The Best Headphones for Film and Video (Under $100)
You don’t have to break the bank to get quality headphones for monitoring audio on set or editing in post. Check out these solid and affordable options.
Cover image by ronstik.
For those of us who don’t live inside an Apple Pods commercial and don’t dance around on our daily commutes, headphones are largely a practical device for film and video professionals. When working on set or in post, having quality, dynamic, and noise-free headphones is simply a must. However, before you shell out hundreds of dollars, consider these more affordable options.
Sony MDR7506
Sony is one of the biggest names on our list, and it has a rich history of audio and sound design technology. The Sony MDR7506s are well known in the industry and used across the gamut of audio specialists for film, video, television, music, and radio. While not the top of the Sony line, the are a solid, lightweight option designed for comfort over long periods of use. Here are some technical details:
- 9.8 foot cord
- 1/4″ adapter included
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
- Foldable for storage and travel
Price: $130 on website (under $100 with affiliates)
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Sennheiser is truly a brand name that video professionals can trust. Perhaps best known for their microphones and recording devices, their headphone line is just as reliable. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is a high dynamic, modular designed headphone for audio engineers looking to work on the finest tunes. Like the Sony MDR7506s, the HD 280 Pros are collapsible and built for maximum flexibility for wear.
- Single-sided coiled cable
- Up to 32 dB noise attenuation
- Folding and rotating ear-cups for travel
- 1/4″ adapter included
Price: $99.95
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
If you’re looking online, the full title for this next option is the M-Series Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones. But believe me, these M40x pack quite an earful in post. Originally designed for studio recording and DJ monitoring and tracking/mixing, the M40xs are about as powerful as you’ll get for fine detail controls at this price point. Here are the rest of the specs:
- 40mm drivers and rare-earth magnets
- Copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- 90-degree swiveling ear-cups
- Removable cable
Price: $99.00
Shure SRH145
For those looking for the ultimate bang for your buck, Shure’s low-price, high-quality offering is a solid beginner- to mid-level option. The Shure SRH145 are a full-range offering with solid noise isolation and dynamic range to monitor both on set or in post. Here are some more stats and figures:
- Adjustable closed-back on-ear cups
- Collapsible for on-the-go filmmaking
- Fixed, straight cable
- Frequency Range: 25 Hz to 18 kHz
- 5 foot cable
Price: $39.00
Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO
Finally, one of our last recommended options, the beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO monitoring headphones. The DT 240 PRO delivers the professional quality monitoring and dynamic range that it promises. Like the other offerings at this price range, the DT 240 PRO isn’t going to blow you away with its acoustics, but it is going to give you solid studio-level performance, on-the-go comfort, and a professional dynamic range. Here are the rest of the details:
- Transducers to suit any studio or mobile application
- Compact over-ear design
- Strong isolation from background noise
- Minimal sound leakage
- 3-meter coiled cable
Price: $89.00
For more audio gear, recording advice, and editing tricks, check out some of these articles.
