Best Headphones under £200 for studio monitoring

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-R50x

81.4 Studio Score
over-ear 45mm
Why we recommend this

Fully open-back 45mm drivers produce a wide, realistic soundstage with extended bass and accurate midrange, all in a 207g lightweight design for lasting comfort. Its durable construction includes two detachable cables with twist-lock connectors and a 6.3mm adapter, ideal for critical listening. Best suited for studio engineers mixing or mastering stereo and immersive formats.

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Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT

78.3 Studio Score
on-ear Wireless 45mm 38h
Why we recommend this

The 45mm dynamic drivers and Hi-Res Audio certified 5Hz-40kHz response deliver studio-accurate sound, backed by a 38-hour battery life on a single charge. Its lightweight 185g on-ear design and closed-back isolation provide a comfortable, travel-friendly fit, with multipoint Bluetooth and NFC for seamless switching. They’re best for critical listeners and studio users who need long battery and noise isolation over call performance.

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Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT

73.9 Studio Score
over-ear Wireless ANC 40mm 90h
Why we recommend this

With a 90-hour battery life and a quick 3-minute charge restoring 2.5 hours of playback, its digital hybrid ANC and 40mm dynamic drivers deliver clear, full-spectrum sound without frequent recharging. The foldable, lightweight design and plush earpads prioritize portability and comfort for extended wear, while multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 smoothly switches between devices. Ideal for budget-minded commuters and office workers who need ANC and marathon playback, though call quality is its weakest link.

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Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x

68.3 Studio Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

Its 45mm large-aperture drivers deliver a precise 15Hz-28kHz frequency response, while the closed-back design and deep leather earpads ensure effective noise isolation for critical listening. The inclusion of detachable cables and plush extra-deep earpads adds versatility and long-session comfort, matching a durable build that garners a 4.7-star rating from 775 reviews. These are best for budget-conscious studio engineers and home recording enthusiasts needing reliable, flat monitoring headphones for mixing and tracking.

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Audio-Technica SonicPro ATH-AVC400

56.4 Studio Score
over-ear 53mm
Why we recommend this

The 53mm drivers and bass-reflex port deliver robust low-end reproduction, while the closed-back design and 105dB sensitivity provide the isolation needed for detailed monitoring. Supreme comfort from the contoured earpads and self-adjusting headband makes these a durable, long-session workhorse at a budget-friendly price. These headphones are best for aspiring musicians and podcasters who need reliable, flat-response monitoring for tracking and mixing without breaking the bank.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ATH-M50xSTS

50.4 Studio Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

The 45mm drivers deliver an extended 15–28,000 Hz frequency response for accurate monitoring, and the cardioid condenser boom mic captures clean, noise-free voice with excellent off-axis rejection. Two included earpad sets—one for isolation, one for breathability—sustain comfort across long sessions, while the robust build withstands daily studio use. This wired headset is best for streamers and podcasters who need precise monitoring and broadcast-quality mic performance in a closed-back design.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

40.2 Studio Score
on-ear Wired 40mm
Why we recommend this

40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils deliver accurate, bass-tuned audio in a closed-back circumaural design that provides effective sound isolation. The single-side cable exit reduces desk clutter during recording, and the included 6.35mm jack connects directly to professional interfaces. Best for entry-level music producers and podcasters needing a reliable, wired monitoring headphone on a tight budget.

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50XWH Professional

12.5 Studio Score
On-Ear Wired
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Best Headphones under £400 for studio monitoring

Best Pick

Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA

85.2 Studio Score
over-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

The fully open-back design with 45mm drivers delivers direct transducer output, offering a distortion-free 5Hz–40kHz frequency range and pristine sound accuracy. At 199 grams with a durable build and detachable cable, it combines long-session comfort with easy portability. This model suits studio engineers who need transparent, wide-band monitoring for precise mixing and mastering decisions.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Audio-Technica M Series ATH-M60x

72.6 Studio Score
on-ear Wired 45mm
Why we recommend this

With 45mm large-aperture drivers delivering a 15Hz–28kHz frequency response and 102dB sensitivity, this closed-back on-ear monitor provides accurate audio with minimal bleed. Its lightweight 200g build and memory foam earpads ensure all-day comfort, while three detachable cables (1.2-3.0m coiled, 3.0m straight, 1.2m straight) support varied studio setups. It’s best for audio engineers and musicians needing isolated, precise monitoring in recording and mixing sessions, not for calls or casual listening.

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Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M70x

25.3 Studio Score
over-ear Wired
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Audio-Technica ATH-A990Z Art Monitor Closed-Back Dynamic

23.2 Studio Score
Over-Ear Closed Back
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Best Headphones under £800 for studio monitoring

No headphones found Under £800 for this category.

Best Headphones under £1,500 for studio monitoring

No headphones found Under £1,500 for this category.

Premium Headphones for studio monitoring

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