Best Studio Monitor Headphones Under $200 in 2023

I’m always on the lookout for high-quality yet affordable studio monitor headphones to use for music production and critical listening. After extensive research, I’ve selected 6 of the best studio monitor headphones under $200 to review based on key factors like sound quality, comfort, build quality and overall value.

Best studio monitor headphones under $200

When selecting studio monitor headphones, you want a pair that accurately reproduces audio so you can make mixing and mastering decisions confidently. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get professional-grade audio performance. The headphones I’ve chosen offer impressive sound quality on a budget by utilizing high-end drivers, optimized frequency responses and excellent noise isolation.

Comfort is also essential for long mixing or listening sessions. All of the headphones here have padded earcups and adjustable headbands to minimize fatigue. Build quality is another consideration – you want headphones made from durable materials that will hold up to regular use. Finally, I looked at overall value, selecting headphones that provide professional sound and features at accessible price points.

Keep reading for my full reviews of 6 of the best studio monitor headphones under $200!

Sennheiser HD 206

With large, padded earcups that fully enclose the ears, the Sennheiser HD 206 headphones block out external noise quite effectively. This helps immerse you in the audio for critical listening applications. The earpads are covered with soft leatherette material that feels comfortable even during longer mixing sessions.

The lightweight plastic construction keeps the headphones comfortable while retaining good durability. The adjustable padded headband allows you to get the right fit. With an impedance rating of 24 ohms, these headphones can be easily driven by portable devices.

Overall, the Sennheiser HD 206 provide very good studio-quality sound in an affordable package ideal for home studios.

Sound Quality: With 32mm neodymium drivers, the Sennheiser HD 206 headphones deliver very good sound quality for critical listening, especially considering the affordable price. The bass has good presence but lacks some definition on the very low end. Mids are crisp and balanced. The highs are slightly forward which gives an added sparkle but can cause sibilance on already bright tracks. Overall, the sound is clean with nice stereo imaging.

Comfort: The Sennheiser HD 206 headphones are fairly comfortable for longer mixing sessions thanks to the soft padded earcups. The headband could use more padding but is lightweight enough to remain comfortable. The earcups fully enclose your ears which helps minimize fatigue.

Build Quality: Constructed from durable plastic with metal reinforced headband, the Sennheiser HD 206 headphones feel sturdy and solid. The earcup hinges allow the headphones to lay flat for transport or storage. The oxygen-free copper internal cabling also enhances durability. While not luxurious, the build quality is very good for the affordable price.

Value: With impressive studio-quality sound, good comfort and durable construction, the Sennheiser HD 206 over-ear headphones provide excellent value. They make a great choice for home studio monitoring on a budget.

Sennheiser HD 206 Review:

The Sennheiser HD 206 over-ear headphones deliver impressive studio-quality sound in an affordable package ideal for home studios. With large, padded earcups that fully enclose the ears, they provide good noise isolation for focused listening. The soft leatherette earpads remain comfortable even during extended mixing sessions.

The balanced, crisp sound profile makes the Sennheiser HD 206 great for picking out fine details when mixing and mastering. The 32mm neodymium drivers pack plenty of power while avoiding muddiness. The bass has nice presence but could use a bit more sub-bass punch and definition. The mid-range is clean and controlled with natural tone on vocals and instruments. Treble is slightly forward giving extra shimmer and detail but occasionally causing harshness on already bright tracks. The stereo imaging provides good width for accurate placement.

Constructed mostly from durable plastic with a lightweight fit, the Sennheiser HD 206 headphones don’t feel flimsy while remaining comfortable for long sessions. The padded adjustable headband allows you to get the ideal fit. The earcup hinges allow the cans to lay flat for transport. Considering their impressive audio performance and solid build, the Sennheiser HD 206 provide tremendous value for home studio monitoring.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones provide excellent audio isolation for critical studio listening thanks to their closed-back design and circumaural earcups. This allows you to monitor mixes without distraction. The velour covered earpads remain comfortable during longer sessions.

These headphones have a bright, detailed sound quality perfect for picking out subtleties when mixing and mastering. The bass provides foundation without muddiness. The mid-range is clear and articulate. High frequencies get extra emphasis which brings out treble details but may cause fatigue on already bright tracks.

With a sturdy construction featuring metal headband reinforcements and replaceable parts, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Pro headphones are built to handle regular studio use. Their accurate, revealing sound makes them a great option for professional studio monitoring at a reasonable price point.

Sound Quality: The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones deliver a bright, detailed sound quality perfect for studio use. The bass provides nice depth and punch but rolls off on the very low end. The mid-range is clear and articulate. Highs get extra emphasis bringing out subtle treble details. The soundstage has good width for accurate imaging.

Comfort: Thanks to the soft velour earpads and adjustable headband, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones remain comfortable for longer mixing and mastering sessions. The earcups fully enclose your ears to block ambient noise. The headphones have a tight clamping force which gets them to seal well for isolation.

Build Quality: Constructed from durable plastic and reinforced steel, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones feel very sturdy. The headband and earcups use metal parts for increased longevity. The coiled cable resists kinks while allowing free movement. Overall, the build quality makes these ideal for regular studio use.

Value: With their accurate, detailed sound, excellent noise isolation and robust construction, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro represent a great value for professional studio monitoring headphones around this price tier.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Review:

With a sturdy metal and plastic construction, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are built for rigorous studio use. Their closed-back circumaural design creates a tight seal around your ears, providing excellent noise isolation for distraction-free mixing sessions.

The DT 770 Pro headphones have a bright, lively sound signature that reveals intricate details and subtleties in your mixes. The bass has nice depth and punch but falls short on sub-bass extension. The mid-range has a clean tonality with crisp clarity. Highs get extra emphasis allowing you to hear subtle effects and EQ changes. On already bright tracks, the treble emphasis can cause fatigue during longer listening.

Offering replaceable parts, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones boast long-term durability. Both the memory foam earpads and coiled cable can be easily swapped out over years of use. The metal headband reinforced with steel allows flexible adjustment while retaining structural rigidity. Considering their detailed sound and robust build, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO provide outstanding value as professional studio monitoring headphones.

AKG K361

As an affordable option from acclaimed audio brand AKG, the K361 over-ear headphones deliver professional sound quality and comfort in a truly portable package. The compact, folding design with swiveling earcups makes them easy to carry anywhere.

With 40mm transducers, these headphones provide clear, balanced audio reproduction perfect for studio monitoring. The bass is controlled and tight. Mids sound natural and smooth. Highs come through crisp and detailed without harshness. The closed-back design and comfortable earpads provide good passive noise isolation.

Constructed from durable, lightweight materials, the AKG K361 headphones can withstand the rigors of travel and regular use. Their balanced, accurate sound coupled with good portability and comfort make these an ideal choice for critical listening on the go.

Sound Quality: The AKG K361 headphones deliver clear, accurate audio reproduction without coloration. The bass provides nice impact while remaining tight and controlled. The mid-range has a natural, smooth tonality. Treble is crisp without getting harsh. The closed-back design provides good passive isolation for critical listening in noisy environments.

Comfort: With soft padded earcups that fully enclose the ears, the AKG K361 headphones remain comfortable for longer listening sessions. The headband has a self-adjusting mechanism to get the right fit. The on-ear design helps minimize size while retaining comfort.

Build Quality: Constructed from durable plastic with metal reinforcing the headband, the AKG K361 headphones feel sturdy while remaining lightweight for travel. The earcups can fold inwards and the earpads swivel for a compact footprint. Detachable cables add convenience. Overall, the build quality is suitable for regular portable use.

Value: With their accurate, studio-quality sound, comfortable fit and durable build, the AKG K361 over-ear headphones provide tremendous value as portable headphones for critical listening on the go.

AKG K361 Review:

With a truly portable, foldable design and balanced, accurate sound the AKG K361 headphones allow you to bring studio-quality audio on the go. Their closed-back over-ear cups provide good passive noise isolation for focused listening in noisy environments like planes and transit.

The 40mm transducers deliver clear, nuanced audio reproduction free from coloration. The bass provides nice impact and depth while remaining tight and controlled. The mid-range has a very natural tonality perfect for clearly assessing mixes. High frequencies come through crisp and detailed without any harshness or piercing peaks.

Constructed using durable plastic along with a lightweight yet sturdy metal headband, the AKG K361 headphones can easily withstand regular portable use. The earcups fold inward and swivel for a more compact footprint when stored in the included pouch. Considering their professional-grade audio and robust portable design, the AKG K361 provide tremendous value.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

As a modern upgrade to the acclaimed Audio-Technica ATH-M50 model, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones from Audio-Technica provide enhanced audio performance and convenience for studio monitoring. The circumaural design with plush earpads provides excellent isolation from ambient noise, allowing you to focus completely on the audio.

Featuring large 45mm drivers, these headphones deliver impactful bass along with nicely detailed mids and highs. The overall sound signature has a consumer-friendly v-shape that accentuates lows and highs.

With a durable build featuring metal and M3 aluminum parts, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x cans are able to withstand the rigors of regular studio use. The earcups swivel 90 degrees and fold into the headband for easy portability. Detachable cables add convenience.

Sound Quality: With big 45mm drivers, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x cans deliver powerful bass along with nicely detailed mids and highs. The bass has great extension with nice sub-bass impact. The mids sound smooth. The highs have extra treble emphasis adding sparkle but causing occasional harshness. The closed-back design provides excellent isolation.

Comfort: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones have plush earpads that fully enclose the ears comfortably. The padded headband is adjustable for getting a secure yet comfortable fit. The relatively tight clamping force allows the earcups to seal well for maximum isolation.

Build Quality: Utilizing a mix of durable plastic, metal and M3 aluminum, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones boast a robust build quality able to withstand regular use and transport. The earcups swivel and fold up for convenience. Detachable cables add customization options. Overall, the construction is ideal for studio use.

Value: With their powerful sound, excellent isolation and durable yet portable design, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provide tremendous value – making them a smart choice for studio monitoring on a budget.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Review:

With large 45mm drivers, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones deliver powerful bass along with nicely detailed mids and highs perfect for modern music production. Their closed-back circumaural design blocks ambient noise for distraction-free mixing and tracking in the studio.

The ATH-M50x have a consumer-friendly v-shaped sound signature with an emphasis on lows and highs. The enhanced bass extension brings out thump and kick in hip hop or EDM tracks. The mid-range has a smooth natural tonality. Highs get accentuated adding presence and detail but occasionally causing harshness.

These headphones feature a robust build with metal and M-Series aluminum parts able to handle regular studio use. The earcups conveniently fold into the headband for transportation and storage. Considering their enhanced bass, great isolation and durable build, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provide excellent value for studio monitoring applications.

HiFiMan Austrian Audio Hi-X15

Part of HiFiMan’s collaboration with Austrian Audio, the Hi-X15 open-back headphones deliver natural, balanced sound with plenty of comfort for extended studio work.

The HiFiMan Austrian Audio Hi-X15 uses a proprietary 44mm driver with spiral dot technology for smooth frequency response. Bass is tight and controlled. Mids sound highly natural. Treble is crisp without harshness. With their open design, these cans provide a very spacious soundstage.

These headphones have an ultra lightweight fit featuring soft velour earpads and lightweight construction. The open back allows your ears to breathe during longer sessions. An external metal frame reinforces durability while retaining comfort.

For their natural, accurate sound and exceptional long-wearing comfort, the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones are ideal for professional studio monitoring and mixing.

Sound Quality: With specially-designed 44mm drivers, the HiFiMan Austrian Audio Hi-X15 cans deliver balanced, natural audio reproduction. The bass provides foundation without muddiness. Mids sound highly accurate. Treble is smooth and well-extended. The open design gives an extremely spacious soundstage.

Comfort: The Hi-X15 headphones have a very lightweight fit featuring soft velour earpads that don’t put pressure on your ears even after hours of wear. The open-back design prevents heat buildup. An external metal frame adds support without compromising comfort.

Build Quality: Featuring a plastic construction reinforced by a metal frame, the HiFiMan Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones blend comfort and durability. The open earcups are protected by external metal grills. A detachable cable provides convenience. Overall, the build quality is ideal for extended studio use.

Value: With their natural sound, exceptional long-wearing comfort and quality open-back design, the HiFiMan Austrian Audio Hi-X15 provide great value for professional studio monitoring applications.

Austrian Audio Hi-X15 Review:

HiFiMan’s collaboration with Austrian Audio resulted in the Hi-X15 open-back headphones which deliver exceptionally natural, accurate audio reproduction perfect for mixing and mastering. Their open design also provides incredible long-wearing comfort.

The proprietary 44mm drivers utilize spiral dot planar technology for smoother frequency response and reduced distortion. Bass has nice fullness and impact without muddiness. The mid-range sounds highly realistic to assess mix balance. Treble has pristine detail without harshness. The expansive open soundstage allows precise imaging.

Constructed using a blend of plastic and a lightweight metal frame, the Hi-X15 headphones remain comfortable even after hours of wear. The velour earpads prevent sweat buildup. An external metal grille protects the open earcups. For their fatigue-free comfort and studio-grade audio, the Hi-X15 provide great value.

Audio-Technica ATH-M60x

In the M-Series line from Audio-Technica, the ATH-M60x model offers top-notch audio isolation and sound quality for studio monitoring applications. The circumaural design with quality memory foam earpads provides excellent passive noise reduction to keep ambient distractions out of your mix.

Featuring proprietary 45mm drivers, these headphones deliver crisp, detailed audio reproduction. The bass has nice fullness and impact. The mid-range is clear and balanced. High frequencies come through smoothly without harshness.

With a robust construction utilizing quality plastic, metal and M-Series aluminum, the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x headphones can easily handle regular studio use. The earcups fold up into the headband for convenience and portability.

Overall, the ATH-M60x provides professional-level sound isolation and audio quality for critical listening during mixing, tracking and field recording.

Sound Quality: Thanks to proprietary 45mm drivers, the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x headphones deliver crisp, accurate audio with great detail perfect for critical listening. The bass provides impact and extension while remaining tight. The mid-range has a natural tonality. Highs are nicely extended without getting harsh. The closed-back design provides excellent isolation.

Comfort: With plush memory foam earpads, the ATH-M60x headphones remain very comfortable over longer sessions. The earcups fully enclose your ears while avoiding excessive pressure. The padded headband is adjustable for the right fit. Overall comfort is suitable for extended use.

Build Quality: Featuring durable M-Series aluminum, metal and plastic in construction, the ATH-M60x headphones can easily withstand regular studio use. The earcups conveniently fold into the headband for transport. Detachable cables allow custom lengths. Overall, the build quality is robust and ideal for professional use.

Value: Considering their accurate audio reproduction, excellent isolation and durable yet portable design, the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x provide tremendous value for professional studio monitoring applications.

Audio-Technica ATH-M60x Review:

Part of the acclaimed M-Series line, the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x closed-back headphones deliver detailed, accurate audio reproduction perfect for mixing, tracking and field recording applications. They provide impressive noise isolation thanks to quality memory foam earpads forming an effective seal.

With proprietary 45mm drivers, the ATH-M60x cans reproduce crisp highs, natural mids and robust lows. Bass has nice impact while remaining tight. The mid-range is clear and balanced. Highs have good extension without excessive harshness. The soundstage feels intimate yet has accurate imaging.

Constructed using a durable mix of plastic, metal and M-Series aluminum, the ATH-M60x headphones boast a sturdy build able to handle regular studio use. The earcups fold up neatly for storage and transport. For their combination of professional-grade audio, excellent isolation and robust build, the ATH-M60x provide tremendous value.

Conclusion

For studio monitoring on a budget, the headphones reviewed here deliver impressive audio quality, comfort and durability at reasonable prices under $200. Models like the Sennheiser HD 206 provide great bang for buck, while the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro gives superb isolation perfect for mixing. For critical listening on the go, the AKG 361 are nicely portable while retaining studio-quality sound. With their sturdy builds and foldable designs, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and ATH-M60x are ideal for both studio and field use.