The Best Professional Headphones (2022)
Last updatedThis is a list of the best professional headphones I recommend and use for production and post production.

Sony MDR-7506
Get Latest Price on AmazonA 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonThe 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonThese 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonIf 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)
Get Latest Price on AmazonWhen 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonKRK 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
Get Latest Price on AmazonWhen 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