6 Best Headphones for Video Editing
By Robin Owens 15 days ago, Headphones
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What are the best headphones for film editors?
Headphones for video editing and specialized video editing monitors have one significant feature: they allow you to get the most natural sound and neutral response.
Perhaps this feature is not so critical for watching movies, games, listening to music, and other purposes. However, if you need to check or edit audio tracks to eliminate any flaws in the video, then high-quality video editing headphones are must-have.
Top 6 Best Headphones for Video Editing
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x - Our choice
- Sony MDR7506 - Professional headphones for video editing
- Status Audio CB-1 - Budget headphones
- AKG Acoustics K 702 - Expensive but worth it
- Sennheiser HD 569 - Closed-back design headphones
- Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro - Stylish headphones for video editing
I’ve tested the best options you can buy in 2024 and described them below. First of all, I paid attention to such characteristics as sensitivity, frequency response, cable length, and maximum input power. As a result, the following six options were selected.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Our choice
Frequency Response: 15-28,000 Hz | Sensitivity: 98 dB | Maximum Input Power: 1600 mW | Earcup Swivel: 90° Both Directions | Cable: Detachable 3.9' - 9.8'
$
Rating ⊕ Amazing frequency range
⊕ Nice low-end definition
⊕ Creative design
⊕ The cable can be disconnected
⊖ Not found
These are one of the best headphones for editing that will give you the clear natural sound of your audio material. They do not increase separate frequencies or reduce background noise.
One-ear monitoring is also available to you. However, if you are interested in the most accurate and advanced video editing, you should use both headphones. Besides, if you want to achieve terrific sounding, you should connect these headphones to the best desktop for video editing.
Featuring a soft and easily customizable headband, these best headphones for editing video are very comfortable.
Since the cable included in the kit is easily removable, you can connect any other instead. This is a very useful feature. For example, if you need a large distance to move, you will get the desired range after replacing the standard cable.
2. Sony MDR7506
Professional headphones for video editing
Frequency Response: 10-20000 Hz | Sensitivity: 106 dB | Maximum Input Power: 1000 mW | Earcup Swivel: 90° Both Directions | Cable: Detachable 9.8'
$
Rating ⊕ Light standard headphone
⊕ Top-quality sound
⊕ Durable design
⊕ Soft case included
⊖ Poor noise cancellation
These Sony MDR headphones are great for live/broadcast apps or a professional studio. They have a foldable design and a large diaphragm. Among the advantages of this model, I would note the robust construction, powerful closed-ear design, and clear sound reproduction through a 40 mm driver unit.
The sound of these video editing headphones is analytical, with a slight bias in brightness. The low-frequency register is somewhat forced. However, it is well-designed and will suit almost any computer for video editing. You can feel the depth of the bass, and there is virtually no muttering.
3. Status Audio CB-1
Budget headphones for video editing
Frequency Response: 15000 Hz | Sensitivity: 97 dB | Maximum Input Power: 400 mW | Earcup Swivel: 90° Both Directions | Cable: Detachable 9.8'
$
Rating ⊕ Affordable price
⊕ Folding design
⊕ Neutral soundstage
⊕ Not heavy
⊖ A little fragile
If you are looking for the best headphones for video editing that can give you neutral but powerful sound, then this option is worth considering. The desired sound quality is achieved thanks to 50mm drivers.
Moreover, you can work with your favorite free video editing software in maximum comfort since the headphones have a removable cable. Perhaps the big earpads are a drawback of this model because you can’t place them around your earlobes.
Build quality isn’t the best. However, you should not expect it in this price category. But again, convenience can compensate for this drawback. These are the best cheap headphones for video editing since they are very convenient to carry and store if you have a small office or studio.
4. AKG Acoustics K 702
Expensive but worth it
Frequency Response: 10-39800 Hz | Sensitivity: 105 dB | Maximum Input Power: 200 mW | Earcup Swivel: 90° Both Directions | Cable: Detachable 4' – 12.3'
$
Rating ⊕ Awesome sound
⊕ Transparent mids and crisp highs
⊕ Stylish design
⊕ The cable can be detached
⊖ Price
These over-ear headphones are a great choice for mixing, mastering, and high-quality listening. This reference, open model is characterized by tremendous response accuracy, as well as spaciousness and agility.
The developers were able to achieve such results through the use of a Varimotion two-layer diaphragm and the brand new flat-wire voice coils.
These headphones for video production are very convenient to use. Their 3D foam earpads and leather headband fit your head perfectly. It doesn’t take you long to change the cable since the headphones have a pro mini XLR connector.
5. Sennheiser HD 569
Closed-back design
Frequency Response: 10-28000 Hz | Sensitivity: 115 dB | Maximum Input Power: 1000 mW | Earcup Swivel: 90° Both Directions | Cable: Detachable 8.2'
$
Rating ⊕ Great frequency response
⊕ High-quality build
⊕ Amazing price-performance ratio
⊕ Convenient headband
⊖ Noise cancellation could be better
This model is one of the best headphones for video editing in terms of comfort. Its main features are the closed design, cool padding, and hands down.
Regardless of whether you use headphones outdoors or indoors, a well-developed design will allow you to avoid discomfort and fatigue during long work.
Decent build quality as well as large earcups, which meet most of the modern video editors’ requirements, make these Sennheiser headphones one of the best options in their segment.
Although they are made of plastic, they are quite durable and can withstand serious stresses. I would also like to note some other strong points, such as an expansive soundstage, earpad design, and noise isolation.
6. Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro
Stylish headphones for video editing
Frequency Response: 5-35000 Hz | Sensitivity: 102 dB | Maximum Input Power: 1000 mW | Earcup Swivel: 90° Both Directions | Cable: Detachable 11.8'
$
Rating ⊕ Very good padding
⊕ Great noise cancellation
⊕ Circumaural design
⊕ Strong body
⊖ Expensive
These video editing headphones are very comfortable as they have soft padding on the headband and velour earpads. As a result, even the longest workflow will not be too tiring and inconvenient for you. Stunning build quality is fully consistent with the money you spend on these headphones.
DT 880 Pro is great for monitoring the quality of the soundtrack. It allows you to identify any defects while listening. I should also mention a balanced soundstage and some noticeable improvements.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
OUR CHOICE |
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Sony MDR7506
PROFESSIONAL |
Check PRICE → | |
 |
Status Audio CB-1
BUDGET |
Check PRICE → |
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Video Editing?
Do you want to choose the best headphones for video editing? Here are a few key points to keep in mind when looking for the right option.
Type of Headphones
The most common headphones are closed-back ones. Such models have drivers located in the ear cup. The part that is pressed to the ear remains open. As a result, all sound is sent to your ear.
You should opt for such models if you need to be completely isolated from background external noise or you do not want others to hear your audio.
This type is a perfect choice for people who need the best headphones for editing video, as well as those who work in a noisy office or listen to music in public places.
Frequency Response Range
If we talk about expensive premium class headphones, then you can expect a frequency of 30,000hz or more. For budget options, the frequency range is 10-20,000Hz. However, if you do not want to lose quality, you should not buy headphones with lower values.
Sensitivity
The right sensitivity allows you to perceive the most natural sound. It shows the sound pressure that the headphones can take in one mW of power. Video headphones with a sensitivity range of 75 dB to 110 dB are the safest.
Impedance
Matching the impedance of the headphones to your audio equipment allows you to receive the most impressive result out of your headphones. This indicator is measured in ohms. If you are unable to find the right impedance, you should use a higher volume than in your headphones.
Cables
The cable length should meet your needs. However, experts do not recommend choosing too long ones. The length should meet your needs as this can lower the volume, degrade the sound quality, or add unnecessary noise. Moreover, long cables are hard to keep in order. As a rule, the best headphones for editing have removable 8-12-inch cables.
Durability
Pay attention to durability if you want to use your video editing headphones as long as possible. As a rule, the lighter the headphones, the shorter their life is. Lightweight headphones are easy to break them in half so you must handle them carefully.
I recommend storing them in a special protective case when you are not wearing them. Also, pay attention to the strength of the hinges if you purchase a folding model.
FAQ
- What are the best headphones for video editing?
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x stands out for excellent sensitivity and frequency characteristics, as well as an impressive value for money.
Also, such models as Sony MDR7506 and Sennheiser HD 569 can be safely recommended.
- Why should you use special headphones for editing videos?
To find all the flaws in the sound recordings, you must have special headphones with appropriate characteristics. This is critical for dialogic scenes.
- How long can you use headphones for?
To avoid doing harm to your hearing, the headphones should be used for no more than 90 minutes a day if you set an 80% max volume.
Moreover, if you wear your video headphones very often, then you should adhere to the so-called 60/60 rule. It means that you use no more than 60% of the headphones’ power and wear them no more than for an hour.
- What brands make the best headphones for video editing?
Sennheiser is highly regarded for their accurate sound reproduction and reliable build quality, making them a popular choice among professionals.
Beyerdynamic is another respected brand known for their detailed and transparent sound signature, catering to the needs of video editors seeking precise audio monitoring.
Audio-Technica is praised for their studio-grade headphones with excellent clarity and durability, making them a trusted option for video editing tasks.
- Can I use headphones for video editing for other activities?
Such headphones are versatile and can provide an immersive audio experience for music listening, gaming, and watching movies or TV shows. Their accurate sound reproduction and noise isolation capabilities make them suitable for critical listening and enjoying audio content across different genres and platforms.
