The Best Professional Headphones (2022)

Sony MDR-7506

A design older than me and still an industry standard - need I say more?

I personally use these headphones for my shoots and mobile editing and can vouch that they are excellent.

Lightweight, durable, portable, decent output, decent isolation, a fairly neutral sound, and all for a reasonable price (that has come down in the last year).

My only complaint is that the factory earpads tend to fall apart after about a year of regular use. So I suggest getting the Brainwavz Perforated Replacement Earpads, which are more comfortable and durable.

Type: Closed-back dynamic

Cord: Coiled (3 meters extended)

Plug: Threaded 3.5mm stereo (includes 1/4" stereo screw-on adapter)

My Favorite Feature: Portability

Audio-Technica M50x

The larger and deeper earpads provide better comfort and isolation for many.

These also tend to have a flatter response compared to the MDR-7506s, providing a better overall listening experience.

One of the greatest features is the detachable cable - one thing I wish the MDR-7506 had.

My biggest issue is the bulk. They feel more substantial and are heavier than the Sony MDR-7506s, so you do notice them more when traveling.

While more expensive than my top pick, they do come with added comfort, isolation, and a more neutral response.

Type: Closed-back dynamic

Cord: Detachable coiled (3 meters extended), detachable straight (3 meters), and detachable straight (1.2 meters)

Plug: Threaded 3.5mm stereo (includes 1/4" stereo screw-on adapter)

My Favorite Feature: Detachable cables

Sennheiser HD 280

These have become a favorite among live audio engineers and musicians, and for good reasons.

The sound is not as flat/neutral as the two options above, but that can be a benefit for some. The more subtle high end can make louder volumes and longer sessions more comfortable.

The isolation and sound quality are excellent for the price.

Type: Closed-back dynamic

Cord: Coiled (3 meters extended)

Plug: Threaded 3.5mm stereo (includes 1/4" stereo screw-on adapter)

My Favorite Feature: Great isolation in louder environments

Sennheiser HD 650

If these are in your budget, do it.

A wonderful mix (pun intended) of clarity, fidelity, and comfort.

Type: Open-back dynamic

Cord: Straight (3 meters)

Plug: 1/4" stereo (includes 1/4" to 3.5mm stereo adapter)

My Favorite Feature: Audio quality

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm version)

When you want the most comfort without lacking audio quality, these are an excellent choice.

The 80 ohm version is a good middle ground that works well on a wide range of devices.

If you need help deciding which ohm version to get, there is a helpful video here.

Type: Closed-back dynamic

Cord: Straight (3 meters)

Plug: Threaded 3.5mm stereo (includes 1/4" stereo screw-on adapter)

My Favorite Feature: Comfort, but the different ohm options are a close second

KRK KNS 8400

KRK has consistently climbed over the years to be a household pro audio brand.

The KNS headphones have gotten stellar reviews by users, which is no surprise from a brand that has built a great reputation in a market already full of excellent brands.

If you are a KRK studio monitor user, then you will probably love these.

The long detachable locking cord with inline volume control is also a really nice touch. However, the locking tip that goes into the headphones is proprietary, making replacements tricky.

Type: Closed-back dynamic

Cord: Straight (2.5 meters)

Plug: 3.5mm stereo (includes 3.5mm to 1/4" stereo adapter)

My Favorite Feature: Inline volume control

Sony MDRZX110

When you just need a cheap set of headphones to use for checking levels or confidence monitoring, these are about the best bang for the buck I've found.

Type: Closed-back dynamic

Cord: Straight (1.2 meters)

Plug: 90-degree 3.5mm stereo

My Favorite Feature: Price