Best Studio Headphones for Guitarists (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x leads here: 40 mm drivers tuned flat for incredibly accurate sound monitoring, 35 ohm impedance and a detachable cable. If you want bigger drivers, the OneOdio runner-up brings 50 mm drivers with a detachable 6.35mm and 3.5mm cable set.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Players who track and mix using one-ear monitoring: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone See pick 1
- Guitarists who plug into amps with a 6.35mm jack: OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor See pick 2
- Players who want enhanced low-frequency performance in a 0.6 lb pair: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones See pick 3
- Players who record with a mic and want bleed kept out: beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X See pick 4More picks: Best Studio Headphones with Mic
- Guitarists who plug into amps, mixers or audio interfaces: MAONO MH601 Wired Studio Headphone for Podcast See pick 5
Want the full range? Best Mixing Headphones ranks the top studio headphones for every buyer, or browse all 49 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone
- Driver size: 40 mm
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 35 ohm
- 2 year warranty stated
- 0.5 lb, the lightest here
It earns Best Overall with 40 mm drivers tuned flat for incredibly accurate sound monitoring and a detachable cable.
Who it suits
- Players who track and mix using one-ear monitoring
- Buyers who want a 2-year warranty and a protective case
Skip it if
- You want larger 50 mm drivers than these
- You need Bluetooth for wireless listening
The M40x packs 40 mm drivers with 35 ohm impedance in a circumaural over-ear design. The 90 degree swiveling earcups allow one-ear monitoring, the cable detaches, and the frame collapses for storage. The box holds the headphones, a coiled cable, a straight cable, a protective case and a screw-on adapter, with a 2-year warranty on parts and labor.
2Runner-Up
OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor
- Driver size: 50 mm
- Detachable cable not stated in the listing
- Impedance: 32 ohm
It earns Runner-Up with 50 mm drivers, a detachable 6.35mm and 3.5mm cable set and single-ear monitoring for guitar players.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who plug into amps with a 6.35mm jack
- Buyers who want 50 mm drivers with powerful bass
Skip it if
- You want wireless Bluetooth listening
- You want a lighter pair than 0.9 lb
The Pro 10 runs 50 mm drivers with 32 ohm impedance and a detachable DJ-style coiled cord that stretches to 9.8 ft. Both the 6.35mm plug and the 3.5mm plug detach, and the 90 degree swiveling earcups allow single-ear monitoring. The box holds the headphones, the cable, a protective case and a user manual.
3Also Great
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Driver size: 40 mm
- Detachable cable not stated in the listing
- Impedance: 47 ohm
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with 40 mm drivers tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance and 47 ohm impedance at 0.6 lb.
Who it suits
- Players who want enhanced low-frequency performance in a 0.6 lb pair
- Buyers who want a 2-year warranty in white
Skip it if
- You want 50 mm drivers instead of 40 mm
- You want impedance lower than 47 ohm
The M20x uses 40 mm drivers with 47 ohm impedance in a circumaural design with sound isolation. A single-side cable exit keeps the cord out of the way, and the frame weighs 0.6 lb. It carries a 2-year warranty and comes in white.
4Also Great
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X
- Driver size not stated in the listing
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 48 ohm
- Design: Closed-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with 48 ohm drivers that need no amp, closed-back isolation and a detachable mini-XLR cable.
Who it suits
- Players who record with a mic and want bleed kept out
- Buyers who want a detachable mini-XLR cable and velour pads
Skip it if
- You want Bluetooth connectivity
- You want boosted bass in the tuning
The DT 770 Pro X runs 48 ohm drivers with a STELLAR.45 transducer in a closed-back design. It plugs straight into a laptop, interface, phone or console with no headphone amp needed, and the detachable mini-XLR cable swaps in seconds. The box holds the headphones, a detachable 3m cable and a bag, and it is handmade in Germany with a 2-year warranty.
5Also Great
MAONO MH601 Wired Studio Headphone for Podcast
- Driver size: 50 mm
- Detachable cable not stated in the listing
- Impedance: 32 ohm
- 3-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with 50 mm drivers, a detachable 9.8 ft cable and 90 degree swiveling earcups for single-ear monitoring.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who plug into amps, mixers or audio interfaces
- Buyers who want a 3-year warranty on a wired pair
Skip it if
- You want a built-in microphone for calls
- You want Bluetooth wireless listening
The MH601 packs 50 mm drivers with 32 ohm impedance and a detachable 9.8 ft spring cable from 3.5mm to 6.35mm. The 90 degree swiveling earcups pivot between dual and single-ear monitoring, and the wired connection gives zero-latency audio. It carries a 3-year warranty and plugs into any 3.5mm or 6.35mm jack.
Side by side
| Product | Driver size | Detachable cable | Low-frequency reach (Hz) | Impedance | Design | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone | 40 mm | Yes | Not stated | 35 ohm | Not stated | 0.5 lb | 2 year |
| OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor | 50 mm | Not stated | Not stated | 32 ohm | Not stated | 0.9 lb | Not stated |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones | 40 mm | Not stated | Not stated | 47 ohm | Not stated | 0.6 lb | 2-year |
| beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X | Not stated | Yes | Not stated | 48 ohm | Closed-Back | 0.7 lb | 2-year |
| MAONO MH601 Wired Studio Headphone for Podcast | 50 mm | Not stated | Not stated | 32 ohm | Not stated | 0.9 lb | 3-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: studio headphones for guitarists
Pick closed-back for recording with a mic
Closed-back earcups keep sound from leaking into your microphone. The DT 770 Pro X is a closed-back design whose isolation keeps headphone bleed out of your mic. The M40x and M20x use a circumaural design for sound isolation, and the OneOdio and MH601 list sound isolation too.
Match impedance to your source
Impedance tells you how much power the pair asks from the source. The OneOdio and MH601 sit at 32 ohm, the M40x at 35 ohm, the M20x at 47 ohm and the DT 770 Pro X at 48 ohm. The DT 770 Pro X notes that no headphone amp is needed at 48 ohm, so it plugs straight into a phone, laptop or interface.
Look for a detachable cable and swiveling cups
A detachable cable lets you replace a worn cord instead of the whole pair. The M40x, DT 770 Pro X, OneOdio and MH601 all have detachable cables, and the M20x lists a detachable cable in its specs. The M40x, OneOdio and MH601 swivel 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, and the DT 770 Pro X uses a detachable mini-XLR cable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plug these headphones into a guitar amp?
Yes, with the right jack. The OneOdio includes 6.35mm and 3.5mm plugs for amps, and the MAONO names guitar amps among its compatible devices. Check your amp's headphone output first.
Do I need a headphone amp for the DT 770 Pro X?
No. Its 48-ohm drivers plug straight into a laptop, interface, phone or console with no headphone amp needed. That is the point of the 48 ohm tuning.
How do these keep outside noise out?
The M40x and M20x use a circumaural design for sound isolation, and the OneOdio and MH601 list sound isolation as well.
Are the cables replaceable on these headphones?
The M40x, DT 770 Pro X, OneOdio and MH601 ship with detachable cables, and the M20x lists a detachable cable in its specs. The DT 770 Pro X uses a mini-XLR cable that swaps in seconds.
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Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.