Best headphones for video editing and audio mixing in 2025

What are the best headphones for video editing in 2025?

The Neumann NDH 20 closed-back studio headphones are the best choice for professional video editing at $549, offering flat frequency response for accurate mixing, exceptional comfort, and superior build quality that lasts years.

For budget-conscious editors, the Sony MDR-7506 under $100 provides solid accuracy and durability for rough cuts and premixing work.

Over the past 20 years, I've tried countless headphones searching for the perfect pair for video editing. After almost two years with the Neumann NDH 20s, I'm confident I found them.

But the perfect headphones for me may not be perfect for you. Here's how I evaluate headphones and why these two models stand out.

What makes headphones good for video editing?

Flat frequency response for accurate mixing

First and foremost, I want headphones that provide a flat frequency response for accurate audio mixing. If you ever mix your own audio, this should be a priority.

Even if you pass off your audio to an audio post house, I think it's extremely valuable to have a solid premix in the rough cut stage. A great pair of headphones can help get you there.

Comfort for long editing sessions

The second criteria I use is comfort. While I don't share an office with others, I still find myself doing the majority of my editing work with headphones on.

Compared to listening through speakers, I feel like a good pair of headphones limits outside noise and keeps me more focused for the hours I spend in them. A comfortable pair is a must.

Build quality that lasts

Third for me is build quality. I'd rather spend money once on something that's going to last rather than spending less money but possibly having to replace it when it breaks.

My last criteria is value for money — what's the best audio quality, comfort, and build quality I can get for a price within my budget?

Why the Neumann NDH 20 are the best video editing headphones

The sound quality is just superb on these headphones. Keep in mind these are for mixing, so they're not overly bassy like a lot of consumer headphones.

I find that these have a very flat frequency response, so I know exactly what I'm getting and I can mix accordingly.

Exceptional comfort

These are also the most comfortable headphones I've ever owned. Keep in mind that I have a pretty large head so your results may vary, but I almost forget I'm wearing them.

The ear cups are super comfortable and they do a great job of keeping out external noise. I also want to point out that these may be the only headphones I've ever owned where the cable comes out on the right side.

This feels so much more natural to me for some reason, and I've really come to appreciate it.

Premium build quality

Neumann is known for their high-end microphones and recording gear, so the build quality on these headphones does not disappoint. They feel very sturdy and I haven't had any issues whatsoever after almost two years of ownership.

I know this is subjective, but I think they are very aesthetically pleasing as well. For me, it's a huge bonus when products are beautifully designed.

Great value at $549

I think these headphones are a great value at this price. If you're mixing your own audio and you don't have the resources to spend thousands on audio monitors, these are a great alternative.

I would feel absolutely comfortable doing a final mix on these if I didn't have my Genelec 2.1 audio monitor setup. With the comfort and build quality, I can see myself using these for many years to come.

Budget option: Sony MDR-7506

While the Neumanns aren't the most expensive headphones out there — I'm looking at you, Focal — I do realize they could be cost-prohibitive for some.

For my honorable mention, I chose the Sony MDR-7506. In my opinion, these are the best headphones I've used for under $100.

If you're currently editing with consumer headphones, these might be a nice upgrade as they're widely used in the recording industry. I might not complete a final mix on these, but they will give you a much more accurate frequency response than consumer headphones.

They're nice and light and pretty comfortable, and the pairs I've had lasted a long time, though I will say the ear cups did eventually start coming apart and breaking down.

Free editing guide here — includes my complete workflow for professional results.