10 Best Reference Headphones 2020
Reviewed by Gareth Otwell
| Last Updated:
After analyzing products, scanning reviews, spending more than 36 hours of research and speaking with our test users, we think the Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones is the one of the Best Reference Headphones on the market.
Samson Technologies SR850 Semi Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones – Best Overall Reference Headphone
- Professional studio Reference semi-open headphones designed for tracking, mixing, mastering and playback.
- Proprietary large 50mm drivers with rare earth magnets deliver an extended frequency response and great dynamic range
- Circumaural, over-ear, design with velour cushioning provides outstanding comfort for long listening sessions
- Self-adjusting headband for optimal fit
- 1/4" Stereo Adapter included
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear – Best Budget Reference Headphone
- Professional studio headphones
- Semi-open
- 3 m replaceable cable
- Audio Interface type: Stereo plug – 3.5mm (1/8-inch) with 6.3 mm (1/4”) screw-on adapter
AKG Pro Audio K702 Over-Ear
- Over-ear design for maximum wearing comfort for long work sessions
- Sophisticated open technology for spacious and airy sound without compromise
- Patented Varimotion two-layer diaphragm for improved high-frequency range and better performance at low frequencies
- Unique flat-wire voice coil for higher sensitivity, better impluse and treble response
- Specially shaped 3D-foam ear pads for optimum fit and ease of use
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy, one ear monitoring, and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
- Professional grade studio monitor headphones with a detachable cable
Audio-Technical ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Advanced build quality and engineering; Designed for studio tracking and mixing
- 40 millimeter drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tune for enhanced low frequency performance
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- Convenient single side cable exit; Magnet neodymium; Designed for studio tracking and mixing
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 Limited Edition Black
- Limited Edition DT 770 Pro 80 - All Black
- Closed diffuse-field studio headphone with "bass reflex" technology for improved bass response
- Comfortable fit due to rugged, adjustable, soft padded headband construction
- Velour and replaceable ear pads with a 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) straight cable (single-sided)
- 2 year manufacturer warranty only when purchased from an authorized beyerdynamic dealer.
AKG K 701 Ultra Reference Class Stereo Headphone Level 1 – Premium Pick
- Revolutionary flat-wire voice
Samson SR950 Professional Studio Reference Headphones
- Closed ear design for maximum isolation
- 50mm drivers for exceptional reproduction and wide dynamic range
- 10Hz-25kHz frequency response, 32ohm impedance
- Self-adjusting headband for a secure, comfortable fit
- 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch gold plated adapter included
KRK KNS 8400 On-Ear Closed Back Circumaural Studio Monitor Headphones
- Detachable in-line volume control
- Voiced to remain true to the character of KRK’s class leading studio monitors, developed with 25 years of years of experience in studio sound.
- The latest reference quality frequency response for closed-back, circum-aural dynamic headphones.
- Newly developed headphone acoustical system bringing a new level of headphone performance for the first time.
- Utilizing the latest in acoustic memory foam technology this ensures class leading performance in both reproduction and isolation.
Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone (new model)
- Dynamic, closed ear headphones.Weight w/o cable: 285 gram Ear coupling is circumaural
- Lightweight and comfortable, ergonomic design, Cord Length 3.3 9.8 feet Coiled
- Extended frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction. Nominal impedance 64 ohm. Sound pressure level (SPL) 113 dB
- Around the ear design with padded ear cups Dynamic, closed ear headphones with up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound. Frequency response (Headphones) 8 25000 Hz
- Ear pads, headband padding, and audio cord are easily replaceable, ensuring long life
