The 10 Best Headphones For Piano (Updated 2023)
When playing the piano, it’s easy to focus entirely on your playing technique and ignore the sound of your instrument. How you receive your audio, as well as the sound quality of that audio, is massively important.
Headphones are fantastic as they play back sound with minimal external noise or interference. If you are using the keyboard’s speakers or an amplifier, it will be contaminated by noises around you.
It could be the ambient humming around your home (appliances, fans, A/C), or it could be rain, honking cars, or construction. Even if the sound doesn’t seem overly affected, all contamination is significant when it comes to music. Headphones will eliminate the most variables in your sound compared to any other output.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best headphones for piano, which headphone types you should consider, and what factors to look for in a good pair of headphones.
Table Of Contents
Open-Back Vs. Closed-Back Headphones: Which Is Better?
Credit: Sound Manual
Closed-back headphones are much more common in all areas of music, as their noise-canceling design allows for minimal outside noise to bleed into your piano’s sound. They are tight and secure, giving you the purest form of audio playback. However, the lack of airflow and tightness of the ear cups can lead to fatigue with prolonged use, especially with sound mixing.
Open-back headphones alleviate that issue, as their mesh or simply empty back allows for air to flow through and are significantly more comfortable. This makes it far less taxing for a player to wear them over long periods. That said, where there is air flowing, so is noise. Ambient sounds from inside and outside your playing space will bleed through the cups and give you a far less isolated and tight playback.
Of course, what matters most is your specific preferences and comfort, but generally, it is recommended for digital pianists to use closed-back headphones for practice, rehearsal, or recording as these headphones will provide the cleanest sound from your keyboard.
How The Right Headphones Can Impact Your Playing
Your audio output is a key part of your practice routine and the right pair of headphones can drastically improve your piano playing. As we mentioned earlier, sound played back through headphones is much clearer and isolated than speakers or an amplifier, which will help fine-tune your ears over time to the fine details of your keyboard’s sound.
The act of wearing headphones, open-back or closed-back, makes you more present in your playing.
The sound’s fullness and isolation through the headphones blocks out most outside noise, allowing you to focus on your playing much more and cut back distractions, however minor they may be.
What To Look For When Purchasing Headphones
Apart from being open-back or closed-back, there are other headphone specs you should be aware of before making your purchase.
Brand
As with microphones, it is recommended you stick with well-established brands for your headphones.
You may be able to find a hidden gem or an off-the-radar company for different types of musical gear, but for headphones, it is best to stick with the reliable classics: Audio-Technica, Shure, Beyerdynamic, Sony, etc.
Drivers
The drivers are the speakers of the headphones and the most important part, these are where the sound comes out. The size of these is important, as it will give you an idea as to how powerful your drivers are. For example, the widely used ATH-M50x headphones have 45mm drivers.
Foldability
The more portable your headphones are, the better. Most headphones can fold into a more compact size, but some are far more foldable. If your earcups can swivel 180 degrees then you will have that much more flexibility.
Connection
Some pairs of headphones will feature a port and detachable cable, sometimes even including different sized cables, while others will have a fixed cable that cannot be removed and has only one length.
Price
Lastly, of course, there is the price. This will range depending on the brand and technical specs of your headphones, as well as if they are open-back or closed-back.
Since open-back headphones are less common and a bit more niche, they have a wider price range. On average, quality closed-back headphones will range from $50-800, while open-back ones will range from about $200-2,000.
The Top 10 Best Headphones To Purchase For Digital Piano
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones
As mentioned in the previous section, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are as iconic and widespread as they are affordable. They are an excellent marriage of quality and practicality, while costing under $200.
They boast very solid 45mm drivers and are incredibly compact as the headphones collapse and the earcups can swivel up to 90 degrees. They also come with detachable cables, giving you versatility if you prefer a different length than the ones provided.
Reviewers have praised the ATH-M50x’s highly impressive low-end, especially with handling booming electronic kick drums. They have also criticized the earcups and headband for being too tight for some users over time.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 45mm |
| Earcup: | Closed-back and circular, 90 degree swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | ¼” adapter |
| Dimensions: | 11.4 in. W x 10 in. D x 4.1 in. H (289.56 mm x 254 mm x 104.14 mm) |
| Weight: | 10.1 oz (0.29 kg) |
Buy the ATH-M50x headphones here.
2. Beyerdynamic DT 150 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
As mentioned earlier, Beyerdynamic is a stellar name in the headphone world and their DT 150s are one of their most popular models.
These closed-back headphones have a square cup, rather than the typical circular, that will give you a different feel that many users prefer. They do not fold up or swivel, unfortunately, but the sound quality is magnificent for a price that’s just a hair over $200.
The DT 150s have rave reviews, with many praising their sound clarity, which lasts through years and years of use. A minor downside was they may feel heavier compared to other headphones and can take a few uses before finding how to position your earcups comfortably.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 45mm |
| Earcup: | Closed-back and rectangular, no swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | Drawstring bag, adapter |
| Dimensions: | 8.5 in. W x 7.9 in. D x 3.1 in. H (215.9 mm x 200.66 mm x 78.74 mm) |
| Weight: | 8.8 oz (0.25 kg) |
3. Sennheiser HD 600 Open-Back Headphones
The HD 600 open-back headphones are an awesome option from Sennheiser. The ovular cups have a highly breathable mesh back that makes these incredibly comfortable. They also boast computer-optimized electronics and are known for their strength in handling mid-range frequencies.
Customers have complimented the HD 600’s airy and light high-range frequencies, while some thought that the mid-range tones could have a bit more heft to them.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 42mm |
| Earcup: | Open-back and ovular, no swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | ¼” adapter |
| Dimensions: | 12.4 in. W x 10 in. D x 4.33 in. H (314.96 mm x 254 mm x 109.98 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.57 lb (0.26 kg) |
Buy the Sennheiser HD 600 here.
4. Neumann NDH 30 Open-Back Studio Headphones
These higher-end headphones from Neumann are just about as sleek as they look. They might not look it, but the earcups are open-backed and swivel 90 degrees, folding up nicely for transport as well. They have a shockingly crisp sound, with Neumann’s famously high resolution, that are suitable for studio use, as well as piano. They cost more than the previous models at above $600, but they are certainly worth it.
These headphones are expensive, but you get what you pay for as their price is the only critique reviewers left. They’ve praised its professional quality sound, with them being perfectly suitable for mixing and mastering as well.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | White aluminum |
| Drivers: | 38mm |
| Earcup: | Open-back and circular, 90 degree swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | ¼” adapter, drawstring bag |
| Dimensions: | 10 in. W x 9.62 in. D x 3.37 in. H (254 mm x 244.35 mm x 85.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.77 lb (0.35 kg) |
5. Shure SRH1840 Open-Back Studio Headphones
These open-back headphones from Shure are a lower-cost alternative to the Neumann model. The SRH1840s are extremely common and beloved by many musicians and engineers. They are very comfortable and have a great, adjustable headband which is perfect for extended use. This bundle also comes with a hard case and extra earcup pads, in addition to the adapter.
Most users have hailed the SRH1840’s lightness and breathability, but a minority found their earcups to be too thin and light, leading to minor discomfort after extended periods of use.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 40mm |
| Earcup: | Open-back and ovular, no swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | ¼” adapter, hard case, extra earcup pads |
| Dimensions: | 11.26 in. W x 10.43 in. D x 6.57 in. H (286 mm x 264.92 mm x 166.88 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.59 lb (0.27 kg) |
6. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Reference Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x headphones are their flagship open-back headphones that are wildly versatile. Their combination of sound quality, comfort and affordability make them perfect for professional engineers, musicians and casual listeners alike. It features a breathable and ergonomic headband that is perfect for long periods of practice or listening.
Reviewers have noted the crisp sound and awesome headband support, but have criticized it for having a weaker low-end. This is common for open-back headphones as the isolation of closed-back earcups bring out the bass frequencies far better.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 45mm |
| Earcup: | Open-back and ovular, no swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | ¼” adapter, drawstring bag |
| Dimensions: | 12.8 in. W x 10.2 in. D x 4.9 in. H (325.12 mm x 259.1 mm x 124.46 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.46 lb (0.21 kg) |
7. Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro Closed-Back Reference Headphones
Returning to Beyerdynamic, we have the DT 1770 headphones. They are closed-back, giving it far better sound isolation but less breathability than its open-back counterparts. It contains an excellent hard case, as well as two cables that connect via XLR with ¼” outputs. They also contain a steel headband for long-lasting durability.
Users compliment the DT 1770’s sound isolation and containment, being perfect for those who need to listen at loud volumes but need to limit sound bleeding due to being in a small apartment. The cables have been a minor source of criticism, as the ends can wear down quickly.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 45mm |
| Earcup: | Closed-back and circular, no swivel |
| Connection: | XLR cables with ¼” outputs |
| Cable Type: | Straight and coiled |
| Accessories: | Hard case, coiled cable, extra earcup pads |
| Dimensions: | 8.5 in. W x 7 in. D x 4 in. H (215.9 mm x 177.8 mm x 101.6 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.86 lb (0.45 kg) |
8. Shure SRH1540 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
The Shure SRH1540 headphones are a fantastic closed-back model known for their thick padded earcups and adjustable headband. They come with a hard case, as well as an adapter and extra cable. Sound-wise, the 1540s are known for having a rich, warm bass and detailed high-range frequencies.
Customers praised the SRH1540’s earcups as having the quality of closed-back headphones, while having a lightness reminiscent of their open-back counterparts. Unfortunately, it comes with only a six foot cable, which can be too short for many users and require a replacement or extension.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 40mm |
| Earcup: | Closed-back and circular, no swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | Hard case, adapter, extra cable |
| Dimensions: | 10 in. W x 9 in. D x 4.5 in. H (254 mm x 228.6 mm x 114.3 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.63 lb (0.29 kg) |
Buy these Shure headphones here.
9. AKG K872 Closed-Back Master Reference Headphones
The AKG K872 mastering headphones are the most high-end model we have on this list. Costing well over $1,000 these closed-back headphones are for those who are looking for near-perfect audio quality and isolation with its 53mm drivers and phenomenal earcups. They are composed of metal for maximum durability as well.
Most reviewers state that these are the best pair of headphones they’ve ever owned with the only real drawback being the price that is nearly $1,000 more than the next most expensive model on this list.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 53mm |
| Earcup: | Closed-back and circular, no swivel |
| Connection: | 1/8” plug, 1/4” adapter (Detachable) |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | Hard case, adapter, extra cable |
| Dimensions: | 9.25 in. W x 8.66 in. D x 4.33 in. H (234.95 mm x 219.96 mm x 109.98 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.85 lb (0.39 kg) |
10. Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Closed-Back Bluetooth Headphones
The Beyerdynamic Amiron headphones are a fantastic option for players who don’t want cables and desire the flexibility of bluetooth. Despite the wireless stigma, these headphones are great for audiophiles and musicians alike as there is no delay and contain the dynamic range Beyerdynamic is known for.
Reviewers loved this pair almost as much as the last, with many hailing the ease of Bluetooth and its sound being as accurate and detailed as it is neutral. A small few found the earcup padding to be too thick and limited the amount of sound they could hear.
Key Specs
| Type: | Wired |
| Color: | Black |
| Drivers: | 45mm |
| Earcup: | Closed-back and circular, no swivel |
| Connection: | Bluetooth, optional ?” plug |
| Cable Type: | Straight |
| Accessories: | Soft case, charger, cable |
| Dimensions: | 8.07 in. W x 5.9 in. D x 4.13 in. H (204.98 mm x 149.86 mm x 104.9 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.83 lb (0.38 kg) |
Buy the Amiron headphones here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Closed-Back Headphones Better For Piano?
While generally the sound isolation in closed-back headphones is preferable to open-back headphones’ allowance of natural sound, individual feel and comfort matters so be sure to try on and test both options.
How Important Is Driver Size?
An increase in driver size doesn’t always mean your headphones will sound better or are more powerful, but overall that is a trend. There is no surprise that the most expensive model on this list has the largest drivers at 53mm, making them far more sonically capable than other models.
Why Use Rectangular Earcups?
While being less common than circular or ovular, rectangular earcups are preferred by many. It is a case-by-case phenomena as the shapes of every player’s head and ears are different, so be sure to try on headphones of all different shapes and sizes before making your final decision.
