Finding affordable headphones for mixing is a difficult task. Because there are lots of headphones for mixing on the market. However, most of the headphones are very expensive.
And on the other hand, most cheap headphones do not meet the requirements of great mixing headphones. Therefore we decided to help you to find affordable headphones for mixing.
In this article, we have reviewed the best headphones for mixing under 100$. We used them for a long time to see how good they are for mixing.
We try to see every feature that these headphones brands claim their headphones have.
If you are in a hurry see this!
| Headphones | Should you buy it? | Buy Now |
| Sony MDR7506 | Editor’s Choice | Link to Amazon |
| AKG Pro Studio K240 | Best Overall | Link to Amazon |
| Sennheiser HD 280 Pro | Best Closed-back | Link to Amazon |
| Philips SHP9600 | Link to Amazon | |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT | Link to Amazon | |
| Samson Technologies SR850 | Link to Amazon | |
| Philips SHP9500 | Link to Amazon |
Best Headphones for Mixing Under 100$
1. Sony MDR7506 Headphones
Sound quality
These headphones are fabulous with great sound quality, which is appreciated by studio professionals as well. The flat sound makes these headphones perfect for mixing.
Do not produce heavy bass sounds but clear low bass sounds. 40mm driver and Neodymium are used for clear sound production.
The frequency response for these headphones is from 10hz to 20khz, which is good enough for mixing.
Comfort and design
Extremely high-quality material is used for manufacturing these headphones. These headphones are lightweight and comfortable. Because their headband and ear pads are made with soft memory foam.
The form factor of these headphones is over-ear and easily fits on ears. Overall provides a perfect and professional look.
Connectivity
A wired connection is available for stable connectivity without any disturbance. Another good thing about a wired connection is cable length is long, which is about 9.8 feet. You can quickly move within the studio while listening to music or without wearing down headphones.
Foldable
The foldable design for these headphones gives you an advantage: you can easily fold and take them with you by placing them in a protective case. You will get a carrying case in the purchase for carrying them anywhere.
Who should buy these headphones?
If you want to buy affordable headphones for mixing that have great sound quality for mixing and listening to music, are comfortable, and easy to connect with any mixing device. Then these headphones are perfect for you.
Key Specifications
| Form factor | Over-ear |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency response | 10HZ to 20 kHz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Impedance | 63 Ohms |
| Weight | 8 Ounces |
| Battery | No |
2. AKG Pro Studio K240 Headphones
Sound quality
The sound quality of these headphones is excellent. These headphones deliver the HD sound that you need during mixing. These Akg headphones have almost no bass treble.
However, lows and mids are present to make the sound clear.
Due to their high sensitivity and wide dynamic range, these are efficient to use for mixing and mastering.
Comfort and design
AKG Pro Studio 240 are over-ear and wired headphones.
These Akg headphones are mainly made for studio use, therefore their design doesn’t impress much.
However, the headband of these headphones is more comfortable than expensive headphones.
These headphones have suspended ear cups and an adjustable headband for flexibility. The ear cups are made with soft memory foam and they sit comfortably on your ears.
Therefore, they will give you comfort for hours.
Connectivity
You can connect them to any device through an audio jack and to external sources through mini XLR. You can connect them with mixing gadgets through its cable.
Durable
These headphones are made of quality material. If any part of these headphones is damaged. You can easily find replaceable parts of these Akg headphones. That’s why they are durable.
Who should buy these headphones?
If you want to buy affordable headphones that have great audio quality for mixing, are comfortable, compatible with every mixing device, and are durable. Then these headphones are great for you.
Key Specifications
| Form factor | Over-ear |
| Type | Semi open-back |
| Frequency response | 15HZ to 25 kHz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Impedance | 55 Ohms |
| Weight | 8.5 Ounces |
| Battery | No |
3. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
Sound quality
The sound quality of these headphones is great. These headphones have extended frequency response and produce natural sound.
The soundstage of these headphones is very natural.
Due to that, they are good for mixing. Not only are these headphones good for mixing but also great for listening to music.
You will be amazed by their sound and bass quality.
Design and comfort
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are wired and closed-back headphones. The overall design of these headphones is not very impressive.
However, it’s still better than 100-dollar headphones.
The earpads and headband are made with soft leather due to which they are comfortable.
Another good thing is you can replace their earpads and headbands.
Connectivity
You can only connect these headphones through a wired connection. The length of their cord is around 9 feet. So, you can easily move while you’re mixing. Sometimes, for small offices, the long cord is a little annoying.
Noise-reduction
These headphones have great noise cancellation and they can reduce 32db loud noise. These headphones have passive noise-cancellation not active.
Who should buy these headphones?
Anyone who wants to buy affordable headphones for mixing with great sound quality for mixing, and listening to music, is comfortable, has noise reduction, and is compatible with all mixing devices. Then these headphones are perfect for them.
Key Specifications
| Form factor | Over-ear |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency response | 15HZ to 25 kHz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Impedance | 64 Ohms |
| Weight | 1.28 Pounds |
| Battery | No |
4. Philips SHP9600 Headphones
Sound quality
The open-back design of these headphones produces an excellent sound that is perfect for mixing and listening to music. These headphones have 50mm drivers that produce balanced audio and crisp bass.
The drivers of these headphones are made in a way that details are not lost while mixing. The sound quality of these headphones is great as compared to their price.
However, it is okay compared to expensive headphones.
Design and comfort
Philip SHP9600 are over-ear and wired headphones. The overall design of these headphones is good and gives a professional look.
On the ear cups and headband of these headphones, there is a double layer of cushions due to which they are comfortable for 10 to 12 hours.
The headband is made with steel that adds the right amount of tension for a secure fit.
Connectivity
You can connect these headphones to any mixer or device with its 3.5mm cable or 3.5mm adapter.
Durable
These headphones are built with premium material. The headband is made of steel and ear cups are made with quality plastic. So, these headphones will last longer as compared to the same-priced headphones.
Passive noise-cancellation
These headphones don’t have active noise-cancellation at all. However, still, they give you passive noise-cancellation which is pretty good.
You can easily focus on mixing tracks. But if you use them in noisy environments then you can hear a little bit of ambient noise.
So, these are the best headphones for mixing for under 100$ price.
Key Specifications
| Form factor | Over-ear |
| Type | Semi open-back |
| Frequency response | 10HZ to 30 kHz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Length of cable | 2.5 m |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Weight | 9.7 Ounces |
| Battery | No |
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT Headphones
Sound quality
These headphones are made with 40mm drivers and a rare earth magnet. Due to these headphones, the sound quality is good.
The amount of bass is very low in these as compared to other mixing headphones.
Due to that you can focus on the music and will be able to make the right decision while mixing.
Comfort and design
Ear Cups fit properly around your ears and give perfect sound isolation for mixing and mastering. You can easily mix music in loud environments.
When you put these headphones on your head. You will look like a professional mixer because their design is really good.
Connectivity
You can connect these headphones with any mixing gadget via it wired connection. You can easily move around with these headphones on your head. Because their cord length is 3 feet.
Durable
These Audio-Technica headphones are built with advanced materials. The headband is made of steel and overall these headphones are made of plastic.
Therefore you don’t need to pay attention to keeping these headphones in good condition. However, they will be careful not to tear up foam on the headband.
So, these are not great for mixing but just okay.
Key Specifications
| Form factor | Over-ear |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency response | 15HZ to 20 kHz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Length of cable | 3 m |
| Impedance | 47 Ohms |
| Weight | 6.7 Ounces |
| Battery | No |
6. Samson Technologies SR850 Headphones
Sound quality
These are wired and semi-open-back headphones that produce flat sound for accurate mixing.
These headphones have 50mm, high-sensitivity speakers. Due to that, they produce high-end and low-end sounds very clearly.
The semi-open-back design delivers a wide soundstage with a great bass response. Therefore these headphones are good for mixing.
Comfort and design
The earpads and headband cushions are made with plush velour. And you can adjust their headband according to your head size.
These things make these headphones comfortable for hours of studio mixing.
These headphones are specially made for studio use which is why their design is not great.
Connectivity
You can connect these headphones to mixers through their wired connection. You can easily move around while listening to music or mixing.
High volume
One thing that you might not buy these headphones is their volume. You have to use them at a high volume for proper mixing.
It will be very annoying for anyone sitting next to you.
So, we can say the build quality of these headphones is okay.
Key Specifications
| Form factor | Over-ear |
| Type | Open-back |
| Frequency response | 12HZ to 35 kHz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Length of cable | 3.0 m |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Weight | 11.6 Ounces |
| Battery | No |
7. Philips SHP9500 Headphones
Sound quality
These headphones are made with 50mm high-power drivers that make sound crisp and clear.
These headphones deliver well-balanced crisp bass, transparent midrange, and prominent high frequencies.
The sound quality of these headphones is great compared to their price.
Comfort
The headband and earpads of these headphones are made with soft breathable foam. An adjustable headband increases the comfort of these headphones. You can use these headphones with comfort for 5 to 7 hours.
Durable
These headphones are made of durable material. The headband is made of steel and the rest of the headphones are made of sturdy plastic.
There is a double layer of cushions because they will not tear up easily. So, overall we can say these are durable headphones.
Connectivity
Through their wired connection, these headphones can be connected to any mixing device.
These headphones are great for mixing.
You can also use them for listening to music as well.
Key Specifications
| Form factor | Over-ear |
| Type | Open-back |
| Frequency response | 12HZ to 35 kHz |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Length of cable | 1.5 m |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Weight | 10 Ounces |
| Battery | No |
How to choose affordable headphones for mixing?
Open-back vs Closed-back
Should I buy open-back or closed-back headphones for mixing? Both open-back and closed-back headphones have their pros and cons.
However, it depends upon you which type of headphones will be good for you.
If you want to use mixing headphones in quiet environments like home studios then open-back headphones are the best choice.
Open-back headphones are more comfortable than closed-back headphones. They have low frequencies with accurate bass and sound.
However, on the other hand, if you want to use mixing headphones in noisy environments then you should buy closed-back headphones.
In a noisy environment, you will be distracted if you use open-back headphones.
Comfort and fitting
Before buying headphones for mixing make sure they are comfortable and fit properly on your head. You can find how comfortable a headphone will be by its earpads and headband.
If the headphone’s earpads and headband are made with memory foam and the headband is adjustable they are comfortable. Another thing that defines the comfort of headphones is their weight.
Lighter headphones will be more comfortable than heavier ones. Whenever you buy a new headphone it has a strong clamping force.
Therefore to make it comfortable you should stretch it overnight.
Durability
If you are going to buy 100 dollars headphones that does not mean they will not be durable.
Many brands are making durable headphones for mixing at a reasonable price such as Akg and Sennheiser.
You can check the durability of headphones by the quality of the material from which it is made and the quality of the cords.
Also, you should look for headphones that have replaceable parts.
In this way, you can maintain your headphones by spending little.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article will be helpful for you and you will be able to choose the best headphone for mixing.
So, AKG Pro Studio K240 and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro both are the best headphones for mixing for under 100$.
Tell us in the comments which headphones you will buy.
