What Does Headphone Impedance Mean?
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Headphone impedance is the electrical resistance of the headphone drivers, measured in ohms. A low-impedance headphone needs less power to reach a given volume, so it works well straight from a phone or laptop. A high-impedance headphone needs more power, so it pairs with an audio interface or a headphone amplifier.
What the ohm number on a headphone means
The ohm number states how much the headphone resists the electrical current from its source. A 32 ohm headphone offers little resistance, so a phone or laptop can drive it to full volume. An 80 ohm headphone sits in the middle and works with a wide range of sources, while a 250 ohm headphone needs a stronger output to reach the same volume.
Match the impedance to your source
Start from the device that will drive the headphones. A phone, laptop or tablet puts out limited power, so it suits a low-impedance headphone. An audio interface or headphone amplifier puts out more power, so it can drive a high-impedance headphone to full volume without strain.
Read the impedance on the listing
Check the impedance figure in the listing specs before you choose. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro comes in 32 ohm, 80 ohm and 250 ohm versions, so the same model name can mean a different power need. Pick the version that matches the device you will plug the headphones into.
Check the connector and cable
Impedance is only one part of the match. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ships with a 3.5mm connector and a 1/4-inch adapter, so it plugs into a phone jack or an interface. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X both have a detachable cable, which lets you swap the cable if it wears out.
What impedance does not change
A higher ohm number does not mean a better headphone. Impedance only describes the power match between the headphone and its source. The closed-back DT 770 Pro and the open-back DT 990 Pro X differ in design, and that design decides how much sound escapes and how much outside noise reaches your ears.
What you need
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones
An 80 ohm closed-back headphone with black velour ear pads, a 3m straight cable and a 3.5mm connector with a 1/4-inch adapter.
- Impedance: 80 ohm
- Design: Closed Back
- 2-year warranty stated
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones
A 38 ohm closed-back headphone with a detachable cable and a bundle that adds a USB-C headphone adapter with a built-in DAC, a stand and a full-sized case.
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 38 ohm
- Design: Closed-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X
A 48 ohm open-back headphone with a detachable 3m mini-XLR cable and velour pads, with no headphone amp needed.
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 48 ohm
- Design: Open-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Mixing Headphones, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What impedance is best for a phone?
A low-impedance headphone suits a phone, since a phone puts out limited power. The 32 ohm version of the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is made for mobile gear, while the 48 ohm DT 990 Pro X reaches full volume from a phone with no headphone amp needed.
Does high impedance mean better sound?
No. Impedance only describes the power match between a headphone and its source, not the quality of the sound. A 38 ohm headphone and a 250 ohm headphone can both serve a studio, as long as each one pairs with a source that can drive it.
Do I need a headphone amplifier for 250 ohm headphones?
A 250 ohm headphone needs a stronger output than a phone or laptop puts out, so it pairs with an audio interface or a headphone amplifier. The 250 ohm version of the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is made for high-powered setups.
Ranked studio headphones lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.