headphones with Bluetooth at a low price that won’t fade away rapidly from the scene. Its lack of wired cable is much liked by DJs and everybody who loves convenience more than anything while still retaining the best sound accuracy across the whole audio spectrum – While the sound quality is present through the wireless feature, a 3.5mm headphone jack is located at the bottom of the left earcup ready for use for even higher clarity and accurate sound reproduction.

The over-the-ears DJ style studio headphones offer excellent sound reproduction with the 50mm drivers which provide a good full range of frequencies: the low frequencies are very ahead as well as the midrange; although the highs feel well-balanced everything remains balanced, accurate, and boomy which is the most suitable sound profile for a DJ.

In the end, while they can be used in the studio for audio monitoring, the Monoprice 8323 Premium Hi-Fi DJ Style bestows with one of the lightest construction, surprising detail and impressive sound signature as one of the best headphones for DJs.

Specifications

• Sleek design and comfortable fit
• Great for all-around situations
• Beautifully balanced with Bluetooth
• Best bassy DJ headphones

8. OneOdio Pro 10

With about a decade of experience, OneOdio is no longer a start-up, but it’s not particularly well-known either. The OneOdio Pro 10 is designed to be an inexpensive DJ and studio headset for entry-level DJs, and it fulfills that purpose relatively well. Two plug-in cables (3.5 and 6.3mm) are included in the delivery package, the cups can be rotated, and the sound is impressive for the price.

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 20 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 50 mm | Weight: 240g | Sensitivity: 110 dB

OneOdio Pro 10 Review

The materials used to create these budget studio DJ headphones are rather basic, plastic and leather on the ear cups and headband. The headphones are comfortable, and therefore convenient to wear but can’t compare to the K92 in this regard. The OneOdio Studio Pro 10 is incredibly compact and also folds up. The ear cups have a 90-degree swivel mechanism, so they are positioned like DJ headphones. It’s convenient to carry in a backpack and even in large jacket pockets.

Each earphone has a 3.5mm and 6.35mm audio jack, respectively. While the 3.5 jack connects to headphones, the 1/4″ jack can connect to a microphone, amplifier, mixing console, or guitar. What else, you can likewise connect two devices at once and listen to them simultaneously without loss of sound quality, although the quality of music depends on the sound source. The headphones hold up quite well at maximum volume, without distortion, and, unlike the AKG K92, they isolate well and don’t leak sound.

The sound response can be described as strong in the bass, with clean highs and well-balanced reproduction of vocal tones. For me, the OneOdio Studio Pro 10s were satisfying and reproduced electronic, dance, country, blues, rock, and other 20th-century music genres brilliantly. They’re clearly more versatile than AKG K240 in playable music but not as balanced and linear, which shows its inclination towards DJs. This model is labeled “studio headphones,” although its sonic response is not as neutral and almost analytical as studio headphones for tracking, but rather has deep, punchy bass, which is more suited to listening to modern music

The only compromise you have to make with the OneOdio Pro 10 DJ headphones is in terms of ergonomic performance. Although the headphones weigh only 240 grams, they’re not incredibly comfortable and enjoyable, according to test results. At least, not over the long term. For those who do short DJ sets and can take a break once an hour, the OneOdio Pro 10 DJ, with its low cost and 24-month warranty, is a definite buy.

Specifications

• The set comes with two cables: 1. with two jacks, 3.5 and 6.3. 2. with two plugs, 3.5 and 3.5 with a microphone.
• Detachable cables because the most common problem with cheap headphones is cable breakage.

9. AKG K52

The Austrian company AKG is known worldwide as a reliable and proven manufacturer of audio equipment. Whether for professional or everyday use, the brand’s headphones are highly regarded by fans of high-quality sound. The AKG K52 studio headphones for under $50 have an attractive price for the average consumer, a pleasing appearance, and best of all: excellent sound quality for the price.

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 18 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm | Weight: 200g | Sensitivity: 110 dB

AKG K-52 Review

The product is all black with a metal headband painted in a dark tone. The famous design of the AKG headband is known to all. It is very light and strong, and at the same time, very comfortable and self-adjusting to the size of the user’s head. Traditionally, for economy class models, the ear cushions are made of synthetic leather called leatherette. The only drawback is that they wear out quickly. On the bright side, you can replace them with velvet ear pads anytime.

The sound is incredible. The bass is tight, the midrange is soft, and the highs are incredibly smooth. The headphones are not bright in the highs, and the midrange is not loud but intelligible; instruments and voices sound natural, while the bass is in the right quantity. Overall, a linear and balanced reproduction. What’s more, there are headphones three times as expensive as the AKG K52 that can’t play as deeply as these studio headphones. In short, even putting aside the low-cost aspect, the K52 remains one of the most convincing models we tested.

When listening through a stationary desktop amplifier (FiiO K5 Pro), vocals in Blues and Jazz display a beautiful panoramic scene with fantastic stereophony. Electronic music is also fascinating, and this is the musical genre that these headphones handle best in the studio. Obviously, K52 is not quite as good as the famous K240. It has enough resolution, clarity, and a much deeper bass response. On the other hand, the K52 is very similar to the K92 with almost identical sound quality, although it is much cheaper, a massive compliment to AKG’s K52 headphone

Overall, the AKG K-52 headphones are quite interesting, with good sound for their price, and user-friendly. It will be perfect for those who like to listen at home or work in a home studio. For quick monitoring and mastering jobs, we would rather go for the AKG K72 or K92. But if the budget is very tight, you can try your luck with the K52, as it will process tracks with the utmost care and reproduce low notes, which many mid/high-end headphones do not, and also take advantage of the 2-year warranty.

Specifications

• Large 40mm drivers with a wide frequency response of 18 – 20,000Hz
• Comfortable, self-adjusting headband
• Replaceable ear cushions
• 2.5 m professional-quality cable, 3.5 mm jack connector, 6.3 mm adapter

10. Superlux HD-681

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 15 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 47 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm Neodymium | Weight: 190g | Sensitivity: 96 dB

Superlux HD-681 Review

The Superlux HD-681 does not sound, nor feel as the previously reviewed studio headphones as they have an open-back design with huge earcups which allows for a broader soundstage feeling and more vivid sound. The semi-open type of design is often used in studios specifically for the better and more authentic sound quality in exchange for the commonly closed-back design sound isolation.

Studio Headphones – Closed-back Vs Open-back Enclosure: The first type, the closed-back design, is the most common enclosure which is used to provide a decent passive sound isolation. A feature which is naturally enhanced by the material and thickness of earpads. Among closed-back headphones, the bass is produced within a closed room and is far heavier and plentyful than the bass evoked by the headphones with open-back design, however, it’s not superior in terms of quality.

The frequency reproduction of Superlux HD-681 can be described as a successful hi-fi tuning. The bass goes in-depth and plays with a powerful presence, without being too harsh or interfering with adjacent bands, same goes with the mid range, however the case is not similar with the treble which apparently is rather not that sustainable.

Specifications

• Extraordinary bass and vocals
• Rich sound spectrum with crystal clear sound
• Fairly comfortable and airy
• Excellent value for a pair of studio headphones for entry-level

Bonus: Behringer HPX2000 – Best Studio Headphones Under $20

The Behringer HPX2000 is the best cheapest studio headphone that will impress amateur DJs and music enthusiasts with its high value for the money. Decent sound quality with plenty of basses and beautiful instrumentals. These headphones offer a superb frequency range, very high sensitivity, and a single-ended oxygen-free copper cable. Rotating, folding, round ear cushions, combined with a heavy-duty headband design, ensure exceptional reliability and comfort in use at all times.

Type: Closed-back Over-ear Studio Headphones | Frequency Range: 20 – 20.000 Hz | Impedance: 64 Ohms | Drivers and Magnets: 40 mm Neodymium | Weight: 308g | Sensitivity: 110 dB

Behringer HPX2000 Review

For recording, the inexpensive Behringer HPX2000 headphones are perfect for amateurs. But for professional analytical listening, their use is a bit controversial, not so good for recording but much better for DJing. We can’t rank them above OneOdio Pro 10 because their sound quality is not that good, but HPX2000 is still better than 80% of the studio headphones under $50 and perhaps the best cheapest studio headphone under $20, which is a huge deal.

The sound quality is above average. It’s nicely reproduced with lots of basses, which is pretty impressive for one of the cheaper studio headphones. But for me, there’s not enough of it, and there’s no sub-bass at all – no bass depth, which isn’t very comforting. The OneOdio Pro 10 or AKG K52 don’t treat us that way, but they don’t cost $10-15 either. The mid-range is fairly balanced with instruments that are conveyed with clarity. Vocals are also well placed in the soundstage, making them clear and intelligible.

Overall, the Behringer HPX 2000 studio headphone is among the cheapest models for home studio use and the best in their class at under $20. It offers good readability of vocals in the mix and instruments. And although the bass parts are a bit weak, there is well-detailed stereophony and a stable, accurate stereo image, as long as you don’t get hung up on the volume and overload the sub-bass frequencies.