Best Mixing Headphones (2026): 3 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro leads this list for best mixing headphones: an 80 ohm closed-back pair with a 3m straight cable and velour ear pads. The ATH-M50x is the closed-back runner-up with 38 ohm impedance and a detachable cable, while the DT 990 Pro X is the open-back pick at 48 ohm. Choose closed-back or open-back first, then impedance and cable.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Players who want 80 ohm closed-back headphones: beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones See pick 1More picks: Best Closed Back Headphones for Mixing
- Players who want 38 ohm closed-back headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones See pick 2
- Players who want 48 ohm open-back headphones: beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X See pick 3More picks: Best Open Back Studio Headphones
Narrow it down
- Best Mixing Headphones Under $200
- Best Studio Headphones Under $100
- Best Studio Headphones Under $150
- Best Studio Headphones Under $1500
- Best Studio Headphones Under $200
- Best Studio Headphones Under $300
- Best Studio Headphones Under $50
- Best Small Studio Headphones
- Best Professional Mixing Headphones
- Best Studio Headphones for Beginners
The 3 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones
- Detachable cable not stated in the listing
- Impedance: 80 ohm
- Design: Closed Back
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 80 ohm impedance, a closed-back design and a 3m straight cable.
Who it suits
- Players who want 80 ohm closed-back headphones
- Players who want a 3m straight cable
Skip it if
- You want an open-back design
- You want 38 ohm impedance
The DT 770 Pro is an 80 ohm closed-back pair with velour ear pads and a 3m straight cable. It has a 3.5mm connector with a gold-plated 1/4 inch adapter and a drawstring bag. Its pads, headbands and drivers are replaceable, and it carries a 2-year warranty. It is handcrafted in Germany.
2Runner-Up
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 38 ohm
- Design: Closed-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Runner-Up with 38 ohm impedance, a closed-back design and a detachable cable.
Who it suits
- Players who want 38 ohm closed-back headphones
- Players who want a detachable cable
Skip it if
- You want an open-back design
- You want 80 ohm impedance
The ATH-M50x is a 38 ohm closed-back pair with 45mm drivers and a detachable cable. Its earcups swivel 90 degrees, and the box holds three cables: a coiled cable, a straight 9.8 foot cable and a straight 3.9 foot cable. The bundle adds a USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC, a headphones stand and a full-sized case. It carries a 2-year warranty.
3Also Great
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 48 ohm
- Design: Open-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with 48 ohm impedance, an open-back design and a detachable cable.
Who it suits
- Players who want 48 ohm open-back headphones
- Players who want a detachable mini-XLR cable
Skip it if
- You want a closed-back design
- You want 80 ohm impedance
The DT 990 Pro X is a 48 ohm open-back pair with a STELLAR.45 driver and velour pads. It has a detachable 3m mini-XLR cable with a 1/4 inch adapter. Its open-back design lets sound out by design, and no headphone amp is needed. It carries a 2-year warranty.
Side by side
| Product | Driver size | Detachable cable | Low-frequency reach (Hz) | Impedance | Design | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 80 ohm | Closed Back | 0.6 lb | 2-year |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 38 ohm | Closed-Back | 0.6 lb | 2-year |
| beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 48 ohm | Open-Back | 0.6 lb | 2-year |
How we ranked these studio headphones
Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Driver size weight 2
- Detachable cable weight 2
- Low-frequency reach (Hz) weight 1
Buying advice: mixing headphones
Pick closed-back or open-back first
Design is the first split. The DT 770 Pro and ATH-M50x are closed-back pairs, while the DT 990 Pro X is open-back. The DT 770 Pro suits tracking and recording work, while the DT 990 Pro X suits mixing work. The ATH-M50x is a closed-back studio monitor pair. Pick the design that matches the work you do most.
Match impedance to your source
Impedance decides how much power a pair needs from your source. The DT 770 Pro is 80 ohm, the ATH-M50x is 38 ohm and the DT 990 Pro X is 48 ohm. The DT 990 Pro X needs no headphone amp, with full volume from a laptop, interface, phone or console. Check the impedance your source drives best before you buy.
Check cable, weight and warranty
All three weigh 0.6 lb and carry a 2-year warranty. The DT 770 Pro comes with a 3m straight cable, while the ATH-M50x and DT 990 Pro X have detachable cables. The ATH-M50x box holds three cables, and the DT 990 Pro X cable uses a mini-XLR connector. Pick the cable setup that fits your desk and your bag.
Frequently asked questions
Should I mix on closed-back or open-back headphones?
It depends on the work. The DT 770 Pro and ATH-M50x are closed-back pairs, while the DT 990 Pro X is open-back. The DT 770 Pro suits tracking and recording work, while the DT 990 Pro X suits mixing work. Pick the design that matches the work you do most.
Do I need a headphone amp for these?
The DT 990 Pro X needs no headphone amp, with full volume from a laptop, interface, phone or console. The DT 770 Pro is 80 ohm and the ATH-M50x is 38 ohm, so check the impedance your source drives best.
What cables come with each pair?
The DT 770 Pro comes with a 3m straight cable and a 1/4 inch adapter. The ATH-M50x box holds three cables: a coiled cable, a straight 9.8 foot cable and a straight 3.9 foot cable. The DT 990 Pro X comes with a detachable 3m mini-XLR cable and a 1/4 inch adapter.
Do these headphones have a warranty?
Yes. All three carry a 2-year warranty: the DT 770 Pro, the ATH-M50x and the DT 990 Pro X. The DT 770 Pro also has replaceable pads, headbands and drivers.
Gear that goes with it
Best Headphone AmpTop pick: Fosi Audio K7 DAC Headphone Amp
Best Headphone Stand under DeskTop pick: cozoo Desk Headphone Holder Hook Headset Watch
Best Audio InterfaceTop pick: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C AudioMore studio headphones guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.