Looking to up your audio game? no problem. We review some of the best headphones for video editing based on sound quality, comfort and price.
Sound design is an important part of the filmmaking process. A lot of people try to edit using built-in speakers however the harsh truth is that these are usually terrible. So instead of risking your sound quality, it’s better to buy a decent pair of headphones.
We know that it can seem overwhelming when picking a new piece of editing equipment so luckily we’ve done all the work for you. 👍
How to Pick The Right Headphones For Video Editing
Firstly, it’s important to consider a few things when choosing headphones. For example:
- Sound characteristics – do you want a more natural sound just for video editing or are you using them for music as well?
- Noise-cancelling – are you editing in a quiet room or in a noisy cafe?
- Portability – do you need to fit them in your camera bag or will they just sit on your desk?
- Wired or wireless – do you have access to a power source?
- Budget – do you want something at the lower end or have you got a bit more to spend?
Still a bit confused? no worries. We’ll try to break down each pair as we go with an extra section at the bottom about frequency and impedance. 🤓
So without further ado here are the 6 best headphones for video editing.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
- Frequency: 15-28,000Hz
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Driver size: 45mm
- Dimensions: 28.96 x 25.4 x 10.41 cm
- Connector: Wired
- Weight: 285g
The ATH-M50x are one of our favourite headphones for video editing purely because of the comfortable fit and balanced sound.
Also, they produce very low levels of distortion, which means the footage you’re working on will sound just the way it did when it was shot!
They’re closed-back which makes them better at blocking noise than open-back models like the AKG K702s. So if sound quality is your top priority, it doesn’t get much better than these.
Finally, you can also plug these headphones into cameras or mobile devices when on the go, as a 38-ohm impedance means they can be driven by pretty much any audio source.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low distortion | A little bulky |
| Comfortable | No advanced features |
| Good with any device | |
| Wired and wireless models are available | |
| Fold down easily |
2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Headphones
- Frequency: 5-35,000Hz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Driver size: 45mm
- Dimensions: 17.78 x 10.16 x 21.59 cm
- Connector: Wired
- Weight: 270g
The DT 770 Pro is a great set of headphones for video editing, especially if you’re recording voiceovers. Since they are open-back, you can hear what’s going on around you without taking them off.
So if you work in a place where you still need to be aware of what is going on around you then these might be the perfect option for you.
Also, with these headphones, you will be able to enjoy the full spectrum of sound on your camera, phone or laptop without the need for extra software.
The closed-back over ear design with velour earpads and headband will give you a tighter bass response and isolate your ears from external noise. Also, they are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if they might not be as portable as others.
Lastly, although they aren’t wireless, they come with a 1.6 metre cable, so you won’t feel too restricted in your movement.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good noise cancellation | Not wireless |
| Comfortable | A little bulky |
| Great for recording voiceovers | No advanced features |
| Different impedance options are available |
3. Sennheiser HD 300 PRO
- Frequency: 6-25,000Hz
- Impedance: 64 ohms
- Driver size: Not stated
- Dimensions: 12.95 x 4.57 x 18.03 cm
- Connector: Wired
- Weight: 297g
As you can tell from our article on the best microphones for filming we’re big fans of Sennheiser. It’s definitely a brand that boasts audio quality and is a great option for video editing.
Fortunately, the HD 300 Pro headphones don’t disappoint. If your editing requires the highest levels of reproduction accuracy, then go for Sennheiser. With the HD 300 Pro, you can hear every detail of your sound, from deep bass to delicate high sounds.
Also with its closed-back design, you won’t hear much of what’s going on around you, which can be good if you are in the zone and don’t want any distractions. The pieces that go over your ears are well cushioned and comfortable for long editing sessions.
Finally, as you can fold these headphones, it allows you to easily take them with you when editing on the go. 👌
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good noise cancellation | Not wireless |
| Comfortable | No advanced features |
| Well made | |
| Fold down easily |
4. Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones
- Frequency: 4-40,000Hz
- Impedance: 16-47 ohms
- Driver size: 40mm
- Dimensions: 18.45 x 7.7 x 25.22 cm
- Connector: Wireless & Wired
- Weight: 255g
At first glance, with its optional wired and wireless connection, the Sony WH-1000XM3 definitely stand out from the rest (just a bit pricier!).
Although these headphones have not been designed with studio quality in mind, the 4-40000Hz frequency response will provide you with great sound.
Also, they have built-in smart listening features, which automatically control the noise cancellation level according to the ambient sound around you.
However one of the best features of these headphones is that they have both a wireless connection (30+ hours battery) and also a 3.5mm wired connection as well.
So when you need a pair of headphones that will work both for video editing, as well as for monitoring sound on location, the WH1000XM3s has you covered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Control the amount of noise-cancelling | Bit pricey |
| Long battery life | No advanced features |
| Both wired and wireless connection | |
| Fold down easily |
5. Sony MDR-7506 Headphones
- Frequency: 5-20,000Hz
- Impedance: 63 ohms
- Driver size: 40mm
- Dimensions: 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm
- Connector: Wired
- Weight: 261g
There are plenty of fancy options out there but Sony MDR 7506 offers true sound and reliability at a reasonable price.
These headphones are designed mainly for studio use. This is because they have a “flat” reproduction of sound across the entire frequency range and, as a result, will produce a natural sound.
The noise isolating ear cups are made from super comfortable memory foam that moulds to the shape of your ear. This means they stay comfortable for long periods of time even during marathon video editing sessions.
They come with a soft carry case and are foldable but maybe a little bulkier than you would like on the go. So If you’re looking for a solid set of headphones for video editing, then you should definitely consider these.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True sound | Not wireless |
| Very Affordable | A little bulky |
| Comfortable | No advanced features |
| Fold down easily |
6. Nura Nuraphone
- Frequency: 20-20,000Hz
- Impedance: Not stated
- Driver size: 40mm (outer) 15mm (inner ear)
- Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 8.8 cm
- Connector: Wireless
- Weight: 329g
Nura has created a true hybrid pair of headphones. They are essentially earbuds with an over ear cup providing you great noise isolation, comfort and sound quality.
The Nuraphne also includes a Personalised Sound feature which measures the sound pressure inside your ear and adjusts ambient noise accordingly. Pretty cool right?
And the tech doesn’t stop there. With Tesla Venting this allows the speaker drivers to pump air through the earcups, keeping your ears cool. 😎
While they are a bit of a splurge, their features really pack a punch and make them a good contender for the best headphones for video editing on our list.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sound customisation | Frequency response is not great |
| Active noise cancelling | In-ear design is not for everyone |
| Tesla venting | Very pricey |
| Wireless |
Extra Tips On Buying Headphones
Want to delve a bit deeper? There’s a lot of technical jargon when it comes to headphones for video editing, but it’s definitely worth your while to understand. These are 3 of the most common terms that get thrown around when talking about audio in headphones.
Frequency Response Range
Expensive high end headphones will have a frequency of 30,000hz or more. For budget options, the frequency can range from 5-20,000Hz. However, if you don’t want to lose quality, then try to avoid anything with lower values.
Sensitivity
In short, 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. Headphones with a sensitivity range of 75-110 dB are the best.
Impedance
Matching the impedance to your audio equipment allows you to get the best out of your headphones. This indicator is measured in ohms. If you are unable to find the right impedance, you should use a higher value than in your headphones.
Best Headphones For Video Editing – Wrapping Up
To sum up, when buying headphones specifically for video editing it’s important to work out what your needs are and which one is the best fit based on your own workflow.
One of the best things to do when you get your new headphones is to listen to a few of your favourite tracks to get a feel for the sound. You can always try a few different pairs before you’re happy.
