Best Studio Mixing Headphones Under $150 in 2025 

Whether you're laying down vocals, fine-tuning a beat, or prepping a mix for release, one thing is clear — you need great headphones for reference. But what if you’re just starting out or building a studio on a shoestring budget? Good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get quality sound. There are multiple options for good headphones on a budget. We’ve sifted through expert reviews and real-world performance to bring you the best headphones under $150 for mixing, tracking, and recording quality music on a budget in 2025. These picks combine accuracy, comfort, and affordability. The headphones we’ll be covering in this blog are:
 

We’ll be taking a look at the following:

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
   
   
2. Sony MDR-7506
   
   
3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)
   
   
4. Philips SHP9500
   
   
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
   
   
6. Final Thoughts
   
   

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Price: ~$130
Type: Closed-back | Wired
Best for: Tracking, mixing, all-around studio use

Used by: Andrew Huang, Jon Bellion, Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park)

These are arguably the most recognisable headphones in budget studios worldwide. The ATH-M50x are praised for their tight bass, clear mids, and versatile comfort — making them a go-to for tracking, casual mixing, and music production in general. It’s one of the go-to studio headphones for recording, as there’s minimal bleed.

While the sound signature leans a bit fun (mild bass boost), their reliability is what keeps producers coming back.

Sony MDR-7506

Price: ~$100
Type: Closed-back | Wired
Best for: Recording vocals, reference monitoring

Used by: Dr. Dre, Deadmau5, Jimmy Douglass

This workhorse has been a go-to for decades. With a bright, detailed sound signature, the MDR-7506 reveals flaws in your recordings that other cans might hide — perfect for pinpointing issues in vocals or clicks in mixes. If you’ve ever stepped into any major recording studio, chances are you’ve seen a pair lying around, which is why it's considered to be one of the best headphones in 2025.

While it lacks a detachable cable, its coiled cord is studio-friendly and its flat midrange ensures clarity where it counts.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)

Price: ~$145 (just under budget)
Type: Closed-back | Wired
Best for: Mixing, mastering, critical listening

Used by: Hans Zimmer, Finneas, Kenny Beats



The DT 770 Pro delivers an expansive stereo image, ultra-clear highs, and deep bass that’s perfect for immersive mixing, making them the best headphones for mixing in the price range. They're often praised for their comfort during long sessions and are frequently spotted in commercial studios. If you’re looking for one of the best headphones under $150 you need not look any further. A go-to for film score composers and electronic music producers alike.

Philips SHP9500

Price: ~$80
Type: Open-back | Wired
Best for: Mixing, mastering in quiet environments

Used by: San Holo, Junkie XL

If you're mixing in a quiet space and don’t need sound isolation, the SHP9500 are a shockingly good find. Their wide soundstage and neutral profile help you hear panning and spatial effects with clarity. Due to its open back design, it can be one of the best headphones for mixing and mastering on a budget and can be instrumental in implementing essential audio mixing techniques

While not ideal for recording (they leak sound), they shine for post-production work. Their comfort is a huge bonus if you’re working long hours.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Price: ~$50
Type: Closed-back | Wired
Best for: Budget tracking and light mixing

Used by: Mostly bedroom pop producers and TikTok creators

On a serious budget? Don’t worry. The ATH-M20x offers solid value with a flat, reliable mid-range that’s good enough for early-stage music production or referencing your tracks on a second system. It’s also a good pick for studio headphones for recording, as it shares similar characteristics to its elder brother. 

While it lacks the refinement of its bigger sibling (M50x), it’s light, durable, and gets the job done. It’s also a popular choice in schools, beginner studios, and podcast setups. Studio headphones, Audio Technica ATH-M20x, are great for those just starting out or needing a dependable second pair. They are just good headphones on a budget.

Final Thoughts

As 2025 rolls on, the idea that you need to spend $500+ to get a good mix is officially outdated. These five headphones — used by some of the world’s most respected producers and without doubt some of the best headphones under $150- prove that great gear can be affordable. Whatever your workflow or music style, there’s something on this list that’ll meet your needs without maxing your credit card.

We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!