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Exposed Vocals

Music Tech & Industry

Best Studio Headphones Under $100 Our Unsigned Artists Actually Use in 2025

We always ask the artists we feature: “What headphones do you mix and track with?”

These are the pairs that keep showing up in bedrooms, living rooms, and late night sessions from working musicians who are watching their budgets. All under $100, all battle tested on real releases.

Quick Compare Table

HeadphonesArtists Using ThemWhy They Love ThemPrice RangeBuy It
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x94Flat, honest sound — a great first monitoring pair$49–$59Buy on Amazon →
Sony MDR-750687Studio standard for decades — you hear exactly what is there$79–$99Buy on Amazon →
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x62A little more low end than the M20x, still very accurate$69–$79Buy on Amazon →
Superlux HD668B48Surprisingly detailed for the price — a real hidden gem$39–$49Buy on Amazon →
Samson SR85035Semi open design, wide soundstage, big value for the money$34–$45Buy on Amazon →
AKG K240 Studio29Classic semi open sound that engineers have trusted for 40+ years$59–$79Buy on Amazon →

Quick Picks

  • Best overall under $100: Sony MDR-7506 — the long time studio favorite.
  • Best budget monitoring: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x or ATH-M30x.
  • Best “how is this this cheap?” pick: Superlux HD668B or Samson SR850.

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