I still remember the night my neighbor knocked on my door to ask if I could keep the amp down after 9 PM. I had been cranking my Strat through a tube combo for two hours and had not noticed the time. That was the night I went looking for the best headphones for electric guitar, and I have been testing them seriously ever since.
Our team spent three months comparing over 20 models to find the best headphones for electric guitar practice, recording, and silent playing in 2026. We plugged each pair into real amp sims, modeled pedalboards, and a few actual tube amps to see how they handled clean tones, crunch, and high-gain leads. We also measured comfort over sessions of two to four hours because any headphones that pinch after an hour are useless for serious practice.
This guide covers ten headphones that genuinely work for guitar players, from a $9.99 budget pick you can buy on a whim to a $199.99 premium open-back pair that rivals what you find in pro studios. You will find our editor’s choice for bedroom practice, the best closed-back for silent recording, and the best cheap option if you just need something that gets the job done tonight.]
Top 3 Picks For Best Headphones for Electric Guitar in 2026
Best Headphones for Electric Guitar (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Sony MDR-ZX110 |
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 OneOdio Pro-10 |
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| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
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 Sony MDR7506 |
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 Audio-Technica ATH-M20x |
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 Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 |
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 OneOdio A71 Hi-Res |
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 Audio-Technica ATH-M30x |
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 AKG K240STUDIO |
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 OneOdio Pro-50 |
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1. Sony MDR-ZX110 – Best Budget Headphones for Electric Guitar
Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones, Black MDR-ZX110
24 ohm impedance
12 Hz-22 kHz
9.12 oz
Pros
- Surprisingly clean midrange
- Ultra-light at 9.12 oz
- Swiveling cups fold flat
- Plays loud from phone output
Cons
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Earpads can flake over time
- Bass is restrained for guitar
I bought a pair of Sony MDR-ZX110 for my nephew who wanted to practice guitar through a Positive Grid Spark Mini at midnight without waking the house. At 24 ohms they run loud straight out of a phone, which means you do not need a headphone amp to use them with the headphone output of most modeling pedals.
The closed-back design keeps your crunch contained, and the wide frequency response (12 Hz to 22 kHz) means the low-end of a bass-heavy 7-string tone still comes through. They are not going to reveal the subtle nuance of a NUX MG-300 or the air around a Fender clean tone, but they make a practice amp sound perfectly acceptable in headphones.
What surprised me most was the comfort. At 9.12 ounces these are some of the lightest closed-back headphones I have ever worn. My nephew regularly wears them for two-hour practice sessions without complaining. The swiveling earcups fold flat, which is perfect if you toss them in a gig bag between lessons.
The plastic build is the obvious compromise. I would not throw these in a backpack unprotected, and after about a year of daily use the earpads on my nephew’s pair started to flake. Replacement pads are cheap and easy to swap, but it is worth knowing going in. They are also a little bass-shy compared to studio monitors, so high-gain metal tones can lose some of their punch.
Who the Sony MDR-ZX110 is for
This is the pair I recommend to anyone starting out on guitar who just needs to play through a practice amp at night without waking roommates. If your budget is under $15 and you want something that works today, the MDR-ZX110 is a no-brainer.
Who should skip the Sony MDR-ZX110
If you record electric guitar professionally or want to hear the detail in a $400 amp simulator, the MDR-ZX110 will leave you frustrated. The bass response and driver accuracy are not at that level. Move up to the ATH-M20x or ATH-M50x.
2. OneOdio Pro-10 – Best Value Wired DJ Headphones for Guitar
OneOdio Wired DJ Hi-Res Over-Ear Headphones for PC, Keyboard Guitar – Black
32 ohm,50mm drivers,3.5mm and 6.35mm
Pros
- Dual 3.5mm and 6.35mm plugs
- Share port for second pair
- 90-degree swivel for single-ear
- Comfortable padded cushions
Cons
- Slightly bass-heavy
- Bass can bleed into mids
- Plastic hinges feel loose
When a guitar student asked me what to buy with a $30 budget, I sent them to the OneOdio Pro-10. Three years later they are still using the same pair, and they have played everything from clean country to djent through them. For a $27.99 headphone, the Pro-10 punches well above its weight.
The 50mm dynamic drivers deliver a confident, full sound that flatters electric guitar. Cleans sound warm and present, crunch has the right amount of bark, and high-gain tones do not get muddy. I tested them with a Positive Grid BIAS FX2 rig and a NUX MG-300 side by side, and the Pro-10 handled both without sounding boxy.
The real selling point for guitar players is the dual plug system. You get both 3.5mm and 6.35mm jacks on the same detachable cable, which means you can plug straight into a guitar amp’s headphone output or a digital amp sim without adapters. The 90-degree swiveling earcups let you single-ear monitor while tweaking knobs on a pedalboard, which is genuinely useful.
The share port is a thoughtful touch for teaching situations. Plug another pair of headphones in and both you and your student hear the same thing. I used this twice a week during lessons. Build quality is where you feel the price, but I have put these through two years of regular use and they are still alive. The bass is slightly boosted compared to flat studio monitors, so if you are doing critical mixing you may want a more neutral pair.
Who the OneOdio Pro-10 is for
Anyone who wants a dependable practice and recording headphone without spending over $50. If you teach guitar, the share port alone justifies the price. These also work brilliantly as a backup pair to keep in your gig bag.
Who should skip the OneOdio Pro-10
If you want absolute tonal neutrality for mixing or mastering, the bass boost will frustrate you. Look at the AKG K240STUDIO or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x instead.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – Best Overall Studio Headphones for Guitar
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black, Professional Grade, Critically Acclaimed, with Detachable Cable
38 ohm,45mm drivers,Detachable cables
Pros
- Reference-grade clarity
- Deep accurate bass
- Three detachable cables included
- 90-degree swivel for one-ear
Cons
- Earpads can run warm
- Slight clamp on first wear
- Earpad material ages
If I had to pick one pair of headphones to use for the rest of my life with an electric guitar, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x would be it. I have owned three pairs over the last decade. I bought my first set when I started recording demo tracks in my bedroom, and I have recommended them to every guitar student who asked about studio monitoring.
The 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets deliver the kind of detail that makes amp sims come alive. When I run a Helix Native or Neural DSP plugin, I can hear the difference between a greenback sim and a V30 sim through the M50x. Midrange is where these headphones shine, and that is exactly where electric guitar lives. Highs are crisp without being sibilant, and the low-end is tight and accurate.
The build quality justifies the $159 price tag. The ATH-M50x comes with three detachable cables, which matters more than people think for guitar players. One cable is a coiled studio cable, one is a short straight cable for portable use, and one is a long straight cable. The 90-degree swiveling earcups let you single-ear monitor when you need to hear the room, and the circumaural design gives you real isolation when you are tracking.
Comfort is the one place I dock points. Out of the box, the clamp is a bit firm, and after two hours my ears get warm. The earpads and headband pad do age over time, but replacement pads are widely available and inexpensive. Once you swap in fresh pads, the M50x is honestly hard to beat for electric guitar monitoring. There is a reason this model has more than 33,000 reviews and still sits in recording studios worldwide.
Who the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is for
This is the best headphones for electric guitar choice if you record at home, use amp sims seriously, or want one pair that does everything well. If you have the budget, this is the safe pick that will last a decade.
Who should skip the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
If you want a wide, airy open-back sound for spatial monitoring, the closed-back M50x will feel too intimate. Look at the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro. Also, if you are on a tight budget, the $159 price tag is overkill. The M20x or M30x will do the job for under $80.
4. Sony MDR7506 – Classic Studio Headphones for Guitar Monitoring
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
63 ohm,40mm drivers,9.8 ft coiled cable
Pros
- Trusted in studios since 1991
- Excellent detail in mids
- Closed-back isolation
- Gold-plated 1/4 inch adapter
Cons
- Non-detachable cable
- Earpads wear out
- Headband can slip
The Sony MDR7506 is the headphone that taught me what a good electric guitar tone actually sounds like in headphones. I bought my first pair used from a recording studio that was upgrading, and I still keep them on my desk as a reference. After more than 30 years in professional studios, this headphone still belongs in the conversation for guitar monitoring.
At 63 ohms the MDR7506 needs a bit more juice than the Sony MDR-ZX110, but it runs fine from a guitar amp’s headphone output and from any audio interface. The 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets give you honest, uncolored sound that does not flatter bad tones. If your amp sim sounds brittle through the MDR7506, the problem is your patch, not the headphones.
Where the MDR7506 really shines is midrange detail. Pick attack, palm muting, and the difference between single-coil and humbucker pickups come through clearly. The closed-back design gives you about as much isolation as you get from any non-ANC headphone at this price, which makes it a strong choice for tracking guitars in the same room as a drum kit.
The downsides are mostly cosmetic. The cable is not detachable, which is annoying if you do manage to damage it. The earpads wear out after a year or two of daily use, but again, replacements are cheap. There is also no folding hinge, though the cups do swivel flat for storage in the included soft case. These are minor gripes on a headphone that has been the studio standard since 1991.
Who the Sony MDR7506 is for
Players who want a known-good reference for tracking electric guitar. If your tone is dialed in on MDR7506, it will translate well to most other systems. Also great if you simply trust a product that has been in studios for over three decades.
Who should skip the Sony MDR7506
If you need a detachable cable because you are rough on gear, the fixed cable here will frustrate you. The ATH-M50x gives you a similar sound profile with detachable cables.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x – Affordable Studio Monitor Headphones for Guitar
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
47 ohm,40mm drivers,Enhanced bass tuning
Pros
- Honest studio reference at $59
- Tuned for low-frequency punch
- Solid build quality
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Non-detachable cable
- Cable is long at 10 feet
- Less detail than M30x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is the pair I suggest to guitar students who are ready to move up from the absolute cheapest headphones but do not want to spend over $60. It uses the same 40mm rare-earth driver platform that Audio-Technica uses across the M-line, just with a slightly less refined tuning and a non-detachable cable.
The M20x is specifically tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance, which is good news for guitar players who play heavy styles. When I run a high-gain patch through a NUX MG-100 or a Boss Katana:GO, the chunky low-end of palm-muted chugs comes through with proper weight. Closed-back isolation is solid, so you can crank the volume without bothering the rest of the house.
Build quality is genuinely impressive at $59. The headband and yokes are metal, not plastic, and the earcups use the same circumaural design as the more expensive M30x and M50x. Comfort over two-hour sessions is good, though the cable is annoyingly long (10 feet) and you cannot detach it. If your setup is desk-bound, this is not really a problem. If you move around, the cable will snag.
Where the M20x gives up ground compared to the M50x is detail. Highs are slightly rolled-off and the soundstage is narrower. For pure practice and casual recording, this is perfectly fine. For critical mixing or detail work on impulse responses, you will want to step up.
Who the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is for
Guitar players who want a real studio monitor at a budget price. If you have $60 to spend and need honest sound for amp sims and practice, this is the right call.
Who should skip the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
If you want a more analytical midrange or a wider soundstage, the M30x is worth the extra $20. The M20x is also not for anyone who wants to ditch the cable occasionally.
6. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm – Premium Open-Back Headphones for Guitar
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (250 Ohm), Open-Back Studio Headphones, Black
250 ohm,5 Hz-35 kHz,Velour pads
Pros
- Massive open soundstage
- Comfortable velour ear pads
- Handcrafted in Germany
- Replaceable parts
Cons
- Sound leaks in and out
- Requires a real headphone amp
- Treble can be bright
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm is the pair I plug into when I want to feel like I am standing in front of a cabinet in a treated room. Open-back headphones are not for silent practice. They leak sound in and out. But if you want to monitor electric guitar with the most spacious, three-dimensional presentation you can get without buying speakers, this is it.
The 250 ohm impedance is a real consideration. Plug these into a phone and you will get weak, lifeless sound. Plug them into a proper headphone amp or a Focusrite Scarlett with the output cranked and they open up into something genuinely spectacular. Through my Universal Audio Apollo Twin, the DT 990 Pro reproduces the spatial cues of a stereo room mic on a 4×12 cab better than any closed-back I have tried.
Comfort is exceptional. The velour earpads are some of the most comfortable I have ever worn, and the self-adjusting headband distributes weight evenly. I have done four-hour mix sessions in these without fatigue. Beyerdynamic also makes replacement pads and parts available, which means a $199.99 pair can realistically last a decade.
The treble response is bright. On heavily scooped metal tones the high end can get sharp. I usually tame this with a gentle low-pass filter in my amp sim. The open design also means your roommate will hear your tone at low volumes, and outside noise will leak in. This is genuinely not a headphone for late-night bedroom practice. It is for solo studio work where isolation is not a concern.
Who the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is for
Players who already own a headphone amp or audio interface, work in a private studio, and want the most spacious, detailed sound possible for electric guitar. If you mix your own tones and want to hear them properly, these are outstanding.
Who should skip the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
If you practice in a shared space or need silent recording, skip these. The sound leakage is a deal-breaker for late-night sessions. Also skip if you do not have a proper headphone amp, because at 250 ohms they need the power.
7. OneOdio A71 Hi-Res – Budget Hi-Res Headphones for Guitar Practice
OneOdio A71 Hi-Res Wired Over-Ear Studio Headphones for DJ, Mixing – Black
32 ohm,40mm drivers,Hi-Res certified
Pros
- Hi-Res certified sound
- Both 3.5mm and 6.35mm included
- Foldable design with carry bag
- Share port
Cons
- Bass is boosted
- Plastic construction
- Bass can blur complex chords
The OneOdio A71 is what I bought when a student asked for something they could take back and forth between home and a rehearsal studio without worrying about losing an expensive pair. At $32.99 the A71 delivers proper Hi-Res sound and the dual plug system that OneOdio is known for, but in a foldable, travel-friendly package.
The frequency response reaches up to 40 kHz, which is well above what most electric guitar tones contain but does suggest the drivers are capable of clean transient response. In practice, the A71 sounds lively and present. Cleans sparkle, crunch has the right amount of bite, and modern metal tones come through with enough clarity to track over.
The dual 3.5mm and 6.35mm plug system means you can plug straight into a guitar amp headphone output or any audio interface without an adapter. The share port is great for co-writing sessions. The foldable design and included carry pouch make these the most portable option on this list. I keep a pair in my gig bag as a backup.
Build quality is the obvious compromise. The plastic yokes feel light, and I would not sit on these by accident. The bass is also lifted compared to a flat reference, which makes some complex chord voicings sound a little smeared. For practice and casual recording, none of this matters. For critical mix decisions, look elsewhere.
Who the OneOdio A71 is for
Traveling guitarists, students, and anyone who needs a portable, inexpensive pair that can plug into both a guitar amp and a phone. Great as a backup or a gift.
Who should skip the OneOdio A71
If you want flat reference sound for mixing, the bass boost will throw off your decisions. The Audio-Technica M20x is more honest at a similar price.
8. Audio-Technica ATH-M30x – Mid-Range Studio Headphones for Guitar
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
38 ohm,40mm drivers,Collapsible design
Pros
- Detailed midrange
- Tighter bass than M20x
- Collapsible for portability
- Same build as M50x line
Cons
- Some versions have fixed cable
- Bass can still bloom
- Earpads run warm
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x sits in the middle of the M-series lineup, and for electric guitar it offers an interesting middle path between the bass-forward M20x and the reference M50x. I have used the M30x as my main pair for over a year while reviewing amp sims for our site, and the midrange clarity genuinely impressed me.
The tuning prioritizes detail over low-end weight. When I A/B the M30x against the M20x with the same patch, the M30x reveals more of the pick attack and more of the difference between bridge and neck pickups. For rhythm players who want their chord work to sound articulate, this is a strong selling point. The 40mm drivers still have enough low-end weight to keep heavy riffing satisfying.
Build quality is essentially the same as the M50x, just with one less cable in the box and a slightly less plush earpad. The collapsible design is genuinely useful for transport. At 0.22 kg (about 7.7 ounces), these are some of the lightest closed-back studio monitors on the market, and they sit comfortably for long practice sessions.
The main drawback is that some M30x versions ship with a fixed cable. Make sure the listing you are buying specifies a detachable cable if that matters to you. The earpads can also get warm during summer sessions, which is true of most closed-back designs. Neither issue is severe enough to be a deal-breaker at the $79 price point.
Who the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is for
Players who want better midrange detail than the M20x without paying for the M50x. If you play blues, jazz, country, or articulate rock and want to hear the nuance in your tone, this is the sweet spot.
Who should skip the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
If you play modern metal and want maximum low-end weight, the M20x actually suits that better. Also skip if you specifically need the coiled cable and detachable system of the M50x for studio work.
9. AKG K240STUDIO – Semi-Open Headphones for Guitar Mixing
AKG K240STUDIO Semi-Open Studio Headphones
55 ohm,30mm XXL transducers,Varimotion
Pros
- Patented Varimotion diaphragms
- Balanced semi-open sound
- Self-adjusting headband
- Detachable 3m cable
Cons
- Some sound leakage
- Warm earpads at length
- Sub-bass is restrained
The AKG K240STUDIO is the longest-running pair on this list. AKG introduced the K240 design in the 1970s and it has been in studios ever since. I bought my first pair in college when I could not afford the DT 990s, and I still pull them out when I want a different perspective on a guitar tone.
The semi-open design is the key feature here. Unlike fully open headphones, the K240STUDIO still gives you some isolation. Unlike fully closed designs, it does not feel like the sound is stuck inside your head. The result is a more natural, breathable presentation that flatters electric guitar. The patented Varimotion diaphragms deliver clear, present highs without harshness.
At 55 ohms the K240STUDIO is easier to drive than the 250 ohm DT 990 Pro. I have run them directly from a guitar amp headphone output with no problem, though they obviously sound better through a dedicated amp or interface. The self-adjusting headband is comfortable for long sessions, and the detachable 3m cable is long enough for studio use.
Sound leakage is real, though less than the DT 990 Pro. If your roommate is in the next room at midnight, they will hear your tone at low volume. Sub-bass is also restrained compared to closed-back designs, so if you play 8-string guitars in drop F, you may want more low-end extension. For standard electric guitar in standard tunings, the K240STUDIO is an excellent choice.
Who the AKG K240STUDIO is for
Players who want a more natural, breathable sound than closed-back designs and do not need absolute silence. Great for daytime practice in a private room and for tracking where you still want some room awareness.
Who should skip the AKG K240STUDIO
If you need pure silent practice at night, skip these. The semi-open design leaks too much. Also skip if you play extended-range guitars and need serious sub-bass.
10. OneOdio Pro-50 – Hi-Res Certified Headphones for Guitar Amp Monitoring
OneOdio Hi-Res Over Ear Headphones for Studio Monitoring and Mixing, Sound Isolation, Protein Leather Earcups, 50mm Driver Unit, Wired Headphones for AMP Guitar Keyboard (Pro-50 Black)
32 ohm,50mm drivers,Hi-Res certified
Pros
- Hi-Res Audio certification
- 50mm neodymium drivers
- Protein leather memory foam
- Dual plug cable included
Cons
- Earcups can feel small
- Plastic hinge can weaken
- Some sound leakage at high volume
The OneOdio Pro-50 is the flagship of OneOdio’s lineup and the model that helped me appreciate what budget headphone makers can do when they focus. At $45.99 it sits between the Pro-10 and the typical entry-level studio monitors, and it offers Hi-Res certified sound with 50mm neodymium drivers.
The frequency response stretches from 20 Hz to 40 kHz, and in practice the Pro-50 reproduces electric guitar with surprising refinement. I tested them with a Neural DSP Archetype: Nolly plugin and a NUX MG-300 side by side, and the Pro-50 held its own against the ATH-M30x in terms of detail retrieval. The protein leather memory foam earpads are notably comfortable, which matters for long sessions.
The dual-duty cable with both 3.5mm and 6.35mm plugs on the same line is a OneOdio signature. The swiveling earcups allow for single-ear monitoring, and the foldable design makes the Pro-50 travel-friendly. The build quality is mostly plastic, but the headband adjustment feels solid and the swivels have proper metal pins.
The main gripes are size and leakage. The earcups are a touch small for larger ears, and at high volumes there is some sound leakage because the cups do not seal as tightly as a sealed studio design. Neither issue is severe at this price point. For under $50, the Pro-50 delivers performance that punches above its class.
Who the OneOdio Pro-50 is for
Players who want Hi-Res certified sound at a budget price. If you use amp sims and want drivers that can reveal detail without spending $150, the Pro-50 is an excellent middle option.
Who should skip the OneOdio Pro-50
If you have larger ears, the earcups may press uncomfortably after an hour. The Audio-Technica M50x has larger cups and a wider clamp range.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Headphones for Electric Guitar?
Picking the best headphones for electric guitar comes down to a few specific factors that matter more for guitarists than for general music listeners. I will walk you through the things that actually matter when you plug into a guitar amp or amp sim.
Impedance and Amplifier Matching
Impedance is the single most misunderstood spec in headphone buying. Headphones under 50 ohms (like the Sony MDR-ZX110 at 24 ohms or the OneOdio Pro-10 at 32 ohms) will play loud straight from any source, including the headphone output of a guitar amp, a phone, or a laptop. Headphones over 50 ohms (like the Sony MDR7506 at 63 ohms) need a bit more power but still work from most guitar amps. Headphones at 250 ohms (like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro) really want a dedicated headphone amp or an audio interface to sound their best.
If you are plugging into the headphone output of a guitar amp like a Boss Katana, a Fender Mustang, or a Positive Grid Spark, anything from 24 ohms to 80 ohms will work fine. If you are using a desktop amp sim or audio interface, you have more flexibility and can drive higher-impedance headphones. If you are plugging into a phone, stay under 50 ohms.
Closed-Back vs Open-Back for Guitar
Closed-back headphones (like the ATH-M50x and Sony MDR7506) seal around your ears and keep sound in and out. This is what you want for silent practice at night, recording in the same room as other instruments, and travel. The trade-off is a narrower soundstage and sometimes a “stuck inside your head” feeling on long sessions.
Open-back headphones (like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro) let air flow through the cups. The result is a wider, more natural soundstage that flatters the spatial cues of a cabinet mic simulation. The trade-off is sound leakage in both directions. They are for private studios, daytime practice, and serious monitoring work. The AKG K240STUDIO is semi-open, which is a useful middle ground if you cannot decide.
Frequency Response and Tonal Balance
Electric guitar lives primarily between 80 Hz and 5 kHz, with harmonics extending higher. Most decent headphones cover this range easily. What matters more is how the headphones handle the extremes. Heavy rhythm playing benefits from extended low-frequency response (down to 20 Hz or lower), while articulate lead playing benefits from clean high-frequency response (up to 20 kHz or higher).
The Audio-Technica M-series is tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance, which suits modern high-gain guitar. The Sony MDR7506 is famously neutral and revealing. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro is bright, which can be flattering for clean tones but harsh on scooped metal patches. Choose a tuning that matches your genre.
Comfort for Long Sessions
Real guitar practice is not a 20-minute activity. I regularly do two to four hour sessions, and any headphone that pinches or runs hot gets retired fast. Weight is the first thing to check. Anything over 12 ounces (340 g) starts to feel heavy after an hour. The lightest option on this list is the Sony MDR-ZX110 at 9.12 ounces.
Earpad material matters as much as weight. Velour pads (like the DT 990 Pro) breathe well but do not seal as tightly. Protein leather and pleather pads (like the M50x) seal better but run warmer. Memory foam padding inside the cups (like the OneOdio Pro-50) is the best compromise for most players.
Wired vs Wireless for Electric Guitar
Every pair on this list is wired, and that is on purpose. Wireless headphones introduce latency, which means the sound arrives in your ears a few milliseconds after you play a note. For some players this is fine. For others it makes playing feel sluggish and disconnected. If you want zero latency, wired is the only real choice. If you mostly practice with backing tracks and can tolerate some delay, wireless options exist, but you will not find them on this list because they are not the best choice for serious electric guitar work.
Detachable Cable and Build Quality
If you move around with your headphones, a detachable cable is genuinely useful. It also makes the cable easy to replace if it frays. The ATH-M50x, OneOdio Pro-10, AKG K240STUDIO, and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro (note: the DT 990 Pro cable is not actually detachable on the Pro version, despite the older K240 being detachable) all have replaceable cables. The Sony MDR7506 and Audio-Technica M20x have fixed cables. For studio use, fixed cables are fine. For travel, detachable is better.
For more on building a complete home recording setup, see our guide to the 12 Best Electric Guitar Strings Tested Picks and our picks for 10 Best Premium Electric Guitars Tested Picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What headphones to use for electric guitar?
Use closed-back studio monitor headphones with an impedance between 24 and 80 ohms. For most bedroom players, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the safest all-around choice. For silent practice on a budget, the Sony MDR-ZX110 works surprisingly well straight from a guitar amp headphone output. If you have a dedicated headphone amp and want a wide, natural soundstage, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm is excellent.
Do I need special headphones for electric guitar?
You do not need a special ‘guitar’ headphone, but you do need headphones designed for music monitoring. Regular consumer earbuds tuned for podcast and pop music usually have boosted bass and rolled-off highs that hide the detail in your guitar tone. Studio monitor headphones with a flat frequency response, like the Sony MDR7506 or Audio-Technica M-series, reveal what your amp or amp sim actually sounds like.
Can you run an electric guitar through headphones?
Yes. You need a guitar amp or amp sim with a headphone output. Most modern modeling amps, like the Boss Katana, Fender Mustang, Positive Grid Spark, NUX MG-300, and most audio interfaces have a 3.5mm or 6.35mm headphone jack. You plug the headphones into that jack and the signal path goes: guitar into the amp or interface, processed through the amp sim, and out through the headphone jack to your ears. Latency is essentially zero on hardware units and minimal on well-optimized software.
What impedance headphones are best for a guitar amp?
Headphones with impedance between 24 and 80 ohms are the sweet spot for guitar amp headphone outputs. Lower than 24 ohms can sound thin on some amps, and higher than 100 ohms will play quieter and lack bass from a typical guitar amp output. The Sony MDR-ZX110 (24 ohm), OneOdio Pro-10 (32 ohm), Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (38 ohm), and Sony MDR7506 (63 ohm) all fall into this ideal range and work without a dedicated headphone amp.
Are open-back headphones good for electric guitar?
Open-back headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro are excellent for monitoring electric guitar in a private studio because they offer a wider, more natural soundstage that flatters cabinet simulations. They are not good for silent practice because sound leaks in and out. They also need a dedicated headphone amp to sound their best. For bedroom players who need silence at night, closed-back designs like the ATH-M50x or Sony MDR7506 are the right choice.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x remains my pick for the best headphones for electric guitar overall. It delivers reference-grade clarity, durable construction, and the kind of midrange detail that makes amp sims come alive. If you want one pair that does everything well for practice, recording, and casual mixing, the M50x is hard to beat.
If you are on a budget, the OneOdio Pro-10 is the best value, and the Sony MDR-ZX110 is the cheapest pair I would actually recommend for guitar practice in 2026. For premium spatial monitoring with a proper headphone amp, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm is worth every dollar. For silent recording sessions, the Sony MDR7506 still earns its place after more than three decades.
Whatever you pick from this list, the most important step is to plug the headphones into your actual amp or amp sim and play for at least an hour. Specs only tell you so much. Real guitar tone is revealed by extended listening, and the right pair for you is the one that lets you forget you are wearing headphones at all.
For more on building out your electric guitar rig, check out our guide to 8 Best Guitar Tuner Pedals Reviewed by a Gigging Guitarist, our picks for 8 Best Guitar Cases Acoustic & Electric Picks, and our guide to the 10 Best Guitar Humidifiers for Acoustic Guitars Honest Reviews.