TOP 12 best monitor headphones: which ones to choose?

Today's rating of the best monitor headphones of 2022 will describe various full-size models for professional sound monitoring. There are many different monitor models, from budget to expensive and high-quality headphones. We will consider the best of them in our TOP.

1. Main characteristics of monitor headphones
2. Rating of the best monitor headphones

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

Main characteristics of monitor headphones

1. Sensitivity. Sensitivity is the proportion between the volume of the sound being reproduced and the strength of the input signal, expressed by power and voltage (recommended 90 dB and above).
2. Frequency range = sound quality. Its average parameter is the reproduced frequency band of 20-20000 Hz. Moreover, the wider this parameter, the better.
3. Impedance. A characteristic that determines the electrical resistance of devices (recommended, the higher the better).
4. Frequency response The same amplitude-frequency characteristic, which, as already mentioned, should be absolutely linear.
5. Membrane diameter. The selection rule is simple - the larger the diameter, the clearer the sound.
6. Power. In general, modern systems have a power that varies from 1 mW to 5 thousand mW. Typically, “studio units” have a power of several hundred milliwatts.
7. Harmonic distortion factor. A characteristic that indicates 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 2022

Rating of the best headphones for sound monitoring

The hearing is unique, there are many purposes. Are there universal headphones?

I have a lot of headphones of different formats for every occasion: listening to music at home, listening to friends’ records in the studio, for active walks and trips on public transport.
It’s inconvenient, but it’s only now possible to find ones that would be comfortable during long listening sessions, wouldn’t fall off during activity, and would correctly (and pleasantly!) convey the entire range of sounds, from work to musical ones. Thanks to pure chance.

The fact is that while my colleagues are traveling to conferences and resorts, my studio work is in full swing with a new team. The return lasted 8 years, so we have to update the equipment.

My main instrument is headphones, which are the hardest to choose. It’s easy with musical instruments, you take the one you like in terms of appearance and sound. Headphones should always sound right. And this is devilishly difficult, because the new group plays at the intersection of many genres, from extreme metal to lounge jazz.

But I found the most suitable option that solves all problems.

Mackie MP-240

Great in-ear headphones for audio monitoring.

The ranking of the best monitor headphones of 2022 opens with the Mackie MP-240 ($345). The MP-240 uses a dynamic driver for the low frequencies and a balanced armature for the mids and highs (Mackie calls it a dual hybrid design), and while this model isn't much more expensive than the MP-220, we feel it's ahead of the curve. acoustically. First, the midrange is more pronounced but overall seems less noticeable, which should be less fatiguing.

However, they really shine in the top end with clear and smooth highs that provide excellent articulation.

Main characteristics

• Design: in-ear, behind-the-ear
• Connection type: wired
• Connection: mini-Jack (3.5 mm), Jack (6.35 mm)
• Plug: L-shaped
• Cable connection: double-sided
• Cable length: 1.5 m
• Cable type: round
• Impedance: 16 Ohm
• Frequency range: 20 – 20000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 108 dB
• Emitter type: hybrid
• Number of emitters: 2
• Weight: 30 g

Equipment

• Headphones
• Replaceable polyurethane ear pads
• Replaceable silicone ear pads
• Case
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound.
• Case. Durable and reliable.
• Nice appearance.
• Set.

• Convenience.
• A bit pricey.

Bluedio R+ (currently not on sale)

The legendary Bluedio R+ Legend headphones, alas, are already completely sold out. However, it won’t hurt to return to them again. This is what I wrote earlier, quoting sound engineer Dmitry Ostrovsky: “This model has very deep and well-developed bass, the entire range of low frequencies sounds very good. The mid frequencies are a little depressed, there is no emphasis on them, and the detail is lower. But there are good high frequencies, well-developed and detailed.”

What do we see on the graph? Exactly this. It can also be noted that the ultra-high frequencies in the headphones are also cut off. Somewhere from 18 kHz the sounds will be practically inaudible.

Audio Technica ATH-M50X

Full-size closed monitor headphones.

The TOP 11 best monitor headsets are occupied by excellent full-size headphones Audio Technica ATH-M50X ($100). These monitor headphones offer very balanced, detailed sound of excellent quality with deep bass. They fit very comfortably on your head and have soft ear pads, as well as a detachable wire.

They can easily be played via a smartphone, demonstrating a solid volume reserve, fairly powerful bass and a large sound stage. Their sound is smooth, without aggression or excessive pressure of low frequencies.

Main characteristics

• Type – dynamic, closed
• Frequency range: 15 – 28000 Hz
• Impedance: 38 ohms
• Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW
• Maximum power: 1600 mW
• Weight: 285 g
• Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
• Connector shape: straight
• Cable length: 3m

Equipment

• Headphones
• Adapter 6.3 mm
• Three cables: 1.2 - 3 m (twisted), 3 m (straight), 1.2 m (straight)
• Case
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound. Impeccable sound transmission.
• Landing.
• Good ergonomics.

• Convenience. The headphones have harsh ear pads.
• Demanding on the sound source.

Shure SRH-840

Another semi-luxury “monitoring” studio headphone that also has many fans among music lovers is the SRH-840. At a price of 7800 rub. These headphones are the closest competitor to the Audio Technica M-50, and both have their own advantages and disadvantages. To get a more detailed idea about them, we recommend turning to comparative reviews. A cheaper predecessor model to the SRH-840: Shure SRH-440.

For optimal sound, the following headphones should be connected to a power amplifier.

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Professional closed headphones for monitoring with linear frequency response.

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

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

Main characteristics

• Style: full-size, semi-open
• Type: dynamic
• Claimed frequency range: 8 – 25000 Hz
• Resistance: 64 ohms
• Sound pressure level: 113 dB
• Harmonic distortion:
• Input power: 500 mW
• Contact pressure: ≈ 6 N
• Spiral cable length: 3m
• Weight excluding cable: ≈ 285 g

Equipment

• Headphones
• Adapter 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound. The sound is amazing, there is no point in describing anything specifically.
• Comfort and convenience. These headphones sit comfortably on the head, do not squeeze the auricle, fit tightly to the skull, and are adjustable to fit the head size.
• Good sound insulation. The headphones effectively cancel out all extraneous noise.
• Foldable design.

• Fixed cable.
• Set.

What about others?

Want to look at a really bad frequency response graph? Apple EarPods to the studio!

There's simply no bass. Absolutely not! Something similar to the sound appears only in the upper bass region. The highs are also failed, only symptomatic peaks represent something like a sound. Why are Apple EarPods considered by many to be excellent headphones, such that “you don’t need anything more”? Exclusively due to the well-developed middle (many people love vocal parts in music, and perceive everything else as background) and the Apple nameplate. Without the Apple nameplate, no one would even look at these pokes, but would take something cheaper and well made. Even VE Monk Plus, for example.

Philips, whose headphones also participated in our large sound audio test, also takes an example from Apple and Beats and does not publish its frequency response graphs. In the resource archives, I found a graph of a rather expensive Philips SHP9500 model, which was discontinued several years ago, but was once sold for about $150.

It’s stupid to compare, but the graph is really similar to Apple EarPods: the same lack of bass and even more problematic high frequencies. But the middle is cool, the company worked hard here. However, in general, such headphones should cost 3-4 thousand, and not 6-10 thousand, for which these Philips were sold in 2014.

If you sometimes go to audio forums, you’ve probably noticed there members of the Koss Porta Pro witness sect, which has not yet been banned in Russia (but is very close to it), who sacredly and unconditionally believe that “there have never been, are not, and never will be better headphones.” Please, here is a graph of these “divine ones are not and will not be better”:

There are no ultra-low frequencies at all; they are compensated by an abundance of upper bass. The mids are a failure, there is no normal vocals here and there never will be. Instead of high frequencies - a disaster. And this for 3,500 rubles! Translating “with our money”, it’s like taking Bluedio T2+ (cost in the UMmall store - 2,000 rubles), cutting off the player and radio from it, removing Bluetooth, deteriorating the middle and doubling the price tag, up to 3,500 rubles. However, even for such a product there is a merchant; the Koss Porta Pro model in this modification has been sold for more than ten years.

But the excellent Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 wireless headphones for 14,000 rubles (the Sennheiser Momentum wireless headphones were also in our audio test) demonstrate how headphones should be made.

Smooth, balanced sound throughout the entire spectrum, except for high frequencies, where dips clearly exceed the boundaries of reasonable “compensatory” distortions. It would be interesting to listen to them in comparison with Bluedio Vinyl Premium, which at the time of our audio test were not yet sold in Russia from the only official representative of Blyadio, the online retailer UMmall. In my opinion, both models have extremely decent and, in general, comparable frequency response graphs. Here, take another look at Bluedio Vinyl Premium:

AKG K240S

Comfortable studio over-ear semi-open headphones with increased impedance and precise, detailed sound.

AKG K240S ($75) are inexpensive on-ear, semi-open monitor headphones. The sound is quite smooth, thanks to the semi-open design, there is a wide stage.

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

Main characteristics

• Device type: wired headphones
• Type: full size
• Technology: dynamic
• Frequency range: 15 – 25000 Hz
• Impedance: 55 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 101 dB
• Maximum power: 200 mW
• Harmonic distortion: 0.3%
• Weight: 240 g
• Type of acoustic design: semi-open
• Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
• Gold-plated connectors: yes
• Cable length: 3m

Equipment

• Headphones
• Cable 3 m
• Adapter 6.3 mm
• Case
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound quality. The sound is monitor and that says it all.
• Detachable cable.
• Quality materials and reliability.
• Convenient wire. It is soft and durable at the same time./li>
• Convenience. They sit comfortably on the head.

• Comfort. Your ears may sweat. Ventilation is implemented at a low level.

Sony MDR-ZX310

Folding full-size monitor headphones from Sony.

The TOP 8 best monitor headphones are folding headphones from the famous company Sony. The Sony MDR-ZX310 ($20) has powerful bass, like most products in the MDR line. Reliability of design, comfort of use, excellent sound - all this is offered at an inexpensive price. In addition, the model is equipped with a control panel, so it can also be used as a headset.

The widest range: from 10 to 24 thousand Hertz, light weight of 125 grams, two-way cable connection, gold-plated plugs and L-shaped connector, different colors, as well as clear sound - this is all Sony MDR-ZX310.

Beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO

The best studio headphones for mixing bass.

Beyerdynamic is an audio heavyweight, responsible for the ubiquitous tracking DT 100s, which were everywhere in the 1980s and 90s and are still available today. Their current range is huge, but designed specifically for mixing, the 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 equally pleasant and open. They provide detailed views of your audio from left to right, front to back, and even from corners.

JVC HA-RX700

Good budget monitor headphones.

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

Like almost all JVC headphones, there is a well-colored midrange. It is bright and rich. Because of this, the sound seems narrow in places. At the same time, there is excellent percussive bass. The headphones are rather musical, well suited for “chamber” genres. But, thanks to their overall quality, they can also be monitored.

Grado SR60i/SR80i

The SR60i from Brooklyn-based Grado is an improved version of the SR60 headphones, the object of worship of many connoisseurs of quality headphones. As part of Grado's junior model line, the SR60i monitors produce the unique, catchy and open music with surround sound imagery that is Grado's hallmark. These are one of the few must-listen headphones that we recommend to anyone and everyone. Their temperament goes well with rock music, indie style, acoustic, blues and country. Due to the completely open design, the Grado SR60 headphones allow sound to pass through in both directions. But the same open design allows you to experience a unique listening sensation. The slightly higher-class model - SR80i - differs from the “basic configuration” SR60i in better bass development, but retains that same magical sound signature characteristic of Grado. Attention should be paid to both configurations.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-250 Ohm

Excellent over-ear headphones for monitoring.

Fourth place in the ranking of the best monitor headphones of 2022 goes to the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO-250 Ohm ($135) - high-quality full-size closed headphones, an excellent choice for your money.

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

Main characteristics

• Device type: wired headphones
• Type: full size
• Technology: dynamic
• Frequency range: 5 – 35000 Hz
• Impedance: 250 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 96 dB
• Maximum power: 100 mW
• Harmonic distortion: 0.2%
• External noise isolation: 18 dB
• Weight: 270 g
• Cable connection: single sided
• Connector: mini jack 3.5 mm
• Cable length: 3m

Equipment

• Headphones
• Cable
• Adapter 6.3 mm
• Case
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound. High-quality, smooth and detailed sound.
• Comfort and convenience. Perhaps the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are the most comfortable headphones in the rating.
• Soundproofing.
• Build quality. It’s not for nothing that these headphones have been one of the best for many, many years.

• Quite big. You can't take these with you on a business trip.

Adviсe

To avoid making a mistake with your choice, when buying wireless headphones, first of all pay attention to:

• Connection. Choose a combined model that can work from both Bluetooth and cable.
• Autonomy. One of the main factors that determines how long the headphones will last without recharging. The minimum battery life (for budget models) should not be less than 12 hours. Expensive brands have a battery life of about 20-40 hours.
• Microphone. Its presence will allow you to receive incoming calls, make calls yourself and use a voice assistant.
• Noise suppression. The function will be useful for those users who regularly use headphones in conditions of constant noise - the street, public transport, office.
• Audio options. For the sound to be clear, spacious and loud, you need a range from 20 to 20 thousand Hz, and a sensitivity of at least 95 dB.
• Convenience. It’s good if the headphones can be folded or there is a case for transporting them.

Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones

One of the best headphones for audio monitoring in 2022.

The Sony MDR series has been around for many years and has a strong studio pedigree, proven through decades of daily use in the recording and broadcast sectors around the world. The current version, the MDR-7506 ($135), is a brilliant combination of comfort, practicality and value—one of the best headphones for monitoring.

Extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, the headphones are designed to reveal what's wrong with a recording. On par with competitors that cost twice as much, the sound is punchy and clear across the entire spectrum (with a moderate boost in the upper mids).

"B" vs "B"

I am often reproached, why do I compare Bluedio headphones with Beats, and not with another Chinese company?
Allegedly, Beats engineers do not matter, marketing positioning is important and like must be compared with like. Regarding the former Beats engineers who “settled” in Bluedio after the purchase of Beats by Apple, I already wrote a heartfelt speech, I can only duplicate the link. And about like with like: here are two graphs again, this time side by side. Beats Solo 2 Wireless for 17,000 rubles and Bluedio Vinyl Premium for 4,300 rubles. Beats Solo 2 Wireless with partially failed mids and failed highs.

Bluedio Vinyl Premium with a noticeably more harmonious and balanced sound.

We can talk for a long time about measurement errors, but the fact remains a fact. If you look at the frequency response graphs, Bluedio and Beats headphones deserve to be discussed in the same material.

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

Almost the best studio headphones when you need an open-back model.

Open designs like the ATH-R70x ($395) are generally preferred for long mixing sessions because they are lighter and less tiring than closed models. This model was designed specifically as a reference headphone for mixing.

Main characteristics

• Purpose: monitor
• Construction: overhead, open, full-length Over-Ear
• Connection type: wired
• Connection: Jack (6.35 mm)
• Plug: straight
• Cable connection: double-sided
• Cable type: round
• Detachable: cable
• Impedance: 470 ohms
• Frequency range: 5 – 40000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 99 dB
• Speaker diameter: 45mm
• Emitter type: dynamic
• Case material: metal
• Weight: 210 g without cable

Equipment

• Headphones
• Case
• Documentation

Video review

• Sound. Excellent sound clarity and detail
• Quality of materials.
• Reliability.
• Unique headband design.

• The ear pads are too small.

Sennheiser HD 650

The best monitor headphones in 2022.

TOP 1 in the ranking of the best monitor headphones of 2022 is the 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 are capable of providing fast transient response.

So, if you are wondering “Which monitor headphones should I buy?”, then the Sennheiser HD 650 is an excellent option for quality headphones for audio monitoring. 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.

AIAIAI TMA-1

TMA-1 are highly specialized headphones. They are tuned for electronic and dance music, and we find them one of the most amazing models for playing trance and house. They also do a decent job with the J-pop style, especially with dance beats. These headphones produce exceptionally high-quality sound with recordings that match their sound signature, but are completely unsuitable for other styles of mainstream music. Due to their loose fit, the TMA-1 headphones allow sound to pass both in and out.