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Professional video editing has got a lot to do with having a keen eye for intricate visual details. However, detailed audio editing is also a big part of the game. Without the right audio edits, the video will only be half as impactful or engaging.
And to get the audio editing part right for your video editing projects, it’s important to use the right pair of headphones. There is no ultimate or perfect type of headphones for video editing as the requirements differ from one video editor to another. This is why we haven’t approached headphones as one-size-fits-all solutions in this review.
Instead, we have categorized different types of requirements and listed headphone models accordingly. Browse through the different categories below to explore headphones that best suit your video and audio editing requirements:
When do headphones come to use in video editing?
If you are completely new to video editing and are building your first video production rig, it’s important to know when you’ll be needing your headphone. Some of the common areas include:
- Music recording – If you aren’t using stock music for your videos and creating original music or recording voiceovers, headphones play an important role. For this type of requirement, headphones come to use for monitoring as an alternative to traditional-style speaker monitors.
- Audio editing – After the music/audio recording part is done, headphones play an integral role during the mixing and mastering stage.
- Synchronizing video and audio – If you are working on a pre-recorded video, it’s important to make sure that the final edit includes well-synchronized audio, whether that be voice-overs or background music. And it’s through getting proper audio cues using a headphone that you can make sure your final edit is well synchronized
General factors to look for in best headphones for video editing
Before diving deep into specific requirements you have as a video editor, let’s have a look at some of the general factors that commonly get overlooked:
Connectivity type – There is no doubt that wired connectivity is the best as it has zero latency. When using a wired headphone, you can make sure that you make no mistake in synchronizing the video and audio as there is no latency in the video’s audio you are receiving in the headphone.
But if you are also planning to use your video editing headphone as a casual headphone, it’s best to go for a wireless model, such as the Sony WH-1000XM4, that includes a 3.5 mm audio jack connectivity option. You can simply plug in the audio cable and transform the wireless connectivity to wired when using the headphone for video editing work.
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Earcup style – There is no denying the fact that video editing is a time-taking process. And therefore it is important to choose the headphone that’s the most comfortable. Over-ear headphones that have circumaural ear cups are the best as they do not press against the ears and cause discomfort.
Here’s how headphones with circumaural ear cups are more comfortable and better at noise isolation as compared to other types of headphones:
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Overall size and weight – Many people overlook size and weight when it comes to choosing the right headphone. However, they play an important role in determining the comfort level. The sleeker and lighter the headphone, the more comfortable it becomes for you to wear it for long hours till you complete your editing work.
Portability – If you prefer taking your video editing work with you wherever you go, it’s a good step to prioritize portability in the headphone you choose. A headphone that includes folding ear cups or headband is easier to pack and carry as compared to a headphone that is not foldable.
Best Headphones for Video Editing (videographers and editors)
If you work on original video content, such as shooting vlog footages, comedy skits, or other types, it’s important to make sure that the mics you’re using with the camera are set up the right way. Also, when monitoring the live audio of the video recording, you need to make sure that it is mixed well with the video.
For such requirements, it’s best to choose headphones that have a closed-back design. They are great at isolating external noise and therefore make it easier for you to listen to fine details without facing any interruption from external noise.
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Here are the five best headphones for video editing in the closed-back design category
1. Sony MDR-1AM2 – check it out here
Sony MDR-1AM2 seamlessly combines three important aspects that videographers require, optimum ear sealing for noise isolation, articulate audio performance, and lightweight design. This headphone houses 40 mm HD sound drivers in ergonomically designed circumaural ear cups to help you make sure that the external noise doesn’t mix with the live monitoring audio when you are shooting outdoors.
Sony MDR-1AM2 also comes as one of the best headphones for video editing with its high-quality oxygen-free copper audio cable that delivers high-resolution audio. A lightweight headband, pressure-relieving earpads, and an overall lightweight design make this headphone a great choice for indoor as well as outdoor video content creators.
Pros:
- Dynamic audio performance with wide frequency coverage
- High-quality audio cables used
- Pressure-relieving earpads improve the comfort level
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- No touch, tap, or button controls included
2. Audiotechnica ATH-M40x – check it out here
If you want to get your hands on a professional-grade monitoring headphone without breaking the bank, you cannot go wrong with Audiotechnica ATH-M40x. It is safe to say that this model is one of the few headphones with a closed-back designed to deliver linear frequency response at a considerably affordable price tag.
Audiotechnica ATH-M40x also ensures superior noise isolation and therefore is an unmistakable choice for video creators who shoot outdoors or in noisy backgrounds. The 40 mm sound drivers help you monitor and edit audio without any false colorization.
Pros:
- Audio performance with a linear frequency response
- Circumaural ear cups ensure superior noise isolation
- Collapsible design for portability
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- Touch, tap, or button controls are not used
3. Shure SRH440 – check it out here
Shure SRH440 comes as one of the best editing headphones for video creators who have to switch between working indoors and outdoors. This model is versatile enough to isolate background noise for clarity when shooting outdoors and comfortable enough for long hours of indoor video editing.
Unlike several headphones in the mid-range pricing category, Shure SRH440 is calibrated for different types of devices, including computers, mixing consoles, DJ mixers, and headphone amplifiers. This headphone also comes included with a wide range of accessories, including interchangeable audio adapters, replacement earpads, replacement audio cable, and carrying pouch.
Pros:
- Professional studio-grade audio performance
- Detachable cable design
- Collapsible design for portability
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- Not the most lightweight design
- No touch, tap, or button controls included
4. Pioneer SE Monitor 5 – check it out here
Pioneer SE Monitor 5 gives a tough competition to even some of the best studio headphones in the mid-range pricing category with its 50 mm cellulose nano-fiber wide spectrum sound drivers that do not fail to deliver rich and dynamic audio performance.
The 3D sculpted ear cups of Pioneer SE Monitor 5 ensure a high level of comfort, making it possible for you to work on your video editing project for long hours without exhaustion. Also, the inclusion of three different types of audio cables perfectly complements this model’s versatile audio performance.
Pros:
- Hi-res audio performance with a wide headroom
- Memory foam earpads used
- 3 types of audio cables included
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- No options for tap, touch, or button controls
- Not the most portable design
5. AKG K361-BT – check it out here
AKG K361-BT defies convention by delivering full-range audio performance in a compact form factor. As one of the best editing headphones for outdoor video shooting and indoor video editing, this model is also great at blocking out external noise with its over-ear ear cups that form a perfect noise-canceling seal.
AKG K361-BT also comes as an unmistakable choice if you want to get your hands on a headphone that supports wired as well as wireless connectivity. Apart from having a sleek profile, this headphone also has a foldable design which makes it highly portable.
Pros:
- 50 mm sound drivers used
- Support for wired as well as wireless connectivity
- Overall sleek and lightweight profile
Cons:
- No touch or tap controls included
- Superior noise isolation with over-ear ear cups
Best Headphones for Video Editing (music video production)
If you work on music video projects that involve video editing as well as audio editing, you cannot go wrong with open-back headphones. You can also go for studio headphones that have a linear frequency response. These types of headphones ensure that the audio you are hearing from your computer’s editing console is a true representation of the actual audio.
Check out these five best editing headphones for music video production:
1. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro – check it out here
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro comes as one of the best headphones for audio editing associated with music video production as it is specifically designed for mixing and mastering. It uses large-sized 40 mm neodymium sound drivers to deliver studio-quality high-resolution audio performance.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro helps you steer clear of the claustrophobic feeling that is common to headphones with a closed-back design. The open-back design of this model also ensures a high level of comfort by creating a feeling of openness and airiness.
Pros:
- Open-back design delivers a dynamic and natural audio performance
- Optimum comfort with plush ear pads
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- Not the most portable and lightweight design
2. Audiotechnica ATH-R70x – check it out here
Audiotechnica ATH-R70x is one of the flagship open-based headphones from the brand and is certainly one of the best headphones for sound editing. The dynamic audio performance of the 45 mm sound drivers, in combination with the open-back enclosure, helps this headphone ensure accurate audio reproduction that’s needed for music video production projects.
Audiotechnica ATH-R70x comfort level comes on par with its audio performance. It doesn’t cause any discomfort or head fatigue when working for longs hours, thanks to its open-back design and lightweight overall build.
Pros:
- Audio performance fine-tuned for mixing and mastering
- Detachable audio cable
- Adjustable head pads
Cons:
- Wireless connectivity option not included
- No touch, tap, or button controls
3. Pioneer SE Master 1 – check it out here
If you do not want to make compromises with bass performance, you cannot go wrong with Pioneer SE Master 1. With a pair of large-sized 50 mm neodymium sound drivers, this model delivers one of the most impressive bass performances in the open-back design category.
Apart from meeting music video production requirements, Pioneer SE Master 1 also comes as one of the best studio headphones with its wide frequency spectrum coverage. This headphone is also highly comfortable to wear as it includes an adjustable headband and ear cups.
Pros:
- Large-sized 50 mm sound drivers
- Ergonomic cushioned ear pads
- Detachable audio cable
Cons:
- No option for wireless connectivity
- No dedicated control buttons used
4. Shure SRH1840 – check it out here
Shure is more into the closed-back design territory. However, the brand does have several premium and high-performance open-back headphones in its catalog, including the Shure SRH1840. This headphone perfectly fits the bill as one of the best headphones for sound editing for music video production projects with its accurate audio reproduction.
The 40 mm sound drivers of this headphone use the open-back design to advantage and deliver acoustic audio that has an accurate bass, and uncolored mids and highs. This headphone also caters to video creators who are on the move as it has a lightweight and fairly portable design.
Pros:
- Acoustic and natural-sounding audio performance
- Ergonomic dual-frame design
- Replaceable ear pads
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- No option for touch, tap, or button controls
5. Sennheiser HD 560S – check it out here
You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot when it comes to getting your hands on a video production headphone that is designed for linear acoustics. Sennheiser HD 560S lets you access linear frequency response audio performance under the $200 price tag along with additional features.
This headphone has natural-sounding audio and therefore definitely earns the spot of one of the best headphones for video editing. The transducer membrane used in the sound drivers works great in delivering exceptional audio clarity which helps you dive deep into fine audio details and perfect your audio editing tasks.
Pros:
- Earcups designed for unparalleled acoustics
- The ultra-light form factor improves comfort
- Replaceable audio adapters included
Cons:
- Earpads aren’t replaceable
- No support for wireless connectivity or torch, tap, button controls
Best Headphones for Video Editing (home/office-based)
When you are working as a video creator/editor at home or office, a balance between openness and external noise isolation is what you’d want to look for. Headphones that have a semi-open back design perfectly suit this type of requirement.
Here are five semi-open headphones that strike a fine balance between airiness and closed-back performance:
1. AKG K240 Studio – check it out here
AKG K240 Studio comes as one of the best headphones for sound editing for home/office-based video editing requirements with its transparent audio performance that places a bit of emphasis on bass. Although 30 mm in size, the sound drivers of this headphone deliver a wide dynamic range that suffices for most video production requirements.
In addition to delivering studio-grade audio performance, AKG K240 Studio also ensures a high level of comfort with its ergonomically designed self-adjusting headband. A converter cable, adapter, and audio cable are included accessories.
Pros:
- Dynamic audio performance
- The headband has a self-adjusting design
- Premium build quality
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- Non-folding design
2. AKG K240 MKII – check it out here
AKG K240 MKII precedes AKG K240 Studio with better sound drivers for maintaining a wider dynamic range. This model has increased sensitivity and therefore makes one of the best headphones for audio editing associated with video projects.
AKG K240 MKII offers a high level of comfort while being durable enough to take on everyday usage. The self-adjusting headband effortlessly adjusts to the shape of your head and helps you keep the hassle of manually adjusting the headphone at bay.
Pros:
- Natural and balanced yet bass-rich audio
- A good balance of comfort and noise isolation
- Detachable cable
Cons:
- No support for wireless connectivity
- Non-foldable design
3. Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro – check it out here
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro earns a good spot as one of the best studio headphones for home/office-based video editors in the semi-open design category with its considerably affordable price tag and premium-grade audio performance. The neutral and balanced audio performance of this model makes it a great choice for all types of video editing requirements.
Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro doesn’t fail to perform as an open-back headphone in the sense that it creates a sense of openness and breathability which works great for elevating audio performance as well as improving comfort.
Pros:
- Balanced and dynamic audio performance
- Comfortable and sturdy design
- Premium look and feel
Cons:
- Non-foldable design
- No dedicated controls included
4. Samson SR850 – check it out here
Samson SR850 comes as one of the best mixing headphones for video editors who take up audio editing as a major part of the work. This headphone packs studio-grade audio performance in a relatively compact form factor and a considerably affordable price tag.
This headphone includes acoustically tuned chambers on each ear cup which works great in creating a wider soundstage for better headroom. Also, the self-adjusting headband ensures that you do not face any hassle in comfortably using the headphone.
Pros:
- Large-sized 50 mm sound drivers used
- Acoustically tuned ear cup chambers
- Self-adjusting headband design
Cons:
- No option for wireless connectivity
- Non-foldable design
5. Fostex T50RP MK3 – check it out here
Fostex headphones are in a league of their own when it comes to delivering authentic audio. Similar to premium headphones from the brand, Fostex T50RP MK3 features the proprietary regular phase diaphragm driver that delivers the natural audio performance required for video editing and sound editing.
Fostex T50RP MK3 offers mixing-grade audio performance with its linear frequency response. This headphone is also highly comfortable to wear, thanks to its plush ear paddings and lightweight overall design.
Pros:
- Signature Fostex sound
- Durable yet lightweight enclosures
- Replaceable audio adapters included
Cons:
- Non-foldable design
- No option for wireless connectivity
