Best Over-Ear Headphones for Audio Monitoring of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Over-ear headphones are a popular choice for audio monitoring due to their superior sound quality and noise isolation. They are designed to completely cover the ears, creating a seal that blocks out external noise and allows the listener to focus on the music or audio they are monitoring. These headphones are ideal for studio recording, DJing, and other professional audio applications where accuracy and clarity are essential. They come in a variety of styles and price ranges, from affordable entry-level models to high-end professional options with advanced features such as customizable EQ settings and wireless connectivity.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones Cover #TOP 1
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headphones Cover #TOP 2
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Shure SRH440A Professional Wired Headphones Cover #TOP 3
Shure SRH440A Professional Wired Headphones
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Over-Ear Headphones for Audio Monitoring

#TOP 1

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

ATH-M30x
Black
ATH-M30X
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones Cover
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black

The Audio Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are an excellent choice for those looking for great sound quality at an affordable price. Featuring 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, the headphones are tuned for enhanced detail and excellent mid-range definition. The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments, and the convenient single-side cable exit makes them easy to use.

What We Like
Advanced build quality and engineering
Tuned for enhanced detail and excellent mid-range definition
Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation
Convenient single-side cable exit
Great sound quality for the price
#TOP 2

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headphones

094375870
Black
ATH-M20X
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Headphones Cover
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones in black are designed for studio tracking and mixing. They feature 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, and are tuned for enhanced low frequency performance. The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments, and the single side cable exit is convenient for studio use. These headphones are a great choice for professional audio work.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Comfortable ear pads
Generously long cable
Stylish design

Shure SRH440A Professional Wired Headphones

SRH440A
Black
Shure SRH440A Professional Wired Headphones Cover
Shure SRH440A Professional Over-Ear Wired Studio Headphones – Monitoring & Recording Headphones with Enhanced Frequency Response, Adjustable & Collapsible Design, Works with All Audio Devices, Black

The Shure SRH440A are professional studio grade wired headphones that deliver superior audio with transparent, natural sound signature across an extended range. They work with all professional audio devices, and their enhanced frequency response, impedance and power handling are optimized for performance. The ultra-comfortable lightweight headband provides superior comfort for extended use with an adjustable headband and collapsible construction for easy portability. The sleek, durable design reduces background noise and looks great on camera. A 3 m detachable straight cable and threaded ¼” gold-plated adapter are included.

What We Like
Transparent, natural sound signature
Works with all professional audio devices
Ultra-comfortable lightweight headband
Sleek, durable design with reduced background noise
3 m detachable straight cable and threaded ¼” gold-plated adapter included

OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones

Black
OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones Cover
OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Studio Recording Headphones - Wired Over Ear Headphones with SharePort, Monitoring Mixing Foldable Headset with Stereo Sound, 3.5/6.35MM Jack for PC Computer DJ Guitar-Black

The OneOdio A71 headphones offer powerful bass and clear details with neodymium magnets drivers, making them great for playing musical instruments and listening to music. The soft padded ear cushions provide comfort and noise isolation, and the adjustable and stretchable headband allows for a personalized fit. The headphones come with both a standard-sized 6.35mm plug and a 3.5mm plug, and the 9.8-foot cord is long enough to easily reach from the TV or stereo to your chair. The 90° swiveling earcups allow for single-ear monitoring, and the self-adjustable and flexible headband ensures a fatigue-free listening experience that can last for hours.

What We Like
Comfortable ear pads
Clear, balanced sound quality
Good value for price
Detachable and replaceable cable
Effective for studio and DJ
#TOP 5

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone

ATH-M40x
Black
ATH-M40X
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone Cover
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone, Black, with Cutting Edge Engineering, 90 Degree Swiveling Earcups, Pro-Grade Earpads/Headband, Detachable Cables Included

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor Headphone is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality, reliable pair of headphones. It features cutting edge engineering, 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils, a circumaural design that contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation, and 90-degree swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring. The professional-grade earpads and headband material provide durability and comfort, making them a great choice for long listening sessions.

What We Like
High-quality sound with flat frequency response
Comfortable and durable design
Excellent sound isolation
90-degree swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring
Highly sensitive and efficient

Philips Studio Monitor Over-Ear Headphones

Part 1
Black
Large
Philips Studio Monitor Over-Ear Headphones Cover
Philips SHP6000 Wired Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets Over Ear Headphones Wired Noise Isolation with High Resolution Audio, Deep Bass and Superior Comfort

Experience superior sound quality with Philips Studio Monitor Over-Ear Headphones. With High Resolution Audio, these headphones offer the best in audio performance, reproducing original studio master recordings more genuinely than 16bit/44.1kHz CD formats. The 40mm neodymium dynamic magnet driver delivers superior quality sound, making it ideal for studio monitoring, podcasting, and private listening. The soft padded ear cushions and full cushioned headband provide supreme listening comfort while the over-the-ear type provides good sound isolation. The 3m optimal cable length fits any usage, and the single-sided cable reduces tangling.

What We Like
Superior sound quality
Comfortable to wear for extended periods
Good sound isolation
#TOP 7

AKG K612 PRO Over-Ear Studio Headphones

AKG
2458X00100
Black
AKG K612 PRO Over-Ear Studio Headphones Cover
AKG Pro Audio K612 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, 120 Ohm, Premium Reference Studio Headphones. Wired for Professional Recording, Monitoring, hi-fi Listening. Light Weight, high Comfort. Black

The AKG K612 PRO are over-ear, open-back studio headphones with a patented varimotion™ diaphragm technology that delivers high-quality sound. The headphones have an impedance of 120 ohms, a frequency response range of 12 hz to 39 Khz, and a sensitivity of 101 dB SPL/V. They are lightweight, weighing only 238 g, and perfect for extended studio sessions.

What We Like
High-quality sound
Open-back design for natural sound
Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
#TOP 8

SoundMAGIC HP151 Over-Ear Wired Headphones

HP151
Black
SoundMAGIC HP151 Over-Ear Wired Headphones Cover
SoundMAGIC HP151 Over-Ear Wired Headphones for Monitoring & Recording, Closed-Back HiFi Stereo Headsets for Audiophiles, Work with All Audio Devices, Adjustable & Collapsible Design, Black

Experience high fidelity sound with the SoundMAGIC HP151 Headphones. These over-ear wired headphones feature 53mm precision tuned drivers that deliver clear mid and low frequencies. The closed-back design effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music. The lightweight headband and super soft synthetic leather make these headphones ultra comfortable for extended use. Plus, the adjustable headband and collapsible construction provide portability, making them perfect for on-the-go audiophiles. With advanced build quality, including stainless steel hinges and sliders, these headphones are built to last. Compatible with both mobile devices and professional audio devices, the SoundMAGIC HP151 Headphones are optimized for performance, giving you an exceptional listening experience.

What We Like
High Fidelity Sound
Noise Isolating
Ultra Comfortable & Portable
#TOP 9

Kali Audio HP-1 Studio Headphones

HP-1
Black
Kali Audio HP-1 Studio Headphones Cover
Kali Audio HP-1 Multi-Reference Studio Headphone with Bluetooth, 40hr Long Battery Life, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, for Mixing, Monitoring, Audio Production, Gaming, 3 Selectable voicings

The Kali Audio HP-1 offers three customizable sound profiles inspired by popular headphones, allowing you to choose the best audio experience for mixing, monitoring, or casual listening. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can enjoy wireless freedom, making it easy to move around without being tethered to your device. The active noise cancellation feature helps block out distractions, so you can focus better on your work or gaming sessions. Plus, the built-in microphone lets you take calls or communicate clearly without removing the headphones. The HP-1 also boasts an impressive 40-hour battery life, keeping you powered through long sessions without frequent recharging.

What We Like
Customizable sound profiles
Bluetooth wireless connection
Active noise cancellation
Built-in microphone
Long 40-hour battery life
#TOP 10

Sony MDR-M1 Monitor Headphones

MDR-M1
Black
One size
Sony MDR-M1 Monitor Headphones Cover
Sony MDR-M1 Professional Reference Closed Monitor Headphones

The Sony MDR-M1 Headphones offer a wide sound range that captures everything from deep bass to crisp highs, perfect for those who need precise audio for production or mixing. Their closed design helps block out background noise, so you can focus on your work without distractions. These headphones deliver high-quality and accurate sound, making sure you hear every detail just as the creator intended. Plus, Sony worked closely with industry experts to ensure the sound is true to the original, giving you confidence in your audio projects.

What We Like
Wide frequency range
Effective noise isolation
Accurate sound reproduction
Expertly tuned sound
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our over-ear headphones for audio monitoring research, we found 24 over-ear headphones for audio monitoring products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 303,223 customer reviews through our big data system to write the over-ear headphones for audio monitoring list. We found that most customers choose over-ear headphones for audio monitoring with an average price of $86.84.

The over-ear headphones for audio monitoring are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of over-ear headphones for audio monitoring, including Audio-Technica, Shure, OneOdio, Philips, AKG. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,065 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.