Headphones are an indispensable tool for anyone consuming audio, whether you're a casual listener, a music student, or a studio professional. In a crowded marketplace, understanding headphone types is key to selecting the right pair for your needs.
Over-ear headphones (circumaural) surround your ears and provide good sound isolation. On-ear headphones (supra-aural) rest on your ears and may be more comfortable for some. Both types come in closed-back, open-back, and semi-open-back versions.
Closed-back headphones are ideal for recording, with sealed ear cups to prevent sound leakage or ‘spill’. Over-ear and closed-back designs ensure minimal spill, resulting in cleaner recording, which is crucial during overdubbing sessions. Overdubbing involves a musician, such as a singer, recording an additional part over an existing track. With closed-back headphones, the singer hears the existing tracks without the sound leaking into their microphone and affecting the recording.
Open-back or semi-open-back versions are also valuable, particularly for mixing, as they allow air and sound to pass through the headphones, producing a more natural sound but with less noise isolation. The rise in headphone (and earbud) usage is changing how we listen to and produce music. While mixing solely on headphones is not advisable, it is good to understand how your music sounds through them.
Most (affordable) headphones add their own characteristics to the sound, and the type of driver also affects sound quality. Dynamic drivers, which are common, typically have a good bass response. Impedance, measured in ohms, affects the power needed to drive the headphones. Low impedance (e.g. 80 ohms and under) means they can be driven by devices like laptops, phones and interfaces without a separate headphone amp.
To maintain your new cans, always avoid tightly wrapping the cable around the headphones; instead, coil it loosely and keep in place with a Velcro cable tie. You can use a soft dry cloth to clean the ear cushions and remove dust.
Budget, under £20
Soho Study's Headphones & Audio Link Unit![]()
These on-ear headphones, designed for classroom use, come with unique and practical features. Each set has two built-in cables and connectors: a 1/4 inch (6.3mm) jack plug for keyboards and amplifiers, and a mini-jack (3.5mm) for laptops or phones, so you won't need to use adaptors. They also have an integrated splitter or ‘link unit’ with a minijack socket to connect two headphones to one output source. You can plug in your headphones to listen to a student's composition or link multiple headphones together for larger listening groups. They have soft-foam ear cushions, and you can make nine size adjustments.
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Axus AXH10 Classroom headphones
The Axus AXH10 are over-ear and closed-back headphones. This type of headphone will prevent most sound from leaking out, making them ideal for the classroom or the studio. They are equipped with a dynamic driver and promise a great sound, reproducing the full range of bass, mid and treble frequencies. They are a little heavier but have comfy padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. Includes a mini-jack connector and a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) jack adapter.
Mid-range, under £40
Yamaha HPH-50mkii headphones
The HPH-50s are closed-back headphones that are worn ‘on-ear’. The closed-back design offers some sound isolation, though they won't completely block noise, especially at high volumes. However, they still sound great at safe-listening levels. They are very light and have an adjustable headband with a swivel mechanism, allowing the ear cups to pivot to fit your ears perfectly. They also look great in either black or white finish. Includes a mini-jack connector and a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) jack adapter.
Mackie MC-100 headphones
The MC-100 headphones, from Mackie, are a good pair of over-ear studio ‘cans’. They are a good option for EDM producers, as Mackie highlights the increased bass response ensuring you hear ‘every kick drum and deep synth’ in your music. The slightly wider frequency response at this price point promises a good balance between isolation and accurate sound reproduction. Includes a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) jack adapter.
Entry-level pro, under £120
AKG K245 headphones
These are a quality pair of open back headphones that are useful for mixing. The open-backed design provides a ‘flatter’ frequency response and better reproduction of the higher frequencies. They promise a defined and uncoloured sound, so you can produce mixes that sound great on various playback systems. They have a detachable cable and replaceable ear pads, which can prolong their life span. They are also foldable, making them easier to store and carry. No jack adapter included.
Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro 32 Ohm headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 32 Ohm headphones are a closed-back headset designed for the recording studio. These are sturdy, large headphones better suited to older students. If you have a dedicated recording studio and need a pro set of cans, these produce detailed sound across 5Hz – 35kHz. The synthetic leather ear pads and headband are both replaceable, and the durable build means they are built to last. Includes a gold-plated mini-jack plug (3.5 mm), a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) jack adaptor, and a drawstring pouch.
