As a beginner in music production, the right pair of headphones can level up the sound of your music as good studio quality headphones can provide you with high sound fidelity and accurate sounds. Based on your choice, these headphones can help you with the core of any song which is the mix and master which requires attention on the details of your elements and instruments plus its important to listen to your songs through multiple output devices such as headphones, speakers, your mobile phone etc so that you can make sure the song feels good to listen to from any source.

The following are the Top 5 Best Beginner Friendly Studio Headphones that also fit in the budget of your choice. These are both Open Back and Closed Back headphones so that you find the right one for you.

Audio-Technica ATH M20X – Closed Back

If you’re dipping your toes into the world of studio monitoring or just looking for solid, budget-friendly headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x might already be on your radar. Part of Audio-Technica’s popular M-Series, the M20x aims to deliver quality sound with a no-frills design, making it ideal for entry-level producers, podcasters, or casual listeners.

The ATH-M20x offers a balanced and relatively neutral sound profile, which is impressive given its price point. While not as flat as higher-end studio headphones, the M20x does a respectable job of keeping things accurate enough for basic mixing and tracking.

• Highs: The treble is clean but slightly rolled off at the top end, which helps reduce harshness but may sacrifice some detail for critical listening.

• Mids: The midrange is where the M20x shines the most. Vocals and instruments are clear and present, without sounding too forward or recessed.

• Lows: The bass is tight and controlled. Don’t expect booming low-end—this is more about clarity than impact, making it suitable for analyzing bass lines rather than enjoying thumping beats.

These headphones feature a closed-back, over-ear design, which helps isolate external noise and minimize sound leakage. This makes them a great choice for recording environments where microphone bleed needs to be avoided, or for focused listening in noisy surroundings. However, the passive isolation isn’t as strong as on more premium models.

While the M20x has many strengths, it comes with a few trade-offs:

• Non-detachable cable: The fixed cable limits flexibility and may be a weak point over time.

• Build quality: While sturdy for the price, the plastic build lacks the premium feel of higher-end models.

• Comfort over long sessions: The ear pads are decent, but can get uncomfortable after extended use, especially in warmer environments.

Amazon Link For These Headphones.

Sennheiser HD 400S – Closed Back

The Sennheiser HD 400S headphones are a stylish, lightweight, and affordable option aimed at casual listeners who want reliable sound quality without breaking the bank. With Sennheiser’s reputation for audio precision, the HD 400S manages to pack quite a bit of value into a compact, closed-back design.

The HD 400S delivers a clean, dynamic sound signature that leans slightly toward consumer-friendly tuning, offering a bit of extra warmth and punch while retaining decent clarity.

• Highs: Treble is crisp but controlled—there’s some sparkle in the upper range, but it avoids sounding sharp or fatiguing.

• Mids: Vocals and instruments are fairly detailed and natural, though a slight dip in the upper mids can occasionally make certain elements feel a bit recessed.

• Lows: The bass is punchy and satisfying, providing a solid thump without muddying the overall mix. It’s more fun than flat, making it great for everyday music listening.

With its closed-back, over-ear design, the HD 400S provides good passive noise isolation. It helps block out moderate external noise, making it a solid pick for commuting or office use. However, it doesn’t offer active noise cancellation, so don’t expect complete silence in loud environments.

While the HD 400S is a strong contender in its price range, it has a few downsides:

• Build quality: It’s lightweight but made mostly of plastic, which can feel a bit fragile over time.

• Non-foldable ear cups: Though it folds flat, the lack of full folding hinges limits portability slightly.

• Soundstage: Like most closed-back headphones, the soundstage is narrow, which can make music feel less immersive compared to open-back options.

Amazon Link For These Headphones.

Koss UR40 – Open Back

With its unique hybrid design, the UR40 combines the best of both worlds, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience that’s perfect for music lovers on-the-go. Weighing in at just over six ounces, these headphones are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for extended listening sessions.

The UR40 offers a well-balanced sound that’s clear and pleasant for a variety of music genres.

• Highs: Crisp and clean without being overly sharp. They provide good detail but may lack the sparkle of more premium models.

• Mids: Clear and well-balanced. Vocals and instruments are natural and prominent, making them great for vocal-heavy music.

• Lows: Bass is present but not emphasized. It’s tight and controlled, though it may feel lacking for bass lovers or EDM fans.

The semi-open-back design allows for a more natural and airy soundstage, giving music a sense of space and realism. However, it also leads to sound leakage and poor noise isolation, making these headphones better suited for quiet, private environments.

While the UR40 performs well for its price, there are some drawbacks:

• Build quality: Feels somewhat flimsy and plasticky, though they are very lightweight and comfortable.

• Sound leakage & isolation: The open-back design means sound leaks out and external noise leaks in.

• Bass response: Not ideal for those seeking deep or punchy bass.

Amazon Link For These Headphones.